Old Timers and Newbies........differences...

[Esther]

Originally Posted by Sherri

My opinions:
#1 - Most of our altar calls are for a myriad of things, anywhere from salvation to healing, etc. Many many people come and repent, and many cry, but we don't usually have long drawn out altar services. I have seen lots of people come and cry and cry because they are sorry, but they don't change their lives. Repentance actually just means a change of mind/change of direction. Whether or not this is accompanied by a lot of emotion is irrelevant. They do have to be sorry for their sins and confess to God that they are a sinner, but some cry and some don't. But their lives are turned around, either way.

Although this is true for myself I have never seen a truly repentant person before God that was not in tears. Not that it can't happen, and as you say not necessary a gage of true repentance.

#2 - I don't think there is anything wrong with receiving the Holy Ghost immediately after one repents. The way we were taught (tarrying) was not even biblical. I prayed for seven years! If I had only known that it was an easy gift to receive and I could just reach out and take it, I would have gotten it alot sooner. Tarrying was actually taught where I was raised.

It took me a while to receive it also, and the reason in my case was I was seeking the evidence of tongues instead of God Himself. When I began to just worship God I received the Holy Ghost, which reminds me when I was just worshipping God in my wheelchair I was also healed.

God loves and rewards worship.

#3 - American people, as a whole, are not loyal - and this is in every area of life. We have a "me" generation and it's hard to get past that in the realm of church/God. However, like I was saying in #1, if a true mind decision is made, the person will stick. Alot of Pentecostal salvations go backwards because when the emotions of the moment die down, people don't really have a changed mind. They were only caught up in the emotions of a service.

You made some good points Sherri, thanks for responding.

[pastor21]

The way we were taught (tarrying) was not even biblical



I am amazed at the answers here...Why do we enjoy making fun and light of what a person feels led of God to do?
Where does the Bible mention co pastor, SS teacher, Youth leader, and a lot of things we use?


Thanks, Sis! I was going to say this exact thing!


Hmmm?

[Sherri]

Originally Posted by pastor21

The way we were taught (tarrying) was not even biblical



I am amazed at the answers here...Why do we enjoy making fun and light of what a person feels led of God to do?
Where does the Bible mention co pastor, SS teacher, Youth leader, and a lot of things we use?


Thanks, Sis! I was going to say this exact thing!


Hmmm?

So, do you think you have to tarry to receive the Holy Ghost? I think it's a little different talking about one's standing with God than talking about the methods of evangelism. But maybe that's just the way I see it.

[pelathais]

I think in may cases we have gotten better at generating some of the initial numbers- we're having more people in our altars overall. The falling away you observe may just be that we're herding people forward who simply aren't ready yet.

Another way of looking at it, perhaps: we're sowing more seed on more types of ground. It only stands to reason that we'll also see more weeds choking and feet trampling where we have sown. Hopefully we'll also see the seed taking root in the good ground as well.

But then again, I remember hearing these same concerns more than 30 years ago when I first came into the church. I remember feeling like I might be the last one in - what with all the doom and gloom some of those people expressed. Now 30+ years later, many of them have fallen away after the same pattern that they complained about.

I say, rejoice when only 1 sinner repents. It is a pretty important event in heaven. And then nurture that soul like its the last convert you'll ever see.

[Esther]

Originally Posted by pelathais

I think in may cases we have gotten better at generating some of the initial numbers- we're having more people in our altars overall. The falling away you observe may just be that we're herding people forward who simply aren't ready yet.

You think they are going to the altars due to peer pressure?

Another way of looking at it, perhaps: we're sowing more seed on more types of ground. It only stands to reason that we'll also see more weeds choking and feet trampling where we have sown. Hopefully we'll also see the seed taking root in the good ground as well.

But then again, I remember hearing these same concerns more than 30 years ago when I first came into the church. I remember feeling like I might be the last one in - what with all the doom and gloom some of those people expressed. Now 30+ years later, many of them have fallen away after the same pattern that they complained about.

This is true for a lot I'm sure. Many did stay in however, but a lot have left, and I'm not sure that would be the sole reason.

I say, rejoice when only 1 sinner repents. It is a pretty important event in heaven. And then nurture that soul like its the last convert you'll ever see.

I love your last statement and so true. If only we would. It would make a great signature line.

[Malvaro]

Esther, I'm sorry if my words were too forceful or hurt your feelings....

[Esther]

Originally Posted by Malvaro

Esther, I'm sorry if my words were too forceful or hurt your feelings....

Thanks for the apology but I wasn't offended so much as surprised???

[RevBuddy]

I think Sherri hit a very key element when she observed that our altar services are "everything to everyone." (My words).

I've heard pastors say, "I'd like everyone who loves the Lord to come down to the altar." A very general statement with no particularly defined purpose.

And then, there are those church leaders who are very sensitive to not offending anyone. They are apparently worried about the convicting presence of the Lord.

...just a few thoughts...

[Esther]

I guess another thing to consider most church don't have altar anymore anyway. Everyone just goes down to the front of the church.

Could that be a factor?