[QUOTE=AreYouReady?;1135899]Jesus the Messiah showed us the difference between being a part of a "church" on earth and being part of His Kingdom in Heaven.
The definition of religion by man and by the Bible are two different definitions.
By man:
re·li·gion [ri-lij-uhn] Show IPA
noun
1.
a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2.
a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3.
the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4.
the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5.
the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
6.
something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
7.
religions, Archaic . religious rites.
8.
Archaic . strict faithfulness; devotion: a religion to one's vow.
Biblically:
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
But it does say you have to believe (certain things). And if you don't, you are condemned. Just sayin'.
IF you are going by man's definition...yes..
But if you go by Biblical definition...No...because if one has pure religion, then they would be taking action upon scriptures, not just talking at someone.
If you do what the passage says, you are fulfilling what Christ would have us to do.
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It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. (Psalms 118:8)
Last edited by AreYouReady?; 02-06-2012 at 02:32 PM.
If you wouldn't mind, could you point out some specific things in this thread that offended you? I realize some of my posts lately have been a bit more blunt than usual, and I apologize for that.
I know what you mean about letting go. I tried to leave AFF once or twice before, but couldn't help but come back, after a while.
In particular, I don't think anyone here would argue with the opening post. Would they?
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Well, it's one thing to provoke others to examine their belief system. I think we all do that with one another. I think we can do that with respect for one another’s viewpoints also.
It could be just me; I'm a bit sensitive as you know.
But it seems to me that the "Friends" part of "AFF" is disintegrating to the point that we are not accomplishing anything in the way of friendship, edification, enlightening each other, ect.
I feel like you don't respect those of us who profess to be Christians, and realizing this dissapoints me.
Maybe my time here is just coming to and end and for some reason I'm having a hard time letting go of it.
Amanah,
I first came here in... ummm 2008 I think and had a look around.. This place seemed very harsh then and I backed away without a single post. Had another look in about once a year and found it the same... When I realy decided to ditch my OP church I made a commitment to try to establish community here so as to not be completely out of touch with my apostolic identity... But I still find very little in the way of 'friendship' here. Mostly anything a person says is not lovingly supported but is picked to pieces. Right now that is good for me, at some point in time in the future (probably when I am again connected to a group of Christians IRL) I do not think my spirit will abide AFF.
I just wanted to say that I see your perception as real and not just over sensitive imaginings.
I'll start. For me my 'witness' is my life not words. I try to live in a way that is real to those around me in the workplace, in my farm business and in my community. The life of one who goes the distance and more even when others give up, who loves others even those who are often considered unloveable. And I want it to be known that the reason for this is God in me and not me personally.
When one does this even marginally it brings questions from those around. I am considered 'different' on my job. Not untouchable or stuck up but also not someone who can be sucked in to whatever discontent is going on in the moment. When those I am close to here (and that is all 50 other employees)have a problem they will often come into my office, close the door and ask for help of some kind or for prayer. These moments are an opertunity to share WHO is really our help and how to reach Him. Of course my POV about details is not important in those moments... simply getting them in touch with the God of the universe is And to me THAT is being a witness.
I am but one small person but there are many of me and we grow others like us every day.... and God smiles.
This is pretty much how I have come to define witnessing during the past decade. However it took a while because the concept of "Soul Winning" where everyone talked about how "I won this person" or "that person" or "the other person" to Jesus. In many cases I couldn't help but think that God looked at THOSE bed posts notches in the same way he looked at mine -In fact He probably looks at that sort of boasting WORSE then he looked at my "bragging". Wing wink nudge nudge say more.
Ha, yup. T2W and Amanah, I would pray that you become immune to offense at what are, after all, a seeker's posts--where else should they go for truth?--and see that maybe you are here for your posts now, at least as much as others.
This is pretty much how I have come to define witnessing during the past decade. However it took a while because the concept of "Soul Winning" where everyone talked about how "I won this person" or "that person" or "the other person" to Jesus. In many cases I couldn't help but think that God looked at THOSE bed posts notches in the same way he looked at mine -In fact He probably looks at that sort of boasting WORSE then he looked at my "bragging". Wing wink nudge nudge say more.
A lady stood and "testified" one Sunday about how she "won" someone to the Lord, and she actually made the "score one for me" gesture in the air!
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
I first came here in... ummm 2008 I think and had a look around.. This place seemed very harsh then and I backed away without a single post. Had another look in about once a year and found it the same... When I realy decided to ditch my OP church I made a commitment to try to establish community here so as to not be completely out of touch with my apostolic identity... But I still find very little in the way of 'friendship' here. Mostly anything a person says is not lovingly supported but is picked to pieces. Right now that is good for me, at some point in time in the future (probably when I am again connected to a group of Christians IRL) I do not think my spirit will abide AFF.
I just wanted to say that I see your perception as real and not just over sensitive imaginings.
If you guys go, who will there be for me to talk to (I know of a few others, but you know what I am saying)? I would miss you gals very much. You have provided stimulating discussion, even if we disagree on a number of issues. However, you have never been harsh, and I have appreciated our stimulating discourses.
Quote:
Originally Posted by RandyWayne
This is pretty much how I have come to define witnessing during the past decade. However it took a while because the concept of "Soul Winning" where everyone talked about how "I won this person" or "that person" or "the other person" to Jesus. In many cases I couldn't help but think that God looked at THOSE bed posts notches in the same way he looked at mine -In fact He probably looks at that sort of boasting WORSE then he looked at my "bragging". Wing wink nudge nudge say more.
My family has always had a different view of 'soul winning'. My dad/pastor once asked to who a converted soul belonged. It goes something like this:
A person prays for the lost souls in their community, but is not very effective at bringing people to church. A second person excels at convincing people to come, but is not able to pray well with people at the altar. A third person can pray almost anybody through if they are ready, but struggles to teach a home Bible study. A fourth person can ground new people in the faith, but is not gifted in any of the other areas. The preacher preaches the word, but has less contact than any of the others due to his responsibilities. The convert is won, but to whom does the soul belong? The prayer warrior, the witness, the altar worker, the teacher, and the pastor all played a role. The convert must therefore belong to God.
Dad explained this principle to a lady in the church where we were attending because she was feeling condemnation for not being able to bring people to church and see them pray through (the pastor was big on everybody 'winning souls' and had stated that if you did not get people to come to church you would end in Hell). The lady was an excellent altar worker and teacher, but was not gifted in outreach. After this was explained to her, she felt more at ease, and had an easier time because she knew where she fit in the work.
I fear that we have taken too much from the 'Christian world' when it comes to our approach to soul winning. We should all bear in mind the words of Paul to the Corinthians. "Some plant, some water, but it is God who gives the increase."
Quote:
Originally Posted by Timmy
A lady stood and "testified" one Sunday about how she "won" someone to the Lord, and she actually made the "score one for me" gesture in the air!
I find that to be both amusing and sad. She actually was one of many who brought that soul in. She has her reward.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Titus2woman
Sometimes we are so ridiculous.. That one had to make God chuckle.
I think that God would have rewarded her in a much better way, but because of her pride she has had her reward. I hope that I never have to face God after having an attitude like that.
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I am an Apostolic Pentecostal. Apostolic in teaching, and Pentecostal in experience.
Yes, it's very clear to me that most Christians don't really believe much of what they say they believe.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Timmy
If you wouldn't mind, could you point out some specific things in this thread that offended you? I realize some of my posts lately have been a bit more blunt than usual, and I apologize for that.
I know what you mean about letting go. I tried to leave AFF once or twice before, but couldn't help but come back, after a while.
It wasn't that I was offended; I often think you are funny.
I feel bad that you think Christians have no credibility. In other words, you are saying that you don't see anyone who you feel really lives up to being what a Christian should be, or anyone who even actually believes what they say they believe.
So you aren’t able to say that while you don’t agree with what we believe, you respect us for living our beliefs.
This dawned on me while I was reading this post, and to be fair it’s not just you who feels this way, so I should not have pointed you out.
It's made me think long and hard Timmy. I want to live what I say I believe.
Gandhi once told a reporter who was trying to get a story from him as he was leaving on a train "my life is my message." I want to be able to say that also.
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Are you worried about what 2026 will bring?
I think it will bring flowers. why?
because i'm planting flowers 🌹
And to me THAT is being a witness. 
I would miss you gals very much. You have provided stimulating discussion, even if we disagree on a number of issues. However, you have never been harsh, and I have appreciated our stimulating discourses.
Yes, it's very clear to me that most Christians don't really believe much of what they say they believe.
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