Re: Worship

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: : Do they tell you that you "could" go to hell if you are doing things differently than they are? That's the issue i'm running into. They say that God is expecting us to follow the scriptures to a T literally, and where it speaks we are to speak and where it's silent we are to be silent (really this means that if it's silent, it is forbidden as in the case of instruments in worship). : Rob, : I have been through some extremely difficult situations like the one you mention here... my desire to follow Jesus, at times, was the only doctrine I could trust -- especially considering the multitude of conflicting beliefs presented to me by the different groups I associated with. The funny thing about that time is that it was only the Christian or pseudo-Christian structures of thought that really affected me, as opposed to humanism or atheism... but I digress. Ultimately, we all have to answer for our decisions in this life. : : If Mr. Smith told you that you would go to hell if you acted differently than he, would you change you actions? : I can think of a specific example in my life where I was presented with a "new" doctrine that many people had come to believe. It was founded on core Christian beliefs, but carried thing in a different way than I had initial learned, in much the same manner as the Church of Christ's doctrine of Musical instruments and worship (i.e. built upon core scriptures and understandings). The tricky part was that I wholeheartedly believe their "core" beliefs, and for a time I could act in the "proper" manner. The real problem for me came some months later when I found that I was still struggling with the same sins I struggled with before, and I had picked up quite a few more (in trying to achieve spiritual purity through their doctrine, which is COMPLETELY unattainable outside God's intervention). : As I worked my way out (in thought, that is) I burned through scriptures left and right. Several of the most prominent stated (from memory) : (I or II Peter, chapter 5) : These same afflictions you face have been accomplished in your bretheren. : (James, chapter 1) : A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways, he is like a wave of the sea, tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. : (Proverbs, chapter 3) : Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (or, He shall make your way straight) : : Suffice it to say, you must make your own decisions. As you can see from the posts to this thread, we will pop in and throw out our two cents (ok, maybe a nickel from PS ;-), so you have our ear and our prayers. Keep digging; keep stumbling; Above all, keep seeking Him that is Truth. : J

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