Question:  Dear Greg,

            My brother recently started studying the Bible and attending a Lutheran church—I believe it’s a Lutheran Confession Church.  I was thrilled that he is going to church and has expressed that he knows the Lord now rather than just knows OF the Lord.

            My concern is that he expressed that they are “strictly by the Word” and that includes that they should not even PRAY with people who are not of their denomination because they don’t “have the truth” and would be “unequally yoked” because all other denominations are deceived.

            I feel these examples are signs of being VERY judgmental and putting themselves at the seat of judgment where only God belongs.

            I am not sure if I should say anything more to him or not.  I don’t want to build walls between us more than the church may have already built since I belong to a United Methodist Church and am not “one of them”.

            I respect your insight and look forward to your reply.

            Thank you,

            Sheila

Answer:  Dear Sheila,

            Your conclusion seems to be on base.  There is no use arguing or discussing the Bible with people who believe that they have superior insight or knowledge, that they have “the truth” and you don’t or that they are in a better place spiritually than you are.  The groups, churches, sects and cults that emphasize spiritual superiority and “only true church” stuff demonize all “outsiders”—so that the “insiders” are convinced that while you may be sincere, you are sincerely deceived.  I am amazed at the stuff that your brother seems to be getting from a Lutheran church.  Martin Luther would be amazed as well.  This is not the teaching of historic Christianity, not the teaching of the gracious gospel of Jesus Christ.

            People within unbiblical movements and churches also expect you to argue.  In fact, they have been told that “outsiders” will try to argue that Bible with them, to “witness” to them, to change them, etc.  They are told that when they hear and see such things they see proof that their leader or group is right.

            What to do?

1.      Pray—ask God to do what you and I cannot. 

2.      Work hard to maintain the relationship.  Don’t let the relationship go.  Don’t give up—determine that you will talk about anything but religion with friends and family who are impacted by cultic teaching.

3.      Reach them with kindness.  Let them see and experience in you everything but what their group has told them to expect.  Let the fruits of the Holy Spirit be evident.  Let them see Christ reflected in your life so that they will have a comparison.  Sooner or later abuse, pain and hurt will occur.  If those trapped by unbiblical teaching have a positive experience with real Christians, they will have somewhere to turn and someone to turn to.

            Hope this helps, Sheila.  We will keep you and your brother in prayer.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht