Born Again Christians Thread-No Bashing please

[acrucifer]

while some have taken offense that I have asked debating and arguing to cease, I will repeat what I said earlier, which is there are other threads here where one can debate the existence of God and the Truth of the Word. As born again christians, the answers to those questions are already established and need no further debate. I thank you for respecting this and I pleased to see this forum being used for what it was intended, to fellowship, testify and witness with other christians. someone asked me what it means to be born again, well there seems to be many born again christians on this thread now, but I think I am in safe territory by saying that a born again christian is one who has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, has made a public pledge to follow him and dedicated their life to doing so. she/he has come realize that the Bible is the infallibe word or God. of course there is alot more to this general definition, repentence, forgiveness, Grace, but that is the definition in a general sense.

 

[jimmiej]

However we really did not feel comfortable with this church as we soon began to see that they were very hypocritical and did not share the same beliefs. For example, their view (don't know if this goes for all southern baptists or just this particular church though!) is you go to church and you automatically go to heaven. Don't go to church and you go to hell regardless of whether you are truly saved or how you live your life.

I've been a Southern Baptist all my life, & that is not part of our beliefs! I'd like to know where they got that from. Ephesians 2:8-9 shoots that down real quickly!

Our pastor makes a point to tell people during the invitation time that we're not asking you to join our/a church, but rather to join God's family. After you're saved, then we encourage you to join a Bible-believing, Bible-preaching church. Whether it's ours or another is between you & God.

Here's some scripture that might help some of you with the understanding of "born again."

John 3
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."
3In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.[a]"

4"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You[c] must be born again.' 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

9"How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.

10"You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? 11I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.[d] 14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.[e]

16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[f] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.[g] 19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."[h]

 

[Miss Jasmine]

while some have taken offense that I have asked debating and arguing to cease, I will repeat what I said earlier, which is there are other threads here where one can debate the existence of God and the Truth of the Word. As born again christians, the answers to those questions are already established and need no further debate. I thank you for respecting this and I pleased to see this forum being used for what it was intended, to fellowship, testify and witness with other christians. someone asked me what it means to be born again, well there seems to be many born again christians on this thread now, but I think I am in safe territory by saying that a born again christian is one who has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, has made a public pledge to follow him and dedicated their life to doing so. she/he has come realize that the Bible is the infallibe word or God. of course there is alot more to this general definition, repentence, forgiveness, Grace, but that is the definition in a general sense.

Excuse me, I don't mean to bring more debate here, but this post bothers me. Do you not EVER question your beliefs with other believers? I know my DH and I have many interesting discussions over different things even though we both walk with Christ.

I find it sad that maybe someone who isn't so sure about God and Jesus, but sees that this is a "born again" thread and that maybe they could find some more information here, would be turned away because he or she asked a question. I mean a Christian church is full of those who have been Saved, yet we still listen to sermons in church and sit there with nonbelievers.

Anyway, just something to think about.

 

[acrucifer]

If you have accepted Christ into your heart as your personal God and saviour, you DEFINITELY have a place in Heaven!!

Isn't it great?!?!

YES IT IS, PRAISE HIM, AMEN !!

 

[WDWHound]

Excuse me, I don't mean to bring more debate here, but this post bothers me. Do you not EVER question your beliefs with other believers? I know my DH and I have many interesting discussions over different things even though we both walk with Christ.

I find it sad that maybe someone who isn't so sure about God and Jesus, but sees that this is a "born again" thread and that maybe they could find some more information here, would be turned away because he or she asked a question. I mean a Christian church is full of those who have been Saved, yet we still listen to sermons in church and sit there with nonbelievers.

Anyway, just something to think about.

Actually, I dont thnik the request was meant to say that beleifs should not be questioned, or even that specific aspects of our faith can not be mentioned. I think the object was to avoid debate, and then only on this specific thread. So many threads regarding our faith devolve into debates regarding the controversial aspects of our faith. Nothing wrong with that, but does it have to happen on every single faith thread? Cant this one thread just be a place where we share our faith and experiences without debating them?

I love a good debate on faith and I start lots of threads looking for exactly that, but I also think we need a place where we can just talk, without trying to prove or disprove anything.

 

[ead79]

Excuse me, I don't mean to bring more debate here, but this post bothers me. Do you not EVER question your beliefs with other believers? I know my DH and I have many interesting discussions over different things even though we both walk with Christ.

I find it sad that maybe someone who isn't so sure about God and Jesus, but sees that this is a "born again" thread and that maybe they could find some more information here, would be turned away because he or she asked a question. I mean a Christian church is full of those who have been Saved, yet we still listen to sermons in church and sit there with nonbelievers.

Anyway, just something to think about.

I can only speak for myself, but I think you ask a very valid question. I certainly have questioned my beliefs, and I cannot imagine believing as strongly if I hadn’t questioned them. By nature I am a pretty analytical person, so for me it’s important to understand fully my beliefs. I very much enjoy discussing my beliefs with other believers and with non-believers as well. I enjoy hearing the perspectives of others, whether or not I agree with them. I will admit that I can be a little thin-skinned at times, so I do like it when the discussions are kept polite. Sometimes the politeness factor can be harder to attain here on the DIS than in real life.

On a side note, I noticed that you posted on the non-believers thread that you don’t feel very welcome here. I’m so sorry you feel like that, and I certainly hope that I haven’t made you feel anything less than welcome. I’m not familiar with Calvary Church, and I would love to hear more about your beliefs.

 

[Wishing on a star]

To me, 'Born Again', has a very specific meaning... It means that, as we have come to accept our God, Lord, and Savior, that we do have a re-birth.... a new beginning. Until that particular point, we see things through our very human eyes. (and are 'blind') Until then, we follow the way that seems right to a man.... after being born again, we are changed, and can then see and follow the way that is right to God.

It all goes back to Adam and Eve, and how when they sinned, they began to see things through their own eyes and own thoughts and intelligence. (The tree of "knowledge".) They began to see things, including right-and-wrong through their own judgement... ( Thinking they would be as Gods....)

Until we are born again, we are in that same condition.... I see a very strong pattern of those who do not believe in God at all, that they do not want to believe, because they refuse to put themselves in a postion to put their own feelings, and beliefs, and especially CONTROL aside.... GASP!!!! if they were to believe in GOD, then they would have to give up their own very human, and self-driven, view of life, and to put GOD in control.

Their whole objection to Christianity is that they feel that we are PUSHING our beliefs and moral values on everyone. NOT SO... Christian nations and peoples are the ones who are the most free and open. (Would anyone expect to find Baptist Churches in the center of a Middle Eastern Muslim nation???)

The whole point that they are missing, is that once a person is Born Again, then they see things diffently. They see that they now feel that GOD is right, and the only option is to put GOD in control. Humility really kicks in...

Through this re-birth. the 'control' issues end. The wondering and doubting and 'Questioning' end...

Born again Christians cease to put their faith in man, and put their faith in God.

Being born again is truly what allows us to know and to follow God.

 

[JennyMominRI]

. (Would anyone expect to find Baptist Churches in the center of a Middle Eastern Muslim nation???)

.

Just a quick word...No debate ,Just a small word..You may not find a baotist Church in the middle East ,but you will find many others...There are more than 5 million Christians in Jordan alone who worship freely...Some countries are less tolerant than others.You have Saudi Arabia in Which Christianity is illegal, and other places like Egypt where they are persecuted,but there are plenty of Muslim -Majority countries where Christians are free to worship as they like.. And all of those Arab- Christians call G-d Allah,which is simply the arabic word for G-d

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Good point Jenny. My grandmother was a Christian from Lebanon.

Elisabeth, I guess I just find some of the posts on this thread polarizing. Maybe I am just not comfortable in this type of setting. I feel less of a Christian because I don't subscribe to all the mainline Christian beliefs. I don't celebrate Easter in the regular sense (I observe Passover), I probably won't celebrate Christmas this year. This doesn't have to do with the church I attend, as it still does celebrate these holidays, but more of my personal beliefs.

Anyway, I will pop in from time-to-time.

 

[dcentity2000]

If you have accepted Christ into your heart as your personal God and saviour, you DEFINITELY have a place in Heaven!!

Isn't it great?!?!

Not to blow up the bubble, but surely you must lead a good, blameless life too?

Sins and their minions, however they present themselves, can still tempt you away from the core of this religion: unconditional, unlimited and all encompassing love.

I believe that I must earn my place in heaven - I take nothing for granted



Rich::

 

[bytheblood]

Excuse me, I don't mean to bring more debate here, but this post bothers me. Do you not EVER question your beliefs with other believers? I know my DH and I have many interesting discussions over different things even though we both walk with Christ.

I think your question is valid and not a debate-type question at all. I have questioned what I believe. To a very strong point that it changed what I believed. I was raised catholic, then we moved to a methodist church, then our family started going to a pentecostal church. In my adult-life, I went to a "Bible Church", which I personally found to not be that. Today, I go to Calvary Chapel, which is of no religion or demonination. I like it there because they teach the Bible beginning to end. My point in telling you my history is to say that I have questioned my own beliefs and what I was taught growing up and today I am very firm and confident that I believe what is true. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that if I died, I would be in the arms of Jesus as I take my last breath. I know that if He came after His Church, I would be going home. If I never questioned what I believed, I would not have that confidence in Jesus that I do today.

I find it sad that maybe someone who isn't so sure about God and Jesus.....

Do you not believe that Jesus is God? Just curious because of the way you worded that.

.......thread a Christian church is full of those who have been Saved, yet we still listen to sermons in church and sit there with nonbelievers. Anyway, just something to think about.

What a very valid and truthful statement. I would hope that a thread such as this could be a seed planted for the non-believer.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Do you not believe that Jesus is God? Just curious because of the way you worded that.

I do believe They are one of the same, just I know that some people do have questions about the Trinity, so I try to seperate it out. Also there are people who believe in God, but not in Jesus, covering them as well.

I attend a Calvary Chapel as well.

 

[bytheblood]

Does anyone listen to Christian Music? I love Fernando Ortega, Selah, 4-Him, Newsong, Third Day.

M&C

I love Christian music. There are so many great artist. Steven Curtis Chapman (he is so annointed), Third Day (also very annointed), Rebecca St James, FFH, Mercy Me, Casting Crowns...I listen to KLTY (local radion station) all day long at work..well, when I am not listening to Calvary Satellite Network.

 

[bytheblood]

I do believe They are one of the same, just I know that some people do have questions about the Trinity, so I try to seperate it out. Also there are people who believe in God, but not in Jesus, covering them as well.

I attend a Calvary Chapel as well.

Okay - I gotcha. Which CC do you go to or who is your Pastor?

 

[Aimeedyan]

while some have taken offense that I have asked debating and arguing to cease, I will repeat what I said earlier, which is there are other threads here where one can debate the existence of God and the Truth of the Word. As born again christians, the answers to those questions are already established and need no further debate. I thank you for respecting this and I pleased to see this forum being used for what it was intended, to fellowship, testify and witness with other christians. someone asked me what it means to be born again, well there seems to be many born again christians on this thread now, but I think I am in safe territory by saying that a born again christian is one who has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, has made a public pledge to follow him and dedicated their life to doing so. she/he has come realize that the Bible is the infallibe word or God. of course there is alot more to this general definition, repentence, forgiveness, Grace, but that is the definition in a general sense.

Interesting definition you have there... I don't see it theologically sound, but since we are not to discuss different beliefs and convictions on this thread, I think I will be bowing out. I didn't realize that the only ones welcome to post on this thread had to stick to just a narrow (fundamentalist) set of beliefs. Hmm...

For anyone lurking (and I know you're out there! LOL!), please know that many many many Christians who would consider themselves to be "born again" don't believe in, support, or subscribe to some of the thoughts already offered - just in case you didn't agree with any. Christians come in all shapes and sizes.

I check my PM's often if anyone wants to talk

 

[Wishing on a star]

Quote:
__________________________________________________
I believe that I must earn my place in heaven - I take nothing for granted
___________________________________________________


I see what you are saying!!! No debate intended... However, would 'earning' your place in heaven not give YOU the power and control of God???

Not by works, but by the GRACE of God...

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Okay - I gotcha. Which CC do you go to or who is your Pastor?

Calvary Chapel of Melbourne. My pastor is Mark Balmer. Here is our website: http://www.calvarymelbourne.org/

 

[dcentity2000]

I see what you are saying!!! No debate intended... However, would 'earning' your place in heaven not give YOU the power and control of God???

That's a really good point and one I'll have to reflect on



Rich::

 

[bytheblood]

I don't celebrate Easter in the regular sense (I observe Passover), I probably won't celebrate Christmas this year. This doesn't have to do with the church I attend, as it still does celebrate these holidays, but more of my personal beliefs.

Anyway, I will pop in from time-to-time.

Miss Jasmine, there is nothing wrong with that. I am glad that you are so firm in what you believe.

As I know you are aware, based on your beliefs, Easter and Christmas did not originate from anything Christian or Jesus-based.

We do not color eggs in our house at Easter. My daughter does get an Easter basket, but it has Bible stories in it, very little candy, Christian coloring books, etc.

We do put up a tree in our house at Christmas, mostly because I love my Kincaid ornaments, but my house is not filled with Santa and such. My house does have snowmen and lights, but I also have crosses and little nativity scenes on my tree.
Christmas has a special meaning to me because although I know my Lord was not born in December, I do love the holiday. I honor Jesus each day, but Christmas is special to our little family of 3.

My daughter (7) somewhat believes in santa, but she knows that it is not about him and that he is only a servant to God. I used to have a problem with her believing in the Easter bunny and santa, but after reading and learning the origination of Easter and Christmas, it did not bother me so much. I really, in my heart, do not believe that God would be or is angry with me for celebrating Easter or Christmas. After all, it is application in the heart, right?

 

[bytheblood]

Calvary Chapel of Melbourne. My pastor is Mark Balmer. Here is our website: http://www.calvarymelbourne.org/

I am not familiar with him. I listen to many of the different CC pastors online. I also have learned about many of them because I attend CCBC (Calvary Chapel Bible College). I will be checking out the website.