Church Teachings!

I hope no one has given up on me. I'm still alive and well. I've just been doing stuff. Now, I don't have much excuse for just sitting in front of the computer so much of the time, since I've been off the medication that I was on for about two months. My wife expects more of me now, as does others. I have also began to get involved in some other activities that require my time. I don't want to forsake my blog posts, but I have been thinking about getting one of those free web sites just to check it out, and if I like it I may try to do something with it. We'll see. I'll keep you posted.

Recently, after viewing Lee University's In Circle web site, and corresponding with some of the alumni, I thought it might be OK to blog the post that follows. This is a small portion of my 'writings' that I have on file in my computer. It may be out dated today, but it gets to the point, I think. Tell me what you think. Here it is:

"What about the church teachings? Can we really change them? What about unwritten “practices”, or should I say “teachings”, of the church. I'm talking about those personal convictions that were preached and forced upon congregations, and those church rules that were not intended by God to be His rules. If it was a sin for one man is it not a sin for all? Let me answer that like this: 'What ever is a sin against God, in the sight of God, is a sin for one and all.' But some of the things that were called sin, are not identified as sin in the scriptures.
"More should be said about that, but I am intending to get to another point; mainly this: It seems that the founders of our church, the Church of God, were able to live by the standards of the church, and there are many today who also seem to have very little difficulty accepting those standards and live by them. I truly believe most of those dear saints of God lived holy lives. There are some dear saints of God today who are also living holy lives. But there have been many changes. Changes, no doubt, that would make the early church fathers (of the Church of God) very displeased if they could see those changes.
"There is a move, I think, toward a less severe church in the area of discipline. The church today no longer sees some of the "personal convictions" of the past as sin. They no longer feel that some of the church teachings of the past, for which many were excommunicated, are sinful. The idea of a Christian committing sin was unthinkable, but today it is not impossible to hear Church of God ministers, even Church of God officials, preach that we need to confess our sins and return to God. The church used to think more in terms of being perfect, but now you may often hear from the Church of God pulpit, that we have not yet attained unto perfection. The church used to speak in terms of entire, instantaneous sanctification, but it is not unrealistic to expect to hear the minister talk of a continual and gradual sanctification.
"In my own studies and observations, I have learned that Christians do sometimes sin. Should I say "most" Christians? That is certainly the case with me. I know I am not perfect. The "Baptist idea" that we are sinners saved by grace, is not as far off track as I used to think it was.

. . . . .

"How did those early church founders live such holy lives? How did my Grandmother do it? And how did my parents do it? Why has my struggle in living holy (if keeping the church teachings is living holy) been such a chore for me? Notice, I didn't say I was not keeping the church teachings; I simply admitted that is was not always easy - especially in the area of entire sanctification.

"Here are five things to consider:
"1. The founders of the Church of God did not conform to the church teachings -- they formed the church teachings. They did not make rules that were in disagreement with their practices.
"2. Some, had a temperament and personality that fit snugly into their mold and they did not have to make any effort to keep the standard.
"3. Some, had a temperament and personality that, even though it was difficult to meet the standard, they were actually able to force themselves to do those things required of them, in order to be a good Church of God member.
"4. Some of the early church members (and leaders), actually, did not live by the church teachings. When it was discovered that they were not living by the teachings they were excommunicated.
"5. Some, claimed to live by the church rule, and it was never found out that in reality they were unable to 'keep the standard'."

It seems almost cruel to stop this blog on that note, but it's a long blog and I may add something later. I hope you still love me!!??

Have a Very Merry Christmas and don't forget who the celebration is all about. Jesus Christ Our Lord!