Coming from a place of love is always the best way. Talking about the word and not our differences is also good., but sometimes necessary. I like the original post here. Waiting until someone's death bed to address their false teachings that mislead them to believe things that are not Biblical is very dangerous nd heart breaking for a close relative too. I can so relate. I'm so sorry you had to go throughs hat. I am sure you learned as I did. It is better to risk an offense with the truth than to wait until there is no time to show them the Word of God. So it's good we can discuss them. (((Hugs to you from Georgia, USA))) I know this will always be a tender spot for you, as it was for me, and always will be. But God is good and will use it to compassionately and boldly speak His Word in spirit and in truth.
I say let them all come, but it is good to speak up and to explain where the leaders of this site stand as well as people who truly seek the Lord and His Word. Now that being said, here is a rule of thumb for me: watch out for any group of people or a person who refuses to read any but one translation or worse their own made up religious books. ((Many books claim to be from God but one man with no witnesses is not God... Find out who wrote the book you base your faith on, andfind t everything you can about the Bible in all the translations.)) Also watch out for groups that base their entire faith on a scripture rather than the entire Word.
I always recommend that everyone go to the original language and learn the original meaning. Words over time can mean many things and there is room for confusion. The study of the original text leaves less room. Also studying many different translations help to see the full picture as well. I'm new here and I really like this place. It's hard to even find a group. Of people that knows the Word well, that truly cares about the individual anymore, or that is open enough to share ideas without hatred or pride... Often "churches" (with small letter 'c') are so focused on numbers, money, the building, their doctrine, their missions, their calling, that they forget the one that Jesus said. he would leave the 99 for. And it's almost funny but not really because it's serious... A lot of times people miss that Jesus is moving on a heart right in front of them because they can't see past all of the junk, the arguments, the proving themselves wise, or impressive, or spiritual, or knowledgable, or just important. But isn't His Holy Spirit good and thoughtful, and willing to touch heart even through Al our mess.
I see the genuine article already and I only have six friends and a few post. I'm glad I came. I look forward to learning, growing, and sharing, and praying and praising God with all of you.
Lastly, God is doing a mighty work in His people. I do believe that there are goats but also sheep in every area of the Church, even Catholics. God places His people in all kinds of places because He cares about all of us. And let's also remeber that discernment is often for prayer not critism. And if we believe we are to correct another believer we better be darn sure it's in love and that God is telling us what to say. Sometimes it does mean we have to rebuke or say something that another is offended by or hurt or negative. The main thing we should focus on, is are we doing what He wants us to do, and are we saying what He wants us to say. If we don't know, then we better find out.
Ok ok one more thing actually. The bait of satan is to offend. When we walk in unforgiveness we are trapped by him. The word offense in the original language meant the piece of meat or bait that dangled in the trap. Do not fall for it. Forgive everyone. Pray for those who wrong you, and bless those who hurt you, abuse you, and wrongfully accuse you, and you will be doing the good work Christ prepared beforehand. It doesnt mean you have to be close and best friends, just don't let a bitter root grow.
Lord bless you all. Thank you to who runs this site and created it. I'm very grateful. I deleted my facebook, and couldn't be happier to find some friends that have the Holy Spirit or are seeking to and will genuinely pray and speak truth and learn from each other. Shalom ~ Godly Soul Peace