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.