On The Frontlines: Unchurched Believer

The following is an interview with the Unchurched Believer, who also has a blog called the Olive Parent.


What does Spiritual warfare mean to you?

The Word says it true:
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

What do you believe to be your purpose in life?

To do the will of God in the face of opposition.

What Bible passage is your favorite?

Such a hard question, I would have to say the most life transforming passages for me is the Book of Romans.

Who is your favorite Bible character apart from Jesus?

Saint Paul

Other than Biblical figures, who have been your heroes of the faith?

I absolutely must mention my husband, whose dedication to walk according to the will of God, overpowers much in his life. His love for the Lord is deep and defines where he goes and how he lives. He is a nonconformist just as much as I am, if not more!

In your mind what event has had the greatest effect upon the moral degradation of America?

To answer this with an answer or two is to imply that America was once in a state of moral purity, which no human-governed, country is. Many believe in the greatness of America because of its “Christian” heritage. However, I believe America’s decline started the moment she was created. Stolen land that resulted in a near genocide of its native inhabitants and stolen people enslaved to enrich America in the face of hypocrisy (The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution), do not make for moral righteousness no matter how many “Christians” were on hand upon her existence.

However, God uses all things, good and evil according to His purpose, for His glory. It would do us well as Believers to remember with humility our very immoral beginnings. It is by our own self-righteousness as a country, that we face moral decay and not by any particular event in history. Any form of self-government, human government over other humans, is temporal and lacking in Spiritual perfection that only Christ Jesus can govern with. Christ WILL return to govern His people!!

In a nutshell, what are your end times views?

A nutshell is hardly big enough my views. However, I believe we are live and on the scene of the manifestation of end times prophecy. The “times of the Gentiles” is soon ending and there is no doubt in my mind that it is much “nearer” than when we first believed. Romans 13:11

However, I believe despite all the manifestations of foretold scripture, ALL things in today’s climate are purposeful and must come to pass. Matthew 24:6

What role(s) do you believe that Holy Spirit plays in our lives as Christians?

Without the Holy Spirit, there is no such thing as a Believer. The Holy Spirit is the very definition, essence and character of a Believer and the ONLY way we are acceptable to Him.

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Romans 8:9

To what degree are you responsible for your own sanctification?

Just so that there is no confusion, the term sanctification by definition means to ‘make holy; set apart as sacred; consecrate”. In the spiritual sense, I am in firm disagreement in any efforts towards my own sanctification. Any efforts on my behalf results in a production of my own righteousness, and denies the saving power of my Lord and Savior to sanctify as only He can.

In the physical sense, I’m not sure how anyone can be “holy” outside of faith in Christ Jesus. It is only by Faith that we receive the Holy Spirit. Being led by the Spirit and not by the commandments of men is extremely important. So I guess my answer to this question is it is only by Faith we receive the Spirit and are set apart, nothing else.

“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” Romans 11:6

What does baptism mean to you?

The physical display of baptism is symbolic of the spiritual baptism received when one confesses with their mouth AND believes in their heart that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Romans 10:9)
I reject all claims that one must be physically baptized to receive salvation and/or the Holy Spirit as unbiblical. Spiritual baptism is conditional of genuine belief, as ONLY God can see and accept. Physical baptism should also be conditional of genuine belief in Christ Jesus, not the other way around. The condition of salvation is clearly and simply stated in John 3:16 and exemplified in Luke 23:42-43. That is not to say that I’m against the symbolic act…I was once baptized in the name of Jesus, and only by the power and the blood of Christ was I saved. Baptism, like many other biblical subjects has become a condition of salvation and/or the Holy Spirit in the Christian culture.

How do you feel about the death penalty?

I don’t really have a take on the death penalty. Many issues plague the American society in which many, including Christians, feel the need to be involved for the sake of improving the human condition, or the morals of our society. I have no hope or faith in man power, but every hope and Faith in the power of Jesus Christ. I know where the human condition is headed.

How do you feel about physical war?

Naturally, war is horrible, but in this sinful, human-governed world, it is inevitable.

What is your take on the Iraqi war?

I have personal views of our current president that are not at all positive. I’ll just leave it at that. However, despite my views, I believe all things are coming together for the prophetic proclamations of scripture. As idiotic as I think the Bush administration is, I DO believe he (Bush) is serving a biblical purpose in Iraq.

What do believe about the New World Order conspiracy?

Honestly, this is the first time I’ve heard of such a conspiracy. I do try to avoid the imaginations of men and all the dialogue and debates that originate from it. My eyes are trained heaven-ward, holding unto what the Word calls “sound doctrine”. The book of Revelation tells us that the entire world will be under dominion of the Anti-Christ. This is what I believe will happen. How it will happen, I cannot say. Is it happening now??? The chances are more YES than no.

How do you feel about the Patriot Act?

What can I say about the Patriot Act? I know where America is headed. Despite how many American Christians behave and speak, (as though voting etc. can correct what ails us) America is not immune from the prophecy of scripture.

What are your thoughts on the 2008 presidential election?

This has been the most interesting and exciting election since I’ve been alive on this earth! While I do not participate in the election process, I know one thing; the next president will be according to the purpose of God. I’m hoping its Obama.

In your opinion, which political system is most compatible with Christian spirituality?

You know I cringe when I hear this question. There is only one compatible political system, the eternal reign of Jesus Christ as Lord. When Satan is unseated as his role as the “prince of this world”, Christ will rule supreme in power, glory and love.

Can Christians truly be tolerant?

I’m not sure what is meant here by the word “tolerant”. But this question implies that ALL Christians are equal in beliefs and doctrines which are untrue. In stating that, I guess the answer would be yes. Christianity is divided into bits and pieces by beliefs and doctrines which demonstrate the tolerance of Christians to accept unsound or unbiblical doctrine.
However, in a sense of tolerance in terms of love, the answer would be a resounding no. We hardly tolerate one another in this light, and non Christians even less.

What is your favorite movie?

I don’t have a favorite movie, but I enjoy courtroom dramas, mysteries and action movies.

Which 5 posts from your blog(s) do believe to be most significant?

The Integrity of Fellowship and Accountability - http://confessionsofanunchurchedbeliever.blogspot.com/2007/06/integrity-of-fellowship-and.html

A Degree of Faith – http://confessionsofanunchurchedbeliever.blogspot.com/2007/07/degree-of-faith.html

Translation vs. Paraphrase - http://confessionsofanunchurchedbeliever.blogspot.com/2007/08/translation-vs-paraphrase.html

Church – A Stumbling Block to Faith? - http://confessionsofanunchurchedbeliever.blogspot.com/2008/01/church-stumbling-block-to-faith.html

The Parable of the Sower - http://confessionsofanunchurchedbeliever.blogspot.com/2007/08/parable-of-sower.html

What other blogger(s) would you like to see interviewed?

Hmmm. I think you’ve interviewed them all already. But I would like to see Brother Mark at Know and Grow interviewed. http://growandknow.blogspot.com