That's what this altar is for

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 On Mon, 3 Mar 1997 18:29:15 -0600 (CST) richardm@cd.com (Richard
Masoner) writes:
 
>Okay, help me out here saints.
 
>He says he doesn't go to the altar because it's not scriptural: it
>wasn't the practice of the church in the New Testament.  All it is
>is an excuse, of course, but how do you respond to something like
>that?

Bro Masoner
	I am not a expert on this or  one of those apologetic types but I

did think of something after reading your post.  

I thought about myself as I refused the altar many times growing up.  I
had every
excuse in the world in why I wasn't going to the altar.  Why did I do
this?  I was
scared.  Scared of what?  I don't know.  When I finally grew tired of
resisting,
I went down to the altar and tears began to flow.  I became embarrassed
and 
once again refused to go to the altar for the longest time.  One night in
a youth convention many years ago in Seymour, IN.  I was sitting in the
balcony of the
church and a altar call was given.  I was asked by the then youth pastor
to go
down to the altar and pray, I refused.  God must of said enough was
enough at
that point because I became so overwhelmed by a strong presence that I
began
to pray in the balcony.  At that point I realized it was useless trying
to resist the
spirit of God when I wanted to seek Him so badly.  Today, I go to the
altar whether I feel I need to or not.  I do not do it out of habit, but
out of necessity.  
	I guess what I would be trying to say is this...
This man would not be coming to church if he did not like it.  Saying he
comes just because his wife does is an excuse.  He might be refusing the
altar because he is scared.  Scared of what, I do not know.  I was scared
for no reason too.  Maybe he is worried what other might think?
  I was asked many times over to go to the altar, sometimes pleaded at to
go.  The point was, I went when God made me realize I was fighting a lost
battle.  This man too, might be fighting a losing battle.  Be patient
with Him.  God knows the situation and the guy obviously knows his own
situation.  Trying to battle his excuses at this point might only make
him more hesitant to go when he realizes he needs to.  God is in control,
especially if He has told you this man will receive the Holy Ghost.  All
we can do is be lead by God to do what is best.

In my own humble opinion,

Chris Sterrett    :)
sterrett@juno.com