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Post by civic on Mar 30, 2023 6:19:47 GMT -8
Excellent !!!
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Post by Unmerited on Mar 30, 2023 7:37:09 GMT -8
Salvation isn’t being saved from sinning, but from desiring to sin. When the “motions of sins . . . did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death” (Rom 7:5) we wanted it so; we desired to sin. But now with a new nature (Col 3:10), and God’s “work in you” (Phl 2:13), we never more will desire to sin; and that’s where God wants us, for He has our “treasure” (Mat 6:21). Continuing on with the old man in tow causes us to exercise our faith in God and Christ more all the time! The old man can’t interfere with our salvation, but only delay our growth in Christ. NC
I definitely agree with your post and the statement "The old man can’t interfere with our salvation, but only delay our growth in Christ." I just wanted to add habitual sin in the life of a believer makes his or hers witness and testimony ineffective. I also love what you wrote about God working in us and we lose the desire to sin. To me it means when we are tempted we don't fall for it because we love God more than our fleshly desires and the Holy Spirit is guiding and directing our lives. Colossians 3:1–17IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [Ps. 110:1.] 2 And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory. 5 So kill (deaden, deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God). 6 It is on account of these [very sins] that the [holy] anger of God is ever coming upon the sons of disobedience (those who are obstinately opposed to the divine will), 7 Among whom you also once walked, when you were living in and addicted to [such practices]. 8 But now put away and rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, bad feeling toward others, curses and slander, and foulmouthed abuse and shameful utterances from your lips! 9 Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old (unregenerate) self with its evil practices, 10 And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it. [Gen. 1:26.] 11 [In this new creation all distinctions vanish.] There is no room for and there can be neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, [nor difference between nations whether alien] barbarians or Scythians [who are the most savage of all], nor slave or free man; but Christ is all and in all [everything and everywhere, to all men, without distinction of person]. 12 Clothe yourselves therefore, as God’s own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper]. 13 Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive]. 14 And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony]. 15 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]. 16 Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him. |
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Post by Theophilus on Mar 30, 2023 9:35:13 GMT -8
Why did Jesus promise the Holy Spirit to those who followed Him? Because He knew that we would need to have the Holy Spirit in us if we were to be faithful, steadfast, and effective in our walk with God. The Holy Spirit enables us to live the Christian life.
The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him … that you may know … what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church Eph. 1:17–22.
When Jesus died we died with him.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me Galatians 2:20.
When Jesus was buried so were we.
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life Romans 6:4.
We also share in his glorious Resurrection.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God Colossians 3:1.
And now we can be seated in the heavenlies with Him.
...and raised us up with Him and made us sit with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus Eph 2:6.
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netchaplain
Full Member
The Christian life is not our living a life like Christ, but Christ living His life in us!
Posts: 206
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Post by netchaplain on Mar 30, 2023 13:36:28 GMT -8
Why did Jesus promise the Holy Spirit to those who followed Him? Because He knew that we would need to have the Holy Spirit in us if we were to be faithful, steadfast, and effective in our walk with God. The Holy Spirit enables us to live the Christian life. The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him … that you may know … what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church Eph. 1:17–22. When Jesus died we died with him. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me Galatians 2:20. When Jesus was buried so were we. We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life Romans 6:4. We also share in his glorious Resurrection. If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God Colossians 3:1. And now we can be seated in the heavenlies with Him. ...and raised us up with Him and made us sit with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus Eph 2:6. Amen, we are for sure going to be with Christ in the new heaven forever. This is enough encouragement to maintain a permanent security. |
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netchaplain
Full Member
The Christian life is not our living a life like Christ, but Christ living His life in us!
Posts: 206
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Post by netchaplain on Mar 30, 2023 13:41:06 GMT -8
Salvation isn’t being saved from sinning, but from desiring to sin. When the “motions of sins . . . did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death” (Rom 7:5) we wanted it so; we desired to sin. But now with a new nature (Col 3:10), and God’s “work in you” (Phl 2:13), we never more will desire to sin; and that’s where God wants us, for He has our “treasure” (Mat 6:21). Continuing on with the old man in tow causes us to exercise our faith in God and Christ more all the time! The old man can’t interfere with our salvation, but only delay our growth in Christ. NC
I definitely agree with your post and the statement "The old man can’t interfere with our salvation, but only delay our growth in Christ." I just wanted to add habitual sin in the life of a believer makes his or hers witness and testimony ineffective. I also love what you wrote about God working in us and we lose the desire to send. To me it means when we are tempted we don't fall for it because we love God more than our fleshly desires and the Holy Spirit is guiding and directing our lives. Colossians 3:1–17IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [Ps. 110:1.] 2 And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory. 5 So kill (deaden, deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God). 6 It is on account of these [very sins] that the [holy] anger of God is ever coming upon the sons of disobedience (those who are obstinately opposed to the divine will), 7 Among whom you also once walked, when you were living in and addicted to [such practices]. 8 But now put away and rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, bad feeling toward others, curses and slander, and foulmouthed abuse and shameful utterances from your lips! 9 Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old (unregenerate) self with its evil practices, 10 And have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the process of being] renewed and remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it. [Gen. 1:26.] 11 [In this new creation all distinctions vanish.] There is no room for and there can be neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, [nor difference between nations whether alien] barbarians or Scythians [who are the most savage of all], nor slave or free man; but Christ is all and in all [everything and everywhere, to all men, without distinction of person]. 12 Clothe yourselves therefore, as God’s own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper]. 13 Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive]. 14 And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony]. 15 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]. 16 Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him. It's my understanding that if one is professing Christ does not eventually give up the habitual sin it will manifest they aren't saved yet. I don't believe any true Christian will sin intentionally! |
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Post by Unmerited on Mar 31, 2023 6:33:44 GMT -8
netchaplainI think we're pretty much in agreement. The last sentence about a true Christian not sinning intentionally is interesting. We had a couple in our senior adult life group that were long time Christians, but they were not married and had been living together for x number of years. One member brought it to my attention me being the leader and wanted to know what's up with that. So had a talk with the unmarried couple and the Lady explain to me that she had been married before and it didn't work out and she didn't want to go through that again. She also told me that God understands, In other words he's given her a pass. So I went up the chain of command and one of our senior pastors counseled them and they got married. The funny part was no one in the life group got an invitation to the wedding and they also quit the life group. My point is I think they didn't consider it sinning intentionally Since they had their little arrangement with God. Then you have Galatians 6:1 “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” So it seems like we can all fall victim to this since we have this warning In Galatians. Also in 1 John 1:5–10 Walking in the Light 5And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 6If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7Butb if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us. I look at a Christian walking in habitual soon as the parable Of the lost son. The father let him go do his thing and live his life the way he wanted to. But when he realized where it led him “To a pig pen feeding its occupants” He realized he would be better off being a slave at his father's house. From my own life experience, I know my way never works and that God's way always works better than I could ever imagine. Here's the bottom line... Jesus told us to abide in him. He left us the holy spirit to enable us to do that. It's the old die to self and live for God thing. You do that and you'll have righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. That's the kingdom of God!
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netchaplain
Full Member
The Christian life is not our living a life like Christ, but Christ living His life in us!
Posts: 206
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Post by netchaplain on Mar 31, 2023 8:45:06 GMT -8
netchaplain I think we're pretty much in agreement. The last sentence about a true Christian not sinning intentionally is interesting. We had a couple in our senior adult life group that were long time Christians, but they were not married and had been living together for x number of years. One member brought it to my attention me being the leader and wanted to know what's up with that. So had a talk with the unmarried couple and the Lady explain to me that she had been married before and it didn't work out and she didn't want to go through that again. She also told me that God understands, In other words he's given her a pass. So I went up the chain of command and one of our senior pastors counseled them and they got married. The funny part was no one in the life group got an invitation to the wedding and they also quit the life group. My point is I think they didn't consider it sinning intentionally Since they had their little arrangement with God. Then you have Galatians 6:1 “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” So it seems like we can all fall victim to this since we have this warning In Galatians. Also in 1 John 1:5–10 Walking in the Light 5And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 6If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7Butb if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us. I look at a Christian walking in habitual soon as the parable Of the lost son. The father let him go do his thing and live his life the way he wanted to. But when he realized where it led him “To a pig pen feeding its occupants” He realized he would be better off being a slave at his father's house. From my own life experience, I know my way never works and that God's way always works better than I could ever imagine. Here's the bottom line... Jesus told us to abide in him. He left us the holy spirit to enable us to do that. It's the old die to self and live for God thing. You do that and you'll have righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. That's the kingdom of God! Hi, and thanks for the reply and comments! It seems their is much they've yet to understand about sinning. |
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Post by Theophilus on Mar 31, 2023 9:37:45 GMT -8
My mind (It's a dangerous place) Leads me to the woman caught in adultery, the part at the end where Jesus asked her a question and gives her a command.
When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you?
11 She answered, No one, Lord! And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more.
12 Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life John 8:10–12.
When we go on our way we can be tempted to walk in the Darkness. And perhaps start down that path... that's when we need that Holy Spirit conviction to come into play. Since we're still in a fallen world we can easily get our feet dirty. I'm thinking the Last Supper.
Jesus said to him, Anyone who has bathed (saved) needs only to wash his feet, but is clean all over. And you [My disciples] are clean, but not all of you. Jn 13:10.
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Post by Theophilus on Mar 31, 2023 10:20:39 GMT -8
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Post by rockson on Apr 1, 2023 2:39:12 GMT -8
netchaplain I think we're pretty much in agreement. The last sentence about a true Christian not sinning intentionally is interesting. We had a couple in our senior adult life group that were long time Christians, but they were not married and had been living together for x number of years. One member brought it to my attention me being the leader and wanted to know what's up with that. So had a talk with the unmarried couple and the Lady explain to me that she had been married before and it didn't work out and she didn't want to go through that again. She also told me that God understands, In other words he's given her a pass. So I went up the chain of command and one of our senior pastors counseled them and they got married. The funny part was no one in the life group got an invitation to the wedding and they also quit the life group. My point is I think they didn't consider it sinning intentionally Since they had their little arrangement with God. Can I have some thoughts from people what one thinks should happen to a couple who just refuse to get married and continue on? We have a couple in our church just like the ones above and I understand and am sensitive about judge not lest you be judged and yet Paul states we are to judge those that are within. In I Cor 5 it speaks of a type of fornication taking place and Paul stated such ones shouldn't even be allowed to come so what do you do with a couple and how do you handle a situation of ones that just won't get married. Would this not apply where Paul stated a little leaven can leaven all in other words if you allow it to continue, that is allowing them to come you normalize a wrong behavior? 1 Cor 5:6 And what effect does this have with others in the church and I think of young people coming up? I know if one fell into sin felt bad about it and repented and turned that's one thing.....but not to even choose to make a change.....They were talked to by the Pastors and the young woman said she always felt bad about it and they claimed to now have the boyfriend move out .....but they'd stay as boy friend and girl friend and we'd have no problem with that but something within even the Pastors believe they're still living together but what do you do? It seems they're seeking to bluff us all but does one just take them at their word when there's reasons we still feel they're together. What does one do? We hardly feel it's appropriate to stalk them and do the spy thing, that would be nonsense.....but what should one do. Should they be asked once again directly where the boy friend is now living? Would this be too much of an intrusive question that some might think is not trusting their original statement? |
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Post by civic on Apr 1, 2023 3:54:29 GMT -8
netchaplain I think we're pretty much in agreement. The last sentence about a true Christian not sinning intentionally is interesting. We had a couple in our senior adult life group that were long time Christians, but they were not married and had been living together for x number of years. One member brought it to my attention me being the leader and wanted to know what's up with that. So had a talk with the unmarried couple and the Lady explain to me that she had been married before and it didn't work out and she didn't want to go through that again. She also told me that God understands, In other words he's given her a pass. So I went up the chain of command and one of our senior pastors counseled them and they got married. The funny part was no one in the life group got an invitation to the wedding and they also quit the life group. My point is I think they didn't consider it sinning intentionally Since they had their little arrangement with God. Can I have some thoughts from people what one thinks should happen to a couple who just refuse to get married and continue on? We have a couple in our church just like the ones above and I understand and am sensitive about judge not lest you be judged and yet Paul states we are to judge those that are within. In I Cor 5 it speaks of a type of fornication taking place and Paul stated such ones shouldn't even be allowed to come so what do you do with a couple and how do you handle a situation of ones that just won't get married. Would this not apply where Paul stated a little leaven can leaven all in other words if you allow it to continue, that is allowing them to come you normalize a wrong behavior? 1 Cor 5:6 And what effect does this have with others in the church and I think of young people coming up? I know if one fell into sin felt bad about it and repented and turned that's one thing.....but not to even choose to make a change.....They were talked to by the Pastors and the young woman said she always felt bad about it and they claimed to now have the boyfriend move out .....but they'd stay as boy friend and girl friend and we'd have no problem with that but something within even the Pastors believe they're still living together but what do you do? It seems they're seeking to bluff us all but does one just take them at their word when there's reasons we still feel they're together. What does one do? We hardly feel it's appropriate to stalk them and do the spy thing, that would be nonsense.....but what should one do. Should they be asked once again directly where the boy friend is now living? Would this be too much of an intrusive question that some might think is not trusting their original statement? Its good to see you brother !!! |
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Post by civic on Apr 1, 2023 4:00:47 GMT -8
netchaplain I think we're pretty much in agreement. The last sentence about a true Christian not sinning intentionally is interesting. We had a couple in our senior adult life group that were long time Christians, but they were not married and had been living together for x number of years. One member brought it to my attention me being the leader and wanted to know what's up with that. So had a talk with the unmarried couple and the Lady explain to me that she had been married before and it didn't work out and she didn't want to go through that again. She also told me that God understands, In other words he's given her a pass. So I went up the chain of command and one of our senior pastors counseled them and they got married. The funny part was no one in the life group got an invitation to the wedding and they also quit the life group. My point is I think they didn't consider it sinning intentionally Since they had their little arrangement with God. Can I have some thoughts from people what one thinks should happen to a couple who just refuse to get married and continue on? We have a couple in our church just like the ones above and I understand and am sensitive about judge not lest you be judged and yet Paul states we are to judge those that are within. In I Cor 5 it speaks of a type of fornication taking place and Paul stated such ones shouldn't even be allowed to come so what do you do with a couple and how do you handle a situation of ones that just won't get married. Would this not apply where Paul stated a little leaven can leaven all in other words if you allow it to continue, that is allowing them to come you normalize a wrong behavior? 1 Cor 5:6 And what effect does this have with others in the church and I think of young people coming up? I know if one fell into sin felt bad about it and repented and turned that's one thing.....but not to even choose to make a change.....They were talked to by the Pastors and the young woman said she always felt bad about it and they claimed to now have the boyfriend move out .....but they'd stay as boy friend and girl friend and we'd have no problem with that but something within even the Pastors believe they're still living together but what do you do? It seems they're seeking to bluff us all but does one just take them at their word when there's reasons we still feel they're together. What does one do? We hardly feel it's appropriate to stalk them and do the spy thing, that would be nonsense.....but what should one do. Should they be asked once again directly where the boy friend is now living? Would this be too much of an intrusive question that some might think is not trusting their original statement? I once had to do this with a family member whom I was the closest with of all my siblings and our children played together all of the time. It was one of the hardest things to do was break fellowship and cut her off from my life. I followed Matthew 18 and went to her in private and told her I was breaking off my relationship with her and her family. I gave her the biblical reasons why as you pointed out above and after a few weeks she repented and broke off the relationship. So God did use it to bring her back to Him. I would follow the Matthew 18 principle of going in private first and if that doesn't work bring 2/3 and last but not least if there is no repentance bring it before the church. |
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Post by Theophilus on Apr 1, 2023 5:56:24 GMT -8
The way we do it at the church I'm a member of is unmarried couples are free to attend services And they are given counseling And encouraged to get married. They are not allowed to become a member as long as they remain unmarried. Also they may not perform any church services such as being an usher or work in Security or parking. I found this> |
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Post by rockson on Apr 2, 2023 0:19:01 GMT -8
Its good to see you brother !!! From Rockson: Thanks Civic! Nice to pop in here. |
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Post by rockson on Apr 2, 2023 0:23:49 GMT -8
Can I have some thoughts from people what one thinks should happen to a couple who just refuse to get married and continue on? We have a couple in our church just like the ones above and I understand and am sensitive about judge not lest you be judged and yet Paul states we are to judge those that are within. In I Cor 5 it speaks of a type of fornication taking place and Paul stated such ones shouldn't even be allowed to come so what do you do with a couple and how do you handle a situation of ones that just won't get married. Would this not apply where Paul stated a little leaven can leaven all in other words if you allow it to continue, that is allowing them to come you normalize a wrong behavior? 1 Cor 5:6 And what effect does this have with others in the church and I think of young people coming up? I know if one fell into sin felt bad about it and repented and turned that's one thing.....but not to even choose to make a change.....They were talked to by the Pastors and the young woman said she always felt bad about it and they claimed to now have the boyfriend move out .....but they'd stay as boy friend and girl friend and we'd have no problem with that but something within even the Pastors believe they're still living together but what do you do? It seems they're seeking to bluff us all but does one just take them at their word when there's reasons we still feel they're together. What does one do? We hardly feel it's appropriate to stalk them and do the spy thing, that would be nonsense.....but what should one do. Should they be asked once again directly where the boy friend is now living? Would this be too much of an intrusive question that some might think is not trusting their original statement? I once had to do this with a family member whom I was the closest with of all my siblings and our children played together all of the time. It was one of the hardest things to do was break fellowship and cut her off from my life. I followed Matthew 18 and went to her in private and told her I was breaking off my relationship with her and her family. I gave her the biblical reasons why as you pointed out above and after a few weeks she repented and broke off the relationship. So God did use it to bring her back to Him. I would follow the Matthew 18 principle of going in private first and if that doesn't work bring 2/3 and last but not least if there is no repentance bring it before the church. From Rockson: Thanks for your good instructions. I agree that is Biblical. |
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