dear Janet...
you said: "Regarding worldview and participation in the community, I would have responded differently. I would say that worldview governs our actions. By our actions, therefore, we also have a sense of a person's worldview. It is obvious that you consider me in need of repair, and this is no doubt due to your worldview. Do you see most people as broken?"...
I believe we are all sinners in need of repair. I also believe that some are in need of repair more than others...those in other closed countries who haven't heard the gospel and may not hear it before their passing will be given salvation. Those who are born and raised in countries where the gospel message is proclaimed, but who willfully reject it, are in need of more repair...they have neglected a great salvation and that is a move AGAINST themselves because then satan steps in to blind their minds/hearts completely...2 corinthians 4:3-6.
I asked if you were worried about being lukewarm...I mentioned that scripture because I haven't seen any support from you on this forum towards those called to be evangelical who are fundimentalists...you have actually tried to shush them so to speak by poo pooing their method...in a way, drawing attention away from the message to bring the focus onto your...less critical "lukewarm" view. Does your worldview encompass an understanding of the ethos and pathos of God and His "stake" in humanity? Do you understand that He has asked AND enabled christians to be His hands and feet to mankind?
I'd like to bring your attention to ezekiel 3:17-18: "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand."
ALSO acts 20:26-31, 33-35: "Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears... I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive." ...
Now, I have no doubt that you don't see any love in the message that I have given...that is because it is a form of rebuke to you for being lukewarm...but, some would find food for thought and action in the words and ways of God...in revelation 3:16 Jesus is in essence saying that you are no longer "in" Him so, He spews you out... Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.... “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’”
love michelle
