One man wrote most of the New Testament, spread the gospel to the Gentiles, bore on his body the marks of the Lord Jesus, and was killed for his faith in the Almighty. One man left home, family, and land. His faith called him to sacrifice everything. From this, God brought forth a great nation.
One man confronted the king of sin. He baptized many, prepared the way for Christ, and was beheaded.
One woman believed God, risked her future, and bore God in human flesh.
One man, being soundly saved, in one month has impacted the lives of many.
Running in Christian circles, seeing the “homes school” testimonies, observing the emphasis on conservative living – why then is there no power? Conservative living is nothing more than the natural result of a love relationship with Christ. It is not the issue at hand.
We do not need another generation of young women being raised to change diapers cook healthy meals, and raise another generation of hypocrites!
We need souls – soundly saved.
16 comments:
Point well made Allison. So, how does that happen?
AS I told you yesterday...very good.
Did you take that picture?
For your benefit, I've posted today. ;-)
Miss you!
How does it happen? It will happen by the church waking up. Most saved souls today have been rendered useless because they have become distracted by this world. It is time for a generation to rise up and wholly commit themselves to God. A generation who is diligent in avoiding the decay of the heart, who keeps their focus on spiritual things and avoid turning their focus back towards self fulfillment. It will be by those whose hearts are on fire for God proclaiming the truth backed by the fervent prayer of the righteous.
Allen,
You inspired my next post and provoked much thought . . . thanks. I think that I disagree with 'anonymous'- whoever it is.
Jamie - yup, I took the picture.
Thanks for posting, finally ;-)
I'm curious as to why you would disagree with me.
I believe there are two major problems plaguing the church today. One - Weak Christians not grounded in the Word turning back to their former loves (backsliders). Two - Individualizes who claim they have salvation but truly don't (False conversion) and I tend to lean more on this being the major problem today.
I know that the idea of a true Christian backsliding can be a difficult one to accept but there is scripture that supports the idea of true Christians backsliding and having true salvation (David). However, I would suggest that most who claim to be backsliders are actually of a false conversions and there are numerous scriptures to support that claim.
As for a cure to this plague of the heart it will take skilled surgeons. Men and women who God raises up who hearts are zealous for God and are skilled in His Word. We can continue to produce eloquent speakers who teach on Sunday how to live ethical lives but until today's so called believers are presented the truth of Word of God and are challenged to scrutinize their lives to see if they are in the faith I see no change. No turning of the heart to God, just a continuation in a superficial faith.
My previous post was very vague so I hope this one covers my concerns and thoughts better so I can learn what you disagree with.
Thank you,
Anonymous
Anonymous,
David repented when he was confronted with the reality of his sin. He turned back to God crying out for forgiveness. He did not backslide. He fell greatly and then repented.
I believe that we merely define our terms differently.
You speak in such a way that suggests that you know me well. You answer my arguments even as you present your case. Why exactly are you remaining anonymous?
This may clarify how I define backsliding. I believe I have an idea about your definition but would you give me your definition so that I may consider it as well.
Backsliding literally means "turning away" or "turning back." It is the departing from your first love as a Christian (Christ). It consists in taking back the consecration to God and His service you've made. Charles Finny says, "It is when a Christian withdraws himself from the state of entire and universal devotion to God, which constitutes true religion, and coming again under the control of a self-pleasing spirit."
Yeah, that definition doesn't give much room for true salvation. However, I will argue my case of David. You would agree that when we are living in sin we are separated from God until we repent. That in sins such as David's with Beth-sheba he had to contentiously silence the spirit and that would turning away from God and seeking self fulfillment. Yes, David did eventually repent and we read that he was right before the Lord. However, for a period would you not agree that he had began to backslide?
"Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backsliding ..."
Jeremiah 3:22
I am not trying to annoy you by remaining anonymous but I prefer it this way for the present time. If you must know who I am I will disclose my identity.
Ok, I concede my point with David was incorrect.
I've spent my morning trying to identify what backsliding is not.
Identify what a backslider is not
Scripture's References:
Titus 2:14 (Christ gave himself for the zealous)
Romans 3:23 (All sin)
1. Backsliding in not the cooling off of one's zealousness for God. Although a lack of zeal in a Christian's life should be an indicator of a problem in the Christian's life it does not constitute backsliding.
2. Sin is also not backsliding, since all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Although sin separates us from God and is a clear indicator of a problem in the Christian's life sin cannot alone be classified as backsliding.
Thanks for arguing the point.
I am not a Finny fan. I find the theology of Charles Finny contrary to the Word of God in many degrees.
I am certain of your identity and would prefer to not continue this discussion.
Thank you for your thoughts, they have helped me think through this issue.
So...I post, but you don't even comment?! ;-)
tsk. tsk.
I doubt you truely know who is behind the anonymous name Allison. Still as you have requested an end to our conversation it will be so.
I inspired your post about the green door? :-) Or one waiting in the wings, yet to be posted?
Allen,
Yeah, it will be the next two (after the green door post :))
You cause no small stir on these blogs! ;)
I try...
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