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ChristianWoman1
Labrador
Joined: 22 May 2008
Posts: 300
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 Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 2:43 am Post subject: |
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 ...cute jokes Luv
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Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
ROMANS 12:2 |
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eleven
King of the Jungle
Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1459
Location: Texas
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| Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 3:08 am Post subject: |
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| ragman13 wrote: |
If you took us all together we might actually make an example of the biblical church. (minus FFT)  :
Love ya,
In His service
Rags |
Minus FFT, MINUS FFT??!??!?!!
Awe geez, if we get rid of FFT who will be there to push us out of our comfort zone?
FFT is like the mama eagle who pushes her eaglettes off the edge of the cliff to see if they can fly! FFT feeds us!!!
(ok, sometimes just like the mama eagle, FFT feeds us worms, but that's besides the point!)
We love you FFT!!! 
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Pain is inevitable;
misery is optional. |
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GospelCompilation
Bear Cub
Joined: 18 May 2008
Posts: 644
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 7:36 am Post subject: |
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It's obvious that Christianity has garnished a bad name. It seems like the minute someone hears we're a Christian, they immediately want to run away (even we have that feeling sometimes, and we're Christian!!!). For some reason, the good name of Christ has become a stigma.
How do we suppose that happened?
We suggest that it didn't happen by itself and it didn't happen overnight. We also suggest that it had nothing to do with the gospel itself (because no one is turned off or turns away from good news). So we suggest that the disrepute that has fallen on the good name of Christ is because of Christians themselves. And the question should be... How did such a thing happen, and what can we do to counteract it?
Anyone care to offer their thoughts on the matter? |
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eleven
King of the Jungle
Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1459
Location: Texas
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| Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 7:54 am Post subject: |
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| GospelCompilation wrote: | It's obvious that Christianity has garnished a bad name. It seems like the minute someone hears we're a Christian, they immediately want to run away (even we have that feeling sometimes, and we're Christian!!!). For some reason, the good name of Christ has become a stigma.
How do we suppose that happened?
We suggest that it didn't happen by itself and it didn't happen overnight. We also suggest that it had nothing to do with the gospel itself (because no one is turned off or turns away from good news). So we suggest that the disrepute that has fallen on the good name of Christ is because of Christians themselves. And the question should be... How did such a thing happen, and what can we do to counteract it?
Anyone care to offer their thoughts on the matter? |
Sure, I have thoughts on this. (big surprise)
But you know what people consistently tell me - Christians and seekers alike? Two things.
1) They have found that "Christians" are without a doubt the biggest bunch of hypocrites in the world.
Constantly bombarding people with doctrine.
Bible thumping until the "victim" is black and blue.
Telling everyone else what THEY are doing wrong, and claiming to have all the answers - haughtiness.
There is no one out there in the world that hasn't had a rough go of it. Life is hard!
All people want is to love and be loved - as we make our way home to the One that is ultimate love.
But see, our egos get in the way. Instead of embracing each other unjudgementally, we attack each other in order to make ourselves feel righteous. This is not the way of the Father, this was never the way of Jesus.
2) Unbelievers, or rather all those who are not ready to claim the title of "Christian" very often tell me, "why would I want that lifestyle? It's no fun. You have to give up everything and for what?
See, they only see church Christians - those who believe that a Christian life is one of heartache and suffering, sacrifice and lowliness, and I want to scream, ARE YOU KIDDING ME???
The Christian life is one of unending blessings and freedom, but unless we are the role model for that, nobody will believe it.
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Pain is inevitable;
misery is optional. |
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GospelCompilation
Bear Cub
Joined: 18 May 2008
Posts: 644
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 8:46 am Post subject: |
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This was truly an excellent answer, Eleven.
| Eleven wrote: | | "Instead of embracing each other unjudgementally, we attack each other in order to make ourselves feel righteous. This is not the way of the Father, this was never the way of Jesus." |
If Christians are not obeying the way of the Father, or walking in the way of Jesus... then are they really Christians at all? It seems like anyone can call themselves a Christian... but if they aren't doing what Jesus did and acting and speaking like Jesus acted and spoke... then are they really Christians?
Thanks be to God, it's not our job to judge.
However, the next question we have is: If Paul really believed that people were transformed by the holy Spirit into something different - into something better - to the point that we could be called a whole new creation... then why do we hardly ever see it?!?
It seems like Christians prove over and over again that the Scriptures are a lie, and we aren't transformed by the holy Spirit at all, but are really nothing more than baptized heathen.
| Eleven wrote: | | "Unbelievers (or rather, all those who are not ready to claim the title of 'Christian') very often tell me, 'Why would I want that lifestyle? It's no fun. You have to give up everything and for what?'" |
We've heard nonbelievers say that, too. But it's been rare. We've found that most nonbelievers are desperate for a change in lifestyle. Of course, they don't want to give up Budweiser or Monday night football, but we let them know that nothing in Scripture says they have to give up those things.
They've also told us they don't want to go to church and be around negative, judgmental hypocrites. And in that, we agree. And we let them know that nothing in Scripture says they have to go to church and be around negative, judgmental hypocrites.
Once nonbelievers begin to realize that being a Christian is not about strict rules and limitations on life, but rather is about boundless freedom and endless opportunities, their hearts and minds completely open up to the gospel.
Or, at least, that's been our experience. |
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ShardikSon
Fierce Wolf
Joined: 10 Jul 2008
Posts: 590
Location: Aux Arcs
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| Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 8:56 am Post subject: |
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| GospelCompilation wrote: | It's obvious that Christianity has garnished a bad name. It seems like the minute someone hears we're a Christian, they immediately want to run away (even we have that feeling sometimes, and we're Christian!!!). For some reason, the good name of Christ has become a stigma.
How do we suppose that happened?
We suggest that it didn't happen by itself and it didn't happen overnight. We also suggest that it had nothing to do with the gospel itself (because no one is turned off or turns away from good news). So we suggest that the disrepute that has fallen on the good name of Christ is because of Christians themselves. And the question should be... How did such a thing happen, and what can we do to counteract it?
Anyone care to offer their thoughts on the matter? |
Well, I can say that it seems pretty obvious how it happened.
For centuries, people who called themselves "Christians" have committed terrible deeds in the name of God.
And even today, we have some who create false doctrine, and send messages of hate, meddle in the affairs of state, meddle in the lives of others, all in the NAME.
I think we all know how to conteract it. Live our lives as examples of truth and love in Christ. Feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, help the needy and sick, and be disciples of The Christ.
_________________
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"Logic is a defined process for going wrong with confidence and certainty" - CF Kettering
“In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart. “- Mohandas Gandhi
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I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God...
- Isaiah 61:10 (NIV) |
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GospelCompilation
Bear Cub
Joined: 18 May 2008
Posts: 644
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 9:34 am Post subject: |
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| Shardikson wrote: | | "I think we all know how to counteract it." |
Do you think it's possible to change the attitudes and methods of the so-called "Christians" out there who work so feverishly to misrepresent Christ's character? Or, would we be wasting our time and energy trying to convert them?
After all, Christ did lay down a very strong principle in Matthew 13:27-30. |
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james
Tiger
Joined: 18 Sep 2007
Posts: 855
Location: Portland, Ore
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| Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 9:38 am Post subject: |
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Love the jokes luv, they were enjoyed.
Just wanted to add that alot of families have "black sheep" in them. In my family I was it, anytime someone heard our last name mentioned I was the one thought of and in our community that left bitter feelings. My other brother and sisters are successful people and yet because of this they did not do away with their name. They continued to hope that I would come around, as to say. Now I go back to the community where I grew up and people are actual amazed when they hear who I am, as to the person I have become.
Christian means Christ-like and is a Family name, I so much do understand your frustration Evee at how some portray a "Christian" in doing the name an injustice, but this just encourages me to become more like Christ to reveal what a true Christianity is actually about. If my family had dumped their last name just because I portrayed it poorly they would have gotten rid of a whole family heritage, instead they kept the name showing what our family truely is about, reguardless of my inappropriate actions growing up.
Let us not let the world take away the name of Christian but let us show them what it really means. |
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Evee
Moderator
Joined: 13 Sep 2005
Posts: 661
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| Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 10:34 am Post subject: |
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Thank you so much for the support, all of you. It means a lot to me. I knew that I wasn't the only one feeling this way. Let me take a minute to address some points made.
Nobby, I haven't seen any name-calling on this particular forum per se lately. I get those posts too. And I check the posts regularly to see if there is name-calling & there hasn't been. At the beginning of the post I made, I thought I had said that I felt this way from everything I've seen (b/c I belong to several biblical forums, not just this one), not just this forum in particular. I guess I didn't make myself clear.
Thank you for the jokes, luv! They're a riot!!!
GC, Thank you so much for chiming in. I have always felt that you've contributed so much (well, you & your wife  ) since joining. I so much appreciate your perspective on things cause usually I agree w/a lot of what you say.
My thoughts on why this has happened -- People love to point fingers. It takes the focus off themselves. It seems as soon as a person gets saved, right away they feel the need to preach to others how they should live. I can understand the enthusiasm of receiving this good news & wanting to share it w/others, but to nitpick & frown upon everyone who isn't leading their life the way they think God wants them to lead it is unfair. I thought our job was to share the good news. We do that, but then we add to it & try to tell people how they should live their lifes from now on. Isn't that the HOly Spirit's job? To convict one of their sins?
God is more than capable of showing someone the error of their ways w/o us pointing our fingers at them saying you need to change this, you need to change that in order to be right w/God. Who are we? We are just mere humans who, thankfully, God chose to have mercy upon & forgive.
| GC wrote: | | If Christians are not obeying the way of the Father, or walking in the way of Jesus... then are they really Christians at all? It seems like anyone can call themselves a Christian... but if they aren't doing what Jesus did and acting and speaking like Jesus acted and spoke... then are they really Christians? |
Maybe that's what I'm seeing so much more of lately. People calling themselves Christians yet seeing so much hypocrisy from those same mouths. It's disheartening. GC, it's my opinion that we would be wasting our time trying to change their attitudes. If a person's rigid & unswaying, they will end up breaking in half. So I guess they do themselves in eventually. God sure works in mysterious ways, doesn't He? 
James,
Wow. That's all I can say. Your post has affected me greatly today. I think maybe I needed that. You know, that goes w/along w/something else our ex-pastor once told me a few years ago. I was having a problem w/one of our congregational members & I was being shunned by that member's whole family for a while. They wouldn't say hello b/c of what had happened between me & her. I was upset by this b/c I really liked this member & I felt unwelcome. I talked to my pastor (at the time) about this & she said this -- Church is family. There are going to be people in your family who you'd rather not see. There are some who embarrass you at family functions. There are some you don't really get along with. There are some whom you love to death. It's called family anyway. All families are dysfunctional in some way.
I think I might print your last sentence out & put it on my wall. | Quote: | | Let us not let the world take away the name of Christian but let us show them what it really means. |
THANK YOU!!!!
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Don't get caught in the trap of thinking you know everything God has to say b/c you've read the Bible. Remember, God is STILL speaking. And surprisingly, through people we DON'T expect. |
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ShardikSon
Fierce Wolf
Joined: 10 Jul 2008
Posts: 590
Location: Aux Arcs
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| Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 11:41 am Post subject: |
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| GospelCompilation wrote: | | Shardikson wrote: | | "I think we all know how to counteract it." |
Do you think it's possible to change the attitudes and methods of the so-called "Christians" out there who work so feverishly to misrepresent Christ's character? Or, would we be wasting our time and energy trying to convert them?
After all, Christ did lay down a very strong principle in Matthew 13:27-30. |
I think it is possible, but not easy.
When you see someone completely out of line, it is a duty to call them on it, I think. If they are open, they may see what it is you are saying. They may go on by with no thought to your words, but the seed may be planted, and give them pause for thought, later.
There were times in my past where a simple word spoken in passing caught my attention, and gave me such pause. Sometimes that makes all the difference.
_________________
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"Logic is a defined process for going wrong with confidence and certainty" - CF Kettering
“In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart. “- Mohandas Gandhi
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I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God...
- Isaiah 61:10 (NIV) |
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ragman13
German Shepherd
Joined: 07 Jul 2007
Posts: 325
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| Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 11:50 am Post subject: |
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Hello everyone I don't mean to rain on the parade. BUT, how is sitting at home and complaining about the state of the church helping. You are all called to be light unto the world. If that means shining in your local church to bring about change, so be it. I don't see how disassociating yourselves from the church can help anyone.
There is a great video on Godtube.com that addresses this issue. There are 6 nine min. video's in the series. here is a link to the first video
Please don't be offended but I hear and read a lot about what is wrong with the church and little about what we can do about it. It's kind of like sitting in a room talking about all of the unsaved people in the world and how much they need to know Christ Jesus and never going out and sharing the Gospel with anyone.
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If Jesus Christ were to come today, people would not even crucify him. They would ask him to dinner, and hear what he had to say, and make fun of it. —Thomas Carlyle
Shh. Don't tell anyone that I am a Fundamentalist! |
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Nobby
Board - Admin
Joined: 16 Sep 2002
Posts: 5286
Location: Missouri
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| Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2008 1:37 pm Post subject: |
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| ragman wrote: | | It's kind of like sitting in a room talking about all of the unsaved people in the world and how much they need to know Christ Jesus and never going out and sharing the Gospel with anyone. |
Amen, to that!
Easier to set in front of a CP & talk about what we should do, than to actually get out & witness to unsaved people!
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Much Love Nobby
CVP Smilies
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Key of Twilight
Big Hamster
Joined: 17 Jun 2008
Posts: 97
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| Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 12:31 am Post subject: |
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| Evee wrote: | | Just lately I'm getting a different vibe. Feels more like criticism of everybody's beliefs instead of finding common ground & uniting all of us. |
Best thing we can do in these situations is be thankful for the blessings, accept the criticism as a challenge meant to strengthen us, work diligently towards unity and truth, and Never Give Up <3
I hope things turn around for you we are a better community for having you in it
_________________
Nowhere does the Bible state that the sexual orientation of homosexuality is sinful — it merely instructs anyone, gay or straight, that any sexual act that does not spring from a place of love, respect and commitment to the other person involved is sinful. |
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ShardikSon
Fierce Wolf
Joined: 10 Jul 2008
Posts: 590
Location: Aux Arcs
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| Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 5:41 am Post subject: |
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This got me to thinking about what it means to be a Christian.
I think of myself as one, actually, but then I wonder, "what does that really mean?"
I see people who call themselves Christians doing all sorts of things that I cannot imagine doing to others.
Yet they proudly display the fish, or the cross as a banner, proclaiming their "beliefs".
I see this, and say, "Well, I am not one of THOSE."
I tend not to make a display of my faith, but act on it per the instructions of Matthew 6.
Yet, when someone asks me, "Are you a Christian?" I have to smile and say, "Yes, I am."
So Rags is right. go on. Move forward in Christ, and speak up.
Whatever we call ourselves, or whatever others call us, WE have work to do.
_________________
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"Logic is a defined process for going wrong with confidence and certainty" - CF Kettering
“In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart. “- Mohandas Gandhi
--------------------
I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God...
- Isaiah 61:10 (NIV) |
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eleven
King of the Jungle
Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1459
Location: Texas
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| Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 6:07 am Post subject: |
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| ShardikSon wrote: |
I see people who call themselves Christians doing all sorts of things that I cannot imagine doing to others.
Yet they proudly display the fish, or the cross as a banner, proclaiming their "beliefs".
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Gotta share this with ya - true story.
I drive a pick-up truck.
On the tailgate, I have a bumpersticker which reads:
| Quote: |
No Jesus, No Peace
Know Jesus, Know Peace |
So one day, I got in my truck and headed to the mall, because I needed to pick something up. Only it had slipped my mind that this was Labor Day weekend, and by the time I got close to the mall, I found myself in bumper to bumper traffic. It was so bad, they had extra security people directing the traffic, there was no place to park, it was hot, I hate malls anyway, and after about 30 minutes of this I got really peeved!
First chance I got, I zipped out of line, swerved around someone else, hit the gas, and sped down the road, tires screeching the whole way.
As I continued to drive , (and calm down), the Spirit began to whisper to me---
"Oh, niiiiiiccce! Real nice!!!
You put MY name on YOUR truck, and this is the way you behave???
Since then, I continue to display symbols of faith on my truck, not just to give other people something to think about, but to remind ME, how I demonstrate my faith.
_________________
Pain is inevitable;
misery is optional. |
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