[Faith-talk] Response

[Linda Mentink]

Hi all,

OK, I have to say some things here.

We come from different faiths and backgrounds. Some of us have 
changed denominations and/or Church affiliations at least once in our 
lives. Many, though they are Christians in the Biblical sense of the 
word, are not taught strict separation. Our beliefs are based on what 
our pastor teaches us and what we glean from our own personal Bible 
reading and study.

Joshua, you say that you don't sin anymore, now that you are saved. 
That is not Biblical, which has already been mentioned: "If we say we 
have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." 
That's you. You seem to think, as as also been mentioned, that 
everything you believe is right, and you have no tolerance for 
others' beliefs on this list. We all know you're an Apostolic, so 
quit trying to cram your beliefs down our throats. People will not 
feel free to join in on our discussions here if you always make them 
feel that what they believe and hold to is wrong, just because you 
are so vocal.  You like to hear yourself, but, personally, I'm tired 
of your rantings and ravings.

While I appreciate your beliefs, I'm not going to change mine. You 
are a sinner saved by grace. You are a sinner as long as you are on 
this earth; you just don't want to sin, nor do you persist in known 
sin. You're not better than the rest of us, but you come across as 
though you believe you are.

I am an Independent Baptist, and a Calvinist. Since moving to 
Nebraska almost 7 years ago, I have worn only dresses and skirts, and 
I wear my hair below my ears so as to be a covering. I know of 
nowhere in Scripture where women are told never to cut their hair. 
This would be impractical; imagine trying to walk without stepping on 
your hair because it's dragging on the ground after so many years of 
not being cut. Also, I don't wear earrings or make up. This is 
because this is what my church teaches, and I believe it to be right. 
I wasn't taught anything of the sort in the other churches I was in, 
and the last was a Baptist Church. I also don't have a TV or go to 
movies, or smoke (never did), or drink any alcohol. But I know I 
probably do other things and say things, or think thoughts that are 
not pleasing to God. Why? Because I'm still living here on earth.

At first, when I was made aware of the teachings of my present 
Church, I thought they were legalistic. But, when showed in the 
Scriptures, my heart and attitude were changed. Does that make me a 
better Christian than everyone else? No, but it makes me better than 
I was. None of us has arrived, and we all are growing and learning on 
this journey of life.  Does that mean that I expect others to live 
like me? No, unless we attend the same Church.

As to why Christians smoke or drink, or swear, well, maybe God hasn't 
gotten complete control of their lives. Frankly, there are times when 
He doesn't have control of my life! Or maybe the Church they attend 
doesn't preach against these things; many do not. That doesn't mean 
they aren't Christians. Being a Christian means that Christ has 
chosen you, and you have responded by repenting and allowing Christ 
to live in you. Many have allowed Christ to live in them, but they 
haven't been taught that they need to give up these things, and many 
others. Or, maybe they struggle with these things, and can't seem to 
get the victory over them. So, stop judging others. We can judge 
others only according to Scripture; we shouldn't compare one to 
another. And, we should not think more highly of ourselves than we 
ought. And don't expect others to live as you do in order to be 
saved, or in order to prove to you that they are a Christian. They 
don't have to prove it to us, but we can be a fruit inspecter!

I also believe that once I'm saved, I'm always saved. If I had to 
worry about it, I'd never have assurance of my salvation; nor could I 
trust that what Christ did for me is enough. I'd always wonder if I 
did something to get myself unsaved. That cheapens what Christ did, 
and gives me way too much power over my own destiny. How arrogant and 
self-serving.

When we accept Christ as our Saviour, the Holy Spirit comes in to us. 
This does not mean that we speak in tongues; Paul says in I 
Corinthians 13 that tongues shall cease. On the day of Pentecost, the 
disciples spoke in different languags so that those present would be 
able to understand the Gospel message in their own tongue. Now, what 
is called tongues is an unintelligible bunch of nonsense syllables 
that mean absolutely nothing; and you're encouraged to try and see if 
you have the gift of tongues. Well, if it's a gift, you don't have to 
try it; which tells me that it's not a gift at all, at least not a 
gift from God.

Regarding the Trinity, this word isn't used in Scripture, but is 
inferred. It doesn't mean that there will be three persons sitting on 
one throne. Our finite minds cannot quite grasp the concept. It's 
sort of like an egg, which has the shell, the white and the yolk. All 
three parts make up the egg. I know it's poor, but it's the best we can do!

We are all at different places in our walk with Christ, and in 
Christian maturity. It's not your way or the highway. There is only 
one road to heaven, and that's through Jesus Christ, God's Son. Each 
of us has a story, each of us has a life to live to live, and we will 
go to heaven or hell based on what we did with Jesus: accept or reject Him.

Now, don't unsubscribe from this list just because you think I'm 
picking on you, or you disagree with this post. Be mature about it, 
and continue to grow in the knowledge of your Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Linda