"I've been hoping you'd call." There are many believers that who presently find themselves "outside the gates." The gates of the the latter-day church have become a point of separation -- between followers of God and followers more beholden to the personalities and messages proffered in the church. Still, we are to honor our "leaders" ... and this provides a natural opportunity for our common enemy. Conflict, discord. Charles Spurgeon:
Paul writing to the Hebrew Christians:
Christ died for us, outside the camp. We also note that His accusation and persecution began inside those gates. It is proper to remember that persecution for standing, or being shunned -- is a method the Lord uses to instruct BOTH parties. In one case the humility of being oppressed, in the other the possibility of conviction. Callous, loveless discipline is not biblical. Love costs us something. Casting out those with differences to enforce commonality is the very definition of Xenophobia. For those outside, we are not permitted to rail against methods but instead return honor.
We consider outcomes, NOT methods. Many are the promises of blessing if we wait on the Lord ... And finally Paul's prayer - in it's wonderful simplicity and grace...
|
Flips >