About a year ago I made a vow to God that I would go to a certain seminary. After much reflection upon that vow, calculating the financial cost, and the amount I would need to take out in student loans I am beginning to wonder if I should still keep this vow. I don’t want to broke a vow made to God. But I also know that I could get educated through another seminary for much less, and keeping this vow would cause my family and I to be in quite a bit of more debt. Any advice would be appreciated.
Foolish vow
- Thread starter SpiritWarrior7
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- Jul 25, 2005
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- Mar 10, 2017
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You are learning a harsh lesson that Jesus's comment don't sweat by heaven or earth, but let your yes be yes and your no be no.
What does your church leaders think about your going to do theological studies?
Will they miss your services in church?
If you won't be missed why do you think you need to go to theological college?
If you have the backing of your church leaders about going to theological college then go to the best college you can. Do ensure it is not a theological liberal college.
The point is you will be going to college, which one is irrelevant.
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- Jul 25, 2005
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Unless God accommodates them, OCD vows do not count. Do not sabotage your family's finances just to appease a mental illness (that can never be satisfied).
As a Charismatic, you must understand that God does not want you to make vows [Matthew 5:33-37], but rather your increasing surrender to Him.
Treat the OCD medically. Visit churches that can address it spiritually. Then evaluate your next steps toward ministry.
Front Seat, Back Seat; Love Song (1972)
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Albion
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Is there something about the seminary you promised God you'd attend that would make it more legitimate, etc. than the one you are now considering?
If not, and if both lead to the same end, I doubt that you would be dishonest to attend the one you're considering now.
If it's "yes," and the second one is unaccredited or not recognized by your church, or something of that magnitude, then that might be different. On the other hand, the new information would have altered your promise in the first place and you can still confess your wrongdoing and seek forgiveness.
If not, and if both lead to the same end, I doubt that you would be dishonest to attend the one you're considering now.
If it's "yes," and the second one is unaccredited or not recognized by your church, or something of that magnitude, then that might be different. On the other hand, the new information would have altered your promise in the first place and you can still confess your wrongdoing and seek forgiveness.
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- Oct 7, 2018
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Welcome. This what Jesus Christ of Nazareth said:
Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.
You can repent and stop vowing from here on out. We have a loving and forgiving Father. Be blessed
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fm107
Psalm 19:1-4 and Romans 1:20
- May 12, 2009
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The concept of Seminary School is something that is not supported by scripture. None of the Apostles went to Seminary School nor set up a Seminary School. The place God would have us learn is in the assembly with the Holy Spirit present therein illuminating the Word of God. Ordinary men (shepherds, fisherman, tent makers, etc) don't need to go to man's schools to be able to teach or preach the Word of God, they simply need to be born again and led by the Spirit. This is what the Bible presents to us as the correct way of things in God's Church.
So what else remains? Now you know seminary schools aren't what God wants for his people, you should repent for making a vow (even though it was a vow that is not in keeping with God's will).
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