tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post776034751663451764..comments2023-10-18T09:38:27.290-05:00Comments on Time 2 Change Churches!: What kind of creature are you?pastorbrianculverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07325788116682801754noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-33833692272042831842008-02-07T04:07:00.000-06:002008-02-07T04:07:00.000-06:00Comments on What kind of creature are you? are no...Comments on What kind of creature are you? are now closed.<BR/><BR/>Satan is starting to work overtime on some of the comments coming on here. I will not have people posting bogus profiles for the sake of their own agenda (B.E.). That, for someone who is in the ministry, is unethical and that person should be ashamed of themselves for doing it. If someone is going to post something that is a difference of going to heaven or hell, I will post what it takes to avoid hell and to enter heaven. I will not promote any ideas that promote Satans plan of no repentance necessary (N). For the 3 or 4 people who have decided that sarcasm and downright meanness is the way to post comments (JG)(DP), you will be permanently banned unless you offer an apology to the readers.<BR/><BR/>It is something...<BR/>the title of this post was...<BR/>What kind of creature are you?<BR/><BR/>"Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made..."pastorbrianculverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07325788116682801754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-89138974826569680502008-02-06T15:15:00.000-06:002008-02-06T15:15:00.000-06:00Brian, Nator and company may want to know Jesus DI...Brian, <BR/><BR/>Nator and company may want to know Jesus DID say that and it's documented for them <A HREF="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%204:12-17;&version=31;" REL="nofollow">in Matthew 4:17.</A>Tim Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06771868540726222826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-33825414259707344462008-02-06T15:11:00.000-06:002008-02-06T15:11:00.000-06:00By the way, Brian, AMEN!By the way, Brian, AMEN!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00144910846284431972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-52673937201212966902008-02-06T15:08:00.001-06:002008-02-06T15:08:00.001-06:00You know, since we're taking about the law and eva...You know, since we're taking about the law and evangelism, I was reminded just a while about about my own conversion. What Happened???<BR/><BR/>Well, did someone need to come up to me and perform tricks? No. Did someone have to give me something to show me they loved me? No! Did someone have to build a relationship with me over a long period of time? No!<BR/><BR/>What happened?<BR/><BR/>Well, no one was there when I was converted! Yes. No One!<BR/><BR/>I was alone. I was on the internet. All the sudden, I became very aware that I was a sinner before a Holy God. Did I hear the word "Repent"? No. BUT that is what I "Knew" I had to do. <BR/><BR/>I hear so much about "getting a decision for Christ". No, that's not what it is. It is being exposed to the reality of your own sin and realizing you are hell bound and that Jesus Christ is the ONLY solution. <BR/><BR/>Sounds like Saul on the Road to Damascus. Not exactly the same but it follows the pattern: conviction of sin, repentance an faith. We see all those in Paul.<BR/><BR/>Does this mean we MUST always DO it the same precise way? No. Is it a formula that guarantees results? No. But it is a pattern and we follow it.<BR/><BR/>Dig up soil, <BR/>Plant the seed,<BR/>wait for results.<BR/><BR/>The Gospel is the same way:<BR/><BR/>Use the law to plow the heart,<BR/>Plant the seed of the Gospel,<BR/>Wait for results.<BR/><BR/>It's not that difficult! And in my case, no one needed to be present...Tim Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06771868540726222826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-13612980386980010432008-02-06T15:08:00.000-06:002008-02-06T15:08:00.000-06:00Nator,My point with the second post was this: one ...Nator,<BR/><BR/>My point with the second post was this: one cannot understand GRACE without understanding SIN. <BR/><BR/>Romans 5:20 "Moreover, the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound." <BR/><BR/>Without knowledge of the Law, sin cannot abound. Therefore grace cannot abound because there's no knowledge of sin. Romans 7:8 says "...without the law sin is dead."<BR/><BR/>I didn't understand grace until I looked at myself compared to God's Law. I realized my colorful stories were lies (Revelation 21:8), my lustful thoughts were adultery of the heart (Matthew 5:27,28), my hatred was murder (1 John 3:15), etc. Without knowing sin (which is "transgression of the law" I John 3:4), I would never have known what I was doing wrong or what to repent from. But seeing myself in the light of God's holy law, grace became amazing to me. Before then, I said the sinner's prayer 6 times. <BR/><BR/>Jesus said He came to call all "sinners to repent" (Matthew 4;17). The first preaching word that came from His mouth was "repent" (Matthew 4:17). So did John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2). Jesus made it very clear in Luke 13:3,5 that "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." <BR/><BR/>Yes, the Bible has numerous verses talk about salvation without repentance. It says we must simply "believe" and we will be saved (Romans 10:9; Acts 16:31). However, the Bible also makes it clear that we are sinners and God is holy and just, and that we are separated from God from our sin (Isaiah 59:1,2). We are dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1), but until we repent, we cannot be made alive to Christ. The Bible says repentance unto life (Acts 11:18). Paul preached about having "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21). <BR/><BR/>If one is to simply "believe" then Jesus must have been lying when he said repent or you will perish (again, Luke 13:3,5). Jesus does not lie, obviously. The Bible also says that many people will receive the word with joy, and they will believe for a while then fall away (Luke 8:13). It also says that many will say "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in they name have cast out devils? and in they name have done many works?" And Jesus will say to them, next verse, "And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity"(Matthew 7:22,23). They "believe" Jesus is Lord, yet they "work iniquity." (Iniquity: gross injustice or wickedness; wicked act; sin.)<BR/><BR/>Furthermore, 1 John 1:6 says, "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth." Jesus told us there is joy in heaven over one sinner who "repents" (Luke 15:10). Proverbs says that "he who covers his sin shall not prosper, but whoso confesses AND FORSAKES them shall have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13). <BR/><BR/>When Peter preached, he commanded his hearers to repent for the "remission of sins" (Acts 2:28). He further said, "Repent...and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out" (Acts 3:19). I stated this before, but God "commands that all men everywhere [obviously, all men, not some men in a few places] to repent" (Acts 17:30) and that he "is not willing that any should perish, BUT that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). <BR/><BR/>If it wasn't true that one needed to repent, why did Jesus speak that it should be preached to all nations (24:47)? And when he sent out his disciples, they preached that men should repent (Mark 6:12)? And why did he say that "without repentance, ye shall ALL likewise perish" (Luke 13:3,5). <BR/><BR/>Without the knowledge of the Law, man thinks he has sinned against man. (I've stolen from man, lied to man, hated (murdered) man, etc.) The Law helps the sinner realize he has sinned against GOD. When David sinned, he said, "Against you (God), and you only, have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight" (Psalm 51:4). Same thing with Joseph (Genesis 39:9), the Prodigal Son (Acts 15:21). That is why it was preached to have "repentance toward God "Acts 20:21". Furthermore, "godly sorrow worketh repentance TO salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death" (2 Corinthians 7:10). <BR/><BR/>If one does not see themselves according to God's holy Law, one things his/her sin is against man instead of against God. <BR/><BR/>There is reason to look at the Bible as a whole. People take many things from one verse and go crazy with it. I'm looking at the Bible as a whole, too. And saying that there needs to be no repentance, is saying that our Lord is a liar. Without repentance, they will perish. I take those last words right from the Lord's mouth. And if anyone knows about Scripture and salvation, it's Him. One does not need to be a religious scholar to realize that (please note that I am not making fun of anyone who is a religious scholar here).<BR/><BR/>Seeing ourselves in the light of God's holy Law is what makes the grace that God showed to us through the sacrifice of our Lord, Jesus Christ simply amazing.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05528342385615131065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-12878920635470815162008-02-06T13:22:00.000-06:002008-02-06T13:22:00.000-06:00I will say it again, Repent, for the kingdom of he...I will say it again, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.<BR/><BR/>who said that?<BR/><BR/>JESUS!<BR/><BR/>unless ye repent, ye shall likewise perish.<BR/><BR/>who said that?<BR/><BR/>JESUS!pastorbrianculverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07325788116682801754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-47477928395851768312008-02-06T13:19:00.000-06:002008-02-06T13:19:00.000-06:00Brian:What is incredible to me is how seemingly im...Brian:<BR/><BR/>What is incredible to me is how seemingly impossible it is for some to understand why Jesus said what He did. <BR/><BR/>Maybe one of us should do an article or two about some of thee things Jesus DID.<BR/><BR/>The conversations with the rich man? I find it very hard to understand what is obscure about what happened. I'm sure Jesus, and most others, could see he was rich. Jesus brought into question the man's concept of what "good" is. He used the commandments, which the man *claimed* to have obeyed. Then the Lord asked him to do something that would force him to deny himself and put God first -- Sell all he had, give the money to the poor and follow Him.<BR/><BR/>Now, thankfully, the Lord doesn't demand we all sell everything we own. But He does demand we die to self..."If any man would follow me, let deny himself, pick up his cross and follow Me."<BR/><BR/>Any of us can do that. The problem is that it isn't popular because it won't draw crowds!<BR/><BR/>Jesus didn't call us to draw crowds.<BR/><BR/>I'm remembering our main task is like that of the sower in the parable that Jesus told. We sow seeds. We broadcast the gospel. Sometimes we can tarry a bit with someone and do more, but more often than not, we cannot do that. So we sow seeds. We don't put down a seed, water it, watch and wait. No, we move on. Like Paul said, "Paul planted, Apollos watered but God gave the increase".<BR/><BR/>We plant the seeds of the Gospel. If something comes up, wonderful! But Jesus said the gate and the way are both narrow and few will find it. <BR/><BR/>Jeff sarcastically said that John 15:18 was my favorite verse. He may be shocked I have a lot of them.<BR/><BR/>You know, I've never had anyone in the contemporary church movement who is willing to take me up on my challenge...The incident of the woman at the well...does it really take all that long to develop a relationship that can bear sharing the Gospel...? No, it doesn't. Time and again, I've seen it born out in experience. <BR/><BR/>Do we know the secret sins of people, as Jesus did? No. Of course not. but the general principle applies and is perfectly obvious for the willing to see it. But they scoff at it. "Oh yeah, the 'good person' question."<BR/><BR/>They do it to their loss because they are rejecting the use of the law as a mirror (James) which is to be used correctly (1 Timothy 1) and is intended for those who are lost (1 timothy 1). <BR/><BR/>The use of the law unlocks the work of the law which is written in the human heart (the conscience). <BR/><BR/>If you don't use the law to help them become convicted of heart that they have sinned against God, you are shooting a gun full of blanks and nothing will come of it.<BR/><BR/>No, I don't know if "Joseph" down the street has committed adultery, but I CAN take him through the Ten Commandments and ask him if he has lied, stolen, or coveted. If so, I can then ask him what that makes him. His conscience points the finger, I don't have to. <BR/><BR/>It's only THEN that he can see what he really needs; forgiveness of sins. <BR/><BR/>I USED to do it differently, claiming that Jesus will give them peace, joy, and all that. But that amounts to having to "outmarket" the world. Besides, their greatest need is forgiveness of sin, not peace, joy and everything else.<BR/><BR/>Nator said something about not questioning his faith. The problem is that Paul, in 2 Corinthians, commands us to "examine ourselves". <BR/><BR/>No, we don't believe in "one saved always saved". We DO believe in "the perseverance of the saints" and that is a vast difference. <BR/><BR/>Once saved always saved? Ok, but you had BETTER MAKE SURE you are saved for many will say "Lord Lord..." (Matthew 7:21ff)<BR/><BR/>See Jeff? I have many favorite verses!Tim Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06771868540726222826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-25535575381246008212008-02-06T11:27:00.000-06:002008-02-06T11:27:00.000-06:00Nator, your comment was blocked because of ridicul...Nator, your comment was blocked because of ridiculing repentance the way you did. When that is such a key difference between being a true and false convert, I will not have someone come on here to derail any other Christians.<BR/><BR/>Jeff, you were blocked because you said you were going to look at Scripture and all you did was make a mockery of it. Provide PROOF of what you say, stop the silly remarks. You do not know your Bible and it is shameful to think that you teach others.pastorbrianculverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07325788116682801754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-75943749912259572842008-02-06T10:24:00.000-06:002008-02-06T10:24:00.000-06:00*I acknowledge that covenant daily through prayer ...*<BR/>I acknowledge that covenant daily through prayer and penitence. I am in that covenant through my conversion, my baptism and my attempts at obedient discipleship. I am washed, and continue to be washed, in the blood of Christ. There is nothing else.*<BR/><BR/>Salvation is by Grace alone, by Faith alone, through Christ alone. If you are trusting in Christ plus anything, you cannot be saved.Tim Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06771868540726222826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-47729374829009605442008-02-06T10:12:00.000-06:002008-02-06T10:12:00.000-06:00Having just seen Nator's statement regarding inerr...Having just seen Nator's statement regarding inerrancy, I would suggest he simplify his life and throw out his Bibie. After all, if he doesn't think it is trustworthy, why bother?Tim Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06771868540726222826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-73517981596050058822008-02-06T10:09:00.000-06:002008-02-06T10:09:00.000-06:00Jeff:Again, salvation isn't by "Saying Words". It ...Jeff:<BR/><BR/>Again, salvation isn't by "Saying Words". It is a change of heart, which shows a change of life. <BR/><BR/>You don't "hear it", although the words may come out. It is a change of HEART. And if repentance is real, you will eventually see it in the life.<BR/><BR/>The first words out of Jesus' mouth at the beginning of His public ministry were "REPENT..."Tim Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06771868540726222826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-44769944261711540672008-02-06T10:08:00.000-06:002008-02-06T10:08:00.000-06:00Jeff:Again, salvation isn't by "Saying Words". It ...Jeff:<BR/><BR/>Again, salvation isn't by "Saying Words". It is a change of heart, which shows a change of life. <BR/><BR/>You don't "hear it", although the words may come out. It is a change of HEART. And if repentance is real, you will eventually see it in the life.<BR/><BR/>The first words out of Jesus' mouth at the beginning of His public ministry were "REPENT..."Tim Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06771868540726222826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-31900882506731881092008-02-06T08:54:00.000-06:002008-02-06T08:54:00.000-06:00that's right Nator, the Devil believes and I would...that's right Nator, the Devil believes and I would say his comment would not be far off from yours. <BR/><BR/>"I believe we are so caught up with this repent notion that we are limiting the Grace of God to those who believe." <BR/><BR/>What does the Bible say?<BR/><BR/>Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.<BR/><BR/>unless ye repent, ye shall likewise perish!<BR/><BR/>nuff said<BR/>repent notion?? come on now! I will not let Satan throw his comments into this blog. That sir, was your last comment allowed on here!pastorbrianculverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07325788116682801754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-36760023755125391082008-02-06T08:40:00.000-06:002008-02-06T08:40:00.000-06:00Jessie, you didn't offend me. I don't believe tha...Jessie, you didn't offend me. I don't believe that I offend that easily. If I did I wouldn't be posting here. My beliefs do come from the Bible, even if you don't want to believe that. I say this, even though I can already hear the negative responses, that I do have a graduate degree in religion. (insert seminary jokes and snickers here) I prefer to take the entirety of the book and not pick and choose specific verses that others have published to back up a point. Jesus does forgive people on multiple occasions (actually it is the way he does it) without them ever admitting guilt. <BR/><BR/>The woman at the well is a great example, since it has been brought up and is a favorite passage of this blog. While we are on this tangent, if you read the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, she never “repents” and she goes to tell the people of the city that he “knew” what I had done. There isn’t a confession and there is no confession from any of the people in the village, but many “believed.” Now I believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, but it isn’t inerrant. But if it was inerrant, then there should be two places in this passage where the woman repents of her sins, and where the villagers fall down and repent. I believe we are so caught up with this repent notion that we are limiting the Grace of God to those who believe. <BR/><BR/>…the sound of guns being loaded.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-7214042985999591992008-02-06T06:07:00.000-06:002008-02-06T06:07:00.000-06:00Jesse:Look in the new restament and see how many t...Jesse:<BR/><BR/>Look in the new restament and see how many times Jesus said, "you are forgiven" before they even acknowledge they were "wrong".<BR/><BR/>He forgave numerous people without them even uttering the word repentance.Thoughts From Jeffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11658741692973255432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-86994575538474123632008-02-06T04:40:00.000-06:002008-02-06T04:40:00.000-06:00"Again you use an example of a time that Jesus kne..."Again you use an example of a time that Jesus knew exactly what to say to the man who was asking the question. Jesus could have said repent from your sins, but he didn't. If he had the rich young ruler would have said sign me up."<BR/><BR/>Nator, had Jesus just said repent. Sure, no doubt the man would have said sign me up. But he didn't. He exposed what was in the man's heart and that is what we need to do. If all people do is say they are going to "make a decision" for Christ because he loves them, that is basically the same thing. They want to take the easy road to salvation. They need to be convicted of their sins in order for them to see the need for a Savior. Plus the man was obviously a liar (or he is calling God a liar) because he said he had kept ALL of the commandments since his youth. We come across people every day who will try to justify themselves before man and before God. They need to see that they are wretched. No, I don't point a finger at them and call them names. It is in our dialog with each other that they come to admit that they are like that. Once they admit it themselves, then they can call out to a God to save them.<BR/><BR/>Doorman,<BR/>I agree with so much of what you say. I see churches here which are neglecting the gifts of the spirit. There is a difference between evangelist and evangelizing. As one who has the gifting of an evangelist, it is my job to equip the saints. Just as it is the preachers job to equip the saints by giving them the Word of God so they can take that Word out into the streets with confidence, lacking nothing! But what happens? Too many times a pastor will say, "I don't have the gift of evangelism, so I don't have to do it." (I have basically heard these very words in an actual church service!) We are all called to evangelize. But we need to utilize the people who are gifted by the spirit of God in order that we might grow. It is hard over the Internet for you to see how I talk to someone. I am confident that if you could watch a video of me talking to someone you would agree, that my way is not offensive, it is not lacking compassion, it is not without Christ-like love. You will see that the person and I both have a dialog going on. We are interacting with each other. You can just see it in their eyes, that they have never heard this before. Why? Because the churches are not preaching it. God's Law to the proud and arrogant person and His grace to the humble person. The Bible tells us that the Law acts as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. Psalms tells us the Law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul. What is perfect converting the soul? The Law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul. In Romans we read that the Law will shut the mouth of the self righteous person. When a person sees that he has broken God's Law he then realizes that he is going to be judged and the punishment is hell. You mention follow up and I worry when I see church boards say they want the pastor to spend all his time doing follow-up. That is not biblical. Remember what happened with the eunich. When he believed and was baptized he went off. Peter did not need to go chasing after him and say to him, "wait, I need to make sure you are getting into God's Word, you need to come to our potluck after church so you can meet everyone." If a person has truly been saved, they will desire God's Word. They will want to be obedient to His Word. Sure, we can help them understand Scripture better and give them some help, but it is not our job to follow-up. We know that the Holy Spirit is more than capable of bringing that person to church somewhere. Right? I agree when you say that one plants and another person waters and that God is the one who saves. Amen to that. If it were up to us, no one would get saved. But too many churches and too many individuals think that they have to do all of this work in order to ensure that someone is saved. We just need to give them the Word of God. His Word will not return void. Maybe they won't make a decision today. Maybe not tomorrow. but at just the right time, God is able to use the Word to enlighten this person when they need it. At that point it comes to fruition. Speaking of fruits, I agree on that too. I see so many people sitting in church who think they are saved and yet they bear no fruit. They do not have the fruit of repentance or thanksgiving. They cry out love, love, but they do not love. They have anger in their voice, they are judgmental and hypocritical. They hinder the work of the Lord by denouncing it and making a mockery of it. It is evident everywhere you look. I am sure you have seen it in some comments here. They are exposed for who they truly are. Satan uses marginal christians to bring down the churches. They are the people who profess Jesus but do not live their life according to His Word. I can see you struggle with some aspects of evangelism. I would love to come there and show you how easy it really is. You would not only have fun but you would want to get out every day. When you witness to someone and you see that they finally "get it", it is such a wonderful God-filled feeling! It is hard to describe.<BR/><BR/>Jeff,<BR/>never mind!<BR/><BR/>Jessie, thank you for your comments. You are right on with them. Great examples and an awesome job of using Scirpture to back it up! thank you<BR/><BR/>tim,<BR/>thank you for your comments. You use Scripture as well to back up your claims and I appreciate that too. You are right, there is nothing more relevant than sharing God's Word with people. Even with people we do not know. You might be on an airplane and will only see that person for a short 45 minute flight. Talk to them and share God's Word with them! <BR/><BR/>To everyone -- remain faithful to God and His Word. Don't make it a book of "I think" or "I feel this is what it says..." We don't need to do that. If we exposit God's Word we can know for sure what it means. The Word of God does not contradict itself (although there are those who claim it does). Be obedient to His Word, learn His Word and follow Jesus in all you do. Reach the lost while there is still time!pastorbrianculverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07325788116682801754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-67730174951297012752008-02-06T04:02:00.000-06:002008-02-06T04:02:00.000-06:00Nator,No, while repentance means to turn away from...Nator,<BR/><BR/>No, while repentance means to turn away from your sin, he did not at all tell the young ruler to "sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor..." Upon hearing this, he did not say "sign me up", he walked way sad because he knew he HAD TO GIVE UP WHAT HE LOVED.<BR/><BR/>Just because modern day churches teach people to do evangelism using friendship techniques, take out offensive words like hell and sin and repentance, and preach love and joy and lasting fulfillment does not mean it is biblical. <BR/><BR/>It's just like quotes that say, "God hates the sin, not the sinner" or "Ask Jesus into your heart." That is modern day evangelism. And they are NOT in the Bible. But that is what is taught. <BR/><BR/>And if it is not in the Bible, it is not Truth. <BR/><BR/>And using the "good person" test IS a technique, yes. HOWEVER, the Bible says that people "establish their own righteousness... not submitt[ing] to the righteousness of God" (Romans 10:3). People think worldly standards. They think they are good people according to the world, but they do not realize the standard on which they are judged. That is why we must use the law. It is "perfect, converting the soul" (Psalm 19:7). It gives people "the knowledge of sin" (Romans 3:20). It tells us what sin is: I John 3:4 says "sin is transgression of the law." It acts as "a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ" (Galatians 3:24). In fact, Paul said he "would not have known sin BUT by the law" Romans 7:7). <BR/><BR/>If they do not know what sin is, how do they know what to repent from? The Bible says that God "commandeth all men every where to repent" (Acts 17:30) and that "all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). Jesus said he has not called "the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Matthew 9:13). The Bible says that "repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations." <BR/><BR/>Please understand that I am not trying to debate this, but just encouraging you to get your beliefs from Scripture and not "tradition" or "modern dayness" because much of the Modern Day Church is not biblical.<BR/><BR/>I sincerely apologize if I have offended you.<BR/><BR/>In Christ, JessieAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00144910846284431972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-81079077451748511022008-02-06T03:01:00.000-06:002008-02-06T03:01:00.000-06:00Isn't this time lapse thing amazing? Here I am bac...Isn't this time lapse thing amazing? Here I am back after a good night's sleep and posting while you lot are still asleep.<BR/><BR/>Just a couple of observations on what has passed in the meantime:<BR/><BR/>I may have been the one to confuse the matter by talking about relationship building. By that I do not necessarily mean making a friendship, or even "helping" someone. What I am trying to express is my sense that to be congruent as a Christian, to be - however inadequate - a role model which shows the risen Christ in my life and invites participation in the risen Christ, I have to be prepared to go the extra mile. <BR/><BR/>When I talk about earning the right to speak, I am not so much talking about making new friends for Jesus - or for myself, for that matter, but about engaging the person I am talking to. I may be wrong, Pastor, but talking about Jesus with no context, with no understanding of each other has been counterproductive in my experience. It has put people off and alienated them from Christ and that worries me deeply. It certainly IS NOT about fear of causing offence with the Gospel. It is about maximising opportunities to share Christ.<BR/><BR/>We are back to the gifts of the Spirit here. We all have a responsibility to share Jesus - no question or argument at all on that. Not all are called to be evangelists, though. I don't want to be pedantic here, but the two are not the same: Evangelism/Evangelist. You are an Evangelist (and I pray God blesses your ministry). I am not. My calling is to be a Pastor, but I am involved in evangelism. I am sure the Spirit needs and uses us both. Maybe people like you plant a seed that I later harvest, maybe I prepare the way for your word to take root. It's not either/or.<BR/><BR/>Tim. However good a person in the judgement of others I may be, in God's eyes I have fallen, and continue to fall, short of his glory. I have made a committment to follow Christ and that is a once and for all thing as was his death and atonement. It is a covenant engaged in by both sides.<BR/><BR/>I acknowledge that covenant daily through prayer and penitence. I am in that covenant through my conversion, my baptism and my attempts at obedient discipleship. I am washed, and continue to be washed, in the blood of Christ. There is nothing else. <BR/><BR/>I am not emergent: not even sure I understand that or whether we have it here.<BR/><BR/>I am intrigued that Tim says he only had one person walk away from him. Tim, you must be an awsome evangelist. What are your follow-up strategies? How many of those are you sure made a real committment and are still disciples? Were they passed on to someone who did the follow up or was your speaking to them it: job done?<BR/><BR/>I would walk away from some street evangelists and I am already in the Kingdom.<BR/><BR/>I can't ever know who I have truly moved closer to the Kingdom - that is for the Holy Spirit, but I tend to work on "By their fruits you shall know them" as my touchstone. I need to see them in the church and living lives of discipleship.<BR/><BR/>And actually, Jesus DID do the sensitive thing and I am shocked, Tim, that someone who claims to be Bible-based should say otherwise. This is the danger of proof-texting. I will not give you a text in return- just read Jesus' dealings with the marginalised and outcast. Yes he could be confrontational; yes he said it as it was and as it needed saying, but that is only part of the story. Again I say, it is not either/or.<BR/><BR/>Again I think you misrepresent me, Tim. I am not advocating touchy-feely and sensitive as an alternative to sharing Christ, but I have to say that I sense your approach would not have won me for Christ. I became a Christian as a result of the long term care and personal work of a group of my peers who prayed for me and talked to me over a period of time without being pushy or in my face. They were sensitive enough not to overload me but took me on incrementally and by stages as I was ready. <BR/><BR/>About the boy who died in a motorcycle accident: he appears not to have made a committment to Christ...except, of course, that we can never know that: as we can never know whether hearing the word preached or reading a text would have moved him in to grace. If all the lady did was be a nice friend, she got it wrong, although he surely needed that too.<BR/><BR/> All we can know for sure is that we all need to work together as the body of Christ using our various gifts to bring others to faith and to build up the church.<BR/><BR/>What has really characterised this debate for me has been polarisation: a polarisation of style is fine. A polarisation of my way right/your way wrong is not fine.<BR/><BR/>Life is full of shades of grey: it is not all black and white.<BR/><BR/>Time for me to move on from this post.Doorman-Priesthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06407399232593479871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-41016038431028807622008-02-05T21:52:00.000-06:002008-02-05T21:52:00.000-06:00Just a few questions to those who want to make a "...Just a few questions to those who want to make a "relationship" before telling them about Jesus Christ.<BR/><BR/>Read the Bible. How many relationships did Jesus build before using the law? Um... let me count. None.<BR/><BR/>The Rich Young Ruler: (Mark 18:18-23)<BR/><BR/>"Now a certain young ruler asked Him, saying, 'Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?' So Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is God. <B>You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'</B> And he said, 'All these things I have kept from my youth.' So when JEsus heard these things, He said to him, <B>'You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor.</B> But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich."<BR/><BR/>Jesus did not build a relationship with him, and he used the law. When the young ruler said he kept them, Jesus pointed out the first commandment... because man cannot serve God and Money. <BR/><BR/>Lady at the Well:<BR/><BR/>"The woman said to Him, 'Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.' Jesus said to her, 'Go, call your husband, and come here.' The woman answered and said, 'I have no husband.' Jesus said to her, 'You have well said, "I have no husband,"<B>for you have had five husbands</B>, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.'"<BR/><BR/>Jesus did not build a relationship with her either. AND HE USED THE LAW. He pointed out the seventh commandment: you shall not commit adultery.<BR/><BR/>Building relationships is NOT biblical. Jesus didn't. Neither did Paul or the other apostles. We must follow that example, not any other example. I mean, if we're going to learn how to witness to people, WHAT BETTER PERSON TO LEARN FROM THAN CHRIST HIMSELF who did not build relationships first? Building relationships before witnessing was put in by man, not God.<BR/><BR/>There are some people who God prepared to accept the Word, and some who He has not. But it is the job of the Christian to plant the seed. That is it. <BR/><BR/>Please don't think I'm trying to be rude. But here is the problem with modern day churches: they have so much stuff that is NOT BIBLICAL that they present or teach. The Bible was to be the foundation of truth, and the church is to uphold that truth, not make their own truth.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00144910846284431972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-30748101321742298762008-02-05T21:27:00.000-06:002008-02-05T21:27:00.000-06:00Imagine that, Tim places his favorite scripture (J...Imagine that, Tim places his favorite scripture (John 15:18) in the post.<BR/><BR/>He then also does:<BR/><BR/>- burning building<BR/>- are you a good person q<BR/>- emergent "rant"Thoughts From Jeffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11658741692973255432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-33242971387937494212008-02-05T20:00:00.000-06:002008-02-05T20:00:00.000-06:00Again you use an example of a time that Jesus knew...Again you use an example of a time that Jesus knew exactly what to say to the man who was asking the question. Jesus could have said repent from your sins, but he didn't. If he had the rich young ruler would have said sign me up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-2069050759610391062008-02-05T17:46:00.000-06:002008-02-05T17:46:00.000-06:00Brian:While we wait for Nator's reply...Seems I ne...Brian:<BR/><BR/>While we wait for Nator's reply...<BR/><BR/>Seems I never get over this "either / or" mentality. Seems that so many don't *get it*. Sure you help people. But you also share the truth with them. <BR/><BR/>Just like the woman in the burning building, we don't know how long anyone has to live. Being young is *no* guarantee that we will see another day. One day the "floor" of God's mercy will recede and those we know who are lost will fall down into the flames. <BR/><BR/>Relevance? RELEVANCE? What is more relevant than saying what they need to hear? <BR/><BR/>Contemporary Christianity is concerned with removing the splinter of "felt needs" while ignoring the gush of blood from the severed jugular. <BR/><BR/>If someone is hungry, feed them! But give them the Gospel too. And where there is no apparent need, you don't have to "perform tricks" to impress them first. They are dying. They need the truth.<BR/><BR/>No, I don't like it that the world rejects me. But then Jesus said in John 15:18 and following that this would happen. <BR/><BR/>Paul suffered beatings, whippings and imprisonment. I don't think "the world" liked him either. This notion that these people sat around in an Emergent smog of "conversation" and "dialog" is so out in left field. <BR/><BR/>Brian, ever noticed that the real opposition we get isn't from those we share the gospel with? It's always from PDL / Seeker / Emergent types who say everyone hates it. I've only had one person walk away, but then I remember one walked away from Jesus too, after He asked him to sell all he had, give the money to the poor and "follow me". I mean, the guy even said "What must I do to have eternal life"! That should have been an easy one! But Jesus didn't do the "Sensitive" thing, He put His finger on the fact that this guy was guilty of idolatry. He worshiped his "stuff" and not God. And the guy walked. <BR/><BR/>Oh well.Tim Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06771868540726222826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-16333833055282313252008-02-05T17:39:00.000-06:002008-02-05T17:39:00.000-06:00the problem with the once saved, always saved is t...the problem with the once saved, always saved is this...<BR/><BR/>there are many people who think they are saved and they are not. They are still living in their sins. Sure the person who has repented of their sins and put their faith and trust in Jesus, He will not lost them. But for those people who think that just because they say they believe in Jesus, they think they are saved. Without the fruits of repentance and thanksgiving being evident, then they are not saved. The anger you show towards the gospel being presented to people in evangelism does not jive with what a saved person would think or say. The world will hate you, not because I say it, but because Jesus said they would hate you for following Him. Just because the world is secular is not a reason to stop evangelizing. We must be faithful and obedient to His Word. Do you recall the story of the rich man. He tried to justify himself before Jesus. What did Jesus do, he went to the heart of the matter. This man loved his money more than he loved God. At that, the man went away sad. Jesus didn't go running after him, did he? We don't see that, in fact, he at that point said how hard it was for a rich man to enter heaven. I understand your resentment towards certain types of Christians. I feel the same way towards some of them. It makes me sick to see how churches no longer preach the whole Word of God and only give the love message. It is like hell no longer exists. But we know that through Scripture and from God's own Words, that hell is very real and it is awaiting all who do not repent of their sins and put their faith and trust in Jesus. Please don't mock us for trying to get the Word out to the lost. Someone has to do it and if it is only done through "friendship" evangelism, then there will be people who will never hear God's Word because they might die early.pastorbrianculverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07325788116682801754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-11883169374233524652008-02-05T17:15:00.000-06:002008-02-05T17:15:00.000-06:00Brian, thank you for posting these comments instea...Brian, thank you for posting these comments instead of blocking them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6591518369598505341.post-55493742398782242482008-02-05T17:14:00.000-06:002008-02-05T17:14:00.000-06:00Once saved always saved, right? Thought so. I am...Once saved always saved, right? Thought so. I am covered by the blood even if I am like you, not a good person. I really don't like formulas and that will be the last time I engage in questions that question my salvation. Just because I don't agree with you doesn't mean I am not saved, even if you don't believe it. Ultimate truth.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com