(Luke 6:46 NKJV) ¶ “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?I am a proponent of defining terms when we are talking to people about religious beliefs. One of my pet peeves is the question, "Do you know the Lord?"
This question is definitely one of the worst ways to start a conversation with someone about their beliefs. Who do you mean by "Lord?" What do you mean by "know the Lord?" Virtually anyone in any Christian denomination or cult will surely answer "yes." Many people in non-Christian groups might honestly answer "yes." (For example, the Hare Krishna mantra is devotion to "Lord Krishna.")
We need to be more specific. "What is your relationship with Jesus of Nazareth?"
What do you believe about him? Who is he? What did he teach? Is the Bible account about him truth or fiction? What is the meaning of his life and death? Did he arise from the dead? Is he alive today? Is he coming back again?
What difference does Jesus make in your life? Do you worship him as God? Do you follow him as your Master? Do you trust Him as your Savior - the atonement for your sins? Is he the basis of your access to God and your hope in God?
"Do you know the Lord?" could mean almost anything, so it means nothing. Those who use it think it helps them open a conversation, but in fact it stops them from having the conversations they need to have about the biblical claims for Jesus of Nazareth as Lord and Savior.
I couldn't agree with you more! I've learned to avoid that question when trying to share the gospel with someone. Good insight!
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