Woody Posted April 9, 2012 Posted April 9, 2012 Good Choice. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Gordon1 Posted April 9, 2012 Posted April 9, 2012 Sivart was correct that SDA potlucks are often unhealthy, but Richard was speaking about the Bible's health message & the people of God; he didn't mention SDAs. It's an assumption to equate these two groups. Quote
Woody Posted April 9, 2012 Posted April 9, 2012 Quote: Sivart was correct that SDA potlucks are often unhealthy Yes. And this is what we are talking about. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Gordon1 Posted April 9, 2012 Posted April 9, 2012 So what is the official edit delay, and why so short? Quote
Guest Posted April 9, 2012 Posted April 9, 2012 Things will be different for the last generation, than for any other generation. :) Quote
Woody Posted April 9, 2012 Posted April 9, 2012 So what is the official edit delay, and why so short? I think it might be as much as 10 or 15 minutes. Not sure. It used to be about 6 hours. Then the recent change. I hear it happened because some were changing their posts and it seems that some felt a certain amount of alterations made it difficult to read. I dunno. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Gordon1 Posted April 9, 2012 Posted April 9, 2012 Things will be different for the last generation, than for any other generation. Right. A tighter schedule to edit mistakes. Quote
olger Posted April 9, 2012 Posted April 9, 2012 Originally Posted By: RLH Things will be different for the last generation, than for any other generation. Right. A tighter schedule to edit mistakes. Quote "Please don't feed the drama queens.."
Gordon1 Posted April 9, 2012 Posted April 9, 2012 Let's remember the Passover Lamb was eaten with sorrow and remorse. The household pet. Quote
Guest Posted April 10, 2012 Posted April 10, 2012 Continuing on, since I can't edit... Just because you are baptized into the SDA church, is not a guarantee that you are bound for heaven, or that you know God even. Having said that, I better check my own relationship with God, or I will be lost also. Like Paul said: After preaching to others, I myself could be lost. (paraphrase) If my relationship with God was what it SHOULD be, then I probably wouldn't be here wasting time arguing with you. Quote
cricket Posted April 10, 2012 Posted April 10, 2012 The subject of this thread, OzarkWoman being denied baptism because she has not yet been able to stop smoking, is what I am talking about. It is irrelevant whether or not they are God's people; they have unhealthy habits, they have been baptized, and for some reason it's only a problem when people with "big" unhealthy habits such as smoking wish to be baptized. Quote
OzarkWoman Posted April 10, 2012 Author Posted April 10, 2012 He is coming over to my place tomorrow afternoon and we are going to discuss everything. I told him today that I thought that wanting me to quit smoking was works and not grace. He is going to address that when he comes over tomorrow. We will see. I told him that I could be a hypocrite like so many and just hide my smoking and just say that I had quit. He would never know if I wanted to hid it all, but I try not to be a hypocrite and I hate liars. BTW, it has been 24 hours since I had a smoke. LOLOLOLOL Quote
Members phkrause Posted April 10, 2012 Members Posted April 10, 2012 He is coming over to my place tomorrow afternoon and we are going to discuss everything. I told him today that I thought that wanting me to quit smoking was works and not grace. He is going to address that when he comes over tomorrow. We will see. I told him that I could be a hypocrite like so many and just hide my smoking and just say that I had quit. He would never know if I wanted to hid it all, but I try not to be a hypocrite and I hate liars. BTW, it has been 24 hours since I had a smoke. LOLOLOLOL Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
SivartM Posted April 10, 2012 Posted April 10, 2012 Perhaps he has similar concern as well for those who over-indulge with food or drink. Perhaps he does not. But,if he did not follow through with his convictions concerning smoking as it pertains to readiness for baptism, then what sort of spiritual leader would he be? Are there denominational guidelines for baptism? Does one of those require that the recipient must have completely given up smoking (or any other specific health-related behavior) before being baptized, even when allowing for unwanted addiction? I'm not saying that he's a bad person, but simply standing by convictions is not inherently good. I would not respect a pastor's conviction that people who eat meat should not be baptized, or that people who watch movies should not be baptized, or that people who listen to pop music should not be baptized. I'm sure that he means well, but since his decision has hurt OzarkWoman, I don't think he's acting as a very good spiritual leader to her at all. He is free (I think) to not baptize whomever he chooses, but if OzarkWoman does not want to be baptized by anyone else, I guess he'll have to reevaluate his position. Quote "Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much." - Oscar Wilde�Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets." - Jesus
Woody Posted April 10, 2012 Posted April 10, 2012 Quote: BTW, it has been 24 hours since I had a smoke. LOLOLOLOL Praise the Lord. Then it wouldn't be a lie to tell him that you have quit. Although you might need to ask him how long he expects you to be clean. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
cricket Posted April 10, 2012 Posted April 10, 2012 Yeah! I think it's great that you've been able to keep from smoking for 24 hours. Wish I had that kind of will power! And, I do hope that when you speak with the pastor that you and he will have a good understanding between the two of you--may it be according to God's will, whatever the outcome! Quote
OzarkWoman Posted April 10, 2012 Author Posted April 10, 2012 Yeah! I think it's great that you've been able to keep from smoking for 24 hours. Wish I had that kind of will power! And, I do hope that when you speak with the pastor that you and he will have a good understanding between the two of you--may it be according to God's will, whatever the outcome! That is one of the reasons I really HATE organized religion. I already had asked this pastor if he would baptize me without me joining the church? I asked him if he was a pastor for Jesus' word or the church's word first and he told me Jesus of course. Then I asked him why he wouldn't then baptize me in the name of Jesus and such and not worry if I joined the church. It seems in reality he is for the denomination more than just Jesus and God. What with this smoking thing and all, I am about ready to just forget being baptized. I mean, I don't think not being baptized will keep me out of "Heaven", so to speak. I believe it all has to do with my actions after accepting Jesus into my life. I will say that the SDA church is closer than any other denomination of what I have come to believe throughout my life and I have been to many different churches, including studying the Jewish religion and all. It is just too darn bad that their pastors have been taught that it is more important to get members than to get another member of Christ's church. Quote
Woody Posted April 10, 2012 Posted April 10, 2012 This is why I've suggested that you get another person to baptize you and then when you are prepared and ready to join the SDA church - you can easily do it on profession of faith. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Gustave Posted April 10, 2012 Posted April 10, 2012 This is why I've suggested that you get another person to baptize you and then when you are prepared and ready to join the SDA church - you can easily do it on profession of faith. Absolutely get another person to Baptize you... ...Go to an Eastern Orthodox Church - they will question you as to why you want baptism. ...And if you smoke will not be one of the things that keeps you from the Sacrament. Quote
OzarkWoman Posted April 10, 2012 Author Posted April 10, 2012 This is why I've suggested that you get another person to baptize you and then when you are prepared and ready to join the SDA church - you can easily do it on profession of faith. Yeah, but I look at baptism as a very important thing to do and I could not just have any old Tom, Dick or Harry do it because for me, I must have respect and trust for the pastor that is baptizing. I have created my own catch 22. LOLOL I don't really mind joining the church. I just don't like the fact that any denomination uses the baptism as a way to get membership. Quote
Woody Posted April 10, 2012 Posted April 10, 2012 Originally Posted By: Woody This is why I've suggested that you get another person to baptize you and then when you are prepared and ready to join the SDA church - you can easily do it on profession of faith. Yeah, but I look at baptism as a very important thing to do and I could not just have any old Tom, Dick or Harry do it because for me, I must have respect and trust for the pastor that is baptizing. I have created my own catch 22. LOLOL I don't really mind joining the church. I just don't like the fact that any denomination uses the baptism as a way to get membership. Yeah. Well it's your choice to have to have respect for the person who baptizes you. I have difficulty seeing why it matters. But respect that for some reason you think that way. And yes I am with you on the way the denomination ties baptism to membership. Sad. But that is the way it is with some pastors. Wouldn't you respect an SDA pastor who didn't tie it in that way? IF so - it's just a matter of finding one. And I personally know many. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
Tammy Posted April 10, 2012 Posted April 10, 2012 Originally Posted By: Tammy I will pray for you, Ozarkwoman...that you will find strength to resist the temptation. God is able, if we are willing... Nice to say but I am tired of people always saying sayings to make it like the person never really tried or doesn't really want the change. TY for your prayers though. Quote When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own. {COL 69} The Narrow Way Ministires 5464 State Road Kingsville, OH 44048 choose_the_narrow_way@yahoo.com
Woody Posted April 10, 2012 Posted April 10, 2012 The only way that we can overcome sin is through HIS power. We can't do it on our own. In fact to muster up power of our own is worthless. So, if God doesn't give us the power after we ask for it - there is nothing more that we can do. In HIS time He will do in us what HE deems important WHEN He deems it important. Even our desire to come to Him - yes comes from Him. I think it's like this - if we received victory over every sin - we would probably become prideful. So, I suspect that God doesn't give us victory over everything. But each victory is an example for the Universe to see how clearly that God's way is always best for each person. After presenting our sins before God - we can rest assured that we have done what is required before God. What God does with that is up to Him. We must remain faithful despite what His answer might be. Quote May we be one so that the world may be won. Christian from the cradle to the grave I believe in Hematology.
cricket Posted April 10, 2012 Posted April 10, 2012 You asked if there were denominational guidelines for baptism, SivartM. Here is what I have been able to find in a quick search: http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/fundamental/ 15. Baptism: By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour, become His people, and are received as members by His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings. (Rom. 6:1-6; Col. 2:12, 13; Acts 16:30-33; 22:16; 2:38; Matt. 28:19, 20.) From that guideline there is apparently the requirement of "affirmation of faith in Jesus" AND "evidence of repentance of sin." Though smoking itself is not mentioned, perhaps this is the one thing that this pastor sees that OzarkWoman needs to come to terms with. I cannot judge the pastor's thoughts regarding this matter, but I do believe that the Holy Spirit convicts our pastors sometimes and that a good pastor is one who will listen to the Holy Spirit. This is not saying that the Holy Spirit did indeed convict this pastor, but IF it is by the leading of the Holy Spirit that he received such conviction, then wouldn't even you agree, SivartM, that the pastor should stick with his conviction? Quote
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