Why Such A Fuss Over Standards!!

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Obvious disconnect going on here.

I appreciate the input my elders have in my life, but that doesn't mean I'm required to submit to every whim and suggestion. My mother is one of the best Christians I know--or will probably ever know for that matter--but we disagree on certain issues. I respect her opinions, and I don't waste any time trying to convince her that I'm right. Nor does she waste anytime trying to convince me that she's right.

My point - not fighting carnal battles - We hold our peace.

I don't agree with PO that we can't choose where we attend church. I think that is over-spiritualizing the concept of assembling together with other believers. Going to church is a simple act of meeting with like minded people to worship God and be taught the Word. Now, for those in leadership, it may take on a more complex dynamic, but I do not buy into the idea that we can't attend a different assembly without a personal directive from God. If my husband gets a job in a new city, and we relocate, I'm going to follow my husband, and we will find a new assembly in the new city. It isn't as complex as asking God to reveal to me first whether it's His will. I assume that He is leading my husband, and I follow my husband as He follows Christ--and cares for his family.

Now, that's not to say that we don't pray over major decisions, because we do. But I dislike the idea that people are limited to one single church until God tells them to move. A church, at least as a colloquialism, is just a group of people gathered for a single purpose, and there are lots of places to gather--as there should be.

So, you are saying that your husband was following the will of God in his relocation? And did you say that you pray over major decisions? Aren't you over-spiritualizing things a bit?

[Falla39]

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now I'm found,
Was blind, but now I see.

Through many dangers, toils and snares.
We have already come.
Tis grace that brought us safe this far.
And grace will lead us home.

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

I cannot help but believe that what makes the difference in two people going through
similiar, yet different trying circumstances IS HOW EACH REACTS TO IT!

Falla39

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by SeekingOne

Yes, Falla is talking about that, but I think her and some of you can't possibly understand where others are coming from because you have not been abused by your trust in those that should have been watching for our souls instead of watching what we were wearing.

Oh, please!!! I've lived in two pastor's homes and under four backslid preachers... please....spare me...respectfully....

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Falla39

I cannot help but believe that what makes the difference in two people going through
similar, yet different trying circumstances IS HOW EACH REACTS TO IT!

Falla39

That can only be true!

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

My point - not fighting carnal battles - We hold our peace.



So, you are saying that your husband was following the will of God in his relocation? And did you say that you pray over major decisions? Aren't you over-spiritualizing things a bit?

No, my point was that it's not bad to simply make a logical decision to attend elsewhere if your family is being harmed by a person or persons in the present assembly. I don't think God made us stupid. That's all.

There can be a balance between prayer, and also using our God-given intelligence and scriptural principles already found in His Word to lead prudent Christian lives. We can find answers in prayer, AND ALSO in His Word, which has already been given to us for such a purpose.

Case in point: Last year a person who will remain nameless told me about their teenagers being mistreated by the youth leader. This particular youth leader had a negative history with the man of the house, and seemed to be taking it out on his children in their youth group. (Sort of holding the father's personality against the kids.) Several specific examples were given. My response was that the teenagers should be allowed to attend a different church or youth group, where they could develop an independent relationship with the leaders/pastor. JMO, of course. The mother was quite shocked at my suggestion, as the other churches in the area are "loose", and I suppose, subpar as a result.

So, one of the teens has now quit attending at all. *shrug* Perhaps the mother should have used her good sense to insure the spiritual health of her children, instead of letting her pastor dictate whether or not they're allowed to attend elsewhere.

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by Falla39

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now I'm found,
Was blind, but now I see.

Through many dangers, toils and snares.
We have already come.
Tis grace that brought us safe this far.
And grace will lead us home.

11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

I cannot help but believe that what makes the difference in two people going through
similiar, yet different trying circumstances IS HOW EACH REACTS TO IT!

Falla39

As the self professed King of weird analogies, I just finished updating a number of virus and malware definitions on my PC. I thank Sis Falla for her story as it just gives me addition examples of things that have happened in other peoples lives and how THEY dealt with it. I didn't read more into the story than just being a personal experience that someone else went through.
I think hearing about other peoples experiences, while keeping an open mind, can only help in the long run -and sometimes even in the immediate!

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Falla39

I cannot help but believe that what makes the difference in two people going through
similiar, yet different trying circumstances IS HOW EACH REACTS TO IT!

Falla39

Are you saying anyone who reacts the right way will end up living exactly like you???

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

No, my point was that it's not bad to simply make a logical decision to attend elsewhere if your family is being harmed by a person or persons in the present assembly. I don't think God made us stupid. That's all.

Well, I guess I couldn't listen to this advice. I have never had the experience where God didn't tell me where I was going to live, who I was going to marry, that I would bear a son, what church to attend and how to pray for people.

By example, we were living in a particular house. I was cooking dinner and reached up for the salt, the Lord spoke to me, "You are moving from this place." The next day, our landlord came by and told me that he was going to sell the house because I refused to buy it. God let me know the day before so that I wouldn't be stressed out. That's particular care.

Another example, we were going to buy a car. My husband and I were looking around on opposite sides of the car lot. I spotted a car and knew it was the one we would buy. My husband walked up and asked, "Did you find a car?" I said, "Yes, I feel this is it." He said, "That's the one that I was settling on."

So, this is my life and how it has always worked for me. I don't know how to live any other way, I would be helpless.

I must be too stupid to think for myself, so He has always told me what to do. I just do it, learn and keep walking. He is all together lovely!!!

[ILG]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

So, one of the teens has now quit attending at all. *shrug* Perhaps the mother should have used her good sense to insure the spiritual health of her children, instead of letting her pastor dictate whether or not they're allowed to attend elsewhere.

Apparently it was more important to not "be loose" than to make sure her children were in church. This defies logic.

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Well, I guess I couldn't listen to this advice. I have never had the experience where God didn't tell me where I was going to live, who I was going to marry, that I would bear a son, what church to attend and how to pray for people.

By example, we were living in a particular house. I was cooking dinner and reached up for the salt, the Lord spoke to me, "You are moving from this place." The next day, our landlord came by and told me that he was going to sell the house because I refused to buy it. God let me know the day before so that I wouldn't be stressed out. That's particular care.

Another example, we were going to buy a car. My husband and I were looking around on opposite sides of the car lot. I spotted a car and knew it was the one we would buy. My husband walked up and asked, "Did you find a car?" I said, "Yes, I feel this is it." He said, "That's the one that I was settling on."

So, this is my life and how it has always worked for me. I don't know how to live any other way, I would be helpless.

I must be too stupid to think for myself, so He has always told me what to do. I just do it, learn and keep walking. He is all together lovely!!!

So what do you do when God doesn't tell you what to eat in the morning? Just NOT eat? Or has there never been a time when He HASN'T told you what to eat?

I can't help but feel that post was a little TIC.