# *To Practicus, Friend, JWs

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Posted by practicus [practicus] on November 29, 1999 at 15:24:23 {DGglKT6Uj280f.7JIpMkXLrxSb9K/Q}:

In Reply to: To Practicus, Friend, JWs posted by Zeke on November 29, 1999 at 07:52:27:

Some time ago I made a decision. Since my time is limited, I could either spend time "defending" my beliefs, or I could spend time living them. I chose the latter.

1 Peter 3:15 says to be "always *ready* to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so *together* with a *mild temper* and *deep respect*." The verse does not say to always make a defense any time one is demanded. It says to be "ready" to make the defense, when it can be done on the basis of "a mild temper and deep respect," "together," that is, by both parties involved. In my opinion, this rules out contentious debates with anyone. Unfortunately, such contentious debates appear to be the staple and bane of this board.

But to consider your question succinctly, consider what Jesus and the apostles did. They had no problem preaching to and welcoming "apostate" Jews, apostate, that is, from the original standard of Jewish practice and belief as established by Jehovah. Nevertheless, and on the other hand, the Christian scriptures are quite clear about those who would accept pure Christian practice, but then apostatize from it. They were to be treated differently.

But as for sincere people in Christendom, they could not individually apostatize from the true Faith, because they do not have it in the first place. Therefore, they are individually invited to "Come out..." and join themselves to pure worship.

Follow Ups:

- **To Practicus, Friend, JWs Rec 04:51:49 11/30/99 (0)
- **To Practicus, Friend, JWs Zeke 21:41:48 11/29/99 (2)
  - ***To Practicus, Friend, JWs practicus 04:19:07 11/30/99 (1)
    - ****To Practicus, Friend, JWs Tantalus 17:19:13 11/30/99 (0)
- **To Practicus, Friend, JWs WW 20:11:06 11/29/99 (3)
  - ***To Practicus, Friend, JWs Rec 04:55:30 11/30/99 (1)
    - ****To Practicus, Friend, JWs Exactly-WW 15:55:22 11/30/99 (0)
  - ***To Practicus, Friend, JWs practicus 04:36:37 11/30/99 (0)

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