quote:
Originally posted by _Joy_:
Although I won't always succeed, I will continue to do as scripture says and speak the truth in love. I will follow God's rules of conduct, not Bill's.
New Christian or someone seeking the truth does not equal ignorant. If you could acknowledge the fact that you are speaking to your equal, you might be received better. That's my advice, for what it's worth, but you are of course free to do and say whatever you want.
Hi Joy,
Not sure about you; but, when I first became a Christian believer in 1987 -- I knew very little about God's Word. Even after being a Christian for a year or so, I still was into New Age and psychics -- until a loving pastor explained to me how I was allowing demonic spirits into my life by dabbling in the paranormal.
So, yes, a person who is a relatively new believer, and especially those who are just beginning to seek -- are very vulnerable to false teachings. And, I believe we more mature Christians are responsible for helping them grow and mature in God's Word.
We do not do this by doing good deeds for them -- and then turning them over to New Age, Mormon, Jehovah's Witnesses, Unitarian Universalists, or other cultic religions. I believe, that when Jesus Christ told us to Go, Make disciples, Baptize them, TEACH THEM; that is what He meant -- not allow the cults to teach them.
But, just as some are more gifted at good works, some are more gifted as pastors, some are more gifted as teachers, evangelists, etc. --- we each must find the niche God has given us and put our full efforts into that ministry.
My wife has, in the last few months, chosen to follow the gift God has given her and teach music, piano, to young people. She has students ranging from 6 years old to young adults in college. She has them to our home where she teaches them piano; then they all gather with their guitars and sing praise music -- and, I just enjoy the fellowship.
While she is teaching one; I will talk and fellowship with the others -- and we all have a glorious time. Today we got a Christmas card from one family whose three daughters are Dory's students. In the card, each girl wrote her own personal note and then mom and dad wrote theirs. All the girls wrote how they enjoyed the instructions and the conversations.
So, let's not knock one another for the gift of ministry God has given us. You do yours, I will do mine -- and we should complement one another; not hinder one another.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill