Dont be yoker with unbelievers

[hugoguttman]

Do Not Be Yoked With Unbelievers

14Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial[1] ? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."[2]


I would like you to help me on this: Can I say that for a Christian is not valid to have a relationship with a catholic? Does it represent a yoke with unbelievers? What about a relationship between cristians but from different denominations?
Thanks
Pax.
Hugo.

[MizDoulos]

Note:&nbsp&nbspThere are believers in both the Protestant and Catholic churches. Let's not turn this thread into another volatile discussion ending with the closing of the thread. Remember to respect each other's opinion and respond in love. Do keep your comments objective.

Thank you for your cooperation.

[4Jesus]

Hello Hugo,

 I have grappled with this question too. When the ecumenical movement started some 30 plus years ago, people thought it would bring brotherhood between different faiths but does ecumenism come at the cost of people that are weak in their faiths being compromised? It would probably depend to a great extent on the individual and how strong in their beliefs they are. For instance, how indepth should people socialize with people that have different doctrinal beliefs and have children that are still of an impressionable age?

I personally feel strong in my doctrinal beliefs and have no small children at home. Each case is different and has to be based on the criteria.

I hope this helped you. 

4Jesus  

[Job_38]

When two oxen pull a cart, it is best when they pull the same way. If you're relationship with Christ pulls one way and the relationship with others pulls another, it will pull you off track. Be friends with them, love them, but do not let them become an influence in your life. Christ first always.

[4Jesus]

I'm glad this topic came up. I have been having phone converstions with a lady that is an un-believer and have been trying to decide whether or not to continue. I confronted her about it but it didn't do any good. The opportunity arose and I shared the gospel with her but it went no place. So I think I am going to believe that I may have been able to plant a seed with her and I am going to let someone else water it.

4Jesus


Note: A sentence was removed containing initials representing a cuss word. Please do not use any cuss word even if it's in reference to someone else using the word. This is breaking Rule 4 (no offensive posts). Thank you.

[hugoguttman]

Hello:
First of all, my intention was not posting this thread to confront anyone. Thank you moderator for making this point very clear.
I was catholic and now I am a christian. But sometimes It makes me feel unconfortable the way christians reffer to catholic people. Some of them holds them like death people,as they think they dont have Jesus in their hearts, that only christian people have Him... but sure they dont know that there are nice catholic people and very bad christians people too. As Juan Bautista said... Here it comes the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. We are the world... everyone in this land could be a Son Of God, if he accepts Jesus in his or her heart.
I got a bit confussed, because if I say I can not get engaged with a catholic girl which follow the same God but with different behaviours... that is the conflicting word behaviour... custom...because that "alien" will take me away from God. God is not Elitist, but sure, as somebody said, with wisdom... If I pull for one side, my partner MUST pull the same way and not the opposite. That is very clear. So I say I am not God to say you are death and I am alive...
The opportunity arose and I shared the gospel with her but it went no place. So I think I am going to believe that I may have been able to plant a seed with her and I am going to let someone else water it.... and Other will make it grow.
Words full of wisdom.
Pax.
Hugo.

[dignitized]

As if catholics are not CHRISTIAN?? oy vey

[4Jesus]

God will give the increase (make it grow).

 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 1Cor.3:6

4Jesus

[Athlon4all]

If the Catholic is a true Born again believer (and this applies to other denominations as well, people do walk around calling them selves "religious" and affilated with a certain denomination, but have not been born again), then yes you can marry him/her, but as you are feeling right now, I too would have a very difficult time marrying a catholic because many of trhe dcotrinal differences are very close to being foundational differences, If I were in that situation, I would pray about it. I don't think Biblically a Protestant-Catholic marriage is wrong, so then it should come down to God's will.

[Live4Jesus]

Originally posted by Job_38
When two oxen pull a cart, it is best when they pull the same way. If you're relationship with Christ pulls one way and the relationship with others pulls another, it will pull you off track. Be friends with them, love them, but do not let them become an influence in your life. Christ first always.

:clap:

[Live4Jesus]

Originally posted by 4Jesus
I'm glad this topic came up. I have been having phone converstions with a lady that is an un-believer and have been trying to decide whether or not to continue. I confronted her about it but it didn't do any good. The opportunity arose and I shared the gospel with her but it went no place. So I think I am going to believe that I may have been able to plant a seed with her and I am going to let someone else water it.

4Jesus


Ye also that is generally a good idea, move on... someone else will come along if God has His hand there have no doubt...

Blessings!


Edited for language content. Please do not use cuss words that use God's name in vain, even it is just being quoted. It's not necessary. Thank you.

[4Jesus]

Thnx L4J

4J

P.S. Can anyone tell me the secret of getting the Quick Reply to work?

[hugoguttman]

Athlon4all wrote:
I don't think Biblically a Protestant-Catholic marriage is wrong, so then it should come down to God's will.
I agree with you. But sure we must keep in mind the "pull the same way" rule on our minds.
Now, if we think there could be a relationship between a Christian and Catholic... then what are we going to call yoker with unbelievers to? Whom are Paul referring as darkness... hell... belial?
God will give the increase (make it grow).
Thank you 4Jesus for your correction :) My english is getting better everyday!!!
Pax.
Hugo.

[4Jesus]

Originally posted by hugoguttman
Athlon4all wrote:

I agree with you. But sure we must keep in mind the "pull the same way" rule on our minds.
Now, if we think there could be a relationship between a Christian and Catholic... then what are we going to call yoker with unbelievers to? Whom are Paul referring as darkness... hell... belial?

Thank you 4Jesus for your correction :) My english is getting better everyday!!!
Pax.
Hugo.

The word beliel means worthless, wicked. The passage in 2Cor.6:14 is dealing with lawlessness just as Ephesians 5:11 tells us to reprove the un-saved for their works of darkness so also 2Cor. is telling us to stay clear of the un-saved or un-believer.

Maybe Colossians 2:22 would be more appropriate for you. The passage is dealing with the fact that it is a worthless gesture for someone to base their eternal salvation on the Mosaic law with its dietary habits that has been annulled for Christians but it still points out that Christians are not to follow the "doctrines of men."

So back to 2Cor. Is someone saved by faith in the atonement of Jesus alone, or are they saved because of the sacraments of the Roman Catholic church? Can you term someone a wicked un-believing person for promoting doctrines of men over what scripture says?

I think your trolling and this discussion should be moved to a section where you can debate Roman Catholicism vs. Protestantism.

4Jesus :sigh:

P.S. You need to go back to the top of this forum and read the Announcement: Welcome to this forum. Do you believe that the Bible is the infallable word of God?   

  

[sbbqb7n16]

Side note on topic: Do not be yoked together doesn't mean don't have anything to do with... just in case that generalization comes up like I have seen it come up before...

Romans 13:10 - Whether or not you are "yoked" together with them, you are still called to love them. Do that and you don't really have to worry about who falls under which category.

Proverbs 3:6 - Always acknowledge God and He will show you which way to go... He knows the "believers" and the "unbelievers" so prayer is the best way to find a final answer on this topic. :D

Originally posted by 4Jesus
Thnx L4J

4J

P.S. Can anyone tell me the secret of getting the Quick Reply to work? Ummm type in your post and click send? I'm sure you've tried that, but if that doesn't work, I don't know what else to do lol Normally the quick reply (at the bottom of each thread page) is the only method I use to repsond... unless of course I need to quote someone. But that's about it lol :D Hope that helps Have a great day!

[dignitized]

NOTE - It is IMPROPER to say: between a Christian and a Catholic when what you MEAN TO SAY is between a PROTESTANT and a Catholic.

Catholic is Christian. If you cannot accept Catholic's as being Christian, I can safely say that Christianforums is the wrong place for you.

[seebs]

Originally posted by hugoguttman

Now, if we think there could be a relationship between a Christian and Catholic... then what are we going to call yoker with unbelievers to?

Huh?

One of my friends married a Catholic, and why not? They're both Christians.

[4Jesus]

Originally posted by sbbqb7n16
Side note on topic: Do not be yoked together doesn't mean don't have anything to do with... just in case that generalization comes up like I have seen it come up before...

So why give such a graphic example of being yoked together? It shows close contact.

Romans 13:10 - Whether or not you are "yoked" together with them, you are still called to love them. Do that and you don't really have to worry about who falls under which category.

 We will come in contact with people and Christians are not to work ill towards anyone, even if they are a proven wicked person. So what does this prove one way or another about being yoked together with unbelievers?

4Jesus 

[potatohorse]

i love my catholic bretherans.

[dignitized]

potato: Please do not think I am attacking you - that is not my intent - but I must say: IF YOU LOVE SOME ONE, YOU COME TO THEIR DEFENSE WHEN THEY ARE FALSELY ACCUSED. How can I say I love catholic’s as brethren in the faith unless I speak up when they are being attacked and disparaged? I would do no less for any that I love or call brethren. God tells us to love or enemies - if we love our enemies who are divided from us by anger and belief - how much more should we love those who are together with us as one BODY - the Body of Christ?

[potatohorse]

Originally posted by Br. Max
potato: Please do not think I am attacking you - that is not my intent - but I must say: IF YOU LOVE SOME ONE, YOU COME TO THEIR DEFENSE WHEN THEY ARE FALSELY ACCUSED. How can I say I love catholic’s as brethren in the faith unless I speak up when they are being attacked and disparaged? I would do no less for any that I love or call brethren. God tells us to love or enemies - if we love our enemies who are divided from us by anger and belief - how much more should we love those who are together with us as one BODY - the Body of Christ?

Br. Max, no need for apology my friend, i did not take your post as an attack.  I merely stated that I do love my catholic brethren.

[dignitized]

Potato: I was actually aming that post at those who are reading this thread, who feel we are all Christians together and are afraid to speak up. :)

[Chris†opher Paul]

I was catholic and now I am a christian.


You seem to think that Catholics are not Christians. If so, why?

I am also a bit troubled at your statement that you were a Catholic. If so, were you raised Catholic? Did you ever learn what Catholicism teaches?

[4Jesus]

Originally posted by Chris†opher Paul
You seem to think that Catholics are not Christians. If so, why?

I am also a bit troubled at your statement that you were a Catholic. If so, were you raised Catholic? Did you ever learn what Catholicism teaches?

Where is the post that said, I was a catholic and now I am a christian

4Jesus

[sbbqb7n16]

Originally posted by 4Jesus
So why give such a graphic example of being yoked together? It shows close contact.

Kinda confused about what you mean :scratch: But if you mean that the verse shows close contact, that would only prove my point further... "Don't be yoked together" does not mean "don't have ANYTHING to do with"... what I mean by this is that casual meeting and such is NOT being yoked together. I have seen in the past people who try and interpret (and I believe just for argument sake) the verse to say "If you see anyone who is not a Christian run across the street to walk on the other side... don't even come near them." Which is totally against what the verse meant. -- That was my original point, sorry if I didn't make that clear. :)

We will come in contact with people and Christians are not to work ill towards anyone, even if they are a proven wicked person. So what does this prove one way or another about being yoked together with unbelievers?
It proves that too many people focus on determining which category people fall under rather than focusing on our responsibility to love them nonetheless. We are to love believers and we are to love non-believers, only don't be yoked together with an unbeliever. Once again, I have seen people take this verse and twist it into "don't have anything to do with them" and in so doing they neglect their responsibility to love them.

Have a great day!

[hugoguttman]

Thank you everybody who has posted a message in this thread. Thank you.
Ok, let´s see. Someone asked me about my experience as Catholic. I will answer this question and at the same time I will be answering another questions made to me.
In Mexico (I know this is an english forum, but, at least, a christian forum)
As a Catholic, I had my first Communion with the Lord, when I was about 12 years old. It was merely a tradittion. I did not have option. I could not say I want or I dont want. YOU MUST HAVE FIRST COMMUNION. I attended Bible clases, reading mostly the gospel but nothing about Apostol letters.
Later... when I was a young guy I used to attend to church some Sundays, not always. I felt empty until I got into deep abyss, BUT NOT FOR THE CATHOLIC MATTER. NO!!! I make this point very enfatic. It´s just I did not have enough interest in God. I knew He exist. But I was not aware and afraid of Him. That abyss was a world of pleasure and something very important: IT COULD BE A VERY NICE KIND OF LIVING. BUT I COULD NOT SEE THAT, WHAT I WAS DOING WAS NOT RIGHT TO GOD EYES!!!
In my country, we use Protestant word very little... I think only for statistics. What I mean is that in my country, a non catholic is marked as a christian. (obviously not taking in mind those religion like Jewish, buddist, muslims...) First difference. We are Christians, and I know that Catholic are christians also, because they follow the same God. The same Jesus.
NOTE - It is IMPROPER to say: between a Christian and a Catholic when what you MEAN TO SAY is between a PROTESTANT and a Catholic.
Catholic is Christian. If you cannot accept Catholic's as being Christian, I can safely say that Christianforums is the wrong place for you.
I´ll take it. This is for me and I will accept it. If God demmands me to leave this forum, I will, not for your assuptions.
As a christian, I had the option to accept o reject Jesus. Being a thinking man, with judge about what I want in my life. Not an heritage.
I have been fighting agains evil spirits (afraid...doubt...judge...lie...illness...) that I did not see as strong as when I recognized Jesus as my Lord. TRUTH IS THE WORD. I KNOW THE TRUTH. And Glory to Jesus for that!!!
Any Catholic here? If you read my second post in this thread, you can see that I DONT AGREE WITH THE DIFFERENCES SOME CHRISTIANS(PROTESTANTS) POINTS UP ON CATHOLICS. I DONT AGREE, BECAUSE I WAS A CATHOLIC. I think some of them follow Jesus and are real Sons of God as some Christians are.
As the moderator said in the begining of this thread, this is not for fighting. It´s just for making doubts clear and with love when we answer a question.
are you a catholic? Good for you and God bless you.
are you a Christian (protestant) good for you an God bless you.
Pax brothers, pax.
Hugo.
:D

[seebs]

Huh? FWIW, I had to stop going to the Lutheran church I was raised in, because I wouldn't do the confirmation ritual. No option was offered; if you wanted to go to church, you had to get confirmed.

Your distinction between Catholic and Christian is a lie.

Saying "Christian (protestant)" in that way is itself a lie, a blasphemy, an attack on God's good name.

"Christian" means "all the Christians, whether they're Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, or non-denominational".

If you want a word that refers to Protestants, but not Catholics, you might try "Protestant". That's what it's there for. You can't use "Christian" to mean "except of course for Catholics" without slandering God.

It's clear from your other statements that you do think that many Catholics have a good relationship with God. That kind of relationship, rooted in the belief that Jesus was God, is why we say that the Catholic Church is one branch of Christianity, and its members are Christians.

Are some Catholics, perhaps, not really Christian? I dunno. But if we can say that about them, we can say that about all the Protestant denominations, too.

[Chris†opher Paul]

Hugo-

Perhaps there is some language barrier here?

Catholics are Christians.
Protestants are Christians.

Do you understand?

[Terri]

Hi hugoguttman,

I would hope if you are talking about marriage you would find someone whose beliefs are as similiar to yours as possible.  A good bible-believing christian would be great!  ;)

Terri

[Blindfaith]

Hugo:

I'm not sure who said that if you don't believe Catholics are Christians maybe this isn't the place for you, but I have to disagree with that.

You most certainly are welcome here, and hopefully will learn what it is you're asking.

[Chris†opher Paul]

A good bible-believing christian would be great!


You include Catholics in this category, right?

[Terri]

Hugo:

I'm not sure who said that if you don't believe Catholics are Christians maybe this isn't the place for you, but I have to disagree with that.

You most certainly are welcome here, and hopefully will learn what it is you're asking.

I agree!  Hugo please don't leave! We need good bible-believing Christians here!

[hugoguttman]

Seebs... God Bless You.
In my country, we use Protestant word very little... I think only for statistics. What I mean is that in my country, a non catholic is marked as a christian. (obviously not taking in mind those religion like Jewish, buddist, muslims...) First difference. We are Christians, and I know that Catholic are christians also, because they follow the same God. The same Jesus.
As you can read, there is a cultural difference that has taken us to missunderstanding... Mexico, with almost 85% of catholic people only uses Christian to reffer those people who are not catholic and are Protestant. That was my mistake. I did not know you could get so personally. I dont have any doubt about Christianity of catholic People... so, did you read all the post? I said Catholic church and protestant church FOLLOW the same God. Both of them Know Jesus Christ.
I´m concluding two things... my english is so poor that very few english speaking people can understand or maybe you can not read posts very well letting your emotions stand up your judge. I think it´s the first one.
I dont think I have blaspheme to God. My heart is in peace.
Perhaps there is some language barrier here?

Catholics are Christians.
Protestants are Christians.

Do you understand?

I understand. Thank you.
We are Christians, and I know that Catholic are christians also, because they follow the same God. The same Jesus.

Did I say something different to your statements?
Pax dear friends, pax.
Hugo.

[Annabel Lee]

Hello Hugo,

I have many friends who were born in Mexico and they do not use the word Protestant. It's either Catholic or Christian. Sorry for all the misunderstanding.

A belated welcome to you. :)

[hugoguttman]

Brothers:
Making a reflection on your answers... I concluded something.
God is powerful... For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
But... Does God have any weakness? I think so. HIS LOVE FOR US. as John 3:16 says.
So who am I to judge who is dead and who is alive? And knowing who is un-believer... who am I to judge him? We better love those people as Jesus commanded us to do, and let´s not forget to say the gospel to every creature on the world.
Pax.
Hugo.

[Terri]

Hi Hugo   :wave:

Hope we haven't been unloving towards you!

[Chris†opher Paul]

Amen Hugo!

Jesus ate with sinners! The sick need the doctors, not the healthy!

If we save someone from the "dark side" it is credited to us and covers many sins, so keep it up brother!

[Budge]

I am very much against the interfaith movement, if any of you have read my posts on Interdenominational section could attest to and I think this has to do with it.

I DO befriend unbelievers. A new friendship of mine is with an agnostic couple into the New Age. My best friend is an atheist. I think this verse means that being yoked can mean being led away from Christian faith and as a warning to breaking the first commandment which I think many interfaith activities do so.

One thing however important for Christians is to be careful of being Yoked and tied to unbelievers, and being led away from the Christian faith. I only have a few Christian friends and in my life most of my old friends and family even are unbelievers. It is a challenge and I have to lean on the Lord for support and my newer Christian friends.

I think its a balance. God wants you to love and treat others kindly--opportunities to witness through friendship and more, but one must be careful not to compromise Christian faith--such as interfaith movement does.

[webboffin]

I don't belong to any denomination as I don't see in the Bible where it favours one denomination or another. The Bible talks of the Church of Christ. Though what this is I don't know.