Born Again Christians Thread-No Bashing please

[disneyaggie]

Disneyaggie also checking in!

I was so blessed to be raised in a Christian family so I have always had Jesus in my day. I am so fortunate to find other Christians, such as yourself, in my day-to-day experiences. And it is such a joy to find clients and co-workers who are also Christians. Makes the day even more brighter.

I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed day!

 

[720L]

I was baptized when I was 17. I grew up believing in God but not in a religious family. (didn't attend church, wasn't told/taught to pray/talk with the Lord) I knew my Mom and Dad believed in God but that was about it. I started going to church with my girlfriends in high school and wanted to be baptized. I strive to live my life for God and love him and everything he has blessed me with. I haven't read The Purpose Driven Life.

 

[JoyG]

Coming back because i didn't post my testimony:

Saved a child in my living room with my mom, but grew up in a really dysfunctional home...When I was in Junior High, my mom sent me away to camp at Word of Life Bible Institute and I rededicated myself to the Lord. Was baptised at 16, went to Christian college.

Married a preacher's kid...but life has not been perfect. My spiritual life has been a little bit of a roller coaster and for the past year or so I've really been trying to even it out...God is working on big issues in my life...left over from the dysfunctional upbringing...the story from the above poster about her mom being at peace even while suffering from terminal cancer is beautiful and touching...God is working in my life everyday to bring that peace...it's been a journey and we've got a long way to go, but one day my life will reflect God's perfect peace!

My favorite Bible passage right now (it changes all the time!) is: Philippians 4:12-13: I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Joy

 

[TLHB70]

Joy, I love those verses too. There are so many precious verses in God's Word. I would love to do that on the thread, also, just take some time sharing some of our favorite verses.

I am TLHB70, Tiffany, and I am also a born again believer. I was brought up in a home where I was brought to church, but only on Sunday mornings. Church was more of a social thing for my parents. Thankfully I was saved, asked Jesus into my heart as my Lord and Savior, at children's church when I was 9 (1979) and baptized within a few weeks. When I was a teenager I got involved in a fabulous youth group. Once I was old enough to drive I started attending every church function that I could and God used those years and opportunities to grow me tremendously!!!! In college I joined the BSU. I also took a job working on campus. God provided me with a Christian boss that is involved in ministry. (He does "chalk talks" or chalk drawings to relay messages.) He invited me to give my testimony at a youth conference that he was doing one night in 1990. That same night he invited another of his friends to also give his testimony. Well, that friend and I met and started dating. He is now my DH! I met my DH in church, and I am so thankful for that!!!! He has two uncles that are pastors and his mom is the church secretary so he comes from a wonderful Christian home. He has also surrendered to the ministry and does supply preaching. We were married in 1993 and have two daughters. They have both been saved and both were baptized March 20 of this year!!!!!!!!! I am a leader in our church's AWANA program. Also, God led us to live in Venezuela for a year and we were able to participate in mission work there. God has really knit our hearts with a love for the Venezuelan people, well.......really the South American people. We look forward to other mission trips there.
I am sorry that I have written so much. God is just so good and there is not enough time or room to write about all that He has done in my life!
I have read part of PDL and didn't care for it too much. I love working through Beth Moore's Bible studies. I have done most of them. She has written a poem that I say is my life's motto or goal. (You will see it in my tag.) This is it:

The Company I Keep

Let me be known by the Company I keep
By the ONE who determines each day that I greet
From the moment I wake til HE rocks me to sleep
Let me be known by the Company I keep!

Let me be known by the Company I keep
When the valleys are low and the moutains are steep
By the ONE who holds fast when swift waters are deep
Let me be known by the Company I keep!

Let me be known by the Company I keep
By the ONE who implores me to sit at HIS feet
And quickens my soul to discern what is deep
Let me be known by the Company I keep

Let me be known by the Company I keep
Eclipsed by YOUR presence that I may decrease
Til all YOU have chosen this traveler to meet
No longer sees me but the Company I keep.

 

[live4christp1]

Hi All! Grew up in a good home that believed the Bible and it's teachings but due to mom & dad having some issues with the church they had attended, they had stopped going. Went with a friend in Jr high, into high school and decided they were very hypocritical and stopped in 11th or 12th grade. After DH & I were married we went to a Christmas program my neice & nephew were in and my old SS teacher invited us to come back. We did and were saved and baptized in 1993. Worked with the children & youth there and later moved to the church we are at presently. We attend an Independent Fundamental Baptist Church were we both work in our Children's church program on Sunday mornings and we are both Word of Life DIA leaders in our teen group on Wednesday nights. It has been a joy watching these young people grow up as well as grow in the Lord. My DH has done a semester at Tennessee Temple University and wishes to finish up his major in youth ministry with a minor in missions, slow going, taking it as we can afford it, but we know God's timing is perfect.

Great to read all the testimonies here!

 

[TLHB70]

I forgot to mention in my first post that I am baptist. However, I agree with

posted by nsyncraider17 Christianity is a relationship, not a religion.

 

[dadtoagirl]

I've been saved by Grace! Thats all that I can type that really matters!

 

[tc]

tc here, didn't really like Purpose Driven life. Did the small group thing, but it was just really boring to me. You should read The Externally Focussed Church, my pastor co-wrote it.

I was raised in a very dysfunctional family. My mom and sisters came to Christ shortly after my parents divorce when I was 10. I didn't accept Him until April 23, 1986 (I was 24). Didn't heal me of all my dysfunctional past, but gave me hope. After many years of therapy, forgiveness and prayer, I hope it's all behind me. I am far from perfect, but I am forgiven!!!

 

[RickinNYC]

Hi gang. I saw that some of my DIS friends posted here and I wanted to say "howdy". I hope your place on the DIS board doesn't become a debate!

That's all. And have a great day!

 

[jimmiej]

Hey everyone!

I was saved way back in January of 1970. I'm Southern Baptist. DW & I serve our local church through the music ministry (I play, she sings); we also teach (me new members, her two year olds). She also is employed by our church as office manager/finance assistant.

Our church did 40 days. It was a great success. We run ~1200 in "on-campus" Bible study & have ~75 off-site groups that meet weekly. I enjoyed RW's book & intend on reading it again.

Favorite scripture:

1 Thessalonians 4

13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore encourage each other with these words.

 

[Saphire]

Hello to my brothers and sisters in Christ. We all have such different stories, God has called each of us in a different way at different ages. I like that about Him! He called me and saved me when I was a rebellious teen, and changed my life. Oh, when I think of what would have happened to me without His saving grace. I liked the book Purpose Driven Life ok, but don't like fads and dislike all the hoopla over the book. (I am still a rebel, ha-ha). I prefer a book such as Tozer's 'The Pursuit of God'. Anyone read that?

 

[acrucifer]

Hello, I'm checking in! Yes, I've read Purpose Driven Life and I enjoyed it. I am about to read it again with a small study group...there have been some criticisms of his book though that I've read online...one being he "manipulates" scripture to serve his purpose, like only quoting parts of it instead of the whole passage, etc...do you have an opinion on that?

I gave my copy of the book away before I read this review online and I'd love to go back and reread looking for that...however, the first time around that didn't pop out at me...I'll have to buy another copy for our study group.

I find myself using the first line alot, "It's not about you" epecially when talking to dh! LOL


Joy

no, but you have given me something to think about. I just read the first few chapters and intend on continue reading the rest of the book. since I am not yet finished, I am taking it at face value. I wouldnt mind reading the criticisms online, do you have a link to them?

 

[acrucifer]

Also checking in. I work in Deaf Ministry and have done Purpose Driven LIfe with them. We actually found it too hard so we have gone to more basic teaching. I love Christ. I love Disney.
I accepted Jesus at the age of 8 in May of 1958 in Leipheim, Germany. I joined a Southern Baptist Church and was baptized in July of 1976. I joined my current church in 2002 after attending it for 2 years. It is also affiliated with the SBC. I am co director of the Deaf Ministry, Small Group teacher (Deaf) and sign language interpreter for worship service as well as any other activities that the deaf members wish to participate in. (ie. 101 class, Ladies Bible Study, leadership meetings, children's programs, etc) I am so excited because Sunday I will be interpreting baptism for one of our deaf ladies and possible for one of the men as well (he accepted Christ as few weeks ago but I am not sure if he is scheduled)

hey, me too ! I love Christ and I love Disney !!

 

[binny]

HI Rick


Nice to see evryone here.

Ive been interested in Beth Moore's studies myself and wanted to look into it. Thanks for reminding me



Im kind of bummed. We are sponsoring a new church in town, actually it was another church in our denomination that wasnt doing to well so they recruited our Pastor to Seniors and he is going to start up a new Church there. Im bummed that he's going but even more bummed that some of our really great members are going with him


It isnt a bitterness thing at all our church is sponsoring this new church but its still sad to them go. I know God is calling them there but I will miss them

 

[acrucifer]

YAY! I am so happy to see you all! I got quite a bit of flaming a few weeks back on the "Do you approve of gay marriage" thread. I was feeling very lonely in my christianity! Glad to see you all here!

I have not read the Purpose yet. My hubby is reading it now, I will when he is done. I am reading one right now called "Delight in your childs Design" It is all about finding your childs personalities, and therefore having a better understanding of why they do what they do. I will let you all know if it is good when I am done it. So far it is.

I became a Christian as a young child at my grandparents. I grew up in a non-Christian home, and had lots of struggles. I went through many backsliding rebellious years, then came to know the Lord again at about age 20. I then re-dedicated my life to the Lord. It has been a good 11 years! I was baptized, and had dedications for both my children. My children attend a Public Christian School, and we attend a Baptist Church. I love to read Christian fiction books. Both my children have accepted Jesus into their hearts.

How about 2 paragraph testimonies from you all? (we do 2-minute testimonies in our small group-here is the silent way to do that!)

Again, thrilled with this thread!!!

welcome alberton mom, you have indeed found a home for as long as you want it. I was flamed pretty badly in that thread and in the "christian and anyone interested thread" . some people were truly blaspheming Our Lord and the Bible and very disrespectful of Christianity in general. others tried to assert and push their view of God as they see him, totally disregarding what the Bible has to say on the subject, yet others denied the existence of Hell and still others believed the Bible were, let me say, how did they put it, oh yes, FAIRYTALES !!?? if thats not blasphemous , I dont know what it is. here I am hoping we can all Fellowship together in Christs name and hopefully benefit from each others witness and testimony. A BIG WELCOME ~~

 

[JoyG]

acrucifier- I pm'd you a link.

 

[TLHB70]

binny, I highly recommend all of Beth Moore's studies!!!!! Each one that I have done is wonderful! Jesus The One and Only is a study of the gospels and Jesus's life on earth, from birth to resurrection, as presented in Scripture. Two of my friends from church traveled with her, in a huge group, to Jerusalem to film the videos that go along with the study. That is so neat! You are able to see video of Jerusalem as you are studying the places in Scripture! I think that study is one of my favorite studies. Another favorite is Living Beyond Yourself. It is a study of the fruit of the Spirit. Each week is devoted to one...........one week of love, one week of joy, one week peace, etc..... Really, they are all fabulous! You can also listen to her lessons online at
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/living_proof_with_beth_moore/

 

[cati]

Hi, I am also checking in. I was saved at 11, backslid alot, not proud of that at all. I grew up in a family that did not go to church. I was watching a tv evangalist show and excepted Christ as my savior that night. This was done in my living room and no one there but me. I was baptised at the age of 31. My dh and I started going to church and we both rededicated our lives to the Lord, and were both baptised thereafter.

We belong to a Baptist church. My dh is a deacon there. I love the Lord with all my heart and dont know where I would be without Him. He is so awesome.

 

[Albertan mom]

cati-can I ask, was it a Billy Graham crusade you were watching on tv?
I find that very encouraging. We financially support his ministry, and sometimes I wonder if people just switch the channel, and nobody even hears him! I know there is always tons of people in the audience, but sometimes you wonder.... If it was his show that saved you, I will consider the money we donated well spent!!

Another great study is James Dobsons "Bringing up Boys" I strongly encourage anyone with sons to do this! We did the video series (and workbook) and it was great. It really helps you understand your son, and even your husbands, brothers, all the males in your life! It was soooo great. I can't wait for the Girls one to come out!

And Acrucifer-I hear ya! I looked at the 'Heaven and Hell' and the 'Christians and anyone else" threads, and didn't even bother to post on them. But I saw you getting beat up on them and wanted to stick up for you! But after the beating I took on the gay marriage thread I decided I wouldn't post on any other controversial threads! It was too emotionally, spiritually and mentally draining!!

Again-glad to be with you all!

 

[Aidensmom]

Checking in too.

I was raised in a home where my parents went to church, and my mother is a pretty devout Catholic, but it was dysfunctional and abusive. Unlike many children in that situation, I did not turn away from God, but rather developed a very strong faith. When I was in my early 20's, I started attending a non-denominational church. I was, however, not saved until I was 23, on Easter Sunday 1991. In the wee hours of the morning when I was sleeping, I had a dream where I experienced an extremely terrifying darkness, and then a very comforting bright light and heard a voice which told me I had to make a conscioius choice, a real decision, on whether or not I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, I could not stay in the middle. I woke up and made my decision there and then.

Several years ago, I went through some tough times...my husband at the time proved to have some very bad "habits" which damaged our relationship and I got divorced. He told lies to the people at our church on why we were divorcing, which caused our friends to take his side. I stopped attending church because of this, and though I never lost any of my beliefs, I did not neccessarily always act like a Christian. This led to more tough times with an abusive boyfriend, illness, bankruptcy, and an unplanned pregnancy. Once I became pregnant I realized I needed to straighten up, and started going back to church, attending bible study, and living a better life.

I am currently remarried (to my child's father), went back to my former church, and have in the last couple of months started attending a brand new church which was started by the former pastor and a group of members from my former church. We have about 30 regular attendees, not including the young children. I do some administrative work there on a volunteer basis.

I guess you could say I have gotten "flamed" on several threads, (and have had new threads started about something I have said!!) but I don't consider it offensive, so I don't know if that counts as flames. I just see it as part of a discussion where we all don't agree.