This is not going to start out as a Bible study but it should end up one. Put this question in a google search and find out what the top answer for the question is amongst most people in the nation. Then pray about that answer and share your thoughts to start this discussion. The question to put in google is the name of the thread.
Why are Christians so?
- Thread starter ushalk
- Start date
well I guess since no one wants to do this, I will tell you. the first word is mean. Why are Christians so mean? The second one is hateful. third one is judgmental. The answers are not what bothers me. What bothers me is the fact that in most cases the answers are true. Does anyone want to discuss this? Or is it just going to be another excuse? If we as Christians can not accept responsibility for our actions and repent of them, how do we expect others to accept Christ and do the same?
Aaron Lindahl
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Hi ushalk. You make a very good point.
B-A-C
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I think there are quite a few reasons. But I don't think it's "all" Christians.
1. The first obvious answer, is that everyone who thinks they are a Christian isn't. (we could debate about who is and who isn't, but the fact that there are many opinions
about this shows we can't all be right)
2. Also some people perceive what love is differently. If I see an infant stumbling towards a bonfire, I may react a few different ways.
--- a. I may let him fall into the fire.
--- b. I may tell him to be careful.
--- c. I may yell at him not to do it. - This could be because I'm angry, or this could be because I love him and he just scared the #$%&*@ out of me.
--- d. I may grab his hand (depending on whether he is my child or not) and scold him.
If we see someone we love headed to hell, and they DON'T know it, what should we do?
If we see someone headed to hell and they DO know it, what should we do?
3. Some people perceive the fact that you don't accept everything about them (pornography, fornication, alcohol, homosexuality, etc...) as meaning you don't love them, when in
fact, many times we do love them.
4. In some cases we may feel that someone is pushing our child into the fire. It's hard not to be angry at those people, I'm not sure we shouldn't be.
Jesus was angry at the money changers, he was angry at the Pharisee's, it seems he might have even been a little upset with Mary once.
What should we do or say to people we feel are leading our children or loved ones down the wrong path?
5. There are extremes at both ends. There are organizations like Hillsborough Baptist who call themselves Christians, but I personally doubt Jesus would approve of
much of the things they are doing. On the other end there are passive Christians who could care less if anyone (besides themselves) goes to hell, I doubt Jesus
would have approved on them either.
I have used the word infant above, but what if it was an adolescent, or teenager? The Bible says there are different degrees of Christian maturity (it has little to do
with age). What if someone was pushing your adult friend or brother into the fire?
Matt 18:5; "And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me;
Matt 18:6; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matt 18:7; "Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!
Jesus loved prostitutes, tax collectors and sinners. Yet in every single recorded case where he addressed their individual sins, he told them "go and sin no more". ( John 8:11; John 5:14; Luke 19:8-9; etc.. )
or something similar. Jesus loved them too much to let them continue in their sins. Some choose to continue in sin anyway. When do we stop trying to persuade
people we love to do the right thing?
Once we are Christians, the rules change a little bit. We are no longer prostitutes and tax collectors. (at least we shouldn't be) So it's OK to start judging
other believers at a certain level.
1 Cor 5:9; I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people;
1 Cor 5:10; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world.
1 Cor 5:11; But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler--not even to eat with such a one.
1 Cor 5:12; For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church?
1 Cor 5:13; But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.
Luke 17:3; "Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
1 Tim 5:20; Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.
We are specifically told to judge and evaluate what preachers and teachers tell us, and to see if it lines up with scripture. ( 2 Tim 4:2; Acts 17:11; )
Jesus called the Pharisee's that put their agenda and traditions before the will of God vipers and sons of hell.
Matt 23:13; "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.
Matt 23:14; ["Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation.]
Matt 23:15; "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.
Mat 23:33; "You serpents, you brood of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell?
We can sit back and say "God will judge them" and it's true He will. But in the meantime should we sit back and let people stumble into the fire without at least saying something
to them? Especially those who we love.
I am reminded of when my children were teenagers and they told me I didn't love them because I didn't let them do everything their friends did. Maybe I didn't let them do those things
because I did love them.
1 Cor 15:32; If from human motives I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, LET US EAT AND DRINK, FOR TOMORROW WE DIE.
1 Cor 15:33; Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."
1 Cor 15:34; Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.
1. The first obvious answer, is that everyone who thinks they are a Christian isn't. (we could debate about who is and who isn't, but the fact that there are many opinions
about this shows we can't all be right)
2. Also some people perceive what love is differently. If I see an infant stumbling towards a bonfire, I may react a few different ways.
--- a. I may let him fall into the fire.
--- b. I may tell him to be careful.
--- c. I may yell at him not to do it. - This could be because I'm angry, or this could be because I love him and he just scared the #$%&*@ out of me.
--- d. I may grab his hand (depending on whether he is my child or not) and scold him.
If we see someone we love headed to hell, and they DON'T know it, what should we do?
If we see someone headed to hell and they DO know it, what should we do?
3. Some people perceive the fact that you don't accept everything about them (pornography, fornication, alcohol, homosexuality, etc...) as meaning you don't love them, when in
fact, many times we do love them.
4. In some cases we may feel that someone is pushing our child into the fire. It's hard not to be angry at those people, I'm not sure we shouldn't be.
Jesus was angry at the money changers, he was angry at the Pharisee's, it seems he might have even been a little upset with Mary once.
What should we do or say to people we feel are leading our children or loved ones down the wrong path?
5. There are extremes at both ends. There are organizations like Hillsborough Baptist who call themselves Christians, but I personally doubt Jesus would approve of
much of the things they are doing. On the other end there are passive Christians who could care less if anyone (besides themselves) goes to hell, I doubt Jesus
would have approved on them either.
I have used the word infant above, but what if it was an adolescent, or teenager? The Bible says there are different degrees of Christian maturity (it has little to do
with age). What if someone was pushing your adult friend or brother into the fire?
Matt 18:5; "And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me;
Matt 18:6; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matt 18:7; "Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!
Jesus loved prostitutes, tax collectors and sinners. Yet in every single recorded case where he addressed their individual sins, he told them "go and sin no more". ( John 8:11; John 5:14; Luke 19:8-9; etc.. )
or something similar. Jesus loved them too much to let them continue in their sins. Some choose to continue in sin anyway. When do we stop trying to persuade
people we love to do the right thing?
Once we are Christians, the rules change a little bit. We are no longer prostitutes and tax collectors. (at least we shouldn't be) So it's OK to start judging
other believers at a certain level.
1 Cor 5:9; I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people;
1 Cor 5:10; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world.
1 Cor 5:11; But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler--not even to eat with such a one.
1 Cor 5:12; For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church?
1 Cor 5:13; But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.
Luke 17:3; "Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
1 Tim 5:20; Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.
We are specifically told to judge and evaluate what preachers and teachers tell us, and to see if it lines up with scripture. ( 2 Tim 4:2; Acts 17:11; )
Jesus called the Pharisee's that put their agenda and traditions before the will of God vipers and sons of hell.
Matt 23:13; "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.
Matt 23:14; ["Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation.]
Matt 23:15; "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.
Mat 23:33; "You serpents, you brood of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell?
We can sit back and say "God will judge them" and it's true He will. But in the meantime should we sit back and let people stumble into the fire without at least saying something
to them? Especially those who we love.
I am reminded of when my children were teenagers and they told me I didn't love them because I didn't let them do everything their friends did. Maybe I didn't let them do those things
because I did love them.
1 Cor 15:32; If from human motives I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, LET US EAT AND DRINK, FOR TOMORROW WE DIE.
1 Cor 15:33; Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."
1 Cor 15:34; Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.
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Thanks for sharing.
Amazing the results of a simple open ended question "Why are Christians so...."
What did our Lord say?
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
So are we to be treated differently or seen differently than our Lord was?
Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
Better to be reviled by the world than praised by it. If in truth you are doing your Masters will. The results are really not so surprising....
Out of all of them, I could only count a quick 5 that were positive. "Awesome, Happy, Kind, Loving, Nice"
Brother B-A-C has added some areas of thought that should be worth looking deeper into.
Once again thanks for sharing ushalk.
YBIC
C4E
Amazing the results of a simple open ended question "Why are Christians so...."
What did our Lord say?
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
So are we to be treated differently or seen differently than our Lord was?
Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
Better to be reviled by the world than praised by it. If in truth you are doing your Masters will. The results are really not so surprising....
Out of all of them, I could only count a quick 5 that were positive. "Awesome, Happy, Kind, Loving, Nice"
Brother B-A-C has added some areas of thought that should be worth looking deeper into.
Once again thanks for sharing ushalk.
YBIC
C4E
Aaron Lindahl
Member
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B-A-C, you're so spot on in your Christian observations and godly examples of treating others as Christ taught us to. When the physical shell that harbours your soul eventually disinigrates you will meet our Maker, and then you will know for all of eternity, whether I spoke twisted lies of Evil, or the words of the forces of Good of the deity you proclaim your allegiance to.
Brighthouse
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I think the real reason why anyone is the way they are is because they choose to be this way. I can only speak for myself on this one. When I first became a believer,my words did not change overnight,I am a bottom line man,i do not enjoy stories, a simple yes or no works for me,I can deal with the answer in either case,but how I choose to relate from that answer is up to me! I was learning a lesson on who a true believer is, and what a true believer does.( matt 12:36) I was mean, because I did not wish to deal with becoming accountable! And even though the word clearly says we are,we must believe this for our self to ever grow and mature.
Grace instructs!!( titus 2:11-15 please look close at verse 12!) if we believe, then we are instructed in and by grace.And if we do not preform the work of keeping God's word for our own life, (john 6:28-29 believing is an action!)how then can we ever expect others to follow after us? What is most sad is the fact that when others point something out that one knows is true,I still looked to deny the truth,and was in bondage because of this.Until in prayer God is silent to me! Jesus hid himself from me! I knew he did,but did not know why!( Isaiah 45:15) He does not leave me or forsake me,but he withdrew his comfort to me for a purpose!!
How bad do I wish to learn and know? i was very upset! I blamed other believers! Not my fault!! LOL When that mind set was going no where fast,Holy Spirit showed me this scripture.Like Hezekiah,it was time for me to cast away my pride as well!!( 2 Chronicles 32:24-31) verse 31! God left him alone only to test him,that HE!!! might know all that was in his own heart! Being and staying!! Accountable! Yes brothers and sisters a believer can change! The word grace is mostly misunderstood by most believers I think,many use this word for themselves while they judge another.( rom 2:1-4) verse 4 Or do you THINK lightly of the riches of HIS KINDNESS! and tolerance and patience, not knowing the KINDNESS of God leads!! you to repentance!
I am so very thankful to Jesus for enduring me,so since I am,then my thanksgiving must also be done to others in both word and deed! Kindness can be an emotion,but does not have to be.Kindness is given because Jesus was and is so very kind to you personal! This is what our mind should reflect upon!( phil 4:8) The more we are willing to be allowed to stay led by Holy Spirit( rom 8:14-15)The more understanding of grace we have,and so can give to others!( col 4:6). We measure this by our own fruit,and from this fruit, give great glory for who really did this!( matt 5:14-16) When others know you,and see such a change,they also know Jesus is moving greatly upon your life,so that others will indeed have and always keep hope!!( rom 15:13) So I look at this as an excuse not a reason,but this truth comes only from Holy Spirit! And for those of us who stay willing to always learn rather then teach, a servant is not only born,but always remains! We are what we are by the grace of God,( 1 cor 15:10-11)and what we do with the grace we have,shows us truly what we believe! Blessing all!
Grace instructs!!( titus 2:11-15 please look close at verse 12!) if we believe, then we are instructed in and by grace.And if we do not preform the work of keeping God's word for our own life, (john 6:28-29 believing is an action!)how then can we ever expect others to follow after us? What is most sad is the fact that when others point something out that one knows is true,I still looked to deny the truth,and was in bondage because of this.Until in prayer God is silent to me! Jesus hid himself from me! I knew he did,but did not know why!( Isaiah 45:15) He does not leave me or forsake me,but he withdrew his comfort to me for a purpose!!
How bad do I wish to learn and know? i was very upset! I blamed other believers! Not my fault!! LOL When that mind set was going no where fast,Holy Spirit showed me this scripture.Like Hezekiah,it was time for me to cast away my pride as well!!( 2 Chronicles 32:24-31) verse 31! God left him alone only to test him,that HE!!! might know all that was in his own heart! Being and staying!! Accountable! Yes brothers and sisters a believer can change! The word grace is mostly misunderstood by most believers I think,many use this word for themselves while they judge another.( rom 2:1-4) verse 4 Or do you THINK lightly of the riches of HIS KINDNESS! and tolerance and patience, not knowing the KINDNESS of God leads!! you to repentance!
I am so very thankful to Jesus for enduring me,so since I am,then my thanksgiving must also be done to others in both word and deed! Kindness can be an emotion,but does not have to be.Kindness is given because Jesus was and is so very kind to you personal! This is what our mind should reflect upon!( phil 4:8) The more we are willing to be allowed to stay led by Holy Spirit( rom 8:14-15)The more understanding of grace we have,and so can give to others!( col 4:6). We measure this by our own fruit,and from this fruit, give great glory for who really did this!( matt 5:14-16) When others know you,and see such a change,they also know Jesus is moving greatly upon your life,so that others will indeed have and always keep hope!!( rom 15:13) So I look at this as an excuse not a reason,but this truth comes only from Holy Spirit! And for those of us who stay willing to always learn rather then teach, a servant is not only born,but always remains! We are what we are by the grace of God,( 1 cor 15:10-11)and what we do with the grace we have,shows us truly what we believe! Blessing all!
Travis
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You remind me of a poisonous snake that bit me on the leg one time.... (Not really though, I've never been bitten by a snake.)
But, if I had been bitten by a poisonous snake, you remind me of what I imagine it would be like.
Blessings,
Travis
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
- Messages
- 11,547
I excluded this is my previous post but enough is being said to add this point of view to the conversation, before it disintegrates to something ushalk did not intend. (conflict)
What I see the toughest point being when believers communicate with non-believers about their beliefs, we fail to communicate that regardless of how "awesome, happy, kind, loving, nice" you are. Without Christ Jesus, your result is no better than the "hater, immoral, drunkard, greedy, lying" folks. Which for the unbeliever makes little to no sense at all. Yet communicate this we must! Remembering "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" and getting this across is necessary to show that when it comes to "sin" we are no different then they are. The difference is Jesus Christ!
At times we make poor messengers, and there is no shame in saying this to those we witness to. Yet its not us that we are giving to them but our Lord who came to a dying world.
That is why our own testimonies are so powerful in getting the point across. If we are honest that we too have been where they are now at and that we in ourselves are no better, but the Hope that now is in us is what they now see and what we desire to share with them through the Gospel. Hopefully, is an avenue by which the Holy Spirit might work to change a heart that is still hardened. Keeping in mind that the Holy Spirit within us has moved us to slowly, some quickly to change, to what we could never be or accomplish by our own efforts.
Too often we are of the mind that we need to clean them up before presenting to the Lord
Many times this lacks the necessary communicated "Love" we need to have, and reflect, so that the barriers that have been built up over the years can be brought down all at once or brick by brick. With the power of the Holy Spirit.
As far as the Christian and His communications skills to other brothers & sisters (as far as we can tell). It is also lacking.
Brother Brighhouse has brought to mind with accountability that we are on different parts of the path we are all set to walk. Some further ahead of others, while others have made it home and can only help by the examples they have set for us. Accountability, brings many things that we are lacking front and center to us that need to be dealt with. The hope is that with others of the faith, and the Holy Spirit within us, that change can and will occur. However, know that this process may be the very thing that the non-believer will latch unto as an example to communicate the inconsistencies of Christians. Yet, if this happens. See this as an opportunity to witness and touch a life that does not have Christ Jesus and show them that we too are not perfect. Still, our hope is that one day we will be and this is why............................
Love you all.
YBIC
C4E
What I see the toughest point being when believers communicate with non-believers about their beliefs, we fail to communicate that regardless of how "awesome, happy, kind, loving, nice" you are. Without Christ Jesus, your result is no better than the "hater, immoral, drunkard, greedy, lying" folks. Which for the unbeliever makes little to no sense at all. Yet communicate this we must! Remembering "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" and getting this across is necessary to show that when it comes to "sin" we are no different then they are. The difference is Jesus Christ!
At times we make poor messengers, and there is no shame in saying this to those we witness to. Yet its not us that we are giving to them but our Lord who came to a dying world.
That is why our own testimonies are so powerful in getting the point across. If we are honest that we too have been where they are now at and that we in ourselves are no better, but the Hope that now is in us is what they now see and what we desire to share with them through the Gospel. Hopefully, is an avenue by which the Holy Spirit might work to change a heart that is still hardened. Keeping in mind that the Holy Spirit within us has moved us to slowly, some quickly to change, to what we could never be or accomplish by our own efforts.
Too often we are of the mind that we need to clean them up before presenting to the Lord
Many times this lacks the necessary communicated "Love" we need to have, and reflect, so that the barriers that have been built up over the years can be brought down all at once or brick by brick. With the power of the Holy Spirit. As far as the Christian and His communications skills to other brothers & sisters (as far as we can tell). It is also lacking.
Brother Brighhouse has brought to mind with accountability that we are on different parts of the path we are all set to walk. Some further ahead of others, while others have made it home and can only help by the examples they have set for us. Accountability, brings many things that we are lacking front and center to us that need to be dealt with. The hope is that with others of the faith, and the Holy Spirit within us, that change can and will occur. However, know that this process may be the very thing that the non-believer will latch unto as an example to communicate the inconsistencies of Christians. Yet, if this happens. See this as an opportunity to witness and touch a life that does not have Christ Jesus and show them that we too are not perfect. Still, our hope is that one day we will be and this is why............................
Love you all.
YBIC
C4E
Aaron Lindahl
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Blessings to you too, Travis!! Thank you so much for the kind, loving, and welcoming statement to me above that follows the teachings below so perfectly! This 'truly' is a site filled with Christian love!!
James 4:11-12 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
Matthew 22:36-39 “Teacher,” he asked, “which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’
1 John 4:20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.
John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Matthew 5:22 “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
B-A-C, I do agree with what you wrote. However, there is part that are Christians fault. Often times we are not teaching lessons in our homes or in our sermons that need to be taught. A lot of times we are teaching what will never make anyone take stock in their lives and responsibility for their actions. We refuse to talk about such things as sin, what it is, that it causes death, and commandments that are very serious for us to follow. There are also problems with non believers that have been spoiled by what many call ministry. They have received everything that they have wanted for a long time. Not in love though. Then they meet people that truly want to help them and there are much as far as free hand outs.
We as Christians have infact brought a lot of things upon our selves, by taking Christ off of his throne and placing business and denomination and self there. Sorry, because I know I just spoke some truth that is going to open up a hornets nest. But lets be real with what has been done in the name of chirstianity that is not real.
We as Christians have infact brought a lot of things upon our selves, by taking Christ off of his throne and placing business and denomination and self there. Sorry, because I know I just spoke some truth that is going to open up a hornets nest. But lets be real with what has been done in the name of chirstianity that is not real.
comments like this are not needed.
RJ
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Do you consider yourself a Christian?
Travis
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This is a prime example of how a people group (homosexuals) that makes up less than 10% of the total population can sway a whole nation and cause so much change in society. They whine and cry and nag better than anyone else on the planet.
If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, waddles like a duck.... it's probably a duck. I was just calling it like I saw it. I was actually in a pretty jovial mood when I called Aaron a snake. I mean, there's some serious poison in that man's fangs, I've seen it multiple times. He's pretty snaky. If I was mad or something I would have gone into a lot more detail.
Anyone who thinks that it's OK to be a homosexual and a Christian at the same time has some bad things headed their direction. We have to be willing to give up everything to follow Christ. To hang on to a homosexual lifestyle is to refuse to follow Christ. There's no way around it.
Travis
RJ
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1.I don't understand your comment. "and now by denomination" ?
2. Would you mind explaining under what circumstances you were "Born Again", do you remember that day and how it happened?...Thanks!
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Finally read the post in its entirety. Great Post Brother!
As always, it makes me wonder who can ever tell the difference between unbeliever & believer? What may seem the unbeliever might be someone who has strayed, or might be dealing with the very sin that permeates the world, yet continues to battle. Needing support rather than chastisement. The unbeliever might very well be living the life that many would equate with how a Christian should live, and yet not know salvation or see the need for it in their own lives. They might even be sitting next to one in Church thinking they have it!
The questions you posed throughout the post, really led me to have for the most part answering "Witness & Prayer", but even above them; "To Love them!" Either way, you won't go wrong, but loving them as any loving parent would I believe, is more in line with our Lord! As you referenced at the end of your post brother.
It's our willingness to accept the words, which cut to the core of every believer, every parent. "I hate you", "You really don't love me", etc. which I fear prevents many from saying what needs to be said.
Words which cut us to the quick, brings tears to my eyes when I think of how much more our Father must feel when he hears these same things, but many times over, from not only unbelievers, but believers also!
I stray from the main point, of thanking you for a post well thought out.
With Love.
YBIC
C4E
Note: These are those days. Isaiah 5:20
As always, it makes me wonder who can ever tell the difference between unbeliever & believer? What may seem the unbeliever might be someone who has strayed, or might be dealing with the very sin that permeates the world, yet continues to battle. Needing support rather than chastisement. The unbeliever might very well be living the life that many would equate with how a Christian should live, and yet not know salvation or see the need for it in their own lives. They might even be sitting next to one in Church thinking they have it!
The questions you posed throughout the post, really led me to have for the most part answering "Witness & Prayer", but even above them; "To Love them!" Either way, you won't go wrong, but loving them as any loving parent would I believe, is more in line with our Lord! As you referenced at the end of your post brother.
It's our willingness to accept the words, which cut to the core of every believer, every parent. "I hate you", "You really don't love me", etc. which I fear prevents many from saying what needs to be said.
Words which cut us to the quick, brings tears to my eyes when I think of how much more our Father must feel when he hears these same things, but many times over, from not only unbelievers, but believers also!
I stray from the main point, of thanking you for a post well thought out.
With Love.
YBIC
C4E
Note: These are those days. Isaiah 5:20
Well, did not read the whole thread, maybe someone already has answered the first post, yet anyway...
One and the most issue with ppl being rude and disrespectful to each other is the role, that they have taken upon themselves, role to be "God's hand", in other words, they are the "gods", judges, they are the issuers of salvation and no one comes to God, but through them. That's the beginning of the rest out coming attitudes towards every thing and every one.
Everyone, who judges others chose to be right in front of Almighty and wish no relations with "un-right" ones, so any un-right thing ticks them off in subconsciousness, even most, if not all, can't see that themselves, to have another option and reason look at themselves as worthy more, than this or that one, which makes them feel good about themselves, it is kind of drug, that ppl like so much, drug of selfworthy. It is not easy to explain, yet it is what it is. Ppl believe in themselves and their "right" infront of Almighty, not it Christ, who saves.
PS: but it does not mean that every one in the churches are like that. There are too many good hearted ppl, who do love God and God's. You can find them if you try.
PSS: if you want to be right, forget to be loved, if you want to be loved, forget to be right.
