Are You Fully Persuaded?
GeoVi's Home for Pregnant Teens
“It is not the arguments of theologians that solve the problems of a questioning heart, but the cry of that heart to God and the certainty that He has heard it.” -Unknown
I read that quote somewhere knowing it would be a good idea to commit it to memory. Agreeing with what it says, it has been my posture to leave arguments about theology to theologians. I enjoy reading the greats but, when I cry out to God, He hears me and answers my searching heart. Theologians are nowhere to be found but God is.
I have been in fellowship, Bible study, and praise and worship services over the past two months at a church in my area. Scheduled services at my church afford me the opportunity to attend elsewhere without having to miss our services.
God’s presence has been experienced with this new fellowship. The reception has been warm and I have felt at home even though a number of things are quite obvious as one gazes over the congregation. The majority of the ladies are well covered in their attire, void of earrings, without makeup; and their hairstyles are all the same - pinned up and worn in a bun. There is greater style to the younger ladies’ hair, which is a bit more relaxed and not as conservative as the more mature ladies and seniors.
None of the ladies wear slacks except me. I do not feel condemned because my hairstyle is not like theirs; neither do I feel out of place because of my earrings, makeup and a pantsuit. I have no criticism of these ladies and hope they have no criticism of me. They have great taste in shoes and I mean stilettos! Girls as young as 12 wear them, wobbling about the church. It’s cute!
The pastor and/or his wife will approach me with a hug at the close of each service I’ve attended. Recently, the pastor approached me after he preached a sermon I felt was directed specifically to me. I strongly disagreed with the doctrine. The disagreement didn’t trouble me because it did not involve Salvation. After greeting me, he requested a home Bible study with him and his wife. I immediately thought, “Okay, here it comes. It’s time for them to convincingly introduce their beliefs based on their interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. I’ll hear scriptures about all of the physical things I mentioned above, including a woman’s place in the church.”
While I respected his approach, I was annoyed with his intent. The neighbor who had invited me to attend church with his family confirmed the pastor’s intent. Apparently this is their modus operandi. I graciously refused the one-on-one Bible study by explaining I was not searching for a new church home and had no desire to leave my church.
I respect the beliefs of others. I trust God to minister to me. Trying the spirit by the Spirit has always worked for me. I am not opposed to other points of view but if it differs from my biblical understanding, I simply do not receive it. I pray and ask for guidance. It may come through accidentally tuning in on a Christian network and Jerry Falwell’s son is preaching the text that is in question, agreeing with my belief and providing further enlightenment. Yes, God hears the questioning heart. He answers in mysterious ways.
This church does not believe in the Trinity, a Triune God. I do. I have heard enough arguments about it and I am fully persuaded to believe otherwise. Furthermore, God searches the heart. If I’m in err, He knows the meditations of my heart and He alone is the judge for us all.
The doctrine taught at this church will not prevent me from attending again. God the Father, Jesus Christ the son and the Holy Spirit reside inside of me. I believe they are One. Wherever I am, I Am is there, also. I offer praises to God, not any pastor or congregation.
Are you fully persuaded in your beliefs? I pray for divine revelation if what we believe will keep us from spending eternity with God the Father, Jesus Christ the son and the indwelling Holy Ghost.
June 2009 by Avis Ward of GeoVi's Home for New Life
Article submitted Wednesday, July 01, 2009 & read 436 times.
Leave your comments through On Such Things:
» left by susan thom from nj (2 years 321 days ago.)
hi avis,this was an excellent article that was quite interesting. i personally have always stepped to the beat of a different frummer (i know, hard to believe:) and wherever my mind and heart are, so is the God that I love and talk to and pray to, and listen for his guidance. Alaways with me, and always called upon.thank you for sharing this with us,my best to you,sueRespond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (2 years 321 days ago.)
that would be Drummer!
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» left by Avis Ward (2 years 321 days ago.)
Sue, I'm glad you found this article interesting. Frummer/Drummer/Plummer (LOL), I knew what you meant. I have always danced to a different beat, too. When you can be yourself, you're not trying to be unique, you just are because our Creator didn't clone us. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. I hope to submit more articles.
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