Why am I labeled backslid and unusable by God

[192281]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

I don't think that I could really walk away from a group of people and, logically, not expect them to turn against me if our views of scripture were so opposite in belief and understanding. Especially, if they held them strongly.

The only person/people that would surprise me would be the person/people that I had verbally engaged in conversation and knew we were on the same page as to our opinions, understanding and belief. I would then deem them as a hypocrite. Now, that would disappoint and possibly shock me, but I have never seen that happen. I've only seen the "shunning" happen from the people that believe what they believe and could never see it or live any other way. And I have seen it from the ones that fear you could be right.

I'm not sure what you are referring to as "trivial". Taking a stand against the "core" of a church's foundational beliefs, whether right or wrong, doesn't seem to fall solidly into the area of "trivial", IMO. Perhaps I've misunderstood you.

Im not saying I didnt expect people to disagree with me or even some distance themselves from me. I am surprised that as Christians they would run me into the ground because of something I believe...No matter what Peole who claim to be Christian shouldn not act that way. If they were truely concerned then they should show love and offer prayers but not bash me and advise me Im hell bound.

Its ok to disagree with me and to even not want to be around me anymore even though my character has not changed one bit...the problem is how they are going about it.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by 192281

Im not saying I didnt expect people to disagree with me or even some distance themselves from me. I am surprised that as Christians they would run me into the ground because of something I believe...No matter what Peole who claim to be Christian shouldn not act that way. If they were truely concerned then they should show love and offer prayers but not bash me and advise me Im hell bound.

Its ok to disagree with me and to even not want to be around me anymore even though my character has not changed one bit...the problem is how they are going about it.

There is no disagreement on this account whatsoever! I hope you can rise above it. One day some of them will apologize to you if you keep a humble, loving attitude about you. We all have to give an account to God. All the more reason to pray for these folks.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey

Is that how we treat other's whom we disagree, even if we see them as a lost, delusional prodigal? We hate them, despise them, guilt them back to the cross?

Chewing each other up and spitting them out is not the Jesus Way. If they are attacking your home or family, then maybe it's time to ask them to leave and relationships change. Otherwise, if you think you're right, love them back to Jesus -- either way, put it in his hands. I'm not sure why some think if you've come to different conclusions you now must be hated.

No matter, Jesus promised a great blessing to those who are hated of men for his sake. I'd rather error on the side of Truth, without fear or worry about what Sis. Sally will be gossiping around.

Well, Jesus pulled out a whip against those he didn't agree with. And they weren't sinners, they were the religious folks. Just sayin'....

And I do agree with you, I would rather error on the side of truth than fear what men can do to me.

[rgcraig]

Actually, the only ones that should be responded to his question are the ones that have experienced it or the ones that have done it to someone else!

[Jeffrey]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Well, Jesus pulled out a whip against those he didn't agree with. And they weren't sinners, they were the religious folks. Just sayin'....

And I do agree with you, I would rather error on the side of truth than fear what men can do to me.

Actually, his whip was not just a matter of disagreement!

When this brother starts setting up shop in YOUR HOUSE (notice the authority Jesus uses here), passing out pamphlets of false worship, then maybe you can consider turning over tables.

The righteous indignation that came over Jesus was from a Divine perspective, a picture he must've seen since he was a boy at Passover time. Worship was full of profiteers, money handlers. I'll "turn tables" on those types too!

We should be careful to make a detail in a story a normative practice in our churches just because it's included in a story.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by 192281

Im not saying I didnt expect people to disagree with me or even some distance themselves from me. I am surprised that as Christians they would run me into the ground because of something I believe...No matter what Peole who claim to be Christian shouldn not act that way. If they were truely concerned then they should show love and offer prayers but not bash me and advise me Im hell bound.

Its ok to disagree with me and to even not want to be around me anymore even though my character has not changed one bit...the problem is how they are going about it.

Well, the truth is, we don't know you, don't know how you acted, who you talked to and what you talked about - as a leader.

I just don't see how you, as a leader, could think some people, who hold their beliefs so strongly, would think they would pat you on the back for your decision. This is part of their truth they cling to as a consecration in their service to God. It's just as much a part of them as being spirit filled.

You are, in effect, saying, "Hey, it's just not necessary, folks." It's almost a slap in the face to some. That is a startling realization to them. It's a lie to them.

I would focus more on their thought pattern than their actions. It's really the only way to remain compassionate, on your part, in this situation. It's like, in a way, analyzing why a child is acting out. Find out what is wrong so you can best understand how to deal with them.

If I know about the love of Christ, then I know that I must love and pray for them anyway, regardless of what they are doing to me. I think you have said you have and are doing that. There is nothing else you can do. And we are praying with you.

And the folks being mean, they need to have more confidence that God loves more than they ever could and if you are wrong, you need to find out for yourself. I'm not saying you are making a mistake, I'm just saying that we need to allow people to have room to make mistakes. Some people must find out for themselves and we need to allow it to happen. Not encouraging mistakes, but knowing some personalities must test and try the waters. If we hold them, their inner struggle will only increase. It's like a puppy that wants to get off of your lap and run. He will wiggle and wiggle until you let him go.

And I'm with Ferd, just because we don't talk about things, doesn't mean we haven't experienced or felt hurt, pain and rejection. I could tell you some stories, but I don't need to. I will tell you this, I have prayed this prayer, "Jesus, please help me not to hate." I fear anger and hate more than anything in this world. It is an awful spawn.

In every situation, I went to God and He loved me, comforted me, and showed me how to keep walking. He is altogether lovely!

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Actually, the only ones that should be responded to his question are the ones that have experienced it or the ones that have done it to someone else!

Or really the ones that have seen it happen and want to share how they have viewed this situation. I think all views are valuable.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey

Actually, his whip was not just a matter of disagreement!

When this brother starts setting up shop in YOUR HOUSE (notice the authority Jesus uses here), passing out pamphlets of false worship, then maybe you can consider turning over tables.

The righteous indignation that came over Jesus was from a Divine perspective, a picture he must've seen since he was a boy at Passover time. Worship was full of profiteers, money handlers. I'll "turn tables" on those types too!

We should be careful to make a detail in a story a normative practice in our churches just because it's included in a story.

Yes, setting up shop in YOUR HOUSE.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Or really the ones that have seen it happen and want to share how they have viewed this situation. I think all views are valuable.

And those too.

I don't see the harm in talking about it - maybe someone might feel guilty for acting that way and realize that it's not their responsibility to pass judgement on those that do not agree with them.

[Jeffrey]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Yes, setting up shop in YOUR HOUSE.

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