Rhone, you are 100% correct. A few things I might add. Outward standards do two things. Create spiritual pride and a false sense of identity.
When a child is made to defend needlessly their dress in school and refute harsh criticism, as a coping mechanism, they are told by those who are in authority over them, "we do this because we are God's children and special to God. You don't wear pants, because Jesus doesn't love girls who wear pants. The other kids aren't saved and aren't going to heaven. You, however are chosen by God to represent him. This make you special."
So, as this child grows, it's implanted into their psyche that their unusual dress is a form of worship and attaches to their identity. Once this occurs, Satan now has access to divert their faith away from Christ towards self. The oldest trick in the book. If he can accomplish that, he destroys their salvation without them even knowing it.
I wish I had a nickel for every time I heard "it's our identity". Sadly, their absolutely right. A false identity which they themselves find security in. However, they do not understand that no one on the planet is interested in Christ through their clothes.
Jesus tells us what our identity is; by this shall all men know you are my disciples. That you would love on another as I have loved you.
comments like this make me just want to hit the little red x in the corner.
I feel for you that your understanding is so flawed., warped and twisted.
__________________ If I do something stupid blame the Lortab!
YOu know, I think I am an oddball! Because I will not change my lifestyle for anything.......... BUT to tell people that Jesus doesn't love them....that is just a lie no matter how you slice it....
I must be an oddball too
__________________ Mrs. LPW
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Get mad all you want, there's a lot of truth to what was said.
In your opinion, and your experience. Which of course encompasses the entire universe, and must be used as a measuring stick for everyone, everywhere...
Rhetoric. It's all it is. I'm sorry but no matter what side it is coming from, it is rhetoric. You have your little candy stick, just the same as the people who are doing the things you are angry about.
Allowing railing against conservative apostolics to become your message and mantra is just as bad as what you are accusing them of of doing.
Your message isn't about the grace of God, and Him being the focus. It is about how wrong those other people are.
PLEASE note. I am referring to YOU, not everyone, referencing the last few pages of posts that you have made, not people like you, or everybody who goes to your church, etc...
In your opinion, and your experience. Which of course encompasses the entire universe, and must be used as a measuring stick for everyone, everywhere...
Rhetoric. It's all it is. I'm sorry but no matter what side it is coming from, it is rhetoric. You have your little candy stick, just the same as the people who are doing the things you are angry about.
Allowing railing against conservative apostolics to become your message and mantra is just as bad as what you are accusing them of of doing.
Your message isn't about the grace of God, and Him being the focus. It is about how wrong those other people are.
PLEASE note. I am referring to YOU, not everyone, referencing the last few pages of posts that you have made, not people like you, or everybody who goes to your church, etc...
PREACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
__________________ You can't reach the world with your talents. People are sick and tired of religious talents. People need a Holy Ghost annointed church with real fruits to reach out and touch their lives. ~ Pastor Burrell Crabtree
In fact I think that the insinuation of "hateful" Pentecostals is coming mostly from the fertile imaginations of bitter, backslidden ex Apostolics who are constantly trying to find a way to justify their actions. ~ strait shooter
I don't believe standards should be brought up in witnessing not in less if the person you are witnessing too asks you.
__________________
When you read God's Word,you must costantly be saying to yourself,It is talking to me and about me. Soren Kierkegaard
[url]WWW.myspace.com/Merritt238
Linear Mode
