Re: [TruthTalk] John 16:13 fg. - Perhaps it's focus is WHO not so much WHAT

[Terry Clifton]

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In a message dated 3/31/2005 5:02:43 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Of course, there are Christians who subscribe to the motto "fake it until you make it" No one here, I'm sure. "Fake it until I make it"  is not so much a motto of some who are  not on this forum  as it is a defense mechanism,  survival mode if  you will, for those who know they have continuing sin issues and cannot trust the Assembly in confession because of the time limits that will most surely be imposed on them to stop their sin  ...   no one here, of course, but that certainly is a common malady.   In my avocation, that of pastoral counselor, those who respond to the newspaper ad and come for help are (in 90% of the cases) those who do not trust the members of their own churches !!!!   And I am NOT correcting Caroline, here.   Just adding a thought  --   a very sad reality.  This is why I despise legalism.    It not only killed brothers like the apostle Paul,  but it makes impossible demands of "Spirit-induced righteousness"  (I speak of the activity, not the unmerited blessing) on those who are not there yet AND it insures that "honesty in confession" has its limits.   Most pastors I know have, at one time or another, advised a younger member NOT to confess to the larger church, knowing how much heart ache this advice avoids for the younger member.  Your post was very good and something that truly benefited me.   Thank you Caroline.  Jd  =================================================================== It is my belief,John, that Paul had to die for Christ.  Not because Christ died for Paul, but in order to eliminate any claim that he switched sides for an ulterior motive.  If Paul had taken up collections to support his missions, some would claim he was in it for the money.  He had to be self supporting, and he knew that.  The same for his death.  Had he not died for Christ, some would have claimed he switched for his own benefit (power, money, fill in the --------------.) He did what had to be done to complete the task given him.  It was fitting that the Jews kill him, just as they killed Jesus and the prophets before him. You have me wondering.  What does your advertizment say? Don't be afraid to answer.  I am not looking for a reason to find fault with you. Terry Terry