OK Qwerty; you do not wish to discuss what you disagree with in your congregation, but could you answer a few more questions for us ?
1. You have said that all who are born again are part of the COG. In two sentences or less, explain how you define "to be born again".
2. You have indicated that many (or maybe most) who post here will meet with disappointment on the judgment day. Do you hold to the belief that all those who do not understand "entire sanctification" as you do, and have been exposed to that teaching, are NOT born again? If you are not of that opinion, explain where and when such action or experience becomes a do or die responsibility for believers.
3. You have said that the church is "one peoples and one message" (or close to this??); and that you believe that the church today is in the wilderness. What is your view of the what the "church" will become or how it will be seen, before the return of Christ.
In two sentences or less, explain how you define "to be born again".
You experience true conversion by having godly sorrow (2Cor 7:10), repentance (Luke 13:3), forsaking of all sin (Joh 5:14), by faith believing on Jesus in your heart (Rom 5:1), confess with your mouth Jesus as your Savior (Rom 10:9-10), confession of sins to God in Jesus name (1Joh 1:9; Act 4:12) and then go in the power of the Holy Spirit (1Cor 10:13; 2Pet 1:10; Jud 1:24) and sin no more (1Joh 5:18).
"You have indicated that many (or maybe most) who post here will meet with disappointment on the judgment day."
No I have not posted that. I have posted that all that have a form of godliness and deny the power in the blood to live a holy sin free life will be lost. It is not for me to say who is sinning and who is not as some times there is a difference in definations of what sin is.
"Do you hold to the belief that all those who do not understand "entire sanctification" as you do, and have been exposed to that teaching, are NOT born again?"
Not at all.
"If you are not of that opinion, explain where and when such action or experience becomes a do or die responsibility for believers."
When you understand it is a Bible teaching and you refuse for what ever reason to embrace it and experience it. Just like anything else in the Christian life. You can't willfully reject God's will for you life and remain in a right standing with God.
"You have said that the church is "one peoples and one message" (or close to this??); and that you believe that the church today is in the wilderness."
The church is every person that is turly born again in heaven and in earth and all those that are under the age of accountability and all those that are mentally challenged to the point where they are the same as a child that is under the age of accountability.
I would hold that all are born spiritually alive and when they come to the age of accountability as Paul speaks of in Roman 7 they spiritually die and then if they are not saved they will be lost.
Rom 7:9: For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
"What is your view of the what the "church" will become or how it will be seen, before the return of Christ."
I don't know. I do know that what is seen as the church (all the sects and divisions of Protestantism) is in apostasy and is opening its arms to the world more and more. It hard to say what is going to happen. I also know that we are called to forsake Protestantism for it is fallen.
2Cor 6:17
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
1Tim 6:3-6 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Rev 18:2,4: And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird... And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
It only makes sense that they should gather together.
But no matter the state of the body of Christ I refuse to allow it to discourage me in any way. I will walk by the grace of God in all the light God shines on my path and share it with others (by this I mean salvation -- loving God with all your heart, and good works -- loving your neighbor as yourself).
By the grace of God I will thrist and hunger after righteousness, I will work out my salvation with fear and trembling, I will perfect holiness in the fear of God, I will be content in whatever state I am (save for my spiritual condition), and I will press, press, press until I put off this vile body off and go to be with my Saviour and I think the sooner the better!
Mat 5:20
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 24:13
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
1Pet 4:18
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
I don't know. I do know that what is seen as the church (all the sects and divisions of Protestantism) is in apostasy and is opening its arms to the world more and more. It hard to say what is going to happen. I also know that we are called to forsake Protestantism for it is fallen.
So, are you saying you wish to see a return to Orthodoxy?
Caution: This forum may contain statements and comments that are offensive. If you are easily offended, please exit this forum now.
By using this forum you agree to be accountable and liable for your post's. All postings are the responsibility of the posting participant. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the management.
