Stop and Think...don't brush this aside

[Sue D.]

One of the 'jobs' of the Holy Spirit is that of convicting sinners of their need For a Savior. And That Savior is Jesus Christ.

A lot of people see themselves as okay. They don't intentionally sin and they are good citizens, etc.

A person doesn't especially have to feel like a dirty, rotten sinner in order To be saved. There was a church that my daughter and son-in-law went to years ago. The pastor tried to make sure that Everyone going to that church felt like the skum of the earth and then would share salvation to them -- And they sang some of the dryest hymns I'd ever heard and All 5 verses of those songs for about half an hour and Then there would be an hours sermon. I would Never go back to a church with such negativity. Granted , that was back 25 yrs ago or so.

A person needs to acknowledge that they are a sinner. A little white lie is a sin. Telling a parent that they Did do their chores when in fact they hadn't yet is a sin. Accidentally not stopping at a stop sign is a sin as well as being dangerous and against the law. But there Are those who see nothing really wrong With. And so they see no need to be forgiven OF.

Many decades ago I had an uncle who was a pretty good guy, had a family -owned business and had a speed boat -- took people out on boat rides. A nephew would try to share Gospel with him, but the uncle wasn't interested. Was popular and sucessful and that was enough. UNTIL as an elderly man, he got sick and was in hospital with cancer. He was Finally willing to listen to what the nephew had to say. He Did accept Jesus Christ as his Savior and Then had an appetite For God's Word. He couldn't get enough of it -- his regret was that he hadn't listened earlier in his life -- he died three weeks later.

The Reformers were such because once they were able to learn to read for themselves, they saw how the RCC was Not following God's Word. They were misleading the people. Things they were being taught that was necessary for their salvation. 'the RCC did Not like the attempts at reforming from within the RCC, so the 99 thesis was written and posted. The Protestants. The 'rebels' of the teachings of the RCC.

I happen to be Independent Baptist -- and that group has a history apart from the Protestant churches. But we are very much God's Word alone.

 

[Dave L]

One of the 'jobs' of the Holy Spirit is that of convicting sinners of their need For a Savior. And That Savior is Jesus Christ.

A lot of people see themselves as okay. They don't intentionally sin and they are good citizens, etc.

A person doesn't especially have to feel like a dirty, rotten sinner in order To be saved. There was a church that my daughter and son-in-law went to years ago. The pastor tried to make sure that Everyone going to that church felt like the skum of the earth and then would share salvation to them -- And they sang some of the dryest hymns I'd ever heard and All 5 verses of those songs for about half an hour and Then there would be an hours sermon. I would Never go back to a church with such negativity. Granted , that was back 25 yrs ago or so.

A person needs to acknowledge that they are a sinner. A little white lie is a sin. Telling a parent that they Did do their chores when in fact they hadn't yet is a sin. Accidentally not stopping at a stop sign is a sin as well as being dangerous and against the law. But there Are those who see nothing really wrong With. And so they see no need to be forgiven OF.

Many decades ago I had an uncle who was a pretty good guy, had a family -owned business and had a speed boat -- took people out on boat rides. A nephew would try to share Gospel with him, but the uncle wasn't interested. Was popular and sucessful and that was enough. UNTIL as an elderly man, he got sick and was in hospital with cancer. He was Finally willing to listen to what the nephew had to say. He Did accept Jesus Christ as his Savior and Then had an appetite For God's Word. He couldn't get enough of it -- his regret was that he hadn't listened earlier in his life -- he died three weeks later.

The Reformers were such because once they were able to learn to read for themselves, they saw how the RCC was Not following God's Word. They were misleading the people. Things they were being taught that was necessary for their salvation. 'the RCC did Not like the attempts at reforming from within the RCC, so the 99 thesis was written and posted. The Protestants. The 'rebels' of the teachings of the RCC.

I happen to be Independent Baptist -- and that group has a history apart from the Protestant churches. But we are very much God's Word alone.

When I was 20, the Lord converted me over a period of 3 days. I began telling people that I didn't know what was going on but I think Christ is real and he is dealing with me.

The joy of the Holy Spirit and God's love had become real and excited me. And I didn’t want it to stop but feared that it might. On the evening of the 3rd day, my happiness turned into remorse. God convicted me of sins I didn't even know existed. I began praying, sobbing, and asking for his forgiveness.

I also asked Jesus into my heart. I heard you are supposed to do this, probably as a child in Sunday school. I fell asleep exhausted in tears only to awake the next day absolutely convinced Christ had saved me.

I had never been so excited about anything. I began telling friends and others. I saw a whole string of conversions in and around people I knew. They believed me and wanted in on it too. None of us were churched, so we began experimenting with going to different churches. We and our girls rattled a few churches with our enthusiasm.

Not wanting to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers, I gave up my career and began living the sermon on the mount (Matthew 6:24-34). Seeking first the kingdom of God as a career. To make a long story short, I began working unskilled labor part-time as unto the Lord. And retired early out of my own pocket, never missing a day's work even through two major recessions and job closings. The Lord is faithful.

 

[Sue D.]

The being unequally yoked with unbelieves pertains to marriage and probably close business partners. Someone you'd go into business with. Not working with others at a job. What career did you give up? Just curious.

thanks for sharing. Your bio info says you're from the mid-west -- what part?

 

[Sue D.]

@ Dave L. -- seems we've already had the conversation about what part of the mid-west. So feel free to disregard that part of the post.

 

[Dave L]

The being unequally yoked with unbelieves pertains to marriage and probably close business partners. Someone you'd go into business with. Not working with others at a job. What career did you give up? Just curious.

thanks for sharing. Your bio info says you're from the mid-west -- what part?

I was a rock band member. And it was a threat to my sobriety and marriage. But I was at the top of my game when I quit.
You are unequally yoked together with unbelievers in many ways, not just marriage. Labor unions are a biggie. The military is another. Business was my pitfall.

 

[Sue D.]

@Dave L. -- A rock band member -- I can understand how that could affect your life in a negative way. Being 'at the top' can have all kinds of unexpected problems.

Living life will have born again believers around non-believers -- we are supposed to be the light amidst darkness.

My late husband spent 4 years in the AF right after graduating from high school. He said that's when he did the most spiritual growing. He'd accepted Christ as his personal Savior his senior year of high school. A Methodist background. A single-parent family.

The military can make or break a person. It Can be a personal mission field. LOts of guys / women around to observe your life. And it depends on whether a person is drafted or enlists. I don't think the draft has been in place for decades, though. And, these days -- a person has to be fairly smart To get in. At least that's the last I've been aware of.

My husband had been in Pizza Hut many years ago. He wanted to be a manager -- then once he Was one -- the bonuses that Had been part of managment were not given any longer. He discovered that a manager was on-call 24/7. And That was a few decades ago, too. Before computers were being used. The divorce rate in Pizza Hut back then - in that state was higher than the military. And I could understand Why. So -- the 'top' isn't always where a person Wants to be once they're there. Well -- in the Pizza Hut business, there were area managers and corporate people. The area managers changed frequently. And they'd come visit the Local managers and decide what they liked and didn't like. So -- the local manager had to readjust the store room every so often and That was a pain. And the waitresses came and went as did the other employees. So -- the local manager was the automatic fill-in. My late husband suffered job burn-out twice before he was able to get out of that business. Spent the next 19 or so years in local school district. Doug was really very good in the business world. But in the end -- he suffered from PTSD.

Every part of this world around us could be considered a mission field.

 

[Dave L]

The being unequally yoked with unbelieves pertains to marriage and probably close business partners. Someone you'd go into business with. Not working with others at a job. What career did you give up? Just curious.

thanks for sharing. Your bio info says you're from the mid-west -- what part?

You should not limit the command not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. Swearing by oaths is a sin too. So any union with unbelievers involving an oath should be carefully approached. Look at the Kim Davis fiasco a few years back. Paul asks "what fellowship does light have with darkness?" How can we follow the sinful orders of unbelievers?

 

[Sue D.]

@Dave L -- who is Kim Davis?

Are you referring to the military -- consciencous objectors? If a person was drafted, they could potentially be released from serving because they believed that killing is against the law to kill. Back in the days of the draft -- the dodgers Could go to Canada to evade it -- but they could never come back because they would have to serve jail time for evasion of military duty. The response To that is that a soldier is in military to protect this country -- the freedom of our people / our families. So -- if in the course of combat - a soldier from the other country is killed. Well -- it's not really considered murder. It's to stop the enemy from killing 'you'. And during the civil war? the right to bear arms to protect 'our' property? I think at That time in history -- the 'government' / soldier/ Could come onto private property / sieze it and use it to eat / sleep , etc. And there Were land owners who took up their rifles / shotguns to stand up For their property.

There is Also the potential of unbelievers who try to take away our freedoms of religion / free speech. We take our stand and continue To preach : thus breaking a law - not following sinful orders and face the potential of being arrested and put into jail / prison. Thus -- starting a jail / prison ministry.

Reverting back to your post 62 -- asking Jesus into your heart is based on Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and dine with him, and he with Me. "

And Romans 10: 9 - 10 Believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth the Lord Jesus -- thou shalt be saved.

So -- the Holy Spirit was dealing with you for three days before you accepted Him as personal SAvior. Being 'in the process' does not equal 'being there'.

It was the presence of the Holy Spirit indwelling you that gave you that peace when you woke up.

A person can be 'on their way To' Grandpas house for Christmas' -- but you're not There until you Get there. And Then you can enjoy being With Grandpa and appreciate all he's done with / for you.

And then you were excited About your salvation -- new relationship with God through Jesus Christ -- it was a Natural thing to want to fellowship with those of like faith / belief. And That is evidence that the Holy Spirit was working in you -- directing you. And That is Wonderful -- what it's all about. And the spiritual growth that happens along the way.

 

[firelight]

Thank you for sharing this

 

[GodB4Us]

John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

 

[Bill]

When I was 20, the Lord converted me over a period of 3 days. I began telling people that I didn't know what was going on but I think Christ is real and he is dealing with me.

The joy of the Holy Spirit and God's love had become real and excited me. And I didn’t want it to stop but feared that it might. On the evening of the 3rd day, my happiness turned into remorse. God convicted me of sins I didn't even know existed. I began praying, sobbing, and asking for his forgiveness.

I also asked Jesus into my heart. I heard you are supposed to do this, probably as a child in Sunday school. I fell asleep exhausted in tears only to awake the next day absolutely convinced Christ had saved me.

I had never been so excited about anything. I began telling friends and others. I saw a whole string of conversions in and around people I knew. They believed me and wanted in on it too. None of us were churched, so we began experimenting with going to different churches. We and our girls rattled a few churches with our enthusiasm.

Not wanting to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers, I gave up my career and began living the sermon on the mount (Matthew 6:24-34). Seeking first the kingdom of God as a career. To make a long story short, I began working unskilled labor part-time as unto the Lord. And retired early out of my own pocket, never missing a day's work even through two major recessions and job closings. The Lord is faithful.

Excellent

 

[Sue D.]

@ Daniel L. The unequally unyoked with unbelievers applies to marriage partners and close business partners. Especially the marriage partner.
Are you married now -- have you been in the past.

 

[GodB4Us]

When I was 20, the Lord converted me over a period of 3 days. I began telling people that I didn't know what was going on but I think Christ is real and he is dealing with me.

The joy of the Holy Spirit and God's love had become real and excited me. And I didn’t want it to stop but feared that it might. On the evening of the 3rd day, my happiness turned into remorse. God convicted me of sins I didn't even know existed. I began praying, sobbing, and asking for his forgiveness.

How did the joy of the Holy Spirit and God's love became real for you before you had asked Jesus into your heart in your comment below?

I also asked Jesus into my heart. I heard you are supposed to do this, probably as a child in Sunday school. I fell asleep exhausted in tears only to awake the next day absolutely convinced Christ had saved me.

I had never been so excited about anything. I began telling friends and others. I saw a whole string of conversions in and around people I knew. They believed me and wanted in on it too. None of us were churched, so we began experimenting with going to different churches. We and our girls rattled a few churches with our enthusiasm.

Wanted in on what? Experiencing a supernatural phenomenon? If so, what was happening in it? Did believers fell backwards .. that sort of thing?

Not wanting to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers, I gave up my career and began living the sermon on the mount (Matthew 6:24-34). Seeking first the kingdom of God as a career. To make a long story short, I began working unskilled labor part-time as unto the Lord. And retired early out of my own pocket, never missing a day's work even through two major recessions and job closings. The Lord is faithful.

I may be misunderstanding your testimony or maybe you are not clearly sharing the event in order but if you can clarify certain points, I may be able to understand your testimony on what it was you based your salvation event upon; the believing of the preaching of the cross as in believing in Jesus Christ or...?

 

[GodB4Us]

@ Daniel L. The unequally unyoked with unbelievers applies to marriage partners and close business partners. Especially the marriage partner.
Are you married now -- have you been in the past

Wrong poster above. You were addressing the actual poster earlier below.

@Dave L -- who is Kim Davis?

Are you referring to the military -- consciencous objectors? If a person was drafted, they could potentially be released from serving because they believed that killing is against the law to kill. Back in the days of the draft -- the dodgers Could go to Canada to evade it -- but they could never come back because they would have to serve jail time for evasion of military duty. The response To that is that a soldier is in military to protect this country -- the freedom of our people / our families. So -- if in the course of combat - a soldier from the other country is killed. Well -- it's not really considered murder. It's to stop the enemy from killing 'you'. And during the civil war? the right to bear arms to protect 'our' property? I think at That time in history -- the 'government' / soldier/ Could come onto private property / sieze it and use it to eat / sleep , etc. And there Were land owners who took up their rifles / shotguns to stand up For their property.

There is Also the potential of unbelievers who try to take away our freedoms of religion / free speech. We take our stand and continue To preach : thus breaking a law - not following sinful orders and face the potential of being arrested and put into jail / prison. Thus -- starting a jail / prison ministry.

Reverting back to your post 62 -- asking Jesus into your heart is based on Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and dine with him, and he with Me. "

And Romans 10: 9 - 10 Believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth the Lord Jesus -- thou shalt be saved.

So -- the Holy Spirit was dealing with you for three days before you accepted Him as personal SAvior. Being 'in the process' does not equal 'being there'.

It was the presence of the Holy Spirit indwelling you that gave you that peace when you woke up.

A person can be 'on their way To' Grandpas house for Christmas' -- but you're not There until you Get there. And Then you can enjoy being With Grandpa and appreciate all he's done with / for you.

And then you were excited About your salvation -- new relationship with God through Jesus Christ -- it was a Natural thing to want to fellowship with those of like faith / belief. And That is evidence that the Holy Spirit was working in you -- directing you. And That is Wonderful -- what it's all about. And the spiritual growth that happens along the way.

You may have to post another one in asking him that question.

 

[Sue D.]

I didn't write or post any of that. The 'Sue D.' stuff wasn't me.

 

[GodB4Us]

I didn't write or post any of that. The 'Sue D.' stuff wasn't me.

Maybe your account was hacked? Try changing your password at this site. At any rate, let the staff know.

 

[Sue D.]

Thanks for th suggestion. I'll see if it happens again.

 

[Truth_seeker2022]

Thinking

Have you ever stopped to wonder
What this life is all about?
Why you're here and where you're going
When your lease on time runs out?
Maybe you've been far too busy
Trying hard to reach your goal
Would you let me ask you kindly
Have you thought about your soul?

You may reach the highest portals
And your dreams may all come true
Wealth and fame may be your portion
And sucess may shine on you.
All your friends may sing your praises,
Not a care on you may roll
What about the great tomorrow
Have you thought about your soul?

Don't forget your days are numbered,
Though you may be riding high.
But, like all of us poor mortals,
Someday you'll just up and die
Your sucess and fame and glory
Won't be worth the bell they toll.
Let me ask you just one question
Have you thought about your soul?

If you've never thought it over
Spend a little time today
There is nothing more important
That will ever come your way
Than the joy of sins forgiven
And to know you've been made whole
In the name of Christ the Saviour
Have you thought about your soul?

(author unknown)

For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and loose his soul (Mark8:36)

For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is Eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom 6:23)

Have you confessed the sin of choosing the forbidden knowledge of good and evil?

 

[Sue D.]

@Truth_seeker2022 -- it was Eve who gave the forbidden fruit to Adam..which they both ate and then they discovered they were naked and put the leaves together to cover themselves up. Mankind has suffered the result of that ever since. But the individual doesn't need to reprnt of that sin. We didn't choose to do that ,-- but we do need to acknowledge evil thoughts when they come to us...and ask forgives for those.

 

[Truth_seeker2022]

@Truth_seeker2022 -- it was Eve who gave the forbidden fruit to Adam..which they both ate and then they discovered they were naked and put the leaves together to cover themselves up. Mankind has suffered the result of that ever since. But the individual doesn't need to reprnt of that sin. We didn't choose to do that ,-- but we do need to acknowledge evil thoughts when they come to us...and ask forgives for those.

God never creates with the forbidden knowledge of good and evil. So no point blaming Adam and Eve.