Just a thought –
To the extent that is is our fault that someone has little or no relationship with the body of Christ at large – to that extent – that person’s doctrine cannot be trusted. If , however, the separation from the body is not that man’s doing or choice, but God’s work in his life, then his message can be rejected only at the peril of losing one ‘s soul. His message must be received if his estrangement from the saints is because of God , as in the case of John the baptist. To set oneself off from God’s children disqualifies a person from being a messenger of the Lord.
jdc
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I really loved this.
Stirs up good thoughts.
If anyone loves Gods people, it’s those who are willing to be rejected by His own… for simply walking in obedience to the word of the Father and Son. It is perplexing and even painful to be rejected for what is right, and to be refused for bringing what is good. But it is still right, and it can only be refused at the peril of one’s life.
Those who have understood the truth, and have then turned from it, can never do good apart from it , in God’s sight.
Gary
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Good morning. Just read your emails. With reading this last one, it makes me want to be a peacemaker more than ever.
Donna N
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My prayer :
God grant me the words, deeds, actions, attitude and even facial expressions when I meet one of your children – even those not yours. The words of Uncle Joe have kept me from pushing in a lot of situations “If you get to someone before God does you are wasting your time.”
Only thru his power and leading can any good be done.
Wendell
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Pastor John,
I think I understand the first part of your comment, but I’m not sure I understand the last part. Are you saying that we must receive a man like John the Baptist, who was separated from the body not by his own choosing but because God was preparing him to send and preach something? In that case, the doctrine must be received or we are in danger of losing our soul, right? But when someone sets themselves apart from the body because they prefer being alone and are just self-centered (or deluded), then you can’t trust their experiences or their doctrine.
Lee Ann
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Yes, Lee Ann, exactly.
Pastor John