Accountability

[sunlover1]

Regarding "judging" or "advising"?

If I give advise, I normally will add that they should never take any mans word, including mine.
But to always check it against the Word of God.
I might think I know what I'm talking about and actually be in serious error.
I'd hate to be responsible for leading someone else wrong.

Sorry I wasn't clear.

sunlover

 

[JimfromOhio]

Otherwise, wouldn't most people get a bit puzzled over why we're getting in their business?
Before I can help someone they need to feel safe with me.
I know I would wonder, if there wasn't relationship.

That's the key, in Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (spiritually). In order for us to reveal our weaknesses to our brethren in Christ in a local Church, we need to bond and trust one another to share each other burdens. If a Christian is NOT committed to a local church and/or keeps hopping from one church to another church... they will not gain spiritual fulfillment. The burden of loving help which we are admonished to give to others: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2) which never harmed a soul. Another area of burden is the moral responsibility which no one can shift to another: "For each one should carry his own load" (Galatians 6:5) which is a source of comfort if our hearts are right.

 

[JimfromOhio]

If I give advise, I normally will add that they should never take any mans word, including mine.
But to always check it against the Word of God.
I might think I know what I'm talking about and actually be in serious error.
I'd hate to be responsible for leading someone else wrong.

Sorry I wasn't clear.

sunlover

It depends. We are commanded by Christ to "discple" others. If we don't disciple, are not obeying His commandment.

 

[sunlover1]

That's the key, in Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (spiritually). In order for us to reveal our weaknesses to our brethren in Christ in a local Church, we need to bond and trust one another to share each other burdens. If a Christian is NOT committed to a local church and/or keeps hopping from one church to another church... they will not gain spiritual fulfillment. The burden of loving help which we are admonished to give to others: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2) which never harmed a soul. Another area of burden is the moral responsibility which no one can shift to another: "For each one should carry his own load" (Galatians 6:5) which is a source of comfort if our hearts are right.

You've been a huge blessing JFO.
I didn't realise how much you love the Word of God.
Praise God for bereans!!

 

[sunlover1]

It depends. We are commanded by Christ to "discple" others. If we don't disciple, are not obeying His commandment.

Well I do it as He sends them.
But some ppl can get real excited and start asking question after question.
Rather than answering them as though I
have all of the answers, I answer with the preface I mentioned.

Maybe that helps.
Sorry I'm not great at communicating sometimes.

sunlover

 

[JimfromOhio]

You've been a huge blessing JFO.
I didn't realise how much you love the Word of God.
Praise God for bereans!!

And I am still learning. There's so much that God is sanctifying me everyday.

 

[JimfromOhio]

Well I do it as He sends them.
But some ppl can get real excited and start asking question after question.
Rather than answering them as though I
have all of the answers, I answer with the preface I mentioned.

Maybe that helps.
Sorry I'm not great at communicating sometimes.

sunlover

I know what you are getting at. At times, when I can't help or explain, I often refer them to scriptures or encourage them to discuss with a pastor. There are ways to disciple. I am like one of Jesus' disciples Andrew who labored quietly in humble places. Andrew is not the pillar like Peter, James and John, he is a humbler stone. Andrew was an affective disciple in his own way.

 

[Fireinfolding]

If a Christian is NOT committed to a local church and/or keeps hopping from one church to another church... they will not gain spiritual fulfillment.

Wheres that verse?

Your saying (if Im understanding you correctly) that limiting "the where's of our fellowship (or gatherings) equals spiritual fulfilment?

Peace

Fireinfolding

 

[Fireinfolding]

It depends. We are commanded by Christ to "discple" others. If we don't disciple, are not obeying His commandment.

To disciple others ? That would mean to "pupil" others" or "learner others"? I think you might mean something else though, not sure.

If one would make disciples of others it would be disciples "of Him". Not drawing others after ourselves (or "preaching ourselves") but Christ as Lord.

In that way making others disciples "OF HIM" (by pointing always "to Him"). We ourselves (as servants "of Christ) are helpers of others for their joy but certainly not as lords of anyones faith.

Peace

Fireinfolding

 

[JimfromOhio]

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Wheres that verse?

Your saying (if Im understanding you correctly) that limiting "the where's of our fellowship (or gatherings) equals spiritual fulfilment?

Peace

Fireinfolding

In concept of being loved by others. Just like a family, a local church is our spiritual family. It is only in the local body to which one is committed that there can be the level of intimacy that is required for spiritual growth with brothers/sisters in Christ. A church is an assembly of believers and is made up of real spiritual people. When we look in the mirror, we are the part of the spiritual Church. We belong to a local Church because God told us through the Word (Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians. 12:25-31; 14:12, 26; Hebrews 10:24-25; I Tim. 3:14-15). The Scriptures teach every believers to be committed to a local church where he or she is loved and cared for, instructed in the things Christ commanded, encouraged to grow spiritually, and serving Christ effectively.

Each local church is a fellowship in the deepest spiritual meaning of that word........Every local church is an expression of Church because as believers we are members of Christ's body through whom He seeks to reach out to people around us. A.W. Tozer

 

[JimfromOhio]

To disciple others ? That would mean to "pupil" others" or "learner others"? I think you might mean something else though, not sure.

If one would make disciples of others it would be disciples "of Him". Not drawing others after ourselves (or "preaching ourselves") but Christ as Lord.

In that way making others disciples "OF HIM" (by pointing always "to Him"). We ourselves (as servants "of Christ) are helpers of others for their joy but certainly not as lords of anyones faith.

Peace

Fireinfolding

Discipleship is life. Christ disciples me and I will disciple others. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

1 Thessalonians 1:6
You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 6:12
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

John MacArthur said "A disciple is simply a person, who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another. A person who Repents, Believes, and Submits to Christ clearly embraces the teachings of Christ, for that's what faith is all about. And for the rest of their life on earth the Christian (i.e., disciple) continues to embrace the teachings of Christ and spreads those teachings to others, seeking to make more disciples.

We are long on membership but short on discipleship. We are more anxious to gather statistics than to grow saints. Vance Havner

 

[Fireinfolding]

It depends. We are commanded by Christ to "discple" others. If we don't disciple, are not obeying His commandment.

In concept of being loved by others. Just like a family, a local church is our spiritual family. It is only in the local body to which one is committed that there can be the level of intimacy that is required for spiritual growth with brothers/sisters in Christ. A church is an assembly of believers and is made up of real spiritual people. When we look in the mirror, we are the part of the spiritual Church. We belong to a local Church because God told us through the Word (Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians. 12:25-31; 14:12, 26; Hebrews 10:24-25; I Tim. 3:14-15). The Scriptures teach every believers to be committed to a local church where he or she is loved and cared for, instructed in the things Christ commanded, encouraged to grow spiritually, and serving Christ effectively.

Each local church is a fellowship in the deepest spiritual meaning of that word........Every local church is an expression of Church because as believers we are members of Christ's body through whom He seeks to reach out to people around us. A.W. Tozer

Jim, what I mean is that theres nothing in those verses or in scripture concerning the the have-to's in assembling in one specific location. The "wheres" of where we gather together is not dictated in script or set in stone (well, save Christ that is).

The Church is a "people" who share fellowship with Christ and we with each other "wherever" that may be. Where two or three or gathered together in His name He is there.

God knits together (agreed) but wherever His own are, there He is (simply put). We are not bound to a specific church (ie building/location) that limits God's leading in the believers lives (as I'm understanding it). This is why I say anything at all. If the Spirit leads out and to another he will do just that in a believers life. God knits, arranges, leads and builds and it's as it "pleases HIM". I have seen the grace of God fustrated in others lives (guilt heaped upon them etc) because of the mentality that one can never go elsewhere limiting the leading of God. Thats all.

Peace

Fireinfolding

 

[Fireinfolding]

Discipleship is life. Christ disciples me and I will disciple others. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

1 Thessalonians 1:6
You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 6:12
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

John MacArthur said "A disciple is simply a person, who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another. A person who Repents, Believes, and Submits to Christ clearly embraces the teachings of Christ, for that's what faith is all about. And for the rest of their life on earth the Christian (i.e., disciple) continues to embrace the teachings of Christ and spreads those teachings to others, seeking to make more disciples.

We are long on membership but short on discipleship. We are more anxious to gather statistics than to grow saints. Vance Havner

Thers nothing wrong with following another's good EXAMPLE (when you spot one) especially when they follow Christ in DEED and in TRUTH

Peace

Fireinfolding

 

[chickenutbread]

well, accountability in terms of having other Christians constantly remind/ask of your prayer life & reading the Bible daily is a good thing so you'll be constant in your walk with God.

 

[xtreN]

I hear a lot of talk about accountability.
What are your thoughts or experiences.
Do you feel we need accountability to
other Christians or are we accountable to God.

tyia
sunlover

Hi sunlover1!

Yes we need accountability from other true followers i strongly agree on that. I also believe that we all need to be speaking up on God's truth and especially His love.

I would very much like to see more of that around here.

Evenso, God is Good and all will work out for His Glory.

Thanks for the thread!

xtreN