Major emotional/moral crysis.

[TheKarazyvicePresidentRR]

I have a friend who is not saved and admittedly does not want to be saved due to his own issues (Doesn't believe God could love him due to a ton of stuff). He has been coming to my church for years (2-3). However he is now being excluded from the bible studies (not services) because of his stance. It is tearing me up, I am trying to get more information on the whole situation but I just near prayer and guidance. I am very confused.

[jbeers285]

Prayer coming from ohio

[wyatt_marcum]

Prayer comin from Tn for sure. Your friend really should not be excluded from Bible studies. It could be something in those studies that changes their mind. BTW, try talking to your friend about David and big of a screw up he was and God still loved him because David was a man after God's own heart. and relate it to him. Thats my advice and seeing on the situation.

[Iamalittleking]

I have a friend who is not saved and admittedly does not want to be saved due to his own issues (Doesn't believe God could love him due to a ton of stuff). He has been coming to my church for years (2-3). However he is now being excluded from the bible studies (not services) because of his stance. It is tearing me up, I am trying to get more information on the whole situation but I just near prayer and guidance. I am very confused.

Keep in him in my prayers But i am with music maker. I think a good way to get in deep contact with your friend is to stand up for him. A church that denies one is not a church in my opinion. say he should be allowed back and if he is not just make a different bible study grope one centered around him and people like him.

[KingLeo]

Our church will be praying for him and your church.

KingLeo

[Prof Underwood]

Speaking of judging....

Can no one here even possibly think of a GOOD reason why this church made this decision?  Does everyone just jump to the conclusion that it's a terrible church that is abandoning Christ's call to share the Good News with everyone?  Sure that is possibly the case, but it seems unlikely that RR would be going to a church like that to begin with.  Therefore how about if we cut them some slack and find out some more information before condemning.

Possibly this friend of RR's is about the same age (early 20's) and has been making unwanted advances towards a teenage girl in the Bible Study and her parent's have asked the pastor to step in.  After all if this guy is totally convinced that he doesn't want to be a Christian after 2-3 years, then what other reason does he have to continue attending there?  Maybe he's selling drugs, maybe he's trying to convert some of the young people there to also abandon their faith.  I'm not saying that he IS doing any of these things.  But my point is that there are some possible scenarios where the leadership of the church could be actually acting in good faith, and with wisdom.

I too will pray about this situation.

[wyatt_marcum]

but if so there are other ways to stop these things.

[galadgawyn]

I thought the same thing Mark and just hadn't had time to respond.  I agree with your post. 

It is not a popular teaching but the Bible does instruct to kick some people out of the fellowship at certain limited appropriate times.  It is possible for a person to have no interest in God, the gospel or repenting but they continue for other reasons and drag down the church, the people and the testimony of that place. 


The bottom line is that we don't have enough information to accurately discern what is happening here.  At the same time, the person still needs Christ regardless of the circumstances and so we can pray that he comes to know and love Jesus.  I will also pray that God helps you with wisdom and being a good witness to this guy.  Finally, I encourage you to be faithful to Christ and trust Him with reaching your friend.  We are called to obey but it is God's power and work that will help and transform your friend. 

[TheKarazyvicePresidentRR]

Yeah, I purposfully left out details, I just needed prayer, and still do. I do know that I am less emotionally distraught though my actions are unclear as to what I should do. Prayer for clarity would be appreciated. I know we are to obey authority but I'm still not sure on how this was handled (told to me to deliver to him via a youth teacher who is also in our group of college/career peoples) much less the decision. He no longer wants to go to church now due to feeling of betrayal. So, I have no idea, though I know my not abandoning is helping.

[TheKarazyvicePresidentRR]

Hate to bring this back up but it has escalated further. I will be meeting with the pastors and then I will be leaving the church. I need major prayers for guidance and what to say. I am feeling very hurt and want to lash out but that is not what is right. I do not take this decision lightly.

[Platinum_Angel]

Hate to bring this back up but it has escalated further. I will be meeting with the pastors and then I will be leaving the church. I need major prayers for guidance and what to say. I am feeling very hurt and want to lash out but that is not what is right. I do not take this decision lightly.

I agree whole heartedly. Prof. Underwood hit a very key point. Luke 6:37 and Matthew 7:1 are what my family lives by. A church doesn't call someone into faith and believing, God does. Our prayers are with all of you in your area who are affected by this occurrence.

[Prof Underwood]

Hate to bring this back up but it has escalated further. I will be meeting with the pastors and then I will be leaving the church. I need major prayers for guidance and what to say. I am feeling very hurt and want to lash out but that is not what is right. I do not take this decision lightly.

Josh, have you consulted YMT on this situation?  He would probably have some wise counsel for you.  I also would welcome you to PM me so that we could discuss it further.  I'll pray for you pal

[TheKarazyvicePresidentRR]

I will most likely be doing that tonight. You will have a PM when I finish typing it out.

[YourMathTeacher]

I will most likely be doing that tonight. You will have a PM when I finish typing it out.

You have a PM. When times are the most difficult, especially when there seems like there was little you could do to stop it, the most likely reason is spiritual warfare. God must have great plans for you if Satan needs to attack this hard. But to borrow from The Dark Knight - don't let the Joker win. He's just trying to break you. Our God is stronger, and you have friends here to support you. You know where I live. Don't make me make you come over!