Monday, October 17, 2016

...but instead expose them.

"Our Christian responsibility goes beyond abstaining from the “deeds of darkness.” We are also called to expose them. To ignore evil is to encourage it, and to keep quiet about it is to help promote it. The verb translated as “expose” (from elegchō) can also carry the idea of reproof, correction, punishment, or discipline. We are to confront sin with intolerance. ...  Failure to speak out against and oppose evil is a failure to obey God. Believers are to expose the works of darkness with whatever legitimate, biblical means necessary. Love that does not openly expose and oppose sin is not biblical love. Love not only “does not act unbecomingly” but it “does not rejoice in unrighteousness” wherever it might be found (1 Corinthians 13:5–6). Our Lord said, “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private. . . . If he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you. . . . If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church” (Matthew 18:15–17). This is the responsibility of every Christian (cf. 1 Timothy 5:1, 20; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:13; 2:15)" John MacArthur 

I Timothy 5:20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear

Ephesians 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

Psalm 94:16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?

Our family has been going through something very tough the last few years due to a man named Brad who chooses to do wrong while using God's name and staying just above the limits of the law. 

As a family, we have been talking about how when good men stay silent, evil prospers in our society. Clint and I feel convicted that the fear of gossip and our embarrassment is the wrong motivation for staying quiet. In fact, we feel we must share to expose what this man is doing. Being quiet so far has only enabled him to continue and be bolder. So, we have been seeking wisdom on how to do expose him in a way that pleases the Lord.

We have peace knowing God will contend with this man and those who have quietly enabled him for what he has done in our lives. While we can rest there, we certainly do not want to share in the blame if this situation happens again and causes destruction in the lives of others because we had failed expose the danger to other families. James 4:17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

It would be very easy to go around trying to destroy this man by telling every little thing to everyone who will listen, but that is not our motivation. We are taking the vast amount of proof we have and are letting prayer warriors, close friends, law enforcement officers, pastors, realtors, and other community leaders know what has happened to us so they can keep an eye on him. Maybe God will use this to spare someone else the pain Amanda and our family has been through at the hands of a self proclaimed "Christian" business man in our community who has used God's name to do wrong and hurt so many others. The path of destruction so far extends to at least 20 people, that we know of, who have been affected in one way or another. Maybe his knowing that local leaders know what he is doing will be what makes him stop.

We are also asking leaders to share the story without names to warn others that people like this do exist and cause great destruction. We are helping them identify and learn how these kinds of men operate and the lengths they go to to manipulate and conceal their sin.

Copies of the full story, along with the pictures and proof, are in our safe and with close family and friends. Please pray for our wisdom and safety as we walk circumspectly to bring these deeds to Light. Thank you very much! Please tell us how we can pray for you and yours.