Regarding Holiness Issues

• Messages sorted by:[ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]

On Thu, 8 Aug 1996 08:54:44 -0400 (EDT), you wrote:

>I know that we must teach new converts what the bible says regarding
>holiness, but I don't personally think that we should force it on them or
>regard them as "less Spirit-filled saints" just because they haven't
>received the revelation yet.

First, the pastor is and should remain responsible for determining
what should be taught and WHEN it should be taught. The single
greatest classic problem in churches is the desire of saints to take
the work into their own hands. Everyone's minsitry WILL be used, but
not much will be done if people randomly pick tools up and go to work
on a pile of lumber without coordination.

>If we force convictions on people then we are giving them a foundation built
>on sand. And we all know what happens to such houses when the winds begin to
>blow.

Thats right. If a person does not know WHO Jesus is, and has not
emotionally, and personally surrendered in complete repentance, all
the add ons not only mean nothing but will prove to be unrooted.
Result: shipwreck and loss.

Bottom line is this:

For every situation that any one brings into the church, whether it be
profane lifestyle, guilt and weakenss brought about by sin, dispair,
or just plain ignorance... the answer that they need right away is THE
BLOOD.

Every sinner that comes to church needs the BLOOD, and mercy covering
their lives. They need the Love and Acceptance that other instiutions
and people cannot afford to give, because they really dont have any
themselves. But WE DO. And to those unto whom much is given, well,
much if that is required of us.. God gave us love when we were
hopeless, we can give someone else love without asking for anything
back.

Now, there is a WORD of God to straighten out every situation, and in
time, it will... But that won't be today completely, and chances are,
it wont be tommorrow.

When people mistakenly think that REPENTANCE is a INSTANTANEOUS or
short term affair (because, frankly most people have not been taught
right about this), they get to looking at a person who is six months
down the road with God and start tapping thier foot, and wondering,
"So when IS this person gonna come around and start acting and looking
like us ?".. And GOD HELP your pastor if he is not more aware and
alert about that soul's needs than you are, in some way.

So, we get to looking at them, and get into countin motes, and
evaluating spiritual qualities, and all of a sudden, we FORGET that
that SAME WORD is still working on you and me... but we are (God
forbid I glory) FARTHER down the road than they are, and (standing
back to get a closer look) the new person is only dressing
inadequately, but now I am close to holding this new soul under fire
of judgement and maybe even harbouring rebellion against my pastor in
my heart... Wow...

See, REPENTANCE IS NOT just the intro to Acts 2:38, and the lead in to
the New Birth. Its a WAY OF LIFE.  

Best leave the so called "fruit inspecting" to someone who knows how
to keep the fruit on the tree..

And BY THE WAY, SALUTATIONS and CYBERNERD GREETINGS in JESUS' NAME to
COLLEEN whose name it s really pleasant to see here on Higher-Fire!

-mwb (whose glasses are now tape-free)