Hogguide wrote:
houndsound wrote:
The Thread was about people who have been on an Emmaus walk.
I have started the "walk" once before by the urging of a friend whose church was doing it. I have "some"
knowledge of it. One of the men in my peer group was tryoing to convnce the 2 baotists in the group that women and homosexuals should be allowed to pastor a church based on Galatians 3:28.... When I objected, I was reprimanded and told that for 3 days I had to accept all doctrinal differences.....The Holy Spirit told me to leave...I left.
I can see where it can be good. I am sure many get alot from it....but I am bothered by the accpetance of doctrines that are pagan, unbiblical, works oriented , etc that is accepted and overlooked during this.
Well, as I've said before.... we probably agree on more then we disagree on... we both just tend to be type A personalities and pretty vocal about our opinions.... so I can say I agree, I wouldn't overlook bad doctrine... but I'm not sure I have to overlook it to be around those folks. Did Jesus overlook sin to come to earth.. or did He overlook the prostitutes, thieves etc... that he ate with? Just a question? I just feel very secure in my beliefs and even more secure in my Father... so if someone disagrees with me, that's o.k.... not my job to change them. My job is to be used by God when He's changing people.
I look at it like this Hogguide.... truth rises to the top. If what I believe is the truth... it will be evident. If it's not evident to someone, it's for one of two reasons.
1. That person isn't willing to see past their point of view or they don't have the ability / desire to change their view... or question their beliefs. If this is the case... no amount of arguing, debating, yelling, or accusing will change them. If they believe 2 + 2 = 3.... then it's because they aren't willing to look at the facts. My telling them they're not true mathematicians won't change that. Until they want to question their addition process.... I can't make them believe. But if they do someday question why their additon isn't working.... I'd like to think the way I treated them will make me available to help them figure out that 2+2=4. In the real world I'd say that it's God's job to change their hearts, even if their doctrine is bad... only when God gives them a desire to change will they beable to change..... and I hope when God gives someone the desire to change I haven't turned them off of me... or I wouldn't be able to be used by God.
2. The second reason would be that I was wrong... in which case I'd be glad I didn't spout off to much about it.
In summary, If I really believe 2+2=4, and that's "truth".... I won't need to convince anyone. Even if they think it comes to 3....because if they are willing to take an honest, clear look at the math.... I will trust that they will come to the truth., the truth will rise to the top, the truth doesn't need me (although I'm honored to be used the Truth)... if they're not willing to take an honest clear look, I won't be able to change their minds and ... I still want to be nice to them.
I hope this makes sense. God Bless!