Making Men Believe

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    • #7494
      Mari
      Keymaster

      Making Men Believe

      As much as we might desire others to believe the gospel and the truth of the Bible rightly divided, we can not make them believe.

      Belief is created when the word of God works in them, not because of an evangelistic method which tricks their mind into thinking they are saved.

      When you try to argue a man into faith, they may concede to the strength of your argument, but faith was not produced. Without faith men are blind.

      It is not our job to make men believe. It is our job to make all men see (Eph 3:9).

      How do men see the truth? By first hearing the truth. How do they hear it?

      Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Rom 10:17).

      It is the message of God’s word that changes people. We are merely the megaphone. The message must be sounded out of us. It must be the right sound, a certain sound, and a clear sound.

      If the sound can not come out of you, you can amplify the voices that are making the right sound(1 Thess 1:8).

      When men hear the word of God clearly our work is complete. We then trust God to work in their hearts to produce faith(Eph 1:13). We plant, we water, and what God makes grow we harvest.

      You cannot change people. God and his word alone have the power to change people. Let God’s word do the work of making men believe. You do the work of making all men see.

      For His glory,

      Justin “loud speaker” Johnson

    • #7528
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      I read the KJV only, often comparing it to other versions for understanding, but we still need to check out the Greek for clarification. The word “make” is not translated in the phrase in Eph 3:9, “make all men see.”   This is the only instance i could find that makes use of “make” and “see” in Paul’s writings. To split up “make” and “see” in this passages requires some clarification because honestly, we can no more “make” someone see than we can “make” them believe. The word “make” in and of itself can be an ear-stopper for many people.

      I get what the author is trying to say, but i think he should have included the Greek in his explanation, especially since his whole point is to “make” someone see. His last two sentences sound almost like he is coming up with something you can put on a t-shirt. Is he considered a teacher or just a writer?

    • #7533
      Pam
      Participant

      I see what you are saying, Becky. Strong’s concordance defines make here as “to shed rays, to shine, to brighten up, enlighten, illuminate.” That does seem to “make” the verse more understandable.

    • #7541
      Mari
      Keymaster

      The word make is a word that God chose to use.  The word make is in the scrolls and was painstaking kept and translated.  It means:

      G5461

      φωτίζω

      phōtizō

      fo-tid’-zo

      From G5457; to shed rays, that is, to shine or (transitively) to brighten up (literally or figuratively): – enlighten, illuminate, (bring to, give) light, make to see.

      We try to make all men see the fellowship of the mystery.

    • #7542
      Mari
      Keymaster

      Just so you are both aware…this is on the Public Forum, which is fine.

    • #7544
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      Thanks Mari.  It’s fine for me that it is on the public forum.

      I’m not arguing about what the Word says. Do you not believe that the Greek or Hebrew matters?

    • #7546
      Mari
      Keymaster

      I do often look up the meaning…but usually the Scripture itself or other Scriptures make it clear.  I am not big on it…because people who do not know how to read or speak Greek, Hebrew or Latin argue a point as if they did….  I believe the KJB was translated perfectly for us into English.  Though once again…sometimes the root of the word helps me.

       

      • This reply was modified 9 years, 6 months ago by Mari.
    • #7548
      Mari
      Keymaster

      Becky…Justin Johnson has a sense of humor.  He is also one of the best Grace teachers I know.  🙂

    • #7549
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      Gotcha….

    • #7554
      Sarah
      Participant

      I believe that the use of the word “make” is not used as a forceful word. We must always remember the context. God through Paul states in II Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. As such we are aslo stewards of the mystery. Paul was our Ambassador in bonds for the mystery and the risen Christ through Paul says in Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Paul states in Ephesians 6:18-19 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make know the mystery of the gospel. Let us never forget Pauls own words he is our pattern. Paul knew all to well the evil of this world and that time was of the essence and encouraged the importance of sharing the mystery of reconciliation to as many as we can.

    • #7557
      Anonymous
      Inactive

      Great verses, aren’t they? thanks Sarah……

    • #7580
      Sarah
      Participant

      Yw Becky topics such as these are great. One needs to get the proper understanding. I like questions like that. Good to get the cobwebs clear. 🙂

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