Testimony of Grace
 

Last night, 8/29/07, I had a unique experience happen to me. My Pastor taught on the second chapter of Galatians.
Gal. 2:4 states, "And because of false brethern unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage." Paul went on to make several points:
1. Titus, who was a Gentile did not feel compelled to be circumsized like his Jewish brethern.
2. Peter and the Jewish brethern gave Paul and the Gentile brethern the right hand of fellowhsip only asking them to remember the poor[Gal.2:10],
3. and, Paul confronted/called Peter out for pressuring James in the fact that James [a Jew] was eating and fellowshipping with the the Gentiles until Peter and the other Jewish brethern showed up on the scene. James then separated himself from the Gentiles and isolated himself so as not to be identified with them.

Paul then preached a sermon that struck a chord within my being. Gal. 2:19-21 says, "For I am crucifed with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live I live by the faith of the son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God; for if righteousness came by the law, then Christ died in vain."

All my life I have felt PRESSURED to do this, not do that, and to measaure up to a standard set for me by others who could not live up to their own standards. Like the Jews who were given ten commandments from God, the Jews added more commandments/rules/laws to protect those laws, and then added other laws on top of those to protect the ones they just made until...there were so many laws that no one could abide by them all...althought the Pharisees did their best. Jesus condemned and chastized the Pharisees on many occasions because all the law did was create pride built on works/appearance; one man's works being measured against another's...so they coudl say "Look at me: I am holier than ye all."

I was baptized when I was 11 years old because I was pressured to do so ... I was told that I could not go to youth camp, even though I had won the Peanut Brittle contest to pay my way. Back then the three step program was in place, and now there are 7 steps, and even others have more than that. They have added so many rules/laws/and steps that the message of Grace is lost to the common man. It is wrapped in layers of traditions/legalism.

I said all this to say: I made and ADULT choice last night to be baptized in Jesus name for the remission of my sins and thank God for the gift of his grace...I accept that GRACE with all my heart. I will never go back to the blame/shame/ and legalism that I was raised in and I am free to practice the liberty which Christ died that I could have.

Just wanted to share this wonderful experience.

Blessings, Rhoni

Good for you Sister.Things will seem different to you.Choice is a powerful
thing.

Yes it is! If people trusted the moving of the Holy Spirit more and depended less on the rules and expectations they have, then wouldn't this world be a better place? God don't need out help even though we would pride ourselves in thinking so:hypercoffee!

Blessings, Rhoni

I was very pleased that you let the Spirit lead you into this decision. I wish I could have been there to witness.

God bless you, Rhoni.

chosen

Isnt it just great to choose to be with him, and let him lead you, god richest blessing flow to you in your obedience and submission to him, dt:poloroid:hypercoffee

I have been learning and looking into the same topic. There are a couple of threads on here that I've been reading with avid interest that contain that very subject.

It's exciting to say the least and eternal life-giving to say the most. Eternal life and liberty on Earth...

Keep testifying because there are many who need to hear the Good News... and not just those outside the church.

:telephone

Well, there goes all the stardards that we have worked so hard to construct, lift up, and uphold all these years...only to find someone has found "grace" to be a good substitute for what our cherished elders have shown us.

Just kidding, Rhoni. :D

Of course, grace does not give license to the flesh...as you well know. However, I appreciate your remarks above. It is insightful, not only of the Word but some of the spirits, attitudes and conduct of those that do not understand the liberty and power of grace, seeing only standards as a benchmark of true holiness.

That beautiful auburn hair had better not be cut when I see you again, girl. I will open my bible and preach a while....so be prepared. :D

Rhoni.......

Are you saying that you're being re-baptized?

I was re-baptized on Wednesday. The Pastor said that after I did it that he was approached by several wanting to do the same thing.

It wasn't that I didn't understand why I was being baptized at age 11 but I didn't understand the concept of sin and grace. Sin is like a cancer and once it gets a hold of you...you must have chemo and radiation...water and the spirit:) LOL. I wracked up a lot more sin from 11 to 49 than I did birth to 11:). I feel cleaner and chose, as a sinful adult...to have my sins washed away.

Blessings, Rhoni

Bless you Rhoni...Glad you are feeling a deep moving of the spirit and give my blessings to such a wise pastor...Want to meet him sometime.