fellowship

[newbiefound]

How important is spending time with fellow Christians when the topic of Christ never comes up at all? Should I bother spending time with non-Christians? The difference between getting together to play basketball and getting together for a bible study is huge. I know that getting together with Christians out of love is good because love is good but much of my time spent with Christians seems like it could be spent either more intimately or more glorifying to God. Does it say anywhere in the scriptures that it’s good to get together with Christians for the sake of getting together?

 

[Mickey]

newbiefound:

How important is spending time with fellow Christians when the topic of Christ never comes up at all? Should I bother spending time with non-Christians? The difference between getting together to play basketball and getting together for a bible study is huge. I know that getting together with Christians out of love is good because love is good but much of my time spent with Christians seems like it could be spent either more intimately or more glorifying to God. Does it say anywhere in the scriptures that it’s good to get together with Christians for the sake of getting together?

Spending time with non-Christians is a wonderful opportunity to evangelize!

Luke 15:7
I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

 

[YinYangMom]

newbiefound:

How important is spending time with fellow Christians when the topic of Christ never comes up at all? Should I bother spending time with non-Christians? The difference between getting together to play basketball and getting together for a bible study is huge. I know that getting together with Christians out of love is good because love is good but much of my time spent with Christians seems like it could be spent either more intimately or more glorifying to God. Does it say anywhere in the scriptures that it’s good to get together with Christians for the sake of getting together?

We Catholics place emphasis on evangelizing through our lives, our actions, more than our words.

When you fill your day choosing to spend it with like-minded people, how is that helping to spread the good news? How can your Catholic behavior influence non-Christians if you avoid socializing with them?

Relationships start with activities shared in common. With each occasion, trust and repoire is established, later more serious discussion may, or may not, come up. But in every gathering situations will arise which are opportunities for you to demonstrate Catholic ideals. At a basketball game, don’t swear. Don’t drink to excess. When the guys whistle at the girls or make suggestive comments, speak up in defense of the girl they are objectifying (hey, would you want someone saying that about your wife/girlfriend/daughter?). Trust me, if they aren’t interested in your lifestyle they’ll stop inviting you out, but if they continue to include you and you notice their behavior changing, without ever having to speak about the bible, church or Christianity, then you’ve accomplished what the Lord intended through your investment of your time with them.

 

[hurst]

newbiefound:

How important is spending time with fellow Christians when the topic of Christ never comes up at all?

Depends if you are there out of obedience or not.

newbiefound:

Should I bother spending time with non-Christians?

If you see it as part of your mission.

newbiefound:

Does it say anywhere in the scriptures that it’s good to get together with Christians for the sake of getting together?

No. All our actions must be directed toward the glory of God:

1 Cor 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever else you do, do all to the glory of God

We will have to give an account of that we do:

Romans 14:12 Therefore every one of us shall render account to God for himself. 13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more. But judge this rather, that you put not a stumblingblock or a scandal in your brother’s way. … keep the things that are of edification one towards another.

Gather with other Christians to glorify God and edify one another.

hurst

 

[puzzleannie]

newbiefound:

How important is spending time with fellow Christians when the topic of Christ never comes up at all? Should I bother spending time with non-Christians? The difference between getting together to play basketball and getting together for a bible study is huge. I ?

is it? doesn’t playing basketball, working on a worthwhile project, going to a party, having a meal together, all give opportunities at every moment to demonstrate your values and dedication to Christ? Doesn’t every contact with another person give you the chance to see Christ in them? To speak and act as Christ would have you? The exhibit charity, compassion, and understanding. To be meek, pure of heart, eager for righteousness, and willing to withstand persecution. Being a Catholic Christian is about living in the world as a servant and being another Christ, in every situation and encounter of life.

DH received a huge compliment yesterday. He reminded his fellow golfers they needed to change the time of their game to allow for Mass attendance on the holy day. What holy day? they were astounded. he explained the meaning of halloween and all saints briefly. Two identified themselves as Catholics (actually ex-Catholics) and protested that Mass was not necessary. He expressed his sorrow that they were no longer practicing and said he would pray for them. One guy said to him: I did not know you were Catholic. DH replied, that’s terrible, you should know I am Catholic by how I talk, how I act, who I am with other people, I will have to do better. The 4th guy (non-Catholic) said, oh, everybody knows you are Catholic, you don’t talk about religion much but you live it. Now that is a compliment.

Everyone who knows DH in any setting, social, sports, work, (also his kids) knows and has always known he will not tolerate smutty or racist humor and remarks, will not tolerate talk, activities that demean women. He put an end to a custom of salesmen taking customers to strip clubs for entertainment at his last job, for instance. He also will not allow dishonest or shady business practices and has quit jobs and turned down contracts over such issues. He has been an influence for good and example of Christ to hundreds of co-workers, students, friends and his kids.

 

[dafalax]

Our Church sponsored a community Christian concert and invited individuals and groups from all the local Christian churches to sing a number if they wanted. It was a big success and although i do not enjoy contemporary Christian elevator music, i smiled all the way through it and served drinks at intermission because i wanted to give the message that the Catholic Church and her members care about YOU! I guess we have a reputation for being cold or something. Anyhoo, the point is that even if you don’t see the value in doing semi- or non-church related stuff with other Christians, you are still reaching out and who knows how much impact that has? Plus, God appreciates you working for the unity of all Christians. And if you consecrate these encounters to Him, they become at least as valuable as prayer.