How should we talk to someone who says that they are saved, but they live like the devil? Should we encourage them to persevere or warn them that they may not be saved? Or both?

__________________
Jared Hanley
AG
LaFollette, TN

Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Psalm 127:1 ESV

Hey Jared,

I just listened to this WHI broadcast today that dealt with this subject. I think you may find it useful.

White Horse Inn (Dr. Michael Horton) - Broadcast Archives

Blessings!

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Ryan Barnhart - Pastor of OGBC
Husband to a beautiful wife, Father to two beautiful girls
"But by the grace of God I am what I am." I Corinthians 15:10

"I confess to you, that if I can but live and die serving the Lord Jesus, it will make no difference to me whether I am eaten by Cannibals or by worms. And in the Great Day my Resurrection body will rise as fair as yours in the likeness of our risen Redeemer." - John Paton

Jared, encourage them in the way. If you are close to them, and you've considered the caution of Matthew 7:3-5, lovingly confront them. Be careful about approaching them as one having authority. Instead go to them in love, as a brother. Many times the gentle hand of a brother at this stage is sufficient to pull a brother back from sin. When it fails there are additional steps that are to be taken (see Matthew 18). But I emphasize again, look to yourself first.

__________________
Bill Brown
Elder
Grace Baptist Church
Anne Arundel County, Maryland

Click to get: Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?

What kinds of things might you say to someone to encourage them?

__________________
Jared Hanley
AG
LaFollette, TN

Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Psalm 127:1 ESV

Thanks. I'm listening to that right now.

__________________
Jared Hanley
AG
LaFollette, TN

Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Psalm 127:1 ESV