It seems to me two things happen when you stand up for what you believe is right. First, you make enemies. Second, you have peace of mind. Thoughts?
Standing Up for What is Right
- Thread starter Bob Estey
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If we are on God's side in our standing up, then, yes... I might agree with your two conclusions!
However, we need to be properly led in what we believe, or...?
"O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" Jerem. 10:23
"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." Rom 8:5-8
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Rom 8:14
If your pastor preaches that homosexuality is not a sin, do you tell him he is wrong, or do you wonder if you are properly led?
The first clarification I need is who do you, Bob Estey, mean by "you". Is that an impersonal "you" commonly used these days in English or is a personal "you" referring specifically to Amadeus?
My answers for the two situations are likely to be different.
It was a general question, so I guess I am wondering what John Doe should do if he found himself in that situation.
In my understanding of the scriptures of today, I would have to say something to the pastor as should anyone.
In my own ignorance as a new convert many years ago, I actually would not and could not oppose the man so directly as that forthwith. In the real case, the pastor did not err on homosexuality, but on other points, but for me the issues as I see them were the same as per your OP question.
I was unknowing, even though I was questioning others when I could. In those few years we were there, sitting under him, he did several things which today would have convinced me of his error and of my need to say something. Eventually as I learned more about what was written in the scripture and what was God's Way, the time to come out of that assembly and from under that man arrived... and we came out.
That is what I see the person sitting under a pastor in accord with your question as needing to do. Anyone needs God's understanding and God's direction. The very young and really ignorant in the things of God could be in a lot of trouble in that kind of a situation.
I was fortunate in that the man of God who won me to the Lord, was available to me even though he was not a part of that assembly. He was able to skillfully direct me and advise me. Not everyone will be so fortunate.
A person who knows God and is digging into the scriptures carefully as led by the Holy Spirit, should then come to understand what needs to be done and when. There is a time to stay and there is a time to come out of a place like that. God knows these things. We need to hear from Him.
General advice is difficult, as specific people and specific situations vary considerably. God is able to handle them all. Without Him we, really, are not able!
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