It makes complete sense. It's a difficult thing to do... do we go with the seeker-friendly side, and try to bring nonbelievers to Christ, as God has called us to do, or do we live holy lives, as God has called us to do.

I think we have to come to a balance of the two, but how on earth we do that is beyond me... Excellent thoughts!
 

Hey Erin, Nat and I have been having the same conversations lately...tough
 

I believe the two go hand in hand.

When a person comes to Christ he is giving up his life, denying himself and dying with Christ. Jesus died to make men holy; holiness is not a side order for the Christian to later consider. The true message of salvation is repent, that is why it is such an offense to the world, and that is why Jesus said the road was narrow, only a few would find it. Essentially, people reject Christ because they love their sin and refuse to come to the light.

The great blessing of salvation is knowing God, being brought into relationship with Him as an adopted son or daughter. "The kingdom of God is... righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14:17) Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) Obviously Jesus is not talking about a pleasant easy life, but abundant LIFE in the spirit. The Christian is promises trials and tribulation in the flesh, but we reap the spiritual benefits of the pleasant pastures of God.

As Jesus went to the cross, so does the Christian go to the cross. Hebrews 12:2 says Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. The sinner coming to Christ dies to self, crucifies the flesh with the Lord, and is supernaturally born again, made new, made clean and is freed from sin. How wonderful! He comes because it is the RIGHT thing to do, not because he's going to get something out of it. He comes because his sins are wicked, not because he is feeling empty. He comes to be made holy, he does not come to be made happy. It is the RIGHT thing to do, and it brings glory to God. Any other motive is wrong.

God calls us to compel them to come in... into the glorious life of God... into the blessed hope of eternal joy... into relationship with our Creator... into a life overflowing with the Holy Ghost... BECAUSE IT GIVES GOD GLORY. AND THE ONLY WAY IN IS THROUGH THE CROSS.
 

I think it's important to obey the Lord in the things he is asking you to do and give up. Live as an example. Never go down to someone else's level. If they feel judged by your lifestyle, so be it. Maybe the holy spirit is using you to convict others. Always obey the word and the holy spirit's conviction. I think that people struggling with stuff will thank you in the end because you lived a high standard. Love reading the posts Erin! We miss you lots. Micah (and Katie).