Apostasy, atheists, repentance and divine love are all topics, today. The writer at “Yahoo! Answers Malaysia” using the ID “Philipp” (Level 1 with 87 points, a member since December 01, 2013) posted the following originally asked at Yahoo Answers United States:
Am I an apostate? Christians only!?
Hi,
Im a Christian, i believe Jesus Christ is the son of god and I really love him. There's just one thing that bothers me: My friend and I had fun saying things like "Allah akbar". Of course I DID believe in Jesus that time, but that is driving me crazy. Just take a look at hebrews 6:4..... And yes, i have already been to the preacher, He just meant that I did not commit apostasy as God, the maker of heaven and earth, knows that I never left him. Please tell me your opinion!
THE BATTLE AXE: As GOD Loves Us? (01/03/2013)—As the creation of GOD, the life of the atheist is precious. However, the message of the atheist has absolutely no benefit or value to the Spirit of those in Christ either in heaven, or anywhere upon the entire earth. On the one hand, no one loves the way GOD loves, yet, all who believe love as incarnations of the Holy One. Thus, those who deny the existence of GOD, also fail to recognize the outpouring of divine love from GOD through the actions and presence of Christian believers. The Gospel of Jesus Christ only goes forward through holy boldness, faithfulness, kindness, and unselfishness. Many frameworks and mechanisms are already in place as expressions of divine love for strangers from Christ, and for those who are unbelievers, long before they make any decision to become committed followers. Included are atonement, forbearance, forgiveness, proclamations, promises, and prophecy. To do the work of unselfishly carrying divine love and proclaiming the word of GOD to atheists and others, Christian believers must continually acknowledge as did Jesus, that the doctrine and works are not their own, and that every aspect of the ministry that appears (in word or deed) is through the operations of GOD. With this in view, an atheist may be shown the love of GOD from the new divine content within a committed believer; and necessary transfers of virtue may occur. At the very same moment, the believer may experience such feelings as disgust, distrust, doubt, fear, godly sorrow, suspicion, and uncertainty, for that minister is still a material being upon the earth. Just as believers rely upon the love and righteousness of Jesus for their own justification in judgment, believers can not justify those to whom they are sent, and must rely upon GOD to appear through themselves as instruments of divine love as well as to shield themselves against bitterness, defilement, hate and malice toward Christ (see John 14: 10, Mark 5: 30, Luke 8: 46, Hebrews 12: 14-17 and Jude 1: 21-23; KJV). Because those who label themselves “atheist” often behave as blasphemers, destroyers, mockers, scorners, wasters, and those who lack the necessary meekness that invites the operations of the Holy Spirit, believers are to avoid unnecessary association and contact with them. While human need for salvation is a common ground, believers are not to invite conflict and quarrels. Similarly, the love of many believers will appear to be cold as they dutifully practice sacred disciplines, and properly apply divine cautions against antichrist and false prophets to all their interactions and personal relationships (see Luke 14: 25-27 and 1st John 4: 1-3, KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. (1st John 2: 1-6, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Resisting Sin (12/21/2013);When People Covet (12/22/2013); How Could Angels Fall? (07/15/2013); The Love of GOD (03/03/2013); Our Need for a Son (03/04/2013); The Backslider (09/13/2012); What He Died For (09/14/2012)
“Philipp”, you have put many of us on the spot who want to respond to you, because you have called for other “opinions”, rather than instruction from the word of GOD, or the understanding of fellow believers. As a result, the points I share, below, may be correct only for young Christian believers who are actively looking to continue their walk with the Lord:
(1.) The advantage and great gift we have through Jesus Christ is one of an intimate, personal relationship with GOD wherein we are no longer objects before a remote Creator, we are sons, daughters, children, and friends. Born again, we must develop, encounter growing pains, and learn all over again while continuing to exist in the earth as mortals. GOD accepts, understands, and has provided for our gradual change and responses to divine love and eternal salvation (see 1st John 2: 1-6, KJV).
(2.) To many, the prodigal son in the parable was arrogant, greedy, foolish, and immature. The boy was not ready for the responsibilities of money and an independent life (some would say, college and campus life). When he awakened to the desperate situation he had put himself in, he also condemned himself as unworthy of the further love, respect, and trust he knew his father would give to his sons. He resolved to go home hoping to beg for employment, not for forgiveness (see Luke 15: 10-32, KJV).
There is far more to be said, properly shared, and spiritually understood. For example, instead of looking back in fear, look ahead in expectation of promise. Begin to declare where your Christian walk is going, and what you will actually do to serve, share, and be more fruitful in commitment. Most of us would greatly benefit by increased efforts in any and all the areas of sacred practice. Included are fasting, giving, meditation, prayer, study of the holy writings, and visiting those sick or shut out (see Proverbs 24: 16 and Psalms 37: 5-11, KJV). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. (1st Corinthians 12: 3, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
No comments:
Post a Comment