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To: imardmd1
With grateful appreciation I have read this encouraging story of a person who has, through bathing in the Word, responded to Jesus' offer of everlasting life.

Actually, it says he rededicated his life to Christ, and I find no info on what manner of Christian he describes himself as, but while most of the testimonies are of people who hit rock bottom to be saved, this one is a contrast, but of a soul who still came to God out of a poor and contrite spirit, which is the only way one can come to Christ and salvation.

8 posted on 01/21/2025 3:58:01 AM PST by daniel1212 (Turn 2 the Lord Jesus who saves damned+destitute sinners on His acct, believe, b baptized+follow HIM)
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To: daniel1212
I am not very keen on the Robertson and the 700 Club, or of Pentacostalism on the whole. But that is from having experienced attaction to that culture in my early day of being a new-born "babe in Christ," and of being led out of it by association with doctrinally sound people, mainly Darbyite-type Bible-preaching spiritually mature elders or fundamental independent immersionist (read 'Baptist') assemblies.

With that kind of background in mind, and evaluating what I read in this article, it seems that Rich describes a Bible-based change of mind, of which the author writes:

“It was like, you know, the Living Word. We talk about the Bible's living and it was cool to see that for the first time instead of just reading words on a page.”
Rich says immediately all of his priorities changed.
This speaks to me of a change of mind, μετάνοια, a reversal of what he had previously thought about the nature of his standing with God, and why "all of his priorities" needed to change. That would be the response of a Spirit-convicted human, first in one's mind, then in behavior concerning sin, righteousness, and judgement.

In writing to you, my texting will also be read by others, so I must presume from what I read that the man has experienced a genuine conversion and regeneration through learning from Scripture study and discussion all the aspects that must be met first in one's mind, then in behavior, for spiritual rebirth, have been.

So overall, where the author lacked depth in fully describing the details of the man's background, beliefs, and behavior, I had to supplement the true doctrines that the article implies, for the benefit of the reader. I may have presumed too much, but the nature of what my assumption means is not wrong at all.

A firmly convinced permanent change of mind on the basis of Jesus' gracious substitutionary sacrifice is the core essence for the reader to accept and identify with.

Thanks for your reply!

9 posted on 01/21/2025 9:55:15 AM PST by imardmd1 (To learn is to live; the joy of living: to teach. Fiat Lux!)
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