left upci yr ago and still messed up

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by kevinsmith

Right! Prayer and fasting, and reading His word- and doing what it says....living it.

That's where the lines start to blur.......everyone has a different interpretation of what it says.

[AreYouReady?]

Originally Posted by kevinsmith

Right! Prayer and fasting, and reading His word- and doing what it says....living it.

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

That's where the lines start to blur.......everyone has a different interpretation of what it says.

Which would be why...

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Phillipians 2:12

[Jack Shephard]

This seems to be a common thread among some that have left "the ark". I know the feeling a bit too. There really should be some sort of support group or some support fellowship network for those that have gone through or going through something like this.

[NorCal]

The question I have is "Are you feeling guilty?" or are "People making you feel guilty?"

There is a huge difference.

[Amanah]

Originally Posted by NorCal

The question I have is "Are you feeling guilty?" or are "People making you feel guilty?"

There is a huge difference.

I think when people are going thru a transition and reevaluating what they had been taught, it takes awhile to answer that question.

You can begin to believe something is not correct, but after years of hearing it preached and taught, it takes a long time to transition into being comfortable with a new belief. It does not happen over night, but takes much soul searching and consideration.

[NorCal]

Originally Posted by Amanah

I think when people are going thru a transition and reevaluating what they had been taught, it takes awhile to answer that question.

You can begin to believe something is not correct, but after years of hearing it preached and taught, it takes a long time to transition into being comfortable with a new belief. It does not happen over night, but takes much soul searching and consideration.

I totally understand. At a certain time in my life, I did the same thing. You question everything that you have been taught. The problem that I have, is most people do it out of rebellion, and not after a true searching of the scripture. The act and try to justify their actions by their own knowledge.

But also, you have to ask yourself "What is my pastor to me?" For me, my answer was simple. He is a fleshly moral beacon for me to follow while I am here on earth. "Follow me as I follow Christ". As long as he is living his life by the whole word of God, I will be safe in following him.

[Amanah]

Originally Posted by NorCal

But also, you have to ask yourself "What is my pastor to me?" For me, my answer was simple. He is a fleshly moral beacon for me to follow while I am here on earth. "Follow me as I follow Christ". As long as he is living his life by the whole word of God, I will be safe in following him.

Amen.

[Godsdrummer]

Originally Posted by NorCal

I totally understand. At a certain time in my life, I did the same thing. You question everything that you have been taught. The problem that I have, is most people do it out of rebellion, and not after a true searching of the scripture. The act and try to justify their actions by their own knowledge.

But also, you have to ask yourself "What is my pastor to me?" For me, my answer was simple. He is a fleshly moral beacon for me to follow while I am here on earth. "Follow me as I follow Christ". As long as he is living his life by the whole word of God, I will be safe in following him.

I must ask how do you know he is living his life by the whole word of God? Do you just accept what he says is the word of God or do you know by your own study. Asking the hard questions about what he teaches. If what he teaches does not ring true do you question or just accept that he is the pastor and would not lead you astray?

Amana

I must ask you by what do you say many or most questions out of rebelion, do you know their heart?
Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
This word "obey" means to be pursuaded. If you are not pursuaded how can you be in rebelion? We cannot be in rebelion to a man, we can only be in rebelion to God, and that is not through a man.

Paul said follow me as I follow Christ, how do you know if you pastor is following Christ is you don't "study to show yourself approve" "seeking out your own salvation with fear and tembling".

[Amanah]

I said amen to the part I quoted.

[bbyrd009]

I see this as a reflection of a human desire for an earthly king, and the human proclivity to fill a perceived vacuum (where there is none).

Although I am interested in any message that contains Life.