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Discussion Forum : General Topics : Other Brothers or Sisters questioning what God has spoken to us.

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Sidewalk
Member



Joined: 2011/11/11
Posts: 719
San Diego

 Re:

It is an interesting dynamic, trying to determine whether your association with another person is ministry or not! Sometimes we have to be the best Christ we can in the presence of others when we have no other choice like family and co-workers, and some people just plain need to be avoided. Hearing God’s counsel is precious- and His counsel today may change tomorrow!

What was Jesus thinking when the rich young ruler, after the discussion of how the law of God is fulfilled in a man’s heart and life, the man just walked away? Jesus didn’t apologize or soften the appeal and He didn’t chase him down in an effort to win him back. He just watched him walk away.

God knows those that are His, and it is almost frightening to hear from Him that a person we know is not in a place to hear and respond to the ministry that lives within us. Doesn’t mean that this person is permanently lost, but “not you, not now.”

Perhaps it is fair to say to God, “Thank You for this word, and since this person is in a dark place, may Your wisdom and love for him reach him in a way that today I cannot.”


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Tom Cameron

 2018/10/14 17:10Profile
twayneb
Member



Joined: 2009/4/5
Posts: 2256
Joplin, Missouri

 Re:

Quote:
Well Todd, this person is a fornicator, goes to the casino almost every weekend, smokes weed, and curses a lot, and this is just what I know about him, there may be more. Would you want this person in your life? Todd, I appreciate your response, but it really didn't answer my question, should a brother or sister question what God has spoken to us?



Mr. Bill: I would think that if this man was causing you to stumble out of weakness on your part or if you had this man as part of your inner circle where you valued and accepted his advice, then you might want to distance yourself from that aspect of relationship. I regularly counsel people who are new believers and whose circle of friends has always been the drinking and drugging buddies to cut ties until they become strong and mature enough to no longer be influenced. But if you are a mature brother, you cannot win this man without having some form of relationship. I am not questioning what you felt God told you. I am just encouraging you to weight what you heard with scripture and make your decision based upon that. I do not have any close confidants who are not believers, but I do have relationships with people who are not saved and who need to be won.

Just my perspective.


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Travis

 2018/10/15 15:35Profile
wijnand
Member



Joined: 2006/3/31
Posts: 116


 Re: Other Brothers or Sisters questioning what God has spoken to us.

Hi brother,

About your question.

It's no problem when someone questions you if you really heard from the Lord I think. The question is: why did he questioned it? Is it because he has a scripture vers against your decision? Or because he doesn't see the wisdom in it?

I have know enough people that thought they heared the Lord (I myself are included) but later saw that it was wrong. I am happy when people question me about my motives and about if I really walk in the will of God. That drive me to my knees in prayer and so I can make more sure that I am walking in the will of God.

You said this about the person you removed from your life:
"Well Todd, this person is a fornicator, goes to the casino almost every weekend, smokes weed, and curses a lot, and this is just what I know about him, there may be more. Would you want this person in your life?"

My answer:
- if he says he is not a christian: yes, to preach the gospel to him.
- if he says he is a christian: no, then I would say that he is lying about his faith, share the gospel and if he doesn't listen then I would leave him alone.

If it is a family member, I would see him sometimes, but I would talk with him like I would with any non-christian. I wouldn't have deep fellowship with him, but try to share the gospel and the truth with that person.

Just two sidenodes:
- Be carefull with saying "the Lord said this and this to me". You could be wrong, be humble enough to test that.
- Don't block every 'sinner' out of your life, because the Lord sometimes place a christian in the life of a sinner to win them to Christ. Jesus died for there souls! Follow him and sacrifice your life for them!


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Wijnand de Ridder

 2018/10/16 2:36Profile
Gloryandgrace
Member



Joined: 2017/7/14
Posts: 1165
Snoqualmie, WA

 Re:

Question posed:

"Well Todd, this person is a fornicator, goes to the casino almost every weekend, smokes weed, and curses a lot, and this is just what I know about him, there may be more. Would you want this person in your life? Todd, I appreciate your response, but it really didn't answer my question, should a brother or sister question what God has spoken to us?"

The question itself is framed in a way that "poisons the well"...its conclusion is assumed by the negative character represented.

Aside from that.

A few things:
1. You should share what God has spoken to you with others whom you trust ( those who have shown good discerning in the past)Believers only, unbelievers cannot understand or discern spiritual things so their answer is highly speculative.
2. You should share it with spiritual leaders if you have those kind of men who are capable of discerning the voice of God.
3. You should share it with your wife if she is capable of discerning and hearing the voice of God herself.

Those whom I personally would NOT share what I believe to be God.
1. Cookie cutter Christians who do not actually discern, but in fact simply measure all things against a doctrinal grid, or some church's position on the matter.
(case in point, I don't ask cessationists to help discern or bring light upon a prophetic word, word of knowledge etc) because from the outset they have nothing to offer except a doctrinal position).
2. Hyper-spirituals who are as equally undiscerning as a cessationist because they pretty much accept anything that has a 'spiritual flavor' to it.
3. Christians who do not care about your spiritual condition or welfare.

Caveat #1 if you hear something along the lines of "Hey, divorce that mean wife and get this much prettier model" The cessationist if biblical will quickly see this is not aligning with scripture (cessationist or not) and get it right when he tells you, your listening to something devilish.

all that to say...if you follow God relationally, and listen for his voice as you would his child, you must seek the godly counsel of those who also follow God relationally and listen for the voice of the Spirit.


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Marvin

 2018/10/16 9:26Profile





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