My New Lady Friend

Jermyn Davidson · #1 03-22-2010, 08:44 PM

Goes to a non-denominational church.

I visited her church for their Sunday afternoon service.

I felt the presence of the Lord.

I worshipped the Lord.

I listened to the sermon.

I was prophesied on.

I enjoyed the service.

And I know why I am Apostolic.

As much as at times I feel that I am so at odds with how I hear certain Biblical concepts explained, I realize that God has made me to be an Apostolic.

I don't believe others are lost just because they're not Apostolic, but it has been awhile since I have felt so very sure of what I believe, what I will teach, and what I will preach.

*We are saved by grace through faith.

*Faith must be demonstrated in order for it to be faith.

*Biblically, we are commanded to demonstrate that faith through repentance and water baptism, in the Name of Jesus Christ.

*The gift of the Holy Ghost is God's Promise to all believers and should be pursued by all believers.

I plan to speak with the Pastor of my new lady friend's church, letting him know where I stand on these most important issues. I will then ask him if he thinks that it is proper for me to pursue a relationship with one of his sheep.

If he says yes, cool.
If he says no, cool.

Either way, I'll be alright.

Folks, visiting that church made me so glad to know that I am an Apostolic.

I may not like all the traditions, but I know what I believe, and I'm so glad.

Jermyn Davidson · #2 03-22-2010, 08:45 PM

I'll be changing my picture out soon too!

Sherri · #3 03-22-2010, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson

I'll be changing my picture out soon too!

Good idea. LOL

Jermyn Davidson · #4 03-22-2010, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sherri

Good idea. LOL

Ha, ha, ha!

*AQuietPlace* · #5 03-22-2010, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson

Folks, visiting that church made me so glad to know that I am an Apostolic.

What did you feel was missing?

Jermyn Davidson · #6 03-22-2010, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

What did you feel was missing?

I can not put my finger on it exactly. I felt the liberty to praise and worship the Lord and I did. However, it was very clear to me that I am not supposed to be a member there.

The whole idea of "making a decision for Christ" or "accepting Him as your Lord and Savior", as presented there is simply not Biblical.

Sherri · #7 03-22-2010, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson

I can not put my finger on it exactly. I felt the liberty to praise and worship the Lord and I did. However, it was very clear to me that I am not supposed to be a member there.

The whole idea of "making a decision for Christ" or "accepting Him as your Lord and Savior", as presented there is simply not Biblical.

Jermyn, I DO think it's Biblical. I think too often in Pentecostal circles, people get emotional and respond to an appeal to repent at an altar, but lots of times they are not really changed. They go back out and live the same old way. If they really do "make a decision" for Jesus, then they will go out a changed individual. Repentance just means a change of direction - it's making a decision to turn your life around in the other direction. Nothing anti-Biblical about that, in my opinion.

There's nowhere in the Bible that says you have to come to an altar and weep all over everything when you repent. There's nothing wrong with that, but you can also stand at your seat and make a decision to follow Christ. I doubt if people in the apostles' day came and wept at an altar - they just left their old lifestyle and started in "the Way".

Hope that all makes sense!

RandyWayne · #8 03-22-2010, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sherri

Jermyn, I DO think it's Biblical. I think too often in Pentecostal circles, people get emotional and respond to an appeal to repent at an altar, but lots of times they are not really changed. They go back out and live the same old way. If they really do "make a decision" for Jesus, then they will go out a changed individual. Repentance just means a change of direction - it's making a decision to turn your life around in the other direction. Nothing anti-Biblical about that, in my opinion.

There's nowhere in the Bible that says you have to come to an altar and weep all over everything when you repent. There's nothing wrong with that, but you can also stand at your seat and make a decision to follow Christ. I doubt if people in the apostles' day came and wept at an altar - they just left their old lifestyle and started in "the Way".

Hope that all makes sense!

When I received the holy ghost (and blurted out something in tongues) it was while standing during song service. I kept praying over and over for "it" and finally uttered the words "God, I'm sorry....." (no weeping for an hour at the alter) and the words came out like somewhat like the feeling if you have ever woken up from sleep with a sudden jerk -I know this has happened to everyone at some point. At this point I had it.

But.... that didn't stop people from praying for me for 15-20 minute, en mass, around the alter at the end of the service. At this point I was young and my heart was an open book and I just thought 'live and let live', so I didn't fight it. If they thought it was necessary, what did I know?

Jermyn Davidson · #9 03-22-2010, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sherri

Jermyn, I DO think it's Biblical. I think too often in Pentecostal circles, people get emotional and respond to an appeal to repent at an altar, but lots of times they are not really changed. They go back out and live the same old way. If they really do "make a decision" for Jesus, then they will go out a changed individual. Repentance just means a change of direction - it's making a decision to turn your life around in the other direction. Nothing anti-Biblical about that, in my opinion.

There's nowhere in the Bible that says you have to come to an altar and weep all over everything when you repent. There's nothing wrong with that, but you can also stand at your seat and make a decision to follow Christ. I doubt if people in the apostles' day came and wept at an altar - they just left their old lifestyle and started in "the Way".

Hope that all makes sense!

Sherri,

I appreciate you so much.

Yes, you make sense!

However, after that decision, or in light of that decision, the new convert must be water baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ. This command is very clearly presented as a command and is associated with EVERY Christian conversion mentioned in the Bible.

Crocodile tears and unconverted hearts do not show biblical saving faith.

The infilling of the Holy Ghost-- why would anyone not want to experience God in such a vibrant and personal way?

If it is not preached, will the people just stumble upon it?

Sherri · #10 03-22-2010, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson

Sherri,

I appreciate you so much.

Yes, you make sense!

However, after that decision, or in light of that decision, the new convert must be water baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ. This command is very clearly presented as a command and is associated with EVERY Christian conversion mentioned in the Bible.

Crocodile tears and unconverted hearts do not show biblical saving faith.

The infilling of the Holy Ghost-- why would anyone not want to experience God in such a vibrant and personal way?

If it is not preached, will the people just stumble upon it?

I agree and we do preach and teach it. We've baptized people every week for the past several weeks. We also have many, many filled with the Holy Ghost. But I think those things happen after they're saved by confession and repentance.