Know them by their fruit

[BobTriez]

Trav,

What I mean by the word "converted", is a person who has been saved and become a true follower of God.

[IslandRose]

I was on one of these threads and somebody made a comment that they have not had any changes in their life since they became a Christian.

My understanding of the conversion process has always been that you repent of your sins before getting saved or becoming a member of a church. Certainly, we will never be perfect, so this must be a continual process.

Show me a person who didn't make changes before they were converted, and I will show u a person who hasn't been converted.

I have always seen repentance as a part of the process. Not process as in a slow coming to Christ, but rather as a transformation that happens when we come to the realization that we are sinners ( have a sin nature that is totally off the mark with God's holiness), that we ourselves can do nothing in our own strength to overcome that nature and save ourselves, repent of our sinfulness and allow the Holy Spirit to do the work of regeneration in our lives.

Repentance then also should be a life-long practice as the Holy Spirit reveals sin in our daily lives and we clear the way that there will be " nothing between my soul and my Saviour"

[stevehut]

what is the Church for then ?  True, part of it is for worship, but isn't it also for outreach ?  If we turn away the lost, we will answer for that one day!

Of course the church is (or should be) driven by the Great Commission. The church that I have attended for the past 14 years is very evangelistic, and we are constantly growing.

You cited the examples of Jesus. He constantly commanded people to change their ways. This is called repentance. If this is the example of Jesus, then I believe that his church should do the same. Calling people to repent is an integral, indispensible part of our outreach.

We will never knowingly baptize, or admit to membership, any person who is unmarried and living with their boy/girlfriend. One of then must move out first. Likewise an alcoholic until he gets on the wagon. etc.

Sure, they can come to church and take part in any and all activities. Sure we love them to death. But we're doing them no favors by admitting them to membership, declaring them saved, all the while looking the other way while they continue in their lives of habitual sin. (Believe it or not, this is very common in churches today.)

Acts 3:19 Repent and turn to God, that your sins may be forgiven.

[Catsmeow]

Alot of this depends on personal convictions and whether or not this person has there "spiritual ears plugged". I believe Christ wants us to change and turn from our sin, and the holy spirit will lead us to do so, But it all boils down to how you act on your own convictions and whether you listen to them or shut them out.

God Bless,

Dave

Great post! That's well said, IMO...

[BobTriez]

You cited the examples of Jesus. He constantly commanded people to change their ways. This is called repentance. If this is the example of Jesus, then I believe that his church should do the same. Calling people to repent is an integral, indispensible part of our outreach.

We will never knowingly baptize, or admit to membership, any person who is unmarried and living with their boy/girlfriend. One of then must move out first. Likewise an alcoholic until he gets on the wagon. etc.

Sure, they can come to church and take part in any and all activities. Sure we love them to death. But we're doing them no favors by admitting them to membership, declaring them saved, all the while looking the other way while they continue in their lives of habitual sin.

Acts 3:19 Repent and turn to God, that your sins may be forgiven.

Ok, I see what you meant now.....thanks for clearing that up.

In HIM,

Bob

[Catsmeow]

Some people are born again into an overflowing desire to please God. Some are born again and the process is much slower, who knows why.

The main point in this though is to remember it is not us but the Holy Spirit that brings about any and all change.

This is what I'm wrestling with with my poor husband...temper is a constant problem and I am beside myself. He gets so angry and I see little change.

It worries me greatly.

[Orr v'emet]

This is what I'm wrestling with with my poor husband...temper is a constant problem and I am beside myself. He gets so angry and I see little change.

It worries me greatly.

I can relate cats. Anger is a problem at times for my hubby. I have talked to him about it and prayed about it but it seems sometimes that things go unchanged. The process is slower for him and I am raedy for him to be as in love with Jesus as I am. I just have to tell myself to be patient and pray for God to continue working in his life. Don't lose heart!