Posted on 06/29/2015 2:58:53 AM PDT by HomerBohn
Verse 7 says: "Therefore do not be partners with them."
and
Verse 11 says: "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."
The scriptures seem to be saying to not agree with them, nor to have anything to do with their deeds, but rather admonish them. It does not say we are to have nothing to do with the people themselves. For instance, I chose to not attend parties or get-to-gethers where there will be activities that I count as sinful. Yet, I would welcome the chance to have lunch, for instance with some of those same people, one-on-one, and talk to them about why I didn't attend the party and why following Jesus means so much to me.
Remember that Jesus went among the sinners. If we cut off all interaction with acquaintances and family members who support the LGBT movement, then how will be able to witness to them or even admonish them? I guess there are various degrees or definitions of "fellowship", and I truly believe God would not have us give up on friends and relatives who we love and want to witness to.
I strongly emphasize that we are to hate the sin, not the sinner.
“I strongly emphasize that we are to hate the sin, not the sinner.”
No fellowship means no fellowship. Such equivocation on the part of Christians will lose many a soul. We are constrained to preach the gospel. If it isn’t received, then we are justified and yes, admonished to shake the dust off our feet and move away. The nice little quotation you present isn’t found in The Word. Even those overtaken in sin that belong to a body of believers are to be removed from the company of Christians until and unless they repent. Homosexuals are not about to repent but rather want affirmation for their vileness. It doesn’t take an ongoing relationship or rehabilitation process to relate the consequences of defying the Almighty. The “love” comes in taking the short time it takes to tell them the truth. If it’s rejected, the peril is yours in associating with evil practices. Jesus didn’t tell those he came in contact with to “take their time”. He didn’t tell them to “go and sin some more”. Our words don’t convict people of sin; The Holy Spirit does. A Christian’s only constraint is to tell them the truth, not support, re-re-re-hab, or enable while they mull it over.
Aleya,
I am not sure what you are referring to as the “nice little quotation” that I presented. The ONLY quotation that I presented were the verses from Ephesians 5. And they are most certainly found in the Word. Of course the exact wording will be according to the translation used. What does your Bible say for verses Ephesians 5 verses 7 and 11?
“fight” on your knees.
As I’ve read elsewhere, perhaps it’s time for Christians to “strike”. We should not buy anything beyond bare necessities, save up as much as we can, work off the books, etc, to starve the beast.
Sounds like a good plan., MrB.
It does not say we are to have nothing to do with the people themselves.
Please read and re-read if necessary. If it is a shame to even speak of them and their deeds; I’m pretty sure its unacceptable to associate with them. That is, other than the short time it takes to tell them where their sin is going to get them to. You obviously have some people you care about that are of this persuasion. Pray for them, but guard your own soul. Satan’s devices depend on associations that we don’t want to give up.
Isn’t it talking about Christians living in sin?
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