Born Again Christians Thread-No Bashing please

[Albertan mom]

I hope your are right, because if the world gets any worse I feel for the lives my children are going to have to live as christian people.

I agree, and hope this is the end too! Living in Canada, where Same-sex marriage is now legal, I am very concerned about what will happen next up here!
My children attend a Christian school. They are taught that God does not approve of homosexuality. Are they going to be accused of hate-crimes? Have to quit teaching this? Is the bible going to be considered hate-literature? Very scary. I welcome the end! Quickly!

 

[WDWHound]

I also believe that we are living in the End Times.

I respect that view, and I agree that it is possible, However, I also remember that Paul that said they were living in the end times (he encouraged Christians not to marry because of it). That was 1900 years ago. Whether these are the end times or not, I know that we cant predict the day of his coming, so I tend to not think much about it.

 

[dadtoagirl]

I respect that view, and I agree that it is possible, However, I also remember that Paul that said they were living in the end times (he encouraged Christians not to marry because of it). That was 1900 years ago. Whether these are the end times or not, I know that we cant predict the day of his coming, so I tend to not think much about it.

If it comes in about one minute or after I die it's good to know that regardless of when it happens I'm got a space in heaven waiting for me.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I respect that view, and I agree that it is possible, However, I also remember that Paul that said they were living in the end times (he encouraged Christians not to marry because of it). That was 1900 years ago. Whether these are the end times or not, I know that we cant predict the day of his coming, so I tend to not think much about it.

I think you and I agree on a lot of things

Remember that history is full of times MUCH worse then the ones we are living in - and people have endured things that we cannot imagine enduring. Those people also hoped it was the end. And it didn't come in their lifetime. In Paul's day, there was much persecution and people hoped it was the end. But it didn't come in their lifetime either.

I think we could have it much worse, and won't live hoping the end is near. There is far too much work on earth for me to busy myself with

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I respect that view, and I agree that it is possible, However, I also remember that Paul that said they were living in the end times (he encouraged Christians not to marry because of it). That was 1900 years ago. Whether these are the end times or not, I know that we cant predict the day of his coming, so I tend to not think much about it.

I only mention it because it is of interest to me. I find studying the different prophetic books of the bible interesting. I find it interesting to compare those books to what is going on today. I believe that God also granted me some knowledge about these things. I was talking to my mom about the End Times when I was five, too young to even know about such a thing.

Sigh...it's always a controversial subject. I thought I could bring it up here, but I guess not. Like I said, I don't worry about it, I don't obsess about it. It's just a part of me to have this interest.

 

[WDWHound]

Sigh...it's always a controversial subject. I thought I could bring it up here, but I guess not. Like I said, I don't worry about it, I don't obsess about it. It's just a part of me to have this interest.

Please accept my appoliogies if you felt I was trying to debate you. I really do respect your viewpoint. While this specific area doesn't interest me as much as it does other Christians I know, I can understand why so many do find it interesting. My goal was to simply state how I personally look at such things, not to try to discourage you from posting your view and I certainly do not wish to demean your view. Again, I appolgize if I came off that way.

 

[Aidensmom]

That pretty much sums it up for me. Once we have accepted God's gift, we are called first and foremost to love. To love God and to love others. Nothing is more important than this. So many non Christians see Christianity as judgemental or exclusive (and sadly, they have encountered Christians who reinforce this), when in fact Christ tells us that Christian behavior should be exactly the opposite.

I always enjoy reading your posts about your faith on this board, they always reflect what you stated above.

 

[Buckalew11]

I respect that view, and I agree that it is possible, However, I also remember that Paul that said they were living in the end times (he encouraged Christians not to marry because of it). That was 1900 years ago. Whether these are the end times or not, I know that we cant predict the day of his coming, so I tend to not think much about it.

Well, since we're giving our opinions on End Times, , I also believe we are living in the End Times. However, my take is that EVER SINCE Christ died and rose again, THESE are End Times. I think the End Times covers the time from Christ "going to prepare a place for us" until it actually happens. I believe that is called the "Age of Grace" and we live in that age with the Holy Spirit among us.

End Times study also interests me and always has. Likewise, church history isn't my thing--although I know it is important just a Jesus told us to be aware of the signs of times. Instead of focusing on all the bad in our world when it comes to End Times, I think about things such as the Jews returning to Israel.
I think it is interesting to discuss all aspects of Christianity--from History, science, end times and daily living. We are truly blessed!

 

[dcentity2000]

IThey are taught that God does not approve of homosexuality. Are they going to be accused of hate-crimes? Have to quit teaching this? Is the bible going to be considered hate-literature? Very scary. I welcome the end! Quickly!

*runs far, far away from thread*

Seriously though, Progressive Christianity teaches that the Book was written by human hands as an interpretation of God's given word, being as close as you can get to a God written text.

We are also taught to critically examine the text that we read for inconsistencies or logical flaws - put quite simply, we apply effort to ensure that what we read truly is the Word of God.

Could you cite an instance in the New Testament or the Book of Mormon that denounces homosexuality? I don't know of any such passage I'm afraid - sorry! My curiosity on the subject has been invigorated once again



Rich::

 

[WDWHound]

Could you cite an instance in the New Testament or the Book of Mormon that denounces homosexuality? I don't know of any such passage I'm afraid - sorry! My curiosity on the subject has been invigorated once again
Rich::

Rather than derail this thread, I am sending you a PM. I really, really hope we wont end up debating this topic here.

 

[Buckalew11]

I agree, and hope this is the end too! Living in Canada, where Same-sex marriage is now legal, I am very concerned about what will happen next up here!
My children attend a Christian school. They are taught that God does not approve of homosexuality. Are they going to be accused of hate-crimes? Have to quit teaching this? Is the bible going to be considered hate-literature? Very scary. I welcome the end! Quickly!

While I believe the Bible is clear on its stance on homosexuality, I don't think Christians would be accused of hate crimes if they aren't committing them which, IMHO, would be wrong for a Christian to do. Just because you disapprove of that lifestyle doesn't mean you can't be friends with someone who is gay. It would be much the same as being friends with someone who is, say, overweight. Overeating is a sin according to the Bible.

I think there is some reference to homosexuality (maybe written by Paul) in the NT. I put no stock in the Book of Mormon so that has no relevance to me and my beliefs.

 

[Buckalew11]

Oh, whoops, sorry, I probably said too much OT!

 

[Albertan mom]

While I believe the Bible is clear on its stance on homosexuality, I don't think Christians would be accused of hate crimes if they aren't committing them which, IMHO, would be wrong for a Christian to do. Just because you disapprove of that lifestyle doesn't mean you can't be friends with someone who is gay. It would be much the same as being friends with someone who is, say, overweight. Overeating is a sin according to the Bible.

I think there is some reference to homosexuality (maybe written by Paul) in the NT. I put no stock in the Book of Mormon so that has no relevance to me and my beliefs.

First, Thank you to WDWHound for stopping a debate here!

I agree, the Book of Mormon holds no place in my Christian life.

I don't want to get into a debate here with you Buckalew. I honestly don't know one gay person. If I met one, would I be friends with them? I again, honestly don't know. I would be nice to them. Would I have them over for coffee weekly? Probably not. We are supposed to be loving to everyone-agreed. But we are also supposed to surround ourselves with light, not people who are of the world. Yes, we are supposed to witness. Which I guess sometimes is hard. For me, I work at a Christian school. My kids go there. I have a big, friendly church. All my friends are Christians. I don't see much out of my little Christian realm! The few times I do (kids hockey, sports, etc.) I am friendly to everyone, because I live in a small town, and people know I am involved in church and our school. So I want to be a good example of Christ. I don't want to seem Judgemental or like an unfriendly hypocritical Christian.
I have probably said too much too, and really don't want to get into a debate. I just want you to know, I will be nice to all, and I teach that to my children.

On a lighter note-I am so excited! I just bought 3 of Tom Dubois paintings. The Noahs Ark series, the Commission, The Invitation, The Promise and the Celebration. I had the Invitation before, and have been looking for the others, and finally found them! YaY! I love them, they are in beautiful dark brown frames, and the pictures are soooooo awesome!

 

[disneymom3]

I have a question for the born again christians about "God's Will in our Lives". How much of what happens to us good or bad is God's Will? I just listened to a message by James MacDonald today on God's will that is challenging what I believe in that area. Would anyone care to listen in and give their thoughts? The site is walkintheword.com and the message was today's broadcast (Weds). I don't think you have to sign in to listen to the current broadcast, although if you want to hear yesterday's part 1 you have to sign in. I've been on the spectrum that just about everything that happens to me is God's will and Pastor James is saying something different...I usually love what this man says, but I'm wondering about this topic. Please give it a listen and let me know what you think!

Joy

I believe that sometimes we, as weak humans, make really bad choices and go in ways God would not have us go if we didn't have free will. I also believe that evil or Satan or whatever you want to call it/him is a very real force that tries very hard to win us to him. I believe that he does have some power. I also believe very strongly that God will be beside me no matter what choices I make and it is up to me to seek Him and His guidance. I believe that no matter what He wants what is best for me and that sometimes I cannot see what that may be. God sees the big picture and I see just a little part. I think that "bad" things that are brought on through sinful choices are not necessarily God's will , but that He can bring good out of any situation.

That said, I didn't listen to the broadcast because I don't have time right now.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Hound, no problem!

I am not sure if this is the thread for me or not. I may lurk and post from time-to-time.

As usual Buckalew, I enjoy (and agree with) what you have to say!!!!

 

[cats7494]

I am a Christian...not necessarily a “born again Christian.” I have known God and Jesus since I was a very young child. I went to a Lutheran school from grade school up through High School so it has always been in my life. I have never had a “come to Jesus” moment as some of you describe.

On a side note, I do not want to debate, just stating my opinion as others on this thread have: I have no problem whatsoever with someone who is homosexual – not my business. I believe that it is not our place to judge other’s lives.

 

[JoyG]

The broadcast I was listening to had less to do with us making sinful decisions, but does God have a hand in things that happen to us that are not because of a sinful choice we made, like illness, loss of a loved one, etc...

I guess I've always been of the mind that if someone I love is lost or gets a serious disease that God will use that as a moment in my love or my loved one's life to grow closer to him, to show his Glory in either deliverance or sustaining through the hard times, and in the case of illness I believe that He can choose to cure someone, if it's his will, or not to cure someone and that the reasons behind those choices might not be known to me now, but something I would understand in Heaven. Does he "give" us cancer? No, not exactly, but I believe anything that happens to us like that is part of His design for our life, to be used as a growing/learning experience.

Specifically, in the case of illness, Pastor James' message is challenging my opinions, so if anyone listened to it and has an opinion, I'd love to hear it.

As an aside, I have some wonderful news to share. I've been awaiting test results of a biopsy on some lymph nodes in my neck. Today I found out it was NOT cancer, just chronic inflammation!!! PRAISE the LORD!! That's another reason why this topic was so interesting to me, with the thought of cancer looming in the horizon!

Joy

 

[live4christp1]

Also along the lines of God's will, we don't always choose to do His will for our lives. Once when there was a missionary speaker at our church my DH went forward in the invitation, God has really burdened him for missions......I felt this too, but really hardened my heart toward this. I was comfortable where I was, doing what I was doing and there was no way I would uproot our family to go to another country (that's the attitude I had all pent up inside). DH really was struggling with this too, knowing he wanted to go to Bible college etc. but that would mean leaving his job he had and stepping out on faith. Before he (and me) surrendered to this we went through some really rough times......became very distant from each other......almost to the point of our marriage falling apart. It took that much for me to surrender to God's will and DH as well. It has been an up and down road but as Mark Lowry says "He promised us life MORE ABUNDANTLY".

I don't always think that bad things that happen to us are a result of sin either. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Look at Job, satan requested permission to afflict him and was allowed to do so. Sometimes we go through bad things to teach us things, to grow us in our faith, to draw us closer to God, to learn from them and be able to minister to others who face the same things. If life just rolled along smoothly we really wouldn't have that much need of God would we.........I find that when I am going through a trial is when He seems to draw me nearer to Himself, to depend more on Him.

This is a great thread BTW and I enjoy all your testimonies.

 

[tc]

God's will is very confusing. We just went through a situation where my youngest got pregnant before she was married. She was 21, the dad was 20. I was devastated, and very sad that she made that choice. Fast forward 16 months. Said daughter is married to the baby's dad, Chris. Chris has accepted Christ, joined the Army and really gotten his life straightened out. I can't imagine my life w/o Chris or Ireland (my beautiful granddaughter). Now, was it God's will that they go "out of order" so that circumstances would turn Chris' life around? Did God take a bad choice and cause Chris to turn around? Would Chris have his life together, on track and be so happy, had it not been for Ireland coming into this world? I do not know, but I know that God is good, and His hand has been all over this situation. The joy I feel when I see Ireland, when I see Kimmi and Chris so happy (even though they live in Oklahoma), when I see that they are dedicated to raising Ireland in a Christian home, is amazing compared to the devastation I felt in March of last year when this all started. So, to answer if I understand God's will, I do not, but I understand His love, which is what gets me through.

 

[jimmiej]

Hi! I was baptized 26 years ago at a Church Camp in Lago Vista, TX. I was 14 yrs old. I am proud to say I believe that Jesus died to save me from my sins, and am striving to live with the Lord someday in heaven!

Hey momsgonwild, that wasn't Highland Lakes Baptist Encampment was it? I have many fond memories of church camp there.