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

[OGIA]

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 hope you understand what I am trying to say.

You were clear and I do believe I understand.

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.

This particular friend is one I've been in a Friday morning study group with for over 1 1/2 years now. She and another lady and I meet each week. The other lady has been born again as has her son (he was first). The one I had lunch with today is a real "hard core" Baptist, as is her husband. I have taken great care to be very patient, praying for the wisdom only the Lord can provide to not mess this up royally!

She is not one of those who is stuck in what I called "greasy grace". She is digging and hungry. She recognizes the pitfalls of that theology and agrees that one thing missing in denominational churches is sacrifice.

I do not preach any sort of standards when with them. In fact, the other lady still attends the same Baptist church, has not quit wearing pants or jewelry or makeup, etc. I have not said a word to her about it, either. That's for God, in His time, and for her "hope-to-soon-be" Apostolic pastor. But, even on that, I do not push her. She has only been to my church once, in fact.

Anyway, I do think I understand your post. I have to be very careful and rely on the Lord for the words I speak in front of these. I also have a group I meet with on Thursday nights (tonight) that is mostly Methodists (or ex) searching for something deeper. They have not heard Acts 2:38 or standards come out of my mouth once in 4 months now. They won't until the Holy Ghost tells me to, and then it will likely only be obedience to the Gospel.

I hope I got your point. Even if I didn't, what I got was received. I appreciate your spirit here!