Christians - Believers are to Go Out from Unbelievers and be Separate from Them

[AlertChristians]

Christians - Believers are to Go Out from Unbelievers and be Separate from Them

Holy Bible - (NKJV)
2 Corinthians 6:14-18

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”

17 Therefore

“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
18 “I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.”

.......
This is not being done. Churches are apostate, not doing as commanded.

 

[Christ4Ever]

@AlertChristians
I understand what you are saying.
Do you want to expound upon how this is happening in today's church?
It might help with awareness for surely discernment seems to be lacking to many for this to happen.
Also, the fine line between evangelizing, and services that should be presenting the Gospel for those who are there that are not saved.
Thanks for the post.

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
<><

 

[B-A-C]

On one hand, it would be impossible to evangelize if we never mingled with non-believers.

1 Cor 5:9; I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people;
1 Cor 5:10; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world.

But on the other hand, do we let "corrupt" Christians stay in the church?

1 Cor 5:11; But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one.
1 Cor 5:12; For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church?
1 Cor 5:13; But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.

Do we let people who practice disobedience and false teachings stay in the church?

2 Jn 1:8; Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.
2 Jn 1:9; Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.
2 Jn 1:10; If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting;
2 Jn 1:11; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.

What is the church? A Building? A body of believers? Could "TalkJesus" be a church?
Could the moderators be elders? There is a lot of responsibility here.

 

[B-A-C]

Keep in mind, this is written to the church... not unbelievers.

Rev 2:14; 'But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality.
Rev 2:15; 'So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
Rev 2:16; 'Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth.

Rev 2:20; 'But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
Rev 2:21; 'I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality.

 

[Dave M]

But on the other hand, do we let "corrupt" Christians stay in the church?

Man what timing on this !! I was asking myself about a situation that has recently developed with me and a old freind. back ground we were both drinking and drug buddies from way back. Recently we connected. So he is a christian and goes to bible study now, but he has admitted to me he drinks 5 or so beers every day,

Well today we studied the bible together and he wants to stop drinking but has not yet. (please all pray for him) So I told him God took the desire away from me and he will for him also just keep reading the word.

So my thoughts are Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as our selves, so no way would I desert this fellow, I will encourage him as much as possible and pray for him and study the bible with him

But what Paul says has me wondering, how is that loving my neighbor as my self?? is that hard love maybe?? am I mature enough in Christ to do that or better yet to know when to do that??
1 Cor 5:11; But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one.

when do you give up on a person and have nothing to do with them???


would love some feed back from you guys, hopefully this is in connection with the OP and not off track if its off track forgive me and maybe get it moved

 

[AlertChristians]

@AlertChristians
I understand what you are saying.
Do you want to expound upon how this is happening in today's church?
It might help with awareness for surely discernment seems to be lacking to many for this to happen.
Also, the fine line between evangelizing, and services that should be presenting the Gospel for those who are there that are not saved.
Thanks for the post.

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
<><

In order to execute 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, believers would come out of the apostate churches, come out of current residences, and move to a separate, shared property where they would live and worship.

Evangelism and services would be done off property, and unbelievers would be restricted from the shared property except for compliance with government officials or hired service workers, for example plumbing.

It is possible to tell who are the believers and who are the unbelievers. Churches do not implement adequate screening because they are run by and largely populated by unbelievers.

 

[AlertChristians]

On one hand, it would be impossible to evangelize if we never mingled with non-believers.

Evangelism would be done off property, per my previous post. Outreach might also be done by internet.

 

[Christ4Ever]

@AlertChristians
So the methodology of the Modern Church in opening their doors to all people whether believer or unbeliever is incorrect? At least until they have professed their belief in Our Lord & Savior, and then with open arms welcome them. Interesting to see how a church would put this practice in place if it's not already doing so.

Part of me has difficulty with this, because it's possible that the time I came to the Lord might not have happened, but then again maybe. For the Service I was invited to was in a church, but not for a regular service rather for a type of tent revival. Really meant for the unbeliever or backsliding believer. Currently the church I attend, allows all to come to the service, but only believers to become members of the church and so having a say.

Which has me asking. Would doing this be improper? Also, is allowing for the unbeliever to attend only the special services directed specifically for them? or would this also be wrong within the church setting?

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
<><

 

[B-A-C]

Part of me has difficulty with this, because it's possible that the time I came to the Lord might not have happened, but then again maybe. For the Service I was invited to was in a church, but not for a regular service rather for a type of tent revival. Really meant for the unbeliever or backsliding believer. Currently the church I attend, allows all to come to the service, but only believers to become members of the church and so having a say.

Which has me asking. Would doing this be improper? Also, is allowing for the unbeliever to attend only the special services directed specifically for them? or would this also be wrong within the church settin

Now there are many different kinds of ministry. The life we live is a ministry, but if people only see how we live
and there is never a conversation about "what makes us different", What good is that ministry?

We can go knocking on doors, sometimes this is effective, but it's been my experience, the majority don't want to talk to you.
In fact, I have been told... If I was looking for Jesus.. I would go to church.

Most of the people I know, who have come to Christ, has been in an altar call session near the end of a church service.
Seekers... people looking for Jesus... have to start looking somewhere... where else is there besides a church?

Missionaries, go to foreign countries... but even there, most conversion is done in a church setting.
Now, when I say church, I don't necessarily mean a building... but I do mean a gathering of believers... wherever that might be.

So... if we don't allow unbelievers into the church... how many people are we rejecting from ever hearing the message?

==============================================================================================================

I personally believe there is a difference between people who are unsaved... but looking for Jesus.

...and...

people who claim to be saved... but are looking to avoid Jesus. I think these are the people Paul was talking about.

 

[B-A-C]

So he is a christian and goes to bible study now, but he has admitted to me he drinks 5 or so beers every day,

We could start a whole other thread on drinking.

 

[Fragrant Grace]

In order to execute 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, believers would come out of the apostate churches, come out of current residences, and move to a separate, shared property where they would live and worship.

Evangelism and services would be done off property, and unbelievers would be restricted from the shared property except for compliance with government officials or hired service workers, for example plumbing.

It is possible to tell who are the believers and who are the unbelievers. Churches do not implement adequate screening because they are run by and largely populated by unbelievers.

Breaking of Bread in some gatherings is for Believers only.....usually on Sunday morning

However, Gospel Meetings....often held in the evening welcome the unsaved in to hear the goodnews.

Whilst I totally agree @AlertChristians that Christianity is watered down and wordly in many 'churches'.......this isnt caused by the seeking unbeliever entering in.....but due to the leaders and false beliefs of the church in question.o

 

[AlertChristians]

Breaking of Bread in some gatherings is for Believers only.....usually on Sunday morning

However, Gospel Meetings....often held in the evening welcome the unsaved in to hear the goodnews.

Whilst I totally agree @AlertChristians that Christianity is watered down and wordly in many 'churches'.......this isnt caused by the seeking unbeliever entering in.....but due to the leaders and false beliefs of the church in question.o

There is no way to reconcile 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 without believers physically coming out of churches and their residences and relocating to common property (that currently does not exist) for purposes common to the bretheren (separate from unbelievers), for example and not limited to, being roommates and neighbors, congegating, praising, worshipping, eating.

Anything short of obedience to scripture, the Lord's command, is disobedience.

Activities involving unbelievers would need to be done on a separate property, even if adjoined. Also, I recommend a considerable distance of at least 150 yards border the believers property to buffer the evil of witchcraft some unbelievers would want to practice against believers.

 

[Fragrant Grace]

There is no way to reconcile 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 without believers physically coming out of churches and their residences and relocating to common property (that currently does not exist) for purposes common to the bretheren (separate from unbelievers), for example and not limited to, being roommates and neighbors, congegating, praising, worshipping, eating.

Anything short of obedience to scripture, the Lord's command, is disobedience.

Activities involving unbelievers would need to be done on a separate property, even if adjoined. Also, I recommend a considerable distance of at least 150 yards border the believers property to buffer the evil of witchcraft some unbelievers would want to practice against believers.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

@AlertChristians

I do not believe these verses are referring specifically to the building.

Read the passge in light of the preceeding and proceeding chapters

It is always good to place eveything in context.

 

[Sue D.]

@ Dave M. -- if your friends' drinking becomes a problem for you -- gets You tempted to start drinking again -- then have a serious conversation with him -- the effects of His continued drinking has on You. His reaction to Your comments will say a lot about his Christian character. His five or six beers a day says that Maybe he has a problem that needs to be dealt with. Studying the Bible with him -- praying with him is Wonderful. Praying with him specifically about his drinking -- if he is okay with it.

When you're around each other -- have bottled water to drink.

And some guys don't see a few beers as any "real problem'. And his 'five or six' -- to Him -- might not seem so bad 'compared to' what he observes Other guys drinking.

Just be careful that You don't start rationalizing that Maybe just 'one' beer will be okay in an effort to keep his friendship.

Sounds like you already Do know the dangers of drinking.

 

[KingJ]

But what Paul says has me wondering, how is that loving my neighbor as my self?? is that hard love maybe?? am I mature enough in Christ to do that or better yet to know when to do that?? 1 Cor 5:11; But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one.

when do you give up on a person and have nothing to do with them???

When they commit mortal sin.

1 Cor 5:1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife.

I wouldn't ever say we have nothing to do with them. Just not to associate / eat with them. We must always try restore a brother James 5:20.

 

[KingJ]

There is no way to reconcile 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 without believers physically coming out of churches and their residences and relocating to common property (that currently does not exist) for purposes common to the bretheren (separate from unbelievers), for example and not limited to, being roommates and neighbors, congegating, praising, worshipping, eating.

Anything short of obedience to scripture, the Lord's command, is disobedience.

Activities involving unbelievers would need to be done on a separate property, even if adjoined. Also, I recommend a considerable distance of at least 150 yards border the believers property to buffer the evil of witchcraft some unbelievers would want to practice against believers.

God says we must come out of a world....He has placed us in?

A church that teaches Christ and Him crucified 1 Cor 2:2 is a church we can attend. One that doesn't requires a different discussion. Like ''ensure you don't attend a non-Christian church''.

I like attending and sharing at churches that need to hear the truth. Charity starts at home. It is our brothers and sisters in the Lord that need us first and foremost.

 

[AlertChristians]

@AlertChristians
So the methodology of the Modern Church in opening their doors to all people whether believer or unbeliever is incorrect? At least until they have professed their belief in Our Lord & Savior, and then with open arms welcome them. Interesting to see how a church would put this practice in place if it's not already doing so.

Part of me has difficulty with this, because it's possible that the time I came to the Lord might not have happened, but then again maybe. For the Service I was invited to was in a church, but not for a regular service rather for a type of tent revival. Really meant for the unbeliever or backsliding believer. Currently the church I attend, allows all to come to the service, but only believers to become members of the church and so having a say.

Which has me asking. Would doing this be improper? Also, is allowing for the unbeliever to attend only the special services directed specifically for them? or would this also be wrong within the church setting?

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
<><

The only way to comply with 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 is as I posted earlier. This quote is a big solution to a big problem. Churches are apostate, overrun with unbelievers in the pulpits, choirs and pews. They are siding with the Devil, Satan's servants.

Disregarding or trying to side step this scripture is disobedience. Of those who are believers, they are deceived, going with familiarity, even as services are watered down even more with time.

Here's one easy way to see the severity of the apostacy. The Lord commanded disciples to "heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers and cast out demons". Churches don't do this. And they don't make disciples who do this.

Churches are apostate in many ways. This big problem requires a big solution, and this big solution is provided in scripture. And again, believers and unbelievers can be identified. I am not identifying how this would be done in this thread, as it is a big enough topic to be its own thread.

 

[AlertChristians]

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

@AlertChristians

I do not believe these verses are referring specifically to the building.

Read the passge in light of the preceeding and proceeding chapters

It is always good to place eveything in context.

 

[Fragrant Grace]

I wouldn't ever say we have nothing to do with them. Just not to associate / eat with them. We must always try restore a brother James 5:20.

Yes I agree @KingJ

May I share:

Throughout my youth and into my early 20's I was a member of a brethren fellowship.
I sadly backslid and fell into immoral sin which led to being put out of fellowship. This meant I couldnt break bread or take wine or be part of the gathering in the same way.

However, the brothers and sisters were still very kind loving and prayerful. They longed for me to return to the Lord in the same way they longed for sinners to come to repentance who attended their Gospel meetings.

After a fairly prolonged period of time. After repentance and turning back to Jesus. After a number of meetings with the wise gentle elders, I was welcomed back into fellowship.
I thank the Lord for the love, prayers and kindness of the believers during this fallen time.

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are Spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ
Galatians 6:1-2

 

[AlertChristians]

"I do not believe these verses are referring specifically to the building."
The Lord has His people to come out from among THEM and be separate. THEY won't be giving up their dominance in the churches (buildings).

Coming out from among THEM and being separate would require believers to "pick up sticks", physically move out of residences, leave churches (buildings) behind, and relocate to a separate plot of land. This location does not yet exist. There, believers would to live as roommates and neighbors, worship, etc. This could even be the size and function of a country; though it may start out as one or more plots of land.

Unbelievers would be excluded from this location. There may be more than one location, even locations in other countries. Outreach, evangelism, etc. would be done off the central property, perhaps even an adjoined property. But this would be done for those expressing interest in being believers within the central property and passing tests qualifying them for this service. Why? There's no reason to have the Devil's children swarming around the central property. There should be a filtering process, similar to triage. Discussion of this process is outside the scope of this thread, and it deserves its own thread.

"Read the passge in light of the preceeding and proceeding chapters

It is always good to place eveything in context."

I have read 2 Corinthians chapters 1 through 6, and there's nothing there, context or otherwise that refutes 2 Corinthians 6: 14-18 or what I have posted.