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Dan94 -> RE: Keep The Law? - One Stop Thread (10/18/2008 6:27:41 PM)
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I found the web site of El Shaddai Ministries very heart touching, as I personally believe God has a special plan and purpose for the Jewish Nation and people, I believe there are volumes of scripture to point to that very fact. I have a heart that is wide open to learn of a deeper richness in the faithfulness of God. Even if it makes me feel convicted I count it all blessings in Christ. One of their teachings on how the Jews dare not offer a blemished sacrifice for a sin offering, cut me to the quick. I was able to draw a parallel to New Testament teachings in confessing sin. If you make an inward confession or out ward confession of sin before God and it is shallow, incomplete or holding something back and lacking a heart of change. Then it's to me like the Jewish people (or any people) offering up a sacrifice that is blind, lame, with spot or wrinkles. God will not accept an impure sacrifice for sin or accept a hollow confession, for we all know He is Holy. God will not accept a confession of an outward show when there is no real conviction, a conviction brought about by flesh or "oops I got caught" attitude. Now a conviction brought about by the Holy Spirit who knows our heart, God will not reject. So what point am I trying to make in these elementary statements which I'm sure we all embrace. For me when it comes to something like the seventh day Sabbath of rest, I have kept my heart open. We all need to be in tune with convictions brought about by the Holy Spirit. In my 14 years (which I'm sure is nothing to some) of being a Christian I have been convicted, corrected and humbled by the Holy Spirit for many things, way too many to list here, nor would it be practical. But I have never been convicted by the Holy Spirit for working, walking, jogging, lighting a fire or watching a N.Y. Giants game (go Giants!) on a Saturday or Sunday. I say this because I know that this is a big issue with the law crowd and entire denominations that tend to separate us and divide us around core teachings regarding the Sabbath. I'm against anything that divides the loving heart of Gods people that is not an out right, clearly defined sin. Jesus prayed we would be One in Him, that does not mean we are to give way to preacher's that tickle the ear to gather converts or preachers that tend to divide us on something clearly settled at the cross of Calvary. The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath (Luke 6:5)(Matthew 12:6) "I tell you that one greater than the temple is here" I could go on as I know we all could. In addition to all that, would not Paul Clearly define in his mission to us Gentiles specific regulations, rules and procedure's for the Sabbath? Paul did not send himself God sent Paul, would not God give clear instructions for Paul to pass along to a people who knew nothing of the Sabbath laws? If a man is sent of God his convictions outward and inward will prove it. We all need to be on our guard in these last days against false teachers who teach division amongst brother and sisters IN Christ. Would not the Holy Spirit bring conviction on something vital to salvation? In short I can not come to agreement with those who want to extend their personal convictions onto us. In regards to this I stand with Gods statement through Paul in Colossians 2:16-23, the short version, Therefor do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. I have the utmost respect for any man Jew or Gentile who wants to set aside any day according to their traditions or convictions. What offense I take is when they sit in judgement, contrary to the common ground of many God loving churches pastors and people. Who find freedom in Christ to worship on any day and find their true rest in the work Jesus accomplished on the cross. I do not argue over the root meaning of words, if we stay attached to the Root of the true Vine, then the true Spirit of the word which is sharper then any two edge sword will cut and convict. I glorify the Father in Christ Jesus that He has sent another Comforter who sends the true conviction of sin into our hearts individually to accomplish it's intended purpose to turn us from our own ways. Maybe this has all been stated before in this 186 page forum but it is my hearts conviction so I do not apologize for saying it again.
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