Wise Men Needed

[Catsmeow]

Ronan: Since you are new and haven't read my many posts, you don't know my reputation for continually "defending" Catholics. It was a Roman Catholic who led me to Christ. I still disagree with a large part of their doctrine.

*(I was born and raised Catholic and my entire family remains devout Catholics...I'm the oddball). I still disagree with RC doctrines and Catechism but no, I don't believe they're all lost...just some of them. Like Protestants...some know the Lord; some don't. Nuf said.

Thank you, everybody! You all were so kind to spend so much time giving such thoughtful answers. Now I need to study them and let it sink in awhile.

Cruise...you said it right on...bro!

In very simplistic terms, as long as you are humbled and walking with Christ daily, continually in His Word so as not to be swayed or "snared", you "can do all things through Christ who strengthens [you]

I feel like this is so important...not getting myself snared. Watching what I say or don't say is a real key here.

I'm getting outta here soon...gotta go to Awana's tonight. I have 3 - 6th grade girls Awanas (kinda like Sunday school...sorta). Tonight Awanas starts so I'm a little nervous...

I just remember when I was a lost teenager and appearing to be "beyond hope" a minister and his wife took some big chances reaching out to "kids like me"...*(at risk kids who were always in trouble).

Many of those kids went on into ministry or made lives for themselves. There's a degree of risk when you reach out to kids these days. Especially now. Things have changed so much these days and church scandals are a dime a dozen. You have to be so careful - yet, we can't just write these kids off.

So, here I go...*(big sigh!)

[RCruise]

Dear Sister Cat,

I just remember when I was a lost teenager and appearing to be "beyond hope" a minister and his wife took some big chances reaching out to "kids like me"...*(at risk kids who were always in trouble).

Many of those kids went on into ministry or made lives for themselves. There's a degree of risk when you reach out to kids these days. Especially now. Things have changed so much these days and church scandals are a dime a dozen. You have to be so careful - yet, we can't just write these kids off.

You really touched on it right there! We have more Churches and Ministries right here in Houston than I can count yet, hardly any go down to the really dirty and "dangerous" 4th and 5th ward districts in the heart of Houston to touch people and reach out to them in Love.....to touch their hearts with real Christian Love and the Real Jesus Christ. One of my own many burdens of the heart and prayers is that the Lord sends us more to join and stand with us in reaching the hurting, the lost, (many are young people). But, when we approach some for volunteers or support, they act more like the Priest and the Levite in the "Good Samaritan parable" than a group who supposedly have confidence in Jesus Christ. Like I told my wife; "I could die in a car accident any given day (especially in this 4th largest city ) I would rather be knifed by a gangster in a dangerous section of the city doing Christ's work than at peace in my bed having done nothing."

Don't let fear stop you from doing that which is right in the Lord's eyes. And, that includes fear of treading upon His Word for He will keep you from that when you step out in Love for Him. We often tend to forget that we not only have the Word of God but also the Holy Ghost and all the Power of God within to guide, correct and, keep us. The flesh will read the verse from Corinthians which you posted as not touching or going near anyone not saved or embroiled deep in sin. But the Spirit reads it to our hearts simply not to "join in" or "bond" ourselves to those and their sins. That does not prevent us from going in to Love and help them.

Eph