The Tare Police
This morning I came across a stimulating article by Terry Rayburn at his Grace for Life blog site called The Tare Police. It was an encouraging read for me and I wanted to pass it along. He starts out,
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There is something disturbing that I’ve noticed more and more in the church in America. I hear it in person or on TV, I read it on internet blogs and websites, and I see articles on it in magazines.
More and more, Christians are declaring that other Christians are unsaved or unregenerate.
Some Calvinists think that Arminians aren’t saved. Some Arminians think that Calvinists aren’t saved. Some non-Charismatics think Charismatics aren’t saved and some Charismatics think non-Charismatics aren’t saved. Some fundamentalists think Reformed folks are unsaved, and some Reformed folks think fundamentalists are unsaved. Some think Emergent church folks are unsaved, and some think New Perspective folks are unsaved. Some think Southern Baptists are mostly unregenerate, and some think the Methodists are all unsaved liberals.
Need I go on to the Protestants and Catholics, the Covenant Theology guys, The Dispensationalists, the New Covenant Theology guys, the Auburn Theology guys, the Open Theism guys, or those who commit some horrible public sin?
Mike, thank you for sharing. I was recently forced from my church under accusations like this and it is really hurtful and very disturbing. I wasn’t disfellowshipped because of moral or blatant sin but because I had some problems trusting my pastor after past abuse in my life. My struggles to trust were due to legalism and control issues I was experiencing from him. Because of this struggle he said I exhibited fear and lack of submission and therefore was a non-Christian and I was forced from the church and believers can’t associate with me. We all make mistakes and are in desperate need of forgiveness and grace. I know I don’t want to be thrown out with other believing I am a tare, and I certainly don’t want to do that to others. I continue to pray and interceede for God’s loving grace on his people and praying that his people will find the absolute truth found only in Christ and his redemption and will live by that.
Sherie
I am truly sorry for what you had to experience.
Thought this site might help.
“A Former Leaders Journey”
http://retrofited.blogspot.com/2007/06/person-formerly-known-as-your-leader.html
This former leader is repenting for the abuse put on others.
Also healing here.
“God’s Words of Comfort & Healing”
http://web.me.com/love101
Be blessed and be a blessing.
Sherie,
I too am sorry to hear all that you’ve gone through. I’m glad you found encouragement in Rayburn’s words. Here’s a quote from Jack Miller in the book, The Heart of a Servant Leader, that I thought you might like. He says, “Is it possible that God is trying to stir up revival by a gentling of us? Is it possible that the only thing really ruined is human pride and self-confidence?” I’ve enjoyed reading this book. It’s been very healing, and you might find it helpful too.
Mike