With regard to fellowship, do you have any advice for how to deal with those in the various groups, i.e., Pentecostal, Charismatic, etc., that may challenge me?
In dealing with those who are part of the Pentecostal/Charismatic denominations, etc., the first thing that I do if I were dealing with them is to start with making sure that they are trusting the true Gospel of the Grace Of God.
Ephesians 3:2-3
If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
1 Corinthians 15:1,3-4
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;...For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
I say that because they do not rightly divide God's word and do not follow our Apostle Paul as God instructs us. Consequently, mostly likely they are not trusting or using the right verses to be saved or show someone else how to be saved. So if you choose to deal with them, make sure the first thing that you deal with is their salvation! Ask them something like this...
"Let me ask you....if you were to die today, do you know for SURE where you will spend eternity?”
Then if they say yes, ask them where?
If they say heaven...ask them why?
Then listen carefully to what they say. If they say anything other than Christ and his cross work alone, then chances are they are not saved!
Ask them to show you from scripture the actual verses that they are trusting for their salvation. If it is not the following—the cross/shed blood of Christ—then chances are they are not saved.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Colossians 1:14
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Their testimony must include the cross work and the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ and that alone—no works of their own!!
If they said that they did anything of their own works, then you need to show them that that is not the gospel of salvation for today! Then explain the cross and what our Lord accomplished for us on it and that this is what they need to trust: Christ’s work on the cross, not their own works. If they don't get this, it will be futile to go any further with them.
Now if they are or just got saved, then you can go to why Paul is in the Bible! Go on to explain to them that Paul is God's spokesman for today and that His message of grace is what God is doing today and not the program with Israel! Tell them, that is what rightly dividing the word is all about.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Romans 11:13
For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
So start with dealing with them on a dealing with them on a clear salvation and then next "Why Paul." From here you will have PLENTY to discuss with them!
Hopefully this
helps...Maranatha!
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