Re read as needed

[Stan]

Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do.

And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with

– even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department.

Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently. Romans 14.1: The Message

[Gail]

Stan, perhaps you should make this the Clubadventist creed.

Have everyone memorize it and then stand at attention and recite it upon logging on.

That's after prayer, of course! :)

[Gail]

More seriously, though, meditating on God's word can change people. "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee." To see changes in people according to the message contained in this verse that you have quoted would be a powerful testimony!

[LifeHiscost]

Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do.

And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with

– even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department.

Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently. Romans 14.1: The Message

I notice the Scripture says fellow believers. Would that leave room for fellow unbelievers? or should there be a distinction for the sake of those who wish to find the platform of that which is true for their assurance?

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”"John 8:32 NKJV Emphasis mine LHC

I realize it is no longer politically correct to know anything for sure. I do believe that is why the early believers

paid for their education with their lives, not to mention Jesus, something that is still happening in various parts of the world and which will soon cover all of the global thought.

"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."Matthew 10:28 NKJV

God blesses!

[Gail]

We might argue that we have enough on our plate just with the fellow believers, without the others added in! :)

[LifeHiscost]

More seriously, though, meditating on God's word can change people. "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee." To see changes in people according to the message contained in this verse that you have quoted would be a powerful testimony!

I suppose it is good to remember, if they can be considered believers, the Sadducees didn't believe in the resurrection. I have no information of any who might have changed their mind after Lazarus was raised from the dead or when Jesus alsdo rose from the dead.

One thing we can be certain of, a lack of knowledge of itself, does not mean the Door to heaven is closed at this point in time.

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."James 4:17 KJV

To those who find it more comforting to exclude God from there consciousness than to invite Him to do what He finds joy in, there is this possibility, and perhaps in the foreseeable future.

"“The time is surely coming,” says the Sovereign Lord,“when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the Lord."

Amos 8:11 KJV

God blesses!

[Bravus]

Hmm... so again, the first impulse is to start figuring out who we can *exclude* from the instruction to welcome people with open arms and treat them with consideration?

[Woody]

Yes. We do need purity after all. The problem IS ... we trust our own purity rather than God's and His judgment. We try to do the separation thingy and create our own purity.

[Gail]

It's in our sDNA!!!!!

[Overaged]

One thing we can be certain of, a lack of knowledge of itself, does not mean the Door to heaven is closed at this point in time.

Hos 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Scripture says ARE destroyed

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

Originally Posted By: LifeHiscost

One thing we can be certain of, a lack of knowledge of itself, does not mean the Door to heaven is closed at this point in time.

Hos 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Scripture says ARE destroyed

If you look at that whole verse, it refers to a lack of knowledge due to its not being taught. The onus is on the teacher.

And I just got this in an email:

Quote:

As Hosea wrote the ending of his book, he made it clear that despite the pain the people of Israel caused the living God, He still promised healing, forgiveness, and fruitfulness if they would return to Him: “I will heal their backsliding,” He said. “I will love them freely . . . . Those who dwell under his shadow shall return” (Hos. 14:4-7).

[Overaged]

I am not sure what the Teacher would do without a WILLING student:

Isa 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: