OK, there is so much here you have stated, I had to get my notebook out and write it down just to reply to it all. I really dont know where to start as I assume when talking to other Christians, I will not be put in a position do defend myself in that I am a Christian, and answer regarding micro-dissections of posts but here goes. You asked about me, so in a quick post I tried to give you my beliefs. I was not aware that giving my full testimony was required of me, in my only I think second post as a newcomer to this site, but I will GLADLY give it. As a new comer, I am looking around checking things out wondering, where should I put it? In my initial post (as my testimony is a bit lengthy-or my ability to tell it is rather, by that I mean, I am a talker, but try to not be so much on a site such as this as people often see lengthy posts and dont read them all, or dont even attempt to read them. I was not looking to post a novel, just to post a bit about myself and a quick synopsis of the past two years and where I am at at this point. I will GLADLY post my testimony. General discussions?
My summary (as we both agree it is a summary), and on reading it again I can see that it is hurried, and skips over a lot of information. Perhaps I need to sit down and repost it. I am so use to working with those in other areas of life who know me, and we are on the same page, and they know what I mean when I say things, you, do not know me. I am usually pressed for time as I have a good deal of homework, and try to work other things around that. One thing I dislike about posts,& texts as I feel much gets lost in the delivery of things as opposed to in person speech or phone conversations. Repentance means more than just saying I am "sorry" to God. Real repentance is being truly sorry for sin, and change is required. By a person's fruit you will know them, (Matt. 7:15-20). God will forgive one who is truly sorry, and help him to change and avoid sin. Not to say we will never sin, as we are all sinners, but those truly committed to God hate sin and try to avoid it at all costs as this hurts God (and us) when we sin. Are we in agreement so far?
My next comment:One would think that a love of Jesus and belief in him would go without saying by Christians but in this day and I time, I guess not, so, ....
The presumption that all who say they are Christians believe the same things automatically, and that you would assume (i.e. "one would think") that to be the case, leads me to deduce the following:
1. You do not have a good understanding about what Jesus taught on false converts.
2. You do not have a good understanding about the doctrine of repentance and remission of sins.
What I meant by this is that I came here looking to talk with other Christians, not having to prove that I am one. Not feeling like I am under investigation to prove it. Perhaps it is just a misunderstanding in the delivery but here is your post, which was in regards to my post..
"I appreciate you taking the time to reply. I'm not sure how to say this in a tactful way so I just want to come out and say it straight-forward: Every churchgoer I have ever heard claims to believe what you just stated. My general summary of what you have told us so far is that you're against 501c3, you're against witchcraft, and you believe on Jesus, which does not necessarily mean that you're born again in Christ.
I wholeheartedly agree, just as having a website and posting YouTube videos does not mean one is a Christian because no one really knows another's personal life, especially if we do not know the people, just correspond with them on the internet. Not meaning that ugly, but this type of assumption can work both ways. Next part of paragraph.
"Of course it does not mean that you are not born again in Christ, as there may just be a discrepancy in writing or understanding of doctrine, or something else. However, I do want to explain the matter, and I'll begin by reminding you of what Jesus taught during what is commonly known as the "Sermon on the Mount." (i.e. Assuming that you have studied this matter out in times past.)"
I am glad that you also mentioned "it does not mean that you are not born again in Christ" also. Next paragraph:I did not see that doctrine in your original post because you really did not give any kind of testimony about your conversion to Christ and renewal by the Holy Spirit. You basically went from noticing a problem, to making a decision "to be lukewarm no more," which is not how people are converted unto Christ according to Scripture, and it's not how they become justified before God.
My concern was to make sure that we are on the same page when it comes to what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is, or at the very least, if there is a discrepancy between what you believe and what we believe, that you would understand that discrepancy as you continue on this forum, so you would understand the difference in doctrine that may appear in our discussions going forward.
I said I decided to be "lukewarm no more". One can not be a lukewarm Christian, if they are not a Christian to start with. To break it on down further, the Holy Spirit convicted me about this, and gave me a burden, about so many others that had let their heart, life, status for God, become lukewarm, and that they would be left here when he returns for his church..and ultimately, will go to hell. Are you still with me? So I repented (was truly sorry in my heart, asked God to forgive me, and to help me to help others), while I asked him for a burden for the lost (as we should have as Christians anyway if saved, I had let many things take first priority over winning souls, but my burden for other Christians who were backslid, is very great also). I hope this answers the Moderator's comment/ question: I think if you elaborate on what you believe regarding the topics Chris mentioned would help me better understand. But this caught my attention because I wonder what you mean when you say someone is backslidden and why exactly that means they would be left behind when Jesus Christ returns.
To which Administrator commented: That's a good point Tim because, as far as I am aware, the term "backslide" is not a Biblical term, so I also cannot determine what she meant, and I would like to know as well.
You said as far as you know backsliding is not a biblical term, well..here it is mentioned many places in the bible..Jeremiah 2:19, Jeremiah 3:22, Jeremiah 5:6, Hosea 5:6, 14:4, 11:17...shall I go on? I will continue on with answering your questions on a new page as what I just posted which was much more was cut off allowing for no page 2 when posted. I will label it as reply part 2.
Melissa