Why?
 

A little background:

I have a friend that attends an apostolic church. Her sister recently started college and has began to not follow almost every church standard. On top of that her sister has gotten into partying. Her sister attempts to use the bible to justify her not following the standards. She also says she now sees nothing wrong with partying. My friend says her sister is just trying to "justify" her behavior. That concerns me a little because that is the common explanation for any Apostolic to give as to why someone isn't following church standards anymore. However, I can see some "justification" with the sister defending the partying. I'm just not convinced that it's all justification and that maybe part of the reason she picked up the partying is because the things shes believed her whole life aren't really adding up to her anymore. I mean that's a pretty major change that would leave a pretty major void. I guess the question I am getting at is why do apostolics tend to use the shes just justifying her lifestyle talk instead of trying to really figure out the issue? Or are they right that such things are usually just "justification" of a lifestyle?

Re: Why?
 

Well it is possible. Consider the possibility the sister later "returns" and stops partying. She may admit that is what she was doing

Then again maybe she is just rebelling and using the bible to justify herself to annoy her sister.

In anycase I don't see how the bible can be used to justify partying

Re: Why?
 

Nor I. I agree she is justifying that. But the other stuff? I'm not soo sure. And if she isn't justifying the standards stuff then maybe that realization has pushed her into being how she is now. But the question I was asking is why do apostolics tend to assume that when a person stops following the standards and says they don't believe the bible teaches them that they are always labeled as just trying to justify their behavior.

Re: Why?
 

Well, whether the standards be right or wrong (I am quite moderate in my interpretation of most of them), very often when someone simply drops standards en toto they also get a new wife, have an affair or other sinfulness.

Not saying there is any direct connection, but I certainly understand why some think there is one.

Re: Why?
 

Btw, what is partying?

Having a great time eating and drinking? Late night banqueting?

Preachers are usually very big into this type thing... Or did you mean something else?

Re: Why?
 

Re: Why?
 

Beer! What goes with beer? Martin Luther

Re: Why?
 

Don't worry about the "standards". They can't save her anyway.

Most have to sort their lives out for themselves. I've discovered that the majority of people have to find the foundations of their faith on their own. They may have been in church for years and living on what they are told and sincerely desired to believe or just mentally accepted... but they have to come to a personal experience with the Savior. There can be no testimony without a test. This may be her test.

Pray for the wayward young person. Pray God's power and grace move into her life and bring her to her knees. If God so chooses, God knows exactly what will break her and bring her home. Have faith and entrust her soul to God without fear. Rejoice, believing that God is doing something wonderful in her life... though it may not look wonderful right now. She might be learning things that will add up to some VERY valuable lessons at the moment. Lessons that will help to conform her into the image of Christ one day... or give her experience and a testimony to help others who also find themselves facing similar trials, temptations, and failures.

Think about this... God has a plan. God always has a plan with regards to His children. God isn't worried one bit. God isn't on the edge of His seat praying that she makes it. God knows exactly what is going on, and what He is going to do when the time comes. Rest in this, your faith.

26 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one." - John 10:26-30 (ESV)

Lord Jesus, I believe she's your child... SPEAK into her life with both power and grace that she might be brought to her knees and hear your voice calling her home. And we know that nothing can pry her from your loving hands, because YOU are GOD. Amen.

Re: Why?
 

Which came first, the partying or the "standards dropping"? I think both are from wanting to fit in.