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Meeting with a pastor- what would you do

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Nikoa:
It's almost a year since coming to BT and wow what an emotional ride it's been.  My wife is in agreement with the truths learned at BT but she can't see just not going to church.  We have stop going to a very large church in Seattle and now go to a small church that has a young (very sharp and studied) pastor that doesn't beg for money.  I actually really enjoy him and his family.  We got to know them a bit better when they invited us over for dinner and I really believe he loves truth.  Long story even longer I pulled him aside after service and shared with him my testimony about the subject of hell and how I was so very tormented for so long with this belief system and how I had found new understanding.  I communicated this in a way that came across in a humble way and was wanting his thoughts and then handed him Ray's papers written to Hagee and Kennedy.  He said that he would make time to look through them and get back to me.  Well about a month went by and nothing so I emailed him and he made some excuses why he didn't have time to go through it and asked me if I could just give him the bottom line.  I conveyed how important it was to me and asked him to please go through it when he had time.  Well a month later I still haven't heard back. (Oh, I also emailed him over the link to Jason's/Sozo youtube hell vids thinking at least he could make time to just watch).  I just found out that my wife had invited the pastor and his family over for dinner tomorrow night so I'm sure we will be doing some talking.  Finally...what would you do in this situation?   I have a heart for truth and have absolutely no interest in debate and especially with someone like this who knows scriptures as well as he does.  What verses could I give him that he would really have to consider and think about?  Should I print out every scripture on how all are saved?  I love you guys and would much appreciate your responses.

Craig:
I hope I'm wrong, but I suspect your meeting will go over like a lead balloon.

Craig

mharrell08:

--- Quote from: Nikoa on November 17, 2008, 11:37:10 AM ---It's almost a year since coming to BT and wow what an emotional ride it's been.  My wife is in agreement with the truths learned at BT but she can't see just not going to church.  We have stop going to a very large church in Seattle and now go to a small church that has a young (very sharp and studied) pastor that doesn't beg for money.  I actually really enjoy him and his family.  We got to know them a bit better when they invited us over for dinner and I really believe he loves truth.  Long story even longer I pulled him aside after service and shared with him my testimony about the subject of hell and how I was so very tormented for so long with this belief system and how I had found new understanding.  I communicated this in a way that came across in a humble way and was wanting his thoughts and then handed him Ray's papers written to Hagee and Kennedy.  He said that he would make time to look through them and get back to me.  Well about a month went by and nothing so I emailed him and he made some excuses why he didn't have time to go through it and asked me if I could just give him the bottom line.  I conveyed how important it was to me and asked him to please go through it when he had time.  Well a month later I still haven't heard back. (Oh, I also emailed him over the link to Jason's/Sozo youtube hell vids thinking at least he could make time to just watch).  I just found out that my wife had invited the pastor and his family over for dinner tomorrow night so I'm sure we will be doing some talking.  Finally...what would you do in this situation?   I have a heart for truth and have absolutely no interest in debate and especially with someone like this who knows scriptures as well as he does.  What verses could I give him that he would really have to consider and think about?  Should I print out every scripture on how all are saved?  I love you guys and would much appreciate your responses.

--- End quote ---


Hello Chad,

Yes, many here will testify of being in similar circumstances with members of their church, friends, and family.

I had a family friend request information from me regarding my beliefs and what site and who I was fellow shipping with. I gave him the link to BT as well as a direct link to the 'Fools, Hypocrites, Snakes' paper. I have not heard back from him and don't really expect to either. I believe your pastor has the same attitude as my friend. It's true that my friend asked first and you sought your pastor out, but they both do not have an ear for the truth. If your pastor did, he would have been blowing your inbox up, calling you often, and just wanting to talk to you as much as you want to talk to him about these spiritual truths. That's usually the normal reaction from what I've read from others experiences.

He does not want to hear the truth and if you push him, it may end in an argument or dispute. Not to say it will get nasty (even though at times it can), but as they say: You may win the argument, but you'll lose the sale.


Hope this helps,

Marques

Nikoa:
It's hard for me to believe that people don't want the truth or even hate it.  Could it be that he can't believe it?  His eyes are blinded?   What great news we have!  Why would someone not get it with so many facts?  I guess if he was to embrace this truth he would lose his church, relationships and pretty much everything. 

Marlene:
Chad, I too have been going through the same thing as you. We, had been going to a church and the pastor has said things that make me feel like he would believe truth. Right before preaching tithe one Sunday he turned around to face the wall and said,"God I hate to do this". My family all heard this.

Then one Sunday he said,"He was getting emails from people to quite preaching about the family unit.

Then he got email from the corporate headquarters of the church he preached at telling him they were going to have to watch in time to come what they preached or they could loose there tax except. He said" they may fire me or I might be taken out in hand cuffs." He wants to preach the word of God no matter what. He has always been very nice to me. Read a couple of books for me. But, I have never asked him to read Ray's website. But, I still wonder if I
should not have.

But, I am like Craig, we might not be ready for what they dish out. Also, I believe that he is able to lead us to truths. Didn't Christ lead you out. Now, last week a Lady from the church called because they were missing us. I am praying to decide, what is best. He has alot to give up. He is not rich. But, he has a home , income and he believes he is called of God. He made a statment when we first started going there he would go where God led him.

Well, I use to sing at churches all the time. But, they were small ones. This church is large. I said, God I can't sing in a large church. But, it turned out God didn't even want me in church. He showed me that singing had become an Idol of my heart. So, now I sing to him from my heart.

So, I believe like Ray there is a cause for everything we do. There is a cost for obeying God and that is giving Idol of the heart up. I can say giving up there jobs would be very hard, but if they did I believe God provides. But, he would be a 47 year old man going out to try and provide for his family.

Not, sure anyting I could say will help you. But, I do know it is not something we can force. But, it is up to you. If, you feel God is leading you to do it, that is your decision to make.  But, only God is able to lead anyone to truth. I do think god does use people. He used Ray that is for sure. When, we first learn the truth we want to share it with the world.

In His Love,
Marlene

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