Embrace, Endorse, Promote...

whollyHis · #1 03-04-2007, 07:58 AM

If I say that I 'embrace' someone of a different doctrinal belief, am I saying that I endorse, or promote their beliefism?

Serious question. I have friends of other doctrinal beliefs that I 'embrace'- by embracing them, am I telling them that I AGREE with their beliefism??

Admin might move this thread, but I wanted this to get attention- so, I posted yet another thread...*sigh*

rgcraig · #2 03-04-2007, 08:02 AM

Not at all.

If that was so, it'd be a small world for many of us.

Did Jesus do that? I don't think so.

stmatthew · #3 03-04-2007, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whollyHis

If I say that I 'embrace' someone of a different doctrinal belief, am I saying that I endorse, or promote their beliefism?

Serious question. I have friends of other doctrinal beliefs that I 'embrace'- by embracing them, am I telling them that I AGREE with their beliefism??

Admin might move this thread, but I wanted this to get attention- so, I posted yet another thread...*sigh*

I think you probably need to define what you mean by "Embrace".

Spiritual fellowship to me is different that just having friendships. I can be friendly and have folks that I associate with that are not of this Apostolic faith. But they will never get into the inner circle because they do not relate to my salvation. there will always be a part of me they do not get to receive, or commune with. And to be honest, my main goal will be the saving of their soul, so eventually they will either become interested in this Jesus I serve, or they will grow tired of our discussions and talks, and drift away.

I cannot just be friends and not share with them this glorious gospel, and this only saving plan that is available to man. If I am truly their friend, I will be able to do nothing less that show them truth.

whollyHis · #4 03-04-2007, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stmatthew

I think you probably need to define what you mean by "Embrace".

Spiritual fellowship to me is different that just having friendships. I can be friendly and have folks that I associate with that are not of this Apostolic faith. But they will never get into the inner circle because they do not relate to my salvation. there will always be a part of me they do not get to receive, or commune with. And to be honest, my main goal will be the saving of their soul, so eventually they will either become interested in this Jesus I serve, or they will grow tired of our discussions and talks, and drift away.

I cannot just be friends and not share with them this glorious gospel, and this only saving plan that is available to man. If I am truly their friend, I will be able to do nothing less that show them truth.

Of course I minister and witness to them...but, most are 'christians' and feel they are saved already. Incidentally, the fact that they ARE believers, is what drew them to me...these are work acquaintances.

The thread about JB and his missions/doctrinal statement got me thinking about this....folks got 'up in arms' because he states that although they baptize in Jesus Name, they 'embrace' those of other doctrines...does he mean that he puts them in heaven, or that they will embrace them in fellowship, while trying to 'win them' to truth?

Just mulling things over in my mind...