Brian

“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. (sounds like “non-Christians” to me) For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a BELIEVER have in common with an UNBELIEVER? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idos? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.’

‘Therefore COME OUT from them and be SEPARATE, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will recieve you.’ ‘I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.’”(2 Cor. 6:14-18)

Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying don’t reach out to people that don’t know Jesus, and I’m not saying don’t build some kind of relationship with them. And trust me, the whole “emergent” thing really does resonate with my heart, but in this new movement we must be careful to remain true to God’s Word.

It would seem to me that everything we do should be done with spiritual eyes guiding us. When we see someone that does not know Jesus, our eyes should be leading us to try to show God’s love to them. Does this involve relationship? Absolutely! But, it must be a relationship with a view to conversion, at least I think. I do not see it profitable, or even obedient to join myself in my spirit to someone who does not follow or profess Christ as Lord.

I’m open. If my interpretation of the Word is off in some way, then please, someone set me straight, for I want to honor God.

Humbly seeking God’s will,
Brian

Also, I firmly believe that the positive memories you have and will have of Chris will, after time, once again overwhelm those which are negative with only occasional lapses. Until then, please let me know if any of us can spell you and your bride for a night with Chris. Also, let me know if you all would like a fairly close, yet secluded getaway. That offer still stands and I would be more than glad to hook you up.

I agree with the others. . . . Thanks for another great recommendation.

About the fences versus wells: I just hope these guys aren’t throwing out one for the other. It’s gotta be a both/and. One I’ll be preachin’ pretty soon (using their analogy, I mean). On the inclusive side, I just noticed and appreciated Luke’s use of “disciples” in Acts 19:1. He had to have been grinning when he wrote that one. Or maybe that’s just me.

We all have a ways to go in our emulation of Christ. If we think of Christianity as trying to get closer to the center, Christ (rather than crossing over the line into the “safety zone”), we can continually invite those who are far from the center to join us as we move toward our Savior together.

Definitely read the book, Keith. It’ll re-center your view of the church and also peak your imagination for creative ways of reaching the not-yet-Christians in your life.

I sorta like the term “not-yet-Christians.” It may be a little unrealistic, given the narrowness of the road - but it’s optimistic!

Definitely a book I need to look into.

I haven’t read the book yet, but it does sound like a good one. There is one thing that this very cursory glance at your comments, and those of Steve that do raise a question in my mind, however…

What about the Bible using words such as “unbeliever” or “pagans” to describe those who do not follow Christ? Doesn’t that sound very similar to the term “non-Christian” that this book seems to be suggesting is a bad thing?

Forgive me for being skeptical. I just wonder. I guess I need to read the book for myself.

Brian

“It acknowledges the contribution of not-yet-Christians to Christian community…”

Wow. How well do we do THAT in the church? Do we really, when all the dust clears, allow not-yet-Christians to BELONG to the community before they BELIEVE or even BEHAVE? In my experience, it’s been the opposite that has been true. How much more meaningful would it be for not-yet-Christians to be integrated into full participation in the community of Christ, supported, loved on, and discipled before they ever make a decision to change their ways or accept Christ? What if participation in the body was salvific for those who have never known a community of believers?

From historical documents we know it was in the first century, and in my experience, it still is today. Consider the twentysomething Abilene girl cleaning up from a dependency on drugs, thrilled to be a part of a community that asks her to lead praise at their house church meetings. Consider a rough-necked, not-yet-Christian mechanic leading a scripture time centered around Matthew 3. Risky? You bet. But these folks know they’re a part of the family of God.

Plus, who said church work wasn’t messy.

My heart goes out to you for the sleepless nights. They dissipate I promise, but never quite disappear. I am still haunted by my friends car accidents and drownings. But now they end with a feeling of peace that God did many good things through those deaths, in my life and in others. Hold on to that. Its worth more than gold.