Originally Posted by Tom
Believe me, I wrestled in prayer, consulted with other Reformed Christians and in the end, what I said above is what I ended up doing. I knew that not everybody would agree with my decision, but I definitely didn't make that decision lightly.
Hope that answers your question.
yep That answers the question. But your answer opened the door to another. giggle

You "wrested in prayer" and "consulted with other Reformed Christians"...

[Linked Image] did you pray studying God's infallible, written Word to find out what His will is on this matter? Many have opinions about everything under the sun and are more than willing to share them with you. However, God has no opinions about anything but rather He provides absolute truth, knowledge and wisdom. wink

Now, can you possibly guess what Scripture says about putting yourself under the preaching of false teachers? And what do you think it says about the inevitable 'war' that will ensue in families when one is given to follow Christ? Pragmatism is easy compared to walking a godly life in Christ Jesus. In fact, re: this last matter which also applies to the first, Paul's inspired words to Timothy flashed into my mind (which is a rare thing for my failing memory to do, hehe): Having reminded Timothy of those who would come with false teachings who reject the truth and who would attract all manner of people to follow them, especially women and who will suffer the same fate as Jannes and Jambres, he wrote:

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2 Timothy 3:10-17 (ASV) "But thou didst follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience, persecutions, sufferings. What things befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. And that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Every scripture inspired of God [is] also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.
Bearing a cross is the way a Christian must and will live out this life on earth. But the rewards that await the faithful are beyond one's ability to comprehend. And, there is even great satisfaction and joy to be had during the Christian's difficult journey here and now for suffering for the sake of Christ and God's truth is pleasing to God and it honors His most holy name among men. [Linked Image]

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simul iustus et peccator

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