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Wes said:
John,

I think you know I didn't mean to make light of your situation, yet I couldn't help but make the comparison to AA's standards for obvious reasons. Actually, what you are describing can be a serious problem in the church today. Not just in Japan but throughout the world. Whether you choose a denominational church, congregational church, or an independant one you will find these kinds of add ons to one degree or another. Whether it be smoking, drinking, hair length, clothing code, whatever..... it becomes legalism. The effort to add certain laws to curb excesses doesn't purify the church. No law can! Obedience to God's law and quiting bad habits is the result of being saved, not the cause of it.

..snip..

I'm praying for you John. I sincerely hope further communication will reveal that you have misunderstood the pastor's position rather than having to look for other options.


Wes

Wes,

I knew you were not making light of my situation and was not bothered at all by your comments. It was just that at the time I didn't really know how to respond to the humour.

Thank you for your prayers. It means a lot to me. I'm still awaiting my pastor's response, so there's not to much else to say at the moment.

John