Question About Fundmental Neighbors?

Welcome to the board Alibobo, While I welcome you to the board I must say that as an Episcopal you should not post in Baptist only sections of the board. this forum is one of those. I will leave your post in hopes that you can view the answers that will be given to your question. I must insist that you do not respond, you may contact any responders by PM.
God Bless
Murph

 

Hello Allibobo,

From the sound of your neighbor’s attitude toward you, you should be confused. Their “holier than thou” attitude is completely un-Christlike. If you will check this link out, you can learn what “pure” fundamentalism is:

http://www.baptistboard.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=48;t=000418

Of course, true to our inherent sinful nature, we humans like to add our requirements to God’s – been doing it since The Law was given!

You aren’t saved because you are Episcopalian and I am not saved because I am Baptist (SBC). If we are saved, it is because we have an abiding, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, NOT A CHURCH. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Catholics I have met think they are saved because they “belong” to the RCC. The Bible says that unless someone is born again they will not inherit the kingdom of God. Have you been born again (transformed)? No transformation – no salvation.

This passage condemns anyone who calls themselves a Christian but doesn’t live like one. I don’t know how you live so you should take an introspective look at yourself, being very honest. Cheating on this test could have eternal consequences!

My guess from what you have described is that your neighbors are judging you on what they observe. They should not be judgmental – that is wrong. But you might want to do an assessment of your own “walk.” Being a “very loving person” by itself does not qualify you for eternity in heaven. Is the focus of your life Jesus Christ? “Where a man’s treasures are, there will his heart be also.” What do you and your husband’s calendars and checkbook reveal regarding your priorities? Are you living for God? Are you giving to God? Or are you giving lip service to Him? Do you hunger for God’s Word (read your Bible regularly)? Do you have a fervent prayer life? I hope that your assurance that you are going to heaven is based on these things: “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Cor 15:3b-4a) and “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.“ (Eph 2:8-9)

If you are comfortable with your introspective answers to these questions, then you should pray for your neighbors!

 

allibobo, it appears to me that your neighbors are judging you based on your denominational affiliation, and possibly judging your salvation, which we as Christians are forbidden to do. I want you to know that this is not appropriate behavior for a Christian, Baptist and otherwise.

It's my hope and prayer that your neighbors will have their hearts softened by the Holy Spirit enough to get to know you personally, politely, reverantly, and lovingly.

 

Welcome to the Board Allibobo.

I am probably as confused as you are regarding the actions of your neighbors. The word fundamentalist also confuses me.

I am a Christian and I belong to a Southern Baptist Church. I have had friends who belonged to the Catholic Church and the Epsicopal Church. I respected their beliefs and they respected mine. We learned from each other.

It is unfortunate that you have neighbors who do not respect your beliefs. There is a difference between discussing what one believes and trying to tell the other person that they are wrong.

In your shoes, I would probably avoid these neighbors, but I know with small children that may not be possible. One thing I have learned over the years is that you can't please everyone.
One should be concerned about what God wants them to do, secondly what their husband wants them to do. You are to please God and your husband.

Perhaps you can approach these neighbors by discussing why they believe as they do, but I would in some kind way suggest that they do not tell your children they are going to hell, etc., etc. Tell them that you are responsible for teaching your own children what is right and wrong. They should respect you for this.

I certainly would not get into a feud with them.

May God Bless You and hope to see your posts on some of the threads that are open to all Christians.

 

I'm also a Christian and Southern Baptist so I can't answer much about fundamentalists except to say within our own home school group we have a large number of fundamental families. Some wear pants and some don't but none of them have ever spoken out or put down our other members who wear shorts or pants.

It's certainly not very Christ like that your neighbors talk badly about you! Jesus told us to love our neighbors and if this family is concerned about your salvation, they should lovingly explain to you how to be saved. In fact, there's a link on top of the Other Religion/ Doctrine pages that will walk you through what Baptists believe you need to do to become a Christian. Please click on that link and read it! It will certainly answer a lot of your questions and help you understand where WE are coming from.

Click Here. If you died today, are you sure you'd go to heaven? Click Here.

If you feel that you have NOT followed those steps and you'd like to speak with anyone here about how to ask Jesus into your life, please feel free to pm or email any of us!

God bless you and welcome!
Diane