Put A Ring On It

[oletimer]

Let me start with I think that what the pastor is doing is good. I would be more comfortable knowing that each was frist time marriages or who's first spouse has deceased, but that is another subject and if you do want to drag it in then please start another thread. But all said and done I'm for the program.

TW Posted:

oletimer wrote:
My thoughts are that neither are Christians as neither meet the criterion for salvation.

Is that a fact? The Bible is very clear about the criterion for salvation, and it happens to be my favorite verse in the entire Bible. It is the only criterion.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

And yes, they are in red, the words of our Lord Jesus. Can you tell me what someone else believes, what I believe? The answer is, NO! My job as a Christian is to tell them the "Good News," not to convict them. That is the job of the Holy Spirit, and I'm not qualified to do that work.

My job and calling is to preach the whole truth. I guess that John should have kept his mouth shut or just told Herod what he wanted to hear instead of the truth.

Ro 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

TW when you tell the good news then you need to tell them the whole truth and keep it contexts. The part "whosoever believeth in him should not perish,". The part of "believeth" carries with it more just the knowledge of Christ as being the Son of God, but more so the commitment of ones soul to Christ thru repentances

2Co 7:10
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Now I know people say to work out your own salvation, but they need to read the rest of the verse "with fear and trembling.". I fear that those that try to walk as close to the line as possible is problely all ready on the other side of the line, sad. Many times this is because no body told them better, even sadder.

Php 2:12
¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

[oletimer]

Brian Posted:

Pastor Bill wrote:
As Christians we should be SEEKING to do what is right, if we're not and we are continuing in sin, it's not good for us, and rather than define the line that is too far, we need to address our attitudes about why we want to even care about that line rather than just seek to draw closer and closer.

Usually the "line" is defined by someone's pointed finger at what they see someone else doing.

I have rarely seen someone with the attitude of "how much can I get away with and still be saved". That mindset is usually superimposed onto someone else by someone because of another's freedom in Christ.

Brian the line is defined by the Word of God. I have seen some give their own advice for the Word, and the is wrong. But not to teach the Word of God from Genesist to Revelation rightly divided and in context is worse.

I have rarely seen someone with the attitude of "how much can I get away with and still be saved"

You need to open your eyes because I see it all the time. It is no problem to hear someone say "well I don't think God will hold that against me" and other quotes like that all the time.

Souls are dieing and going to hell because no one will them that they have to live right to go to heaven. Thanking religion is not salvation.

Love them but tell them the truth.

PS: If there is a problem with redwood in your eyes, do what Jesus said.

Mt 7:5
Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Not meaning that your are a hypocrit but to remind you of what He said for us to do, "thine own". Which reminds me of another verse.

2Co 7:1
¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
That should encourage us to stay away from the "line"

[dbserv]

We have 21 couples who will be getting married this Sunday morning. Praise the Lord

I join you with a PTL!!!!!

[soulsearcher]

Actually, 18 couples getting married (I think 3 couples are renewing vows) - but all good news!

We are having 6 video cameras (3 more than normal) to film the ceremony, giving special close-up attention to each couple. Everything is choreographed - brides coming down the aisiles, grooms coming from offstage meeting them, then on to the platform to stand in three levels. The entire church is decorated so beautifully. We have two photographers taking pictures of ceremony, plus individuals of each couple afterward. The adjoining gymnasium is also decorated and specially lighted for a big reception - wedding cakes, DJ, everything provided, and space for all immediate family.

Each couple will get a DVD + CD Rom of Pictures at no cost. The church is providing everything. There is even a team of beauticians who got together and volunteered to do all the hair and make-up of the brides. Really cool.

[Jennifer Smith]

That is wonderful, weddings can be so expensive.. the church is helping them in that way, also.

[soulsearcher]

The final count: 16 Couples got married. Wow - what an amazing thing to witness. That service (2nd of 3) was packed - 1,300 people. A clip made the evening news on our NBC affiliate - before the Olympics closing ceremony. I think there was a link on Facebook of part of that clip, but I'll try to see if there is a longer clip available online.

Anyway - to God be the Glory!

[DeWayneTN]

Mike, I saw that clip and meant to come on here and tell you. Very cool!

[soulsearcher]

DeWayne, thanks. It was awesome. I still want you to come visit us!