Church membership not only is unnecessary in God’s eyes, but may lead you to sin against God!
Our daughter cannot become a member of her congregation because it does not recognize the supremacy of God’s love over religious law. Her congregation refuses to accept her baptism because it happened in another denomination and was performed by a method they reject. Her confirmation as an adult has no value in their religious eyes. Yet a young child, seven years old, became a member last Sunday because their religious forms were fulfilled.
Now if my daughter agreed to be baptized again, their way, she would be acceptable. The fact is the Bible says clearly, “Be humble and gentle in every way. Be patient with each other and lovingly accept each other. Through the peace that ties you together, do your best to maintain the unity that the Spirit gives. There is one body and one Spirit. In the same way you were called to share one hope. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over everything, through everything, and in everything” (Ephesians 4:2-6 God’s Word).
Now how do they justify their doctrine over “lovingly accept each other”? Well, they label her baptism as a christening, in an arrogance that would make the devil proud. She was baptized, however, not christened.
Since we raised our daughters with a strong sense of justice and a clear teaching that the Bible guides us, she will never become a member.
So why do they stay with this congregation? Because God led them there.
Talk about irony.
8 responses to “Religious Secret – Membership May Lead to Sin”
nopew
September 20th, 2013 at 13:11
My punful-of-pleasure.
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lessonsbyheart
September 20th, 2013 at 10:15
Great re-direct! Thanks! 🙂
\o/
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nopew
September 20th, 2013 at 09:38
And may you find peace hanging out with Jesus!
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lessonsbyheart
September 20th, 2013 at 08:42
Amen. I live there! 🙂
\o/
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nopew
September 20th, 2013 at 04:21
Catch 22 – friction causes growth, and so we love a little more and are less likely just to leave without spiritual grounds – leading us to more friction, more growth… I have learned one thing – when I stand before Jesus as I enter eternity I want to be able to say I am responsible for all that I did and not blame (try!) anyone else, and I want to say I followed Christ with all my heart, because any price I pay cannot be more than Jesus paid first. That feels like catch 23!
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lessonsbyheart
September 19th, 2013 at 23:52
What a sad statement. As for being led to an immature church, I can relate very well. I deal with this (and have for the last eight years). About the time I think the Lord has released me, I discover that He has not – and in fact intends to use the friction to bring more maturity to me. 😦 It is not fun, but I have grown up quite a bit.
\o/
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nopew
September 10th, 2013 at 11:52
Alas, despite that God still loves and works with us, but when anyone turns away from love I fear for their soul.
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papapound
September 9th, 2013 at 22:25
Probably no issue in the world with as much controversy. There has to be some teachable moments here, because The Lord knew his church in their immaturity would be into all these issues over baptism.
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