Nominal christians

[PloughBoy]

Should true born from above Christians have fellowship with “nominal Christian” in which they are really unbelievers? From where I sit if we do have fellowship with them, we are sinning and not obeying God. Whosoever is a friend with the world is a enemy of God. There is a Great Falling from the word of God, and the leaven has spoiled the whole. Compromise, compromise and have explained the truth of the Word of God away.

 

[Andyindauk]

Oooh sorry Plough Boy, I really don't like this one. I consider myself to be a nominal Christian, well nominal as compared to what God asks of me. Take for example Jesus's first command in John 13:34-35. I fall a mile short of that at least. And I confess there are many other ways in which I fall short.

In any event accepting your premise, we'd have to make a judgement which in the context of Matthew 7:1-2 would be I'll advised. 2 Corinthians 10:12.

How are we supposed to bring erring brothers back if we shun them? James 5:19-20.

There are references advising you to shun any that are downright immoral and false teachers, but nominal, that would lead to cliques and divisions and those so judged leaving their church altogether with a very bitter taste in them mouth.

I say this as the father of a son who goes to church once a month.

Much better to reach out and befriend.

 

[PloughBoy]

Ok, 1st a nominal Christian is not a child of God. And those who are not born of the spirit are not none of His. Love one another meaning those of the family of God in which this is not our home. The world hates us. And we do not love this world. We are a different creature. Our language is different. We are commanded to come out of the world and love nothing in it. We have nothing in common with this world. And the world do not understand us just like the world understood Him not . We have the Spirit of the living God in us . He chose us we did not choose Him. We are strange people in a strange land and have a strange language, hearing, the world think they understand us but they don’t, nominal Christians are of the world we aren’t. The Lord takes care of His own sheep, He never leaves them alone never. He chose us before the foundation of the world . Before time or space, He chose us before Angels or Heaven Before the universe was created. And He is not finish with us yet. But on that coronation day! The Manifestation of the Sons of God!!! But when see Him we are going to look just like HIM, and we will inherit The Kingdom of God! He told us have No fellowship with unbelievers . My sheep hears my voice. He is our Shepherd . Nominal Christians are not the children of God, they are unbelievers . Period! I don’t care how many time they say Jesus is the Son of God or how many times they go to church, or how many times they sing praises to God, or how times they say their prayers. The Word of God judge them not me. I just obey, have No Fellowship with them.

 

[Sue D.]

Then why call that person a 'nominal' Christian? A Christian is a Christ-one / a follower Of Christ / His teachings.

In reality you are talking about non-believers.

If we don't share the Gospel unto salvation with whose around us -- who Is supposed to do that. We are not to keep close company with non-believers. But we've been left in this world to share the Gospel unto salvation with all who will listen.

We live next door or across the street with non-believers // we Work with non-believers // we shop with non-believers. We are Not to live in some plastic bubble-wrap. We Are supposed to be a light in this dark world.

 

[Curtis]

2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
2Co 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

2Co 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
2Co 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2Co 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Not everyone who comes to this forum and say they believe, and yet are trying to proclaim "another Gospel", "another Jesus" is NOT a child of God no matter how much they say they are!

It is not hard to detect them, just listen to what they say, that you know has no truth in it! You can show them the truth, because if they are not of the truth they will be as the Apostle calls..."Ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth"

2Ti 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2Ti 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

 

[PloughBoy]

Hi Sue, maybe I will have to explain some words here.
The evangelical Lausanne Movementdefines a nominal Christian as "a person who has not responded in repentance and faith to Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour and Lord"...[he] "may be a practising or non-practising church member. He may give intellectual assent to basic Christian doctrines and claim to be a Christian. He may be faithful in attending liturgical rites and worship services, and be an active member involved in church affairs
Many people do not know the meaning of the word fellowship in biblical truth, and the word “witnessing” proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost. Biblical words are so important. Sometimes we who are true Christians rush over biblical words so quickly we “miss the mark”. Like the word “Ecclesia” never meant the word church. It meant“come out from among them”. Be Ye separate. The word “Circe” means church. Now that’s another story. Fellowship and witnessing are different. I think the scripture makes that plainly I do not have defend that. You know that. We most do it “The Way” the Word of God has instructed us no matter how our hearts feel. “ Lean not upon our own understanding”

 

[PloughBoy]

14Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

16And 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.

17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

 

[Sue D.]

That's talking about marriage and business partners who work closely together.

Believers are not supposed to act like the world -- but we are definitely In this world to reach the lost for Christ.

Aren't all believers to be missionaries -- sharing Jesus Christ as opportunity presents itself.

Apparently I don't agree with their definition of 'nominal Christian'.

 

[PloughBoy]

That Has nothing to do with marriage. We have no fellowship with unbelievers. If you have no fellowship with unbelievers then you will not marry one. We are to tell the salvation story, Then The elect will hear. Just Tell the story! God has given the elect ears to hear. Tell the salvation story , everywhere you go! If God has saved you, and you have read the story, proclaim it everywhere you go. If they don’t want to hear it, “shake the dust off you feet” and keep it moving to the next city and tell again the same story, It has not change for over 2 thousand years it remains the same. Let God do the saving, you do the telling. All true children of God are to set their affections on the things in the heavens and not on the earth. A true Christian life on earth is a suffering one, with a joy unspeakable. We must take up our cross daily. The world wants no part of this life, it is not a attractive life, but it leads to a glorified eternal life.

 

[Sue D.]

That's what it's applied to In relation To marriage.

So --you sound a bit 'sterile' in your Christianity. So -- you respond to your neighbors / business associations like a door to door salesman?

Have you ever heard of 'relationship evangelism'. There's a lady at church who's made an exercise place her mission field. She goes to work out and gets to know the women who come in . One of those women has come to church with her and now her husband and daughter come. They are RCC originally -- but the lady has been seeing God working in her life in a physical way. Her daughter likes to come , too. the Dad comes to , once in a while.

She's had others come off and on with her.

If we don't take time to get to know people--how do we know what they believe or don't believe.

You almost sound somewhat of a Calvinist in your approach. My former son-in-law was one many years ago. he was in the Navy -- he said he'd share Christ but never intended to lead someone to the Lord. That That wasn't his job.

 

[Dave M]

Should true born from above Christians have fellowship with “nominal Christian” in which they are really unbelievers? From where I sit if we do have fellowship with them, we are sinning and not obeying God. Whosoever is a friend with the world is a enemy of God. There is a Great Falling from the word of God, and the leaven has spoiled the whole. Compromise, compromise and have explained the truth of the Word of God away.

this is a great question, and one I often ask myself. When I here you say nominal I think you mean people who profess to be Christians but you think they are not by there lifestyle, correct me if I am wrong. And do I ever think on this question. I have some friends who claim to be Christians, and I wonder ////they dont attend church regular, they dont read the bible much at all, they drink alcohol more then they should, some have sex outside of marriage. I am constantly encouraging them to read the bible to get fire for God, but I suspect they dont have the fire I have for sure. But I hope they are saved by grace but I dont know, or maybe I dont want to konw, I wonder sometimes am I supposed to have nothing to with them?? I can tell you one thing I let them know whear the word of God stands on all things we talk about. these are very old friends.

now this has me thinking of new friends since being born again, you know I dont really enjoy being around people who are not born again. Seems most people I meet are vulgar in there language, and glorify sin and I can tell with in minutes they belong to the world. But dont they need the gospel more then ever, how will they find out about Jesus if we dont tell them or better yet show them also.

One of my preachers used to say "we are not to be of the world, but we must be in the world, to show Jesus light. .

 

[PloughBoy]

My bible tells me nothing about Jesus, the 12 Apostles or Apostle Paul opening up a social club to attract someone to Jesus Christ. Now maybe a “institutional church” might take on, such a task, in the name of Christianity in which is well good,, but a institutional church did not die for me or save me , Jesus did, and He gave the true children of God a “command” and we march to that drummer turning not to left or right put we stays on the “narrow path” and we are few in numbers, Because we do not know the time or the hour, and it is getting to be late in the day, we must sound the alarm “The Bridegroom is Coming” and our lambs will be burning with plenty of oil, We don’t have time to run no social clubs let the “nominal Christians” do that , and we will sound the Alarm

 

[PloughBoy]

this is a great question, and one I often ask myself. When I here you say nominal I think you mean people who profess to be Christians but you think they are not by there lifestyle, correct me if I am wrong. And do I ever think on this question. I have some friends who claim to be Christians, and I wonder ////they dont attend church regular, they dont read the bible much at all, they drink alcohol more then they should, some have sex outside of marriage. I am constantly encouraging them to read the bible to get fire for God, but I suspect they dont have the fire I have for sure. But I hope they are saved by grace but I dont know, or maybe I dont want to konw, I wonder sometimes am I supposed to have nothing to with them?? I can tell you one thing I let them know whear the word of God stands on all things we talk about. these are very old friends.

now this has me thinking of new friends since being born again, you know I dont really enjoy being around people who are not born again. Seems most people I meet are vulgar in there language, and glorify sin and I can tell with in minutes they belong to the world. But dont they need the gospel more then ever, how will they find out about Jesus if we dont tell them or better yet show them also.

One of my preachers used to say "we are not to be of the world, but we must be in the world, to show Jesus light. .

Remember those who do not belong to. Jesus “love darkness rather than light” they hate the light , believe the Word of God, not what you feel, it is a guide unto your feet a light upon your path so you can see. True children of God likes talking about their Father God, Love talking about the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. They feel uncomfortable around “nominal Christians” and unbelievers. Children of God loves reading the Bible. Loves spending time in the Spirit of God, longs for it. Get the picture. Thinks about Heavens and Jesus coming back all the time get excited about it. Like to fellowship with other people who get excited about it. Nominal Christians but water on your fire, you don’t feel the fire, unless you are witnessing about Jesus. If you talk to them about church you grow cold . We worship God, and not churches.

 

[PloughBoy]

Remember those who do not belong to. Jesus “love darkness rather than light” they hate the light , believe the Word of God, not what you feel, it is a guide unto your feet a light upon your path so you can see. True children of God likes talking about their Father God, Love talking about the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. They feel uncomfortable around “nominal Christians” and unbelievers. Children of God loves reading the Bible. Loves spending time in the Spirit of God, longs for it. Get the picture. Thinks about Heavens and Jesus coming back all the time get excited about it. Like to fellowship with other people who get excited about it. Nominal Christians putwater on your fire, you don’t feel the fire, unless you are witnessing about Jesus. If you talk to them about church you grow cold . We worship God, and not churches.

 

[KingJ]

Should true born from above Christians have fellowship with “nominal Christian” in which they are really unbelievers? From where I sit if we do have fellowship with them, we are sinning and not obeying God. Whosoever is a friend with the world is a enemy of God. There is a Great Falling from the word of God, and the leaven has spoiled the whole. Compromise, compromise and have explained the truth of the Word of God away.

It depends. Scripture draws a crystal clear line in the sand that separates Christian from Christian. It is mortal sins. So I would say that if someone called a brother is teaching and living in a mortal sin have absolutely no fellowship with them.

The most pertinent scripture proving this is in 1 Cor 5. If we look at the very first verse we read of Paul saying ''Someone called a brother is committing a sin of fornication that is so disgusting that it is not mentioned / does not take place among even the Gentiles''.

1 Cor 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

Then Paul mentions other sins as he does in 1 Cor 6:9-12. But we need to grasp the context of these sins. Paul explains in 1 Cor 6:1-9 that we must judge better then the unsaved. So if the saved can give a 1 year sentence to thief A and a 10 year sentence to thief B. We should do so and better.

So, before we read the next scripture we need to grasp that the chapter started speaking to a mortal sin and that the sins mentioned are referring to actions at a grievous level. Not venial.

1 Cor 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no not to eat.

I terribly disagree with your statement where any brother is not espousing or living in mortal sin. We are ''ALL'' guilty of venial sin. Whilst OSAS is true, it is something only known by God. We can also be guilty of thinking we are saved when we are not.

Jer 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

1 Cor 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

 

[PloughBoy]

this is a great question, and one I often ask myself. When I here you say nominal I think you mean people who profess to be Christians but you think they are not by there lifestyle, correct me if I am wrong. And do I ever think on this question. I have some friends who claim to be Christians, and I wonder ////they dont attend church regular, they dont read the bible much at all, they drink alcohol more then they should, some have sex outside of marriage. I am constantly encouraging them to read the bible to get fire for God, but I suspect they dont have the fire I have for sure. But I hope they are saved by grace but I dont know, or maybe I dont want to konw, I wonder sometimes am I supposed to have nothing to with them?? I can tell you one thing I let them know whear the word of God stands on all things we talk about. these are very old friends.

now this has me thinking of new friends since being born again, you know I dont really enjoy being around people who are not born again. Seems most people I meet are vulgar in there language, and glorify sin and I can tell with in minutes they belong to the world. But dont they need the gospel more then ever, how will they find out about Jesus if we dont tell them or better yet show them also.

One of my preachers used to say "we are not to be of the world, but we must be in the world, to show Jesus light. .

 

[PloughBoy]

It depends. Scripture draws a crystal clear line in the sand that separates Christian from Christian. It is mortal sins. So I would say that if someone called a brother is teaching and living in a mortal sin have absolutely no fellowship with them.

The most pertinent scripture proving this is in 1 Cor 5. If we look at the very first verse we read of Paul saying ''Someone called a brother is committing a sin of fornication that is so disgusting that it is not mentioned / does not take place among even the Gentiles''.

1 Cor 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

Then Paul mentions other sins as he does in 1 Cor 6:9-12. But we need to grasp the context of these sins. Paul explains in 1 Cor 6:1-9 that we must judge better then the unsaved. So if the saved can give a 1 year sentence to thief A and a 10 year sentence to thief B. We should do so and better.

So, before we read the next scripture we need to grasp that the chapter started speaking to a mortal sin and that the sins mentioned are referring to actions at a grievous level. Not venial.

1 Cor 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no not to eat.

I terribly disagree with your statement where any brother is not espousing or living in mortal sin. We are ''ALL'' guilty of venial sin. Whilst OSAS is true, it is something only known by God. We can also be guilty of thinking we are saved when we are not.

Jer 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

1 Cor 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
[/QUOTE

It depends. Scripture draws a crystal clear line in the sand that separates Christian from Christian. It is mortal sins. So I would say that if someone called a brother is teaching and living in a mortal sin have absolutely no fellowship with them.

The most pertinent scripture proving this is in 1 Cor 5. If we look at the very first verse we read of Paul saying ''Someone called a brother is committing a sin of fornication that is so disgusting that it is not mentioned / does not take place among even the Gentiles''.

1 Cor 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

Then Paul mentions other sins as he does in 1 Cor 6:9-12. But we need to grasp the context of these sins. Paul explains in 1 Cor 6:1-9 that we must judge better then the unsaved. So if the saved can give a 1 year sentence to thief A and a 10 year sentence to thief B. We should do so and better.

So, before we read the next scripture we need to grasp that the chapter started speaking to a mortal sin and that the sins mentioned are referring to actions at a grievous level. Not venial.

1 Cor 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no not to eat.

I terribly disagree with your statement where any brother is not espousing or living in mortal sin. We are ''ALL'' guilty of venial sin. Whilst OSAS is true, it is something only known by God. We can also be guilty of thinking we are saved when we are not.

Jer 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

1 Cor 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

I posted what we determine what a “nominal Christian” is if we cannot agree what a nominal Christian is we might as well drop the subject. From your response, you are talking about a sinner brother, I am not. I am talking about a nominal Christian. I don’t even like the word Christian anymore in this day and time it has maybe over 100 meanings. When it was 1st coin by pagans, it meant those people who meet in secret who drink blood, commit incest,, cannibals, flesh eaters, those Jesus followers. Derogatory name. We are the people of “The Way”. Jesus said: I am “The Way”. The truth and the light. There is no other Way! The word Christian was a Derogatory name. The Romans gave it to us. So I say again look the word up “Nominal Christian” They are not our brothers or sisters they will not enter the kingdom of God! They are virgins without oil in their lamps, They are goats not His sheep, have no fellowship with them, they will cause you to go astray! You have been warn! You cannot hurt them but they can hurt you, stay on the path, the word is your light and the word is your guide! Witness all you want to them , but have no fellowship with them. Come out from among! And you will grow in grace. Full in the Spirit of God.

My bible tells me nothing about Jesus, the 12 Apostles or Apostle Paul opening up a social club to attract someone to Jesus Christ. Now maybe a “institutional church” might take on, such a task, in the name of Christianity in which is well good,, but a institutional church did not die for me or save me , Jesus did, and He gave the true children of God a “command” and we march to that drummer turning not to left or right put we stays on the “narrow path” and we are few in numbers, Because we do not know the time or the hour, and it is getting to be late in the day, we must sound the alarm “The Bridegroom is Coming” and our lamps will be burning with plenty of oil, We don’t have time to run no social clubs let the “nominal Christians” do that , and we will sound the Alarm❤

 

[Sue D.]

@PloughBoy -- you might want to look at Acts 11:26 where believers were first called Christians in Antioch. Antioch was a huge, diverse area. The people noticed that this new group of people acted differently -- they were teasingly being called Christians = little Christ's -- it so happened that That name given jokingly 'took hold' ---' saint' is the Biblical term but are also referred to as Christians' - little Christs = Christ -like.

And you're Also correct in the fact that the dictionary meaning is ranging anywhere from a person who goes to church at Christmas and Easter to a person who is a committed, born-again believer.

You want to use the term 'nominal Christian' -- maybe you should simply try thinking about people being either born-again believers or Not born-again. And born-again believers are supposed to be living a life that attracts others To Christ through us so they ask Why 'we' can be positive in a world that is so negative. And we All should be growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

'we' can be the ones looking for ways to be helpful to others -- mowing a lawn that needs it. Even when it isn't our own. Or taking the time to get to know our neighbor - being friendly. Those who have children / teens -- take time to know your kids' friends. Be active in your PTA -- city counsel meetings-- if it's relavant to your situation.

 

[KingJ]

I posted what we determine what a “nominal Christian” is if we cannot agree what a nominal Christian is we might as well drop the subject.

I care ZERO percent about what you or Google say. What scripture says is everything.

Scripture says the ONLY person professing to be a Christian that I must not associate with is one who is continuing in mortal sin.

You are causing dissent between devout and not so devout Christians (That is all a ''nominal Christian'' is). I do not witness with the spirit behind this.

 

[Dave M]

this is a thought provoking thread, on one hand Jesus came for the sick not the righteous, he came and ate with the sinners. On the other hand Paul tells us clearly if someone who claims to be a christian is sinning and after warnings does not stop and repent have nothing to do with them

I was reading Titus this morning and this thread came to mind, titus has a lot to say about this IMO

one one hand Titus 3,,,,1,2,3
1 Remind the believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,
2 to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.
3 For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, led astray, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.



Avoid Divisions
Titus3... 9-11

9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.
10 Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition,
11 knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned.


I think we need to be kind and loving to all, as we were to were lost and only saved by the grace of God, but on the other hand we should not be hanging out out clubs and such with non believers. Its a balance act. We want to plant any seeds we can, but as you say we dont want any water getting on our fire.

Certainly stay away from people who live a life of sin and have no desire to change.

But what about the person trapped in sin who wants to change?? it takes time to be freed from the enslavement of sin in most cases