| Christian Lobotomy... [message #15] |
Wed, 01 February 2006 06:09  |
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 william
Messages: 1462
Registered: January 2006 |
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We as Christians are faced with an interesting dilemma.
Do we use our brains, or not?
When God created us, He could have easily created a race of robots that would act and react to every situation in a predictable way, using a preconceived set of instructions.
Instead, He chose to create us with a brain capable of discernment and choice.
We all know the mistakes that can be made if that mind isn't subject to God and to His will, *but* do we really understand that the mind is just as capable of right-choices --if we are walking in the light?
God never intended that the wonderful gift of volition be viewed as something negative, something that we should seek-at-all-costs to avoid using.
No, He has given us minds to be used for His glory. It brings Him no glory when we don't use our minds in situations that call for discernment and follow blindly a course of action without careful thought. How else do we think God is going to lead us? Are we to expect Him to speak audibly whenever there is a dangerous situation? Usually He expects us to put two and two together, and not plunge head-long into something when we aren't sure that it is His will.
It's the enemy of our souls who shouts "UNPARDONABLE SIN!" when we question something that we are not sure about. Do we seriously think that God is pleased when we blank our minds and follow every wind of doctrine that blows our way? I think not.
Satan needs a passive mind to be able to effectively work his devices, and if he can also promote the idea that a passive mind is a "spiritual" mind then he has achieved a great victory.
When we use our *redeemed* minds, to make judgments, discern His will, and question things we don't understand, we are doing exactly what God intended.
My point is that we should never over-ride concerns about a particular minister or ministry. If we are growing in the knowledge of God's Word, our mind (through decisions, judgments, etc.) is going to be the primary way that He leads and ultimately keeps us from disaster.
moulder
[Updated on: Mon, 23 November 2020 14:04]
I want to believe!
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| Re: Christian Lobotomy... [message #113 is a reply to message #15] |
Sat, 25 February 2006 20:24  |
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william
Messages: 1462
Registered: January 2006 |
Senior Member
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What we need to remember as believers...I think...is when the going gets tough, and it seems as though God isn't listening, and we cannot make connection, is that this time is exactly when we as believers are being examined, to see if we will do the right thing, as we have been taught, or will we do the convenient thing?
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Yes, that is right. It amazes me how often I hear that someone is waiting on a supernatural sign to do something that seems obvious.
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I have used the same exact argument to people, to explain Gods' providence and human free will.
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When we moved back to Alabama, we attended a gathering that had received teaching from Faith Assembly. A guy from Tennessee would drive down once a week and teach. The meetings were pretty well established, so when we moved we assumed that we would be worshiping with these believers.
We were very surprised when we attended our first meeting. We sat around for what seemed like an hour "waiting on the spirit to move." I felt uncomfortable in saying anything or starting a song because I certainly didn't want them to think that I was there to take over anything. Well, the waiting was unbearable. They explained that nobody did anything unless the Lord first led them.
After an eternity (seemingly) someone would say "The Lord would have me...". It got to the point that I hated hearing that phrase! No one did anything until they could say "the Lord would have me...".
Well, I don't know how you guys are but I don't hear directly from God about every little thing, and when I do "believe" I'm hearing from God, it can easily be explained away as something other than God (my own thoughts, the devil, etc.,etc.,) if I'm not discerning. Supernatural visions and dreams are not usually the way my day begins! <g>
I know that there are spiritual people out there that operate on a different plain so I'm not knocking that (I've read my Bible!) but in my life I have to take a lot of things "by faith."
To make a long story short, I started bringing my guitar and would make a point of starting the meeting at the time the meeting was supposed to start--even if the Lord didn't tell me to do it.
We stopped going after awhile for reasons I'll save for another post, but I did learn one thing--I'm not cut out to be a Quaker!
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I've always wondered why, if one woman was good for man, wouldn't two be better and three, the best?
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Hombre, you surprise me. Haven't you ever read Rev 14:4?? We are overcomers man! We are not to defile ourselves with women!<grin>
William
I want to believe!
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