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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: Dear Paul, In answer to your first question, I am sorry to say that slothfulness is a sin that I must resist on a daily basis. But I have placed my trust in Him who is the author and finisher of my faith. He has brought me out of the bondage of many besetting sins over the years and I have no reason to believe that He won't deliver me from this current trial. The fact that I suffer financialy is a blessing because it is a goad that prompts me to me to get busy. I don't understand your 2nd point that speaks about the difference between Jesus and Paul. You wrote: "I try to think of how Jesus would react and while Paul had no problem being harsh, Jesus never was. If a man or woman repented, He forgave. He didn't demand the consequences demanded by the Law." Can you explain to me what you mean? Jesus was very harsh towards the pharisees and even came down hard on His disciples when they needed it. Neither Paul or Jesus demanded the consequence of the Law (eternal damnation) on christians. As far as this man's loss of income goes, it may be the best thing for him. If we could sin without experiencing the negative consequences then what would prompt us to repent? What would be worse to lose one's income or to lose one's experience of the presence of God? In the meantime we have seemed to forget about the fallen sister. If I'm not mistaken, was'nt she a student? How old was she? Was she a christian? Are we to blame her? What I am trying to say is that this situation demands action on the part of the church. I know I sound harsh but this man must accept his punishment and work hard and pray that God will restore him once again to a position of trust. If he is truly repententent he should be forgiven, but it forgiveness will not restore the faith of the people in a fallen leader. It will take time for him to demonstrate through living a godly life the reality of his repentence. John |