Sword of Geddon wrote:Keep in mind the many liberal "churches" out there. Mclaren's "Emergent Church" is a prime example. To claim people who believe in the doctrines of these organizations are fellow believers is utterly lacking in discernment.
It also reeks of ecumenism.
There is one path to salvation..Jesus..and there is only one true Jesus. If anyone preaches anything contrary to the word of God and is in a position of authority than that person is not of the lord. This man will be in that position very soon if he continues on his current path.
The world thinks anything labeled "Christian" is in fact Christian. That includes everything from the Westboro Baptist Church to Mclaren's Emergent Church. True believers should know that the label "christian" does not mean a person is in fact a Christian.
We live in a very morally loose, non-judgemental society. If we are to stand apart from the world as we should, we need to be both morally upright and judgemental, even if we are hated for it.
What you are saying is true. We cannot be throwing caution to the wind. Neither would I allow him to babysit my daughter.
Nevertheless, I take issue with an attitude that a person must be perfect to come to God. I take issue with the idea that we have to pass with flying colors as it were a course in theology before we can make a simple step of faith to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
There can be no such thing. We come to the Lord broken, confused, depressed, uncertain, nerviously. And the Lord Jesus takes such as they are and makes them into new creatures. We cannot come to the Lord on our strength. In fact, such a conversion is suspect in my view. This person thinks the world of himself, he thinks he is an asset to the Kingdom of God, he thinks he is FIT to enter heaven.
In our zealousness to want to honor the Lord, let us not forget our estate when we first came to Him. We all had our nonsense baggage that we carried along into our new life. Even Paul after his conversion on the road to Damascus, had to go into "hidding" for at least 3 years to unlearn things and to be taught by the Spirit.
Gal 1:11But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
13For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
18Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. 20Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
And I think that one of the main things that Paul learned was GRACE. He spoke and taught Grace but he was not a very gracious man. He was strong against Barnabas taking John Mark along their second journey. And although Paul was a great man of God, he was obviously wrong about judging John Mark's character because God blessed Barnabas journey with John Mark too.
Paul was the judgemental but Barnabas gave John Mark a chance. I think Luke added this in the Book of Acts to show us the weak side of Paul AND a lesson for all of us.
Acts 15:38 But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work
By their fruits you will know them, yes? WEll, John Mark surely did not show forth good fruits. But Barnabbas saw the grace of God, he saw a Child of God whom God is working on.
Paul and Barnabbas who were the best of friends, were confrontational on this matter and eventually led to their split.
I am a Barnabas....
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
πατερ δοξασον σου το ονομα
Father, glorify thy name.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
I wouldn't either, T-Minus.....but, yes, we need to pray and ask the Lord if it is His Will for us to pray for this man.