So much for believers not suing believers.
We (a conservative congregation kicked out by our bishop) left our church building, even though we had a good lawsuit, because of that Biblical directive.
At lease they are consistent in their disdain for the Bible.
I've been meaning to ask - how are things going at the old and the new church? Freepmail me if you want.
You'd be right-except that they aren't believers.
I'm a conservative Christian as well, and as we are citizens of two places (heaven and our country), like Paul, we can avail ourselves of the law when we have exhausted all biblical efforts in terms of dealing with our supposed 'brothers'. You first have to recognize whether those you may take to court really are 'brothers' or not.
Scripture doesn't say you can never take matters to the courts, as some matters (crimes, etc) should be dealt with there because there are not only spiritual consequences the church needs to address, but secular consequences as well (prison, fines, reparations, etc.). scripture says make good faith efforts to resolve the problem outside of the courts, the courts/secualr law is the last resort. As citizens of America, if they will not respond to us as brothers, your last resort (if you want to pursue it) is to appeal to the secular courts. Christians always have that option. It just shouldn't be the first thing we do if we are dealing with fellow Christians. When we deal with non-Christians, we really only have two choices: don't do anything, or going to the courts.
Lee