Tuesday, January 1, 2008

There's a primary difference, right there

The churches I was raised in preached from the sermon on the mount, certainly, but it wasn't the center of our faith. I'd guess the book of Romans or the other epistles would be closer. I've heard preachers say that the rules in the sermon on the mount won't really take effect until the Millenial kingdom. Not saying I agree, just mentioning the differences.

And that does bring us to a difference in the sheep in our respective flocks. Mennonites seem to err on the side of legalism and worrying about works. Evangelicals tend to stay babies or at best adolescents in the faith. The concept of not going to law would be a really high bar to set for most churches. (And when it's been mentioned in passing, it's mostly between believers rather than believer/non-believer).

I don't know that this is totally relevant, but.... my dog was chewed up last year by the neighbor's pitbull. She verbally agreed to pay all my vet bills and I had lots of witnesses, plus I have photos and vet records. She's never paid us so much as a dime. I *could* take her to court. I *could* call her and pester her at home and at work - I have both numbers. But I don't. Because I believe I'm not supposed to take a fellow believer to court for my own profit. (I can't do anything about having the dog put down, so there's no benefit to my fellow man). Fortunately my husband agrees with me! I'd still like the money back, it would make for a much happier husband (and was quite a sum) BUT I'll let God worry about it. I'm not sure that she's not using the fact that we're sisters in Christ against me... again, that's between her and God. Would I ask or expect a sibling in Christ to do the same? No.

We're all responsible to God for our own actions, for our own walks.

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