What Happens to the Holy Ghost When One Backslide?

[The Matt]

I know some people that believe the Holy Ghost dies or leaves you when you backslide...I know some that believe the Holy Ghost always stays in you even if you backslide, it just gets so weak you can't feel it anymore. So if the Holy Ghost does indeed leave you, does it after just one sin, or do you have to surrender into a backslid lifestyle?

[houston]

dies?

[The Matt]

Thats what I said....but there are some people that believe that.

[Phoenix]

I know some people that believe the Holy Ghost dies or leaves you when you backslide...I know some that believe the Holy Ghost always stays in you even if you backslide, it just gets so weak you can't feel it anymore. So if the Holy Ghost does indeed leave you, does it after just one sin, or do you have to surrender into a backslid lifestyle?

I can offer experience...

But from a theological standpoint, I'm not really sure what the Bible would indicate.

[NorCal]

The Spirit of God departed from King Saul. I would assume that if you were to totally deny Christ, that he will "Depart" from you also. Remember the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Christ. However, the Spirit will always strive with man.

For those that sin, Paul told us what we had to do "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thought shalt be saved"...

[seekerman]

I know some people that believe the Holy Ghost dies or leaves you when you backslide...I know some that believe the Holy Ghost always stays in you even if you backslide, it just gets so weak you can't feel it anymore. So if the Holy Ghost does indeed leave you, does it after just one sin, or do you have to surrender into a backslid lifestyle?

Great questions. Let me add the question of when does the Holy Ghost abandon the Holy Ghost filled, tongue talking Trinitarian who was baptized 'wrong'.

[The Matt]

Great questions. Let me add the question of when does the Holy Ghost abandon the Holy Ghost filled, tongue talking Trinitarian who was baptized 'wrong'.

Take it how you want it, anybody can feel anything about anything.

[Titus2woman]

The whole idea of the HG leaving is kind of a mystery to me... I've met people who believe it happens every time they sin until they repent... And more than once heard someone say jokingly 'Your going to have to hold my HG while I go give so and so a piece of my mind'... Strange stuff. You are right someone can believe what ever they want to believe about anything and everything.

[AreYouReady?]

I know some people that believe the Holy Ghost dies or leaves you when you backslide...I know some that believe the Holy Ghost always stays in you even if you backslide, it just gets so weak you can't feel it anymore. So if the Holy Ghost does indeed leave you, does it after just one sin, or do you have to surrender into a backslid lifestyle?

My husband is going to answer this question for you.

He is asking you ...what do you mean by backsliding? Some folks think that if you miss church, go to a ball game etc. you are backslidden. But he says these things are not "sins". Backslid is an overused term some people will apply to others without even knowing what other person is about.

He does not believe that the Holy Ghost leaves us over one sin.
God is merciful, faithful and just to forgive us if we confess our sin to Him. The Holy Ghost is sort of our compass as we walk through this life. He writes God's laws in our heart. He tells us when we aren't doing right. If you feel condemned over something, it doesn't mean that you are backslid, it just means that the Holy Ghost is dealing with you over something in your life and you must confess, repent and get it under the blood of Christ. He is our guide and help, our comforter.

There are people who can totally rebel against God and go against all of God's commandments for so long that the Holy Spirit will just quit dealing with you and depart. But who is to say when that happens? We mere humans cannot declare anybody reprobate, only God can. Remember, God is long-suffering and is not willing that any perish.

Being discouraged is not a sin, it just means that we must pray to gain victory over discouragement. I think that everybody at some time in their walk with God gets discouraged over life matters. God is still here through it all, even when one thinks that he does not feel Him in their life.

[The Matt]

I think of a backslider as someone who is deep into sin that doesn't bother to come to church anymore....of course there's a such thing as being backslid on the pew.

[RandyWayne]

I used to believe that the Holy Ghost would leave you at the drop of a hat, or the moment you disobeyed (which is as the sin of witchcraft) your pastor.

[seekerman]

I think of a backslider as someone who is deep into sin that doesn't bother to come to church anymore....of course there's a such thing as being backslid on the pew.

I think you have the typical Christian misunderstanding of what 'going to church' means. Not showing up at a building to participate in a man made religious system and structure has nothing whatsoever to do with 'going to church'.

It may surprise you that backsliding isn't a New Covenant term but was a term used in the Old Covenant system.

[The Matt]

I think you want to debate everything I say, not something I'm here for.

[seekerman]

I think you want to debate everything I say, not something I'm here for.

Nope, just pointing out a few facts for ya. :)

[Titus2woman]

I think you want to debate everything I say, not something I'm here for.

I'm new too... it's a tough crowd around here and people can be a little sharp even when they mean well... Here is what I've figured out... Don't take it personally, many times comments are just opinions and they are not directed at YOU they would be the same no matter who said what you said. And you just keep it civil, not being easily offended. People here are a mix but I haven't found any that will carry a grudge over from one thread to another and just try to be argumentative... when they disagree with you in more than one thread... well they just disagree with you in more than one thread...

Of course being popular or even right all the time doesn't matter to me... I'm here to share and learn :)

[bbyrd009]

...It may surprise you that backsliding isn't a New Covenant term but was a term used in the Old Covenant system.

I thought I had heard a different interpretation for "backsliding" then than we have today, like more legalistic? I kind of consider my "backslidden" period now to actually be more...pre-redeemed, almost. Still searching.

[The Matt]

I'm new too... it's a tough crowd around here and people can be a little sharp even when they mean well... Here is what I've figured out... Don't take it personally, many times comments are just opinions and they are not directed at YOU they would be the same no matter who said what you said. And you just keep it civil, not being easily offended. People here are a mix but I haven't found any that will carry a grudge over from one thread to another and just try to be argumentative... when they disagree with you in more than one thread... well they just disagree with you in more than one thread...

Of course being popular or even right all the time doesn't matter to me... I'm here to share and learn :)

Thanks, you're right of course. I apologize seeker, just felt like personal jabs to me. I personally cannot live a pure and holy life if I don't have my brothers to fellowship with, if I don't have a head (pastor) to keep me in line, I love praise and worship, and I don't think I would get very far without a church to do it in. Now I do believe if two or three brothers and/or/whatevs sisters get together and talk about, or exalt Jesus in some way, that's a form of church too. I have a brother in Canada who is spiritually dead because like me he needs a church to go to and he doesn't have it. We all need a little authority in our live, and it makes it a lot easier if you have someone to go to when you have questions, problems, etc. That's how I feel.

[seekerman]

Of course being popular or even right all the time doesn't matter to me... I'm here to share and learn :)

I FINALLY figured out what that was in your avatar and now I can't UNLOOK IT!!!

No...wait...now I'm not sure what it is....again.

[The Matt]

I've been told before I take things too seriously, so keep me in your prayers about that if you don't mind.

[seekerman]

Thanks, you're right of course. I apologize seeker, just felt like personal jabs to me. I personally cannot live a pure and holy life if I don't have my brothers to fellowship with, if I don't have a head (pastor) to keep me in line, I love praise and worship, and I don't think I would get very far without a church to do it in. Now I do believe if two or three brothers and/or/whatevs sisters get together and talk about, or exalt Jesus in some way, that's a form of church too. I have a brother in Canada who is spiritually dead because like me he needs a church to go to and he doesn't have it. We all need a little authority in our live, and it makes it a lot easier if you have someone to go to when you have questions, problems, etc. That's how I feel.

Hey, no apology necessary. I haven't been offended at all, brother. We're all simply airing out our views. :)

[AreYouReady?]

I think of a backslider as someone who is deep into sin that doesn't bother to come to church anymore....of course there's a such thing as being backslid on the pew.

Perhaps a backslider is when one consistently chooses to blatantly sin over the correction of the Holy Ghost? No human can kick you out of Christ's church. They do not have that authority. Only Christ does and he is long-suffering towards us, not willing that any perish.

God is not hard on flesh and bones in the New Covenant. He has pity for us because He knows we are but flesh. That is why He gives us the Holy Ghost to correct and be our guide.

His NT laws are not hard.

29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.


But...consider this...the Holy Ghost is with you all the time..day and night...not just at church. One cannot put aside the Holy Ghost at the church doors only to pick the HG up again when he returns to church. If we have treated our neighbor badly, the Holy Ghost will nudge us on it. All God asks is that we try to live righteously, humbly and obedient to God to the best of our ability. That is why it is important to read what the bible says everyday.

[KeptByTheWord]

Hmm, kind of a tough question, because the word "backsliding" I think is what you mean when a person no longer has faith evident and working in their life, and when their focus is no longer Jesus. Of course, OP use it for many, many things, and to them, it could mean something as simple as a beard on a man, or a short skirt on a woman and so on... However, looking at the word of God, and especially in the OT, it might be interesting if you had a concordance and looked up the word backslid in the OT. That would give insight into exactly what it meant there. In the NT, I believe there is only one sin that is unforgiveable by God, and that is blasphemy. Otherwise, I believe that if one deliberately walks away from the cross and takes up other idols in his life to worship, then God steps back from Him, and waits. Unless blasphemy is invovled, which of course is another whole discussion...

but to simply answer your question, a little study on the word backslid using a concordance might prove very helpful.

[AreYouReady?]

I FINALLY figured out what that was in your avatar and now I can't UNLOOK IT!!!

No...wait...now I'm not sure what it is....again.

Bahahaha! Do you want T2W to blow the picture up again so you can see??? :heeheehee

[The Matt]

Perhaps a backslider is when one consistently chooses to blatantly sin over the correction of the Holy Ghost? No human can kick you out of Christ's church. They do not have that authority. Only Christ does and he is long-suffering towards us, not willing that any perish.

God is not hard on flesh and bones in the New Covenant. He has pity for us because He knows we are but flesh. That is why He gives us the Holy Ghost to correct and be our guide.

His NT laws are not hard.

29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.


But...consider this...the Holy Ghost is with you all the time..day and night...not just at church. One cannot put aside the Holy Ghost at the church doors only to pick the HG up again when he returns to church. If we have treated our neighbor badly, the Holy Ghost will nudge us on it. All God asks is that we try to live righteously, humbly and obedient to God to the best of our ability. That is why it is important to read what the bible says everyday.

Now that's good food! I shouldn't have said the not going to church part, I guess that's more of a personal thing to me, if I backslide, I stop going to church, so I just associate not going to church with being backslid. I fear I'll be getting corrected and correcting myself a lot...

[AreYouReady?]

but to simply answer your question, a little study on the word backslid using a concordance might prove very helpful.

Good idea.

Backslid according to Strong's Concordance simply means apostate; frowardly, idolatrous, turning away from.

[RandyWayne]

Now that's good food! I shouldn't have said the not going to church part, I guess that's more of a personal thing to me, if I backslide, I stop going to church, so I just associate not going to church with being backslid. I fear I'll be getting corrected and correcting myself a lot...

There are just quite a few here, myself included, who have always been taught that you are in church when the doors are open! To NOT be means you are "backsliden" (a term I have only ever heard in the UPC).

[seekerman]

Bahahaha! Do you want T2W to blow the picture up again so you can see??? :heeheehee

I don't even want to think about what I think it is....if I had to think about it.

[AreYouReady?]

I was taught that too. My pastor even went a little further. He said that if we miss church, we were the one who was responsible for what he taught in the sermon you missed.

But you know what? Some of the sermons I've heard were doozies that had little to do with God. One time he preached on "The hounds of hell were after you". While true in a sense, it did not edify the church.

Other times he preached good sermons like Psalms 15. This is good instruction that I would have hated to miss.

1 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.
4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
5 He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

Now that was a good sermon!

But, the idea is that some preaches will try to put the hurt on ya if you don't show up every time the doors open, especially in the smaller churches.

[Timmy]

I think of a backslider as someone who is deep into sin that doesn't bother to come to church anymore....of course there's a such thing as being backslid on the pew.

I don't go to church anymore. (I don't consider it "not bothering to come". I just don't have a reason to.) But I'm not deep in sin. I'm just not a believer, anymore. (OK, if you call that a sin, I suppose I am deep in sin!)

[KeptByTheWord]

I don't go to church anymore. (I don't consider it "not bothering to come". I just don't have a reason to.) But I'm not deep in sin. I'm just not a believer, anymore. (OK, if you call that a sin, I suppose I am deep in sin!)

Well, then I guess you're the "backslider" we're all talking about... I'm teasing, don't take it personal... :)

Not frequenting a church building is not a sin, as home churches, and group fellowships edify each other, and the Bible does say... when two or three are gathered together in my name....

Just keep your faith in Jesus!!!

[Titus2woman]

I FINALLY figured out what that was in your avatar and now I can't UNLOOK IT!!!

No...wait...now I'm not sure what it is....again.

It's me milking a goat... The only pic I had shrunk to avatar size. you are now two zip, lol! Here is prize behind door three.




Sorry for the hijack Matt :)

[seekerman]

(Honestly, WHY do I have to ask questions...am I insane??)

[AreYouReady?]

:ursofunny

[Titus2woman]

Bahahaha! Do you want T2W to blow the picture up again so you can see??? :heeheehee

too late!:heeheehee

(Honestly, WHY do I have to ask questions...am I insane??)

Is that ANOTHER question you want an answer to?

[Timmy]

Well, then I guess you're the "backslider" we're all talking about... I'm teasing, don't take it personal... :)

Not frequenting a church building is not a sin, as home churches, and group fellowships edify each other, and the Bible does say... when two or three are gathered together in my name....

Just keep your faith in Jesus!!!

Why?

(I actually am "that backslider". Except for the "deep in sin" part. No offense taken. ;))

[seekerman]

Why?

(I actually am "that backslider". Except for the "deep in sin" part. No offense taken. ;))

Will folks please post a lot on this thread so that I don't see page 4 every time I look?

[AreYouReady?]

[QUOTE=Titus2woman;1131410]It's me milking a goat... The only pic I had shrunk to avatar size. you are now two zip, lol! Here is prize behind door three.


But...just when you think the page is far behind you....look again! :ursofunny

[Titus2woman]

But...just when you think the page is far behind you....look again! :ursofunny

Oh that is just wrong! I had just taken it down ... one second later and the quote would've flopped...

Poor Matt... we are ruining your thread... like little goat butt goblins... so sorry!

[seekerman]

But...just when you think the page is far behind you....look again! :ursofunny

How does one form the thought which results in the idea of taking such a picture?

[The Matt]

Oh that is just wrong! I had just taken it down ... one second later and the quote would've flopped...

Poor Matt... we are ruining your thread... like little goat butt goblins... so sorry!

I'm no stranger to forums...threads can go anywhere.

[Titus2woman]

How does one form the thought which results in the idea of taking such a picture?

One owns milk goats... That my friend is a world class udder and the little goatie it is attached to it sold for $900. The best pic of an udder is obtained from that viewpoint. I belong to a goat forum and a cow forum where we compare udders, guess due dates by changes in the animals back end, etc. When ever my husband comes through the living room and sees such a pic up on the computer with me staring intently at it he always asks... 'Cow porn again? Do we need to get you one of those internet monitoring programs?':heeheehee

[seekerman]

One owns milk goats... That my friend is a world class udder and the little goatie it is attached to sold for $900. The best pic of an udder is obtained from that viewpoint. I belong to a goat forum and a cow forum where we compare udders, guess due dates by changes in the animals back end, etc. When ever my husband comes through the living room and sees such a pic up on the computer with me staring intently at it he always asks... 'Cow porn again? Do we need to get you one of those internet monitoring programs?':heeheehee

You compare...UDDERS???

:ursofunny

[Titus2woman]

I'm no stranger to forums...threads can go anywhere.

Well maybe... but this is one of the biggest stretches I've ever seen personally. Thanks for being a good sport :)

[Timmy]

Back to the topic, I understand that the Holy Ghost (along with the Father and Son) took the last train for the coast. Uh. That might not be Bible, though. :dunno

[Titus2woman]

You compare...UDDERS???

:ursofunny

I did not say this, I did not say this, I did not say this...

[Titus2woman]

Back to the topic, I understand that the Holy Ghost (along with the Father and Son) took the last train for the coast. Uh. That might not be Bible, though. :dunno

Ahemmm... good idea!

No not bible but I think it made a kinda cool rock song.

[seekerman]

well... not mine personally... no... just the cows and the goats.

Ok, I'm gonna quit now.

[The Matt]

Well maybe... but this is one of the biggest stretches I've ever seen personally. Thanks for being a good sport :)

Praise the Lord for small miracles...I made a successful thread! *pumps fists*

[Timmy]

No but I think it made a kinda cool rock song.

If you're ever in Las Vegas, check out the free show on Fremont Street. Gargantuan jumbotron overhead. Different shows at different times, and one of them is American Pie. Pure awesomeness! And be sure to look at the faces of the people around you: everyone's a kid again. :)

[Titus2woman]

Praise the Lord for small miracles...I made a successful thread! *pumps fists*


Yeah I'm just trying to avoid being the example of the answer to the question at this point, lol!



I do think it's a great question.

And my answer is... I think that the holy ghost continues to abide in us unless we actually make the decision to turn away from God. I believe that he is there though all our struggles and was actually given to us to help us through our struggles. To me it makes no sense that at the times you need him most he'd leave.

[Titus2woman]

If you're ever in Las Vegas, check out the free show on Fremont Street. Gargantuan jumbotron overhead. Different shows at different times, and one of them is American Pie. Pure awesomeness! And be sure to look at the faces of the people around you: everyone's a kid again. :)

Since I'm in my second childhood that might be right up my alley.

[AreYouReady?]

Well maybe... but this is one of the biggest stretches I've ever seen personally. Thanks for being a good sport :)

Yeah Seekerman, thanks for being a good sport. I took the picture down. But saved the image just in case you get out of line....J/K.

[houston]

Back to the topic, I understand that the Holy Ghost (along with the Father and Son) took the last train for the coast. Uh. That might not be Bible, though. :dunno

and they were singing, bye bye miss american pie... :happydance

[Cindy]

Great questions. Let me add the question of when does the Holy Ghost abandon the Holy Ghost filled, tongue talking Trinitarian who was baptized 'wrong'.

He doesn't. What would make someone believe that? My Mom's best friend was AOG, and she was a Holy Ghost filled, tongue talking, prayer warrior, like my Mom.

[Scott Hutchinson]

I think when we stray away from God,The Holy Ghost will convict us and try to bring us to repentance,however I do think if a believer falls into sin and does not repent and keeps on ignoring The Holy Spirit they will fall from Grace.

[Cindy]

I'm new too... it's a tough crowd around here and people can be a little sharp even when they mean well... Here is what I've figured out... Don't take it personally, many times comments are just opinions and they are not directed at YOU they would be the same no matter who said what you said. And you just keep it civil, not being easily offended. People here are a mix but I haven't found any that will carry a grudge over from one thread to another and just try to be argumentative... when they disagree with you in more than one thread... well they just disagree with you in more than one thread...

Of course being popular or even right all the time doesn't matter to me... I'm here to share and learn :)

I love having you here, myself. I really like your insights on some subjects.

[seekerman]

Great questions. Let me add the question of when does the Holy Ghost abandon the Holy Ghost filled, tongue talking Trinitarian who was baptized 'wrong'.

He doesn't. What would make someone believe that? My Mom's best friend was AOG, and she was a Holy Ghost filled, tongue talking, prayer warrior, like my Mom.

I don't believe He does either but that would be the conclusion of those who believe that Holy Ghost filled Trinitarians are going to hell.

[Titus2woman]

I love having you here, myself. I really like your insights on some subjects.

Awww that is so sweet... And then there are all those times it takes a crowbar to get my size nine out of my big mouth!

[seekerman]

Yeah Seekerman, thanks for being a good sport. I took the picture down. But saved the image just in case you get out of line....J/K.

I'm under your control. :)

[Cindy]

One owns milk goats... That my friend is a world class udder and the little goatie it is attached to it sold for $900. The best pic of an udder is obtained from that viewpoint. I belong to a goat forum and a cow forum where we compare udders, guess due dates by changes in the animals back end, etc. When ever my husband comes through the living room and sees such a pic up on the computer with me staring intently at it he always asks... 'Cow porn again? Do we need to get you one of those internet monitoring programs?':heeheehee

:yourock

[KeptByTheWord]

Awww that is so sweet... And then there are all those times it takes a crowbar to get my size nine out of my big mouth!

Yeah, Cindy, I agree, and dig her humor too ! :highfive

Now instead of your avatar I have this crazy picture in my brain of your word picture above LOL!!! :heeheehee

[AreYouReady?]

I'm under your control. :)

:ursofunny

Thanks for making my day. A good laugh does wonders after a stressful day.

[The Matt]

I don't believe He does either but that would be the conclusion of those who believe that Holy Ghost filled Trinitarians are going to hell.

I have mixed feelings. While my church is my way and the only way I'd ever feel comfortable living, at the same time I believe if someone is living a truly holy life, shunning away the things of the world, and they are baptized in Jesus name, have repented of and turned away from their sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost...does Jesus really care if you're praying to the name of God and Jesus? I don't think so, as long as you're living by the bible. I don't think anyone is going to hell for not wearing long sleeves or long skirts unless by doing so you're rebelling against your pastor, if you have one. Standards aren't going to get you into heaven, neither are good works. But I do believe without Acts 2:38 as a guide, people are in jeopardy. I can't say for sure what it's called, but I've heard of a church that baptizes both in the name of the father and the son and the Holy Ghost AND in the name of Jesus. Meh, I have a mutt of a belief system...Sorry if I offend anyone.
One quick edit, I believe everyone should be praying daily (myself included of course) about what their pastor preaches, or in the case of people who don't have churches what fellowship their brothers and sisters are sharing with them, because some people truly don't grasp that pastors are human, and part of being human is making human errors. My pastor isn't the type who isn't open to conversation, and she will tell you exactly what she believes, why she believes it, and for the most part will be able to back it up in the word.

[Titus2woman]

I have mixed feelings. While my church is my way and the only way I'd ever feel comfortable living, at the same time I believe if someone is living a truly holy life, shunning away the things of the world, and they are baptized in Jesus name, have repented of and turned away from their sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost...does Jesus really care if you're praying to the name of God and Jesus? I don't think so, as long as you're living by the bible. I don't think anyone is going to hell for not wearing long sleeves or long skirts unless by doing so you're rebelling against your pastor, if you have one. Standards aren't going to get you into heaven, neither are good works. But I do believe without Acts 2:38 as a guide, people are in jeopardy. I can't say for sure what it's called, but I've heard of a church that baptizes both in the name of the father and the son and the Holy Ghost AND in the name of Jesus. Meh, I have a mutt of a belief system...Sorry if I offend anyone.

I am never offended by someones honest talk about their beliefs. Thanks for sharing. :)

[seekerman]

I have mixed feelings. While my church is my way and the only way I'd ever feel comfortable living, at the same time I believe if someone is living a truly holy life, shunning away the things of the world, and they are baptized in Jesus name, have repented of and turned away from their sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost...does Jesus really care if you're praying to the name of God and Jesus? I don't think so, as long as you're living by the bible. I don't think anyone is going to hell for not wearing long sleeves or long skirts unless by doing so you're rebelling against your pastor, if you have one. Standards aren't going to get you into heaven, neither are good works. But I do believe without Acts 2:38 as a guide, people are in jeopardy. I can't say for sure what it's called, but I've heard of a church that baptizes both in the name of the father and the son and the Holy Ghost AND in the name of Jesus. Meh, I have a mutt of a belief system...Sorry if I offend anyone.

You certainly aren't offending me at all. Thankfully, the forum allows a wide range of views and discussing them is healthy in a Christian's life

[BeenThinkin]

One owns milk goats... That my friend is a world class udder and the little goatie it is attached to it sold for $900. The best pic of an udder is obtained from that viewpoint. I belong to a goat forum and a cow forum where we compare udders, guess due dates by changes in the animals back end, etc. When ever my husband comes through the living room and sees such a pic up on the computer with me staring intently at it he always asks... 'Cow porn again? Do we need to get you one of those internet monitoring programs?':heeheehee


Boy it pays to read some post slowly and completely. My mind took off in the wrong direction..... see the bolded! :happydance

Been Thinkin

[RandyWayne]

Boy it pays to read some post slowly and completely. My mind took off in the wrong direction..... see the bolded! :happydance

Been Thinkin

Ya, I have to always explain to my wife when I'm uploading photo's to a certain web site and a good 10% of them are nude. lol

[jediwill83]

As far as church attendance goes I believe that its good to have fellowship and worship together and hear the word preached..its a way for God to speak to you in a place designated for that...I also believe that not only are you more ineffective separated from the body but the body is weaker as well than it could be had you been a part....however...I do not believe that you are saved by church attendence OR that its a regular dose of preaching that KEEPS you saved...its like when Jesus let his disciples pick corn on the sabbath...He told the ones that disapproved that they had totally taken the sabbath out of context and made it into a legalistic law...Does church attendance benefit you?Yes. Does it save you? No.I have the Spirit of God the inside to lead and guide and to convict me...and trust me it does often...what I find in church attendance is that I tend to focus more on the disapproval of man rather than the disapproval of God which means that it fosters the "As long as I look good in the eyes of the preacher im ok"Mindset...I don't want to be like that....what would happen if churches were forceably disbanded and outlawed and some COULDN'T attend....would they then go to hell? "Oh...yes....Im terribly sorry to inform you of this but you see I just can't let you in....Yes yes I know you had My Spirit and were baptised in My name but there is this little issue of church attendance....yes I KNOOOW they burned it down and inprisoned the pastor and stoned the organist but rules are rules and you know that My word specifically says that if you miss 3 Sundays in a row you are backslid....what's that? You want chapter and verse?....Can't you take my word for it?I mean do you SEE the line backed up behind you?I mean for cryin out loud I got martyrs waiting for their mansion!

[The Matt]

I'm not saying you're wrong in any way, but Hebrews 10:25 tells us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, however I believe this could be done as described in Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Going to church is a gathering, fellowship. It's healthy.

[jediwill83]

I totally agree...its healthy...but just because it says forsake not it is automatically assumed that if one DOES forsake assembly that the consequence is hell....."Missed church?...Yep...that's a smitin" My point is this...doing the right thing isn't enough...I believe its important to understand the right reason for doing those things as well.Am I attending to avoid hell?Or am I attending because I need to be encouraged and uplifted?

[The Matt]

I totally agree...its healthy...but just because it says forsake not it is automatically assumed that if one DOES forsake assembly that the consequence is hell....."Missed church?...Yep...that's a smitin" My point is this...doing the right thing isn't enough...I believe its important to understand the right reason for doing those things as well.Am I attending to avoid hell?Or am I attending because I need to be encouraged and uplifted?

Excellent point. I feel completely like a new man after every church service. The only thing I was saying is we need fellowship, we need to be around our brothers and sisters (or brother or sister) and glorify the Lord. I feel like when brothers and sisters get together, we're celebrating the day of Pentecost, coming together in one accord. How can singing and praising the Lord, getting fed by the word, and praying, together with some of our brothers and sisters, be a bad thing? Like I said before, this can be done with two or three, or it can be done with fifty. Myself, if I didn't have a church family and authority to uplift me, I wouldn't make it. I depend on church family.