Who then can be lost?

[TCSQ]

Originally Posted by pelathais

St Matt, you seem to take it that Steve Epley's post was made in jest. However, from the crankiness of his tone lately I would tend to take him more seriously.

So again I must ask - who ever said "Nothing is essential...?" And I really haven't ever seen anyone say that any "pastor is an abomination."

Methinks, the good elder has self-esteem issues that he needs some help with.

Perhaps if he were converted to the view that he can never do enough to be saved, and that his salvation rests entirely in the fact that God loves him for who he is, perhaps he would feel better about himself and others around him.

You don't deserve salvation, Mr. Epley. You didn't earn it and you cannot possibly work hard enough to maintain it. Your salvation is in Jesus Christ and the work that Jesus Christ alone can do for you.

It seems that whenever you forget this fact you tend to lash out at those around you with absurd accusations and taunts. Trust in Jesus Christ.

See John 1:29; John 12:32; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Revelation 5:9.

You mean to say that some of us have been cumbered about with much serving and that it was all for NOTHING???? You mean we can't POSSIBLY do enough good works to earn salvation???? You mean that our inability to live perfect flawless sin free lives does NOT mean that all of us are really doomed to the lake of fire? You HONESTLY expect us to BELIEVE that??? COME ON GET REAL!
Next thing you'll be telling us is that the Just shall by.....what.............FAITH??????

[StillStanding]

Originally Posted by TCSQ

You mean to say that some of us have been cumbered about with much serving and that it was all for NOTHING???? You mean we can't POSSIBLY do enough good works to earn salvation???? You mean that our inability to live perfect flawless sin free lives does NOT mean that all of us are really doomed to the lake of fire? You HONESTLY expect us to BELIEVE that??? COME ON GET REAL!
Next thing you'll be telling us is that the Just shall by.....what.............FAITH??????

Enjoying your epiphany?

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by DerrickS

How so? What makes smoking one cigarette a sin?

As to say smoking one cigarette is not a sin, but smoking ten cogarettes is a sin? I guess smoking ten packs of cigarettes in one day is a BIG sin....

My friend, smoking one cigarette is indeed a sin.

[RandyWayne]

I'm sure glad fine cigars are ok!

[TRFrance]

Originally Posted by Michlow

Who cares if people smoke and still believe they are saved? Why are you so worried about that "sawdust" in their eye???

Question for you. Do you believe smoking is a sin?

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by TRFrance

Question for you. Do you believe smoking is a sin?

Question for you - and I've never smoked a cigarette in my life - but since you seem to think smoking is a sin - why?

[Rico]

Originally Posted by Michlow

My whole point Ron, is that ultimately it is between that person and God. I mean, if someone asks your opinion, then by all means, share your thoughts about it. But so many seem to stick their theology in other peoples' business

I think that if everyone would just "work out their own salvation" and leave their neighbors' alone, the world would be a better place.

I was thinking about this last night and realized something. It's one thing to say, "I believe someone who smokes cigarettes is in danger of going to Hell." It's another entirely to say, "Everyone who smokes is going to Hell." One is an opinion, the other is pronouncing judgment.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Rico

I was thinking about this last night and realized something. It's one thing to say, "I believe someone who smokes cigarettes is in danger of going to Hell." It's another entirely to say, "Everyone who smokes is going to Hell." One is an opinion, the other is pronouncing judgment.

A fine line, perhaps... but an important one. I tend to agree with you here.

[Rico]

Originally Posted by pelathais

A fine line, perhaps... but an important one. I tend to agree with you here.

Pelathais, it's all in the approach, my friend. Watching the smoking thread unfold the way it has, and the reactions from others and myself, has helped me to better understand why you can have two people who think something is a sin express their opinion and one opinion be received as a door opener to discussion and the other be taken as judgmental.

[He's My Friend]

Originally Posted by TCSQ

Well what about a missionary that weighed over SIX HUNDRED pounds and took four people to help PUSH him into a van? It was amazing to see that he was NEVER ONCE the target of any preaching on the SIN of gluttony but was kind of excused with the remarks like "He just likes a good meal" no the double standard absolutely has to be pointed out as so many people are being held to open ridicule and destruction while others who happen to be "In with the IN crowd" receive a blanket pass for much WORSE deeds then smoking or cutting their hair!!!!!

Oh OH!!!! That reminds me of the Hardliner whose daughter ran off in sin. She came back shortly there after and the remark was made by said Hardliner " Thank God! At least she didn't cut her HAIR!!!!" (said directly to me by aforementioned hardliner)

A little bizarre ,,,,,,don't YOU think???

My Friend,

I do not know anyone of the size you mentioned, but since you do, I would say that person needs a great deal of prayer.
You mention no one has preached to this person.

#1 Is it possible that he has been "preached" to, just not in you presence ?
# 2 Is it possible he has received counsel in private ?


Both are possible, as we don't always know what goes on behind closed doors.


The other instance you mentioned about the "Hardliners" daughter, I cannot comment to that, since I was not there to witness the entire conversation.


Blessings.