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Brother Dean:
A man I used to go on visitation with years ago gave me some excellent advice. He said, "You have to expect lost people to act like lost people".
I now offer that advice to you. Don't see them as refusing to do what they need to do, or what you want them to do.
Just see them as lost, doing what you expect the lost to do. It helps keep the blood pressure in check. It even helps me to remember that I was once in their place, for a long, long time, and if not for God's mercy, I would still be there.
Don't water down the truth. Preach it as the Lord leads. Tough love is still love, but expect some, or most to reject you and your message. God has hidden the truth from some. They cannot understand. They need to be pitied. Condemnation is the Lord's job, though I have to admit to sometimes crossing the line that separates witnessing from condemning.
Terry
Dean Writes:
Yes Terry- and some go beyond just being lost-into doing the will of Satan. I suggest you read 2 Peter 2 and rethink your position-should I love or shun those of 2 Peter 2 (I await you answer)?. To get a first hand view-You are welcome to come to SLC with us-I will pay you way as I know a street preacher when I see one.
There is no question that we should shun those who are false teachers, but I am not certain that DaveH fits the description given by Peter. He seems to be seeking rather than teaching, and as far as I know, has never sought to convert anyone on this list to his religeon. The fact that he does not believe as we do does not make him a false teacher, just a lost soul that has been led into believing a false gospel by someone who was a false teacher. The possibility always exists that I could be wrong. He may be as evil as the snake in the garden, but based on what I have heard so far, I have to assume that he is honestly looking for answers. He knows deep down that what he believes is as full of holes as Swiss cheese, but until we convince him that we have something better, he is not going to let go of what he has trusted for so long. I suggest that we don't write him off without trying a while longer .Our God is able.
As to SLC. I appreciate the invitation, and I mean no disrespect, but I have to be led by the Lord, not by men, and the Lord has never told me to preach. If he ever does, I will be there. Nothing in the world is more exciting than being used by God to bring a lost sheep into the fold, and if envy were a Christian thing, I would envy you your calling.
Blessings,
Terry | 
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