Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

    This scripture is usually associated with becoming married to a
    non-believer.
    
    Recently, through another note elsewhere, I have come to see a 
    broader application to every day life. I think it also tells us not
    to become so closely associated with non-believers that we cannot
    remain fully Christian in our values and beliefs. Today I think
    this is systematically violated in a perhaps unconscious way which 
    has led to a false ecumenicism and truths which become situational
    and relative. 
    
    It certainly is an admonition for our benefit not to hang around 
    with unbelievers otherwise their unbelief will put a drag (at minimum)
    in the believer's faith.
    
    I have a Christian friend who maintained a long relationship with
    a non-Christian (but good) boyfriend. After the relationship ended
    she told me about how she could never have the prayer life or 
    worship she desired to have because he could not understand her needs
    in this area. Also, she was placed in many more 'compromising' 
    situations because of this difference also. It was like she was always
    swimming against the tide. She saw that she had not grown as a
    Christian as she could have grown because of this.
    
    My friend maintained the hope that her good partner would one day be
    converted and love the Lord as she did, but it did not happen. This
    difference between them was an unspoken and ever-present barrier to
    the unity of their relationship. 
    
    Mary
    

Mary,

<<    situations because of this difference also. It was like she was always
<<    swimming against the tide. She saw that she had not grown as a
<<    Christian as she could have grown because of this.
  
Who knows Mary, perhaps without realizing it, she grew more as a 
Christian by her tolerance, patience, and faith.  Perhaps it made her 
stronger.  It is easier to have faith when it isn't tested! ;')

Ro

Doubtlessly this will come across as another "hate Paul" message, but there
is little doubt in my mind that Paul was more of an isolationist than Jesus.

Paul was concerned - and perhaps reasonably so - with the public image of his
fledgling churches.

Jesus, on the other hand, was not so worried about purity that he kept his
distance from tax collectors, prostitutes, or other sinners.

I guess a question that might be asked is, "Shall I follow the example of
Jesus?  Or shall I follow Paul's advice to the believers in Corinth?"

Richard

>Jesus, on the other hand, was not so worried about purity that he kept his
>distance from tax collectors, prostitutes, or other sinners.


 I believe his experience with temptation was a bit different than that of Paul,
 or any other Christian.  


 I find, since returning to Christ a few months ago, a tremendous amount of  
 temptation to engage in activities I used to.  By hanging out with friends
 I used to I find the temptation even stronger.  While I strive to be like
 Christ, I know I fall short of the mark. And while I share my love for the 
 Lord with my friends, I no longer participate in the same activities.



>I guess a question that might be asked is, "Shall I follow the example of
>Jesus?  Or shall I follow Paul's advice to the believers in Corinth?"



 Yes.




Jim

re: 627.3 Richard


>Paul was concerned - and perhaps reasonably so - with the public image of his
>fledgling churches.
>
>Jesus, on the other hand, was not so worried about purity that he kept his
>distance from tax collectors, prostitutes, or other sinners.
>
>I guess a question that might be asked is, "Shall I follow the example of
>Jesus?  Or shall I follow Paul's advice to the believers in Corinth?"


I think you've set up a false choice here, Richard.


I Cor 5:9

"I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with immoral men; not at all
meaning the immoral of this world, or the greedy and robbers, or idolaters,
since then you would need to go out of the world."

This says to me that Paul was in tune with what Jesus taught. 

Jesus came to those who knew that they needed a physician.


Paul
[posted by Notes-News gateway]

Note 627.5

>I think you've set up a false choice here, Richard.

Perhaps I have, Paul.

I do know that one of the tactics commonly employed by cults is to
isolate and insulate their members to the greatest degree possible
from rest of the world.  This is usually done under the premise that
the world is toxic (Satanic or whatever) and will contaminate members,
particularly the tender new proselytes.

Richard