cheap gospel?

[revbill]

Have we somehow dumbed down the gospel? We continually quote John 3:16 which, as you know is in the middle of the answer that Jesus was giving to Nicodemus' question "How can one be born again." It seems we perhaps have forgotten the 'born of the Spirit' part. If believing is all there is to it Lucifer will be in heaven because he believes. Jesus plainly states 'Yoy must be born again from above.'

[lynnmosher]

Revbill, Under 4believers.com, you will find the Christian discussion forum. This is Support for site questions. A moderator will probably move this. I am a moderator on 4B only so I am not able to move this. And I agree with you.

[Keith Wallis]

I've moved it Lynn.
RevBill - the CW forums are strictly writing related - 4B was created to facilitate other discussions such as this.

[Laina]

Hey Bill

I had to think this through, but I see your point. It's like taking a verse out of context and only getting a part of the truth. Thanks for bringing this up. I needed to hear that. Yes, we must be born again.

[revbill]

Sorry. I' still learning

[revbill]

We are living in one of the most spiritual times of the ages and it is my opinion that we, in this instant society, have perhaps forgotten it is a spiritual journey; no breaks every fifteen minutes with God commercials. Billy Graham once said he questioned the church membership regarding the difference between being born again and just believing. As referrenced earlier John 3:16 is the middle of the answer, but it is much easier to believe than it is to grasp the enormity of spiritual birth. If we could get our minds around this concept of the Holy Spirit of God that indwells the true believer, perhaps we could accept our responsibility of renewing of our minds as Paul tells us in Romans 12:2.
Jesus also said in the great commission, "all authority has been given to Me, go and make disciples . . . . teaching them" (Mathew 28:19 AND 20) which I believe alludes rather plainly to the real work of the laborer because in dumbing down the message of the gospel we, myself included no longer have any responsibility to the new believer.

Having worked with the Navaho Indians in Arizona, who, by the way are very spiritual people, this statement was made; "We, as born again Christians are no longer human beings having a spiritual experience. We are on the journey of spiritual beings having a human experience.

Makes sense to me.

[revbill]

Duplicate post removed.

[Daniel]

We are living in one of the most spiritual times of the ages and it is my opinion that we, in this instant society, have perhaps forgotten it is a spiritual journey; no breaks every fifteen minutes with God commercials. Billy Graham once said he questioned the church membership regarding the difference between being born again and just believing. As referrenced earlier John 3:16 is the middle of the answer, but it is much easier to believe than it is to grasp the enormity of spiritual birth. If we could get our minds around this concept of the Holy Spirit of God that indwells the true believer, perhaps we could accept our responsibility of renewing of our minds as Paul tells us in Romans 12:2.
Jesus also said in the great commission, "all authority has been given to Me, go and make disciples . . . . teaching them" (Mathew 28:19 AND 20) which I believe alludes rather plainly to the real work of the laborer because in dumbing down the message of the gospel we, myself included no longer have any responsibility to the new believer.

Having worked with the Navaho Indians in Arizona, who, by the way are very spiritual people, this statement was made; "We, as born again Christians are no longer human beings having a spiritual experience. We are on the journey of spiritual beings having a human experience.

Makes sense to me.

What a beautiful thing, something to remember. Also this will give me something to ponder upon as I write, thank you.

but yes, we've been taught to just believe and it will happen, or it is true. what we believe is true rather then a real experience as to being born again. When we know something, we come into the knowledge of it, either it be truth or a lie. I enjoy verse 21 of that chapter: "But everyone who does what is true comes to the light, so that all may see that his actions are accomplished through God." In other words, those who go to the light come from it, they recognize that their actions are from the light and know its nature. I wonder what was the last time this was taught over how sinful a Christian nature can be?

[Lookin^Up]

I fully agree with everything that was said. Believing in Jesus Christ is only the beginning, the "milk" of the Christian experience, but after that we have to commit ourselves to serve the Lord, constantly dig deeper into the Word of God (the "meat"), and grow, grow, grow as Christians. When an unbeliever can look at us and see Jesus, that's definite progress.

[lynnmosher]

Didn't realize I was in 4B. Removed.

[revbill]

Thanx to all who answered. I have another question. I am an old guy and am getting quite frustated at not being able to understand how to get to forums, workshops, and find critiques of work. I submitted a story "Purrfect". I found there were replies but no critiques. HELP, please before I give up. I have written quite extensively in secular major mags and house organs but do not understand how to navigate this site.

[lynnmosher]

Revbill, I will be glad to help you all I can. I looked for the piece you mentioned but it is not on this site. Let me suggest a few things...

* Read the TOS and FAQs at the top of the page in the gray area. Also read the stickies at the beginning of most forums and workshops. Both of these will help guide you through the site.
* If you have a site question, go to Support, also at the top of the page, and start a new thread to post your question.
* If you have a writing related question, you can start a new thread in the Writers Lounge.
* Whenever you log on, click on All New Posts over on the left in blue under your name. This will give you all the new posts since you were last logged in.
* Whatever you need to change concerning your profile, you can click anywhere your name appears or go to User CP also on the left above your name. There is all the info about you and you can change it if you like. Also you can change your signature, your avatar (the picture with your name), among other things.
* You can go to others' profiles and leave messages. You can add friends. You can join groups.

Just roam around a little and check things out. You won't hurt anything. Leave me a message in my profile (just click on my name anywhere) and let me know if you need any more help.