Not always. The man who molested my wife and her siblings when they were little was never punished in this life. The next life? Dunno, but he was a Christian, so presumably, his sins are "under the blood" and he's in Heaven now, saved by grace.
Here is a verse that is worth considering:
(2 Cor 5:10) "For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body." Holy Bible, New Living Translation
Having left the same church positions as Rhoni, I can say it's incredibly difficult. No one can know how incredibly difficult this is, unless they have done it. Add to that that she lost her marriage and she tops me in the need to heal department. When she wrote the post about her new years resolution, I asked if she thought she could simply choose to do that because you really can't just choose to do that. You desire to heal, you move forward, you go on but you cannot simply choose healing for yourself one day. That takes time and it also takes an understanding literally given to you by others. I suspect that is because others have stolen so much, you literally cannot just vindicate yourself and go on. The pain was given from outside yourself and the healing must come at least to some degree from outside yourself. The pain came from people with skin and the healing must come from people with skin. We expect horrible words from ultra-cons, that's what they do, it is their business. But when hard words come from liberals, it stings hard. But, not every liberal has lost so much. So, the quest for healing remains. It will come, it just takes time and patience.
ILG I can agree with much of what you posted here. The bolded portion however, is really upsetting to me. As a UC, I take great exception to this far too common broad brush generalization. The UC’s that I fellowship with are nothing like this at all, and are some of the most loving and accepting Christians I have ever met. For the record, being mean spirited and “saying horrible things” is not “what we are” and it is not "what we do.” As you have already stated there are many libs who constantly spew out hateful and denigrating junk as well. The real issue is not a UC/Lib issue it is a heart issue.
My experience has led me to understand that the majority of those labeled UC are simply wonderful Christian men and women who are strongly committed to living and following deeply held convictions. IMO, a UC’s refusal to change their stand regardless of what others around them may do, often leads to them being charged as being mean and harsh. And when they genuinely say they hurt for, and are praying for those who are turning away from what they deeply hold as biblical truths and principles, they are called “holier than thou’s.”
Further, it has been my experience that some (no broad brush here) of the most judgmental, hateful and disrespectful people are those who have found “liberty.” They are so consumed with proving that what they left is so restrictive and legalistic, that you can hardly have a normal conversation without them making a jab. I would think that this new found “liberty” would make one happy and joyful, but far too many are so bitter that they will do/say anything to persuade others to follow.
As I already stated, the issue is one of the heart. There are those that use their UC designation to mask their stinking pride, dead religiosity, and false humility. They are the true modern day Pharisees who may look good on the outside but are full of dead men’s bones. But they do not represent the true nature of a UC. Likewise there are the Lib’s who constantly flaunt their liberties with disdain for not only the religious community they have left but for the people as well. These are the modern day Scribes which Jesus rebuked as well.
It is time. I have tried, tried, fought it and fought it but kept doing the same things over and over again. I am no longer Pentecostal/Apostolic. A good friend told me, not too long ago in fact, that I should join a Methodist church and forget about it. Well, a Methodist I am not, but I am now officially..."A Christian".
Blessings, Rhoni
I'm not sure what the purpose of the thread was suppose to be. But, the key to the problems in this thread is bolded above.
The frustration from Rhoni is obvious -- she knows she keeps doing the same thing over and over - in church, in her life, on here, etc.
The frustation from some of the offended here is obvious - - she keeps doing the same thing over and over.
There is no answer to this except to be kind to one another and agree to disagree.
All I know is God knows where Rhoni is at,all I can do is pray for her and love her and ask God to make her whole in everyway.
When I look in my mirror my hands are full.
__________________
People who are always looking for fault,can find it easily all they have to do,is look into their mirror.
There they can find plenty of fault.
Timmy a sinner will not enter heaven!!!!!!!!! If he was not punished here, it doesn't mean he escaped punishment from God. If he did not repent of his sins, and forgiven, he was not saved.
He was a professing Christian. That tells me that he claimed to have repented of his sins, was forgiven, and was saved. Of course, no one but God could see his heart. But why should I or anyone else assume anything other than that he was genuinely saved? That's what it's all about, right? Sins are forgiven and forgotten. That's how it is with every sinner saved by grace, right? Your sins may not be as horrible as this guy's, but does that matter? Sin is sin.
__________________
Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Here is her OPINION that she wrote. She said I DON't BELIEVE...she did not denigrate your character (that I have seen) the way you have made her to feel like a lesser Christian and person than you because she apparently can't handle hurts like you supposedly can.
The point is there is a time when folks have to move past the hurt, bury the event, forgive the trespasser even if the offended doesn't deserve or ask for forgiveness to prevent bitterness, and follow the example of Christ. Some believers are weaker than others and need to be helped by those that are stronger...that's Bible.
There is also a time for tough LOVE and not pandering to the "poor ole me" syndrome. Even if you don't like the way Amos expressed himself in that post which you interpreted, you aren't truly able to judge the intents of his heart. Is he sincere, only God knows and we should give the benefit of the doubt. IMHO.
Quote:
Amos stated: The fact is my heart aches for Rhoni and those like her. But for the grace of God, I could be right there.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.
__________________
His banner over me is LOVE.... My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
To be a servant of God, it will cost us our total commitment to God, and God alone. His burden must be our burden... Sis Alvear
(2 Cor 5:10) "For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body." Holy Bible, New Living Translation
Will there be anyone in Heaven that deserves to be there?
__________________
Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
All of people profess to be christians who are not.
__________________
People who are always looking for fault,can find it easily all they have to do,is look into their mirror.
There they can find plenty of fault.
He was a professing Christian. That tells me that he claimed to have repented of his sins, was forgiven, and was saved. Of course, no one but God could see his heart. But why should I or anyone else assume anything other than that he was genuinely saved? That's what it's all about, right? Sins are forgiven and forgotten. That's how it is with every sinner saved by grace, right? Your sins may not be as horrible as this guy's, but does that matter? Sin is sin.
He could profess and claim all he wanted to Timmy. But he was not a Christian when he did those horrible acts. Christians do not molest children. He may have repented and been forgiven later, is what I am saying. Not at the time he was doing it.
__________________
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8 KJV
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2 KJV