I gave a definition for my appraisal. You have labeled me a legalist in times past - a valid consideration by your definition. Please refer to my definition and make the challenge in light of that.
Secondly, I make the argument that if you allow for the relationship of a living God in(to) your life, you will grow no matter what ---- and this growth will be of divine quality. That is the gest of what I believe.
Consequently, it is not obedience to specific rules of conduct that is the critical issue for me. Rather, it is the cultivation of a relationship with the Living Christ. As a pastor, committed to the practical issues of this discussion, this "cultivation" occurs in fellowship and the breaking of bread, prayer, a shared study of the written Message (similar to what you have provided your home church groups), and personal _expression_ in the offering of praise and service.
Get someone involved in these functions -- functions of life -- and you will have your devotee!!!
Start with obedience to the rules and you may have nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JD
-----Original Message-----
From: David Miller <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: TruthTalk@mail.innglory.org
Sent: Wed, 6 Jul 2005 10:51:48 -0400
Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] Jesus of the Bible
From: David Miller <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: TruthTalk@mail.innglory.org
Sent: Wed, 6 Jul 2005 10:51:48 -0400
Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] Jesus of the Bible
John wrote: > The works-salvationists on this forum (including > our Mormon friends -- that's right, you > [deegan, JT and DM] and the Mormons only > argue about different rules and doctrines while > refusing to see that your frame of reference is > the same !!) imply in the argumentation that > obedience is the path to maturity when, in point > of fact, such is not the case in any other ontological > consideration. If you are nurtured YOU WILL > GROW UP no matter what. Obedience of which > you speak has nothing to do with that process. First, John, let me set the record straight yet again that I am NOT a works-salvationist. Second, what you argue here is like someone arguing that a person will grow up no matter what, regardless of what they eat. In regards to a person's spiritual state, disobedience is like urging someone to eat Krispy Creme Donuts for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or worse, like urging them to eat poison. Now, surely you must understand that in one case, a person's growth is hindered, and in the other case, the person's growth is stopped and they die! Think about it. Obedience is a good thing. It is what Jesus Christ creates within us, and all those who name the name of Christ are called to walk in obedience and produce good works. Ephesians 2:10 (10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Peace be with you. David Miller. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
