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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 6/30/2008 6:08:17 PM | "Swingtown, the new drama set in the leafy suburbs of Chicago, in 1976, features a lot of free wheelin' Ice Stormy adults-only situations like swinger parties, threesomes, and oral sex jokes. "
Comes with the territory. The right to freedom of expression is inherent to our government.
Turn off your TV. Problem solved.
We then put our faith in the capitalism gods that poor ratings gets the show cut. We don't watch it, it doesn't stay.
Let's have both parents kill themselves working several jobs so that we can pay the outrageous taxes that the liberal government is going to raise so that we'll all be "equal," and so that we can take care of all of those who refuse to take care of themselves, (including other countries!) We'll let the government dictate everything and eventually there won't be a United States of America anymore, because we'll have a one-world government that dicates everything to and for all of us.
Contrary to popular belief, WE're not that bad. 40% of all income in Italy is taken up immediately for social programs and welfare. Looking back, 15%-20% is a bargain.
And if there are going to be "liberal taxes" it will be for the "conservative war" that was started. Put credit where credit is due. If you don't like the game - run for office and change it. It's the only way to fix it and it'll take more than one or two lifetimes. | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/1/2008 3:15:44 PM |
Comes with the territory. The right to freedom of expression is inherent to our government.
Turn off your TV. Problem solved.
We then put our faith in the capitalism gods that poor ratings gets the show cut. We don't watch it, it doesn't stay.
I don't believe we're going to change it, to be honest with you. I think it's only going to get worse. I was merely pointing out what I've noticed in order to give an example of how life in this nation is going into the gutter right before our very eyes, in a variety of ways from sexual immorality being on the rise to the various other things I already mentioned in my preceding posts. I'm sure many of you can think of countless other ways we have "changed" as a nation. Some forty million being addicted to internet porn may be seen as a positive change for some, while others may agree that this is a concern.
That the majority are no longer interested in marriage and are having children out of wedlock, which is resulting in 10 million single mother households may not register as a big issue; but when you put all of these facts together, they equal a decline in what once was a standard way of living that helped keep the family unit together.
The fact remains that I think it's important to recognize that this moral decline is occurring. That is primarily the purpose behind my posts. We can do nothing about this until everyone is on the same page and recognizes that a decline in the area of morality and family values is actually happening.
This came up in the discussion because I mentioned that we as Christians are already very aware of the moral decline happening to this nation. We believe it points to what lies ahead that we as Christians must prepare for. According to what we're seeing, we're getting closer to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. We're getting closer to the time when every single human being on earth will have been given the opportunity to know the Lord or to reject Him.
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/1/2008 3:52:08 PM | Kissnguy,
I understand that things will automatically change with the times. My point is, is that the changes are not beneficial to us as a nation, and they definitely aren't beneficial to our children. There are countless examples to cite. Think about the rash of school shootings. What about the increase in serial murders and overall violence? Look at our increasing economic issues. Look at the threat of more and more wars. We are spiraling downward as a nation.
Of course, each individual human being must choose what kind of world they want and to whom will go their allegiance. Some will choose themselves first and foremost, some will choose the great deceiver, and some will choose the Lord Jesus Christ. Each person, I believe, will have the opportunity to choose whom and what they will worship, and will not be forced by any means. God has never been anything but a gentleman and does not force Himself on anyone. There are many in this country and in the world that have already made this choice. I think the decline in morality and values is evidence of this.
To your primary concern, however, no. You will never be forced to choose or to believe in God. You will not have to be, as you put it, a "slave to an invisible deity that can't be proved."
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/1/2008 4:34:09 PM |
I hope I was a bit more respectful this time around.
Not really. You're still painting with an immensely large brush, presuming that your odd personal experiences that have served to confirm your prejudicial attitude towards "Christians" (when you actually mean "American Fundamental Christians") are some sort of Universal Christian Truth. They're not. Get over it. As for Robertson, Hagee, and the others, they speak for a vocal minority of mostly American right-wing who have co-opted religion into a political movement (which they have the protected freedom to do). Like you, they don't tell me or Christians what to believe about human sexuality either. Like you, they haven't earned the right.
Anyway, I think this thread needs to get back to "Our Christian Walk" and not "The Moral Decline (or not) of The Unites States of America". It's about the walk of "Christians", not "American Christians" or "American Politics". If you guys want to argue back and forth about what's wrong with the US, do it in a political forum or start a new thread.
Graci.  | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/1/2008 5:47:33 PM | OP said:
<div class='quote'>
calling themselves "christian" but some of the Posts an remarks are just unbelieveable.
I agree, but the truth is that not everyone who calls themselves "Christian" is a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Many select this choice because "Christian" is the lesser of evils among the menu of religious labels given or simply because it is the religious label that is worn by their family or the tradition in which they were raised. It is just that, a label without a relationship. Merely calling oneself a Christian does not make it so. A relationship with Jesus Christ is the deciding factor. Jesus said, "By their fruit you will know them." Words are cheap and easy to utter. A life lived is a totally different matter. Nothing has changed, it was true in the days of the early church and still is. Measure the label against the fruit. | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/2/2008 10:41:47 AM | I consider myself a Christian, so therefore I will not date a person who does not believe in Jesus. As you are instructed not to in the Bible, very good, darlin.
I am more of a personal relationship with God instead of a Baptist, Methodist, Church of God and so on. Even though I attend a Baptist church.
Again, very good. Let us not be divided by "Baptist or Paul's" but let us stand only under the name of Christ.
I can not walk the walk I want but I see many on dating sites and in life calling themselves "christian" but some of the Posts an remarks are just unbelieveable. Im confused...you state that you "can not walk the walk", whatever that means, yet expect perfection from your siblings in Christ? We are told not to judge His servants, darlin.
Does any other Christians feel this way? I have many female friends that complain about the way men treat them. And have seen "Christian" men playing the ladies.
I havent.
When are we going to start being an encouragement for others and not just out for our selfish wants? The Christians that I have met on this site are as right as eatin' apple pie on Sunday afternoon, swinging on the porch with an old friend, while listening to Patsy Cline. | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/2/2008 10:42:16 AM | ^^^^^^^absolutely beautiful^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I say we delete all other responses which are just beating dead horses and close this thread with califboomergirl's post and call it good and 'nuff said. | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/2/2008 7:58:18 PM | Well said Graci, I was attempting to have a a little conversation with some fellow Christians. There are some people who just can not stand for us to talk and encourage each other. And we are the intolerant ones?? I don't even remember being disrespectful to any of them?
But before we were so rudely interupted. I find it in my area most singles are always looking for something to happen execpt group activities. It is like they are waiting for the phone to ring at the last minute. They will commit to very few things. These are one involved in a Single Adult Ministry? Is this true in other parts of the country? | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/3/2008 3:20:15 PM | | I should clarify."Graci" was for "Thanks". It's not my name. | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/3/2008 4:55:41 PM | Sorry about that romanticoptimist. It's funny how we try to talk amoung ourselves and bam, we are jumped by a bunch of angry people...
Howevery, in your area, is there a lot of activies for Christian Singles and do they participate. | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/3/2008 8:36:51 PM |
Psst, paisan, it's grazzi I know, but I was being colloquial. Capish?
kindapicky: no biggie. I mentioned it in order to avoid misunderstanding, that's all. Call me whatever you want -- just don't call me late for dinner! 
As for reactions in a POF forum, don't sweat it. Some people agree, some disagree, some are agreeable, some are disagreeable (and I count myself in all four groups). Life's too short to sweat the small stuff. And opinion in a public forum definitely rate as "very small stuff".
Go find like-minded people, love them, let them love you, leave as much baggage at the curb as you can, and enjoy this wonderful gift of LIFE that you've been given. You'll figure out the important stuff along the way.
Peace and Grace in Him | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/3/2008 9:28:25 PM | I am a Christian and proud to be. The two commandments I follow are: Love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and love my "neighbors" as myself.
No, I'm not perfect. I try always to be like Jesus but I fail often. I don't judge people who have different beliefs, I just prefer to be in a relationship/marriage with another believer. I was raised a Lutheran but turned away from the church when I was 16 due to an event that I won't talk about here.
I've was married twice to men who had been raised going to church but never practiced their religion. After I had kids I went in search of God and gave my life to Jesus. Then I married a Christian man, a man who loved the Lord and lived his life putting God first. Our marriage was more satisfying than I had ever dreamed one could be and I believe this was because of our shared faith. We both knew going in that divorce was not an option and that no matter what trials came along we'd handle them together, with prayer and faith.
I can't even imagine having a relationship with someone without faith anymore! | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/3/2008 10:18:42 PM |
I've was married twice to men who had been raised going to church but never practiced their religion. After I had kids I went in search of God and gave my life to Jesus. Then I married a Christian man, a man who loved the Lord and lived his life putting God first. Our marriage was more satisfying than I had ever dreamed one could be and I believe this was because of our shared faith. We both knew going in that divorce was not an option and that no matter what trials came along we'd handle them together, with prayer and faith.
I can't even imagine having a relationship with someone without faith anymore!
Having a relationship with one who shares the same ethics, values, and principles is huge. Even more important is entering a marital commitment with one who actually plans to keep the commitment, no matter what may come. A man of faith who puts God first, tries to exhibit the fruits of the spirit because as Christians, we strive to be like Jesus Christ. When His spirit is within us, we'll exhibit these fruits, [love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance].
Personally, I think it would be quite easy to have a relationship with one who exhibits such fruits on a daily basis. And think about the security present in a commitment where you know that your partner is by your side through thick and thin, sickness and health, richer or poorer. Think of the security present for the children that might come of such a union. Think of the peace of mind for both of the partners.
When a woman marries a Christian man, she doesn't have to worry about whether he'll be lying to her, drinking and partying at the bar after work, cheating on her, stopping in at the topless bar, having a cyber sex online affair, sneaking or being addicted to porn, and a host of other things that the average gal is worrying about over in the Broken Hearts part of this forum.
I would think that Christian men would be in more demand than any other kind of guy out there. It's finding them that's the problem. These kind of men and women are treasures that aren't common. A life altered by the love of the Lord is a gently led, laid back, easy going life. It's a life of loyalty and honor. The real Christian that sincerely loves God and honestly wants to put God first in his or her life is a rare breed in this world, unfortunately. They are tough to find.
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/3/2008 10:39:07 PM |
know, but I was being colloquial. Capish?
*Runs to look up colloquial*
Si, capish!
The Christians that I have met on this site are as right as eatin' apple pie on Sunday afternoon, swinging on the porch with an old friend, while listening to Patsy Cline
So cute, D.A. :) | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/3/2008 10:40:07 PM | I see people who are angels at church then become worldly people right after the fact. It is such a sad thing. Many people consider themselves Christians, but haven't actually made that decision to receive that free gift of salvation Christ purchased for us when he died on the cross (Romans 8:1-2 & Romans 10:13). The word Christian now a days, doesn't necessarily mean a person is a born again believer. The only people who have actually had a spiritual rebirth are those who believe on the name of Jesus Christ; His birth, death and ressurrection. So there are a lot of people out there who aren't born again believers, in that I mean, as soon as you receive Christ's forgiveness for our sin, we are spiritually reborn, and receive the holy spirit. So one who hasn't actually believed on the name of Christ, wouldn't have received the spirit, which gives us the desire to obey God and live a righteous life. So if someone claims to be a believer but their works done confirm that, it's possible that they never actually received Christ as their savior. But receiving the Holy spirit, doesn't mean that our original sinful nature disappears, so there is still an urge to do wrong, but the spirit and prayer gives us strength to fight that desire. (2 Corinthians 5) No believer is perfect, but we should have the continueous desire to be. There is a battle going on in us between both natures. As soon as we surrender ourselves to the Lord and put our full trust in him will we start to see big changes in our lives. It takes full devotion, continueously reading God's word and praying. By doing this God can speak to us daily through His word and encourage us to do the right thing, and prayer allows God's will to be done on earth. Life is a constant battle for us to live the right life, we all make mistakes, but we are to repent; confess that we have done wrong and turn in the right direction. Overall, glorifying God and receiving new life, life we can only receive from a relationship with Christ. I struggle everday to make the right choices. I see myself as a terrible sinner, but I know I have been washed clean, and am seen righteous in God's eyes, all due to Christ and his loving act of dying on the cross in my place. I thank God that He cared enough to send His own Son as our replacement, so that we don't have to get our deserved punishment of hell. I know it's hard for us to live a righteous life and stay faithful in such an immoral world. But as we endure trials and temptation we grow stronger as believers, that's why God allows us to endure trials, and pain. So that we can become better people. It's not that he tempts us himself or creates the problem we have to endure. The pain and suffering is a direct result of our own sin.
Anyway that is my view on our Christian walk.
I have the same stand on dating non-believers. It is a commandment, that we date those who are equally yoked (on the same spiritual level in our relationship with Christ). That way the relationship is built on a foundation, giving us common ground. Dating someone, who believes as you do, will connect you, and give you a strong bond. God wants a couple to grow closer to himself and one another, and you can only have that proper edification and encouragement by having a relationship with someone equally yoked. So it's not about non-acceptance, it's about doing what God commands, and accepting his will in our lives. Marriage is a union, they become one. So having a believer as a partner, allows more resistance when it comes to sinning. If one falls, the other can build them up. (2 Corinthians 6:14-17) | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/3/2008 10:47:21 PM |
The real Christian that sincerely loves God and honestly wants to put God first in his or her life is a rare breed in this world, unfortunately. They are tough to find.
Well put! And unfortunately, there are many who profess those qualities but who do not actually walk them. I learned the hard way in my last marriage that credentials do not equal character. A great "spiritual" and professional resume (years in ministry) does not mean the person has a sold out relationship with the Lord. It was actually a cover for a controlling, abusive person who had a very well crafted mask. That is why Jesus told us to carefully examine the fruit of a life. I was conned, but if I had paid more careful attention to subtle signals, I would have seen it in time. Like I said in another post, words and labels are easy and cheap, and not everyone who wears the label "Christian" truly is. The evidence of the fruit of the Spirit is the only true test of whether a life is genuine or not.
Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/8/2008 4:42:51 PM | | Like everything else around us, we have the genuine thing and the carbon copy. I am a christian and I won't apologize for it. Reading the posts, I can tell that alot of people have had unpleasant experiences with some Christians. I apologize for that...That is not what a true Christian is all about. When you look at the life of Jesus, he was somewhat of a radical, himself. I mean he ate with the IRS, socialized with lepers, harlots, adulters, criminals, low-life types, kings, priests, widows, fishermen, the handicapped, etc...on and on and on. He was constantly being criticized by the church hiarchy and even his best friends at times. He always maintained his integrity with amazing truth. The one thing he emphasize was change. Change in the way you used to be, the way you act, and your thought processes. Love your neighbor as yourself and we all know that can be difficult at times. As far as dating is concerned, it is very difficult for people of different faiths to date unless they agree...I've seen it done but it's not always easy. I'm talking about any faith, not just Christians. | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/9/2008 7:12:38 PM | I guess in my opinion I would have to say that, there seems to be three ways Christians live. One is the Bible way, The other is the Church way, the third is the Carnal way.
The Bible tells us how we are to live. We obey it as best we can with the guidance of the Holy Spirit who warns us when we stray. In my life, If they Holy Spirit doesn't warn me, then I don't worry about it or what others say. But, if He does warn me then I try to make it right.
But, the bottom line is that we are saved by the Blood of Jesus. By Grace. Not by works.
The second way is the Church way. Meaning rules and regulations, half of which are not in the Bible. There are many things we can do according to scripture, that church people frown upon.
Then, there's the Carnal Christian. Saved by the Blood, but doing what they want. This group are in danger of correction from God.
I know that I have things I fail at. All Christians do. They should worry about thier own walk and not point fingers till they themselves are strait. It's hard. But we can try. | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/9/2008 8:04:20 PM | | What I do not understand is this. Jesus said " my yoke is easy" to follow him. (not the exact words, but the meaning) It is next to impossible to walk the walk like Jesus did. Being single makes it even worse and dealing with so many temptations in life . I fall every day or so in some area. I keep getting back up. At times when conviction hits my heart. I am glad. Because that's when I feel he is with me. Like that picture of the foot prints in the sand. Seeing two sets of foot prints and at times seeing one set of foot prints in the sand. And my faith is 13 years now. Still stumbling. Getting better but not there yet! | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/10/2008 6:38:30 AM | "yoke is easy and burden light..."
I don't think Jesus expects us to be perfect. No one could ever measure up to Jesus. That's why He is who He is... I'm trying to figure out why being single would be harder to maintain a walk. You just don't put yourself in situations to be tempted. I figure that would merit self-awareness. I mean if you're on a diet you don't spend your day at the bakery! etc...I do believe you strive to be a better person, a changed person and really only you can decide on that option. I like the footprints poem, too, because it shows when you can't any longer....He can and will pick you up and carry you. We all get a "little crazy" at times but it's nice to know that God can keep us sane and put us back on the path. | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/10/2008 10:37:56 AM | "Yoke is easy Burden Light"
We are saved by the Blood of Jesus. Nothing else. That's it. That's pretty easy. He only wants us to tell others about Him. So, they can be saved too. That's pretty easy too. But, All the rules and regulations comes from church people. God wants you to walk with Him. If you mess up Just tell Him. Don't runaway and Hide. Never let the devil tell you God is mad at you or is evil in some way. Always run to God. When we do that, God will work in our lives to help us to eventually be able to obey the rules and regulations without all the struggle. Just pray and ask God to help. There will always be struggle. But, it can get better and easier. Be patient. | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/13/2008 11:32:35 PM | | To the OP, I have reached a point in my life where when someone tells me they are a Christian I ask them to define what that means. I am by no means an example of what a Christian should aspire to, but I have a basic understanding anyways of what the Bible teaches, and I meet many that claim to be Christians but are clueless to basic doctrine. I personally have many questions regarding the Christianity I see widespread practiced today. The average Church does not seem to be anything like the Church that I read about in the New Testament. For one thing the NT Church was a community. Some of the Churches that I have attended call themselves communities, but it really seems more like a bunch of individuals whose paths cross every Sunday morning. Maybe that is getting off topic, sorry.... | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/14/2008 7:32:28 PM | The average Church does not seem to be anything like the Church that I read about in the New Testament. For one thing the NT Church was a community. Some of the Churches that I have attended call themselves communities, but it really seems more like a bunch of individuals whose paths cross every Sunday morning
Excellent point! I don't thing Jesus meant for the Church to sit primly watching the back of the head of the person in front of them while one person lectures them. That is NOT how they did worship in the early church. Read 1 Corinthians 12-14.......There was a lot if interaction by both men and women. And you are right, they were a community and supported one another through good times and bad. I have had the joy of experiencing this a few times during my Christian walk, but it is rare.
Boomer... | |
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| Our Christian walk.
Posted: 7/15/2008 3:20:44 PM | | I think that we have a lot of freedom in Christ to do a lot of things.... the verse that says all things are lawful for me but not all things are good for me...kinda sums it up for me as far as who I would want to spend time with. If I ever get into a relationship I would want it to be with someone who loves the Lord and someone who would build up my faith and not tear it down. I have met couples who believe in different ways and remain supportive to one another. If you are married and then become a christian and your mate doesn't then the scriptures say to be quiet about it and be a wonderful wife...I would feel so lonely and want to be able to share myself spiritually and answers to prayer and all the excitement that I feel as a believer.... I think that I would not really want to date someone that I could not share that with either.. I guess it all depends on how a person views dating really. If it is just a casual fun thing to do and nothing serious, or if it is to find someone out there for a serious long term relationship . To risk falling head over heals for a man who is not serious about Jesus, is really not something good for me.... | |
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