Born Again Christians Thread-No Bashing please

[live4christp1]

The Book of Mormon has not authority for me as a Christian. The Bible is my authority and always will be.
I do have a question for others. What version or versions of the Bible do you use for Bible Study? I use a variety and a lot depend on if I am studying for myself or to teach my deaf small group. We encourage most of the them to use the Contemporary English version of the Holman Bible but some do struggle to use KJV.

Hi Talking Hands,

Our church uses KJV in services so that is what we use there as it is easier to follow along when reading the same text. I do have a NKJV that I like as it drops a lot of the "eth" off the end of words making for easier reading. We have an NIV and then I also have the new testament in a format that shows 4 different translations on 2 pages, making for easier comparison of the texts. I want to get Kay Arthurs New Inductive Study Bible. We went through a study on the texts of different translations, which documents they were translated from etc. and tend to lean toward the KJV/Byzantine (sp?) translations.

 

[bytheblood]

Ephesians 2 (This whole chapter speaks pretty extensively on the topic but I won't post it all)
V8. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
V9. not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Matthew 7
V13. (Jesus speaking, The Sermon on the Mount) "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it."
V14. "Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."

John 14
V6. Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

Romans 6
V23. For the wages of sin is death, but the gif ot God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

**A gift is something we are given freely, not something we earn.

I would like to add... Mark 10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

And.......
Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

 

[bytheblood]

That's the tricky thing. Surely one can believe with all their heart that there is a God and yet commit atrocities leading to damnation

Belief is not enough - we must also do what we can to follow a blameless and pure life



Rich::

We are called to be servants, followers of Jesus. When one is in Christ, they no longer have the desires to live like those in the world and follow after the flesh, but our righteousness is only found in the goodness of God alone.

That is the amazing thing about God, He loves each and every single person on this earth and if we call upon Him and choose to follow Him, any and all can be saved. Even Osama bin Laden can be saved if he repents and calls upon Jesus as his Saviour and Lord.

 

[bytheblood]

The Book of Mormon has not authority for me as a Christian. The Bible is my authority and always will be.
I do have a question for others. What version or versions of the Bible do you use for Bible Study? I use a variety and a lot depend on if I am studying for myself or to teach my deaf small group. We encourage most of the them to use the Contemporary English version of the Holman Bible but some do struggle to use KJV.

I personally use a KJV study Bible in addition to NASB Study Bible.

 

[Albertan mom]

I havent checked in for a few days, but I see there is lots of discussions going on!
Someone asked-I was the one that mentioned the new James Dobson book on girls. I think it is going to be called "Growing Girls' or something close to that. I checked the Focus on the Family website, it is not available yet. I am looking forward to it though, as I totally loved Bringing up Boys.

As for the 'what makes you born-again' question.....
I acceted Christ at age 7. I rebelled ages 16-20. I rededicated my life to Christ at age 21. For me, that is when I became 'born again'. That is when I gave up the things of the world (drinking, smoking, swearing, disobeying the 10 commandments, not living by the fruits of the spirit) and started living for Christ. (reading Christian novels, praying, doing daily devotions, reading my bible, attending church, tithing, etc)

That said- I am not perfect. I occasionally swear. I gossip with my friends. I watch tv shows that are not Christian. But would I ever kill someone? Commit adultery? Cheat on my taxes? NO. Because the Holy Spirit is in me, and convicts me when I do things wrong. I then confess those things to God, ask forgiveness, and try very very hard not to do them again. We all have stumbling blocks, we are not perfect, just trying to be like Jesus!

Saved once-saved for life? I think so. Unless you denounce God from your life. He won't leave you. But I believe if you ask him to-he will. I know of a man who decided a few years ago that God was a scam-not there. He said even if there was, he didn't need him, and renounced Him from his life. So I believe that man is no longer saved. But as another poster said-that is not our place to judge-praise the Lord! Because we cannot see a persons pure, true heart and motives. I believe God will keep working on said man to bring him back though.

Sorry so long, need to go paint my trim now... yuck!

p.s. Also love Michael W. Smith, Ginny Owens, Casting Crowns, Third Day, especially love the WOW cds that have them all. DD10 bought ZoeGirl yesterday, it is good too. Love that my kids love Christian music. DS7 loves Relient K!!

 

[Albertan mom]

OK, need to quickly clarify myself before I offend someone or start a debate.

Some Christians drink alcohol. That is their choice, I am not judging them. But for ME, I feel God had me give up drinking. I came from an alcoholic family, and I had to get out of that part of my life. If you as a Christian drink, that is your choice, and I respect that!
Just had to quickly clarify before I got people thinking me judgemental!

 

[dcentity2000]

Just wondering, what is the case against the Book of Mormon?



Rich::

 

[live4christp1]

Just wondering, what is the case against the Book of Mormon?



Rich::

Was waiting to see if anyone else would answer this......I want to say before I start that this is my opinion and my belief. I don't want to debate the topic as I am very grounded in my belief and will not waver but at the same time I respect your belief and don't mean any offence to you at all.

I believe that the Bible is the complete, inspired, protected Word of God. I believe it literally. In the last chapter of the book of Revelations it says:
V18.For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city and from the things which are written in this book.

My belief is that everything I need in regards to my relationship with God, my salvation is contained within the pages of the Bible. The Book of Mormon is called another testament of Jesus Christ and from what you have posted on this thread in regards to salvation, it teaches differently than the teachings of the Bible.

Matthew 8
V21. (Jesus speaking, Sermon on the Mount) "Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven."
V22. "Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in your name, and done many wonders in Your name?"
V23. "And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!"


The authors of the New Testament were Jesus disciples, apostles, men who had a personal experience with Jesus and were inspired by God to write the scripture.

Thats my opinion on the topic.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Was waiting to see if anyone else would answer this......I want to say before I start that this is my opinion and my belief. I don't want to debate the topic as I am very grounded in my belief and will not waver but at the same time I respect your belief and don't mean any offence to you at all.

I believe that the Bible is the complete, inspired, protected Word of God. I believe it literally. In the last chapter of the book of Revelations it says:
V18.For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city and from the things which are written in this book.

My belief is that everything I need in regards to my relationship with God, my salvation is contained within the pages of the Bible. The Book of Mormon is called another testament of Jesus Christ and from what you have posted on this thread in regards to salvation, it teaches differently than the teachings of the Bible.

Matthew 8
V21. (Jesus speaking, Sermon on the Mount) "Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven."
V22. "Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in your name, and done many wonders in Your name?"
V23. "And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!"


The authors of the New Testament were Jesus disciples, apostles, men who had a personal experience with Jesus and were inspired by God to write the scripture.

Thats my opinion on the topic.

I have always been curious why the Catholic Bible has additional books.

Anyway I use a NIV and KJV as my main Bibles.

 

[live4christp1]

I have always been curious why the Catholic Bible has additional books.

Anyway I use a NIV and KJV as my main Bibles.

Not sure, will have to ask my friend who is from a Catholic background. We use KJV also or NKJV.

 

[septbride2002]

Was waiting to see if anyone else would answer this......I want to say before I start that this is my opinion and my belief. I don't want to debate the topic as I am very grounded in my belief and will not waver but at the same time I respect your belief and don't mean any offence to you at all.

I believe that the Bible is the complete, inspired, protected Word of God. I believe it literally. In the last chapter of the book of Revelations it says:
V18.For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city and from the things which are written in this book.

My belief is that everything I need in regards to my relationship with God, my salvation is contained within the pages of the Bible. The Book of Mormon is called another testament of Jesus Christ and from what you have posted on this thread in regards to salvation, it teaches differently than the teachings of the Bible.

Matthew 8
V21. (Jesus speaking, Sermon on the Mount) "Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven."
V22. "Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in your name, and done many wonders in Your name?"
V23. "And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!"


The authors of the New Testament were Jesus disciples, apostles, men who had a personal experience with Jesus and were inspired by God to write the scripture.

Thats my opinion on the topic.

I understand what you are saying, and for the most part I agree with you. But you have to admitt that man's hands have been involved with the bible. And since the authors of the New Testament were Jesus' disciples you must ask yourself why Thomas' testament was left out. Or why the testament of Mary Madageline was also left out. They were followers also followers of chirst.

As for your revelations text - who do you think wrote that?

~Amanda

 

[dcentity2000]

In the last chapter of the book of Revelations it says:
V18.For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city and from the things which are written in this book.

Not to pass judgement on it straight away but that does kind of kill off the Book or Mormon...



Rich::

 

[swilphil]

Rich--

The book "Under the Banner of Heaven" by Jon Krakauer gives a lot of information about the Mormons and is a fascinating, yet disturbing, read. Keep in mind it is about religious extremists and certainly doesn't represent most Mormons.

 

[Albertan mom]

live4christp1----I agree with what you have posted. I think the book of Mormon is wrong, and those that wrote it have committed Blasphemy, God is not pleased!

The bible I use most often is a NIV study bible. I love study bibles. When I read something I don't understand, or want clarification on, I love that I can look to the bottom of the page and get understanding. Even on the littlest things, like it will tell you the value of a shekel, or explain what casting lots consisted of, or tell you measurements to better understand things. Or what a persons name means. I really encourage people to use a study bible, it really helps me.
I also like to use the Message. Especially if there is something I don't quite get, it is good to hear a different easier version. Some of the Message reads so beautifully too.

 

[dcentity2000]

Rich--

The book "Under the Banner of Heaven" by Jon Krakauer gives a lot of information about the Mormons and is a fascinating, yet disturbing, read. Keep in mind it is about religious extremists and certainly doesn't represent most Mormons.

Thanks, swilphil, I'll give it a look!



Rich::

 

[live4christp1]

I understand what you are saying, and for the most part I agree with you. But you have to admitt that man's hands have been involved with the bible. And since the authors of the New Testament were Jesus' disciples you must ask yourself why Thomas' testament was left out. Or why the testament of Mary Madageline was also left out. They were followers also followers of chirst.

As for your revelations text - who do you think wrote that?

~Amanda

Yes Amanda I do agree with you that man's hand has been involved with the Bible and as far as testaments being left out, a few years ago we went through a study (at our church) as to why we (IF Baptists I know) use the KJV of the Bible. This had always confused me and I didn't see what the big deal in the different translations was as some just seemed to read easier than others. There are two sets of texts that are general used to translate from, the KJV is from the Textus Recepticus or Byzantine text (I know I probably murdered the spelling on those) and how the documents have been preserved. Would suggest that maybe you do some research that might help answer these questions you have. Wish I would have been more diligent to take notes in that class as the information would have been really useful several times since then. When you go back and study it and see how God's hand had to be upon those manuscripts in all that they went through (it is miraculous) it really left know doubt in my mind as to it being the complete infaulible Word of God.

Your other question about the book of Revelations, it was written by John, a revelation of Jesus Christ. Revelations 1
V1. The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants - things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John.
V2. Who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.
V9. I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

** John was exiled to the isle of Patmos for his continuing to preach the Word of God and Christ as Messiah.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Again, about works and salvation.
The big thing that what could be called 'unbelievers' feel about Christians, is that we come off as "Self Righteous" or "Better"... etc.... And, this thing about 'earning' our way to heaven would be the root of that!!! In other words, I am being more pure, more Christian, more holy.... I am working 'harder', I am am earning my way to heaven... (Church, Sacraments, etc.... etc.....

By reading the word of God, this is just SO untrue. We are all human, we all fall very far short of the glory of God. Every single one of us! And, who decides WHAT is needed to earn a persons way to heaven???

I mean, this whole thing about us, as humans, 'earning' our way to heaven is what opens the door to self-righteousness, and judging one another... etc....

How would we ever KNOW that we are saved??? The Bible says that these things are written so that we may KNOW that we have eternal life.

All of our good works and righteousness are as filthy rags to GOD... even beginning to put ourselves and our judgements and our works and abilities in the same breath as salvation is a huge part of our human sin-nature.

Like the story of the prostitute... she was not 'earning' her way to heaven... the villagers were preparing to stone her to death.. Jesus said.. Let the one of you who has not sinned throw the first stone. (just paraphrased here) And Jesus then saved the prostitute!!!!

Being born again is that point where the scales are removed from our eyes, so that we begin to see these things GODS way! The Bible says, do not try to remove the splinter from anothers eye, while you still have a log in your own eyes!

And, about the different books and versions of the Bible or other religious writings.. I agree, other books are completely outside of the Bible, and do not seem to serve God at all. Many are openly contradictory to the Bible...

And, as far as which version of the Bible is closest to the original writings.. I have heard that it is not the KJV, or the NKJV. I feel that some translations take to much license with the word of God.

 

[disneymom3]

In regard to works or grace. First off, in the Sermon on the Mount as has been quoted Jesus told us that some will claim to be believers but not be truly in their hearts so some who claim to be saved, but continue on in a sinful life may not be saved no matter what they claim with their mouths. Obviously only God knows who is and is not truly saved. And that is the way I would want it--I sure dont want His job!!

I also have been think a lot during this discussion of the fruits of the spirit as referenced in Corinthians.(Okay, I don't have it memorized and I can't find it so that might be wrong. Somebody let me know if you have the verse.) Anyway, there are many things in all of Paul's writings that cover how we are to act as Christians, so while I do not believe we can "earn" our way into Heaven and that even the nicest person who does good deeds but turns away from Christ, will not be saved, there are things that God wants us to do and will be pleasing to Him. I also do not believe that any of us can lead a sinless or blameless life. No matter what the sin, we are so far from God that the only way to get to Him was through the sacrifice of Jesus.

Just have to add, wow, it is cool to be able to type that on a BB and not think the other posters will think I am off my rocker.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

I think that there a couple reasons that thread started:
1. There have been a lot more people becoming outspoken about their Christian beliefs lately.
2. They have been reading this one.

If you read the posts, however, a lot of them have some legitimate beefs - people who's family members are not just exposing them to their beliefs in salvation, but who try to "scare" them into Christianity by telling them they are going to Hell, etc. In fact, that is the OP's definitian of Heathen - being told you were going to Hell. I realize that most of the Christians that do this are really well-meaning in their hearts, but there are people who do "explain" their beliefs in ways that really turn others off. I read through the whole thread, and do find it interesting that they are at some points actually discussing religious beliefs. I would also hope that here we would be able to discuss some differences also, as there are different interpretations among denominations. However, the one belief I do not think can be disagreed on is that Jesus Christ died for our sins, and it is our acceptance of and surrender to of that which makes us worthy of God, and nothing else does.

I agree wholeheartedly with this! I am a Christian who currently is not attending church b/c we can't seem to find one we like. I get tired of my MIL telling us we are going to Hell despite being saved simply b/c we are not going to church. I could sit and tell her all day long that it isn't ones works that will get one into heaven but all it would accomplish is me running out of breath! I don't agree w/ a lot of the views on the heathen thread but I have read the whole thread and find other people's views interesting even if I don't agree! As far as this thread I see no problem asking questions or discussing our different views. It would only become a problem if the debating gets so heated that the thread gets closed, as so many religious threads do. Perhaps that is what the OP meant about not debating???

 

[disneymom3]

I also wanted to answer the question about our hardest area in our faith walk. Mine is overall finances adn I have really enjoyed reading people's responses here. My struggle is accepting God's timetable vs MY timetable. God will provide, but my human nature worries about WHEN he will provide. This is something I am in prayer about a lot.

I find myself wondering why so many of us struglle with this issue of money. And I wonder if you look at other countries, (or countries that are not equally financially advantaged as we are like Canada, England etc) if it is such a prevalent struggle there. Make sense? Is it our county's emphasis on the monetary that influences our struggle is what I guess I am trying to say.

I also struggle with being "good enough" just in every day life. Am I a good enough mom for instance. I went to a speaker a few months ago who talked about that God gave each of us the children we have because He knew that we were the best parent for them. That was amazing to me to hear, I guess I had just never thought of it that way. Still, I have my days that I wonder if He really was sure about what He was doing.