Quote:
Originally Posted by Steadfast
(Post 368839)
Yes... "How good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"... but what do you do when can't 'dwell together'?
The same Bible that says that also said, "How can two walk together except the agree?" jrLA, there are times that unity is NOT pleasing to God! You seem to imply that these men should overlook what they are actually convicted by God about for the sole purpose of 'unity'. Is that really what it takes to please God?
Their 'breaking point' may be advertising on television... yours and mine are probably somewhere else. However, the principle remains the same; if you've read my prior post you need to answer the question for me...
Should I take my Church to 'fellowship meetings' with a Church that casually drinks... for the sake of 'unity'?
Should I take my Church to fellowship with people who believe that trinity mode baptism in the titles is as good as Jesus Name baptism because it's just a 'sign that doesn't mean much'... all for the sake of unity?
Unity is a great thing. Unity at the cost of sacrificing genuine convictions is not pleasing to God.
I respect the men who left. They are living by their convictions. I intend to live by mine. But I won't put a price tag on my calling to protect my Saints just for the sake of 'unity'.
|
Standing for your convictions is one thing. I applaud you for that. You do have a right to protect your people, that is for sure. You should feel that way.
Of course, there are times when your conviction outwieghs your committment to unity. I understand that. It is just that these men are not motivated by simple conviction. This organization or Fellowship has men on their general committee that ARE NOT conservative. I know for a fact. Their churches are the most liberal in the area! So, how can it be just about conviction and holiness! No, friend that may be their battle cry, but it isn't the true motive. That is for sure. Try politics...position... Now that is my opinion. But it seems very obvious. I may not be as old as you are, but I know some things as well! And...those things did not come from this forum!
The UPC is a very diverse group. Literally from one end of the spectrum to the other. I believe that is one of the things that makes us great. I certainly don't agree with eveything my brethren do or the nieghboring church does. There are instances where there MAY need to be restrictions on fellowship, but in my expirience that is few and far between.
I believe in teaching my people to live for GOd for themselves. Get your convictions for you! Don't pay attention to what the other church is doing as far as your convictions. There are hipocrites in EVERY church! I've got to learn to keep my eyes on God not them. Just as Peter stepped out of the boat and took his eyes off of Jesus and sunk....so will I if I take my eyes off of Jesus. I am not sure if always sheltering folks from reality is the best way to protect them. (jmo)
Steadfast....You pastor with great wisdom and I applaud you for seeking to protect your folks. But, I don't believe that is the same thing as this Tulsa business! Not the same at all! :TulsaNO:
|