Re: For Ben et al : Continuing the dialogue
Submitted by Ben on July 25 1999 at 19:32:26
In reply to For Ben et al : Continuing the dialogue Submitted by Bach on July 21 1999 at 20:27:34
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Hi Bach - You said: "It seems to me that we all make choices about what we do every day." Yes, this is true. However, to use the fact that we DO make choices about what we do should not be support whether it is okay. After all, we do make choices about following man's laws, but those choices are either right (lawful) or wrong (unlawful). God made his laws pretty clear and there are a number of places in the bible where we are told that all scripture is a guide and not to be ignored: 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness... While you are correct that divisions in what laws people want to accept are the reason for the denominations of the church, a look back at the NT would actually show very little indication from Jesus that he wanted followers to be divided on which teachings to accept. I really think that we all have a responsibility to examine our lives a bit more closely than most Christians do, to see if we are REALLY followers of Jesus or simply people who want to feel all warm and fuzzy and Christmasy (which is obviously not a real word but it fit :-). Your comment that one must love, before preaching and demanding repentence is very well taken. We absolutely need to love one another. We also need to share the gospel with others, but to continue to love those who do not hear the message. In terms of demanding repentence, this is where most Christians mess up, I believe. God does not ask people to force other people to repent. Repentence is between man and God. Always. However, because God does not speak directly to most men, it is the responsibility to men to help other Christians understand the need for repentence. When you show sorrow towards a man, it is not clear that there is heartfelt repentence. Only when we repent before God, is our true heart known. You are not alone. Ben |