When I Came Vs. When I Go

[SDG]

One of the strange things in life is outside of the Gospel ... change seems to be the only constant. When I came to this forum I was seeking the fellowship of Apostolics, and to commune with those of like precious faith.

When I came to AFF I had survived the greatest storms of my life yet was alive and planted in the faith. All I had ever known, including some of my paradigms, had been turned topsy-turvy before logging on for the first time and seeking to interact with a diverse group of believers of a common heritage that appreciated and encouraged open-discussion. Precious things we have lived all our lives have been challenged in the light of God’s Word and usually with sound reason allowing for iron to sharpen iron.

I came upon the AFF scene as one Admin described like “gang-busters” making 3,000 posts in the first 6 weeks. The dynamics were refreshing for a single father, caring for two children, hundreds of miles from the life he had ever known, and enjoyed the intellect, banter and camaraderie that is unique to this community.

Yet I am aware there could be a time and circumstance that could mandate that I need step away from this forum for good.

Time changes all things and I am entering a new season in my life.

And so I ask myself concerning after being exposed to this forum, how will my values compare with how I came compared to how I go?

How do I compare today?

How does ‘how I came’ stack up to the ‘right now’ of my life?


When ‘how I came’ versus ‘how I go’ .... how will I fare?

When I came

I believed that salvation is by grace through faith alone in Jesus Christ

When I go

I will be convinced more than ever that repentant life and heart born of God will obey Acts 2:38

However, "I am a debtor in spite of my best efforts, and everything I receive from God comes is a gift of grace exclusive of merit on my part."

When I came

I knew the Gospel was not hidden.

When I go

I know salvation cannot be forfeited based on an ambiguous verse like 1 Corinthians 11:10

When I came

I knew that Holiness was more than just a set of rules that one “practices”

When I go

I will go knowing that true holiness is God living through us in our actions, deeds, speech, character, choices, and relationships. Manifest is the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

When I came

I knew that baptism is a bible-based ordinance that new converts partake of and is administered in His name.

When I go

I will leave convinced that we have been authorized to baptize under the power and authority of the person of Jesus Christ whereby there is salvation in no one else. It is trust and reliance in the power of His personage and the authority of His name to remit sin and not a magical incantation or a well-meaning re-enactment of what He did once and for all.
Nor does salvation hang on the uttering a correct formula by the baptizer to effectuate sin remission or the application of the blood.

When I came

I believe that a heart dead in sin can be quickened to life through faith in Jesus Christ by the regenerative power of the Holy Ghost.

When I go

I leave convinced that John 3 speaks of a spiritual birth that is indeed evident in the natural parallel that Jesus gave Nicodemus.

One writer describes this as follows:

The mother pays the price of birth. She doesn’t enlist the child’s assistance or solicit his or her advice. Why would she? The baby can’t even take a breath without umbilical help, much less navigate a path into new life. Nor, Jesus is saying, can we.

Spiritual rebirthing requires a capable parent, not an able infant.

Who is this parent? Check the strategically selected word again. The Greek language offers two choices for again:

1. Palin, which means a repetition of an act; to redo what was done earlier.

2. Anothen, which also depicts a repeated action, but requires the original source to repeat it. It means “from above, from a higher place, things which come from heaven or God.” In other words, the one who did the work the first time does it again. This is the word Jesus chose.

Jesus means something else. He employs the second Greek term, calling for the action of the original source. He uses the word anothen, which, if honored in the Paris gallery, would require da Vinci’s presence. Anothen excludes:

Latter-day replicas.
Second-generation attempts.
Well-meaning imitations.

This is the act that Jesus describes.
Born: God exerts the effort.
Again: God restores the beauty.

We don’t try again. We need not the muscle of self, but a miracle of God.

[SDG]

When I came

I believed in One God.

When I go

I know that an incomplete understanding of an infinite multi-faceted God or being able to sufficiently describe Him or his distinctions will never render grace, nor the blood of Christ void and impotent.

Tonight I corresponded among a group of close, personal friends and made the statement, “If I must stand alone as the Lone Ranger against a renegade, vigilante Posse with my faithful pea shooter I will not “twitch” …

I came to this forum believing these precious Apostolic truths…

I will leave resting assured that as I ride triumphantly into the sunset … goodness, mercy and truth will follow me the rest of my days. Perhaps not having all the answers but knowing He is still the Answer.

2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally , brethren, farewell.

Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

DEUCE.
(Pinky: What are we going to do tonight?
Brain: The same thing we do every night. Take over the world!)

[StMark]

When you go??

So you DO plan to leave permanantly?

If so, what's the reason

[Coffee99]

Dan, will you at least let us know how your wedding went and maybe post a photo or two? I will miss your posting. May God bless you and your family.

[mizpeh]

Finally!! you're finally telling us what you believe! What took you so long?

Dan, have a great, wonderful new life with your new wife, children,family,friends and of course, the Lord.

God bless you in Jesus name.

[HappyTown]

Looks as if the shock treatments worked !!!

[Hoovie]

[Sarah]

Daniel, we watched you when you first came on this forum, with your life full of turmoil.......losing your father, divorced, and caring for two little children. I'm sure others, like myself, have prayed many prayers for you. From your post, I see much growth and healing, for which I am thankful.

God bless you in your new marriage. You're doing the right thing by not being on the forum as much as you were, but please don't "GO"! We want to hear from you from time to time.........you have much to offer.

[Blubayou]

Originally Posted by Sarah

Daniel, we watched you when you first came on this forum, with your life full of turmoil.......losing your father, divorced, and caring for two little children. I'm sure others, like myself, have prayed many prayers for you. From your post, I see much growth and healing, for which I am thankful.

God bless you in your new marriage. You're doing the right thing by not being on the forum as much as you were, but please don't "GO"! We want to hear from you from time to time.........you have much to offer.

I second Sarah on this- I know you stirred up things around here- but I will miss your postings- You made me mad at times, but you challenged me and made me think. For that I admire you! Please stop by and let us know how you are doing! God Bless you and your new family.

[Raven]

Dan
It's fire that turns iron into steel and you've been through the fire. Many prayers have been with you and will follow you into this next chapter of your life. I have no doubt that you are going to be alright in whatever you do because of your intense love for God and His Kingdom. Always know that I'm there for you whenever the need may arise. Blessings on you and your bride to be my friend.
Raven