The topic, today, is how a person can decide what church to visit. Also, there is more on spiritual accountability and liability when speaking of being responsible for sin. A writer at “Yahoo! Answers” using ID “~Fatimah” (Level 5 with 8,190 points, a member since June 09, 2011) posted the following:
How do you know which church to go to?
If someone wanted to visit a church and did not know much about Christianity, how do they know which kind of church to visit? Going around the city, there are so many different kinds of churches...
THE BATTLE AXE: Responsible for Sin? (05/30/2014)—(5.) In the same way children inherit physical features from their parents such as complexion, eye color, height and weight, and are legally obligated through such features as contracts, promises, and other relationships of their parents, offspring also inherit spiritual features such as life challenges, covenant obligations, and practices for praise and worship. While children do not actually inherit blame, fault, guilt or shame, they often are challenged by and experience an inheritance with such features as debt, disadvantages, duty, false hopes, and unattainable dreams. While sin was introduced through our first parents (Adam and Eve), they were not the cause or origin of sin; and have not been condemned by GOD for transgression of divine law so much as for denial of divine love, of right relationship with divinity, and of trust. Mankind today is not responsible for eliminating and removing sin; however, all are accountable for the attitudes, behavior, conduct and consequences generated from their own choices, and actions directed through self-will. Apart from the spiritual provisions from GOD, none can detect, recognize, or resist sin as an influence. Created beings and living creatures do not comprehend or grasp sin except as GOD reveals and displays certain aspects of divinity. Included are forbearance, longsuffering, mercy, patience, wisdom, and wrath against sin. This is no different than the way we do not comprehend divinity except as GOD displays and reveals spirit through incarnation (i.e., embodiment within flesh). Forgiveness is upon condition of atonement; and the atonement required is fulfilled only in the ministry of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of GOD that takes away the sin of the world. See again Exodus 20: 4-6, Exodus 34: 6-8, Leviticus 5: 15-17, John 1: 28-34, Hebrews 5: 1-10, Hebrews 7: 24-28 and Hebrews 9: 11-15, KJV.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (1st Corinthians 14: 26-33, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Should Men Take Their Hats Off? (05/15/2014); The Issue Is Not Accuracy (05/16/2014); Philosophical Questions? (04/17/2014); To Accomplish A Sacred Goal (04/18/2014); Going It Alone? (12/16/2013); On Being Good Stewards (12/17/2013)
“~Fatimah”, here are a few points for those exploring Christian beliefs that you may find useful:
(1.) In the same way you would want to know the film being presented before buying your ticket to enter a movie theater, you would ask some questions to know what’s being discussed and shared within a congregation before attending their open services. Many assemblies now feature a display board in the front area of their church property that names their pastor and other featured speakers. Dates and times for various activities are usually listed including healing services, Bible study, prayer meetings, evangelism and revival programs, titles and topics of sermons as well as special lesson series (e.g., baptism, Bible prophecies, and the End Times).
(2.) Travelers are often challenged to find information about local churches they may attend during their stay away from their home church. They may find listings in the telephone book (yellow pages), and call to ask times for their activities, and what behavior and practices a visitor should expect, and be alert to observe. Similarly, a new believer, or someone merely curios is welcome to call and speak to a clergyperson or other available member of the group. Just like with other settings and situations, your first impressions can be important to deciding whether you further your contact with that group of believers.
There is a lot more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) Moses received a profound, unasked for and unexpected experience of GOD, because he turned aside from curiosity to see a bush that was burning, yet showing no ashes, or smoke. What many people want is for GOD to guide them to the “perfect” church. They want to “feel” drawn and carried through a series of “coincidences” that result in their being “at the right place, at the right time.” Because they are operating in terms that are carnal (determined by appetite, senses like hearing and seeing, and desire for the supernatural) they are often disappointed. They don’t receive the exact spiritual knowledge and guidance they need from GOD, because they have not clearly decided what they are seeking, and do not ask GOD for it by their prayers and their willingness to give and share with others. What a visitor will actually experience is very much a matter of their own choice, and will be limited according to what they are prepared to receive.). Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your meekness (i.e., willingness to be taught by GOD), and faith.
Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. (1st Corinthians 14: 20-22, KJV)
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
No comments:
Post a Comment