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Is it ok to lie in this case?

Swan7

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Recently they cutoff all ties with the pastor of our church, because the family they offended was using our pastor to track them.

This is correct, Biblically speaking. If a matter cannot be resolved with one or two people, then it is taken to the whole congregation and the person in sin is cast out, but only for a time until that person reaches repentance. It sounds like this person did not repent... and is in darkness.
Matthew 18:15-20

Our pastor also expressed the seriousness of the situation where if I was to interact with this person again I would be excommunicated from the church.

I said that I don’t hang out with this person I just steer them in the right direction towards repentance.

I can see this two ways:
1. Deliberately not listening to the pastor's institution, which is Biblical and the Word of God, is not wise and should be repentant from.
2. However, if you had initially heard and listened to this instruction given to us by God, and you had run into this person not of your own accord; then I agree with your second statement above. This is the Spirit of the Word.
Hebrews 4:11-12


See, here is a great lesson to be learned: Sin works in our life like a young lion. It seems cute and harmless, but quickly becomes an overbearing weight and even a threat to your salvation. Sin separates us from God.
Job 38:39

Please do not despair reading this, I am only pointing you to scripture with what God has already said. We all have come short of the glory of God - all have sinned.
But thanks be to God! He gave His only begotten Son to die for all (the ultimate sacrificial Lamb of God), so we can be reconciled with Him - those who believe in Him and love Him.

This is why we have a conscience, the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin in our life so we may repent and allow Jesus Christ to live in and through us. This is why I said this is a great lesson, so please have joy in our Lord and Saviour!
John 16:8

It was a lie, I knowingly lied, but it got me out of being put in the same boat as the person who asked me for support sometimes. All parties believe me as far as I know, but I lied and I regret it very much.

Also, please do repent quickly or God will correct you: Please read Hebrews 10 as it seems to correlate to this very issue, plus giving you hope and encouragement at the same time! God is Great!
 
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Andrew77

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Yeah, this does sound odd.

In order to determine what I would do, I would need to know exactly what this person did. I would need to know all the details of what is going on.

Because there are situations where I would want everyone to steer clear of this person.

There are other situations, where it just sounds like you have a weak pastor, that is being manipulated by some crazy people, and I would say tell them off. I'm not going to be bullied into being a jerk to someone who has done nothing wrong to me, just because he offended your tiny little egos. And if you don't want me going to your church, works for me. I wouldn't want to be with crazy people anyway.

But again, this is all dependent on what exactly this guy did, and you didn't say.

I would not lie about it though. Better to obey the pastor, and cut off contact with the guy, than lie to the pastor. Either tell the pastor the truth, and accept whatever the consequences are with a smile.... or do what the pastor says.

Make a choice. One or the other. Both isn't an option.
 
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Cis.jd

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Email me at cazzarks@gmail.com and I’ll send you a link to the news story
I;m not sure if i need to..I mean, if you are that discrete then it must be that serious or you are something embarrassing, i'll just assume it's the earlier.

If it is something that is going to get you in trouble with the law or just against your code then just decline.
 
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Gregory Thompson

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I'd say be honest. If they cast you out, you're better off for it anyway. The behavior you are describing from the congregation doesn't sound like Jesus, it sounds like the people who crucified Him.

Before reading your post the scripture that came to mind was "to the innocent you show yourself innocent, to the crooked, you show yourself shrewd" I don't know how that applies to the specifics .. but there you are.
 
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Kenny'sID

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I don't know how bad a thing this guy did, but I don't like the churches controlling attitude over you. There also seems to be a LOT of unforgiveness going on here.

Anyway, the lie? that's between you and God and we all know how the verse goes, "Charity covers a multitude of sin". I'd say you were being mighty charitable towards this man when no one else seems to care.

I honestly would ask forgiveness for it and worry no more about the lie. Just keep it between you and God, as I think the necessity for the lie was the bigger problem here.
 
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