There has to be a difference in visiting folks interested in learning more about a church and counseling. When there is an expressed desire for counseling, the nature of the visit has to shift to a conversation built upon Scripture. Counseling in truth, must come from Gods word, otherwise it is mans opinion. Consider the value of this interaction as the young woman had expressed a desire to know more about this particular church - the three pointed questions spoke volumes of teachings and beliefs of the church. Far to often christians try to console and counsel others without scripture. Their "soft shoe" approach is intended not to offend, yet they offer false hope of forgiveness. The infallible, inerrant, uncorrupted word of God has to be the truth from with christian counseling stems. Scripture has to be what a christians life is molded, guided and lived by.
These three questions are important for every christian to honestly ask of themselves and see if their lives match the answers

Well in my study of the scripters Jesus would have helped her before he said now go your way and sin no more. And I'm really sorry but thats not what I seen written in the article. If Iv'e missed it please pray for me.

I think the writer's point is interesting. I am a little uncomfortable with what appears to be a pretty cut and dried approach to the young woman. She and her boyfriend has already attended the church and were obviously making some efforts. I am not trying to critique other Christians. It is nice these people were out following up on the cards expressing interest in the church. But....I hope they made the effort to continue to reach out to her. I think those three questions simply being presented the way that they were can be a little off-putting without some real love and caring also being expressed. I have known many people who came to the church for a period of time before recognizing the need to really repent and leave their sinful lifestyles behind.

Dodie - the point here is that if this woman is not willing to let the Bible guide her steps, then it would be a waste of time to counsel her from a Christian perspective. They are trying to gauge the depth of her faith in God via His word. Most people today don't really trust the scripture as much as they claim - the answers in the Bible are difficult for many because they usually require self-examination and change. People would rather get a quick fix, usually along the lines of finding "proof" that it is their SPOUSE that is the problem, not themselves.

If this woman is unwilling to trust fully in the Bible, then she might as well just go to secular counseling. If she is unwilling to let God guide her, then the church would literally be wasting time with her. We are here to call people to His word, not help them overcome secular obstacles.

Well, actually Jesus does "tolerate" sin-otherwise none of us would be here. My point is this-he always loved and cared for peoples needs first. Obviously, this girl was reaching out for help-did she come from an abusive home? Maybe she felt this living situation was her only option at this point.

Did this girl feel Christ's love after this visit or feel even more lost and alone?

Good article, thank you.

As to the commenter on "hypocritical Baptists",

What about the Jesus who said, "Go and sin no more"?
He never tolerated sin. He loves us all, but He commands us to stop sinning at once, not when it's financially or emotionally convenient.

It's tough...and bashing other Christians is easy.

God bless us all, and guide us in His ways.
doorkeeper

Sorry for the spelling error-should be "hypocritical Baptists"!

Wow, the story about the young lady is unbelievable! So where is this young lady now? It seems so obvious to me that this young woman needed help and support, not two arrogant men throwing scripture references at her. Yes there would certainly be a time and place for that in the future, but I think she was looking for the Jesus that sat with prostitutes, thiefs, lepers and outcasts with no judgement or condemnation. This is so typical for you hypocrital Babtists!

Pastor Hemphill... this is a great article. Thanks so much for writing it. My view is similar in that it is layered a bit above your message. The short vignette about the young lady was powerful and all too common. I have found that the Bible is too often taught as if it's a textbook. I have had success in relating in emotional and experiencial(sp) terms, why sin is destructive by relating the pain that I, and others have had because of the decisions we've made that were contrary to what the Bible says. In short, sin is destructive and the verses in Lamentations 3:19-33 and Eze 57: 15-19 show God's mercy in spite of us and point quickly to Romans 5: 6-11. I find that when followers of Christ and otherwise see the grace & mercy of God, they are ready to give of themselves and rush to obedience in Christ. The Bible is not a cold, distant document, but rather a letter of love to the broken and rebellious: Isaiah 61:1-3.

So, again, in short, repent, be loved, serve God & serve others.