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Thief on the Cross

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Posts posted by Thief on the Cross

  1. @Brother Stafford. I have not been here long, but I appreciate your wisdom on issues. I may not  have seen things the same  but you have given me things to ponder.  Thank you for that.   I agree with you about the internet.    I will miss reading your thoughts on things.  

  2. 2 hours ago, Pastor Scott Markle said:

    I wish to commend that spirit of meekness and submission.

    Please understand that my posting above was NOT intended as a direct attack against your pastor.  I do not know him.  Thus I would NOT seek to engage in attack against him.  However, my posting above WAS intended as an attack against a particular doctrinal position that I believe is Biblically false.  From that I am NOT stepping back.

    Thank you , I did not see it as an attack,    I realize he is a man and may have some things he believes that may not be right.  As a married woman I also don't have the choice as to where I  attend church.  There are a few things I have found are off.   But I love them dearly.    Where do you draw the line and say thats enough? !   Of course again as woman I dont have that say.  I will pray about these things and hope the Lord will correct them.  

  3. Thank you for your replys.  I do love my church and the pastor, but there are things that either dont sit well with me or are completely foreign.   I had zero boundaries or rules of any kind growing up.  So needless to say I balked against any authority in my life, nor did I have any standards or build character.   So for me I need to check,   and ask myself  is this the Word of God or is me , my flesh  pushing against this. .  I am not an authority on the bible,  so I appreciate all your help. 

  4. A few terms that I had not heard prior to attending an IFB church.   Undershepherd is one .  I had not heard a pastor referred to as an Under shepherd.  Or the term " Sheep cant teach sheep, or sheep cant shear sheep".   I hear these often.   Although I cant find a biblical reference or reason for these sayings.  Thoughts please. 

  5. Can sone one answer a few questions for me then.  These are sincere questions , trying to understand.

    I will use sone examples from people I know.

    A couple comes to our church.  Both have been previously married, now living  as whats called  common law.  They have children from previous marriages and also a child from their union.   After they are both saved, They were told they should be married.   Should they be married?

    Another couple,  both divorced,  get saved , told they should be married.  Should they be?  They have no children between them , but adult children from their previous marriages.   They were living together. 

    The woman at the well.  Jesus said that she had five husbands,  are we to believe they have all died.  Or 4 have died , 1 is still alive and that is why he says the one you are with is not you husband? 

     

  6. 9 hours ago, Pastorj said:

    Throughout my ministry, I have counseled a number of men and women in the same position. There will be people who disagree with what I am going to say, but Scripture is clear.

    Marriage is permanent. With man, you are divorced. You and your wife are no longer legally married. God's views are different. In God's eyes she is still your wife, which is why you are not eligible to remarry until she departs this earth. This does not mean that your life is over. There are many areas of ministry that you can and should be involved in. I know many divorced individuals who teach Sunday School classes, run bus ministries, start single ministries to help others. God can and wants to use you. Start by getting into a good church and serving the Lord.

    Is it really that cut and dry Pastorj?  I am married to a man that was married prior.  We were both unsaved and had no clue what the Lords word was on this.  We were both saved after we were married.  The Lord obviously had mercy on us.   Prior to our conversion we were according to the bible dead.  If some one committed these things while dead,  then were made alive, a new birth , a new creature,  I have always believed that changes things.   God doesn't even remember our past according to scripture.    

  7. 1 hour ago, heartstrings said:

    Every person who has posted in this thread, including myself of course, is STILL a sinner. Assuming all of us are saved, does God love us? Of course He does.

    And when Jesus went to the cross, who were the sinners then? Everyone; the whole world. Yet He loved sinners then too. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son.............."John 3:16 

    Plainly, God loved us when we were sinners(and still are)........But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.Romans 5:8

    1 John 4:19 , wouldn't make any sense.  "We love him,  BECAUSE he first loved us". 

  8. On 8/7/2012 at 12:38 PM, heartstrings said:

    If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26

    So the same Jesus who said if you hate your brother, you're a murderer, indicates that God wants you to hate your "brethren" ? Not to mention parents and kids? By the same reasoning we should proclaim that God not only hates sinners, but he also hates us all!!.That's foolish!! Apparently, "hate", doesn't always mean the evil kind of hate. Maybe it simply means we are to put God first, huh? And putting God first = LOVING others as yourself doesn't it!! So I'm going to just stick with believing that God wants me to love my family and my " brethren", and I will continue to love and honour my Mom and Dad, and my Stepdad(my dad passed away) just like he wants me to love sinners. These SCORNERS can accuse God's people of following the teachings of "Ghandi" if they want to, just like they put down everyone who isn't as "holy" as they think they are. Instead of an "all hate" gospel or an "all love" gospel, I'm going to proclaim man's awful sin, preach God's BOUNDLESS Love, and I'm not going to forget God's terrible judgment on those who reject it...... and there you have the whole counsel of God.

    I realize this is a very old thread.  But I heard this last night.  " That if your not in Christ,  God hates you , infact he doesn't even  know you.  It didn't sit right with me.  I think your answer is about right.   

  9. 33 minutes ago, No Nicolaitans said:

    I could be wrong, but I don't think the word "discretion" in that verse is referring specifically to a woman's clothing (or lack thereof).

    The word "discretion" as defined in the 1600s...

    From Robert Cawdrey's "A Table Alphabeticall"...

    https://extra.shu.ac.uk/emls/iemls/work/etexts/caw1604w_removed.htm#d

    My answer was in keeping with the original post and discussion.   I do not understand the point of the proverb being posted in any other context.    If it was not directed at the woman of the OP , I dont see the point othervthan to cause contention,    im to sick and tired (literally) to go around in circles .   I was hoping to have civil discussion and fellowship on this site as Im shut in quite alot.   I dont think this is the place for me.   

  10. 31 minutes ago, Brother Stafford said:

    Like many people, I read a proverb every day.  Today's is interesting:

    "As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion." (Proverbs 11:22)

    I do not disagree with the Word of God.  But not what I would quote to an unsaved woman who happened to walk in to a service.   ??.  

    Here is another good one from today.

    "When pride cometh, then cometh shame, but with the lowly is wisdom. (Proverb 11: 2)

    I need wisdom when dealing with the unsaved .  Just like the woman that first invited me to church.  She new my biggest issue was not undress , but unbelief.  

  11. 5 hours ago, swathdiver said:

    Seems some have ripped this page from their bible and replaced it with being haughty.

    Im not sure if this is directed at me , but I apologize if I came across that way.   Its difficult in a venue where body language and voice inflections are not heard.   Its like when we deal with the deaf.   Just making the signs is often not enough for them to understand,  body language and facial expressions help to get a full meaning.  

  12. 5 hours ago, Pastor Scott Markle said:

    Sister,

    Please understand that I myself do NOT stand in complete agreement with Brother Stafford on this matter.  Nevertheless, I would recognize that your comparative examples above are something like comparing "apples to cucumbers."  Smelling badly is NOT a moral issue.  Dressing immodestly (toward that which God's Word defines as "nakedness") IS a moral issue.  The two issues are NOT an equivalent comparison.

    Sorry I realize they were not the best examples.  The man I mentioned it was the alcohol smell , meaning he had been drinking and recently before service, by the strong odor.  The boy I mention , because of the discussion of proper church behavior.   But yes a smell is not the same.   

  13. Well I guess there are differing opinions on how an unbeliever should be treated .  I guess we will all have to answer to the Lord for what we do.   

    Also another thing that I wonder is are we supposed to be erecting large buildings to hold our meetings in.  Is this building the "house of God"?  Or are we the house of God.   Is God dwelling there if we are not?     Why do we put up signs, with service times,  special events and such.   Or do you have "everyone welcone" .  Is it true?    What I believe reflects how I treat unbelievers, because I was one.  

    We had a man who would come in stinking of alcohol,  he was not disruptive,   but he stunk.   We were happy he was there.   He heard the gospel many times over a few months.   We bring a boy often , who also smells badly .   We pick him up and need to put the windows down he smells so awful.    His parents couldnt care less.    He never bathes or has clothing washed.   We have washed his clothing a few times  when we brought him home and given him clothing, but they quickly become like the rest, as he never takes them off.     We believe we are doing the right thing bringing him to church or including him in activities.    This would also be considered poor behavior.    Why are certain things ok or acceptable so they can be reached and not others.      I would never say to him he cant attend unless he cleans himself up first.   He doesn't know any better .    I also believe the same of the Lady who attends in what she believes is a nice outfit.   

     

     

     

     

     

  14. Brother Stafford, may I ask how you would respond to the original question.  Please understand Im not trying to argue with you.  I believe by your responses that you love the church and its people.   I know we dont see some things the same,  but would like to know your opinion on what would Be the best way to deal with someone dressed like described in the OP.    If you dont want to answer thats fine.  

    Also I agree completely that both saved men and women are responsible for their thoughts and actions.   But an unsaved is not in the same way.  They are in bondage held captive by the enemy.  We should first be concerned with their souls , before clothing.    I dont want to forget those the Lord used , some of them were Harlots.  Why was Mary Magdalene drawn to the Lord, because he had compasion on her , I believe.    I would have to do the same with soneone thats walked in , in the attire of a harlot.    Maybe its because Im a woman, and one that lived in the world for 36 yrs.  I would like to think as christians we woukd put aside our comfort for a while in hopes that a soul might be saved.    

  15. I have a solution for the debate on clothing. We should all go back to wearing tunics like the bible times.   Yes Im being silly,  but honestly I would be all for it.  I wouldn't have to think about what to wear.  No one could judge another about their spiritual state based on what their wearing.   And comfortable!!  Im mean what could be more comfy.   

    I understand everyones point of veiw to some extent.   As far as bikinis and Speedos go.  I personally cant see anyone entering a church wearing one,  unless their intention was to offend.   Or maybe if you decided to hold a service on the beach, then perhaps. 

    I do believe that the IFB does put more pressure on women to be modest than men.   I see way to many men with their pants far to snug , And I have Never heard anything preached at them.   Alot of women now a days , (and its an awful thing) are addicted to pornography as well.   I do believe we are all accountable to one another and should help each other to not sin.   But it can go overboard,  thats why  so many of the Arab nation have their women wear burkas.    When we take all responsibility away from men for watching their eyes and controlling their thoughts, it puts a heavy burden on women and allows men to believe they are not responsible for their actions.    

    So many times when a Christian man falls in adultery,   what I hear is more preaching about covering up directed toward women.  The man is talked about as a poor brother that fell.   I find it disturbing.     

     Im all for modesty ,  I believe that I do dress modest , even when I do wear pants.   I see others will disagree with me.   And I know that many in my church feel Im less sanctified and a lesser christian because I dont see things their way.   I guess that's just the way it will have to be unless the Lord tells me different.    I do understand that everyone has their own personal convictions,  and I do respect that.    

     

     

     

     

     

  16. I have been reading through all the comments and finding them interesting.

      I am still after several years attending an IFB church ,( which I love for the most part) trying to figure out some of the practices.   The dress code has always been one .  You see I attened 2 different churches prior, well actually 3.  The church I was saved in I only attened 3 times as I moved , it was a sovereign grace baptist.    I attened in jeans , no one looked at me differently,  believe me I was looking for it.     After that attended community church and then fellowship baptist.  What I don't undrrstand is why I was never convicted of the Lord or by any church member all 9 yrs about my clothing.   It was never ever mentioned , preached or talked about,  it was a non issue.    When first saved I read and read every spare moment the bible, its all I wanted to do.   You would think the spirit would have convicted me in that time.     It wasn't until attending the IFB that I had ever heard of such a thing , except for cults like Amish or Mennonite.       What I was convicted of though were my thoughts.   I did not want to dress any longer to appear attractive to the opposite sex or to make other women jealous.      Never did that equate to never wearing pants.      Never all those years prior did I ever look at someones outward appearance and judge whether or not I think them to be saved or sanctified.    I hear this alot where I attend, that people can tell your different by the way you dress.    I will be brutally honest here.    I REALLY dont get it.   The preoccupation of clothing with the IFB , the ties the skirts and dresses ,  the whole dressing for the Lord.    Some of the best times with the Lord Im in my PJs.     I find it to be a burden , that has brought me to tears some Sunday mornings as I look for something to wear that won't draw LOOKS in my direction.     I have never felt the pleasure of the Lord in my spirit by anything I have put on my flesh.  

    I am concerned for my son with this issue,  I dont want him to be preoccupied with this.  I dont ever want him to look at a person and make a judgement about them by their outward appearance.     I have had to rebuke him several times.   Once he pointed out a man on the road with tattoos and mentioned "how ungodly "  that man is.   It broke my heart.     There are so many wonderful things about our church , but the clothing , outward appearance issues IMO is not one of them.    I sincerely hope I am not offending anyone,  that is not my intention.  Im just speaking from where Im seeing things.  

     

  17. 15 hours ago, John Young said:

    I went to one church down south, a long while ago, that the women had gotten spare modesty attachments for dresses. They were about the size of a hand towel and attached to the garment. If a new person came and was clear they were trying but just didn't know how to cover properly, one of the older ladies would kindly take here aside and explain the churches modesty requirements and show her how to attach it. Typically those who dressed immodestly did not come on their own but were invited by a conservative relative who would take them aside, so there was not to big of a problem with it for them. 

    I was told of a church that had spare neck ties at the door, if you showed up without one you were given one to put on.   

  18. Hi everyone,   I dropped off my son at camp this afternoon.    Im having a hard time with it. He has never been away from me overnight.  I know its a sin to worry , but I am.   I keep going to places in my mind that are not good.   I will be up there everyday helping with lunch, but I cant stay due to physical issues with me.   I could use some prayer for peace with this.  Thank you.   

  19. Amen. I agree.   Heartstrings.   We had a woman that attended years ago , she was a bit of a wild one.  Didnt dress terribly inappropriate.   She ended up leaving after some less than kind things were said to her.  The woman who said these things was very upset with herself after , but it was too late then.  

  20. A friend and I were discussing this .   She attends a different church a Brethen Assembly.   They are very conservative,  close to IFB in practice and standards, at least her assembly is.  Well they have this woman that attends every once in awhile.   She dresses , well like the world,  the bible would call it a harlot.   Anyway, she is unsaved as of yet.   She wears what my friend says is "cleavage first" and a short skirt.    I asked has anyone said anything to her?   She said, no we just warmly welcome her.   Well I thought that  was really great.  But the truth is Im not so sure what my church would do.  We rarely have visiters that dont belong to another church.  Im not sure what would happen if she came to ours. I personally would welcome her, but others where I attend may do differently.    Some are very protective of their families,  and rightly so.    Opinions on what you might do?   

  21. 47 minutes ago, Davidjayjordan said:

    Great Name... theif, so allow me to answer or attempt to answer, even though I amjust a Christian rather than a certified Baptist.

     

    Left behind series is a pre tribualtion rapture series with that prophetic interpretation.. and so maybe that is where your confusion comes from.

    For I would say from scriptures, all get saved at the Lords SECOND COMING, whether they worked and served HIM or did nothing and just went to HIM because Jesus saved them and not they themselves.. Because the good old Baptist belief that theres eternal security when we receive Jesus applies. Its not by works but by His saving Grace and sacrifice on the cross for us ,,,,,all, even the theif on the cross who didnt have time to do good works for the Lord, and yet still was promised and received ETERNAL LIFE and will be seeing His Saviour afterwards.

     

    As for your family, even though endangering my stay here with an answer. I am compiled to give you one because of the Lords concern for you and THEM.

    Ill just say the

     

    LORDS MERCY endureth FOREVER

    Its a truth

    The Lord is longsuffering to uswards, not willing that any should... LOOK that one up at Bible Gateway KJV

    IE, The place opposite heaven..... is not intended for those that go there to be permanent place forever, but can be temporary, as the Lord loves your family, each and every individual..... and if people are humble and learn their lesson in time, the GOOD BOOK seems to indicate they will not stay there, because the Lords MERCY endureth forever.... whether for the first or the LAST ..

     

    IMO

     

    And I shall not try to convince people otherwise who insist that unbelievers go to that place FOREVER. Some may have to stay there forever\m but the humble and those that receive His LOVE can come out of the pit......

    Hi Davidjayjordan.   Are you a conditionlist/annihilationalist. ?  I looked into some of that early on as it seemed appealing when all of my family is unsaved.   It didnt stand up to scripture though.   But Thank you for your reply.  

  22. Im not sure this is the correct area to post this question.

     Im looking for a free or inexpensive kjb devotional or reading plan for young people.   My son is 9 , andwe have been using one online that is ok , but its really not great.  I would love a reading plan that maybe has 10-20 verses with questions that he can ponder.   Is there anything like this available?   He reads a proverb most every day , so this would be in addition to that.  

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