How is another christian supposed to act (what are they supposed to do or say) when a fellow christian has fallen into a sin pit?

Sincerely,
Look Out Below!

Dear Look Out Below,

When we know our brother or sister is caught up in sin, we must do something.  Christians have a moral responsibility to exhort one another to flee from sin (Heb 3:13).  If we can, we must try and save those who are falling into the fire of sin (Jude 1:23).  If we truly love one another, we will have enough love to confront each other (1 Cor 13:4-7).  Remember, if you can convert them from their error, you will have saved their soul from death (Jas 5:19-20).

Recently, I heard a sermon, and the preacher asked, "Who or what is causing your light to dim?"  It has caused a lot of us to think.  I know who is causing my light to dim but don't know what to do about it.  Our church is in turmoil.  No one respects the leader or leadership.  So, my question is: what do I do about it?

Sincerely,
Provoked To Action

Dear Provoked To Action,

If the congregation you are attending is having problems because it is no longer doing what the Lord wishes – your only option may be to leave.  However, if the congregation is faithful but floundering, and you have the strength to stick it out – let your light shine (Matt 5:16).  There are two reasons why most congregations in today’s society fall apart.

1. The congregation isn’t doing what the Bible says – in which case, they have problems because they aren’t following Bible patterns.  We recommend you read “Down With Denominationalism”, “Finding A Church”, and “Preacher Interrogation” for further information on what a New Testament congregation looks like.  Congregations that have a leadership that doesn’t hold to God’s Word are very difficult to change; most often, the only way to change them is for enough people to leave because they are disgusted with the unbiblical direction of the church.
2. The congregation has lost its love for the Lord (Rev 2:4-5).  Congregations that no longer have a zeal for the Bible and winning souls to Christ ultimately die off.  When we no longer serve Christ as faithful servants (1 Cor 4:2), a congregation loses its way.  Rev 2:1-7 tells of the church of Ephesus and the fate that awaited them because they lost their fire for God.

You must compare your congregation to the Bible and decide to stick it out and strengthen your brethren (Lk 22:32) or move on to another congregation where you can properly grow and serve the Lord with a clear conscience.  Whatever you do, make sure that you can say that the congregation you attend is “a pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim 3:15).  We have helped many others find faithful congregations in their area – if that is the road you believe you must choose, we would be happy to help you, too.

It seems many christians think being faithful means one attends all gatherings of the church – Sunday morning Bible study, worship in the morning and evening, and Wednesday evening Bible study.  Please help me with a biblical definition of faithfulness for my use in discussions.  Thank you for your clear answers that are backed by Scripture.

Sincerely,
Faithful Attender

Dear Faithful Attender,

Faith is a simple word with a lot of big implications.  The word for ‘faith’ in Greek is ‘pistis’.  ‘Pistis’ is translated ‘belief’ and ‘faith’ in English, so when you see the word ‘believe’ or the word ‘faith’ in your Bible… they are the same Greek word.  The word means ‘conviction that something is true’.  The Bible specifically uses the word ‘faith’ to describe our attitude toward God (Acts 20:21).   Faith is a requirement for salvation (Eph 2:8).

Biblical faith exists when we trust in the unseen God (Heb 11:1).  Faith is also described as a lifestyle of seeking God (Heb 11:6).  Faith without action is dead (Jas 2:26).  Even the demons believe in God… but they don’t seek Him (Jas 2:19).  Faith has its origin in the Scriptures – we believe because we hear God’s Word (Rom 10:17).  Biblical faith is best described as ‘hearing what God says and then doing your best to loyally act upon those words’.

Using that definition, regular church attendance is a part of faith because God tells us to not forsake assembling with the saints (Heb 10:24-25).  However, attendance is certainly not the all-defining characteristic of a faithful lifestyle.  One could easily attend every meeting of the church and still be a godless heathen the rest of the week (the man who had his father’s wife is a great example of this – 1 Cor 5:1-2).  Faith is a life guided by the words of the Bible.  A faithful person allows the Bible to be their compass and lets God reign within them (Lk 17:21).

Suffering of christians in other countries like Africa…

I don't understand.  If we consider what Jesus said in Lk 12:22-26, why do true christians starve to death everyday in other countries?  I understand that sometimes bad things are allowed to happen to us for God's purpose, but when I am asked by my children this question, how do I answer?

Sincerely,
Hungering For Truth

Dear Hungering For Truth,

Lk 12:22-26 never says that christians won’t suffer or die; it just says that God provides for us the way He sees fit and that we shouldn’t be anxious.  Even Christ once went forty days without food (Lk 4:2), but there was a purpose to that hunger.  Job was a man whose life epitomized suffering… but once again, there was a purpose (Job 2:3-7).  Many christians died for their faith in the first century (Rev 17:6).  Some christians die because they refuse to steal food, some die because they refuse to lie or cheat, and still others are murdered for confessing Christ.  It was that way then, and it is the same today in many parts of the world.  Not all christians are called to suffer to the point of blood (Heb 12:4), but if living a christian life brings about your death – heaven is very far better (Php. 1:21-23).  When we suffer as christians, we are blessed (1 Pet 3:13-14).  Tell your children that this world is not our home… we are just passing through.

A family member of mine said it was wrong according to the Bible and God that you should not take another christian to court.  What do you say?

Sincerely,
Legal Matters

Dear Legal Matters,

We say that your family member is 100% correct.  The Bible clearly states in 1 Cor 6:6-8 that christians shouldn’t take each other to court.  It brings shame upon the church, and it would be better to be defrauded and show love than to drag brethren to court.  Christians are supposed to have a higher moral standard than the average citizen… it only makes sense that brethren should honestly and faithfully try and handle matters with one another (1 Cor 6:1).