Results 1 - 4 of 4
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Justification for non-Christian Living?? | Gal 5:24 | John Reformed | 87486 | ||
"If a follower of Christ wanted to live like a demon, they would never admit their need for Jesus in the first place, they could just keep on the path of destruction laid by the enemy; am I right?!?" Dear Prazn, There are a lot of wrong reasons for wanting to follow Christ. There are those, for instance, who just want fire insurance; or want political power; gain health, wealth and happiness; get sober; straighten out there delinguent children; save their marriage, find peace and serenity; etc. etc. The saddest thing is that, through "seeker sensitive" programs (popular among many evangelical churches today), the gospel is watered down to attract these very same people. The rational is to get them coming to church, tell them what they want to hear, and over time the gospel will slowly (by osmosis perhaps) sink into their hearts. This is great marketing but lousy theology! God help the church in America. John Reformed |
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2 | Justification for non-Christian Living?? | Gal 5:24 | prazn | 87493 | ||
By the way, Jesus Himself used the same "seeker sensitive programs" when He walked on this earth. Think of every encounter that He had with those seeking healing for their minds (e.g., the demoniac), for their bodies (e.g., the man at the pool of Bethesda), and for their emotions (e.g., the Samaritan woman at the well). He also ministered to those who simply wanted a free lunch (e.g., the feeding of the 5,000 and the 4,000). Jesus' message was not one of repentance (with the exception of the scribes and pharisees; who though religious refused to believe that Jesus was their Messiah). The Lord draws His people with lovingkindness to His cross. A person may join a church, initially, for the wrong reasons; but, Jesus makes Himself known to those whom He so chooses, as He chooses. So, the "seeker" may come in looking for child care on Sunday mornings, but given enough exposure to the spirit of the living God; and by the power of Almighty God, that same seeker will come to the realization that they are not their own...they were purchased by the blood of the Lamb. Oh happy day! "For God so loved the WORLD...", my friend. Not just Betty and Joe in Tulsa, OK. He loves the world (the muslims, the hindus, the budhists, the Catholics, the Protestants, the backsliders, and...dare I say it...SINNERS). It is not His will that ANY should perish! Peace! prazn |
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3 | Justification for non-Christian Living?? | Gal 5:24 | Radioman2 | 87495 | ||
Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent Mt 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Mr 1:14-15 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Mr 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent. Lu 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Lu 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. |
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4 | Justification for non-Christian Living?? | Gal 5:24 | prazn | 87500 | ||
Thanks for the correction, RM2! Your diligence in rightly dividing the Word is to be commended! What I am trying to say is that Jesus never wagged His finger in the face of anyone who had a need, and demand that they "repent" before He ministered to them. Did our Lord demand that the adulteress repent before showing her mercy? Did He call back the nine cleansed lepers, who didn't even bother to say "thanks", and demand that they "repent"? Did He refuse to feed the 5,000 until they repented? Our Lord says in Jer 31:3, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness." |
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