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To: Judith Anne; Petronski; vladimir998; narses; NYer; Salvation; Pyro7480; All
For me, I tend to believe that the correct course of action is to charitably correct the errors a few times. We should do our best to assure that those folks who are against the Church do not have to excuse of invincible ignorance.

But the key is charitably, with patience, but firmly.

Titus 3:

1 Admonish them to be subject to princes and powers, to obey at a word, to be ready to every good work.
2 To speak evil of no man, not to be litigious but gentle: showing all mildness towards all men.
3 For we ourselves also were some time unwise, incredulous, erring, slaves to divers desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
4 But when the goodness and kindness of God our Saviour appeared:
5 Not by the works of justice which we have done, but according to his mercy, he saved us, by the laver of regeneration and renovation of the Holy Ghost.
6 Whom he has poured forth upon us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour:
7 That, being justified by his grace, we may be heirs according to hope of life everlasting.
8 It is a faithful saying. And these things I will have you affirm constantly, that they who believe in God may be careful to excel in good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
9 But avoid foolish questions and genealogies and contentions and strivings about the law. For they are unprofitable and vain.
10 A man that is a heretic, after the first and second admonition, avoid:
11 Knowing that he that is such an one is subverted and sins, being condemned by his own judgment.

The point being that you should contend for the Faith, but descending into empty argument is just not worth it:

2 Tim 2
14 Of these things put them in mind, charging them before the Lord. Contend not in words: for it is to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
15 Carefully study* to present yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they grow much towards ungodliness.
17 And their speech spreads like a canker
: of whom are Hymeneus and Philetus:
18 Who have erred from the truth, saying that the resurrection is past already, and have subverted the faith of some.
19 But the sure foundation of God stands firm, having this seal: the Lord knows who are his; and let every one depart from iniquity who names the name of the Lord.

* The Greek for Study is "spoudazō" -- meaning to be diligent

And if you get too frustrated, you can gain some comfort from reading Psalm 2. Tho' I'm not much of a fan of the KJV, in this case, the KJV is the most satisfying: Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?…

29 posted on 01/08/2010 12:06:41 PM PST by markomalley (Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus)
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To: markomalley

What a wonderful post! Thank you very much.


39 posted on 01/08/2010 12:26:55 PM PST by Judith Anne (Drill in the USA and offshore USA!! Drill NOW and build more refineries!!!! Defund the EPA!)
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