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Hello Reverend, first, let me say thank you for donating your time and efforts to this wonderful website. It is appreciated.
I guess you could call me a "backslider?". I "joined" church when I was 16 yrs. old, but I didn't stick with it.
I went to church this past Sunday and I guess I'm kinda sad that I didn't feel that "pull" when they did the altar call. It's kinda scaring me. I don't think that my heart is calloused because I pray often and I still feel God working in my life (I think), but why didn't I feel that "pull"?
Do I have to feel that , that overwhelming, all-consuming, dieing-out-in-the-world feeling to come back or can one just simply make the decision that this is what one wants to do?
Can you come back without being "called"?
Or is all of these questions just part of conviction and I'm just not realizing it?
Also, if one who has backslid, does come back and re-dedicate themselves to Christ, do you have to be "re-baptized" or does the 1st time still count?
Any insights you can provide will be greatly appreciated and again, thank you for your time and efforts...also, ...would you please remember me in your prayers? I'd really like to find my way.
Angela, if you were truly saved at 16 then there would be no call or pull to salvation because you only need to respond to that call one time.
You should not rest on feelings that are subjective but on the Word of God. Purpose in your heart and as an act of your will to live for Christ. Get back into church, especially back into the Word and find a place to use your spiritual gift. Loving Him, being obedient and serving is what it is all about. MAYBE He will give you some sort of feeling at some point or maybe not. It is not about feeling. It is about faith that follows.
You can rededicate yourself merely by telling God in prayer something like this. "Father, I came to you in faith to be saved many years ago but I did not follow you as I should. I am sorry for that and now I want to be all You will make me to be in Christ. Forgive my sins and bring me back into Your arms and hold me close as Your child. Help me to always hear Your voice in whatever way You wish to speak to me. I know that is mainly through Your Word but let me hear You in all ways so that I may rejoice in my service to You. Amen!" After that, listen to the Word, fellowship with other people of God and you will grow in Christ.
You do not have to be re-baptized. Once fully washed, you need only wash your feet by using the water of the Word in 1 John 1:9.
Thank you dear Sister for seeking to return to Father and His love for you. May He grant you great wisdom through His Word as you seek His will for your life!
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| Comment | Thank you. Your response has been very helpful to me. Maybe the only thing that had been holding me back was simply not knowing how to go about doing what needs to be done. Please continue to remember me in prayer and thank you again. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Dr. Ronald E. Shultz
Expertise
I am more of a polemicist than an apologist. I especially desire to answer questions concerning discipleship/holiness, "gray areas", etc. If all you wish is an argument then I am not your man. Sincere seekers only need e-mail me.
Experience
I have ministered in several states since my conversion in 1975. I participate in many forums and have written two books.
Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors since 2009
Texas Civil Defense since 2008
American Legion since 2002
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, since 1994
Life Member NCOA, 1973
Dover AFB Honor Guard, 1971-73
Publications
Poem, "Cowboy Up" published in an anthology by American Poets Society, 2004
Author, Jail House Religion, Xulon Press, 2004
Author, The Power of Holy Women, Xulon Press, 2003
Messianic Literary Corner published 45 poems, 2003+
Tract “Which Way To God” published on http://www.tracts.com/whichway.html, 1998
Several poems published on various web pages, 1997,1998,1999
Author, Metamorphosis, copyrighted, partially published collection of poetry, 1968-94
Article, “Why I Prefer Expository Preaching”, published in Canyonview Bible Seminary's Expositor, 1988
Education/Credentials
Doctor of Theology, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA, 2001, Summa Cum Laude
Master of Theology, Christian Bible College, Rocky Mount, NC, 2000, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Religious Education , Administration minor, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982, Cum Laude
Evangelical Teacher Training Association, Teachers Diploma, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982
Other study: Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL - 1975-78
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA - 1976-77
Interim Ministry For Today's Churches - 2000
Awards and Honors
Heritage Registry of Who's Who, 2006-2007
Editor's Choice Award, International Library of Poetry, 2003
America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals 2001-2002
Stratmore Who's Who, 2001-2002
Guest Speaker Texas A&M, Commerce, 1999
Gubernatorial Commendation by Texas Veterans Commission, 1999
Dallas VA Certificate of Pride in Public Service, 1999
Guest on the Kevin Bullard radio program KPBC AM 770,1997
Who's Who in the South and Southwest, 1996
Editor's Choice Award, National Library of Poetry, 1995
Who's Who in Poetry, 1992
United States Army Achievement Medal, 1990
Personal testimony dramatized for international radio program Unshackled, 1986
Outstanding Young Men of the South, 1981
United States Air Force Commendation Medal, 1978
Two USAF suggestion awards, 1976
NCO of the Quarter, 1975
Freedom Foundation Award, 1975
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