Do YOU really believe what you were taught?

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Whole Hearted

I believe everything I was taught by my elders.

Really? Please tell us more.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Brother Price

Great post and thoughts!

Our walk is a journey, and none of us have made it until we have made it!

Bro, I am totally with you on the journey thing...

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

Over the past 20 years, I have come to understand how important "Grace" is. It is not an "evil" word as so many have attached negative connotations to it, but it is ultimately what saves us.

They didn't teach us about GRACE because then they couldn't guilt us into 'working' ourselves to death

[OneAccord]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

Over the past 20 years, I have come to understand how important "Grace" is. It is not an "evil" word as so many have attached negative connotations to it, but it is ultimately what saves us.

Thats a big 10-4, Good Brother. Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

We were saved by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and His Grace keeps us that way.

One of the worst phrases I have seen on this forum, or any other forum is "Greasy Grace". Whoever coined that phrase just does not understand Grace at all.

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by Whole Hearted

I believe everything I was taught by my elders.

Anyone else ever notice how Bro Ogatt and Whole Hearted are never in the same room at the same time? Mmmmmmmm?

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

Anyone else ever notice how Bro Ogatt and Whole Hearted are never in the same room at the same time? Mmmmmmmm?

Dissociation people...let us pray for integration

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by OneAccord

One of the worst phrases I have seen on this forum, or any other forum is "Greasy Grace". Whoever coined that phrase just does not understand Grace at all.

Chuck Swindol wrote one of the best books on the subject called Grace Awakening. In one section he describes the difference between forgiveness and grace. He describes forgiveness as "forgiving" the person who kills your son, and "grace" as forgiving AND accepting the killer into your own family as your new son.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

Chuck Swindol wrote one of the best books on the subject called Grace Awakening. In one section he describes the difference between forgiveness and grace. He describes forgiveness as "forgiving" the person who kills your son, and "grace" as forgiving AND accepting the killer into your own family as your new son.

Powerful thought.

[Whole Hearted]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

Really? Please tell us more.

I would be glad to. What do you want to know?

[Jack Shephard]

Originally Posted by OneAccord

Wow, tall order. My "spiritual journey" has taken many turns down through the years. My faith hasn't changed, but, is some ways, it has evolved.

At one time I believed the Serpent Seed doctrine. But, one day, I read John 3:16. And I allowed myself to think outside the box. And, I eventually climbed out of that box and never looked back.

I use to be against woman ministers, (that came from the same teaching). But, once again, I did what I wasn't suppose to do. I questioned. And God answered.

I use to be very strict, (no TV, no anything). But, I realized that "Its not what goes in that defiles, its what comes out". (Paraphrase) Now, as long as I keep my heart right, I don't have to spend so much time covering my eyes and ears. . I was strictly a standards man, but then I realized I was spending too much time washing the outside of my platter, while ignoring the dead bones within. I decided to get rid of the bones, and you know what, when I did, the outside took care of itself.

Doctrinally, I have evolved a little. I focus more on Jesus now, instead of focusing on doctrines about Him. I've come to a better understanding of the Gospel of the Kingdom that I had before. And I use to love to fuss and argue. But, some time out of fellowship with the Body of Christ cured me of that. Now, I try to promote unity within the Body because, if there has ever been a Message of the Hour, the Unity of the Spirit is that message.

Oh yeah, and I spend much less time trying to earn my salvation, and more time rejoicing in the grace that keeps me saved!

Originally Posted by Brother Price

Great post and thoughts!

Our walk is a journey, and none of us have made it until we have made it!

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

Over the past 20 years, I have come to understand how important "Grace" is. It is not an "evil" word as so many have attached negative connotations to it, but it is ultimately what saves us.

All of these are how I am. I was too firm and too elite. Now I am not. I am for Grace! I am not for unconditional Grace like you can live anyway you want and go to Heaven. What I truely mean there is that sleep around, drink around, murder, etc and be saved I do not follow. Maybe those are extremes but I believe you understand. I did come to the stark reality that we, the Pentecostal Chuch, preached Grace to the sinner and not to the saint. IMO There is/was no room for personal convictions. I did not let people have their own convictions, at least the ones I went to church with. I was not balanced at all. It was sickening actually. Then I had my eyes opened. The truth is I could go to a UPC church and be fine except I do not want to go where I know the Pastor preaches things I do not believe/follow. I do not want to be a hinderance or burden to those that attend that do follow. The one thing I will say about all is that I will follow what ever conviciton God gives me, no matter how tight. I changed because my belief was not a God conviction it was something I followed cause a preacher told me I had to or go to hell. I didn't like my options so I chose 'his' message and not His message.