I don't think I will be an SDA member

[cricket]

When I focus on my sins, that's what I think about (my sins); giving entrance to repeat my past mistakes. When I focus on Jesus and His grace, my mind is sufficiently filled with the wonder of it all that it practically blots out thoughts of sin. Does that make sense?

Perfect sense.

[Woody]

Originally Posted By: JoeMo

When I focus on my sins, that's what I think about (my sins); giving entrance to repeat my past mistakes. When I focus on Jesus and His grace, my mind is sufficiently filled with the wonder of it all that it practically blots out thoughts of sin. Does that make sense?

Perfect sense.

[JoeMo]

Any sin has the potential to keep you out of heaven - not because it's a sin; but because the guilt of that sin turns our heart away from Jesus and towards our guilt. We think that if we are disgusted with ourselves, then God must REALLY be disgusted with us. So we wait a few days for God to "calm down" before we approach the throne of mercy. In the mean time, we sin again (maybe this time we smoke a cigarette) and we have to wait a little longer before we have the boldness to approach the throne of grace. In the mean time, we take the Lord's name in vain - and so it goes. Before we know it, it's been months or years since we have truly opened our hearts to God. We fail to remember that there is nothing we can do to make God love us any more than He already does; and therefore, we cannot do anything to make Him love us any less. Nevertheless, we have terminated our relationship with God out of fear rather than confessing our sin. We fail to trust Him to accept us as we are, even though Jesus has already paid the ultimate punishment for our sins with His death.

So no - I don't think that adultery keeps us out of heaven, but I think that terminating our relationship with God because we are afraid of Him might. But I'm not God; so I really can't say one way or the other.

David committed both adultery and murder; and if I read scripture rightly, He was still the apple of God's eye. Why? Because He went boldly to the throne of God and confessed His sin, relying on God's love, forgiveness and grace.

[Woody]

Shame is a terrible thing. It's what got Adama and Eve. This is what conservatism and legalism produces. But God wants to give us assurance through His Son.

[Overaged]

Dear Joe. Does adultery have the potential to keep one out of heaven?

I don't think God would ban me from heaven, just because I am an adult. (adultery). I know He wants us to be "as little children," but don't you think that is a bit of on the whacky side?

[OzarkWoman]

Originally Posted By: olger

Dear Joe. Does adultery have the potential to keep one out of heaven?

I don't think God would ban me from heaven, just because I am an adult. (adultery). I know He wants us to be "as little children," but don't you think that is a bit of on the whacky side?

[OzarkWoman]

Sorry for the double!

[Nic Samojluk]

Smoking (or eating pig or drinking beer) will not keep us out of heaven. Quitting smoking (or quitting eating pig or quitting drinking beer) will not get us into heaven. The only thing that gets us into heaven is our faith in the grace of Jesus Christ; made possible by His sacrifice and death on the cross and certified by His resurrection. Saying "keep the Law to the best of your ability, and grace will do the rest" prevents the Law from bringing an end to our self-reliant "sin management" and putting our salvation totally in Jesus' hands. Saying we are saved by grace as long as we keep the commandments to the best of our ability pretty much nullifies the effect of grace; and again puts our hope in self-reliant sin management. Coming to Jesus just as we are is the prerequisite for overcoming sin; overcoming sin is not the prerequisite for coming to Jesus. My experience is when I try to mix grace and the law, I nullify them both; and become "lukewarm". When I focus on my sins, that's what I think about (my sins); giving entrance to repeat my past mistakes. When I focus on Jesus and His grace, my mind is sufficiently filled with the wonder of it all that it practically blots out thoughts of sin. Does that make sense?

Jesus is enough of a gentleman and respects our free will enough to let us choose our way to salvation - grace and intimate relationship, or perfect commandment keeping. I am not sinless; and I don't think I ever will be until I am changed at His coming. Without Jesus and His grace, I am DOOMED to everlasting destruction. My obedience will never impress Jesus enough to assure my salvation. My trust in His grace just might ...

The comments you posted exhibit great eloquence and impecable logic; nevertheless, I want to ask you the following: Can you explain to me why did Jesus say: "If you love me, keep my commandments"?

[Nic Samojluk]

David committed both adultery and murder; and if I read scripture rightly, He was still the apple of God's eye. Why? Because He went boldly to the throne of God and confessed His sin, relying on God's love, forgiveness and grace.

Yes, he went boldly to the throne of God--when he could hide his sin no more!

[Nic Samojluk]

I don't think God would ban me from heaven, just because I am an adult. (adultery). I know He wants us to be "as little children," but don't you think that is a bit of on the whacky side?

Adultery did not transform David into an adult!

[OzarkWoman]

Originally Posted By: Overaged

I don't think God would ban me from heaven, just because I am an adult. (adultery). I know He wants us to be "as little children," but don't you think that is a bit of on the whacky side?

Adultery did not transform David into an adult!

I believe it was sarcasm and you missed it.

[OzarkWoman]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am going to be baptized on the 7th of July and I am going to be part of the church and help out with whatever I can for them.

[Gordon1]

What have you concluded about the Trinitarian doctrine OzWo?

Or about women in church leadership roles?

Two current issues for all members.

[OzarkWoman]

What have you concluded about the Trinitarian doctrine OzWo?

Or about women in church leadership roles?

Two current issues for all members.

I have to say that I am quite torn about women being pastors. I am torn because in my heart I don't think there is a thing wrong with women being pastors but at the same time it seems that the Bible gives men the leadership roles.

Would you please explain to me about the Trinitarian doctrine because I don't recognize that. Are you talking about Father, Sone and Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit?

[Woody]

What have you concluded about the Trinitarian doctrine OzWo?

Or about women in church leadership roles?

Two current issues for all members.

I would debate whether they are issues for all members.

[Gordon1]

I have to say that I am quite torn about women being pastors. I am torn because in my heart I don't think there is a thing wrong with women being pastors but at the same time it seems that the Bible gives men the leadership roles.

I agree, there are many things in our Christian walk we shall need to learn, and many to unlearn. Our only refuge and anchor is God's Word. Leadership order for God's people was established at creation when Adam was formed, and Eve later taken from his side as helpmeet. (Gen. 2:20) The sanctuary service order of Exodus was given direct from Heaven to Moses. Women did not form the priesthood, nor were they among those chosen by Christ as his twelve disciples. Men and women have different roles, even different clothes to distinguish the genders.

Today's society like to mix it up. Unisex clothing, homosexuality, anything to confuse God's order in these last days. This is the world's standard, how can we fault them? - they have made no covenant with God.

But women have a vital role to play in the church, to show those coming in a good example of Christian deportment. In general, the older to the younger. (Titus 2) As men were not meant to overly comingle with the fairer sex (a potential source of disorder on holy ground), this is a job only women can do.

Some women feel it is an insult, demeaning, misogynist, slavery, etc. to be subject to their husbands, just as some men feel it is an insult, slavery and foolishness to be subject to Christ. But the Christian will recognize that God's order is holy and ordained for our reconciliation with the Father of Light. Lucifer challenged the order, and continues this temptation for us today.

For this reason Ellen White was very particular when advising on courtship, marriage, choice of life partner, and social relations. There are eternal consequences, but none who make the Bible their Guidebook will be led astray.

Today many confuse the roles of men and women, and the church does little to correct this fault, for it is easier to follow the world than to be labeled extreme or cultish.

If we are Christian, we should never feel it an imposition to obey God's Word, but instead a gift from our Creator.

Yes, there will always be single men and women in the church, marriage is not required for heaven. But gospel order is required. Christ will show us where we fit.

"But I would have you know,

that the head of every man is Christ;

and the head of the woman is the man;

and the head of Christ is God." 1 Corinthians 11:3.

[Woody]

Ahhh cool. Another WO thread I can join. Overaged - take note lol

[Overaged]

Ahhh cool. Another WO thread I can join. Overaged - take note lol

[Gordon1]

Would you please explain to me about the Trinitarian doctrine because I don't recognize that. Are you talking about Father, Son and Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit?

This is partly the gist of it Ozark Woman.

Note that most churches use this phrase:

"God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost (or Spirit)"

The Bible speaks of "God the Father".

The Bible does not say "God the Son" or "God the Holy Ghost". (KJV)

because this confuses the identity of the Father, who is immortal, can never die,

"whom no man hath seen, nor can see" (1 Timothy 6:16)

"No man hath seen God at any time" (John 1:18, 1 John 4:12)

This speaks of the Father.

-------------------------

"That which was from the beginnining,

which we have heard,

which we have seen with our eyes,

which we have looked upon,

and our hands have handled,

of the Word of Life" (1 John 1:1)

This speaks of Christ, the Son of God, a separate person who 'we' saw, and handled, and could die.

-------------------

And why was Jesus called "the Christ"?

Because Christos (Greek) means "the Anointed One", or Messiah (mashiyach - Hebrew) - see John 1:41 with margin

Christos = Messiah = the Anointed One.

Who anointed Jesus? Of course it was His Father:

"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power:..." (Acts 10:38)

The Father gave Jesus His Spirit without measure. (John 3:34).

God's Spirit is His way of thinking, his character.

When we have His Spirit we will talk like Him, act like Him.

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5)

We all have a spirit, for we were formed in the image of God.

The spirit of man is corrupt, carnal, selfish. We must die to self and let God's Spirit take the reins.

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God,

and that the Spirit of God dwelleth within you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Where? In our minds, if we allow.

--------------------------

The Father & Son are separate persons.

Christ is at the right hand of the Father in Heaven,

the "one Mediator between God and men" (1 Timothy 2:5.)

"He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ,

he hath both the Father and the Son."(2 John 9)

This is the doctrine of Christ.

For more info read the epistles of John or Patriarchs & Prophets chapter 1.

[Woody]

"If you've seen me you've seen the Father".

[OzarkWoman]

First off, I do not abide at all with anything that Ellen White said or didn't say, meaning I could care less. Using anything she has said for any reasoning of scripture does not sway me. In fact, I look asconce on anything posted that is said by Ellen White. I don't dislike or like her. I just want people to prove anything by the Bible only. Not in the Bible? Then it means nothing to me.

[Overaged]

Not in the Bible? Then it means nothing to me.

We need more people like you

[Overaged]

PS OW, the enclosed flower above is from my front yard flower bed!

[Woody]

Good comment to OW - OV

[Woody]

First off, I do not abide at all with anything that Ellen White said or didn't say, meaning I could care less. Using anything she has said for any reasoning of scripture does not sway me. In fact, I look asconce on anything posted that is said by Ellen White. I don't dislike or like her. I just want people to prove anything by the Bible only. Not in the Bible? Then it means nothing to me.

And Ellen White would agree with you.

"I exalt the precious Word before you today. Do not repeat what I have said, saying, "Sister White said this," and "Sister White said that." Find out what the Lord God of Israel says, and then do what He commands."--Manuscript 43, 1901.