Flippantly Flaunted Spiritual Liberties - Page 39

RandyWayne · #**381** 08-14-2011, 07:12 PM

Ahhh fences. Are they meant to be a mere line in the sand? Or a wall that takes a good deal of effort to climb over? Are they made by you? Or your pastor? Does their location ever move as you mature? Or is it always assumed that you will be a one year old spiritual baby?

Dagwood · #**382** 08-14-2011, 07:25 PM

The fences I have are actually far enough away from me that, if I should fall, I'll still fall within the fenced area (God's grace). Those whose fences are too close to them, I feel sorry for because when they have fallen or do fall, it's usually outside the fence...

kclee4jc · #**383** 08-14-2011, 08:07 PM

I drove by a church in our town the other day and was suprised to see "Thou shalt not commit adultery" on their billboard. That's a fence. That's a standard. Many of the churches in our community seem to have no problem with fornication or adultery, even to the extent of pastors in our area having numerous affairs with church members. I respect that fence, i respect that stand. Do i agree with the doctrine of this particular church? NO! But i am glad that some kind of stand for something that is right is being taken. I could go into greater detail on how i feel about fences and standards...but it really just seems pointless.

Falla39 · #**384** 08-15-2011, 06:30 AM

Laws are made for the lawless! Those that are Christ are not under the law. Laws are good and are to protect, not harm. I no longer need my parents, school teachers or even pastors to tell me to do or not do certain things. Sin no longer has dominion over my life. I endeavor to keep my eyes on the One I love and serve.

Paul said when he was a child, he spake as a child, thought as a child, etc., etc. BUT when he became a man (when he matured, etc.,) he put away childless things. Seems many people try to see how close they can get to the world, and still be saved. That's dangerous. Too close to the edge of a cliff, or too close to anything that could cause us to die is dangerous.There is always the danger of getting so close we can't recover our balance and go over the edge. Children or immature adults sometimes take those chances. Those that are wise stay away from those edges.

Some serious thoughts,

Falla39

Dagwood · #**385** 08-15-2011, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falla39

Laws are made for the lawless! Those that are Christ are not under the law. Laws are good and are to protect, not harm. I no longer need my parents, school teachers or even pastors to tell me to do or not do certain things. Sin no longer has dominion over my life. I endeavor to keep my eyes on the One I love and serve.

Paul said when he was a child, he spake as a child, thought as a child, etc., etc. BUT when he became a man (when he matured, etc.,) he put away childless things. Seems many people try to see how close they can get to the world, and still be saved. That's dangerous. Too close to the edge of a cliff, or too close to anything that could cause us to die is dangerous.There is always the danger of getting so close we can't recover our balance and go over the edge. Children or immature adults sometimes take those chances. Those that are wise stay away from those edges.

Some serious thoughts,

Falla39

Good stuff. I, as well as many others, have heard that we're in the world but not of it, meaning we don't do some of the things the world does. True, I agree. I think, though, where I differ from the mainstream, more familiar thoughts on that is this: if we're supposed to be a light, a witness to the world, would you not agree that going out into the world to try and be a witness is far more effective than expecting the world to come to me? Now, I know, I know...I'm not saying go into the bars/dance halls/juke joints, etc and trying to convert right then and there, unless God asbolutely spoke to someone to do such a thing. But, I'm saying sometimes not worrying so much about where we can or can't go or what we can or can't do should be the least of our worries if the Spirit is in us and with us. Sure, there might be some black and white for those things, but I think there is also a gray area where God should be the one to convict on the dos and don'ts.

Hoovie's post a few days ago is a good example of those things that I would not consider trying to flirt with the world on or even live close to the edge. For those who have a control issue, sure they shouldn't mess with them as I would consider that trying to live or walk too close to the edge.

Not going too far either way is what I think, based on conviction, would allow me to be used to reach people that otherwise might get looked down upon from others. As the old saying goes: actions speak louder than words. For the one who speaks spiritual words all the time, especially in the way to live, hopefully they live equally what they speak.

Just my thoughts, certainly not meant to contradict but to add another perspective...

Falla39 · #**386** 08-15-2011, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dagwood

Good stuff. I, as well as many others, have heard that we're in the world but not of it, meaning we don't do some of the things the world does. True, I agree. I think, though, where I differ from the mainstream, more familiar thoughts on that is this: if we're supposed to be a light, a witness to the world, would you not agree that going out into the world to try and be a witness is far more effective than expecting the world to come to me? Now, I know, I know...I'm not saying go into the bars/dancehalls/juke joints, etc and trying to convert right then and there, unless God asbolutely spoke to someone to do such a thing. But, I'm saying sometimes not worrying so much about where we can or can't go or whatwe can or can't do should be the least of our worries if the Spirit is in us and with us. Sure, there might be some black and white for those things, but Ithink there is also a gray area where God should be the one to convict on the dos and don'ts.
Hoovie's post a few days ago is a good example of those things that I would not consider trying to flirt with the world on or even live close to the edge. For those who have a control issue, sure they shouldn't mess with them as I would consider that trying to live or walk too close to the edge.

Not going too far either way is what I think, based on conviction, would allow me to be used to reach people that otherwise might get looked down upon from others. As the old saying goes: actions speak louder than words. For the one who speaks spiritual words all the time, especially in the way to live, hopefully they live equally what they speak.

Just my thoughts, certainly not meant to contradict but to add another perspective...

Balance would be a good word perhaps. Not too far to the left or right. My late father would say, "There's a ditch on either side of the road".

Sometimes by just being on this forum and posting a post or two, and not really knowing that person, one might or could get the wrong impression of where that person is coming from. But by much dialoguing there comes more understanding. A couple of posters, has at times, not hesitated to basically tell me how I come across as lifting myself up. If they knew how
wrong they are. That my desire is to tell of HIS goodness and mercy! Of HIS blessings and kindness to our family. When I think of HIS Goodness and what HE'S done for me and mine, I cannot but lift HIM UP! How DO we EXALT or lift HIM without telling of HIS GOODNESS, LOVE AND MERCY! TO make HIM more real to others. HE has been and continues to be SO REAL to me and HE IS NO RESPECTOR of persons. HE LOVES US ALL. HE WILL DO for others as HE HAS DONE for us! IF not to help and encourage someone else along life's road, there's no real purpose in being on this or any other forum. This is definitely not intended to be negative at all. Just the facts!

Dagwood, you are always courteous and kind in your responses. We need a different perspective at times. That's the good part of dialoguing! Exchanging thoughts/ideas, etc. There's always a good chance we just might learn something new ourselves. I love to learn.

Blessings,

Falla39

houston · #**387** 08-17-2011, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kclee4jc

I drove by a church in our town the other day and was suprised to see "Thou shalt not commit adultery" on their billboard. That's a fence. That's a standard. Many of the churches in our community seem to have no problem with fornication or adultery, even to the extent of pastors in our area having numerous affairs with church members. I respect that fence, i respect that stand. Do i agree with the doctrine of this particular church? NO! But i am glad that some kind of stand for something that is right is being taken. I could go into greater detail on how i feel about fences and standards...but it really just seems pointless.

That is a clear command from the word of God.

Do not equate that with the commandments of men.

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