i really don’t think you can compare the persecution of the early Christians to what you receive when you attack (persecute) a perceived heretic like Rob Bell. this is not at all reminiscent to the reason for the sufferings of the early Christians, nor is it in any way similar to the severity of their sufferings.

Christ is the ultimate example of what it looks like to stand up for what is True, while also being able to give grace to the sinner when everyone else wants to stone them. this is our picture of God and this is what living without compromise must look like.

I don’t know if it’s the hardest thing in the world, but it certainly is very, very hard.

When I look at Jesus and the apostles and many of the saints throughout history, what I see is this:

They stand up for what is right and then they are persecuted, and the difficult part is that they are often persecuted from those who proclaim to be followers of Christ.

For example, if folks point out the false teachings by Rob Bell, these folks are then persecuted for standing up for biblical doctrine vis-a-vis and against the unbiblical doctrine taught by Rob Bell.

I would like to say thank you for this great discussion. I agree, Morris we do have to love our neighbors, but at the same time, we have to be willing not to compromise. Counterfeit Christians are throughout the church. I agree we have to be very discerning in our local churches and not allow the leaven to spread.

I believe John is putting forth a tremendous effort to protect the integrity of the Church. What troubles me is the fact that there are so many Christians who do not speak up or make efforts to protect the Church from “counterfeit Christians.” Jesus said in Mathew 24:5, False Christ’s will come to deceive. I hope we do not mistake confused and deceived Christians as “counterfeit Christians” in this struggle.

Juan

I am new to this blog, but thank you for the opportunity to discuss. Jesus Himself made it clear – “upon this rock I will build my church.” And Paul goes a step further – “but now God hath set the members every one of them in the body as it hath pleased him.” This is a major reason that our congregations struggle. Too many people are setting themselves where they like the music, the people are nice, the pastor can preach, etc. How many truly take the time to ask the Lord where it pleases Him to set them?

In His love,
Lilly

i just wanted to say thank you and i believe your heart to be sincere and honest in regards to this issue.

however, i must say that i do not believe myself to be confused as to what Christ teaches regarding this issue. he has shown me that people are worth the time and effort, no matter how confused or messed up they may be.

i definitely see what your saying and agree. i just think that the human thing to do is immediately seek to divide over issues. it’s easier that way. i am just saying that i believe it to be more beneficial to the body if we can work through issues rather than divide over them.

i wouldn’t say that we should tolerate something that is found to be wrong, but that we should work through it, if possible.

Having been in churches that have gone down the path mentioned above I can tell you that once you start down the slippery slope of tolerance for unity’s sake the compromise begins and does not stop.

Morris

Dave,
I believe there are two reasons the article does not refer to counterfeit Christians by name: they are many and spread out, and it is up to each individual to discern these kinds of matters. The Spirit should be the one to reveal these things to us, not a fellow brother, no matter how realiable he may be.

You are right to say that “we are a church already divided”. I completely agree. Matthew 13:24-30 presents a parable that illustrates that there are some who are not of us (the church) even though they are among us (1 John 2:19). The division within the church between those who are truly His and those who aren’t exists whether we want it to or not, whether we are aware of it or not, and whether we accept it or not. Furthermore, Matthew 7:15-23 calls us to distinguish between the two groups, warning that if we don’t discern (without judging) we expose ourselves to the dangers of falling into false doctrine and into the hands of false prophets.

Although the state of our church today isn’t exactly as it was in Luther’s time, the main component he fought against is still present: heresy. There seem to be heretical teachings in abundance today and we must be able to tell who preaches truth and who preaches lies. I do not believe these false teachers should be considered brothers or part of the body of Christ, and there is, therefore, no brokenness to mend there. I do not judge them, for to judge them would be to condemn them to hell, and I still hold the hope that they will accept God’s true gospel and repent of their sins. However, I do make the distinction, refuse to call them brothers, and do not accept their messages.

Brother, I hope you will read the scriptures with an open heart and mind so that you may allow the Lord to speak to you and clear this confusion with His word. While we are warned not to judge, we are called to discern and be aware of false Christians. If we fail to do so we run many risks.

In His love,
Lilly