Quote:
Originally Posted by OGIA
You were clear and I do believe I understand. 
This particular friend is one I've been in a Friday morning study group with for over 1 1/2 years now. She and another lady and I meet each week. The other lady has been born again as has her son (he was first). The one I had lunch with today is a real "hard core" Baptist, as is her husband. I have taken great care to be very patient, praying for the wisdom only the Lord can provide to not mess this up royally!
She is not one of those who is stuck in what I called "greasy grace". She is digging and hungry. She recognizes the pitfalls of that theology and agrees that one thing missing in denominational churches is sacrifice.
I do not preach any sort of standards when with them. In fact, the other lady still attends the same Baptist church, has not quit wearing pants or jewelry or makeup, etc. I have not said a word to her about it, either. That's for God, in His time, and for her "hope-to-soon-be" Apostolic pastor. But, even on that, I do not push her. She has only been to my church once, in fact.
Anyway, I do think I understand your post. I have to be very careful and rely on the Lord for the words I speak in front of these. I also have a group I meet with on Thursday nights (tonight) that is mostly Methodists (or ex) searching for something deeper. They have not heard Acts 2:38 or standards come out of my mouth once in 4 months now. They won't until the Holy Ghost tells me to, and then it will likely only be obedience to the Gospel.
I hope I got your point. Even if I didn't, what I got was received. I appreciate your spirit here!  |
Thank you again. I understand what you are saying here. I believe that we are always careful when we work with people in sin or other denominations.
I think that I coming from the perspective of how we handle the body.
Many times I hear it preached that we are quick to put our foot in the neck of our brother when he is down. In other words, a young man who was raised in the church and got out when he came of age was telling me that when you come back you are judged and perceived to be the person you always were before repentance. Your past taints your future. It is a hard thing to get up and keep on walking with this attitude surrounding you.
Now, I have watched this and found it to be true in many instances. So, I wonder, when we preach mercy, grace and forgiveness, why do we withhold that from our own brethren?
This gives us the reputation of "kick them when they are down" and then lends the credence that we are more of "judgment" than we are of "mercy".
I believe this is where I am going with this. I appreciate your patience with me as I express my thoughts and bounce them off of you.
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