ChristiansUnite Forums

  I understand that Bible prophecy and God's Word in general, can be very difficult to put together as a cohesive big picture, in relation to future events especially.

 I think most "stable" people can grasp the fundamentals. Within any Christian group there will always be differing opinions on any given scripture or even certain Biblical doctrine, but in general there is great agreement and consensus. However, there is always a small minority of "Christians" who have bizarre, and sometimes convoluted ideas and theories about scripture which goes totally against any Biblical doctrine.

 My question is...How do we deal with these people?

 Should we make an honest attempt to correct our friends? Do we ignore these people? What?
It gets especially difficult when these people refuse to budge and hold stubbornly onto their obviously confused ideas.

 What would you do? We are resonsible for bringing or brothers and sisters the Truth are we not? Is there a limit? I believe there has to be. What do you feel is the best way to approach this problem?

Bronzesnake,
Good question with no easy answer that I know of.  Even folks who are sincere, can be sincerely wrong.

Proverbs 9
7 "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult;
whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse.
8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you;
rebuke a wise man and he will love you.
9 Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still;
teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.  

But be careful in judging who is a mocker and who is wise!

Proverbs 9
15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent-
the LORD detests them both.  

Sometimes my foot goes so far into my mouth I choke on my kneecap.  Unless I'm doubtlessly positively absolutely certain – I’ve learned to let God handle it.  Oftentimes the best recourse is praying for those you describe as having “bizarre, and sometimes convoluted ideas and theories about scripture.”

If you find a good answer to your question, I would be interested in knowing, also.  :)

 I just found a really good answer my friend!

Bronzesnake,
There is a verse that says knowledge puffs up but love edifies. Details about Christ's return can be debated and some have more light than others on this issue. I doubt that anyone has all the light on prophecy. Even if one does have all the light, love and patience still applies. People are in process and deserve our understanding. I know I need it from my brothers and sisters.
 2 Timothy 2
24   And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

Thanks,
asaph

 I agree with you up to a point.
 Look at what Jesus says we should do in this situation...

 Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.  


 Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

I agree with you up to a point.
Look at what Jesus says we should do in this situation...

Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.  


Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

I am in agreement with these verses. The doctrine to which Paul is referring is Christ himself. Verse 18 substantiates this: "serve not our Lord Jesus Christ". Jesus Christ is the gospel and it is this Person that we absolutely cannot divide over. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for us? We can differ on alot of teachings but not on the person and work of Christ. The book of Colossians bears this out. Gnostic teachers were teaching doctrines contrary to the doctrine of Christ.
Colossians 1
 12   Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13   Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14   In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15   Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16   For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17   And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18   And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

The gnostics were taking preeminence over Christ with their so called superior knowledge. Not good! We need to avoid such people. But we are not to avoid those that may differ on the timing of the rapture if they are true to the Lord Jesus Christ. There are saved people in all camps.
I disagree with many on alot of issues but believe most of them are saved just as I am. We need to continue to be connected to the Head and beware lest we be the ones causing the division.
The Lord Jesus has not left us as orphans He has come to us in resurrection as the life giving Spirit. He is seated at the right hand of God while at the same time He is in us. He has come, yet He is still to come at a future date (no one knows the day or hour). This glorious appearing is foundational to the final transformation of our bodies to be like His glorious body when the dead in Christ will rise first then we which are alive and remain will be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. So shall we ever be with Jesus. Pre mid or post is not crucial to fellowship but knowing Jesus in the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings is crucial to fellowship.
Thanks,
asaph

 Beautiful my friend!!

Thanks! Enjoyed your fellowship.
asaph

Galatians 2:11 8)
Patience and Prayer