Advise

[Quenton]

Ok, now it's my turn: scriptures please?

I'm not sure where why or how Christians ever got this idea that the Bible has a mutually exclusive Patent on wisdom, or good advice. So...do you have verses for that Quenton? Verses, that would tell us that we should only ever read / study / take queue's / try to find direction / try to find guidance / etc. from the Bible alone??

God can speak through any assortment of things, and often, from the least likely thing you might imagine...which absolutely includes a wide assortment of things from the "secular" realm. Did you ever read Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller? I can't say I particularly liked the book - it was ok - but he did do an interesting job on pointing out some of the various and sundry things he has witnessed in his life which gave him a far better and more real understanding of God.

If you're closed off to anything and everything outside the 66 books of the Bible, at a minimum, you'll live a relatively boring and uninteresting life, and won't be a witness to the "secular" world in a way that would cause them to be interested in exploring Jesus Christ. But again, I'm just a person, and that's just my opinion. You won't find my opinion in Scripture...so, perhaps you should ignore that part.

it might take me a few days to locate all of them as i don't have them on the top of my head and my concorandnce is at my home in arkansas. And i can assure you no part of my life is boring.

no i have not...

and i again i asked for scripture please...if you think we should go off and away to the worlds ways.

 

[Quenton]

scripture:

John 15:18 says "The world would love yoou if you belonged to it, but you don't. I chose you to ocme out of the world, and so it hates you.

this scripture shows that we will be persecuted for not being of the world. The world would love of us if we were of the world but because we aren't than the world doesn't. Do you get out of the verse accept the worlds advise?

Romans 12:2

Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into an new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wnats you to do, and you will know how goodand pleasing and perfect his will really is.

If your accepting the advise of the world are you not copying their behavior and customs?

James 1:27
Pure and lasting religionin the sight of God our Father means that we must carefor orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuese to let the world corrupt us.

James 4:4
You adulteres! don't you realize that friendship with this world makes you an enemy of God? I sway ita again that if your aim is to enjoy this world, you can't be a friend of God!

James states don't let the world corrupt us, AND if you let the world corrupt you you can't be a friend of God.

here's a few

 

[s.i.e.]

Well, you're roomate might be at least as frustrated as you are, in the problem you've brought here.

I'm not sure if your roomate is a Christian or not...but if you're as static, unteachable, narrow-viewed (i.e., to only and exclusively look at the Bible, and not even a persons words) and in-organic to him as you are here, then while you may have some good moments in prayer with your savior, you are not able to relate to human beings in a real way that causes growth in relationships, which -- while I won't look them up for you and quote them here -- there are lots of verses, stories, and parables in the Bible that would suggest we should be rich in our relationships, transparent and vulnerable, and reciprical to our fellow man.

At this point, I'm wondering if you're just being lazy, by bringing this here so that we can drudge up all the Bible verses for you that you're looking for. It seems that you are not wanting words or ideas from human-beings at all. Why don't you just do a google search for various Bible verses with the key phrases that you think will give you your answer, and implement whatever it is that they say? Why are you wanting those Bible verses to come through the various filters of carnal human-beings such as we, when you can get them untarnished from Google or something?

That will be my last piece of advice to you, much to your relief I'm sure. Well...one last piece of advice, and maybe this is repetitive: go about life with a far more open mind, and you will see a LOT more of God in a LOT more areas that you never previously imagined.

*addendum, as I just saw your verses that you posted: obviously, the way you interpret and read those verses lead you to believe in the Bible holding a mutually exclusive patent to the things you're looking for, while I do not.

 

[Quenton]

Well, you're roomate might be at least as frustrated as you are, in the problem you've brought here.

I'm not sure if your roomate is a Christian or not...but if you're as static, unteachable, narrow-viewed (i.e., to only and exclusively look at the Bible, and not even a persons words) and in-organic to him as you are here, then while you may have some good moments in prayer with your savior, you are not able to relate to human beings in a real way that causes growth in relationships, which -- while I won't look them up for you and quote them here -- there are lots of verses, stories, and parables in the Bible that would suggest we should be rich in our relationships, transparent and vulnerable, and reciprical to our fellow man.

At this point, I'm wondering if you're just being lazy, by bringing this here so that we can drudge up all the Bible verses for you that you're looking for. It seems that you are not wanting words or ideas from human-beings at all. Why don't you just do a google search for various Bible verses with the key phrases that you think will give you your answer, and implement whatever it is that they say? Why are you wanting those Bible verses to come through the various filters of carnal human-beings such as we, when you can get them untarnished from Google or something?

That will be my last piece of advice to you, much to your relief I'm sure. Well...one last piece of advice, and maybe this is repetitive: go about life with a far more open mind, and you will see a LOT more of God in a LOT more areas that you never previously imagined.

you've once again ignored my request to provide scriptural. In fact i may as well post its kiind of disrespecctful that i ask for scripture (whiich is what we are to follow as Christians) and instead you continue trying tro tell me to be like the world. Did Jesus teach this?...maybe Paul? anyone in the bible say be like the world listen to the world?...

do you want some more scriptuers or is that offensive that i base my life only from scripture and knkow that the answer is somewehere in the bible? However unless you attempt some scripture i think i will just ignore you because clearly this discussion hasn't gone anywhere..

 

[s.i.e.]

instead you continue trying tro tell me to be like the world.

no I didn't Quenton...that's your black-and-white thinking talking, not me or what I wrote to you, or even suggested.

 

[Quenton]

no I didn't Quenton...that's your black-and-white thinking talking, not me or what I wrote to you, or even suggested.

by saying to accept the advise of the worlld is no different than saying to be like the world.

 

[s.i.e.]

by saying to accept the advise of the worlld is no different than saying to be like the world.

You want to believe that, then you will believe that Quenton. I can't change your mind, certainly...nor can anyone, apparently. Again, you weren't looking to change. You even said you won't change and you aren't intending to. You're just looking for scripture quotes.

I suggest Google. It's a really good search engine. Probably the best.

 

[Quenton]

You want to believe that, then you will believe that Quenton. I can't change your mind, certainly...nor can anyone, apparently. Again, you weren't looking to change. You even said you won't change and you aren't intending to. You're just looking for scripture quotes.

I suggest Google. It's a really good search engine. Probably the best.

please do not respond again unless you give me some scripture i have stated that it's disrespectful and i will no longer bother responding just wanted to give you the heads up that i am not interested in your rechanged worldly view despite you used the worlds accept the advise of the worlds pretty much. If you are going to continue ignoring my request for scripture i will continue ignoring you. Good day

 

[s.i.e.]

I don't expect you to respond Quenton, and you don't have to...but, as for disrespect, this thread is discreptful, brother! Again, why are you asking human beings for help, if you're not wanting human beings to help?

That's the disrespect here, Quenton.

Go to Google.

 

[AudreyNicole]

I'm living with a guy who doesn't believe in financial believing and just not sure how to go about it..i can't really pray in a normal tone even in my room without him hearing me. So i thought i'd ask for some advise. thansk everyone

QUenton

I'm not quite sure what financial believing is exactly, but I think you are talking about God providing for all your needs. If the guy you are living with doesn't believe that God will provide for all your needs, then he is definitely missing out on some major God-ness in his life! That's unfortunate for him but it does allow you a great opportunity to witness and really show him exactly how God provides for you.

So it seems the main problem you have is not being able to pray without him hearing you. Does your roommate get annoyed when you pray this way? If so, I would suggest you lower your voice... whisper if you must. God will still be able to hear you, I promise. He can even read your thoughts... so you can even pray without speaking.

Praying is not dependent on our actions. Just like salvation is not about works, praying is not about works either. We can do nothing on our own to lift up our words to the Lord in prayer. So whether you speak loudly or softly, it doesn't matter because its not about what you do. True prayer is led by the spirit, not by us.

Look at Romans 8:26. The spirit intercedes on our behalf with groans that cannot be uttered. We don't even know what we should pray for. Point is, it doesn't matter how we pray because as long as we have the spirit, we are truly reaching God. So this means, yes, you can even pray in your head without speaking words, because you have the promise that the Spirit is speaking the words for you.

Now, the bible also says to pray in secret. Look at Matthew 6:6. We are to go someplace by ourselves, alone and pray to God. It is to be like a "secret" meaning no body sees you, hears you, knows you're there. And look at the second part of that verse... God knows your there. See, just another promise that you can pray in a way that no body else knows, but only God.

I am positive that Jesus was constantly talking to His Father. Whether it be just thinking to Himself the words, or actually saying them outloud, He was always in conversation with God. We are to pray without ceasing... that means being in constant conversation with the Lord. We aren't always going to be able to speak aloud our prayers... like when I'm in a lecture class, I can't be speaking aloud my prayer... instead I am thinking it in my head. God can still hear me, and through the spirit He knows what I need.

I would suggest that if your praying bothers your roommate, start praying in secret, like Matthew says. Find yourself a prayer closet. Find a place that is hidden away from the world and secretly go to the Father. Perhaps it is just a matter of speaking more quietly or whispering. That way he wont hear you and be bothered, but God still will, and "then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:6

 

[jiggyfly]

6 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us.7 For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you.8 We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you.9 We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow.10 Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”
11 Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business.12 We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.
2 Thess 3:6-12 (NLT)

 

[Quenton]

6 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us.7 For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you.8 We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you.9 We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow.10 Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”
11 Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business.12 We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.
2 Thess 3:6-12 (NLT)

you stuck this in the wrong thread ?

 

[Brighthouse]

WELL!!! Dear LORD!! First let me say I have read all, the writing here,and without judging ANYONE on this, please allow me to say the following. Colossians 4:6!, Mark 9:50, 1 Peter 3:15 What a person holds to as there truth is there truth. I never saw Jesus beg anyone to hold to his truth,he pointed this out in love,and let them decide on how much,or how little they wanted him.

Now here,to me,it is no sin to disagree, or agree, on the point being we are here to help,not to point. When I went to college I to believed the Lord for my needs,but I also worked 3 jobs,in this way,I wanted the Lord to know I was doing!! the very best i could in him,because I believe if i open my mouth on something I better back it up with works as well.

After 3 months of attacks and laughter by others, it came down to just 3 days before my money was due at the College. I prayed as you all do,and said Lord!! YOU!!! brought me here!!No one else did! I have done as much as I can, to show your light in me,so if you want me to stay I need 500.00 more dollars!! And if you don't!! well then ok! I just praise your Name for your answer! And left it at that.

On the next day, after working about 15 hours, i got a break from my job,so I went to the store and bought me a candy bar ,the grocery store was giving out free tickets, to a promotion they were having.Long story short,I won 1000.00 dollars on that ticket! I started jumping around so much I almost sprained my feet LOL

It does not matter what people believe, it only matters what we believe. I did not tell them they were wrong,Jesus showed them!! That is love,that is what we are,and should always be in him.Blessing to you all.

 

[benfaust]

From reviewing all the posts in this thread, I got the impression that you don't have a job and aren't looking for one, but are only praying for provision. Of course that impression could be coming from bad wording or my own misunderstanding, but it could shed some light on the situation to clear up whether that's the case.

 

[s.i.e.]

It does not matter what people believe, it only matters what we believe.

Bright: no offense, but that is either anti-advice, or the worst advice I've ever seen.

Either there's truth, or there's no truth...but there's not really such a thing as relative truth. Truth isn't dependent on what we believe. It doesn't change based on us. It's either true, or it's not...and nothing about it is dependent or changed based on the fact that it's s.i.e. or Brighthouse or Quenton who happens to believe in it.

Maybe that's just your way of saying you happen to agree with Quenton's m.o. here, perhaps?

 

[Brighthouse]

And s.i.e. you are most correct!! If I were to say that s.i.e. is unusual, and just leave it at that,what would you believe I was saying? You could take this to mean, odd?? In some way,when I really mean it as deep thinking,but If I did not address this at the start how I meant it to be taken,it would be as YOU believed it was,even if I were to say different.

This is what I mean by ones own faith.I am not pro or con on the situation,all I am saying is what is true to ones own self.As you well know people can twist truth to mean what they wish it to mean to them! If we want to become offended we sure can do this,even if words spoken were not meant to do so.

In God's Word what seems black and white to some, has gray in it for others. That is why whole truth which is believed and is acted upon, is what really sets us free in our Jesus. ( john 8:31-32) I myself had to change some views I had on faith! I believed it was one way,but found out I was wrong,so would I still teach this to others?? Of course not,For as you well know no one has full truth we know in part.( 1 Cor 13:12)

And on what we really do believe we act on. What is so nice,is that belief acted upon that is correct works,that which does work,we ourselves may need to look at again.I sure know I had to.Blessing bro.

 

[Quenton]

From reviewing all the posts in this thread, I got the impression that you don't have a job and aren't looking for one, but are only praying for provision. Of course that impression could be coming from bad wording or my own misunderstanding, but it could shed some light on the situation to clear up whether that's the case.

do you believe Christians miust live like the world?

 

[s.i.e.]

Brighthouse is rightly pointing out the value of asking for clarity and more color (and, sorry Brighthouse, if I assumed first, before you provided that extra clarity!).

With respect to that, what do you really mean in this question here, Quenton?

do you believe Christians miust live like the world?

What are you really asking? You seem to like to leave us guessing, and when someone asks you to clarify yourself, you continue to find comfort in ambiguity. A question like this could mean any number of hundreds of different things. Part of your frustration with the responses you get here are due to your leading.


So...given that, I've come to the same conclusion as benfaust as well:

From reviewing all the posts in this thread, I got the impression that you don't have a job and aren't looking for one, but are only praying for provision. Of course that impression could be coming from bad wording or my own misunderstanding, but it could shed some light on the situation to clear up whether that's the case.

If you mean "should a Christian have a job" when you ask "do you believe a Christian must live like the world"...I'll give you these verses, since you seem to reject anything anyone says unless it's got scriptures added to it.

Col 3:22
I Cor 15:58
Gen 2:15
Prov 21:25
Prov 12:24
Prov 10:26
Prov 18:9
Prov 6:6
Prov 26:6
Prov 13:4
Acts 20:34-35

1 Tim 5:8 "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever"

By the way, work was God's idea. Gen 2:15



The answer is yes, God has asked us to provide for "his own" and "those of his household"...and says that if we don't, we have denied the faith.

 

[Quenton]

Brighthouse is rightly pointing out the value of asking for clarity and more color (and, sorry Brighthouse, if I assumed first, before you provided that extra clarity!).

With respect to that, what do you really mean in this question here, Quenton?



What are you really asking? You seem to like to leave us guessing, and when someone asks you to clarify yourself, you continue to find comfort in ambiguity. A question like this could mean any number of hundreds of different things. Part of your frustration with the responses you get here are due to your leading.


So...given that, I've come to the same conclusion as benfaust as well:



If you mean "should a Christian have a job" when you ask "do you believe a Christian must live like the world"...I'll give you these verses, since you seem to reject anything anyone says unless it's got scriptures added to it.

Col 3:22
I Cor 15:58
Gen 2:15
Prov 21:25
Prov 12:24
Prov 10:26
Prov 18:9
Prov 6:6
Prov 26:6
Prov 13:4
Acts 20:34-35

1 Tim 5:8 "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever"

By the way, work was God's idea. Gen 2:15



The answer is yes, God has asked us to provide for "his own" and "those of his household"...and says that if we don't, we have denied the faith.

how many jobs should a christian have? that is my question obviously every man should work but thee vworld says you shall have differnt jobs to earn money...provide me scripture that says that i never said should a christian work i will work as a preacher.

 

[s.i.e.]

how many jobs should a christian have? that is my question obviously every man should work but thee vworld says you shall have differnt jobs to earn money...provide me scripture that says that i never said should a christian work i will work as a preacher.

per 1 Tim 5:8...it seems to me that however many jobs you may need to provide for your own and your household, is the answer. If being a preacher isn't providing you with enough resources to be able to do that, then it sounds like "the world" may be right, in suggesting that you should supplement your preaching vocation with secular employment as well.