Thank you PeaceJoyLove, for this word of Paul that was unknown from me. But I wonder what kind of relationship Jesus had with Peter before he claim Jesus was the messiah, with the criminal hanging on the cross next to his, before this criminal became a convert, for instance, or before Jesus rose again from the dead. Were they believers before he came and came back to life?
Peter2, studying and participating with a group who hold beliefs contrary to scripture is very different from mingling with those who do not know the LORD. Here are some scripture I pray might shed light on the matter. I believe the Spirit of Truth is speaking to you. Looking to scripture to test is so important...and pray to HIM for clarity. HIS mind and our own mind are two different things.
Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
I Corinthians 5:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:
because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.