Once we're talking non-essentials, Christian liberty must be extended.
When we fail to, then we have legalism and that condemning spirit.
For example, I went to a couple's home to visit.
The husband offered me a beer.
Well, I had two options: 1. Rebuke him.
Or 2. Respect his Christian liberty.
I chose the latter, Respect his Christian liberty.
Um, it's not Christian liberty to indulge in what God condemns, does that make the Lord a "legalist"?
I have been offered alcohol a few times since I got saved, a simple "No thatnks" worked quite well. Then I used the opportunity to begin witnessing. Of course I gave them Scripture which condemns strong drink, and yes, beer is strong drink.
I got the usual "Jesus drank wine", But then I got the chance to show them what the Bible really says contrary to what modernism says, and what the flesh wants the word to say.
I only have the authority to rebuke other Christians for reproven behaviour, not so I can rebuke at will, that would be operating from the flesh.
If I don't allow reproof to take its due course, I can be viewed as condemning, but legalism is an attempt to either attain salvation or a fleshly effort to stay saved, or to gain favour with God.
Most people who CONDEMN others by usage of the term "legalist" are being the legalist. This is usually due to some act they are committing has been reproven and it is a futile attempt to thwart conviction.:godisgood:
Hmm.. I guess you have a problem then don't you. (and yes I do mean you)
I believe TCGreek and I do walk in agreement on the gospel message.
The only way we can not walk in agreement in this is if one of us was preaching a different or false gospel.
This would mean (without question) that person proclaiming the false gospel is still lost.
So your problem to resolve is - Do only Calvinist preach the gospel? IF they do then we must conclude that only Calvinists are saved?
So sorry, after reading the most recent contributions I will be labeled a "legalist" due to my stand that mocking the word of God is heresy!
What if some one were very weak at the time they read these posts jesting about drinking and they caved in to the temptation and started
another binge of drunkeness that hadn't occured in at least thrity years?
I suppose my comments won't be accepted by modernists or liberals, But I"M SERIOUS!
I know a man who has gone HOME but this is exactly what happened to him. he was a falling down drunk who had been hospitalized and frequented a few dry-out clinics before he got miraculously saved and delivered from alcohol. He was visiting family years later when a member offered. He spent the next three years crying out to God for mercy to stop drinking, AGAIN!
I believe some here need to stop and think, well at least sometimes!:tear:
mmmm.. I gave a thrid option because that is my particular view, while knowing and understanding TCGreeks, I added to his options.
My comment was not meant neither to demean TCGreek nor God's Word but to simply acknowledge his understanding while placing my view along side his options.
The 'just having some fun' comment pertained with adding to the choices he stated without putting him down but also illistrating a difference of opinion.
I thought we were discussing grace in this thread?
I don't think that it's funny for someone to offer an alcoholic a drink.
I just don't think there's anything wrong with having a beer.
I personally can't even stand the smell of beer, but to each his own.