Different or the same?

[B-A-C]

Other than the fact that you "believe in Jesus". What is different about you from a non-believer?
Anything; besides the way you look?

Do you act any differently, than someone who doesn't believe in Jesus?
If you never said the words "I believe in Jesus", would anyone know you are a Christian?

How about your church, not the building itself, but rather the people in it.
Other than the fact that they "believe in Jesus" is there any difference between them
and non-believers? Do they act any differently?
When they are out in the community and workplace, do people know they are Christians
by their actions? Or only by their words?

And if their actions aren't very godly, what does that say about Christians?
If your actions aren't very godly, what does that say about you?

If you are doing the same things, in the same places, with the same people as you did
before you got saved.... if you are acting exactly the same way you did before you got
saved. Are you really a new man? A new creation? Have you really been "born again".
Or are you same person you were before, but you believe in Jesus.
(even the demons believe in God).

 

[rag4aCrown]

One should not judge one for how "they look"; I look like the same sinner as before. I have the same scars and tatooes, even the rag I wear on my head. God told me long ago "the outside looks exactly the same, change nothing, not even my rag, for it is what is inside that has been made brand new."

What is in the heart, comes out the mouth. Does people hear God, or you?

When Jesus lives IN our heart, He is our passion and He shines through. Amen

He has taken our heart of stone and given us a heart of flesh. Amen

Yes, oh how great a transformation has taken process; I am dead, with Him, In Him, By Him, for Him; for I do not recognize myself. Praise God for it. Amen

A young lady attending bible study last night, well she knew me before. She said "the transformation within you is a testimony to me." I praise God for it. For it is not me, but Him that lives in me. I praise God for it. Amen

Is Jesus first in your life?
For my life is not my own, it belongs to God. Amen

 

[Dave M]

I could of used this topic and content the other day when I talked to a old running buddy of mine. I have not talked to him in years although I still know what he is up to from some mutual Friends, which is the same thing me and him were up to years ago, no good. Any ways I called him with the intention of trying to let him know how wonderful my life has become through Jesus and how I now live for eternity. His reaction was he believes and looks forward to seeing me in heaven. I then brought up the fact that drunkards do not go to heaven, he just blew it off basically saying he has cut back. I really did not know how to respond to get the message across to him, like I wanted to. The content is this post would be a great way to test people that seem to think they are saved but have not changed a darn thing they do in life, maybe it would wake them up and see the light.

Great post as always BAC

 

[rag4aCrown]

They are coming; and so is He.
Rise up in the name of Jesus and tell people the Truth. Pastors are you willing to die for your congregation? Are we willing to do what Jesus did for His disciples! It is me you seek, let them go!

...Think about it,
do you love them?

I love them; the brotherhood.
Do you know the obligation to the brotherhood?
If all you had was God; to be able to live, move and breath; would we not understand true humility? Thank you Lord for everything.

 

[SmileyJanell]

I don't watch TV, and I read the bible everyday like from day to night. Reading the bible everyday is enough to separate myself from a non-believer, and for some reason it makes me feel better emotionally. I dress in jeans, and shirts and look like everybody else? I dress like a young adult/teenager that I am.

I listen to indie gospel music, and try to keep my eye single if ya know what I mean. I can't really say much for the youth at my ex-church... they enjoy having debate circles and passing the mic to answer what it is like to be black, yadd yadda, jesus is black yadda yadda... so that's why I call it the ex-church. Apparently if you stop going to a specific church you're no longer Christian. I do not leave my house for the purpose of being religious. I just realize the church is the people. I have seen a woman speaking in tongues in a church meeting with around 10 people than a mega church. People who attend church attend for the sake of doing it. Church is a tradition.

I don't think I'm born again. I'm just repenting or in the process. There are plenty of Christians who claim they're fire for God but get offended when you tell them they're not while they blast their loud and ungodly music, curse, and do ungodly things. If you try to be more "godly" they look at you crazy, and call you weird. , and sometimes even make false stuff bout you. They go to Church once a week, never touch their bibles, and do whatever but if they see you changing your ways, you're taking God too seriously, what is wrong with you?

 

[rag4aCrown]

I don't watch TV, and I read the bible everyday like from day to night. Reading the bible everyday is enough to separate myself from a non-believer, and for some reason it makes me feel better emotionally. I dress in jeans, and shirts and look like everybody else? I dress like a young adult/teenager that I am.

I listen to indie gospel music, and try to keep my eye single if ya know what I mean. I can't really say much for the youth at my ex-church... they enjoy having debate circles and passing the mic to answer what it is like to be black, yadd yadda, jesus is black yadda yadda... so that's why I call it the ex-church. Apparently if you stop going to a specific church you're no longer Christian. I do not leave my house for the purpose of being religious. I just realize the church is the people. I have seen a woman speaking in tongues in a church meeting with around 10 people than a mega church. People who attend church attend for the sake of doing it. Church is a tradition.

I don't think I'm born again. I'm just repenting or in the process. There are plenty of Christians who claim they're fire for God but get offended when you tell them they're not while they blast their loud and ungodly music, curse, and do ungodly things. If you try to be more "godly" they look at you crazy, and call you weird. , and sometimes even make false stuff bout you. They go to Church once a week, never touch their bibles, and do whatever but if they see you changing your ways, you're taking God too seriously, what is wrong with you?

Your entering in. Praise God prase God.

 

[B-A-C]

I don't think I'm born again. I'm just repenting or in the process. There are plenty of Christians who claim they're fire for God but get offended when you tell them they're not while they blast their loud and ungodly music, curse, and do ungodly things. If you try to be more "godly" they look at you crazy, and call you weird.

It takes a lot of courage to say that. I don't know if you're born again or not. I can't judge that. Only God can.
But I will say there are plenty who call themselves Christians and claim to be born again, who have no idea
what that means. It sounds like maybe you do.

I for one will be praying for you.

 

[B-A-C]

This idea of a "change". Change of heart, change of behavior is foreign to some Christians.

This idea of being a new man, a new creation, a new creature in Christ is just abstract misunderstood idea
to them. Being born again, simply means "I believe in Jesus".

Hypothetical situations (which are all based on real situations I have been involved with).

OK, I'm a Christian now, but I still smoke, is that OK?
Well probably... I don't think God will send you to hell for smoking.

OK, I'm a Christian now, but I still look at pornography and masturbate, is that OK?
The answer to this question seems to be different depending on who you ask.

Ok, I'm a Christian now, but I'm living with my girlfriend. is that OK.
Well the Bible does day fornicators will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
But I can't afford to move out on my own. What should I do?

OK, I'm a Christian now, but I still want to be a homosexual, is that OK?
The Bible also says homosexuals will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
But God loves me and I know His grace covers me,, and I know I'm forgiven. Right?

OK, I'm a Christian now, but I sell pornography for a living. Does this mean I have
to change jobs now? Is God OK with me selling pornography? After all, this isn't really
hurting anyone.

OK, I'm a Christian now, but I'm a drug dealer, and I'm making a lot of money.
Besides, i can't just quit.. The drug gangs and cartels will kill me if I quit.
I know it's messing a lot of people up, but isn't God OK with this?

OK, I'm a Christian now, but I'm involved in human trafficking, teenager sex slavery,
Some people say I need to quit doing this, but God loves me, and God forgives all sins right?

....... where do we draw the line on how much is OK with God? Does grace really cover everything?
Can we keep doing what we are doing and say grace covers it all?

Or does being born again mean that we change? That we are literally "born again" with new priorities,
a new love for people, an extreme dislike for sin, and a change of behavior.
Does there need to be a outward evidence that something has changed in our lives?

Some Pentecostals believe that speaking in tongues is an outward evidence that you have received the
Baptism of the Holy Ghost. They believe this outward evidence is required as proof. But even if you
aren't a Pentecostal, should there be some outward evidence that God dwells in you now?

 

[Waggles]

Other than the fact that you "believe in Jesus". What is different about you from a non-believer?

It takes a lot more than simply claiming to believe in Jesus to be a true Christian.
Without the Spirit of Christ one is not even recognized as being Christian by God.
And without the fruit of the Spirit one is a dead branch, not in the vine.

 

[Waggles]

but if they see you changing your ways, you're taking God too seriously, what is wrong with you?

Even in Pentecost there is the excuse making that those who are doers of the Word are "super-spiritual."

 

[SmileyJanell]

It takes a lot of courage to say that. I don't know if you're born again or not. I can't judge that. Only God can.
But I will say there are plenty who call themselves Christians and claim to be born again, who have no idea
what that means. It sounds like maybe you do.

I for one will be praying for you.

Oh, well. I'm just being honest. I don't see the point of saying "I'm saved" if I'm honestly unsure and probably deceiving myself. Seems easy but kind of native. I guess I been surrounded by so many "on fire 4 JC" folk but so in denial at their own actions. Personally I rather people say they're not Christians than to say they're cuz of belief. I believe in Jesus but I don't label myself Christian.

 

[Waggles]

I believe in Jesus but I don't label myself Christian.

Then you are in no-woman's land.
You need to put your belief into practice - you need to have a true relationship with Christ Jesus as your Lord and Saviour.

1Corinthians 12:2
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord,
but by the Holy Ghost. KJV
So it is my desire for you to be clear about this; that no one is able to say by the Spirit of God that Jesus is cursed; and no one is able to say that Jesus is Lord,
but by the Holy Spirit. BBE

Acts 2:37-39
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,
and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Read Acts 19:1-7
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

 

[SmileyJanell]

Then you are in no-woman's land.
You need to put your belief into practice - you need to have a true relationship with Christ Jesus as your Lord and Saviour.

1Corinthians 12:2
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord,
but by the Holy Ghost. KJV
So it is my desire for you to be clear about this; that no one is able to say by the Spirit of God that Jesus is cursed; and no one is able to say that Jesus is Lord,
but by the Holy Spirit. BBE

Acts 2:37-39
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,
and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Read Acts 19:1-7
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

I do not label myself a Christian because I have a goal and that is to meet Jesus (relationship) and that was my goal if you can understand that. I stopped because I only had the belief in God and didn't want to be confused w/ people who labeled themselves Christian because they had the belief only, and I didn't have the interest of living a godly life or wanting anything to do w/ religion or God. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[Curtis]

It is impossible for a person to have a intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, and not have other people know it. You don't even have say anything or wear any Christian clothes or bumper stickers on your car advertising you are!! If we have to tell people we are Christians without them already knowing it than we are in deep trouble. God NEVER lights a candle and puts it under a bed, but on a candle stick for ALL to see.

 

[amadeus2]

After Jesus had spoken speak it was the officers sent by his enemies to bring Jesus to them returned without him saying,

"Never man spake like this man." John 7:46

Jesus said of his own speech:

"...the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me.." John 14:10

And then who is in us?

"...Christ in you, the hope of glory" Col 1:27

Sometimes our silence speaks wonders to people who are watching and listening.
Remember when Pontius Pilate had asked him to defend himself and Jesus...

"...answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly." Matt 27:14

Our tongue needs to be under God's control. Those with "ears to hear" will most certainly hear what the Spirit is saying when God is using a person tongue to speak:

"But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be."
James 3:8-10

Perhaps this is the secret of the unknown tongues sent to men by God!

Are we "different" than Jesus? Are we not are we at least approaching "the same"?

 

[Sig]

Tough questions...No people around me wouldn't guess I'm a christian, partly because there aren't many Christians around, and no one thinks about what beliefs people around them have, partly because I act like everyone else. Few people noticed i don't swear, also they all would said that i'm very friendly and helpful, but thats it...
Im definitely a different person though, attitude, sins, understanding what love is...It's not even question for me, i was a bad human being before conversion i was so lost, so far gone it's scary... Now im still a baby christian, and still way to go, but it's not comparable, more like two different persons...

 

[Mir]

I don't watch TV, and I read the bible everyday like from day to night. Reading the bible everyday is enough to separate myself from a non-believer, and for some reason it makes me feel better emotionally. I dress in jeans, and shirts and look like everybody else? I dress like a young adult/teenager that I am.

I listen to indie gospel music, and try to keep my eye single if ya know what I mean. I can't really say much for the youth at my ex-church... they enjoy having debate circles and passing the mic to answer what it is like to be black, yadd yadda, jesus is black yadda yadda... so that's why I call it the ex-church. Apparently if you stop going to a specific church you're no longer Christian. I do not leave my house for the purpose of being religious. I just realize the church is the people. I have seen a woman speaking in tongues in a church meeting with around 10 people than a mega church. People who attend church attend for the sake of doing it. Church is a tradition.

I don't think I'm born again. I'm just repenting or in the process. There are plenty of Christians who claim they're fire for God but get offended when you tell them they're not while they blast their loud and ungodly music, curse, and do ungodly things. If you try to be more "godly" they look at you crazy, and call you weird. , and sometimes even make false stuff bout you. They go to Church once a week, never touch their bibles, and do whatever but if they see you changing your ways, you're taking God too seriously, what is wrong with you?

Don't give up on church SmileyJanell, there is no perfect church, cause they're made up of imperfect people, like ourselves. I have a son who lives his life as you do (no tv, etc...) and sadly has discovered the same situation in bible studies w/ the young folk his age being shallow or worldly, so he also attends another bible study later in the week at the same church w/ the elderly men whom he says are much deeper in the things of God and he gets much joy in fellowshipping w/ these elderly gentlemen. I told him he needs to continue w/ the younger also to be a difference & I encourage you to do the same. God can use you SmileyJanell to be a difference...there could be another person seeking someone like you to minister to them. God bless you!

 

[Shutterbug]

Personal integrity is the sum of our behaviour and actions. Organizations typically have guide lines in place as a moral yardstick by which the members are gauged. What makes us or breaks us is not just about following the rules, but whether we want to follow them and guide lines imposed by others. in the end, it is about whose will we preferred to follow: His, or our own. Trust me, God will know the difference.