Mike,

I appreciate your taking the time to clarify the message on “The Strong Ought to Bear the Infirmities of The Weak.” Surely it was a much needed, but controversial topic, and I imagine you will get plenty of flack from doing so. Surely this is a real battle even when you are trying so hard to be what God wants and to be separate from the world concerning these holidays. However, it does get easier as your family and friends realize that this stance is permanent. I do my best to deal with these situations as graciously as possible, yet let them know I do not participate in the revelry, but enjoy their fellowship. Only God can help us walk through these times.

Again, thank you so much for all the teachings and appreciate so the gift and revelation that God has blessed you with. We are hopefully growing in knowledge and understanding and application.

Hello to your dear Sandi and the rest of the family.

Your sister in Christ,
F____

Another letter of appreciation

Hi Mike,

I just wanted to let you know that the lesson on bearing with the weaker brother was much needed, due to the circumstances that had been going on in our fellowship. God did grant you the words to say to all of us to make a stand for the word of God over any idols of the heart.

It was an awesome lesson, and I for one do appreciate you saying what everyone needed to hear, so we all will be ready for the troubling times ahead when all our faith will be tried, whether we will be able to stand or fall.

We had a very intense fellowship because some do not see the big deal over keeping days. One thought we might be veering to more laws of not keeping certain days, but all of us in the room let him know why we felt what was said was standing for the word of God. We did let him know that he needed to study it and be convinced completely himself, and I hope he does. A few still keep them as there is so much pressure to fit in with their families and friends.

Continue on with what God has given you in the faith and know we who are fighting the battles of life do appreciate the time and effort you put in what is given to us each week.

Love you,
B____

Hi B____,

Thank you for taking the time to write this very encouraging note. Rest assured, it will be those among us who ask “What is permissible?” instead of “What is ideal and commendable”, who will cling to the idols of their hearts and use human reasoning apart from scripture to justify continuing what they want to do.

Isa 66:3  He that killeth an ox [is as if] he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, [as if] he cut off a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, [as if he offered] swine’s blood; he that burneth incense, [as if] he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

Thank you for being faithful, but be prepared to see some turn away. It hurts to see someone who you have grown to love slip into a spirit of resentment such as will be the inevitable fruit of standing with Christ and His apostles on this subject.

A close friend told me that this talk made him feel very uncomfortable simply because he himself had become lax about doing what he knew was the right thing. He said he really appreciated the message, and that it was needed for him.

You are more of a message to those around you than you realize. But that is true for every one of us who “tremble at God’s Word.” God bless you all for being of “one mind and one spirit” in dealing with those in your fellowship and in being an example.

Your very grateful brother in Christ,
Mike