I think I miss-understood you question. I do not know if they are saved. I do know that they are Christians and pastors. I do know that when we begin our walk with God, often we begin as babes -- of the flesh and carnal in nature. Leaders within the body are asked to be a certain kind of person in comparison to others on the same path. And I do think this is important, if not critical. As you know, I am very understanding of those who come to Christ with baggage. But pastors really need to follow the advice Paul gave to Timothy in the appointment of pastors and deacons. When it comes to spiritual guidance, I look to someone, anyone, who expresses the passion of Christ in ways that exceed my efforts. And that is the way it should be. The amount of potential harm is astounding, in this c
ase. Unless they are thoroughly dead to the truth, this will be my starting place. When we start arguing for an unpopular position, confirming over and over again "I am right," we declare an uncaring heart for those who look to us for the _expression_ of Christ. Serious business. Christ rebuked leadership but was very understanding with common Joe Blow. A good example.
Jd
I
-----Original Message-----
From: Terry Clifton <wabbits1234@earthlink.net>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sun, 02 Oct 2005 12:01:50 -0500
Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] Re:Jesus as 'God's Example'??
Are you saying then, that the two pervert pastors in your area are saved?
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[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
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[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
like a hand in a glove.
-----Original Message-----
From: Terry Clifton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Sun, 02 Oct 2005 09:55:50 -0500
Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] Re:Jesus as 'God's Example'??
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:How does this fir, John, with "Those who endure to the end will be saved?"We must overcome where A&E failed. He wants us to work to that end. But to say "we must" is overstating our involvement in the situation. Holiness, blamelessness and being above reproach "happen" to us the instant we accept Christ. In Christ, right now, I am as pure as it gets. It is flat out heresy to disagree or to teach otherwise. In God's "plan" of salvation He first absolves us from all that causes our defeat and then helps to bring our person into this reality. We don't work to get saved, rather, we work because we are saved ----- Soteriology 101.JD===============================================================================
Terry
