Quote
Paul writes:

"Sharing the Gospel" has to take place in a context of real life. The Lord created us to be cultural beings, which requires real communication, in which emotional interaction must play a part, I feel. There is certainly a place for direct exposition of the Word--and I love to point newer (and older) believers back to Christ--always back to Christ--but I believe the Lord is glorified when Christ is seen as Lord of every real situation, and biblical fellowship is a blessed means of seeing that worked out in his Church. I don't see how this fellowship can be realize without time, availability, energy, emotional investment being made in people's lives.

Hehe.... you remind me of Francis Schaeffer. I agree with you Paul. In your examples above though, you have found some people who kept it real and honest with you and that is truly awesome. It is very hard to find people who are genuinely interested in being truthful and deep. Unfortunately, I have a hard time finding such people myself. The people I come into contact with on average stay surface level pretty much and do not like to go any deeper. I on the other hand have a deep love for my brethren and I am looking to extend my emotional and intellectual self to anyone seeking my friendship. In fact, the whole reason I evangelize and fellowship in the first place is out of my deep desire to help people come too or grow in Christ. But, I still have an introverted personality and remain stoic, in a sense that I am not wide eyed and bushy tailed all the time. I remain serious in my conversations with an even tone and I have little interest in talking about the weather or the latest gossip. But when I do find the occasional someone who is interested in carrying on a conversation trust me, I'm all for it.... it's what I truly desire. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Dave.

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. - Galatians 2:16