True Christianity is Not a Religion

[providencewouldhaveit]

Lisalisa, I agree that true Christianity is not a religion. It is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is His calling, and whooing you to Himself. That's what makes true Christianity different than mans religious notions. I know how you feel about not going to church. I've been there time and time again but I do think there are seasons that the Lord leads us to a certain church not just for our personal edification but also have an effect on others. I did not want to join the church we are going to now but I wanted to go for my sons benefit and my daughter and her husband who is a young Christian also joined and it has been very good for all of them. I, however, am wrestling with it still. I here messages along the lines of Thou shalt not smoke, Thou shalt not drink, be like me I do this and things that I know don't fully agree with the Word and it urks me deep deep down. I feel like I must be a liver or some strange part of the body of Christ. I drink and make wine but am totally against any drunkeness. I smoke about 6 cigs a day. I never smell like smoke nobody ever sees me smoke or drink. I quit for several years and started back and my health was dramatically improved. Even friends at church talked about how my skin looked brighter and asked what I was doing.LOL I had quit not because I felt led by God but because I had been pressured by man and that I think was a sin. I planted a vineyard and told the pastors wife "I make wine" the first time they came to visit when we were talking about joining the church. I decided I was not going to hide the fact that I drink wine because it can easily be proven by God's word that is is not wrong to drink, though it is wrong to be a drunkard.
Gen 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
1Ti 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
Eph 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Anyway, I think I will end up having to say something to chase away legalism, but I'm not good at speaking up.

 

[Southern Gent]

Lisalisa, I agree that true Christianity is not a religion. It is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is His calling, and whooing you to Himself. That's what makes true Christianity different than mans religious notions. I know how you feel about not going to church. I've been there time and time again but I do think there are seasons that the Lord leads us to a certain church not just for our personal edification but also have an effect on others. I did not want to join the church we are going to now but I wanted to go for my sons benefit and my daughter and her husband who is a young Christian also joined and it has been very good for all of them. I, however, am wrestling with it still. I here messages along the lines of Thou shalt not smoke, Thou shalt not drink, be like me I do this and things that I know don't fully agree with the Word and it urks me deep deep down. I feel like I must be a liver or some strange part of the body of Christ. I drink and make wine but am totally against any drunkeness. I smoke about 6 cigs a day. I never smell like smoke nobody ever sees me smoke or drink. I quit for several years and started back and my health was dramatically improved. Even friends at church talked about how my skin looked brighter and asked what I was doing.LOL I had quit not because I felt led by God but because I had been pressured by man and that I think was a sin. I planted a vineyard and told the pastors wife "I make wine" the first time they came to visit when we were talking about joining the church. I decided I was not going to hide the fact that I drink wine because it can easily be proven by God's word that is is not wrong to drink, though it is wrong to be a drunkard.
Gen 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
1Ti 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
Eph 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Anyway, I think I will end up having to say something to chase away legalism, but I'm not good at speaking up.

Did Jesus make wine? Well of course He did!! The idea that it was not wine or fermented is ignorance. If it were not real wine..then we have no miracle at Cana. Smoking & drinking can send you to hell...if they become your god. But then again so can peanuts or cheeseburgers. LOL..I can remember back just a few short years ago when the front steps of the church looked like it was on fire with all the smoke. Smoking did not become a sin until folks started quitting and it became pc not to smoke. I suppose once you conquer a demon it is easier to condemn others for having the same. Don't let anyone kid you. Wine is not a sin "unless" it is abused.

 

[lmrasch]

Lisa..thanks so much for posting on a subject that needed some attention . This has been an area of frustration for me. But I have to be aware that the grand scheme of "religion" is not made by human hands, but by one much more diabolical.

"The Christian religion this, the Christian religion that," and it's always in a negative connotation...And I guess, if we look at it from a perspective of christian Religion, then the negative makes sense. Sadly, the world has not been recieving much light from the Christian world for quite some time.

Many of God's people have been "bewitched" so to speak. Fully accepting Jesus sacrifice only to go back to the law to prove how much THEY love God. This is not how it should be, but by fully accepting Jesus sacrifice, mercy and grace as a cleansing and then walking in the freedom to extend His mercy, grace and love towards others...Instead we HEAP condemnation on those not yet walking in His love...or beating up those in the flock because they have not followed the jot and tittle of the law.

The whole list of dos and don'ts, preaching of hellfire and brimstone, judging one by their "appearance", speaking as having the authority to say, "they're going to hell," (insert anything that someone is doing that does not line up with the Word of God.)

Since when did God give us the ability to see into another's heart? To determine one's motives? To "know" those predestined? To speak damnation to those we have determined don't have Jesus in their heart?

In my early Christian years, if I had had the authority during Saul of Tarsus' time, he would surely have been condemned to hell....David, hell....well, you get the picture .

The gospel is known as "The Good News" and our feet are to be shod with the "Preparation of peace of the gospel." How is telling someone they are going to hell good news? Or how does that bring peace to them?

The good news is to let "ALL" know that Jesus loves them, died for them....died for ALL the sins of the world...being a Christian is not following a bunch of rules....Paul writing to the Galatians made it pretty clear where our salvation comes from:

Galations 3
1) You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2) I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?
3) Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? 4) Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? 5) Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?

And in 1 Corinthians 2
1) When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God 2) For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3) I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4) My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5) so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
6) We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7) No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8) None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9) However, as it is written:

“No eye has seen,

no ear has heard,

no mind has conceived

what God has prepared for those who love him

10) but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.

Relationship with Jesus, knowing Him by faith...the secret revealed through His Spirit, which one recieves once he believes...this is the beginning of the walk, we set aside the things that easily entangle us through the power of His Spirit. But only through Him...In religion Christians are looked upon by the world WITH religious standards, and all it's ugliness...however, if we are following His Spirit, His love has overcome the world and through us we become His hand of love, mercy and grace extended to a dying world. Then...by walking in His Spirit, we leave the salvation to Him who is able to save...

Some may ask, well, if I don't tell them about their "condition," who will...and I say to you, that the light of Jesus in YOU tells them that there is something missing in their condition....If you are able to walk with joy while persecuted, peace during tumult, love during onslaught of hate, THEN they will see and be saved...and not because of you, but because of He that is in you.

We must get back to the basics...seeking His face and listening with an ear attuned to the voice of the Spirit...Lord touch our hands....May our eyes see those that are lost as the eyes of Jesus looking back at us....what you have done to least of these, you've done it unto Me...Love covers a multitude of sin.


Oops..haha...looks like I wrote a book here....sorry so wordy, lol!

 

[Southern Gent]

Lisa..thanks so much for posting on a subject that needed some attention . This has been an area of frustration for me. But I have to be aware that the grand scheme of "religion" is not made by human hands, but by one much more diabolical.

"The Christian religion this, the Christian religion that," and it's always in a negative connotation...And I guess, if we look at it from a perspective of christian Religion, then the negative makes sense. Sadly, the world has not been recieving much light from the Christian world for quite some time.

Many of God's people have been "bewitched" so to speak. Fully accepting Jesus sacrifice only to go back to the law to prove how much THEY love God. This is not how it should be, but by fully accepting Jesus sacrifice, mercy and grace as a cleansing and then walking in the freedom to extend His mercy, grace and love towards others...Instead we HEAP condemnation on those not yet walking in His love...or beating up those in the flock because they have not followed the jot and tittle of the law.

The whole list of dos and don'ts, preaching of hellfire and brimstone, judging one by their "appearance", speaking as having the authority to say, "they're going to hell," (insert anything that someone is doing that does not line up with the Word of God.)

Since when did God give us the ability to see into another's heart? To determine one's motives? To "know" those predestined? To speak damnation to those we have determined don't have Jesus in their heart?

In my early Christian years, if I had had the authority during Saul of Tarsus' time, he would surely have been condemned to hell....David, hell....well, you get the picture .

The gospel is known as "The Good News" and our feet are to be shod with the "Preparation of peace of the gospel." How is telling someone they are going to hell good news? Or how does that bring peace to them?

The good news is to let "ALL" know that Jesus loves them, died for them....died for ALL the sins of the world...being a Christian is not following a bunch of rules....Paul writing to the Galatians made it pretty clear where our salvation comes from:

Galations 3
1) You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2) I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?
3) Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? 4) Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? 5) Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?

And in 1 Corinthians 2
1) When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God 2) For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3) I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4) My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5) so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
6) We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7) No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8) None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9) However, as it is written:

“No eye has seen,

no ear has heard,

no mind has conceived

what God has prepared for those who love him

10) but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.

Relationship with Jesus, knowing Him by faith...the secret revealed through His Spirit, which one recieves once he believes...this is the beginning of the walk, we set aside the things that easily entangle us through the power of His Spirit. But only through Him...In religion Christians are looked upon by the world WITH religious standards, and all it's ugliness...however, if we are following His Spirit, His love has overcome the world and through us we become His hand of love, mercy and grace extended to a dying world. Then...by walking in His Spirit, we leave the salvation to Him who is able to save...

Some may ask, well, if I don't tell them about their "condition," who will...and I say to you, that the light of Jesus in YOU tells them that there is something missing in their condition....If you are able to walk with joy while persecuted, peace during tumult, love during onslaught of hate, THEN they will see and be saved...and not because of you, but because of He that is in you.

We must get back to the basics...seeking His face and listening with an ear attuned to the voice of the Spirit...Lord touch our hands....May our eyes see those that are lost as the eyes of Jesus looking back at us....what you have done to least of these, you've done it unto Me...Love covers a multitude of sin.


Oops..haha...looks like I wrote a book here....sorry so wordy, lol!

There are rules to Christianity. Love God with everything you've got and love your neighbors as yourself. If..................if the religious world and indeed all the world would get this message..it would be heaven right here on earth.

 

[Bigham1]

I was doing the dishes this morning, and an overwhelming thought popped into my head. It said "true christianity is not a religion, it's a relationship".

Wow, so simple, and so true. You will not find God is just going to church on sunday, or practicing religious rituals, listening to preachers, tithing, or any of those things.

To be a real christian is to have an intimate relationship, in your heart and mind, with your creator alone. Nothing else is necessary.

Church can be a good thing if you need to be around brothers and sisters, and some pastors are good, but some are seriously mislead and too many people blindly follow them like they are Jesus Himself. They are not, they are just regular people like you and me. God gave us a brain, and in the end we, solely, are responsible for our own actions here on earth. We won't be able to say "Well, pastor Bob told me that".......it's up to each one of us to study on our own, pray on our own, and let God guide each one of us individually through these last days.

Being a christian does not mean being a member of a social group, or a member of a church, it's all about your own personal relationship with God and accepting the free gift of salvation from our savior, Jesus.

What say you???????

Lisa,

I would agree that the relationship is the most important thing. But the bible has clear rules about tithing, rituals(like communion) and other things. The relationship alone is not enough according to god and his bible. Yes you can do these things without going to a church but certainly it is necessary to do them none the less. Just as good deeds alone are not enough to get someone into heaven it also applies to not doing the lords wishes. But you are no the right track. I am sure that is what you were trying to say but I didn't want anyone to think that they have to just have a relationship with him.

 

[DaveP]

LisaLisa, The moment I realized that my faith was between me and God was the beginning of a relationship that has lasted for over 3 decades. Prior to that moment, I was confused by teachings, well meaning people who told me what I needed to do, and trying to understand religion without reading the book.

At some point, while reading through the Bible cover to cover for the first time in my life, I understood. It was like God had finally become a meaningful entity to me. I read through the Bible 2 1/2 more times and began some focused study on various aspects of the Gospels. I can't emphasize enough to people that what they get out of their church is dependent upon how much they study and learn.

Small groups are the key to being happy in a church. It also helps if you have a few friends in that church. Sunday school, bible studies, and other small group functions are the way to become a part of fellowship. Lone study is good, but associating with like minded believers is crucial to growth.

 

[Saintscruiser]

Ya'll have had church while I was away! Trying to get on the puter most of the day and we haven't been able to reach comcast. Don't know what is going on.

I'm unable to go to church. That's where the tv comes in handy, like TBN. If someone watches Dr. Adrian Rogers and doesn't understand what he's preaching about, then you're rebelling! When I was able to go, my pastor told me that Dr. Rogers was his favorite. He is deceased, now, but they still play his sermons every Sunday. Man....God is using this man's anointing to teach a world, even though he's not here. Who of us has a testimony like that! Well, none of us since we're all still alive.

I can't point a finger about church going. You are NEVER going to find a church that is 100% of your thinking. Our staff evangelist once said, "It's better to go to church with hypocrites than to hell with them." My denomination believes in no drinking whatsoever......that the wine was just grape juice. I don't buy that for a New York second, plus there is nothing wrong with a toddy for the body. Wine is good for your circulation! It's all church doctrine. Church doctrine comes 2nd. The Bible is the code to live by. As Captain Jack Sparrow says, "Stick to the code!"

 

[Blue Knight Max]

Relationship with Christ Jesus and God...Yes a must.
Being in a bible teaching church...very necessary...
Faith comes from "Hearing" the word of God.

Remember my brothers and sisters...

If we are not gathered...We are scattered.

God Bless,

The Blue Knight

 

[Southern Gent]

Relationship with Christ Jesus and God...Yes a must.
Being in a bible teaching church...very necessary...
Faith comes from "Hearing" the word of God.

Remember my brothers and sisters...

If we are not gathered...We are scattered.

God Bless,

The Blue Knight

The greatest misconception concerning church. What is a church supposed to be? A school of Christ. The important part is "the Bible teaching church". I could not agree with you more!!!

 

[Southern Gent]

Ya'll have had church while I was away! Trying to get on the puter most of the day and we haven't been able to reach comcast. Don't know what is going on.

I'm unable to go to church. That's where the tv comes in handy, like TBN. If someone watches Dr. Adrian Rogers and doesn't understand what he's preaching about, then you're rebelling! When I was able to go, my pastor told me that Dr. Rogers was his favorite. He is deceased, now, but they still play his sermons every Sunday. Man....God is using this man's anointing to teach a world, even though he's not here. Who of us has a testimony like that! Well, none of us since we're all still alive.

I can't point a finger about church going. You are NEVER going to find a church that is 100% of your thinking. Our staff evangelist once said, "It's better to go to church with hypocrites than to hell with them." My denomination believes in no drinking whatsoever......that the wine was just grape juice. I don't buy that for a New York second, plus there is nothing wrong with a toddy for the body. Wine is good for your circulation! It's all church doctrine. Church doctrine comes 2nd. The Bible is the code to live by. As Captain Jack Sparrow says, "Stick to the code!"

You're wrong on one part SC. Church doctrine does NOT come 2nd. Doctrine and dogma are at the forefront the biggest majority of the time. That is the problem with most of our churches. The biggest majority find it more pleasing to win an argument than save a soul.

 

[LisaLisa]

Wow! Great thoughts everybody, thanks so much.

This one paragraph really stood out for me personally "Some may ask, well, if I don't tell them about their "condition," who will...and I say to you, that the light of Jesus in YOU tells them that there is something missing in their condition....If you are able to walk with joy while persecuted, peace during tumult, love during onslaught of hate, THEN they will see and be saved...and not because of you, but because of He that is in you.:"

I read that and a lightbulb went off in my head like, WHOOP THERE IT IS!!!!!

 

[blondeambition3]

I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today; I know that He is living, Whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, And just the time I need Him, He is always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and He talks with me Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives: He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me I see His loving care, And tho my heart grows weary I never will despair;
I know that He is leading Thro' all the stormy blast, The day of His appearing Will one day come at last.

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, Lift up your voice and sing Eternal hallelujahs To Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him, The help of all who find, None other is so loving, So good and so kind.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and He talks with me Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives: He lives within my heart."

Great song hunh?

What a wonderful thread LisaLisa! This precious theme filled with my FAVORITE Brothers & Sisters in Christ echoing this TRUTH above all TRUTHS.. Christ is ALIVE!!!! He LIVES! and HE LIVES inside of the Hearts of every true Christian.

 

[blondeambition3]

Wow! Great thoughts everybody, thanks so much.

This one paragraph really stood out for me personally "Some may ask, well, if I don't tell them about their "condition," who will...and I say to you, that the light of Jesus in YOU tells them that there is something missing in their condition....If you are able to walk with joy while persecuted, peace during tumult, love during onslaught of hate, THEN they will see and be saved...and not because of you, but because of He that is in you.:"

I read that and a lightbulb went off in my head like, WHOOP THERE IT IS!!!!!

If you are able to walk with joy while persecuted, peace during tumult, love during onslaught of hate, THEN they will see and be saved...and not because of you, but because of He that is in you.

Amen & Amen!!!!!! Whoop there it is!!!!!!

 

[Saintscruiser]

You're wrong on one part SC. Church doctrine does NOT come 2nd. Doctrine and dogma are at the forefront the biggest majority of the time. That is the problem with most of our churches. The biggest majority find it more pleasing to win an argument than save a soul. - By Southern Gent

I didn't post that correctly. What I meant was church doctrine comes 2nd in my life, however, when I was able to go, I went to a Bible teaching church. I do/did agree with 95% of their church doctrine, but I don't believe having a toddy is a bad thing. My church is completely against drinking of any kind......dancing as well. Like you said, turning water into wine was Jesus' first miracle. And, it was apparently delicious! I have never danced naked in the streets like King David......not recently, anyway. (I'm just joking around, for you who don't know me!)

 

[providencewouldhaveit]

I didn't post that correctly. What I meant was church doctrine comes 2nd in my life, however, when I was able to go, I went to a Bible teaching church. I do/did agree with 95% of their church doctrine, but I don't believe having a toddy is a bad thing. My church is completely against drinking of any kind......dancing as well. Like you said, turning water into wine was Jesus' first miracle. And, it was apparently delicious! I have never danced naked in the streets like King David......not recently, anyway. (I'm just joking around, for you who don't know me!) [/QUOTE]

LOL Saintcruiser.

I think people try to add law to scripture so that they can demonstrate some kind of superiority over others. I think it is a type of pride oozing into the physical church. It has been around since the beginning. I think Pauls main theme through his epistles was to fight Judaism/legalism. Maybe that's why King David had no more to do with his wife when she looked down her prideful nose at him when he danced in the streets.

 

[Saintscruiser]

My husband gave me a wonderful compliment one time......well, he's complimentary all the time, but this one was different. He told me that when he can't explain himself about a subject, he'll use Scripture and then I get it. Scripture is the code for life. My pastor used to say (as well as Dr. Rogers) "Don't take my word for it. Check it out yourself!" Being a Christian is the most fun a person is allowed to have on this earth! Most people think if they become a Christian, all of the fun is over in life. NOT SO!!!! God has a wonderful sense of humor! He invented humor.....AND, I think that is so cool!

Since my husband doesn't dance, there is NO WAY he'll be out in the streets dancing naked!

 

[LisaLisa]

It's just so hard sometimes tho, walking that fine line between telling people the truth, and offending them. Sometimes I'm not sure where the line is, where I should stop and how far I should go. It's not easy, and you want to warn them because if you will is in line with God's will, then you love them too and don't want them to be cut off from God's Kingdom.

I was talking to a new ager on another forum today, talking about the love of God and salvation, and she believes that all roads lead to heaven. I don't believe that, so should you just smile and nod your head, or what? If you disagree, they freak out, but you can't agree when you believe in your heart that they are wrong.

It's so difficult sometimes...........and frustrating.

 

[Saintscruiser]

I had to post this before the thoughts get out of my head, on the relationship we have with God. I'm listening to Pandora Radio - Praise and Worship music and a song came on that I've never heard called 'Let My Words Be Few' by Plumbline. As in any relationship....say with our spouse, we always love them....are we always 'in love' with them? This song's lyrics said:

'Jesus, I'm so in love with You.'

WOW.....that slapped me upside the head. But it is so true........Christians always love the Lord....but there are some days that we are in love with Him, and we never want it to end. The next day may be intimate as well (and I mean that completely above board) but then someone hurts us or the traffic is frustrating, you get yelled at at work.......that intimacy flies out the window and satan sits back and smiles. I just wanted to share this as I jumped up and wanted to share this with ya'll immediately. Something to ponder and pray about. Hallelujah!

 

[lmrasch]

You're wrong on one part SC. Church doctrine does NOT come 2nd. Doctrine and dogma are at the forefront the biggest majority of the time. That is the problem with most of our churches. The biggest majority find it more pleasing to win an argument than save a soul. - By Southern Gent

I didn't post that correctly. What I meant was church doctrine comes 2nd in my life, however, when I was able to go, I went to a Bible teaching church. I do/did agree with 95% of their church doctrine, but I don't believe having a toddy is a bad thing. My church is completely against drinking of any kind......dancing as well. Like you said, turning water into wine was Jesus' first miracle. And, it was apparently delicious! I have never danced naked in the streets like King David......not recently, anyway. (I'm just joking around, for you who don't know me!)

Haha...that's funny!

It's just so hard sometimes tho, walking that fine line between telling people the truth, and offending them. Sometimes I'm not sure where the line is, where I should stop and how far I should go. It's not easy, and you want to warn them because if you will is in line with God's will, then you love them too and don't want them to be cut off from God's Kingdom.

I was talking to a new ager on another forum today, talking about the love of God and salvation, and she believes that all roads lead to heaven. I don't believe that, so should you just smile and nod your head, or what? If you disagree, they freak out, but you can't agree when you believe in your heart that they are wrong.

It's so difficult sometimes...........and frustrating.

I know what you mean Lisa...I have a friend who walked in the ways of the Lord for a long time, but because of legalism and spiritual abuse has walked away from the faith. For a long time, I somehow felt responsible to woo her back into the fold and worried for her and her choices. I would go to God about it and I would get a sense of overwhelming peace...now how could that be? She was making choices that were far out of the range of what she was raised in, the way of the Word and was walking squarely in the world...She started seeking paths to heaven via other means...and again I would go to God about it and again the peace came. The more I would seek Him about it, the more peace I recieved.
It's not my job to show her the error of her ways, the truth is already written on her heart, just as the truth is written on the hearts of men. We are to walk in the light, to LOVE those that are walking in darkness...we are not to be equally yoked in that we start following the path that they are taking, but to stand steady in the truth and continue to love and show the light when we can. Speak the truth as the SPIRIT LEADS....
No...we will not always be mute, there are times where we must speak the truth..but it must be Spirit led truth..not OUR fears, not OUR beliefs, not OUR judgements
No...we do not follow and agree when it goes against the truth
But YES....we always love

We do not have the power to turn hearts...We do have LIGHT and that LIGHT dispels the darkness.

 

[Southern Gent]

[/QUOTE]

LOL Saintcruiser.

I think people try to add law to scripture so that they can demonstrate some kind of superiority over others. I think it is a type of pride oozing into the physical church. It has been around since the beginning. I think Pauls main theme through his epistles was to fight Judaism/legalism. Maybe that's why King David had no more to do with his wife when she looked down her prideful nose at him when he danced in the streets.[/QUOTE]

It is one-upmanship. I see it every week..week in & week out. You can teach/preach against but there will always be "those" who think this is what Christianity is all about. Jesus was evidently concerned over this because He told His own apostles concerning the gospel: "do not Lord this over them as the Gentiles do". If the apostles were not allowed to do it what makes us think we can? Have we forgotten that God even "hates a haughty look"? Indeed Paul fought the very concept. Paul was in his own words "pharisee of pharisee's" and so well trained in his profession that he made old men jealous. But Paul says "I don't have anything to boast about except Christ and Him crucified".