wisdom and discernment

[4him]

Hi everyone,

There's something that I would greatly appreciate prayer about. A few months ago, our family started going to a new church. Overall, it has been a great blessing being there, and my wife and I had sensed God's leading to this church in a number of different ways.

Recently however, there have been a few times when the pastor has mentioned watching a tv evangelist who has espoused doctrines and made statements that are, in my opinion, antithetical to what I see revealed in scriptures. I have begun to see some of the ways of thinking and modes of expression of this evangelist starting to creep into our pastor's mannerisms and vocabulary.

I am feeling that I need to share with our pastor about the beliefs and statements of this evangelist. Otherwise, I believe that imbibing in these teachings could have an affect on him. As my mom used to say, 'Wrong doctrines lead to wrong lifestyle' (especially really way off ones).

Please pray for us for wisdom to know how best to handle this situation and please pray for our pastor that God will, "Enlighten the eyes of his understanding, that he might know the hope of his calling. "

Bless ya
In Jesus,
John

[Eli Brayley]

Yes brother, the Lord give you all the wisdom required to speak with your pastor, full of grace and truth.

Bless you John,
-Eli

[awakenwithin]

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

1 Corinthians 1:26-30 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."

Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

in christ charlene

[awakenwithin]

how did it go?
in Christ
charlene

[4him]

Hi Charlene,

Thanks for asking about how it went with my pastor. I actually haven't been able to talk to him yet about this issue. First, I was sick for a while and then I decided to wait a bit until after Christmas. Now that Christmas is over, I plan to send him an email this week. I notice that the evangelist who I had concerns about, is now making statements that he believes Mormons are born again Christians.

Thanks so much for your prayers. God bless

In Jesus,
John

[awakenwithin]

I am praying, thanks for keeping us updated.
In His love
charlene

[4him]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to update you about this prayer request of mine as I have some new info now. I emailed my pastor about the t.v. evangelist I've been concerned about. My major concerns about this evangelist (which are very serious ones) are that in interviews with CNN and 60 minutes, he has waffled when asked whether faith in Christ's work on the cross was the only way to heaven, and he has also endorsed Mormons as being Christians.

In response to my email to my pastor, he said that he too had come across articles containing the points I've outlined, and was 'shocked and dismayed' when he read them. He went on to say that the evangelist's words have 'put him on reserve as to where this tv preacher is going'.

I have been trying to determine what to think about my pastor's statements. Generally they seem good, in that he is not in favour of what the evangelist has said. However, I wasn't entirely sure about what he meant about being 'on reserve' about the direction of the evangelist's ministry. When I shared my pastor's response with my mom (who is a very godly lady) she had concerns, as she felt that my pastor's response could have been stronger, considering that the evangelist's statements seem to qualify him as being a 'false prophet'.

What do you think about his response...am I trying to read too much between the lines ? Maybe I just need to talk with him further about the situation. One thing I am still concerned about is that my pastor continues to use some of the vocabulary which the evangelist commonly uses. It's possible that he's started using these words often enough that it's become sort of a habit to use them.

Could you please pray for my wife and I for God's continued widsom ? I know that what we need to do most of all, is to keep our eyes on Jesus.

In Jesus,
John

[rebecca]

I would send your pastor another written letter about your concerns and ask him what he believes. He may just be busy and need time to examine things more clearly. Most pastors are more than happy to respond. Plus by sending him a letter it gives him some time to think about it.

I will pray.

[awakenwithin]

I agree the best thing to do if are fully sure is to ask more questions, then there is no wonerding. Ask more questions on what might be of worry. I agree with your mom.
I too will be praying
charlene