Please explain how one would know if one's worship is in "spirit and in TRUTH." Thanks!
Blessings!
Altar Calls?
Discussion in 'History Forum' started by ThankULord, Nov 7, 2009.
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Have you ever heard of the difference between the "elements" of worship and the "circumstances" of worship?
Just curious.
Blessings! -
Yes, I have. The same concept applies.
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Blessings! -
Like I said, as long as we're worshipping in spirit and in truth, then our most of our manmade customs are permissible. Doesn't matter if it's altar calls, three hymns, a prayer, and a message, communion from a tray and cups, the use of hymnals, etc etc etc.
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Just curious.
Blessings! -
Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
This cannot be supported with scripture. -
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Don't you see, a sinner being saved is not worship.
It's something he must "go and see a Pastor" about later, Amen? -
Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Someone being saved is as much worship as anything else.
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I concur with Revmitchell. Worship is worship. A person being saved is as much a worship style as any other worship style.
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Blessings! -
Blessings! -
Blessings! -
To invite people to enquire after the Lord in salvation is one thing, and that is biblical. To dance about, shout, and parade during a service is quite another. This is not biblical in any sense of the word.
I believe when the Holy Spirit leads, the elect will respond. They don't need a clown in the pulpit.
Cheers,
Jim
Cheers,
Jim -
I'm coming to this thread late in the discussion, obviously, since each side seems to be doing quite well without me.
All of us would agree that altar calls (or invitations) can be handled improperly. So let's define what is a proper altar call. And let's also define what is improper.
What is the proper way to present the claims of Christ to the lost? And what would you avoid doing or saying at that point?
When does an invitation wrongly play on one's emotions? Or, is it wrong to do so? Are there buzz words or phrases which are designed to manipulate a response?
Or, is manipulation okay?
More questions: Why must one "walk the aisle" or come forward? Why use the term "come to the altar" when there is no such thing in a Baptist church? What is its purpose?
Is anything off limits? Is anything permissible to get a soul into heaven?
Just askin'. -
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Presbyterian perspective
I look at this issue from a slightly different angle than the Biblical agruments for or against the altar call presented in these posts. When growing up as a Presbyterian, (PCA), after a long, stoic, dry sermon, there would be a prayer and a choral response, and that was it. There was not even a mention of the message just preached, the Holy Spirit working in your life, or an invitation to see the pastor or deacon/elder after the service. It was almost like a mechanical assembly line.
I am the first to agree that the altar call has been abused as a sales tactic, that too many verses have been sung to draw a response, and maybe even given some the impression that walking up front is a part of salvation.
I also agree with Brother Jim that when the Holy Spirit convicts, we respond. All that saves us is faith in Jesus Christ. However, that all being said, when altar calls are conducted properly, I appreciate the forum at the end of each service as a way to express to the Lord that something is going on in my life, while my fellow believers and church members are there watching me. Contrast this with the picture above of a typical service such as I grew up in, and I am grateful that this is part of the worship service. -
I apologize if the working in my post sounded arrogant. I can see how some could take it that way. That was not my intent. I also apologize to Rev. Mitchell if these words are an offense to him personally. I didn't intend to show any disrespect. Grace and Peace!
Blessings! -
Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Bub it is apparent you cannot support your claim. You have made a strong assertion and not once used any scripture to back it up. Lack of a mandate does not mean it is not to be part of worship. Pews, chandeliers and electricity is not mandated either but we use them. If you want to at least appear intelligent then you need to be careful of your arguments and your words.
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