How To Go To Hell: An Observation of Cons and Libs

[Pastor Keith]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

if we err let's err on the mercy side...for He is merciful to those who show mercy...

Amen and Amen!

[ManOfWord]

I think this is a great thread. I understand what SF is trying to point out. I agree with him. There IS a ditch on both sides of the road. However, for me, I would rather err on the side of mercy than on the side of judgement.

I just (20mins ago) had a lady stop in to the church who has been coming with her husband who almost committed suicide a little more than a year ago. She told me that she was NOW ready for water baptism. I have not been hard nosed on water baptism or used the old "You better get to the altar today because you might not live tomorrow" routine that is so prevailant today. I have simply sowed the seed and loved people unconditionally. These folks who are getting baptized are doing so NOT because of emotion or guilt. They are making a conscious decision and committment. I have seen God do miracles for these folks and the folks I baptized a week ago as well.

Many would consider me a liberal compromiser. That doesn't bother me in the least. I am seeing poeple's lives changed and observing them develop a relationship with Jesus Christ!!!! There is nothing better than that. No, they don't LOOK like some think they should, but they love the Lord and are finding a life that they didn't think was possible. I RARELY mention things about clothing etc. Give me a group of people who love the Lord vs a group of people who boast of outward holiness any day.

Yes, there is a ditch on both sides of the road and I think SF has outlined it quite well. I know that I don't want to fall into the ditch on my side of the road and I certainly don't relish in the thought of Cons falling into their ditch either.

Sis. Alvear had good words of wisdom. Lord, help us ALL!

[tbpew]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

You know I don't.

What I think is wrong is when a group wants to pervert separation into cultic subordination.

When men are seeking to maintain an order of their position with respect to others they preceive as UNDER THEM, I believe there is fertile ground for the misapplication of the principle of seperation, based on a man-motive being introduced.

Various mechanisms can be used to demonstrate fidelity and alegiance to the group; outward professions of loyalty to the group's central premise and command structure.

Absent these, only one who is capable of the discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart could conclusively know who and what are being given alegiance to. This uncertainty would be very disquieting to a man who was wanting to know the alegiance of his followers.

Can men make disciples unto themselves without some demonstrable act of fidelity?

[CC1]

Originally Posted by Esther

Coonskinner, you talked about being a separate people and gave many scriptures to confirm that.

I agree with you about being a separate people. What I don't agree with is those who think the outward appearance is who we are to be separate.

Jesus never mentioned a thing that I can recall about how folks dressed.

However, what HE did define was about our attitudes. Being humble, now that would set us apart, even among ourselves.

Turning the other cheek, now that would set us apart. Who among us is good at doing this? Not I.

I could go on, but I think you get my drift.

DING,DING, DING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!

Esther, you have hit the proverbial nail on the head. The fruit of the spirit and godly attitudes, actions, reactions, etc all are REAL seperation, not a long blue jean skirt with no slit.

[BoredOutOfMyMind]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

BOOM, I'm sorry I was a jerk to you.

I was wrong, and I'm sorry.

I do care what you think.

Apology accepted.

Thank you!

[CC1]

Originally Posted by Pastor Poster

BOOM, I'm sorry I was a jerk to you.

I was wrong, and I'm sorry.

I do care what you think.

Thank you for this. I really value what you say and I feared you were going to become someone who could not post civily.

We need your brain in these discussions! Rudeness really takes away from credibility and you have a lot to offer.

[Esther]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Jesus lived in a modest culture. It wasn't nearly the issue it is for us now.

You will find teaching on outward adornment in the Epistles.

They dealt not only with jews who had the benefit of many generations of exposure to righteous principles, but with gentile converts who had not been taught anything.

What you say, is most like true. I haven't ever done a study of their dress culture during that time.

And yes teaching on the outward adornment is in the Epistles although we have missed some of what was being imparted; I think it was reaffirming again the spirit and NOT the outward dress.

NOW I also believe if you have the right spirit and the fruit of the spirit is fully operational in your life, the dress will show forth.

JMO

[Coonskinner]

It goes without saying that our attitudes and spirits must manifest the imparted nature of God or we have no holiness, regardless of what we look like.

I don't know anyone who doesn't think inward holiness isn't important.

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

It goes without saying that our attitudes and spirits must manifest the imparted nature of God or we have no holiness, regardless of what we look like.

I don't know anyone who doesn't think inward holiness isn't important.

Inward holiness important???? When did we come up with that????

















j/k

Seems Jesus taught what is in the heart will come to the surface..........

[SDG]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

That argument is specious.

There are conservative churches that are growing, Brother.

(Incidentally, my feelings aren't hurt by disagreement...if two people agree on everything, one of them is doing all the thinking.)

Now attendance numbers are valid .... indicators ... hmm.