what is a Christian ?

[oyster67]

You are my enemy, against anything I say even the scriptures I post, yet here you are speaking of the indwelling spirit of the Lord that has transforming power. It is what I preach, how can you know of it when you live as an enemy? I am so thankful that even my enemies know of Christ's power. Have you received Christ within you? How can you live with the love of Christ within and live as a complete enemy of someone who loves the Lord? You bewilder me.

Misunderstandings come and go. Give love a second chance. Don't burn any bridges. I will pray for your relationships.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Shur does.

dear brother where does this fit in ? Surely there’s a point we need to hear this type of thing isn’t there ? Noting Paul’s concern and point here

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:12-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

of we’re always refusing the things we’re supposed to start actually doing and make our works irrelevant what will become of us this day ?

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:10-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And we can know that does speak of salvstion

“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Who will render to every man according to his deeds:

To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭2:4, 6-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It seems like the message that what we do doesn’t matter or affect salvation is contrary to the message of repentance and maintaining good works which would lead to where we want to be that day we all face

 

[oyster67]

WHY are we Christians, if we are not striving to be like Christ, (A son/daughter of GOD).
When we say we follow Christ, are we not trying to be sinless, where is the faith and the belief that we all talk about,
that GOD can renew us, that Jesus spoke of when he said, we can move mountains and more
if we follow him fully, doesn't that include trying to be sinless.
I'm not ignorant to the fact that it's highly improbable I will succeed, because of our fallen nature, but I don't recall there being a base number for how many sins can be removed from us.
we are not meant to surrender to our sins, we are to overcome them, the more we overcome, the more sinless we become. is that right ?
I might not be able to, you may not be able to, but someone could, and if that someone could, then logic says many can.
I will not begrudge any person in their attempt to continually, follow Jesus in glorifying GOD.

Yes, I do agree that Jesus wants us to our best. Just like a loving husband wants to do his best for his wife. This is a natural outgrowth of love. It's just that I don't view love as a work. We call it "faithfulness". We call it fidelity. This is what I believe the Scriptures are speaking of when they tell us to "abide in the Vine".

 

[Nehemiah6]

WHAT is a CHRISTIAN ?

See John 1:12,13: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

So a Christian is a child of God, born of God, born from above, born of the Spirit, born again.

 

[oyster67]

Shur does.

Just accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior today. Come just as you are. He stands ready and willing to wash you white as snow.

 

[Hone]

your being baited into arguments. Words are twisted here often but remember to bless and rejoice . Anyone who mentions repenting of sin being a necessaty of salvation is going to create some conflict with others but it’s because of this

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:19-21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Because so many reject the gospel Jesus preached . it doesn’t make sense later when they hear this part in Paul’s epistles when He talks about the light of Christ

mostly people take single quotes from Paul in order to create ideas based only on a verse or two but don’t understand he’s preaching from the gospel Jesus preached so this doesn’t click

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:8-17‬ ‭

Then John doesn’t make sense either because they haven’t began with the gospel Jesus preached to establish the light we’re meant to walk in

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:6-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬


“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:12-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

so Many try to remove Jesus word and base everything on verses like this

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:8‬ ‭

if we only allow in tidbits and summaries we’re going to miss the message

YES I know what's going on, but thank you for observation, I hope many more are as well, because as we know the truth will become clear and it will set us free.
When we walk with the Lord, we not only learn what we must to do, we also learn what not to do, through the Scriptures, and through discussions, we can learn from a Christian, from an atheist, even those who are caught in-between,
What we mustn't do is, ..retaliate or fight like with like, we are to rise above, ...sarcasm, arrogance, spitefulness, ignorance,...the list is long, but YOU get what I'm saying.
With the Lords strength, knowledge, wisdom and understanding,(which I ask for every day), he has taught me how to behave towards my fellow man, Christians and sinners alike, I trust that my faith is strong enough that he will keep me safe from harm, speak through me and direct my path, because........... I TRUST HIM WITH ALL MY HEART.
GOD's blessings and peace be upon you my BRETHREN least we lean upon our own understanding.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

YES I know what's going on, but thank you for observation, I hope many more are as well, because as we know the truth will become clear and it will set us free.
When we walk with the Lord, we not only learn what we must to do, we also learn what not to do, through the Scriptures, and through discussions, we can learn from a Christian, from an atheist, even those who are caught in-between,
What we mustn't do is, ..retaliate or fight like with like, we are to rise above, ...sarcasm, arrogance, spitefulness, ignorance,...the list is long, but YOU get what I'm saying.
With the Lords strength, knowledge, wisdom and understanding,(which I ask for every day), he has taught me how to behave towards my fellow man, Christians and sinners alike, I trust that my faith is strong enough that he will keep me safe from harm, speak through me and direct my path, because........... I TRUST HIM WITH ALL MY HEART.
GOD's blessings and peace be upon you my BRETHREN least we lean upon our own understanding.

Amen 🙂

Just a consideration to add . In a garden there are many sprouts just breaking through the soil , they don’t bear fruit yet but are in a state of needing water and care until the roots are grabbed into the soil and rocked beneath

and.there are also tall trees that have grown many years by the hand of the patient gardener. Thier roots are firm and deep and they don’t need as much attendance as the small seedlings

what I mean is there is milk , and then solid food . And each is able to digest only what is intended for them where ever they are . I’m not sure if that is significant to you but it’s something I’m currently understanding. Sometimes disagreements come because the younger isn’t yet able to hear about the older

 

[SophieT]

😲😲😲😲

HER MOM???.?.
I've read in her post that she says she is 96!
No way her mom is still alive!

oh yeah

I'll try to find it 2morrow...obviously not her mom

strange post...not good

 

[SophieT]

Because you are absorbed with judging other people instead of living for Christ does not mean that others follow your example. You speak against works, the Lord speaks for works. I accept the Lord, not you.

well, old or not, it seems you lean towards wanting to bite the head off of other people because they do not agree with your works centered gospel

good night madame

 

[SophieT]

😲😲😲😲

HER MOM???.?.
I've read in her post that she says she is 96!
No way her mom is still alive!

well I found it...in anothr thread

"Did Christ change God', another of her threads"

My mother advises me, it is not the place for other people to try to mother me. I welcome her explanations of her strange interpretations of scripture, but she seldom gives it as she is so focused on advising and trying to change me. It is not her place to do. Or his place, whatever.

so I will excuse her words because of this. I think some will understand what I am actually saying. obviously this is not a coherent statement.

 

[Hone]

Yes, I do agree that Jesus wants us to our best. Just like a loving husband wants to do his best for his wife. This is a natural outgrowth of love. It's just that I don't view love as a work. We call it "faithfulness". We call it fidelity. This is what I believe the Scriptures are speaking of when they tell us to "abide in the Vine".

But can the love of a spouse, be compared to the Love of God? there will be many who would agree, that the Love of a spouse, has it's limit's, But GOD's Love is eternal.
I have experienced one, am experiencing the other, (if you read my little testimony when asked "why am I/what made me a Christian), you'll know which is which.
I also know that you work through a marriage, or the relationship will fail.... which is what we have with Christ... a relationship... we will be divorced from him if we don't work on our relationship, there are many who have fallen off the wayside, that attest to that fact.
We work for faithfulness, if married,... proven by statistics, and every time one goes out with the boys or girls and gets hit on or approached, "uummm should I, they aren't here, they won't know" (not myself in my marriage, but I was young and dumb once)
don't you agree?
if not, to what do you disagree with?..... I won't comment on "abide in the vine" it speaks for its self.

 

[Gardenias]

well I found it...in anothr thread

"Did Christ change God', another of her threads"



so I will excuse her words because of this. I think some will understand what I am actually saying. obviously this is not a coherent statement.

Thank you.
Obviously something is wrong here.
Wonder if she is in care?
May the Lord right the wrong and restore health!

 

[JonMaxwell]

After walking towards the light for 5 years, on 1/1/2017 I was baptised to Christianity in the name GOD (our father in heaven), his son Jesus Christ, and his Holy Spirit, knowing full well the sacrifices I had just committed too: I had agreed to put GOD first, above all that I held dear in this world, wife, children,myself, boss...etc. I agreed not to make objects then worship them, or to idolise any person,nor a institute, or doctrines not inspired by the Holy Spirit, I also said I would not speak about GOD in negative terms & dis-honour him, I vowed to keep GOD's Sabbath and to respect and honour not only my parents, but my fellow man (all GOD's creation's). I say I will not take a life, I also cannot restrict or degrade one, I have chosen not to live a life controlled by sexual lust or desires for woman, who I'm not romantically connected with. I pledge not to take anything that does not belong to me, physically, mentally or spiritually. I try to maintain a life built on truth and honesty where ever I am, and finally I abstain from thinking about the wealth and fortune's of others and wishing them to be mine.....
All this I promised to GOD, when I died to self, (baptism underwater) & arose in Christ, (born again).
While walking this path of righteousness, I come to understand how much, Love, Peace and Harmony, should mean to us who are walking to GOD... LOVE is our foundation, PEACE should reign in our life, HARMONY with everything outside it.
WHAT is a CHRISTIAN ?

You might learn sometime soon that you actually can't do those things that you just committed to. Try as we may, we will still fall short of fulfilling those righteous goals.

A true Christian is one who realizes that he will always fall short, and must ask God for mercy; not mercy to help do all of these things, but mercy in the simple form of forgiveness for falling short (sin).

 

[Hone]

You might learn sometime soon that you actually can't do those things that you just committed to. Try as we may, we will still fall short of fulfilling those righteous goals.

A true Christian is one who realizes that he will always fall short, and must ask God for mercy; not mercy to help do all of these things, but mercy in the simple form of forgiveness for falling short (sin).

Welcome to Christian chat, JonMaxwell..... I can honestly tell you, I knew a long time ago that those things were very hard to achieve, but they are doable,
When we start our journey to walk with Christ, aren't all Christians committed "to do those thing I committed to" ?
How hard is it to put GOD first?,..... its quite easy actually,
What stops you?... your wife/husband, family, friends, anything or anyone you let stop you.
How hard can it be to turn down unwanted advances?.... easy if you have the Love of Christ in you.
I won't go through the lot, but I'm sure you understand my examples. & what I mean.
I,m sorry but I cannot accept that what I committed to is unattainable goals, are you saying that we should accept defeat, that we aren't able to overcome, that there is no point in trying.
A true Christian knows they will fall, but they get back up, what have they learnt if they keep falling. especially for the same goal.
The goals I committed to was given to me/us by GOD, who also asked us to overcome them, would GOD give us goals that we could not complete..... ?

 

[MattforJesus]

After walking towards the light for 5 years, on 1/1/2017 I was baptised to Christianity in the name GOD (our father in heaven), his son Jesus Christ, and his Holy Spirit, knowing full well the sacrifices I had just committed too: I had agreed to put GOD first, above all that I held dear in this world, wife, children,myself, boss...etc. I agreed not to make objects then worship them, or to idolise any person,nor a institute, or doctrines not inspired by the Holy Spirit, I also said I would not speak about GOD in negative terms & dis-honour him, I vowed to keep GOD's Sabbath and to respect and honour not only my parents, but my fellow man (all GOD's creation's). I say I will not take a life, I also cannot restrict or degrade one, I have chosen not to live a life controlled by sexual lust or desires for woman, who I'm not romantically connected with. I pledge not to take anything that does not belong to me, physically, mentally or spiritually. I try to maintain a life built on truth and honesty where ever I am, and finally I abstain from thinking about the wealth and fortune's of others and wishing them to be mine.....
All this I promised to GOD, when I died to self, (baptism underwater) & arose in Christ, (born again).
While walking this path of righteousness, I come to understand how much, Love, Peace and Harmony, should mean to us who are walking to GOD... LOVE is our foundation, PEACE should reign in our life, HARMONY with everything outside it.
WHAT is a CHRISTIAN ?

Someone who acts like Christ led by the Spirit which Jesus said if you love Him you will obey His commandments and be like Him.

 

[Hone]

You might learn sometime soon that you actually can't do those things that you just committed to. Try as we may, we will still fall short of fulfilling those righteous goals.

A true Christian is one who realizes that he will always fall short, and must ask God for mercy; not mercy to help do all of these things, but mercy in the simple form of forgiveness for falling short (sin).

I just have to ask JonMaxwell, do you realise, what my "goals" really are?

 

[Blik]

Misunderstandings come and go. Give love a second chance. Don't burn any bridges. I will pray for your relationships.

Thanks. It is strange being a Christian and having such enemies. I try to talk her out of it, and watch that I accept what she chooses, and pray for her or him. Thanks for your prayers.

 

[Wansvic]

You will know them by their fruit. (Matt. 7:20) Obedience, obedience, obedience is the fruit of a Christian. It is only through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit that one overcomes sin.

"And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;" Heb. 5:9

"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, IF ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32

Matt 7:20-21
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
KJV

 

[GRACE_ambassador]

once we have left our skepticism on the alter of sacrifice, and received him by faith, then what? how do we keep that faith, how do others see that faith in us, what else do we need to do?

Precious friend, Hone. I hope this will simplify This Important Matter for you:

Is not the Solution to Confusion recognizing God's Differences Between
"HIS Relationship With us," And "our fellowship with HIM!"?

God's Will, Today, Under HIS PURE GRACE? Very Simply showing
THREE Tenses Of HIS ETERNAL Salvation:

"...God Which raiseth the dead: Who Delivered us from so great a death, and Doth
Deliver: in Whom we trust that HE Will Yet Deliver us;" (2 Corinthians 1:9c-10)

Past Tense:
(1) God Establishes HIS Eternal Relationship With those who humbly:
believe, 100% trust, place Total faith, In The LORD JESUS CHRIST, HIS
Death {Precious BLOOD}, Burial, And HIS Resurrection, According To The
Scriptures! (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; cp Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3-5 KJB!)

"GRACE Through faith" In The Merits Of HIS
Precious And ALL-Sufficient BLOOD Results:

All sins Forgiven, HIS Eternal Life, And, Peace With God!
{This Is Eternal DELIVERANCE From the PENALTY of sin!}
Justification And Spiritual Sanctification {"Set Apart" By God!},
First, And, THEN:

Present Tense:
(2) The believer Should do "good works" {Which will Never
Equal CHRIST's TOTAL PAYMENT For the above PENALTY of sin!},
for Which we Are Created In CHRIST JESUS, to perform for HIM,
having "been Called into fellowship With HIM!" Amen?:

We "work out Our Own salvation" {This Should Be a
lifetime of Deliverance From the POWER of sin!}
Personal {set yourSELF apart} Sanctification:

(2A) "Access The GRACE, Wherein ye stand!..." (Romans 5:2)

1) Daily submission: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, By the Mercies ​

of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice..." (Romans 12:1-2)​

​

2) "Walk In The Spirit!" (Romans 8:1, 4; Galatians 5:16, 25)​

"And walk in love, as Christ Also Hath Loved us, and Hath Given HIMSELF For us
An Offering and A Sacrifice To God for a sweetsmelling savour." (Ephesians 5:2)

(2B) Fulfil, by faith, ALL Of His Law, In "ONE Word: LOVE your neighbor
as yourself!" (Galatians 5:6; Galatians 5:14; Romans 13:8-10 KJB!)

(2C) Study HIS Word Of Truth, Rightly Divided, to show
yourself Approved Unto God! (2 Timothy 2:15 KJB!)

Eternal Results: reward {or loss} (1 Corinthians 3:8-15 KJB!),
ruling and reigning With CHRIST, Which Will Finally Be At
The Judgment Day:

Future Tense:
(3) CHRIST's GLORIFICATION of All "members" Of HIS Body!!
{This Is Eternal DELIVERANCE From the PRESENCE of sin!}
Amen? Hallelujah! Praise HIS Holy Name Forevermore!!!
----------------------------------
Conclusion:

BIG Differences Between God's Relationship And our fellowship!
Correct?

Precious friend(s):
Please Be Richly Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, and Edified!

(2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 16:25; Ephesians 1:3-9; Ephesians 3:9 =
Grace/Mystery fellowship, today?)

 

[Hone]

Precious friend, Hone. I hope this will simplify This Important Matter for you:

Is not the Solution to Confusion recognizing God's Differences Between
"HIS Relationship With us," And "our fellowship with HIM!"?

God's Will, Today, Under HIS PURE GRACE? Very Simply showing
THREE Tenses Of HIS ETERNAL Salvation:

"...God Which raiseth the dead: Who Delivered us from so great a death, and Doth
Deliver: in Whom we trust that HE Will Yet Deliver us;" (2 Corinthians 1:9c-10)

Past Tense:
(1) God Establishes HIS Eternal Relationship With those who humbly:
believe, 100% trust, place Total faith, In The LORD JESUS CHRIST, HIS
Death {Precious BLOOD}, Burial, And HIS Resurrection, According To The
Scriptures! (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; cp Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3-5 KJB!)

"GRACE Through faith" In The Merits Of HIS
Precious And ALL-Sufficient BLOOD Results:

All sins Forgiven, HIS Eternal Life, And, Peace With God!
{This Is Eternal DELIVERANCE From the PENALTY of sin!}
Justification And Spiritual Sanctification {"Set Apart" By God!},
First, And, THEN:

Present Tense:
(2) The believer Should do "good works" {Which will Never
Equal CHRIST's TOTAL PAYMENT For the above PENALTY of sin!},
for Which we Are Created In CHRIST JESUS, to perform for HIM,
having "been Called into fellowship With HIM!" Amen?:

We "work out Our Own salvation" {This Should Be a
lifetime of Deliverance From the POWER of sin!}
Personal {set yourSELF apart} Sanctification:

(2A) "Access The GRACE, Wherein ye stand!..." (Romans 5:2)

1) Daily submission: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, By the Mercies ​

of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice..." (Romans 12:1-2)​

​

2) "Walk In The Spirit!" (Romans 8:1, 4; Galatians 5:16, 25)​

"And walk in love, as Christ Also Hath Loved us, and Hath Given HIMSELF For us
An Offering and A Sacrifice To God for a sweetsmelling savour." (Ephesians 5:2)

(2B) Fulfil, by faith, ALL Of His Law, In "ONE Word: LOVE your neighbor
as yourself!" (Galatians 5:6; Galatians 5:14; Romans 13:8-10 KJB!)

(2C) Study HIS Word Of Truth, Rightly Divided, to show
yourself Approved Unto God! (2 Timothy 2:15 KJB!)

Eternal Results: reward {or loss} (1 Corinthians 3:8-15 KJB!),
ruling and reigning With CHRIST, Which Will Finally Be At
The Judgment Day:

Future Tense:
(3) CHRIST's GLORIFICATION of All "members" Of HIS Body!!
{This Is Eternal DELIVERANCE From the PRESENCE of sin!}
Amen? Hallelujah! Praise HIS Holy Name Forevermore!!!
----------------------------------
Conclusion:

BIG Differences Between God's Relationship And our fellowship!
Correct?

Precious friend(s):
Please Be Richly Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, and Edified!

(2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 16:25; Ephesians 1:3-9; Ephesians 3:9 =
Grace/Mystery fellowship, today?)

Thank you Grace, GOD bless you and family.
I totally agree with it all, because it comes from the book of life, and is the blue print for the way I live mine.
But there are many who believe, that because they have welcomed Christ into their lives, have read the Verse's/Bible, go to Church on the Sabbath, attend prayer meetings and Bible studies, and think they are saved.
All these things can be done and are a part of Salvation, but if there is no heart and mind to live the Life, then they are just blankets that the bearer thinks will keep him warm FOREVER.