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NASB | James 2:8 ¶ If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF," you are doing well. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | James 2:8 ¶ If, however, you are [really] fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF [that is, if you have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their benefit]" you are doing well. [Lev 19:18] |
Subject: Church is kidnapped to Sodom! |
Bible Note: In one of his letters Paul is writing about the eating of meat sacrificed at the altars of idols. He says he doesn't think it's a sin because there is no other god but God. He says if its in the market place, don't ask where the meat came from, just eat it. He says if its offered in someone's house, don't ask where the meat came from, just eat it. But he says if someone tells you it is meat from an idol altar sacrifice, don't eat it. He says don't eat it NOT because to do so is sin (it isn't), but because the guy down the table may think it's a sin (which would make it a sin for him to eat it) but he'll see you eating it and think he can get away with it too. THEN you're sinning by eating it because you have led someone else to sin because they used/viewed you as their example. The Bible also says, if your brother sins you must rebuke him; then when he repents you must forgive him. Your pastor has sinned. He has 'eaten meat' that he KNOWS is a sin AND he has sinned by his example since at least you know about it. But our job isn't to judge him. We just point out what he's done, rebuke him, so he has a chance to repent. Who knows? Maybe he has already done that, repented the act itself, and has been forgiven. But has he repented of the example he set for you? Paul also says that we aren't to give offense, but obviously his actions have offended. You are sitting there in prayer and worship and thinking about what he has done instead of prayer and worship! No church is going to be perfect until Jesus is ready to return, but we have to STRIVE for it. We also have to stay in that church unless God leads us to leave it. Don't be run out of your church or church period by the actions of one. Love him, pray for him, and tell him the turmoil and offense he has created in you. You need to forgive him for you. |