re: Baptism...
Submitted by Compassion on January 30 2000 at 22:43:32
In reply to I am concerned that although I consider myself Chr Submitted by Sheesh! on January 30 2000 at 00:26:03
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Hi Sheesh: I relate to your frustrations. First and foremost I have been around the wheel of attending different churches over the years. Brought up Catholic, to Brethern, then Baptist, then Presbyterian, and although not Pentecostal was confronted with whether to follow their teachings. I understand the confusion at times. The clear teaching of scripture is one, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." [john 1:12,13]. Here we see that salvation is of God...and not were born into it [blood], not our effort to follow after God or work of man [will of the flesh], nor by me willing it to happen [will of man], but of God [God a 100%]. If salvation was a requirement then it would be a work of man, and clearly scripture says it not by us. Sheesh, it is all of God! However, baptism is in obedience to scripture. That is God wants you to, but your eternal destiny is not dependent on it. Yes, most Christian churches do condemn homosexuality in its smallest form, and that where God says it is an abomination of God [Leviticus 18:22]. Look at the list of abominations found in Proverbs 6:16-19. Here we see that... the pround are an abomination... lying is an abomination... killing the innocent is an abomination... hearts that devise wicked immaginations are an abomination... feet switly running to cause mischief is an abomination... a false witness is an abomination... he that soweth discord among the brethern is an abomination... If we were to be honest, I would dare say we could find incidents we have done in ourlives that fit these descriptions. They key here is do we continually do them, or do we fall into it in our weakness, and look to the Lord for help. I think you should do a study on that word in scripture, go to this web site http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible . Homosexuality described in scripture is continually, and ongoing, with total self centreness. I find my struggle is ongoing, especially finding myself amongst fundamentalist people. I do appreciate them as brothers, and sisters in the Lord. I however, could not share my struggles knowing they would send me out. To not go to a church just because you can't agree is wrong. No church is perfect, and neither are we. But God does work through the believers in a local church to sanctify us [see Ephesians 2:18-22; 4:3-16]. Therefore to find a church home where you can grow thereby is very important. Love in Christ, Compassion...:=) |