We have someone in our Bible study who is constantly using this phrase to acheive what ever they want done. This person is loveable, and kind, sincere in what they are doing. And I know that God does tell us things. In no way am I suggesting that He doesn't, but its come to the point that something has to be done. I have asked to talk with them and a meeting is scheduled between the two of us. To complicate things this person is an Elder. I have been praying, but would like to have some scripture to base my concern on. I love them and in no way would I want to hurt or offend them, nor do I want to quench what God is possibly doing in them. If you have no advice please pray that God's will is done in both of us.
2007-06-27 04:53:12 · 14 answers · asked by don_steele54 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Unity, my purpose behind the visit is not to prove them wrong, but what is right in the eyes og God. If I am wrong, I would like to know it now, and not when I stand before my Judge and Creator.
2007-06-27 05:11:40 · update #1
TAWAEN, Flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but the Holy Spirit.
Do you miss being a Christian?
PS. God told me to ask you that?
2007-06-27 05:16:27 · update #2
Remind them that God has a message for everyone. Tell them that you are sure they have the best interest of everyone at heart, but that you want to make sure that everyone has a chance to express their opinions without feeling pressured to agree. Ask them as politely as possible to give everyone an equal opportunity to listen for what God wants them to do, and that it may not always coincide with what their vision was. Tell them to trust that God will have His way in the end, and that everyone in the Bible study is working for Him.
Sorry, as an atheist, that's as respectful and sincere advice as I can give you. Best of luck!
Edit: Nope, I'm an athiest. I'm just saying that the most diplomatic way to deal with such a touchy subject is to first make the other person aware that you respect and appreciate them and their point of view. It's one of the basic teachings of debate, to first understand and respect the other person's point of view, and make sure that they know you understand and respect them. I believe wholeheartedly in respect, even if I don't believe in any dieties.
2007-06-27 05:04:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
You are so sincere!
Never start a conversation like that without first asking questions.
How am I sure that God has spoken to me?
How do I know the difference between my own voice, the enemy or the Holy Spirit?
Doesnt the Bible say that we need to hear Him by 2 or 3 witnesses?
What kind of confirmation should I look for?
Never go in on an accusing note but ask questions for yourself.
This can only come after the judgement is repented of and your trust is in the Lord......by the way your question sounded you seem to be approaching this elder with a proper fear of the Lord.
May God give you wisdom and words.....
You have been given the power to set captives free......
God told me so in Isaiah 61!
My prayers are with you!
2007-06-27 13:59:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
First of all, if God tells someone to do something, it can be backed up. I understand where you are coming from...especially when a person says that God told them something and flesh could ver well be in operation. As in all things, pray first about what you should say. God might show you some things about you.
2007-06-27 17:48:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, unless they are being told by God to hurt or kill themselves or someone else and the acts they are being told to do by God are positive, good, loving, etc, what harm is it to you that they believe God is telling them how to live their life?
What is your true concern? That you do not hear from God like the Elder does, so you do not feel it is valid to say that 'God told me to do this" because you don't listen to God's voice in your own life?
What purpose do you have for talking with this person? Convince him that he does not get guided by God in his life? Or learn how he is able to hear and follow what God wants for his life?
People receive many gifts from the the Holy Spirit, all of them as different as can be. May you be blessed with your own gifts and let others live freely with theirs.
2007-06-27 12:01:58 · answer #4 · answered by Unity 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey Don S,
1 Timothy gives us some advice as to how to address someone who is older than us spiritually so i would read up on that- but in short it advises us to appeal to someone older as an older example in Christ. You want to respect his maturity in the Lord.
i think another important thing to consider is whether the things that "God told him to do," pertain personally to him or pertain to decisions regarding the church. If it is regarding the church- i think you can share some verses on unity and though there may be times where he may even be right- some decisions should be made with corporate prayer among the leadership especially.
If they are his personal decisions- i would actually encourage someone to do what God tells them to do- granted off course it's not something which is clearly unScriptural.
Anyhow Don S., definitely keep you in my prayers bro.
Kindly,
Nickster
2007-06-28 15:02:48 · answer #5 · answered by Nickster 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i realize what a difficult position you are in as i was there with my daughter,i tried to explain that we have to test the spirit at times because Jesus said we should,we lean not to our own understanding because His ways are higher than ours,God does speak to us in the spirit and we must listen but the devil is a liar and the father of lies,the author of confusion extremely jealous of God and will do whatever he can to lead us in the flesh/it would be very tempting to want to believe something if we wanted it so be sure you know that it is God and not us trying to get back into the flesh unintentionally
2007-06-27 12:15:35 · answer #6 · answered by loveChrist 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pray. I will pray for this situation, and I hope that all goes well. But I will have to turn to my education to answer some of your question. When trying to persuade someone on an issue, you must start out by showing respect for the one you are trying to persuade. Patrick Henry, one of the greatest orators of his day, in his "Give me Liberty" speech starts by saying that he respects the view of those who oppose him, but different people see situations in different lights. So approach it diplomatically, remind them that for a true work of God to happen that they must abandoned their ways of pride and self-interest. I hope this helps and may God Bless.
In Jesus Name
2007-06-27 17:28:16 · answer #7 · answered by Joel 2 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Say to that person, Let's pray on it and see what God reveals!
2007-06-27 17:42:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Smile and treat them kindly and let God work things out.
BE PATIENT.
Besides, has anything that they said, that God said etc, proved wrong?
2007-06-27 12:11:38 · answer #9 · answered by 1saintofGod 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
He said he come to you in the form of two to three witnesses.The spirit will bare witness if it is from God you will know.
2007-06-27 11:59:09 · answer #10 · answered by Fisherofmen 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋