Do You Believe and/or Teach that Standards are Heaven-Hell Issues?

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Thank you for your response. I am trying to be careful here and hope my thoughts are clear as to what I am trying to say.

I've talked, through the years, with preachers, evangelists, etc. about what we convey as a church. The overwhelming answer is that - underneath who we are and what we do it comes across as more "judgment" and not "mercy and love".

I realize that the scripture says that the "Word of God is powerful and sharper than any two edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart".

I think that with the strictness or line we want to walk, we also need to be careful not to bath that sword in blood before we wield it.

I'm thinking of the times in private prayer, in repentance, when He comes to me and gently instructs me and takes my hand, so to speak, and causes me to rise again.

When it is not conveyed in that same way over the pulpit then I become confused, hurt and wondering why this God that I serve is different in the two respective places - church and home.

I hope you understand what I am trying to say.

Very good post, PO!