Hi I am "not a Christian"

[gefsgirl]

Yes and No. Yes, forced (or contrived) conversions; and no, not all like Judas. We are going through a period of time that is similar to when the Jews were in captivity in Babylon. We are all in slavery. God judges us differently for this reason. Judas was given the opportunity to be taught by Christ personally; we are taught false ideas from a young age, and institutional hypocrisy is everywhere. God knows how difficult it is for us, and he gives us a season of grace accordingly. He calls us, through the message to the "seven churches", to repent. Each of the churches has something to repent of, basically, so repentance (or lack of) is our common denominator. This is what God will particularly require from us at His return; that we be willing to repent and follow Him. Many will be too indoctrinated by the "club" they belong to and they will defend their own view till the death. It will actually be a lot simpler than that - based on a willingness to repent. We are living close to the time of the awakening of the church, so we already see signs of this starting to develop. God has not forsaken us, even though we have "betrayed" him. His love is bigger than ours.

Tri

I need a "like" button

 

[Gordon]

I admit I'm a fan too and not even a diehard or super loyal one. I read half that book I should really finish it. Another example I guess. I think a follower would be devoting his life to making disciples in all the nations and providing relief for the poor. Because if you love your neighbor as yourself you wouldn't let yourself starve or live in horrible poverty. Much less die in your sins. So that's what I am trying to become someone who works to financially support relief efforts and spreading the good news. I really relate to not doing the good I want to do and doing the evil I don't want to do. I've never witnessed to anyone face to face. I miss church often. I don't volunteer as much as I want to. One thing currently bothering me is the Sabbath. I don't keep it and I'm not even sure if it's Saturday or Sunday. I agree lots of Christians will have to repent at the return of Jesus.

 

[gefsgirl]

I admit I'm a fan too and not even a diehard or super loyal one. I read half that book I should really finish it. Another example I guess. I think a follower would be devoting his life to making disciples in all the nations and providing relief for the poor. Because if you love your neighbor as yourself you wouldn't let yourself starve or live in horrible poverty. Much less die in your sins. So that's what I am trying to become someone who works to financially support relief efforts and spreading the good news. I really relate to not doing the good I want to do and doing the evil I don't want to do. I've never witnessed to anyone face to face. I miss church often. I don't volunteer as much as I want to. One thing currently bothering me is the Sabbath. I don't keep it and I'm not even sure if it's Saturday or Sunday. I agree lots of Christians will have to repent at the return of Jesus.

Hi Gordon.:waving Yeah, I have pretty much the same thought processes. And I hear you on the Sabbath issue. I've spent some time listening to the arguments about that one. In a nutshell, if God laid down all these laws for His holy people, who are we to discard it all and make up our own traditions in His Name because we are "under grace"? Was that God's intention when He sent His Son to reconcile us to Himself? But that's a topic for another thread...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts

 

[jasoncran]

JEWS are called to the shabat not gentiles. you two arent of isreal. if you are then you would have to worry if the church said its mandatory for salvation which it isnt. paul said that the law was finished in christ. we dont have to follow the shabat and he told the church in romans that if you who are a jewish christian are doing the shabat and it offends the greeks then dont do it!

 

[gefsgirl]

JEWS are called to the shabat not gentiles. you two arent of isreal. if you are then you would have to worry if the church said its mandatory for salvation which it isnt. paul said that the law was finished in christ. we dont have to follow the shabat and he told the church in romans that if you who are a jewish christian are doing the shabat and it offends the greeks then dont do it!

Like I said, that's a topic for another thread...and I would love to discuss it with someone!

 

[Tri Unity]

Like I said, that's a topic for another thread...and I would love to discuss it with someone!

If you start a thread I would be happy to contribute what the Early Church Fathers said about the Sabbath. In the 2nd and 3rd century there was unanimous convictions by all Christians on this topic. That is significant because we are able to judge from this what the Christians then understood the bible to teach on this; and as many of them knew the apostles, or someone who knew them, their opinion is as reliable a testimony as one can get.

Tri

 

[Gordon]

If you start a thread I would be happy to contribute what the Early Church Fathers said about the Sabbath. In the 2nd and 3rd century there was unanimous convictions by all Christians on this topic. That is significant because we are able to judge from this what the Christians then understood the bible to teach on this; and as many of them knew the apostles, or someone who knew them, their opinion is as reliable a testimony as one can get.

Tri

You have me curious about what they said. I'll make a thread in theology.

 

[Tri Unity]

You have me curious about what they said. I'll make a thread in theology.

Thanks Gordon, I will address some thoughts on it shortly. The link to the Sabbath thread is:

http://www.christianforums.net/showthread.php?t=44440

Tri

 

[txgirlmaddy]

God bless you. Glad you found you way here. God has a plan! HUGS! Maddy

 

[gefsgirl]

God bless you. Glad you found you way here. God has a plan! HUGS! Maddy

Thanks Maddy!

 

[Navigator]

Gefsgirl--this question is not meant to be a trick or even prying...it's actually something that a Bible study group I'm in tries to do on a regular basis, but the question is...

In your own words, what is "the Gospel" or "the Good News"?

 

[gefsgirl]

Gefsgirl--this question is not meant to be a trick or even prying...it's actually something that a Bible study group I'm in tries to do on a regular basis, but the question is...

In your own words, what is "the Gospel" or "the Good News"?

Hi Navigator,

I think I understand what you are getting at with this question, but I wonder if I should be putting the gospel into my own words. I think it should be stated in the words of Christ.

 

[Navigator]

Hi Navigator,

I think I understand what you are getting at with this question, but I wonder if I should be putting the gospel into my own words. I think it should be stated in the words of Christ.

I guess I could give what I would say as an example...perhaps the question was unclear in what exactly I was looking for. Like at the very core of what the Gospel is, we know that like John 3:16 says:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

(John 3:16 ESV)

So I can say my interpretation of the Gospel is this: "We, as the human race, once had a close fellowship with God where we could walk with Him, and engage in conversations with Him. But then we sinned, and this relationship with Him was destroyed, and a divide was created (The Fall). But God set in motion a plan of redemption. He chose a people, made promises to them, and kept those promises, even when they chose to doubt. And the most important promise was fulfilled in Jesus. God sent His only Son to take on all of our sin, be crucified, and be raised from the dead to defeat sin and death once and for all. And He did all of this because He loves us with an unimaginable love."

You see? Kind of like verbalizing what God has done for not only you and me, but humanity.

 

[gefsgirl]

I guess I could give what I would say as an example...perhaps the question was unclear in what exactly I was looking for. Like at the very core of what the Gospel is, we know that like John 3:16 says:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

(John 3:16 ESV)

So I can say my interpretation of the Gospel is this: "We, as the human race, once had a close fellowship with God where we could walk with Him, and engage in conversations with Him. But then we sinned, and this relationship with Him was destroyed, and a divide was created (The Fall). But God set in motion a plan of redemption. He chose a people, made promises to them, and kept those promises, even when they chose to doubt. And the most important promise was fulfilled in Jesus. God sent His only Son to take on all of our sin, be crucified, and be raised from the dead to defeat sin and death once and for all. And He did all of this because He loves us with an unimaginable love."

You see? Kind of like verbalizing what God has done for not only you and me, but humanity.

Right, I understand. I'm not too good at putting that stuff in my own words, so I just like to leave it to Scripture. The Word of God says it best :yes

By the way, that was a good summary of what the bible says. So, why do you ask for my "interpretation"?

 

[Navigator]

Right, I understand. I'm not too good at putting that stuff in my own words, so I just like to leave it to Scripture. The Word of God says it best :yes

By the way, that was a good summary of what the bible says. So, why do you ask for my "interpretation"?

To be honest, I think I read this part of your original post "I believe the Holy Scriptures is God's perfect Word and everyone should practice what it teaches. However, I fall terribly short of that goal - so much so that I do not dare call myself a disciple of Jesus. I am not worthy of that name."

And I got a sense that maybe you were confused of why Jesus did what He did, but really after reading through your original again, that doesn't pop out as much as I thought. **and now I am back to worrying about what you're thinking hahaha.

But as the Gospel tells us, Jesus did everything He did BECAUSE EVERY ONE falls terribly short of that goal (practicing what the Word teaches). He views you as worthy, otherwise He wouldn't have lived a perfect life and died for you. Be careful you're not basing your life around what I call "The Gospel plus something." If we concern ourselves with "following all the rules," we're counting Jesus' sacrifice as not good enough, in that we are seeking personal justification for sins IN ADDITION to God's grace in Christ. Christ is everything that's needed. Our efforts to be good are useless, because they're nothing compared to Him.

On the other hand, you seem to be very very humble in what you do well. So for this reason I think you're the "perfect" disciple for Jesus. You believe His Word to be true. You accept what He did for you, or I'm assuming that. AND you recognize that you're "not good enough" to the point that you NEED grace and need Jesus to run your life. That sounds like the right base for discipleship to me. Jesus Himself didn't seek out the religious leaders who followed the Bible to the letter as His disciples.....remember that.

I hope what I'm saying is clear...

God Bless

 

[gefsgirl]

To be honest, I think I read this part of your original post "I believe the Holy Scriptures is God's perfect Word and everyone should practice what it teaches. However, I fall terribly short of that goal - so much so that I do not dare call myself a disciple of Jesus. I am not worthy of that name."

And I got a sense that maybe you were confused of why Jesus did what He did, but really after reading through your original again, that doesn't pop out as much as I thought. **and now I am back to worrying about what you're thinking hahaha.

But as the Gospel tells us, Jesus did everything He did BECAUSE EVERY ONE falls terribly short of that goal (practicing what the Word teaches). He views you as worthy, otherwise He wouldn't have lived a perfect life and died for you. Be careful you're not basing your life around what I call "The Gospel plus something." If we concern ourselves with "following all the rules," we're counting Jesus' sacrifice as not good enough, in that we are seeking personal justification for sins IN ADDITION to God's grace in Christ. Christ is everything that's needed. Our efforts to be good are useless, because they're nothing compared to Him.

On the other hand, you seem to be very very humble in what you do well. So for this reason I think you're the "perfect" disciple for Jesus. You believe His Word to be true. You accept what He did for you, or I'm assuming that. AND you recognize that you're "not good enough" to the point that you NEED grace and need Jesus to run your life. That sounds like the right base for discipleship to me. Jesus Himself didn't seek out the religious leaders who followed the Bible to the letter as His disciples.....remember that.

I hope what I'm saying is clear...

God Bless

Yes, I understand what you are saying. Thank you for the encouragement, Justin.

I guess the reason I struggle so much with not being good enough is because I have had so much time to get better! It has been over 30 years since I first believed and when I look back on my life so far, I don't see an ever-increasing closeness to God. Rather, there have been a lot of "backslidings" - many cycles of trying to follow Jesus, then quitting and going my own way. I'm currently in a "trying to follow Jesus phase", but who knows how long it will last this time.

 

[Navigator]

Yes, I understand what you are saying. Thank you for the encouragement, Justin.

I guess the reason I struggle so much with not being good enough is because I have had so much time to get better! It has been over 30 years since I first believed and when I look back on my life so far, I don't see an ever-increasing closeness to God. Rather, there have been a lot of "backslidings" - many cycles of trying to follow Jesus, then quitting and going my own way. I'm currently in a "trying to follow Jesus phase", but who knows how long it will last this time.

Well, if you don't mind, might I suggest you check out a book called Captivating by John Eldredge and Stasi Eldredge. If you've read it already, then re-read it , but if not, it is a great book that explores the heart of a woman, in relation to men, but MOST specifically in relation to Christ. Perhaps the reasoning you aren't seeing consistent growth after "choosing" to follow Christ is that your motivation and heart are in the wrong places. The book explains in greater detail, but specifically for women, they are called to allow Jesus to essentially woo them, to romance them, and until that happens, no real relationship with Christ will blossom.

If remains an untouchable God that you constantly have to try an impress, every failure you commit with destroy you and you probably WILL go your own way for a bit. This is all being said out of concern and not condemnation, but your mindset doesn't seem to be in the right place. If you concede that you not only have periods of following Jesus and then doing your own thing BUT ALSO that while you are in a Jesus following time, you expect it to be a matter of time before it ends.....then that is what will happen. It will end...not soon hopefully, but it will.

And don't think for a minute that I have all the answers or that I'm even close to perfect in any of these regards. I think nearly everyone, including myself, goes through ups and downs in the spiritual walk with Christ. You just have to constantly look to Him and the rest should play itself out.

 

[gefsgirl]

Well, if you don't mind, might I suggest you check out a book called Captivating by John Eldredge and Stasi Eldredge. If you've read it already, then re-read it , but if not, it is a great book that explores the heart of a woman, in relation to men, but MOST specifically in relation to Christ. Perhaps the reasoning you aren't seeing consistent growth after "choosing" to follow Christ is that your motivation and heart are in the wrong places. The book explains in greater detail, but specifically for women, they are called to allow Jesus to essentially woo them, to romance them, and until that happens, no real relationship with Christ will blossom.

If remains an untouchable God that you constantly have to try an impress, every failure you commit with destroy you and you probably WILL go your own way for a bit. This is all being said out of concern and not condemnation, but your mindset doesn't seem to be in the right place. If you concede that you not only have periods of following Jesus and then doing your own thing BUT ALSO that while you are in a Jesus following time, you expect it to be a matter of time before it ends.....then that is what will happen. It will end...not soon hopefully, but it will.

And don't think for a minute that I have all the answers or that I'm even close to perfect in any of these regards. I think nearly everyone, including myself, goes through ups and downs in the spiritual walk with Christ. You just have to constantly look to Him and the rest should play itself out.

Yes, I am familiar with the Eldridge's ministry. I get letters from them once in a while. I'm not sure if I've read Stasi's book, but I'm familiar with it.

 

[Navigator]

Yes, I am familiar with the Eldridge's ministry. I get letters from them once in a while. I'm not sure if I've read Stasi's book, but I'm familiar with it.

Oh that's awesome, but yeah, I would definitely recommend reading that book if you haven't.

 

[Carys]

You at least have the right attitude. Why be a fan? A fan is not enough; but it is a start. You cannot be a follower without starting as a fan. Judas was a forced conversion and look where it got him. Eventually our desire for God outstrips the desire for this world. It does not happen on its own; but sometimes God teaches this to us through the school of hard knocks. Other times we amend our false allegiances because we are finally ready to submit. It ain't easy!

Tri

Hey,

I haven't heard this before: Judas was forced to convert. Can you explain?

Thanks