†Good morning Kent,
It certainly is unfortunate that you had the experiences that you say you did with two "born agains", but you didn't mention what they were "born again" into. The term is used quite loosly. If you are speaking of born again into the Kingdom of God(born again christians), then I must say even there it is especially misused. These two bad experiences that you speak of, were they the only bad experiences you had,or were they the only two you had with "born agains"?
Believers, ahh such a group!They do come in many styles, forms and sizes. Many peolpe do believe in the word of God and the teachings of Jesus, but belief is for some, maybe even many, the extent of the state of their heart. God knows of them all and has said this of the lot of them: "Forasmuch as this people draw near to me with their mouth,and with their lips do honour me,but have removed their hearts far from me, and and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men": Isaiah 29:13... The rest you might want to read for yourself.
Take for instance a man/woman charged with a heinous crime, the jury, after hearing all of the evidence, believes in their heart that the defendant is guilty, however, as per jury instructions, they cannot find def. guilty unless the state has met its burden, which is "beyond a reasonable doubt". This statement, however, vague to some, exists and is in fact the heart of our criminal justice system, it is the extension of "innocent until proven guilty", or in the legal community it is known as "the presumption of innocence". So the above scenario begs the question; Is this a good theory when put into practice. The answer is an absolute yes.
Now lets apply that same theory to christianity. If one believes that there is a God, and believes that Jesus is God in the flesh, and did in fact come into this world as a sacrifice to all of mankind in order that their sins be forgiven,then they must believe that the word of God (jury instructions) must be followed. If they do not heed the word of God, transgressions,woes, and injustices are sure to be a result.
Just as "jury instructions" are a guide to assist the juror in doing the "right thing", no matter what he/she might believe, so too is the word of God, and the teachings of His Son Jesus.
The word of God is a christian's "instructions" on how to put into action that which a christian "believes".
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."Ps.119-105
Have a blessed day in the Lord,
Shalom †
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