I Thessalonians 5:15-24 “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearances of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”

All,

We are entering a new stage in the life of our Covenant Group. It has been relatively easy thus far. We are beginning to discuss doctrines that have divided many bodies of believers in Church History. Sometimes division is needed to preserve Holiness or Vital Doctrine, other times division has been because of pride or ambition. I have been praying that God will preserve this group if it be his will, from without and from within. I would ask everyone to search themselves and test their motives for being in this group. I know we are aware, but sometimes it is helpful to repeat it, we are all from different backgrounds and have different experiences. Some people may say things that we disagree with and some people may say things in a tone we do not like. Yet it is important to keep in mind the exhortation of numerous scripture. We are to prefer one another and are to be patient with one another in love, helping the weaker brothers and sisters. Yet I believe that we are also to bear with those brethren that may be bolder and more outspoken. The body consist of John Wesleys and George Whitefields. We all have different gifts and different “orchestrated” weaknesses. Something much higher than our belief, reputation or pride is at stake! We are being conformed to the image of Christ and there are people whom we do not know that are looking in at us to see if this work is of God. Let us all give one another the benefit of the doubt as we proceed. If we are offended, let us prove all things and hold to that which is good. God cares for his Children and will not look kindly on those who mistreat them. If this is not your heart then it may be best for you to leave now. If it is your heart, and I trust it is, then let us proceed in fear, being jealous for one an other’s holiness and sanctification as we are our own. If we see sin or immaturity in another, let us approach them in love for their benefit and the strengthening of the body. Faithful is he that called us! Oh, let that be close to our hearts! If we are his children and act toward one another as the world does, he is faithful to chastise us to preserve us and Glorify his Holy Name.

I am not saying that anything is wrong but I see the danger of it and we should be extremely cautious as we proceed. This is not directed at anyone as much as it is directed at myself. I tend to speak before I think and if I were to offend you, I would hope that you would be gracious towards me and not speak ill of me or sneer behind my back. I have made mistakes and the Lord has been faithful to correct me. If you will not call me on my sins, then pray to God that he will correct me. I would consider this the loving and faithful act of a brother, sister and friend. I will do my best to be faithful in this respect to you as well. I Love, more than you can know, each member of our group and it is my deepest desire that God would move among us and send us out for from here for his Glory.

May God richly bless each one of you and may He cause His face to shine upon you.

Tags: 1 thessalonians 5:15, correction, division, doctrine, love, offense

In responding to a question regarding the proper method to share the Gospel to someone who believes to be converted but shows no evidence of God’s transforming work David gave the following things to think about which I thought were worthy of a post. (Bear in mind this stems from the previous post from Matthew’s Henry’s commentary.)

David said;

1. The first couple of sentences spoke of the differentness of Christ’s Gospel. When you reach out to someone that already believes they are saved you have to make sure of your own belief. Is your message clearly different from that of what she already believes? What does she need to move from and what will she be moving to? If not, what will be your reason for bringing this up to her? If she does not evidence the working of Grace in her life, you have to be able to pinpoint that to her.
2. Christ preached a great deal in parables. He used common things that people could relate to in order to teach them at their level. Keep in mind that whatever is done in her will only be done by the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. However, we must be instant in season and out and able to rightly divide the Word of Truth ourselves. It may be helpful, once you have thought through item 1 to actually study the Parable of the Soils. It is all about the False Convert in contrast to the True Child of God. Using that parable may be the tool to open her eyes to her current condition.
3. We must bear with the infirmities of the weak. We must earnestly seek the good of our deceived brothers. If you have not spent time in prayer for her, check your own heart to make sure your motives are pure. You will not accomplish anything by a good argument. However, the Holy Spirit through power, truth and your love and honest rebuke and exhortation may pluck a child from the fire.
4. Knowledge! Light! All things we must be emersed in and be able to share in a biblical way.
5. Your goal should not be to convince her! You must awake her to action! You must tell her the truth about herself in love and in tears. Be ever mindful that you are not trying to win an argument. You must jar her awake and be there for her whenever she may need it. The Holy Spirit does the heart work. I find that after I have shoved someone out of bed, they often return to me with questions, rather than go to the people that comfort them where they are at.
6. This is all extremely important. Proceed with caution and great fear. Look at the threats! If she were to die in her sins, she will spend an eternity in the agony and torture of hell and after an eternity she will realize that it is but a point and an eternity without rest or respite lies ahead of her. Proceed in Holy Fear.

I was especially convicted by Number 3.

Do we love those in our lives enough to share the truth with them, even though this truth might drive them away.

Tags: argument, false assurance, gospel, hell, love, Salvation, truth