Who among you...

[MoreMercy]

I would say that it is not our job to "hold" our brethren and neighbors to any qualifications outside of Church leadership. We live our lives as a testament to God's Love and Grace and let Him do the rest.

Christ did not give us instruction on the qualifications of neighbors and brethren in our NT's for no good reason then did he ?
Seriously, did He ?

My premise as you call it, is not who do we share the good news with or where we are allowed to share the light we have in Him.

My premise is do we hold our brethren and neighbors to the same qualifications as Christ does ? ...or not ?


Father bless.

[RabbiKnife]

I am not God, so I don't hold anyone to anything.

[RollTide21]

Christ did not give us instruction on the qualifications of neighbors and brethren in our NT's for no good reason then did he ?
Seriously, did He ?

My premise as you call it, is not who do we share the good news with or where we are allowed to share the light we have in Him.

My premise is do we hold our brethren and neighbors to the same qualifications as Christ does ? ...or not ?


Father bless.

First off, I am not sure how you are tying this point in with Matthew 12:46-50. Jesus is clarifying in those passages the nature of brotherhood in Christ. He seems to prioritize that relationship even over his own blood. He was making a specific point about the bond that we have in Christ. That passage says nothing about us having a responsibility to separate ourselves from professed Believers who don't produce fruit.

What passages are you referring to in talking about "qualifications of neighbors and brethren". 2 Corinthians 6?

[episkopos]

I think that as we seek first the kingdom of God (and His righteousness) we will find others who do the same (eventually). There is such a depth of relationship among these that goes beyond the norm we find in every day life.

I agree with Digging Deeper, that we all are at different stages of our walk and should never presume to judge another since we know not the timetable of the Lord.

But we are called to love one another AS Jesus loved us. There is a commitment there that most are plainly unable or unwilling to undertake. THAT commitment must be the guideline. Leaving all to follow Him. We don't judge the ones who are currently unable to do so. We move on. Perhaps the Lord will have them be joined together with us in THAT commitment to be one with the Father and His Son.

[MoreMercy]

I think that as we seek first the kingdom of God (and His righteousness) we will find others who do the same (eventually). There is such a depth of relationship among these that goes beyond the norm we find in every day life.

I agree with Digging Deeper, that we all are at different stages of our walk and should never presume to judge another since we know not the timetable of the Lord.

But we are called to love one another AS Jesus loved us. There is a commitment there that most are plainly unable or unwilling to undertake. THAT commitment must be the guideline. Leaving all to follow Him. We don't judge the ones who are currently unable to do so. We move on. Perhaps the Lord will have them be joined together with us in THAT commitment to be one with the Father and His Son.

Well said friend, Amen.

[Firefighter]

Jesus hung out with hookers, drunks, and sinners of all sorts. So do I. What good does a candle do in a room full of candles!?!?! I prefer to take my candle into the darkness where it will do the most good.

[episkopos]

Jesus hung out with hookers, drunks, and sinners of all sorts. So do I. What good does a candle do in a room full of candles!?!?! I prefer to take my candle into the darkness where it will do the most good.

that is true...and our flames get brighter by the light we share together. One puts to flight a thousand, and 2 ten thousand.

We cannot set one against the other. Even a small flame in the darkness has a great value. But more flame is better! When is there TOO MUCH light?

[Firefighter]

I agree, but we need to get more light by lighting other candles, not sitting around a bunch that are already lit...

[episkopos]

I agree, but we need to get more light by lighting other candles, not sitting around a bunch that are already lit...

I thought you just might have an aversion to large fires!

[Firefighter]

It is possible, especially after the last 3-4 days.

[episkopos]

It is possible, especially after the last 3-4 days.

God bless you brother! <><

[MoreMercy]

Taking the opportunity to bump this thread because I see where it might convict and or exalt Christ servants (the good ones and the bad ones) and encourage His friends, brothers, sisters and mothers.

If I am saved, then I was saved before the foundations of the Earth and everything in it according to our bibles, so nothing I can do will add or take away from that fact, amen !


Father bless.