The 'Saved Backslider' Blog

Bro Flame · #1 09-12-2019, 11:43 AM

https://martynballestero.com/2011/03...ed-backslider/

Basically this brother's saying that backsliders today posses as different attitude about themselves. They don't feel any conviction for their backsliding to the things of this world, but yet feel defensive of their new lifestyle.

What y'all think?

Evang.Benincasa · #2 09-12-2019, 03:06 PM

I rarely cut off backsliders, which means I still meet with them, even work with them at times.Yet, they know they aren't right, they know they are contrary to Jesus Christ. They make sure they don't do certain things (or say) in front of me out of respect. I have had some return and some return for visits, but that is only possible because of a relationship. They know if they need me I'm there.
As far as having an opinion on Elder Ballestero's views he doesn't post here, and therefore cannot comment a reply.

So, Holy Roller what says you?

Pressing-On · #3 09-12-2019, 03:17 PM

I heard someone say, “Did you ever think about why the father ran to meet the Prodigal Son? It may have been that he wanted to get to him first before the bitter brother got there, causing the Prodigal to turn around and leave by his hateful attitude and words.”

diakonos · #4 09-12-2019, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holy Roller

https://martynballestero.com/2011/03...ed-backslider/

Basically this brother's saying that backsliders today posses as different attitude about themselves. They don't feel any conviction for their backsliding to the things of this world, but yet feel defensive of their new lifestyle.

What y'all think?

First of all, there’s a difference in changing churches and dropping standards than, say, turning away from God and doing xyz.

So, I don’t think highly of his blog.

Evang.Benincasa · #5 09-12-2019, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diakonos

First of all, there’s a difference in changing churches and dropping standards than, say, turning away from God and doing xyz.

So, I don’t think highly of his blog.

Well, since the author of the blog isn't here, all Holy Roller can say is "ok."

diakonos · #6 09-12-2019, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

Well, since the author of the blog isn't here, all Holy Roller can say is "ok."

Prissa · #7 09-12-2019, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

I heard someone say, “Did you ever think about why the father ran to meet the Prodigal Son? It may have been that he wanted to get to him first before the bitter brother got there, causing the Prodigal to turn around and leave by his hateful attitude and words.”

You are so right! Sadly that is the case sometimes when someone comes back to the Lord. I think God wants us to have compassion and let him worry about the discipline if there needs to be any.

n david · #8 09-12-2019, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holy Roller

https://martynballestero.com/2011/03...ed-backslider/

Basically this brother's saying that backsliders today posses as different attitude about themselves. They don't feel any conviction for their backsliding to the things of this world, but yet feel defensive of their new lifestyle.

What y'all think?

I read it and agree. IMO, he hit the nail on the head with this:

They don’t want to go to an ‘Apostolic Church’.
They are saved just like they are.
They don’t need an ‘Apostolic Church’ to be saved.
They feel acceptance and love now.
They want the old saints to be flexible in their thinking and accept them as they are.
They laugh and they mock their former life of holiness living.
They’re arrogant.
They’re defensive of their lifestyle.
They’re unashamed.
They feel superior.
They’re unrepentant.
They’re comfortable.

I have a family member and several friends/acquaintances who match some of these attitudes/descriptions.

What say you?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

As far as having an opinion on Elder Ballestero's views he doesn't post here, and therefore cannot comment a reply.

Bro Flame · #9 09-13-2019, 07:37 AM

As for as mingling with backsliders, I done it often. Right now our church is scheduling a youth fellowship-type for those younger (and older) ones that are struggling with separation and stuff like that. Several people that I consider close friends go to churches where, as a whole, they're backsliding.

I don't see anything wrong with it. I would say approach such friendship with caution though because if you're like me, you'll cave and let go of stuff you know God's shown you. Don't do that.

Ehud · #10 09-13-2019, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

I rarely cut off backsliders, which means I still meet with them, even work with them at times. Yet, they know they aren't right, they know they are contrary to Jesus Christ. They make sure they don't do certain things (or say) in front of me out of respect. I have had some return and some return for visits, but that is only possible because of a relationship. They know if they need me I'm there.

...

Absolutely this, my brother. In my own life, I have made it a point to not focus on what the offender has done wrong, but rather where we go from here. It is quite rare to find one who doesn't already know they are in the wrong, so pointing it out can only serve to put them on the defensive. As long as they aren't asking me to condone what they are doing, I try to be as friendly and available as possible.