Robert_Ohio

Since we are talking hypothetically, my response to there not being a pre-trib rapture would be that I misunderstood something. It is always possible to for us to misinterpret. Individually, we can misunderstand the leadings of the Holy Spirit. I stated my beliefs, If I end up being wrong that is my error in understanding. God is still God and He is still in charge and Jesus is Lord of my life now and forevermore.

Ok... Let's get real here. 1. Is sex outside marriage a sin? Yes and one that can lose our salvation. 2. Will God forgive us if we repent (stop and turn away from that sin)? Yes 3. Are we called to admonish a sinner? Yes. Just read Paul's second epistle to the Corinthians, it opens with a confirmation that a sinner should be admonished to help effect his/her repentance and a caution to not over do it. Sex of ANY KIND outside of marriage is wrong! No compromising the Word of God. Consider God's Word before our parents' words even before our Pastor's words. If you don't want to hear this from me or any of these other posters, take your case to God, Please! But, be prepared to meet the side of God that hates sin, and be prepared to go to your knees in repentance. Of course God will accept repentance and forgive us. He promises to do that, but repentance means we don't do it any more, not that we don't do it until the next time! That is not repentance...

Probably the most compelling reason I know of is the commandment of God that we shall not have any graven images. It seems to me that I sense spirit of ignoring this commandment or an outright denial that the images constitute a violation of it. Several of the posters here have pointed out that if there is no worship, what is the need of the idols and I think that is the direct and valid question. I would add that this question is one of the many questions that arose as I studied the bible as a catholic that caused me to realize that I could not remain in a church that practiced things that were contrary to the "Word of God." God wishes us to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. I could not worship Him in either from within the catholic church, because to do so meant I had to accept that I and many others were practicing a sinful worship before the Lord. 1 John 4:1-4 calls us to try the spirits to determine whether they be of God or the devil. God would not tell us to worship in a way that runs contrary to His Holy Word. However, the devil would. James calls us to examine ourselves. Jesus thru John in revelation 2 speaks of the church of Thyratira as having good character, but being sinful because they allow the practices of jezebel to go uncensored and un-confronted. We must be vigilant and uncompromising in our faith and actions avoiding even the appearance of sin. I too say examine ourselves and be aware of God's Word and follow it. GBU In His Name DeaconBob3