Thread in Politics has brought up a thought in my head...

etothepii · 09-23-2005, 08:40 AM

As Christians, we are to witness to others, and, I believe, try to do our own little parts, as the Spirit wills it, to get as many folks to heaven as possible. That being said, is it appropriate for Christian to exclude others?

Here's what I mean. While it is appropriate to witness to say, an athiest, or to a Muslim, does that mean I have to let them come to my Bible study? I mean, the point of my Bible study is to strengthen my knowledge and to draw me closer in my relationship to God. That's why I study with other Christians, and not athiests or muslims.

Am I making my question clear? I'm having trouble framing it like I want to.

DaveH · 09-23-2005, 08:45 AM

Eto--IMO it would depend on HOW they attended the Bible study. If they were just there to poke fun or interupt the session, then they would be asked to leave. If however, they simply listened and asked respectful questions, they might learn something whcih would draw them to the realization of the truth.

Sylvan · 09-23-2005, 09:09 AM

I think how you choose to study and learn is entirely up to you. IMO that istotally separtefromwitnessing. Of course, nothing says you can't have it both ways. Have a private study group that is closed to only a few that you want to study with and offer another study time open to others.

etothepii · 09-23-2005, 09:16 AM

9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

I guess my question is not about Bible study in particular, but in Christian gatherings in general.

Isn't there a time and place for witnessing and converting, and a time and place for staying away from those who sin?

DaveH · 09-23-2005, 09:55 AM

You can certainly have a Bible study that is open to just those that you invite. And I understand the verses you referenced about keeping company with certain kinds of unbelievers -- and some BELIEVERS who practice certain sins. So the answer is yes for that instance.

However, Jesus sat with unbelievers and spoke to unbelievers. Church should be open to everyone because that is where many people first hear about Jesus. Meeting together with other believers is commanded and important and there is every reason to have these exclusive meetings, but we cannot exclude unbelievers from all corporate worship.

CODave · 09-23-2005, 10:00 AM

et... I think he is plainly saying to eat with sinners in the world... but not brothers in faith whohave engaged in gross sin. Those are to be shunned in order tobe brought around to repentance. He is addressing a specific instance here.. but I do think it can be used as apresidence (sp?) to help us in judging the appropriate disciplinary measures to be taken in some cases, where perhaps a gross sin has occurred. Definately in regard to fornication and especially if this is a recurring sin and certainly where there is an unrepentant heart. The whole passage...

1 Corinthians 5
1It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
2And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
3For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
4In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
5To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
6Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
7Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
8Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
9I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
11But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
12For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
13But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

etothepii · 09-23-2005, 10:07 AM

So, here's what it comes to: Should a Christian school have policies prohibiting non-Christians from enrolling? How about prohibiting kids who's parents are gay, or engage in some other non-Christian practice?

Or is it better to enroll the child in hopes of saving them from their own family?

Rebel Hog · 09-23-2005, 11:30 AM

Eto, at Landmark Bapist Church which my wife, son and
I attend, have a school from K1, K2 thru 12th grade.
It is open to any child, but the parents have to sign an
enrollment statement that they have to accept all
teachings from the school and church, no exceptions.