Comments

HEY, GIRLS! We love hearing from you, but feel limited in the ways we can help. For one thing, we’re not trained counselors. If you’re seeking counsel, we encourage you to talk to your pastor or a godly woman in your life as they’ll know more details and can provide you with ongoing accountability and help. Also, the following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts. We reserve the right to remove comments which might be unhelpful, unsuitable, or inappropriate.

Samantha
my past does not have to control my future
on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 2:31 pm
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Over the past year or so God has shown me so much regarding my attitude toward my past. I come from a split home and have experienced much heartache, not only by my parents decisions, but by my own unwise decisions. For the past five years I have been attending a Bible camp that has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. This past year in particular, I will never forget a message that challenged many of the lies I have been living by, in that I was letting my past control my future. The message was on strongholds that the devil uses to control you and he is able to use them because we are to afraid to talk about them. What the pastor proceeded to explain was that once we talk about these "secrets" that we allow to control our attitudes, they're not secrets anymore! The devil can't continue to mess with your mind over something that is no longer kept to yourself because the lies he tells you are out in the open and by seeking truth in God's Word, we can finally begin to heal. It really is true that my past does not have to control my future, because I have finally put my trust in God. No matter what happens in my life, the Bible tells me that all things work together for good for those that believe on the son Jesus Christ.
Erin Davis
Response to Samantha
on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 6:23 pm
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Samantha -

What a beautiful testimony of deliverance. I am so glad that you have received freedom in this area of your life. Thanks for sharing your story.
~Sheila~
*my past doesnt have to control my future!*
on Friday, April 4, 2008 at 9:16 pm
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Hey, to all you girls that decided to come by and check this page out! I really wanted to make a comment on one of the turths that young women like us should believe, And that is "My past doesnt have to control my future" That is by far the biggest turth that is out there! Me myself has always thought "well i cant change what i already started because of what i did in the past" Umm that isnt ture at all! We are all sinners and God knows that. He evens knows the sins we are going to make tomorrow and a year from now! And he has already forgiven us! Because God is an amazing God and also very forgiving never forget that!

~sheila~
Moriya
Past doesn't have to control my future
on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 2:38 am
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I wanted to let all the young women, who have had rough pasts, know that it's not just our own decisions that we are set free from. I have come from a past of consistantly doing the "right" thing (according to my teachers/parents/friends/etc.) and bad circumstances kept comming my way by the decisions other people around me made. I was told over and over again that it wasn't any thing that I did and I just couldn't figure it out!</br> But I am holding onto the promise that my past doesn't control my future.</br> I need to just keep living my life for my God, and forgive my parents, and those who have hurt me. They will never be able to make up to me what opportunities or experiences they took from me by making the decisions that they made. Holding onto that anger, and resentment, only holds me back from the gifts that God has for my future. GOD CARES MORE ABOUT YOUR FUTURE THAN HE DOES ABOUT YOUR PAST.
</br> Remember that and take those hurts to Him and stop holding onto them. They are weighing you down and holding you back from the wonderful life that God has for you.</br>
I am working on this as much as you are girls so don't feel like you are alone!
</br> In His everlasting love, </br>
Moriya
no name please
Stuff
on Friday, May 9, 2008 at 11:04 pm
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I've some stuff I know I shoun't have. Nothing extreem, but against what my parents rules, a lot! And I'm not sorry! Will I go to hell? Can I be accepted into heaven without apologizing to God?
Sarah
re:
on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 10:26 pm
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yeah, sometimes I do suff that I don'tfeel sorry for, but do you WANT to be sorry? Sometimes I do things that I know I should be sorry for,but I just don't FEEL sorry. Good thing our relationship with God isn't based on feelings, (you know how we can go from being on fire for Jesus one day, then the next feel as if He were millions of miles away.) Sometimes we feel that if we admit that we are wrong, and are sorry, then we'll have lost some freedom. I struggle with this personally, disobedience of parents (when they ask me to do something and I do it anywa, thinking it won't hurt anyone, so it isn't really wrong) And about you going to hell or not, well, God is so merciful, but it really isn't up to us to know. God is so infinately loving, and perfect, what's there to stop us from apologizing? Sometimes when I'm am tempted to be stubborn and not even want to say I'm sorry to God, I think of how much he's already suffering without me adding to it. (Have you ever seen The Passion, that really puts things in perspective)
Erin Davis
Response to "stuff"
on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 3:01 pm
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I think that you are asking a really important question! You realize that you have done some things wrong, and you're wondering if you will be sent to hell for your mistakes. This is a critical first step toward realizing your need for Jesus.

The truth is that we have all done things wrong. Romans 3:23 tells us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Psalm 51:5 tells us that we have always been sinful, "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me."

And, you're right, because of that sin we deserve to be separated from God. That separation occurs in a real place called hell. Romans 6:23 tells us, "For the wages of sin is death..."

The second part of that verse offers us hope. It says..."but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Jesus came to pay the ransom for our sin. His free gift is eternal life, in heaven. Because of his sacrifice, we don't get what we deserve.

Romans 10:9 tells us, "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." You have taken an important first step by admitting that you are a sinner. Next you need to confess that sin to Christ and acknowledge that he is God's son who died for you.

Once you have taken those steps, you don't have to live in fear that God will send you to hell for your mistakes. Your sin is covered by Christ's blood.

Romans 8:1 tells us, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Christ certainly desires for us to strive to do good. You're right, it's not okay for you to be disobedient to your parents. There will be other areas of struggle throughout your lifetime, but God is able to help you to be victorious over your sin.

Does that make sense? Are there more questions that I can answer for you? Have you taken these steps? Would you like to take them? I look forward to hearing more from you!

Erin Davis
LYWB Moderator
Sarah
re:
on Monday, May 19, 2008 at 10:56 pm
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So is she for certain going to Heaven if she takes these steps? Don't get me wrong, I believe that you should take each one of them, but is that all? Does just saying those words save you for eternity?
Erin Davis
Reply to Sarah
on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 4:10 pm
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What a great question! You're right, no "words" will save us. The change has to be internal! 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells is that if we are in Christ we are a "new creation." In other words, our hearts have undergone a major transplant! The power of Christ in our lives is transformative, there must be a heart change!

I am so glad you gave me a chance to clear this up!

Erin Davis
LYWB Blog Moderator
Sarah
ok
on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 9:02 pm
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thanks, Erin! I believe that we do need a change of heart, so that we become more submissive to God's Will. But does assurance of salvation happen in a minute? And what all that stuff in the Bible where it speaks of the need of Baptism for salvation? Now, I'm not trying to be, I dunno, forward or disrespectful or anything like that, I'm just searching for the truth, as I'm sure you are also.

God bless you, and thanks!
Amelia
To Sarah in regards to "Stuff"
on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 10:11 pm
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Well, I think those words and actions should. 1 John 1:9 ( my all time fav verse) says " If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
Ali
To Amelia about the last comment
on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 9:56 am
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Amelia-
I am new on here this was my first time on and I decided to come rite to this page after listening to the video on the home page, and that verse you posted up there well I had never heard that one before that is a really good one

It was a really good for me to hear today!

Thanks for posting it!

Good Bless You!
Sarah
re:
on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 11:30 am
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yes, I like that verse, too. But it doesn't say anything about being saved at once by accepting Jesus into your heart as your personal Lord and Savior. The Bible does show salvation as a process. (ex, Rom. 8:24--1 Pet.1:9--Mt. 10:22) And what if you fall, return to sin and turn your back on Jesus after sincerely giving your life to Jesus, are you still saved? Hey, I'm not trying to be a pest here, I just want to show you another way that people see these things.
Ali
Re:
on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 12:04 pm
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Your rite Sarah. Good question I can't quite answer that for sure the rite way but I would say yes but after you can tell you did wrong I would rededicate my life to him but I would think best for you to get an answer from some one else because I really don't want to tell you wrong I would feel really bad,and to tell you the truth I sort of want an answer to that my self. and to me I would not call this being a pest I say it's good to question these things you do want a good answer and not believe a lie like we are trying to get way from by doing this hole thing
you are rite that people say these things I have heard them a lot my self.
Billie Jo
some thoughts on this
on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 3:01 pm
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What awesome conversation! My youthful past included a profession of salvation followed by years of rebellion. (I am not a young one but a youth leader...eek). I've often wondered--was I saved and God at work in my life. Or was I still unredeemed and the blessed recipient of grace? I don't have a solid answer yet BUT I know my life became different when I accepted that if Jesus is who I believe Him to be--HE should be the one in control of my decisions & actions. Here's some related thoughts to the posts that might be useful--hope so:

Amelia brought up 1 John 1:9

Confession means agreeing with God about sin. Folks can be sorry for being caught or admit they have done something wrong and never 'confess' it as a bad thing. I think those are the sins God forgives--the ones we truly confess & agree with Him about.

Also, we can pray that God make us willing to do His will...not my will but thine are Jesus' very own words.

Sarah, I'm not a Bible scholar but I think what you are seeing as a salvation process is a sanctification process. We can't add to the work of Christ for our salvation--He paid it all. But we are to work out that salvation (Phil 2:12) and grow in grace & knowledge (2 Peter 3:18).

I look forward to seeing Erin's posts--they are so well-thought out and bible-based. Blessings to each.
Erin Davis
Billie Jo
on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 3:17 pm
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What great insight! I especially love how you addressed salvation vs. sanctification. What a beautiful and well-put point!

I asked some friends of mine to take a look at this discussion just to make sure that I was communicating clearly. One of them offered some great thoughts. I will post them below. I think they might help!

· God is holy and requires that we be holy
· Yet, man is sinful and in and of himself, cannot accomplish anything truly good
· So, there is a problem- God requires holiness and yet man can only sin left to himself
· Christ is the answer. Through His perfect life and sinless death, He conquered the reign of sin. When we depend on His perfection (righteousness) and sacrifice, then God gives us what the theologian Martin Luther called "The Great Exchange"- Jesus' holiness (and righteousness before God) in place of our sinfulness.
· God has called all men to repent and trust in Christ for our salvation. We must acknowledge our utter dependence on God for holiness, acknowledge that Jesus has accomplished this for us, and throw ourselves at the foot of the cross, clinging to His sacrifice there as our hope and assurance. When we confess to God our repentance and trust in Christ, He gives us the Holy Spirit who enables us to grow in our walk with the Lord and be conformed to the image of Christ—AND because we have done nothing to earn our salvation and because it is not based on our actions at all, then there is nothing we can do to lose or un-earn it.

Keep talking! These are conversations worth having!

Erin Davis
LYWB Blog Moderator
Sarah
more thoughts on this
on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 8:35 pm
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ok, first of all, I love this conversation. I love talking to people about God and how and what and everything.
I read in Erin's previous post here, that "we have done nothing to earn our salvation". ok, well, if one accepts Jesus as His Lord and Savior, then He has DONE something to go to Heaven, hasn't he? I believe that we are saved by God's grace alone. But not everyone is saved. Why? What didn't Jesus do? Why isn't everyone saved?

And "there is nothing we can do to lose or un-earn it" what about, for example, the parable of the vine and the branches. The branches were connected (saved) to the vine (Jesus) but then were cut off because of something they did (or didn't do) However, they could be grafted back on. (saved again) What if someone sincerely accepts Jesus as His Savior, and for a couple years is on fire for Him, wants to tell everyone about Him, wants to be a missionary... ok, so he's really on fire for Jesus, and he's saved, because he's accepted Jesus. But then he falls, starts going back to his prevoius sinful life, turns his back on God. Is he still saved? I can't find anywhere in the Bible where it says that salvation is absolutely assured after one has accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. However, I can find quite a few, where people are warned about falling away from God, and 1Cor. 6:9-10 gives a list of sins that says that if anyone commits these sins, then they will not go to Heaven. Well, what if someone has accepted Jesus, but then commits these sins, will they go to Heaven? I could go on and on, but this is getting rather long...

Also, Billy Jo, in all of the verses I quoted about the salvation process, they are all saying salvation, not sanctification, so I'm not quite sure what you're meaning by that (it's probably me, I'm a bit slow sometimes:)

I guess all this comes down to...who is right? Each of us are reading the Bible and coming up with different interpretations. Who has the authority to decide who has the right one?

Sarah
Billie Jo
Salvation-today & forever
on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 8:51 am
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I agree with you...it is so cool to talk with folks about God. We need each other because none of us can fully grasp how great He is! Recognizing our inadequacy is the key to God shedding more light in our hearts--I think maybe being 'right' is about recognizing God's sovereignty.

This morning I was reading in Exodus and saw that Moses told the people to 'be still' at the Red Sea and then God told Moses 'tell them to get moving!' If Moses had stubbornly adhered to his first admonition, things would not have gone well.

You are right, those verses are using the word 'saved' not sanctified. Maybe I'm taking too much liberty with the word but I see two aspects to my salvation...the eternal saving of my soul and the daily deliverance from my 'self.'

I see the salvation of my soul as a done deal. The work of Jesus—not me. I embrace that most unfair exchange--my sins for His righteousness--with whole-hearted thankfulness.

I also see God's deliverance on a daily basis--when I choose His ways in a conflict or as a mom (or whatever comes my way), He delivers me through my obedience to HIS commands. (I also see my failure to obey perfectly & consistently which takes me back to the thankfulness of His Work :<)).

But I see your questions about eternal security, too, and have struggled with them in my own heart. Was I saved as a child or when I truly committed to allowing the Lord to be my Lord? Even for myself, I’m not willing to make a judgment on it. And for others, I don’t think we are meant to know who is ‘saved.’ I read somewhere that what we see in lives (discern) is so we can pray, not judge. Faith is not by sight…I don’t think we can know all things but we can trust the loving, wise & powerful One who does. But we can share together & rejoice in our God! Thanks so much for this Board—and please forgive me for being so long-winded!
Sarah
salvation...
on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 8:09 pm
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thanks so much for talking about this with me. Some of the things you are saying, I'm not quite clear on. (again, it is me:) About "the salvation of my soul as a done deal..." So, when Jesus died, we were automatically saved? I don't really think that's what you are saying, but that's how I understood it. We do have to DO smoething in order to be saved, don't we? Accept Him alone, according to you, be baptized, believe, and keep His commandments according to others. Either way, we do have to do something to go to Heaven.

But why...again, what didn't Jesus do, Why don't we all automatically go to Heaven. After all, Jesus suffered and died, and fully paid the price of our redemption, Jesus did it all...right?
Billie Jo
Sarah
on Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 8:14 am
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Good morning, Sarah. I just want to give you a big hug and tell you God loves it when we seek Him. You are delighting Him in wanting to understand. My words will be wholly inadequate but I am & will continue to pray that He will speak deep in your heart and shine His light in a special way for you. I believe He is God and is a rewarder of those who seek Him just as it says in Hebrews.

I have a friend who says we put way too much emphasis on what we do...that it truly is all about Him! God created us, loves us, calls us & saves us. Yet there is that aspect of free will--God created us with the freedom to choose Him or reject Him. That's the only thing we 'do'--we choose.

When Jesus died, a bridge was built for us to return to God across the canyon created by our sins. There's a great word picture that has a canyon with mankind on a mountain on the left, separated from God on the right-hand side. Along the mountainside of man are attached various rocks that try to fill the canyon. They simply can not reach the side God is on...the rocks are things like 'obedience to parents,' obedience to the law' , 'going to church', ‘not smoking or doing drugs’ --all that ‘right’ stuff we try to DO to get to heaven. It's all inadequate. But we can get there through the cross of Christ. Jesus is the Way, the only Way to relationship with God. Religion...works, baptism, the law...are things we 'do' but God wants relationship with us. We can have a relationship with Him through the work of Christ.

Yes! Jesus DID it all. And 'whosoever' believes can go to heaven. But we have to receive the gift He has given. Saying yes to Jesus opens the way for an abundant earthly life AND eternal life! Obeying His commands is from a heart of gratitude for what He's done--it isn't what gets us to heaven. Like the analogy in the ‘Lies Young Women Believe’ book, we who have the hope of Christ are like those who know a building is burning. We are so blessed, we ‘have to’ share so others won’t be burnt. The ‘have to’ is out of passion for the blessings people can have, not out of fear. I so hope that helps a little...but I KNOW prayers will help on your journey. In & with His love, Billie Jo
Sarah
Billie Jo
on Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 10:53 pm
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Hi, Billie Jo! That is a neat word picture. But is it comletely accurate? Can you still get to Heaven if you don't do all that "right stuff"? If you only believe in Jesus, and ignore the good things you are should do? After all, in the Bible, it is shown over and over again that on Judgement Day, we will be judged by our deeds. (Rom. 2:5-6 ; Mat.26:31-46). Is Faith alone the only thing necessary for salvation?
And I do believe that Jesus is the only Way. But what if He's set up something that will help us with our relationship with Him?
Billie Jo
just for Erin
on Friday, May 30, 2008 at 7:44 am
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Erin, As I was praying for Sarah this AM I was suddenly concerned that I was inappropriate in my use of the blog. I am so sorry if I have stepped on your toes...definitely not my intention. Please forgive me if I have posted poorly. I'm sure your intention for the blog is not a 'preaching post' but a place to ask questions and for you to answer. I will restrain myself. Again, I'm sorry. Blessings in your ministry.
Erin Davis
Billie Jo
on Friday, May 30, 2008 at 12:20 pm
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I love the discussion you are having on this blog! I am simply the moderator, it is my hope that conversations like the one you've been having with Sarah, will soon be happening all over the blog. I think it is so important that you are talking to and encouraging each other!

I appreciate your sensitivity, but keep the comments coming. You have great insights.

Erin Davis
LYWB Blog Moderator
Billie Jo
sarah
on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 7:26 am
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Thanks, Erin for the okay to chat. And, Sarah, you are so helping me to sort through the topic. My brother is struggling with the same sorts of question. Isn't it cool how God works things together?

I don't believe our actions get us to heaven BUT if we truly believe that Jesus is LORD, our lives will be full of the 'right stuff'. James MacDonald (the Walk in the Word guy) has a thought-provoking book I'm in the midst of entitled "The Gospel According to Jesus--what did Jesus really mean when He said "Follow Me." You are right--all that 'right stuff' DOES help our relationship to God. And Jesus said that knowing Him IS eternal life. My best advice is to keep growing toward Him but trust that it is His work that we have faith in--not our own. love, Billie Jo
Sarah
re: again
on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 4:59 pm
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Thanks, Erin, I was reading over Billie Jo's post to you and I also realized that this maybe wasn't the most appropriate place to have this conversation. But thanks so much for letting us continue it!

ok, hello, Billie Jo! (oh, and by the way, I do not feel that you are preaching at me:)
All of us Christians believe that we are saved only by God's Grace, but some of us differ about the rest...of we are saved by faith alone, or by faith and the works that in God's Grace we are able to do. (our cooperation with God's plan) I have been doing some studying on this whole topic, and I found something interesting. There is only one place in the entire Bible where the phrase 'faith alone' is said. Do you know where that is? In the second chapter of James. It says that works ARE necessary. Plain out says it. And in all the passages where it talks about judgement, what is the basis by which people are saved? Their faith? (oh, dear, I hope I'm not stepping on too many toes. Tell me if I sound uncharitable...I get pretty worked up sometimes. :) I'm both Irish and German:)

You said that you don't believe that our actions get us to Heaven. Do you believe that we can lose our salvation? I believe we can, since that is what it says over and over in the Bible. At least, that's how I interpreted it. Because, in the Bible, it gives examples of people who were saed, but then were "unsaved" by what they did (or didn't do) I think I named a few verses above.
Billie Jo
Sarah
on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 8:56 pm
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Hi, Sarah. By the way...I gave you the wrong first name on that book, it's 'John' MacDonald. One of our early LYWB groups discussed the difference between discerning & judging. Because we were going to focus on looking at the path lies blazed, we wanted to look at the difference between the two. Scripture says our fruit will identify our salvation! I definitely agree that salvation & works go together...and that works draw us closer to God and are the fulfillment of His commands.

...and I have never taken a stand on the losing salvation. I can quote verses but haven't deeply studied or considered. I just long to stay close to God and encourage others to do the same. Our LYWB group is both inter-genrational & inter-denominational so I shared that old phrase, in the essentials unity, in all else love. :<)
Blessings in your walk!
Billie Jo
John MacArthur
on Sunday, June 1, 2008 at 6:50 am
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Ugh, I annoy e. The author of that book is John MacArthur, not James MacDonald or John MacDonald. :<) Be blessed!
Sarah
re:
on Monday, June 2, 2008 at 8:42 am
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LOL, ok. I've heard of him. He's on a radio station I listen to. I'll check him out.
(By the way, have you ever heard of Scott Haun? He has some really interesting things to say, and, believe it or not, what he says agrees with the Bible. Nothing he says contradicts it.)

ok, I hope I haven't scared you away :) If not then... I wanted to ask you, what was the difference between judging and discerning that you found? I'm curious.

"in the essentials unity and all else love."
but what in the Word of God is non-essential? What are the essentials? Isn't the Bible the Word of God? What of the Word of God is not important?

alrighty, you said that you believe that slavation and works go together, and that works draw us closer to God. Do we have to be close to God in order to go to Heaven? Or do we just have to believe?

I sincerely hope I am not offending you; the whole purpose of this discussion to me is to seek the truth, ask thought-provoking questions, and to remember that there are answers. I want to follow the truth wherever it leads me, and I would leave my Catholic faith if I found something in it that denies what Jesus teaches. I would leave my faith if I found that Jesus is leading me elswhere. Would you?
Sarah
James McCarthy
on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at 10:32 am
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Hi, Billy Joe. ok, I think I found that guy you told me about. The guy I found was James McCarthy. Is that right?
well, anyway, I went on his site, Good News for Catholics, and the first thing I read was an article about a Catholic woman who didn't know her faith very well, yet, Jamed McCarthy used her as as someone who symbolized all Catholics, to show what the Catholic Church taught. Misrepresentation all over. At least the guy could have been honest as to what we believe.

I don't know if this is the person you are talking about or not...
Billie Jo
MacArthur
on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 7:25 am
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Hi, Sarah. We are on vacation this week, so my time in the house is limited. No, that wasn't the man who wrote the book I'm reading...his website is gty.org (Grace to You is what the gty stands for). His book is actually focused on your question...do you have to be close to God to go to heaven. I don't know the answer...I do know my life is better when I am close to Him. MacArthur makes a good case the a verbal assent to believing is not what the scripture teaches--that true faith produces life change.

I don't know the other gentleman--Haun. No, you are not offending me.

Would I leave my faith? I think you are asking would I leave my specific denomination...my faith is trust in Jesus Christ, so God wouldn't lead me anywhere else :<). I suspect all denominations are a bit off in certain things. I guess my 'criteria' for a church is one that preaches salvation by the blood of Christ alone, reveres the scriptures as God's inspired word, teaches how to serve in love & worship God alone.
Non-essentials--to me does not mean unimportant but not worth divisiveness for Christians...for example, tongues, music, head-coverings etc. Everything of God's Word is important and we should seek Him with all our hearts but humbly acknowledge we are humans with finite minds. The ICTHUS (fish symbol) is a good guide for focusing on Jesus Christ. Each Greek letter stands for a name of Christ--Jesus, Christ, God’s Son, Saviour. That is our unity, right...He is the divine Word and our Savior.
Judging-discerning: really another long topic but our discussion centered on God not revealing something in another's life that we can judge that person...judgement is the Lord's. Things are revealed that we might pray and actively love. Sometimes we are called to 'confront' and we talked about guidelines for that being: The motive must be love. The goal must be to help.
The context must be trust. The terms must be specific. The situation must be appropriate.
Whew...I'm sure this is long & I gotta run. Be blessed today. bj
Sarah
BillieJo
on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 10:36 pm
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ah, yes, gotcha: MacArthur. ok. Grace to You, that made things click.

alrighty, so you said that you suspect that all demonations are a bit off in some things...yeah, I'd agree. They all disagree with each other on some point, all 30,000 of them, so, probably...(sorry if I'm coming off as sarcastic, I don't mean to sound rude) and yes, I'd also agree that it is ok (though not desirable) to disagree about little things, (head coverings, music...)but what about doctrines? Is it ok to be wrong on those? You know, those common ones, faith alone, assurance of salvation, Bible alone, really Jesus is Communion...is it really alright to be wrong on those?

After Luther split from the Catholic Church, he gave the ok for everyone else to do the same. People started splitting from him and forming their own churches, then people in those new churches found something they didn't like and split...on and on, until today we have about 30,000 denominations all over the world. new ones being formed all the time. I know, this is so sad, especially keeping in mind Jesus' prayer for unity. Is this really what Jesus intended? He promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against His Church. Well, if each of these denominations have something, well, not fully true in them (I don't know how to say this), they would have a lie, and we all know who is the father of lies, so wouldn't you say that the gates of hell had prevailed against his Church? Something to think about.

Like you, I am not a Bible scholar, I don't have all the answers. I love studying this stuff, and I am still young (14), so I have plenty of time (probably, anyway:) to study and learn.

May God's Truth be with you,
Sarah
Billie Jo
Do we just have to believe?
on Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 6:15 am
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Quick note this AM...we studied 'TRUTH' last night at our LYWB study and one point was that 'knowing' is more than head knowledge. I kept thinking of your question--do we just have to believe? We talked about Satan & his demons 'believing'. Clearly saving faith changes lives by obedience to God...the obedience is a benefit that comes with faith perhaps. Anyway...off to an early morning Bible Study and a day of fishing. Be blessed.
Billie Jo
Sarah
on Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 3:48 pm
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My goodness, 14?! You are a deep thinker, my dear and God can do great things with such a passion for truth.

Never let your eyes be drawn solely to the negative...churches-denominational struggles...do exist but the gates of hell have not prevailed. Look at the lives reached and changed with the gospel throughout time. Consider Paul & Barnabas' split...great good still comes. Romans 8:28 still holds true. We don't have to have the plan. We just keep on keeping on and trust God with the big picture. You keep seeking Him, Sarah. He's gone ahead of you preparing the way & still providing rear guard! He knows the mistakes we'll make and has already put out a plan to cover them if we will just keep turning to Him. We don't need to fix it all. love you, girl
Sarah
BillieJo...Church division
on Friday, June 6, 2008 at 10:58 pm
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lol, yeah, 14. Do I sound older? lol :)

And to set the record straight, I do not just see the negative things in Protestant churches. I see a lot that I admire in them. The zeal in many of the people is something that lots of Catholics could learn from.

About Paul and Barnabas' separation, this is how I see it. Their argument shows their human weakness, but God, in spite of their disagreements, did work things out. (Rom. 8:28) Billy Jo, they still were preaching the same Gospel, the same doctrines. Paul and Barnabas did not become enstranged. They did not separate over doctrinal issues. When Luther separated from the Catholic Church, he split from her teachings, and rebelled against her authority. I do not really see a resemblance here between the two instances.

After Luther split from the Catholic Church, he formed his own church, which was based upon two principles, Bible- alone, and Faith alone. The first he set up because he did not want to submit to the Catholic Church's authority. Actually, this doctrine is unbiblical in itself. Because where in the Bible does it say that the Bible is supposed to be your sole authority? See how it doesn't work? If any belief that can not stand up to the scrutiny of simple logic is not a belief that is of God.
The second, faith-alone, is also refuted in James chapter 2, where it frankly says that faith alone is not sufficient. "As a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." and a little before, "See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone"

alright, this is already long enough, I hope you aren't asleep. :)

God Bless You!
Sarah
Billie Jo
for Sarah
on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at 10:44 am
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Lots of good points, Sarah. Stay strong in the Lord!
Sarah
BillieJo
on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at 3:59 pm
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Thank you. Should I take that as a hint that you've had enough of me? :) If that is the case, tell me. I would miss discussing things with you, but if I'm making you feel uncomfortable, and you think it is best we quit, we can. :(

I sincerely hope I haven't stepped on too many toes, but just to talk about things that normally aren't talked about between us. Lots of times Protestants and Catholics, once they learn of their differences, let those differences divide them, and they let be things which should not be let be. They don't like to discuss these things because they are afraid of being offended, and having their " feathers ruffled".I am not like that, I am perfectly willing to talk things over, and I even enjoy it. So if you do want to continue...:) I'd be very happy!
Billie Jo
Sarah
on Monday, June 9, 2008 at 8:00 am
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Hi, dear girl. I would not say at all that I've 'had enough of you.' There was just nothing I have to offer on those things in your last post, honey. They are big issues that can't be resolved in my mind. My passion is for drawing close to Jesus and I can talk about that for hours. But the things that divide, philosophies & all that...they make my mind take a nap. :<) Sometimes discussions fall into semantics...how one defines a word determines what one truly means. Pursuing God with all our hearts, minds & strength is a worthwhile endeavor. God may have given you a passion for those bigger issues--and they are important. They are beyond me, though? So...not tired of you at all. You are an inspiration & delight. I've been thrilled to be your posting partner. When I feel I can offer any useful thoughts, I would be honored to do so. God's got great plans for you, Sarah!
Sarah
re:
on Monday, June 9, 2008 at 9:58 pm
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ok, thanks. Now I feel better. (I had been thinking, whoa, maybe I overdid it on that last one, there) I'll try to be more, well, sensitive, I guess is the word. I am gonna try to do that 30 day Bible reading thing. (I have to admit, I don't read it every day, like I should). Me and my dad are going to get together with our Baptist neighbor, who's trying to save us from "Romanism". Admirable. She's very zealous, so she's a perfect match for me .lol(though she is more knowledgable) Should be interesting. You know, I was wondering, and maybe you'd be the one to know: what's the difference between Fundementalists and Evangelicals. It's sorta got me confused. Thanks.

In Christ,
Sarah
Billie Jo
hmmm
on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 7:24 am
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I feel bad to have made you think you did something wrong. You are such a dear. I have your name in my prayer journal with the other ladies in our 'Lies' study--I will especially lift up your commitment to the Bible reading. If I trace my faithwalk backwards, I see a huge impact from a (minimal!) commitment made 14 years ago to read God's Word daily. His Word is SO COOL, SO POWERFUL...I'm excited for you--and everyone who takes that challenge. I think I'll pass that along at our study tomorrow.

I don't know the 'official' difference between fundamentals & evangelicals...and I suspect many folks use a different definition or mean something different when they tag that line on themselves. That's neat that you & your dad are going to pursue God with the neighbor--don't let the denominational thing distract from Jesus.

Praying with you and for you! bj
abby
never thought of it like that
on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 8:42 pm
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Whenever I go to the mall, I always feel like I should be dressed in better clothes. When I read this it made alot of sense. It's perfectly true that you are'nt always gonna fit that cute shrit for eternally long. It's true that you will always be satisfied with God.
Amy
Truth 5
on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at 1:59 am
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even though I know the bible is very important to a true walk with God, it's hard for me to accept that it's enough. Many people around me are going into deeper levels with God and hearing his voice personally. To me, reading the bible just doesn't seem the same as getting a personal word, but I don't know how to have that kind of speaking relationship with God... (sorry if I got off-topic on that, but I've been looking for a way to bring that up on the blog)

another note on God's word, I want to read the bible but I have no idea where to start, so I'd appreciate help in that area as well

sorry to interupt Sarah and Billie Jo's conversation which was very intruiging and inspirational

God bless you all, and thanks to Sarah for bringing some of my own thoughts into discussion
Ali
To Amy
on Friday, July 25, 2008 at 12:08 pm
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Amy,

Don't feel bad at all.

I would have to tell you as far as the where to start in reading the Bible. This is what my youth Pastor is having us do and I like it a lot . We read 3 chapters a day and if we miss a day that's ok. But we started in Genesis and are going through Revelation. It works really well. If you don't want to do something like that I would say read these books first (even though they are all good but these are my favorites):
Genesis, Job Psalms, Proverbs, Luke, Romans, and Revelation.

Hope I helped at least some!

God bless you and help you grow in your walk w/ him!!!!
Amy
thanks
on Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 5:38 pm
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thanks Ali, yeah it did help, I started reading proverbs, and there was a lot there that helped me, and a lot of the verses that helped me are pretty easy to remember too!
Rachel
Unsure
on Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 12:05 pm
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Well, I see no one has posted on here since the middle of the summer, so I really hope someone sees my post and will respond.. but anyway.

Over the past several months, I have these spiritual highs and lows. Sometimes, I really get interested in God, the Bible and being/getting saved. Other times, I get really distracted and I feel that I'm completely satisfied in life at the moment. Recently, my parents and I started doing a devotion together every night, it began pretty well (a high), and then Thanksgiving came around and we were busy so we missed for a few days, and then I just got distracted and didn't really feel or care to do it (a low). But, a couple days ago my Dad and I began doing it again. I'm just really unsure of things. I really want to be saved and give myself to Jesus but sometimes I get so distracted and I just put God in the back of my mind (though I still constantly have thoughts about him). I understand that Jesus died for me on the cross because the punishment for sin is death. He died for me to have the choice of salvation or not. I understand that I can be forgiven by trusting God and becoming saved. I basically understand all the main points of becoming saved and being saved and a Christian life. I just need something to give me that last push.
Erin Davis
Rachel
on Friday, December 12, 2008 at 5:00 pm
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It sounds like you are talking about two different things 1) being saved 2) living out the Christian life.

If you have acknowledged that you are a sinner in need of a Savior, and that Jesus is God's son who died for you and was raised from the dead, and if you have asked Him to forgive you of your sins and be the Lord of your life, your salvation is secure. This isn't based on feelings, it is based on admitting your need and Christ's ability to fill that need.

Now living out a daily life that honors God is a different story all together. Once you accept Christ, it is not like a magic wand gets waved that makes you do everything right from that point on. You will still wrestle with what Paul calls "your flesh." That part of you that is prone to distraction, to disobedience, and to sin. We all wrestle with that. But following Christ is a lifelong process.He is there for you regardless of your feelings.

What do you feel like you need a last push to do? Accept Christ? Live a more committed life to Him?

Are these issues that you could talk through with your parents, your pastor, or your youth pastor?

Erin Davis
Esther
Bible Camp
on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at 3:54 pm
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Off topic* But read. You might be interested. Almost every year i go to this Bible Camp. Its a different topic every year. What i like about this camp is that it is full of Christians ready to learn but there is also a fun part to it. You don't have to be a Christian. Ages are from 8-18. If you are 18 and up you can be a counselor. You can still be a Camper if you like too. Here is the Website. Check it out. The camp cost $425. You don't have to pay it all. You can pay 25, 50, 55, 80.What ever you have. This year i only paid a little. If you don't pay it all, you write a letter to the person who donated the money to you. They provide you with paper and pens. You get divided into age group cabins , so if you16, you wont be with 12 year olds, you'll be with 14,15, 16. Check out the Website. Tell your mom, your dad, your brothers and sisters. http://www.northeastfccamp.com/index.html


Youll be glad you came. The director of the camp is Gardner hall. This year on the 4th of July, i got baptized. The topic this year was love. I cant wait to find out about next year. There is also a camp just for girls, this august. The topic is, choose today whom you will serve. Aside from that, we are going to learn how to be faithful to our husbands in the future and how to cook and be holy women. You can contact Gardner Hall on the same website. Only Girls.