tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post4607132345817304061..comments2024-03-29T04:31:15.219-05:00Comments on Pastoral Meanderings: Appearance only. . . Pastor Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10653554256101480140noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-31822784720270742182020-09-04T10:22:37.843-05:002020-09-04T10:22:37.843-05:00Growing up, these people who claimed an allegiance...Growing up, these people who claimed an allegiance to the Church, but were only skin-deep believers we called, “nominal” Christians. Same as, “in name only.” <br /><br />It is a great temptation to become puffed up if we have been faithful in attendance and doctrine. There is, however, no need. I always come back to Luke 17 when I find myself slipping into the sin of feeling superior: “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” Luke 17:10 NIV. I hope I never fool myself into believing I have done all that Christ asks of me, or of changing or weakening His Words.<br /><br />Those who are weak on doctrine in Church need teaching and encouragement to true unity. It is not our place to decide who is a “name only” and who is a sheep needing the shepherd’s crook. It is only those who refuse repentance and belief in what Scripture teaches who may be outed. It is not our personal choice but is the responsibility of those to whom Christ has given authority by the Word.<br /><br />There will be difficult times ahead for the Church; it’s a promise of which we’ve escaped the full-fillment (sp. intentional) for many, many years in America. Janis Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02947508427040251166noreply@blogger.com