hypothetical question

[heal103]

I can use some advice here...if you are a non denominational Christian and you are close friends with someone who is Presbyterian and really loves the Lord and is serving God and active in her church....should you point out all the differences in your beliefs (baptism, pastors forgiving sins) or just enjoy the fellowship you have have sisters in Christ? Should you try to bring her over to see what you beleive is right on the issues you differ on or follow what Paul says in Romans 14:5,6? Do you argue who is "right" or focus on the majority of things you have in common?

 

[beegy]

I can use some advice here...if you are a non denominational Christian and you are close friends with someone who is Presbyterian and really loves the Lord and is serving God and active in her church....should you point out all the differences in your beliefs (baptism, pastors forgiving sins) or just enjoy the fellowship you have have sisters in Christ? Should you try to bring her over to see what you beleive is right on the issues you differ on or follow what Paul says in Romans 14:5,6? Do you argue who is "right" or focus on the majority of things you have in common?

JMHO, Each of us has our own relationship with God..I think he puts us where we can do our best for Him and His Church..Since your friend is devoted to her congregation, why spoil your friendship by trying to make her believe what you do..Would you want her to suddenly start trying to make you change your place of worship? When you get into situations like this with your friends who are faithful and loving members of another congregation you are sure to lose a friendship..

 

[jive4005]

Like Jesus, I try to go there only when invited. Remember, we are not a rating service. It is not our job. I remember something about pointing out the toothpicks while ignoring the logs.
It is the purpose and duty of every Christian to tell the world of Christ's love and forgiveness, and also to grow, mature, and emulate Christ. Jesus rarely went anyplace uninvited.
As for those bound to false doctrine (by who's standards?!)... the WORD itself will convict. Let's be careful not to build more walls between denominations. We have too many already.

God is awesome and has as many different ways of working with His Church as He has members in them.

I think...
rev

 

[IisJustMe]

I can use some advice here...if you are a non denominational Christian and you are close friends with someone who is Presbyterian and really loves the Lord and is serving God and active in her church....should you point out all the differences in your beliefs (baptism, pastors forgiving sins) or just enjoy the fellowship you have have sisters in Christ? Should you try to bring her over to see what you beleive is right on the issues you differ on or follow what Paul says in Romans 14:5,6? Do you argue who is "right" or focus on the majority of things you have in common?

The purpose of evangelism is not to get someone to change denominations, but change their lives in Christ. Enjoy the fellowship! The differences are unimportant in the greater scheme of things. Why risk a friendship, and broken fellowship, over silly doctrinal disagreements?

 

[Cris413]

I can use some advice here...if you are a non denominational Christian and you are close friends with someone who is Presbyterian and really loves the Lord and is serving God and active in her church....should you point out all the differences in your beliefs (baptism, pastors forgiving sins) or just enjoy the fellowship you have have sisters in Christ? Should you try to bring her over to see what you beleive is right on the issues you differ on or follow what Paul says in Romans 14:5,6? Do you argue who is "right" or focus on the majority of things you have in common?

Hi heal,

I don’t know a whole big bunch about Presbyterian doctrine; however, I am in a similar situation having close friends, co-workers and such that are denominational believers.

My personal stance is to share my beliefs as the Lord leads but I’m careful not to criticize their belief system and when the opportunity arises I do share mine.

I keep my friends and co-workers in prayer for the Holy Spirit to move in their hearts and lives according to His good will and purpose.

Doctrinal minutiae are not something, IMHO, to cause division. Basic core fundamental values, however, may need to be addressed but again…always sharing the truth in love…not criticism.

I have a very dear friend…she’s non-denom as well but there are certain beliefs we do not share. We used to get together (when we lived in the same state) to do Bible studies…when we reached a point in Scripture that we had different understandings on…basically we agreed to disagree and moved along with the study.

It’s the Holy Spirit that gives wisdom and understanding…

If you’ve read through these boards you will most assuredly note that not everyone agrees on every interpretation of Scripture…

It’s the unity in the Spirit…the common ground of love for the Lord and love for others that far out-weighs doctrinal or interpretational differences regarding Scriptural minutiae.

Even on the core fundaments…I try not to go overboard to "correct" someone’s understanding…again…we are called to share the truth in love. The condition of someone’s heart and understanding is transformed/conformed by the work of the Holy…not by anything we do or say.

Now things that are down right heretical...well that's another issue all together. I might be a bit more firm or aggresive in sharing my thoughts regarding such things...but again we need to follow Scriptural instruction in dealing with such things...

 

[psalms 91]

We are all brothers in Christ and while we can share what we believe and why we should always respect each others beliefs as long as they are pointed to Jesus.

 

[Telrunya]

I see nothing wrong with discussing the differances in your beliefs, but it should always be in the context of enjoying fellowship, not trying to convert someone. I mean on the truely important matters, such as belief in Jesus Christ and Him being the only way to heaven and such, you guys agree. Love your sister in Christ and fellowship with her.

 

[abbasdaughter]

I've had a relationship for many years with a friend that differs with me doctrinally. We know where we both stand on particular doctrines, but it is really about just knowing one another. We even joke a little with one another and poke fun at ourselves with one another. We truly love one another and encourage one another toward a more intimate and satisfying relationship with Jesus Christ. We don't have to understand one another - we are just understanding with one another. It's by far one of the most wonderful friendships I've ever had. [edit: Do you suppose I could have said "one another" one more time?!!! ]

 

[Reformationist]

...(baptism, pastors forgiving sins)...

These don't seem random. Were these hypothetical issues? I ask because Presbyterians don't espouse the idea that Pastors forgive people's sins.

As to your question, I think we should always seek to sharpen our brethren and be sharpened by their knowledge. We should, of course, be open to the idea that in our attempts to enlighten them to what we believe is the "truth" that we may, in fact, be enlightened that our own view is unbiblical.

As for what Paul said in Romans 14:5-6, I think the point he was making is that whatever we do we should do it to the glory of God because it is God, and God alone, that will judge us for what we do. Now, that is not to say we should not seek to correct what we believe is erroneous behavior or thinking. We should. It's just that we should do it with a loving and gentle spirit.

God bless

 

[jive4005]

Brethren... it is very dangerous thinking supposing that all the churches in any denomination adhere to all the doctrinal ideas. That includes independents. I know for for a fact, many don't. We must be very careful about stating what other people are thinking, teaching or believing... until you have some weighty first hand evidence. It's far too easy to just assume that labels include everyone and are evidence of supposed facts, when in truth there is no evidence except supposition.

I think...
rev

 

[63imp]

nowhere in any if this do I read of the possibility that SHE might teach YOU something-why do you assume that you have it all wrapped up and she's wrong just because she belongs to a denomination?

 

[IisJustMe]

nowhere in any if this do I read of the possibility that SHE might teach YOU something-why do you assume that you have it all wrapped up and she's wrong just because she belongs to a denomination?

Wow! Excellent point! Go to the head of the ... uh ... thread??

 

[Reformationist]

nowhere in any if this do I read of the possibility that SHE might teach YOU something-why do you assume that you have it all wrapped up and she's wrong just because she belongs to a denomination?

I made that very point two posts prior to yours:

As to your question, I think we should always seek to sharpen our brethren and be sharpened by their knowledge. We should, of course, be open to the idea that in our attempts to enlighten them to what we believe is the "truth" that we may, in fact, be enlightened that our own view is unbiblical.

God bless

 

[63imp]

I made that very point two posts prior to yours:





God bless

got me!

 

[Reformationist]

got me!

LOL! Just picking at ya...

 

[Svt4Him]

I think it's good to enjoy the whole body of Christ, not get everyone to be a hand.

 

[Nadiine]

I don't think that focusing on differences with other believers is healthy in general.

I think the only doctrines we should be 'correcting' on in a personal relationship w/ a Christian friend are the more serious doctrines, not things that really don't matter.

A girlfriend of mine doesn't fully agree w/ me on a pretrib rapture, OSAS & is ok with female Pastors... but other than those things, her doctrine is absolutely spot on.
So... I'm not sitting w/ her focusing on those 3 differences to hammer home my viewpoints & get her to "see the light" my way. I think it's unecessary that I need to get her to agree w/ me. If she accepts me in MY differences, I offer her the same courtesy on non essential doctrines.


I think that's fair and kind.

 

[Halfoat]

I agree with the other's who've said to just enjoy the friendship. I come from a Spirit-filled doctrinal background and had a friend several years back who was a Baptist. Things were alright until we got into doctrinal issues. Looking back though a rift was inevitable. I used to be a Baptist myself many years ago and we were taught that being Spirit-filled was unnecessary and speaking in tongues was demonic. Some doctrinal differences between friends can be a cause for friction.

I hope your friendship doesn't fall apart because of doctrinal differences. Try not to talk about them; it only causes arguments, especially if you're both well-versed in Scripture. Bible fights aren't much fun. Concentrate instead on the parts of your faith that you have in common and strengthen those areas.

 

[Nadiine]

[clip]

I hope your friendship doesn't fall apart because of doctrinal differences. Try not to talk about them; it only causes arguments, especially if you're both well-versed in Scripture. Bible fights aren't much fun. Concentrate instead on the parts of your faith that you have in common and strengthen those areas.

I agree - & that's what we do with our unsaved friends and friends in other denoms. where there are differences.
I also come from a Baptist upbringing, but I do reject some of their closed views on the moving of the Spirit.
They can hold that opinion, it just shuts them off to experiencing relationships w/ people in the body of Christ & it's a little sad.

Just recently, my mom's Baptist church finally got a new pastor after their former pastor finally retired & moved away.
Several of the members left the church when the new Pastor mentioned that he couldn't emphatically say the Spirit doesn't operate in spiritual gifts today.
All of a sudden a bunch of them left the church spreading all kinds of hatred & lies that "he's a liar" & all kinds of silly crap.

We aren't supposed to divide from genuine believers over non essential doctrinal differences.

Those are the types of people that do harm to true Christianity. & some people view ME as legalistic!
roflol

 

[IisJustMe]

I used to be a Baptist myself many years ago and we were taught that being Spirit-filled was unnecessary and speaking in tongues was demonic. Some doctrinal differences between friends can be a cause for friction.

Being "spirit-filled" is unnecessary? As in "signs and wonders" gifts? Or just in general? I'm a Southern Baptist by attendance, education and acceptance of doctrine, although I attend a non-denominational church out here. The term "being filled with the Spirit" is common around our churches. But it doesn't mean a "second baptism" nor does it mean the "signs and wonders" gifts are valid. Be careful how it is expressed, because you can say something like that and offend someone who doesn't understand exactly what you're saying. All Christians should desire the "filling of the Holy Spirit" on a daily basis, but I don't find it necessary to view that filling as my pentecostal and charismatic friends view it.