Posted on 11/29/2004 7:59:56 PM PST by ChristianDefender
You are speaking the truth, and it is sad indeed. That is why people sould understand that "church" does not mean a buliding, a trust fund, a foundation, a hierarchy, special garb or titles, or a time honored name.
A church is wherever any number of people (inlucing one person) is sincerely trying to worship, serve and glorify God. In the living room, in the forest, in the privacy of the heart.
Anyone who thinks God is tricked by sham religion is no better than an atheist. But at least the atheist is honest, and may change. I used to be a devout atheist - argued for it.
Do you think all sins end after being baptised ? If so then you are wrong. If not then you need to constantly repent and return to the Lord. This process is part of what church is. Its a place were we encourage one another to repent and return to the lord. Its a constant process, not a one time thing.
Your opinion reminds me of a hospital that only takes patients who are not sick. Its an absurdity.
One of the major problems we have as a civilization today is that of tolerance! Tolerance for aberrant behavior has led to the undermining of education and moral values.
Tolerance for aberrant behavior is IMO wicked!
"Your opinion reminds me of a hospital that only takes patients who are not sick. Its an absurdity."
People are honest in their commitments or they are not!
Commitments require a change of behavior. Those who could not change their behavior were (if I recall) not accepted into the congregation. Congregations were those who accepted the calling and changed their behavior. They were of "one-mind".
This time of year can be especially hard for people. They get together with family and neighbors they may not see that much, it is a wonderful time of the year, no one wants "stir" trouble and some our tempted to compromise when they are confronted by their beliefs. Some also make the mistake that if they let others know their beliefs - that by doing this doors of opportunity to talk to people down the road will be closed. That as soon as people know they will never talk to you again. Well, that IS reality, that IS what will happen to a good percentage of relationships, BUT when confronted we as Christians still must not compromise. We must at LEAST say - Yes the Word of God is true and I believe it. To be honest I think much compromise comes because of our own discomfort at being rejected and being lonely if we are rejected by these people. Those motivations are centered in selfishness obviously and not the Godly interested and spiritual well being of the person who is lost in sin and needs to hear God's truth.
Sorry I misunderstood, Didn't know the argument was off topic. You are correct anyone seeking Christian salvation who is willing to "repent" and "conform" to Christian standards should always be welcome. And in real Churches this is the case.
Uh, Archbishop...it's sinful to ordain them as Bishops.
No one but Christ can keep the law. If you think otherwise you reject the necessity of Christ as savior. Using your beliefs the bible was finished when the Hebrews recieved, accepted and pledged to keep the law. Your beliefs are the anti-thesis of christianity.
Good find. I forgot about this verse.
And of course it is clear that God prescribes much harsher penalties for some sins than others, that He sees them as worse sins.
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