Born Again Christians Thread-No Bashing please

[Aidensmom]

Maybe I misunderstood what you meant by remorse. Maybe you did not mean remorseful while you were making those decisions, but maybe once you came to the realization that you were hurting Christ and sinning against God and then stopped?

I had thought that's what I was saying, sorry if it wasn't clear. I backslid, I am not ashamed to admit that. It didn't go on for years, probably lasted a year, but I think the timeframe is still irrelevant. I knew I had accepted Christ, yet I am still a sinner, that is all I was trying to say. This is something that we may just have to disagree on.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

I am saying that if I (or anybody else) really had my heart with God and I was truly His, I would have never been placing my flesh before the Spirit as a "regular" part of my life. I will always have flesh-like ways until I am with Him and have my glorified body, but if I placed God first in my life, which a true Christian does, I would not have been doing those things.

We will all backslide and fall into sin, but when a person belongs to God, they do not live in those sins for years, they are convicted by the Holy Spirit and turn back to Christ. That is the beauty of Grace, we can all turn back to Grace, and Jesus will always take us back, but I do not believe a person can "get saved" and then live in sin...there is no true salvation and the spirit is not in them. I do believe we backslide, but I also feel there is a fine line between a carnal Christianity and a spirit-filled Christianity life.

Okay, I see what you are saying now and agree. I know I have done many things that I am ashamed of and some lasted a while but I always felt guilty and knew it was wrong. That is why I always repented (yes, changed my ways, I didn't just ask for forgiveness and continue to do it) and tried to live a sinless life. Of course we all know that to live without ever sinning is impossible but my goal is to go about my life without intentionally sinning now. I believe you are right that a true Christian does feel some type of guilt or remorse and know that what they are doing is wrong even as they are doing it. Eventually they always come back and learn from their mistakes, repent, and ask for God's forgiveness. I don't believe they will continue to do it for the rest of their lives or anything. True Christianity doesn't mean you can't sin or backslide...it means that you know when you sin and eventually you repent. So, yes, I do see what you are saying now.

 

[Tasha+Scott]

I also smoked for a few years after accepting Jesus Christ, bearing up under the glare and steady condemnation of
"good-hearted" Christians who just could not understand
how I could continue to commit such a sin.
I struggled, and knew people were praying for me
out of love and concern which was a comfort to me.
I finally understood what the Lord wanted me to see,
and He took all desire for cigarettes away from me on Feb. 27, 1995.
I had a nearly 2 pack a day habit since 1978,
and I give Him all the glory for overcoming it!

Congratulations on overcoming your smoking addiction! That is awesome! You quit the day before my b-day, no less! My late grandfather also smoked for years before he was saved. After he got saved he felt that he had to quit since his body was a temple and he was polluting it. He prayed about it and was able to quit with the help of the Lord and his family and friends as well. That is no small accomplishment either, if you ask me!

 

[luvthatduke]

Thanks, and I'm glad about your grandfather
being able to give it up, also!
I give all the glory to God, because anyone
who knew me then would never believe it.
My mother still cries when she talks about it sometimes,
because she was so concerned for my health.
No one in my family thought I would ever quit,
and neither did I...

 

[pogopossum]

well let me throw $.02 into the mix, i think that as far as sinning pre and post salvation goes once we truly accept Christ into our hearts then we can never be separated from God. He said it, i believe it and that's enough for me. as a BAC it is my job to share with unbelievers that they are separated from God by sin, that the results of this sin is death, Jesus came to pay the price for their sin and redeem them into the presence of God. then the holy spirit enters into their life as a guide to let them know how they should live. as to specific sins it is up to the HS to let them know how God feels about that and convict them of whatever is keeping them from a deeper faith in and knowledge of God. we as BACs should just keep speaking the truth in love, and let the HS convict and God judge. if someone is truly saved then when the light hits the sin in their lives, they'll know it and can't help but try to do something about making a change, with help from the HS.

 

[Saphire]

if someone is truly saved then when the light hits the sin in their lives, they'll know it and can't help but try to do something about making a change, with help from the HS.

I agree with this. I do not work from a long list of do's and dont's in my life, running around trying to please God. I think what He truly desires from us is that we seek Him, learn more about Him, understand the riches of His love. It is more of an internal thing. What are the results? Living a more pure life on the outside. Producing 'fruits', or good works. Our relationship with God causes us to live differently, live in the Spirit instead of the flesh, as mentioned above. So I wait for those moments for God himself to convict me of sin, asking Him to show me what displeases Him, rather than working from the outside in.
OK, heading to the beach...have a good day, everyone.

 

[bytheblood]

I am glad to see this thread is still alive.

 

[macraven]

i enjoy this thread................

 

[luvthatduke]

I've got a question for everyone:

Does your church have mid-week
services and/or Bible Study and/or Prayer Meeting?
I included the multiple choice because
a lot of churches in our area have 1, 2 or all 3.
Most often they meet on Wednesday evenings,
but some meet on Thursdays.
We've found that the larger the church,
the less likely they are to have Sunday evening or mid-week services,
but most that don't seem to greatly encourage
small group Bible Studies to meet weekly (ours does this,
but also meets Wednesday evenings for a less formal lesson).

 

[jimmiej]

I've got a question for everyone:

Does your church have mid-week
services and/or Bible Study and/or Prayer Meeting?
I included the multiple choice because
a lot of churches in our area have 1, 2 or all 3.
Most often they meet on Wednesday evenings,
but some meet on Thursdays.
We've found that the larger the church,
the less likely they are to have Sunday evening or mid-week services,
but most that don't seem to greatly encourage
small group Bible Studies to meet weekly (ours does this,
but also meets Wednesday evenings for a less formal lesson).

We belong to a medium-large Southern Baptist church with about 3500 members. We have a Wednesday night Bible study. At the same time, we have AWANAs for the kids, a youth service, & adult choir practice.

As our church has grown, we have cut out the Sunday night service. We have Sunday morning Bible study classes for all ages. In addition, we have about 40 small groups that meet in homes throughout the week.

 

[Aidensmom]

I've got a question for everyone:

Does your church have mid-week
services and/or Bible Study and/or Prayer Meeting?
I included the multiple choice because
a lot of churches in our area have 1, 2 or all 3.
Most often they meet on Wednesday evenings,
but some meet on Thursdays.
We've found that the larger the church,
the less likely they are to have Sunday evening or mid-week services,
but most that don't seem to greatly encourage
small group Bible Studies to meet weekly (ours does this,
but also meets Wednesday evenings for a less formal lesson).

We are a brand new church (about 2-3 months old) and have only about 20 regularly attending members (though we have an attendance of about 30-35 people each week) and do not have our own building (we rent a community building at a county park for Sunday morning services). Therefore, we do not have Sunday evening or mid-week services, but we do also do the small group thing during the week. We call them "life groups" and so far have two groups. Our Sunday services are meant to be "seeker-friendly", meaning our mission is to draw in people who may find a traditional church to be intimidating. While our weekly message is always very focused on particular scriptures, the goal is to make it relevant to real life today. We also refrain from any kind of "fire and brimstone" teachings and don't display any charismatic-type leanings during service so as to not frighten anyone off. (We are non-denominational, there are members who are charasmatic and members that are not). The small groups however are really great because it is here where we really delve into the teachings, and get much more deep, and where we get more into the various spiritual gifts that some have, etc.

 

[Buckalew11]

Just out of curiousity--why do a lot of larger churches not have a Sunday night service? I am seeing a trend in SBC not having Sunday night services as much as they used to.
My SBC is small (about 250). We do have Sunday night services and Wednesday night services (Bible Study, prayer meeting, GAs, RAs etc.)
A lot of churches here have "cell" groups who meet at people's homes throughout the week. This is a growing trend.

 

[Aidensmom]

I just wanted to share some stuff from our sermon this morning, as it actually had to do with the stuff we have been sharing on this thread lately regarding sinning after being saved, backsliding, etc.

One thing that was taught that was that when you become a Christian, yes, you are saved and you are a changed, brand new life right then and there, but that you have to develop and grow many times before you see evidence of that. It was compared to a pregnancy: At conception, new life begins right then and there, but there is a 9-month waiting period in which that new life develops and grows, and then God gives an appointed time at which you will actually tangibly be able to see that new life. The same with our new life in Christ. You ARE a changed person at the moment you accept Christ, but there is a "waiting period" in which God reveals things to you about his plan for you. God has appointed a moment of revelation of some truths for you, so you may not see all of the evidence of that new life right away. The change is that you are now open to the revelation, not neccessarily that the understanding of that revelation and changed behavior is there right away. For instance, as an unbeliever, you may have a problem with smoking. You accept Christ and those cravings are still there, and you continue to smoke. You may even realize that it is not good, that God wants you to stop, but he has not yet revealed to you how to do that. He wants you to read the Word, to seek help from the Holy Spirit, to pray, and then he will give you the revelation of HOW to stop smoking. He has a plan for that. He does not just take all of our struggles away when we are saved.

We also talked about how most, if not all, Christians will mess up at some point (backslide), but that God still has a plan for us. If we mess up and start doubting God because of that, thinking that he has not really given us his grace, that is Satan trying to deceive us. The best example he gave was Peter. Peter accepted Jesus as the messiah" Mark 8:29 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered and said to Him, "You are the Christ." Yet Peter went on to deny that he knew Jesus, and it was not a one-time thing, it was a repeated action. He even cursed God. AND GOD KNEW HE WAS GOING TO DO IT! Peter backslid. God knew it was going to happen. Yet later, Peter repented and went on to become a great man in the church, that was God's plan.

God KNEW Peter was going to backslide, but had a plan for him anyways. He kept his hand over him.

 

[Aidensmom]

OK - one more thing - prayer request.

As I said a couple of posts back, we do not have a church building, we rent space on Sunday mornings in a community building at a county park for services. Last week, mysteriously no one from the county showed up to unlock the building for us. Well, Satan didn't get his way, a local restaurant gave us a couple of rooms (one for service, one for the children) to use free of charge and even provided coffee and soft drinks for us. Anyways, I found out yesterday from my sister, who happens to be the daycare teacher for the child whose mother is in charge of renting the county buildings, that she is someone who feels that a church should not be allowed to rent the county property, what some people interpret as separation of church and state. Apparantly the person who usually unlocks the building for us was on vacation, and this woman just decided not to find someone else so we could not use the building.

We need prayer that we can find another location to permanently hold our services until we can afford a church building, or that this woman will have a change of heart and not have a problem with us being there. Thanks!

 

[acrucifer]

Albertan Mom, there seem to be many Born Again Christians who are enjoying their dialogue with people of other faiths and even other Christian view points. As for baiting, no one baited the OP into making a vicious anti-Semitic comment. Some of the Jewish readers were simply responding to questions posed by the Born Again Christians.

I think that dialogue is healthy. This has been a very informative thread and has helped to shatter some stereotypes about Born Again Christians.

And remember, one of the goals of this thread is to witness. How can you witness to others if non-believers do not stop in to hear what you have to say?

no dude, I was baited. and she is right. the thread was created for testimony, witnessing and fellowship. I completeley agree with her. and, by the way, I wish to apologize to all and to repent of my comment. there is no excuse, I accept total responsibility and I am humbly sorry, especially to mominri. I was angry that she was hijacking my thread, and I have a christian responsibility to be slow to take offense. although my job is a very difficult one, and I see the darkest side of humanity, it is no excuse for my rude behavior. I hope in time those of you on this thread will forgive me. I am confident my born again friends will. perhaps in time the rest of you can also. so thats it. anger was my downfall here. none of you know me but despite my rather intimidating appearance I am a bright sensitive, God loving person. by the way, I know that the jewish people and the state of israel are very important part of christianity and Gods overall plan. perhaps I should create a born again bible study thread that could be only for born again christians and those interested in becoming christians. I have to admit, although questions, discussion and debate are good things, they bring this thread down. so I will see, maybe another thread is a good idea. but anyway, I am back.

 

[Wishing on a star]

acrucifer,

I have enjoyed this thread BECAUSE of the different viewpoints! While there have definately been different viewpoints, there really hasn't been any strong anti-Christian comments.

You know, even as a Born Again Christian, with the knowledge and certainty that God has given me.... I realize that, perhaps because of this certainty and faith, I have not really questioned my faith. There have been a few comments on this thread, and the other threads, that have caused me to 'think'.... and, you know what... They have completely SOLIDIFIED my faith!!! they have caused me to see where any other path would fall very far short of being born again in Christ!!!! If the bottom line is to commune with GOD, and to follow his will on a very personal level, and to desire to spend eternity worshiping him in his loving arms, then I know that I am in the right place!

And, even with the Christian groups, there have been some questions and disagreements... And, mature born again Christians have had a great chance to try to witness to weaker Christians about deeper truths.

This thread would be just SOOOO shallow if we all just shared our favorite Christian books and songs and communed in just how wonderful of Christians we all are!!!!

I am so glad that this thread has taken the paths that it has!

 

[Albertan mom]

acrucifer-welcome back
I for one forgive you for your comment. I have said some things on this forum that I shouldn't have too. I know what it is like to type faster then you think!! It takes alot of courage and humility to come on and apologize, and I respect you for it. Jesus forgives me when I sin. If I didn't forgive you, that would be like me thinking that I am better then Jesus!

The thread has taken a few different turns, but I am really enjoying it. There are a few people who come on to stir things up, but most are sincere and just questioning our beliefs. Welcome to them too!

I thought I wouldn't be able to post for a week, but found a computer here at my moms, so I can check the DIS all week-YAY!!

Hope you all had a great "Sabbath' day!

 

[Grandma Bear]

acrucifer-welcome back
I for one forgive you for your comment. I have said some things on this forum that I shouldn't have too. I know what it is like to type faster then you think!! It takes alot of courage and humility to come on and apologize, and I respect you for it. Jesus forgives me when I sin. If I didn't forgive you, that would be like me thinking that I am better then Jesus!

The thread has taken a few different turns, but I am really enjoying it. There are a few people who come on to stir things up, but most are sincere and just questioning our beliefs. Welcome to them too!

I thought I wouldn't be able to post for a week, but found a computer here at my moms, so I can check the DIS all week-YAY!!

Hope you all had a great "Sabbath' day!

I agree it takes courage to admit your wrong and we are to forgive one another as Jesus forgave us. This is one of our positive strenths as Christians.

 

[luvthatduke]

acrucifer: Mercy grows mercy. Blessings...
Not my business (but as your sister in Christ maybe it is?)
did you personally ask MominRI to forgive you, I mean privately?
No need to share the answer,
I was trying to "read between the lines" of your post...
And, umm... You did mean "wasn't baited," right?

Aidensmom: I am praying for the situation.
What she did makes me angry - I had to delete
what I really wanted to say.
As a citizen of this country, whether I'm Christian or not,
what she did is arrogant and unlawful - period.
Any group who can fill out the application and pay the fee
has the right to use public facilities.

Alberton Mom: Nice to see you!

buckalew11: MHO is that the larger a church grows,
as well as how rapidly it grows, makes it more and more challenging
for the senior pastor to truly "pastor" the flock. I think it's also
difficult sometimes to get all of the people necessary to tend to
the upkeep of a large, growing congregation.
It seems that's why many large churches
strongly encourage everyone to attend or form a small group.
(my church is 10,000+ attending 3 services/Sunday a.m.,
but we also have Sunday p.m. as well as Weds. night and small groups
plus we have Children's and Teen Ministry during those times, too).

aidensmom: What you wrote is exactly my experience!!

For instance, as an unbeliever, you may have a problem with smoking. You accept Christ and those cravings are still there, and you continue to smoke. You may even realize that it is not good, that God wants you to stop, but he has not yet revealed to you how to do that. He wants you to read the Word, to seek help from the Holy Spirit, to pray, and then he will give you the revelation of HOW to stop smoking. He has a plan for that. He does not just take all of our struggles away when we are saved.

I also want to add (sorry, long winded) that God really blessed me
and my family today. We went to a family amusement park we enjoy
and we missed church today because of it. I told God as we were
walking that I was worshiping Him in my heart, and thanked Him for
a wonderful day with my DM, DH and DS, and the weather had finally
broken away from the horrible humidity we'd been having.
As we left, there was a pavilion with a family reunion,
and a small group (about 15 or so) was gathered around one
table, and a man was leading them in worship!
They had just started singing the wonderful praise song that was posted
a while back, "The Heart of Worship"
and we walked quietly around to the other side of the pavilion
to softly sing along and worship with our "unkown" brothers and sisters.
It was awesome! There we were, a small group of believers,
praising Jesus together. One by one the group noticed us
and pointed us out to the worship leader,
we exchanged smiles with some of the group,
and when we had finished several choruses of the song
he led them/us in a prayer of praise.
We had to leave, so before they felt obliged to invite us
under the roof, I said, "Thanks for the worship! God bless."
It was really neat - God knew I wanted to worship Him
and He provided a way before the end of our day that
only He could, and so not just me but my DM, DH and even DS
were able to worship together - at an amusement park *smile*.

 

[live4christp1]

I've got a question for everyone:

Does your church have mid-week
services and/or Bible Study and/or Prayer Meeting?
I included the multiple choice because
a lot of churches in our area have 1, 2 or all 3.
Most often they meet on Wednesday evenings,
but some meet on Thursdays.
We've found that the larger the church,
the less likely they are to have Sunday evening or mid-week services,
but most that don't seem to greatly encourage
small group Bible Studies to meet weekly (ours does this,
but also meets Wednesday evenings for a less formal lesson).

We have mid week services on Wednesday evening with Bible study for the adults. Awana for the kids thru 6th grade and Word of Life for those in 7th - 12th grade. Throughout the year there are various other study groups that meet through the week, ladies, men, etc. We are involved in a Home Builders group that meets once a month.

Our church is on the web at www.pineygrovebc.com