Not A Very Good Christian?

[Boidae21]

No one has offered a solution that will work with the way my life is.

I have to pay my parents back for the truck that they bought me, and the subsequent transmission rebuild. I have to pay them rent since I am currently living with them. I have child support to pay each month. I also have bills to pay each month.

I am working on getting my EMT certification back so that I can have just one full-time job instead of three part-time job, but that is at least six months down the road. That will give me more time to do things as the shift is 24 on and 48 off.

Right now I am dealing with the hand that I have been dealt.

 

[evenifigoalone]

I've known people who couldn't attend church most of the time due to work. It happens.
I've heard of house churches, though I don't know much about them. Also you hear about these mostly through word of mouth, as they won't show up in church directories and such.
I know lots of churches will post sermons online, too, but the main reason for church is fellowship and encouragement from other believers.

You wouldn't be the only one who has a hard time finding a church. What about an accountability partner?

 

[reba]

And who do you go to with your tantrums today?

My mom lives with us... some times that is the reason for a tantrum..

 

[reba]

No one has offered a solution that will work with the way my life is.

most often the real solutions are not the easy way ... One foot in front of the other.. one day at a time..

 

[Boidae21]

most often the real solutions are not the easy way ... One foot in front of the other.. one day at a time..

That is what I am trying to do, but I cannot lose any of my jobs. My parents are already upset with me because I don't give them enough each month, but I would like to get out on my own.

 

[reba]

all you can do is one day at a time.. in the scope of life 6 months is not forever even though you feel like it is today

 

[Ph8th]

I say why not, because that is my life. I am saying why their solution will not work. No one's life is a cookie cutter version of life. Everyone has reasons why they cannot do something, I am stating mine, If you do not accept them, that is not my problem.

Again Jesus is the answer.......... You do not know where I have been nor where I came from........... nor do you know about any one else's battles in this life some have cancer some are disabled some are fighting get food on their table some are dealing with drug abuse spousal abuse loss of loved ones..............all have the same answer for you and that answer is Jesus
peter

 

[Boidae21]

Again Jesus is the answer.......... You do not know where I have been nor where I came from........... nor do you know about any one else's battles in this life some have cancer some are disabled some are fighting get food on their table some are dealing with drug abuse spousal abuse loss of loved ones..............all have the same answer for you and that answer is Jesus
peter

You truly do not understand a word that I am saying, so please, stop replying to me.

Saying you need Jesus truly isn't helping me. You may think that it is, but I consider it to be pushy since pretty much that is all you have been saying without saying it.

I don't do well with those who are pushy, Christian or not.

 

[Boidae21]

all you can do is one day at a time.. in the scope of life 6 months is not forever even though you feel like it is today

Thank you. Yes, six months feels like a lifetime.

 

[JPPT1974]

Christians are not perfect as they never will be. As we are sinful and always will fall short of God's glory. But Jesus forgiven us by His death and resurrection on the Cross to pave the way to eternal life. Need to take it one step at a time. No matter what. It won't come overnight my friend. But be in thought and prayer for you!

 

[ezra]

I have asked you to stop replying to me, please respect my wishes.

from reading your replies you are between a rock and a hard place. at least your putting forth a effort and that speaks well . you spend time with your kids and that a plus. . you doing the best you can so that shows your not giving up. Don't Give up on God keep fighting something good will come .it may not happen over night. yes if ya had chance to find a good church i would suggest that. things might start looking up.

 

[Boidae21]

from reading your replies you are between a rock and a hard place. at least your putting forth a effort and that speaks well . you spend time with your kids and that a plus. . you doing the best you can so that shows your not giving up. Don't Give up on God keep fighting something good will come .it may not happen over night. yes if ya had chance to find a good church i would suggest that. things might start looking up.

Thank you, Ezra.

Do you only read from the KJV?

 

[ezra]

kjv is what i am use to iam a minister and for the most use kjv .i do like the new king james version . i use other versions . i like the HCSB Study Bible .i read it online. i use several type versions i am not a big fan of the NIV . now that we have a open line of communication. i would like to keep up with how your doing. there are lots of people in your shoes job wise. the economy stinks and yes life it self can stink. i know Christians that work but still dont have much $$$ left after bills ---> me. i just keep on going do best we can and by faith look for a better day .
Isaiah 43Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Restoration of Israel
43 Now this is what the Lord says—
the One who created you, Jacob,
and the One who formed you, Israel
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; you are Mine
2 I will be with you
when you pass through the waters
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not overwhelm you.
You will not be scorched
when you walk through the fire
and the flame will not burn you.
3 For I Yahweh your God,
the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior,
give Egypt as a ransom for you,
Cush and Seba in your place.
4 Because you are precious in My sight
and honored, and I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you
and nations instead of your life.
5 Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your descendants from the east
and gather you from the west.
6 I will say to the north: Give them up!
and to the south: Do not hold them back!
Bring My sons from far away,
and My daughters from the ends of the earth
7 everyone called by My name
and created for My glory.
I have formed him; indeed, I have made him.”

this is a promise made to Israel what your going through and most every one else . is the fiery trials of your faith .
its also called the refiners fire furnace . when its all over you will come forth like Gold . you have a plan of action that shows God is in it.

your going to get discouraged but don,t give up keep praying hey i recommend reading the book of Job. that guy went through a lot ! i also suggest reading psalms talk with your parents tell them your doing best you can.
every body has some type of trial divorce /sickness money problems . i hope this give you some light and encouragement you need it and i need it to . keep praying
.

 

[Boidae21]

kjv is what i am use to iam a minister and for the most use kjv .i do like the new king james version . i use other versions . i like the HCSB Study Bible .i read it online. i use several type versions i am not a big fan of the NIV . now that we have a open line of communication. i would like to keep up with how your doing. there are lots of people in your shoes job wise. the economy stinks and yes life it self can stink. i know Christians that work but still dont have much $$$ left after bills ---> me. i just keep on going do best we can and by faith look for a better day .
Isaiah 43Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Restoration of Israel
43 Now this is what the Lord says—
the One who created you, Jacob,
and the One who formed you, Israel
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; you are Mine
2 I will be with you
when you pass through the waters
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not overwhelm you.
You will not be scorched
when you walk through the fire
and the flame will not burn you.
3 For I Yahweh your God,
the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior,
give Egypt as a ransom for you,
Cush and Seba in your place.
4 Because you are precious in My sight
and honored, and I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you
and nations instead of your life.
5 Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your descendants from the east
and gather you from the west.
6 I will say to the north: Give them up!
and to the south: Do not hold them back!
Bring My sons from far away,
and My daughters from the ends of the earth
7 everyone called by My name
and created for My glory.
I have formed him; indeed, I have made him.”

this is a promise made to Israel what your going through and most every one else . is the fiery trials of your faith .
its also called the refiners fire furnace . when its all over you will come forth like Gold . you have a plan of action that shows God is in it.

your going to get discouraged but don,t give up keep praying hey i recommend reading the book of Job. that guy went through a lot ! i also suggest reading psalms talk with your parents tell them your doing best you can.
every body has some type of trial divorce /sickness money problems . i hope this give you some light and encouragement you need it and i need it to . keep praying
.

Thank you for your kind response.

I too have several versions. No King James though. Very distracting to me. I generally read from a NKJV Reference Bible and the ESV Lutheran Study Bible. I do have a copy of the HCSB that is the Firefighter's/EMS version that my wife got me and a NIV Men's Devotional Bible that my wife got me. Was the first thing she ever bought me and was before I became a Christian.

I do like the Lutheran Study Bible as I was attending a Lutheran Church for a while. It's the closest thing that I have come to where I could call it a home church. I was raised Catholic (family is Italian) and it is familiar to me service wise. I especially like the Bible because it gives both Law and Grace which Lutheranism itself is big on. Showing law and grace.

The issue I have with the Lutheran church is, and no offense to anyone older than me, it is all older people. There is no one really my age and if there are, they get in and get out.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

We could have church here for you.
Rollo Tamasi can play the organ for us.
Here's his audition tape:

He plays this number occasionally for his local Church of the Enlightened Ones.

 

[ezra]

Thank you for your kind response.

I too have several versions. No King James though. Very distracting to me. I generally read from a NKJV Reference Bible and the ESV Lutheran Study Bible. I do have a copy of the HCSB that is the Firefighter's/EMS version that my wife got me and a NIV Men's Devotional Bible that my wife got me. Was the first thing she ever bought me and was before I became a Christian.

I do like the Lutheran Study Bible as I was attending a Lutheran Church for a while. It's the closest thing that I have come to where I could call it a home church. I was raised Catholic (family is Italian) and it is familiar to me service wise. I especially like the Bible because it gives both Law and Grace which Lutheranism itself is big on. Showing law and grace.

The issue I have with the Lutheran church is, and no offense to anyone older than me, it is all older people. There is no one really my age and if there are, they get in and get out.

since you can,t attend church due to your jobs. i suggest online ministry read daily devotions . the name over the door is not important what they teach is. my only disagreement with the Lutheran is they are programmed from what i seen on t.v .i was raised united Methodist . thats how they was . you might like jay Vernon McGee he has daily on line Bible study i really enjoy him . i would also suggest james meritt
http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/touching-lives/ http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/thru-the-bible-with-j-vernon-mcgee/.

i use the hcsb study bible on line. a good study bible is worth a lot . keep looking up praying studying listen to a program in your spare time. it will not replace live church. but it will feed you and keep you going till you can find a church you can attend . keep in touch with how your doing

 

[WIP]

Maybe this can offer some hope.

"Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed,
for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10 NKJV

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 NKJV

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:18-28 NKJV

I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:11-13 NKJV

 

[Mike S]

Same here - but the United Methodist church I am in now IS, to me, "Spirit filled" and the fellowship and support I have received there is just as effective and strong as at the "holy roller/Pentecostal" church I went to back in the 90's.

The Pentecostal movement has redefined the phrase "spirit filled" to mean something that it does not mean.

Pizza, I suspect that other Christians who doubt the the legitimacy of the Methodist Church have never experienced the real spirit of the "shouting Methodists." One of the newest members of our congregation is a retired Pentecostal minister. She says she became convinced that the Methodist church is where she belongs after hearing me preach a few times. She is a true Christian, a true friend, and a wonderful addition to our congregation.

‘The Methodists were preaching like thunder all about.
At length I went amongst them, to hear them groan and shout.
I thought they were distracted, such fools I’d never seen.
They’d stamp and clap and tremble, and wail and cry and scream.’

 

[Boidae21]

Pizza, I suspect that other Christians who doubt the the legitimacy of the Methodist Church have never experienced the real spirit of the "shouting Methodists." One of the newest members of our congregation is a retired Pentecostal minister. She says she became convinced that the Methodist church is where she belongs after hearing me preach a few times. She is a true Christian, a true friend, and a wonderful addition to our congregation.

‘The Methodists were preaching like thunder all about.
At length I went amongst them, to hear them groan and shout.
I thought they were distracted, such fools I’d never seen.
They’d stamp and clap and tremble, and wail and cry and scream.’

If I was probably going to go back to any church, when I could, it would be the Lutheran church. Just wish there were people my age that went too.

 

[Mike S]

If I was probably going to go back to any church, when I could, it would be the Lutheran church. Just wish there were people my age that went too.

I think it would be good for you to return, and having you there may draw other young people.

I don't know how young or old you are, but it is very common for young people to be skeptical of religion, even to fall away from their faith. But, some of us (most?) remember the faith of our youth and come back to the church later in life. Our faith is tested, then becomes stronger. For me, it was when I married and we had children. If I were you, I wouldn't worry at all about your situation, but, stay receptive to God's grace. Study, share your worship with others, and He will guide you.