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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/12/2009 12:30:50 AM
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digital_angel
Posts: 5
Joined: 1/30/2007
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Christians :
KING DAVID also Christian = He fell into BATSYEBA, HE PLANNED FOR WICKED THINGS ON URIA
URIA TRUST HIM SO MUCH.................. KING DAVID ..........................CLOSE TO GOD ................DOING BAD THINGS ............................... DID GOD KNOW ? ...........................YES................................GOD GIVE PUNNISHMENT FOR HIS SON..........................4 triples times for KING DAVID......................
Being Christian doesnt meant that spiritual growth to Christ.
It is INDIVIDUAL. and GOD WILL PUNNISH people like that
It is our duty to be good, and love enemies.
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/12/2009 2:39:29 AM
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richartrod
Posts: 174
Joined: 4/21/2009
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quote:
ORIGINAL: poetessfree
Hi Rich,
I was wondering if you could answer some questions re: CR(celebrate recovery). I know this is off topic. We just started one in our church in Feb '09. Do you guys offer meals(not just snacks) every week? Do you guys have a live band? Thanks.
poetessfree,
This is off topic, but I know how to steer it on topic. Just you watch... 
My Celebrate Recovery group does not offer meals, just snacks. It's a small group, with about 10-20 people attending weekly. The praise and worship are led by a young musician in the host church and his wife. When they cannot be there, we sing to a worship CD. Because of the group's small size, the traditional full schedule of meals, worship, teaching, small groups and fellowship have by necessity been tweaked and adjusted to fit our current needs.
My experience with Celebrate Recovery has been that it's a place where Christians can finally stop pretending that they have it all together, living victoriously and above sin. Instead, they finally come clean with their addictions, dependencies, past hurts and self-destructive behaviors using AA's 12 Steps and CR's 8 Principles. I have met many CR regulars who believe that in these meetings they are finally experiencing the acceptance, forgiveness and love that is sorely lacking in their home churches. Apparently in some Christian circles, to admit that one is struggling with alcohol, drugs or such destroys the image of victorious Christian living.
When believers admit to themselves, fellow believers and non-believers that they don't always have it all together and drop a holier-than-thou attitude that often keeps them in bondage to their addictions, that ironically can be a more genuine witness.
Rich Rodriguez
West Covina, CA
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/12/2009 7:45:55 AM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 1870
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: my mom by God
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quote:
When believers admit to themselves, fellow believers and non-believers that they don't always have it all together and drop a holier-than-thou attitude that often keeps them in bondage to their addictions, that ironically can be a more genuine witness.
Amen and amen.
My church has a "motto" ( sermon series title with, of course, the accompaning t-shirt...  ) No Perfect People Allowed.
As much as it is encouraging to hear the christian success stories, its also comforting to hear christians...are human too.
Most, if not all, of the holy "heros" in the bible had some serious flaws.....that with God, they overcame or put aside to do the will of God.
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/12/2009 8:10:56 AM
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leftwing
Posts: 208
Joined: 5/25/2009
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We are all people. Live and love another as best we can.
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/12/2009 8:23:33 AM
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yankeedoodled
Posts: 194
Joined: 5/29/2006
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The dire problem with MANY Christians of today is they take their understanding of God from politics that disdain God. Frequently believing they are of God they believe in the exact opposite of what God says/commands. They are excellent examples of a little leaven leaveneth the bread. READ YOUR BIBLE
< Message edited by yankeedoodled -- 6/12/2009 10:10:16 PM >
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/12/2009 8:24:44 AM
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buckifn
Posts: 1783
Joined: 5/23/2006
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quote:
When the church teaches that it's "...our responsibility to keep our children from sinning and making them believe" you are heaping an unfair and unreasonable burden on believers.
To teach such things is teaching a lie. Scripture clearly teaches us EVERY PERSON is going to be judged on the deeds they alone have done. Salvation is an Indiv. choice regardless of what my parent's may or may not have taught me, or what I may or may not have taught my children.
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/12/2009 11:31:30 AM
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RustyCarr
Posts: 972
Joined: 3/11/2009
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quote:
ORIGINAL: buckifn
quote:
When the church teaches that it's "...our responsibility to keep our children from sinning and making them believe" you are heaping an unfair and unreasonable burden on believers.
To teach such things is teaching a lie. Scripture clearly teaches us EVERY PERSON is going to be judged on the deeds they alone have done. Salvation is an Indiv. choice regardless of what my parent's may or may not have taught me, or what I may or may not have taught my children.
My goodness! Where the heck am I? Have we written off the Ten Commandments?
Exodus 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
Exodus 20:6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
The Ten Commandments deal with natural law and natural consequences. The above commandment is under the heading "“You shall not make for yourself an idol." That means Christians have no other God except the TRUTH that comes from the mouth of God.
Jn 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Mt 4:4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word (Truth) that comes from the mouth of God.’
So, if Christians fail to pass on the full Truth about HOW to love family, friends, and neighbors fearlessly and in the Truth, then the natural consequence is ignorance passed on to the third and fourth generation. Sinful fathers naturally raise up sinful offspring. An alcoholic will naturally raise up alcoholics. A violent wife beater will naturally raise up a violent wife beater. However, there is hope and salvation: And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Fortunately, Jesus died for our sins and the sins of our fathers. If our father is not abiding in Christ, we can individually go to the Father in heaven. Salvation has come to a fallen world full of people born ignorant to the Truth of God. He does not wish anyone to perish, but He has commanded His church to "Therefore go and make desciples.... AND TEACH THEM TO OBEY..." Matt. 28:19 Are we doing that? Are we capable and confident enough to do that? Do we need to step out in faith? Can brothers and sisters unite around the full Truth and leave the nonsense behind?
We are all born ignorant. In America, many are born into families that are regular church attenders. But what if the church we have been attending is becoming like the letters to the seven churches in revelations? What if it teaches a fluffy fog of feel good theology that leads people to believe all is well without "coming out from among them?" What if it fails to teach fathers to educate and protect their children in the Truth? What if fathers become comfortable allowing others (government schools) to educate their children. Won't the lies and deception bombarding children steal their understanding of the Truth? Won't the peer pressure from the unchurched friends in the schools lead our vulnerable children into sin, drugs, sex, and sodomy? Won't secular humanism, Darwinism, and Marxism confuse and undermine the children's understanding of God's Truth? Won't this lead children to rebel, to develope ADHD, to not care about learning to read, write, and do arithmatic?
Eph 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
The problem is we Christians have not risen up in unity to reject the nonsense and lies. Our fathers allowed the scriptures and prayer to be removed from government schools. Now we are suffering the consequences and flailing around in ignorance and disunity. Watching our children suffer the pains of divorces, and engage in drugs, sex, and violence. Maybe ours not as much as the unchurched, but still, lost and confused is lost and confused. We ought to be doing what the Bible teaches, unified in the Truth and being a light to our unchurched neighbors. As it is now, the unchurched scoff at the fluffy fog weak and phony Christians. Tele-evangilists give them much ammunition as well.
It is up to individuals, but they must be given the full Truth in church, though. This is not happening. As it is now, individuals must go to the Bible themselves, dig deep, and prove the Truth. The Holy Spirit does lead us into the Truth and confirm it. But we Christians led by the Holy Spirit are too alone and separate, because fathers in most churches are not united in love of God and one another as Christ loved us. It is a one day a week ritual, listening to the comforting worship and the babies milk preaching, while our children suffer through government nonsensical curriculum that destroys Christianity five days a week.
Mt 24:37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
Mt 24:38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;
Mt 24:39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
Mt 24:40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.
Mt 24:41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
Mt 24:42 “Therefore keep watch...
What more can I say? Mt 22:37-40 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Mal 4:6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.”
Rusty
_____________________________
It is better to obey God rather than men. The Truth, God's word, within is the lamp that guides our feet. -For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Prov. 2:6-
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/14/2009 2:21:14 PM
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RevMick
Posts: 15
Joined: 5/21/2008
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Nick_Drake
When the church teaches that it's "...our responsibility to keep our children from sinning and making them believe" you are heaping an unfair and unreasonable burden on believers. Do you see what's wrong with that kind of belief? It totally ignores a person's capacity to believe or not believe. Even Samuel was not very successful.
The church is amazingly judgemental when it comes to dealing with believers with young, wayward children still living at home. Of course the official statement of the church is to say this is not so, but actual practice and experience prove otherwise--all the way from your fellow believer to the message coming out of the pulpit--"it's ultimately your fault your family doesn't believe and obey". It's a dangerous belief that can cause more strife and unstability in the family when sincere believers take that message to heart and try all the harder to live up to a misguided and unrealistic teaching of what it means to train your family up in the truth and accept the responsibility for their salvation. It breaks my heart when I see sincere but misguided believers beating their kids into submission because they've been told they are responsible for the outcome.
I'm bracing myself for all the denials... If you truly are an exception to what I've just said, then great. No need to justify yourself to me. I'm speaking to the church in general.
What these self imposed 'judges' fail to realize is that with all the proper guidance and instruction the gift of free will, given by the Creator, gives each of us the right to chose and make our own decisions whether right or wrong. Even the Pastors children can stray, just as all the Creator's children can stray. Blaming the responsible parent who has done everything as correct as possible is like blaming the Heavenly Father for the sins of Adam and Eve and all the subsequent sins since.
_____________________________
"For God did not send His Son in the the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." John 3:17 HCSB
http://revmick.wordpress.com/
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/14/2009 11:15:41 PM
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yankeedoodled
Posts: 194
Joined: 5/29/2006
Status: offline
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Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
yankeedoodled:
We do indeed have duties/responsibilities
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/15/2009 12:11:47 AM
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DrivenbyGod
Posts: 336
Joined: 12/11/2007
Status: offline
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quote:
quote:
ORIGINAL: SonInMe1
Who are christians?
Jesus didn't go to the righteous...He went to the sinner. Christians tend to be...the worst...and that worst? It doesn't disappear overnight.
Not every christian is a mature one.
Not every christian is a christian.
No christian is perfect.
Jesus summed up the Law ( all the do's and don't's of the bible ) as loving God and others. If our relationship with God is only about rules, Jewsus came and did nothing.
Rules are followed when we submit our free will to that of God's will, through our love for Him, not by how much of a show we put on, the number of ministries we are seen doing or the amount of money we give.
Its like...driving. Yep, that guy just made some stupid driving mistake...is that worthy of a rant against him? Nope, because you know...you have done the same thing...and the law of averages demands that such things are going to happen to you. If you make one driving mistake a month, and everyone around you does too, your gonna be a victim of stupidity often.
Judgemental? Yes, us imperfect christians sure can be. Think about it. We have the Holy Spirit in us, revealing evil to us. We see evil and in our fraility, we make judgements.
Anyone who says christian are sticking their heads in the sand and revel in excusim? They have never tried to follow the example of our Lord and Savior.
When your walk is perfect, judge another's. As you judge, God will judge you. As you forgive, God will forgive you.
I really appreciated this post. I think you really hit the nail on the head.
I agree with this too.
Christians are people too and we are all at different levels of maturity. I know I'm still not perfect and never will be on this earth, but I'm a Christian and do my best.
When I was a non-Christian I would point out all the bad things I saw with Christians too, and make lame excuses why I'm not one - basically creating my own God. My God does this and that and if I'm a good person, blah, blah, blah.
I do think the church needs to be good witnesses though and of course they're hypocrites... me being one of them at times, but not intentionally, just my actions aren't always perfect.
A church will be as good as it's leadership though... and not all churches are created equal.
BTW- I like the comment about driving... I'll remember that the next time someone cuts me off... :)
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/24/2009 4:48:23 PM
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RevMick
Posts: 15
Joined: 5/21/2008
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This is encouraging...
"Church Is Helping
Warden reports fewer disciplinary problems
By DEAN WELLS dwells@timesobserver.com
POSTED: June 24, 2009
Is bringing religion into the mix having an effect on inmates in the Warren County Jail?
Jail Warden Gerald Britton believes so.
On Tuesday, Britton gave an update to the Warren County Prison Board on the jail's church program, which offers eligible inmates the opportunity to attend church services on Sundays.
The program is in its 14th week. According to Britton, 22 inmates are participating.
"Our disciplinaries have dropped from nine or ten a week to zero," Britton said. "Overall, we've seen a big drop in the attitude among the inmates. The officers are coming off the floor and saying things are working - and they were the toughest ones to convince when we started the program."
Britton said that out of the group of inmates that have attended the services and been released, none have returned to jail.
"Some of these folks have been in and out repeatedly," Britton said."
link to the entire story.
http://www.timesobserver.com/page/content.detail/id/518287.html?nav=5006
_____________________________
"For God did not send His Son in the the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." John 3:17 HCSB
http://revmick.wordpress.com/
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/24/2009 5:27:03 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
Posts: 1273
Joined: 2/13/2008
From: the poconos
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Prairiehiker
There's so little emphasis on humility within the christian body. If we only try to grasp how sinful we were and how much we've been forgiven, we won't have the kind of arrogant attitude we display when we're out deal with people outside of the church. It's sad that we Christians pray before our meals, then chew out the waitress if our orders don't come out the way we want ordered them. There is just no excuse for some of our rude behaviour.
Remember, if we claim to be Christians, we are ambassadors of Christ. Always express yourself as a representative of Christ. Be full of grace and humility at all times.
Prairie, while I agree with you completely, this is much easier said than done.
We all have bad days. We all make mistakes. We all sin, and fall short of the glory of God. We may tend to get in bad moods from time to time. And so on, and so on.
I agree it is a shame how believers may act at times out in public. I know I make my fair share of mistakes. It is only by His grace that I am changing what needs to be changed. Sometimes we are in need of a gentle rebuke. Hopefully when that rebuke comes, we are open to receive it, and realize our error.
Yet, to try and think that we can walk a perfect walk, we would be setting ourselves up for failure. The world doesn't understand this, and neither do most of us. Paul had his problems, Peter had his too, and so did the rest for that matter. We are all human, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. It is by Him, and through Him that we are able to change at all.
The thing is, when we know we have done something wrong, we have to own up to it. Confess is as sin, ask for forgiveness from God and the one we may have slighted. Work harder to avoid it in the future. Whether we are out in the world, or within the body.
As Paul said, we are to make allowance for each others faults, and live in peace. Yet when a brother or sister falters, we should help them up.
I don't know, I kind of lost my train of thought here. What was this about again?
_____________________________
Isaiah 41:10
"Fear not for I am with you,
Do not be dismayed for I am your God,
I will strengthen you and help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand"
http://followtheleader-mat1624.blogspot.com/
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/24/2009 5:38:01 PM
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Covaan_Meshuga
Posts: 3171
Joined: 6/8/2005
From: being knit together in my mother's womb
Status: offline
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I used to just accept what I was told: that believers are the nicest, most generous, least judgmental, most caring and loving people on earth, until I grew up enough to interact outside that community in a real way. What a shock I had, when I learned that many people who make no claims regarding G-d can really put us to shame.
I hate the excuse, "I'm not perfect, just forgiven." While that statement may be true on some level, what a waste of time and of living to accept that and live by it.
I have much to learn, much growing to do, and so does everyone else. We had best get on with it and stop making excuses.
_____________________________
While in prayer or praise, I am only as devoted to G-d as I am in my most private moments.
Abiyah, if you had known them as G-d knows them, you would have answered them differently.
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/24/2009 5:46:53 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
Posts: 1273
Joined: 2/13/2008
From: the poconos
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Covaan_Meshuga
I used to just accept what I was told: that believers are the nicest, most generous, least judgmental, most caring and loving people on earth, until I grew up enough to interact outside that community in a real way. What a shock I had, when I learned that many people who make no claims regarding G-d can really put us to shame.
I hate the excuse, "I'm not perfect, just forgiven." While that statement may be true on some level, what a waste of time and of living to accept that and live by it.
I have much to learn, much growing to do, and so does everyone else. We had best get on with it and stop making excuses.
Hello CM,
was this in reply to a particular post, or just a general observation.
_____________________________
Isaiah 41:10
"Fear not for I am with you,
Do not be dismayed for I am your God,
I will strengthen you and help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand"
http://followtheleader-mat1624.blogspot.com/
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/24/2009 6:42:32 PM
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Elena1030
Posts: 2037
Joined: 6/21/2006
From: Music City, USA
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: RevMick
quote:
ORIGINAL: Nick_Drake
When the church teaches that it's "...our responsibility to keep our children from sinning and making them believe" you are heaping an unfair and unreasonable burden on believers. Do you see what's wrong with that kind of belief? It totally ignores a person's capacity to believe or not believe. Even Samuel was not very successful.
The church is amazingly judgemental when it comes to dealing with believers with young, wayward children still living at home. Of course the official statement of the church is to say this is not so, but actual practice and experience prove otherwise--all the way from your fellow believer to the message coming out of the pulpit--"it's ultimately your fault your family doesn't believe and obey". It's a dangerous belief that can cause more strife and unstability in the family when sincere believers take that message to heart and try all the harder to live up to a misguided and unrealistic teaching of what it means to train your family up in the truth and accept the responsibility for their salvation. It breaks my heart when I see sincere but misguided believers beating their kids into submission because they've been told they are responsible for the outcome.
I'm bracing myself for all the denials... If you truly are an exception to what I've just said, then great. No need to justify yourself to me. I'm speaking to the church in general.
What these self imposed 'judges' fail to realize is that with all the proper guidance and instruction the gift of free will, given by the Creator, gives each of us the right to chose and make our own decisions whether right or wrong. Even the Pastors children can stray, just as all the Creator's children can stray. Blaming the responsible parent who has done everything as correct as possible is like blaming the Heavenly Father for the sins of Adam and Eve and all the subsequent sins since.
Amen!
We adults are responsible for laying foundations for faith -- for doing what the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:5-6) instructs ---> taking opportunity of the teachable moments in all seasons and on all sorts of occasions to teach children the things of God. We cannot control what they do with the truth. We're responsible for presenting it.
And the primary responsibility is with the parents of those children. We teachers at church are assistants in the process.
Parents are the first and primary teachers of their kids -- in everything. It's an awe-inspiring, weighty burden and privilege. Wow... That we get to partner with God in raising up the little ones into full-fledged human beings who can choose Him.
_____________________________
Prayer thread for singles who desire to marry someday
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/25/2009 12:36:28 AM
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RustyCarr
Posts: 972
Joined: 3/11/2009
Status: offline
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Yes, parents need to be presenting the Truth to children at all times. Churches that are united in teaching upcoming generations will fair best, especially if they come out from among the secular schools and the lies and temptations found there.
With that said, God also requires parents and fathers to PROTECT THIER OFFSPRING. They can't do it themselves. There must be a reason why the Bible says, 2Co 6:17 “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing (believe no error), and I will receive you.”
2Co 6:18 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
Rusty
_____________________________
It is better to obey God rather than men. The Truth, God's word, within is the lamp that guides our feet. -For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Prov. 2:6-
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/25/2009 3:59:13 AM
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Nathyn
Posts: 11
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: RevMick
Over the last few years I have heard the same recurring complaint, "some of the worst people that I deal with are self proclaimed Christians". This has bothered me greatly. I have taken notice that in several business dealings some of my worst experiences have been with people who are very open about attending "church" on Sunday. To be fair the remainder of my worst experiences ever have been with non-believers.
What can we do to correct this?
Matthew 5:16
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
1 Peter 2:12
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/25/2009 4:05:13 AM
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Nathyn
Posts: 11
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: RustyCarr
Yes, parents need to be presenting the Truth to children at all times. Churches that are united in teaching upcoming generations will fair best, especially if they come out from among the secular schools and the lies and temptations found there.
With that said, God also requires parents and fathers to PROTECT THIER OFFSPRING. They can't do it themselves. There must be a reason why the Bible says, 2Co 6:17 “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing (believe no error), and I will receive you.”
2Co 6:18 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
Rusty
That seems to be a bit of a stretch. I don't see how that interpretation follows from the scripture you cited.
Parents have an obligation to raise their children correctly, that is, morally, but sometimes being imposing about religion can have the opposite effect of turning children away from it. It's what psychologists call "reactance". Some of the most militant atheists come from extremely religious backgrounds.
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/25/2009 10:12:01 AM
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RustyCarr
Posts: 972
Joined: 3/11/2009
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Nathyn
quote:
ORIGINAL: RustyCarr
Yes, parents need to be presenting the Truth to children at all times. Churches that are united in teaching upcoming generations will fair best, especially if they come out from among the secular schools and the lies and temptations found there.
With that said, God also requires parents and fathers to PROTECT THIER OFFSPRING. They can't do it themselves. There must be a reason why the Bible says, 2Co 6:17 “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing (believe no error), and I will receive you.”
2Co 6:18 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
Rusty
That seems to be a bit of a stretch. I don't see how that interpretation follows from the scripture you cited.
Parents have an obligation to raise their children correctly, that is, morally, but sometimes being imposing about religion can have the opposite effect of turning children away from it. It's what psychologists call "reactance". Some of the most militant atheists come from extremely religious backgrounds.
You know, this (in bold) is what I have been trying hard to figure out. The best explanation I can come up with is: PERHAPS THE RELIGION THEY ARE BEING PRESENTED IS INCORRECT AND FULL OF OBSCURITY, HIPOCRISSY, AND BLIND FAITH WITHOUT MAKING SENSE.
The best I can come up with for correcting poor understanding and poor teaching and leading is: GO BACK TO TEACHING THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR.
Ac 28:31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
A citizen of the kingdom of God knows the Truth, loves the Truth, and does the Truth.
Ac 26:20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.
Our deeds do include "Training them up" and "protecting them." And there is great joy in doing that. There ought to be great brotherly love in doing that among the members of the church, as well. When the church submits to obeying God, then it is easier to see the lostness of the lost. A contrast can be drawn between God's people and the masses who are walking according to their own will without the knowledge of God and love.
As the church is now, it is difficult for upcoming generations to see the difference between the church and the more sensible "civilized" educated fellow citizens. Anyone can see the depravity in certain segments of society, but I'm afraid the church is not much of a magnet for them, much less the educated Americans who cannot stomach some of the nonsense found in churches.
Are we really building the kingdom of God. Are we cementing that kingdom into the minds and hearts of church members. If we did that, I can't help but think that we would find much joy as we watch God bless us according to our love for Him and one another.
Part of teaching the flock includes definitions of such words as justice, love, mercy, and courage. Men must stand on God's definitions. You will notice that every man of God in the Bible stood for something. They stood on the Truth, calling people back to God. Not everyone fought huge battles, and I don't expect all men of the church to fight battles today, but I do expect true and full teaching of the Truth so that when a battle arrises the men of the church would be on the same page, understanding the necessity of taking up that stand. Too few men stood against removing scripture and prayer from government schools. Ever since then, the Truth has become more and more obscured in the upcoming generations who cannot escape the government school curriculum and the unchurched peers who lead our sons and daughters into temptation.
We need to citizens of the kingdom of God, not citizens of the world. We need men who can stand on the Truth, freedom, liberty, and justice. Just like America's founding fathers did.
Blessings,
Rusty
_____________________________
It is better to obey God rather than men. The Truth, God's word, within is the lamp that guides our feet. -For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Prov. 2:6-
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/25/2009 10:12:17 AM
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EllieV
Posts: 4
Joined: 6/25/2009
Status: offline
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I am brand new to this forum. I'm a christian but me and my family have been let down greatly by a structured church. I've belonged to a forum, somewhat work related, in the past, and it was fun, but I find myself drifting further way from God when I participate there. There is no light there at all. I'm happy to see this forum here and I'm looking forward to some friendly interactions with other believers. Thanks for taking the time to read. P.S. I hope I'm posting this in the right place. 
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/25/2009 10:23:36 AM
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RustyCarr
Posts: 972
Joined: 3/11/2009
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: EllieV
I am brand new to this forum. I'm a christian but me and my family have been let down greatly by a structured church. I've belonged to a forum, somewhat work related, in the past, and it was fun, but I find myself drifting further way from God when I participate there. There is no light there at all. I'm happy to see this forum here and I'm looking forward to some friendly interactions with other believers. Thanks for taking the time to read. P.S. I hope I'm posting this in the right place.
Welcome to the forum, EllieV. I hope you find it comfortable here. You will probably find that I am one of the more provocative posters. I think someone needs to provoke an awakening in God's church.
Blessings,
Rusty
_____________________________
It is better to obey God rather than men. The Truth, God's word, within is the lamp that guides our feet. -For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Prov. 2:6-
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/25/2009 10:41:01 AM
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EllieV
Posts: 4
Joined: 6/25/2009
Status: offline
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Thanks, Rusty. I appreciate the warm welcome. I love to post, love my own ideas, lol, but seriously, it is nice to find somewhere that other Christians are to share ideas. I can't wait to read some of the posts. The other place I belonged to was a lot of fun, but I need to share in God's light if I'm going to be involved in an online community. Some of the stuff was off-color and like a nudge from God to get out of there. I look forward to reading some of your posts.  Have a blessed day in Christ!
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RE: Problems with "Christians" - 6/25/2009 11:01:29 PM
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growingseed
Posts: 116
Joined: 5/24/2005
Status: offline
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Jesus told Peter you don't need to worry about him, you need to keep your eyes on me. We don't need to worry about others, we need to learn to be rooted with Jesus ourselves. It's easy to point, and Jesus is pointing to us first and when i really think about it thats the only place that he points to in life. Everyone has to walk their road to be formed into what he needs them to be, it's the same road i'm on but God is in control and i have peace with that.
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