Christians, Not Acting Like Christians

[autumnnight]

So you assume that a divorced person is not a "real" CHristian.

[happydate]

In today's world, we use a smartphone or tablet to take pictures. Not long ago though, we used a camera. In today's world, we use a smartphone to call, text, email and browse the net most of the time. Not too long ago though, we use a device called a "Pay Phone booth" or a pager. We know that it's unrealistic today to go back to using a big camera to take photos and find a payphone to call. Today's society had all but abandoned those devices in favour of the new. And we never need to blame using these "new" devices, except for those people who got laid off by working in the camera industry or people servicing the payphones or working for Blockbuster when Netflix took over. All these workers in old industries have a certain level of expectation that their jobs are secured for life. It is these expectations that made them angry when they are no longer employed.

 

2000 years ago when Jesus roamed the land of the middle east, he was living in a dominant patriarchal society and that women didn't any social rights let alone any women's rights that so many women of today take for granted. Therefore, women in the middle east 2000 years ago didn't have any social safety net nor any place to rely on other than the men. Women of the past were also deprived from education, which was considered power. So when the bible made mention of marriage as a duty of men at the time, Jesus wanted his disciples to treat their women with unconditional love, compassion and trust that these men will be the social safety net for these women in a patriarchal society. This makes sense 2000 years ago.

Also in regards to taking more than one wife. Some verses in the Bible do mention something like this and that it has to do with wars. 2000 years ago, the society was more violent than the society of today. Wars are constantly fought and husbands were killed and left many women as widows.

When these women were left as widows, some good men who are Christians who has their own wives take the widow of their fallen brothers into their household to feed them and protect them against poverty and being destitute. Henceforth, the teachings of many wives at the time was acceptable under these dire circumstances. But of course with any teachings, some men during those times took this as being carte blanche for marrying many wives as a means of having lots of irresponsible sex. If you look at today's society, some religions promote polygamy as an excuse of having lots of women and treating them as objects rather than human beings as the teachings were intended to serve. Some treat women as sexual objects and use some parts of the bible to promote their cause because that's what they expect to. To be rewarded with human level of gratification.

 

What does this has to do with today's unmarried women? 2000 years later, women of today are more accomplished, well educated which led to well established women's rights. And soon enough, Americans may even have a woman president in the United States of America! I suspect the Americans will.

This placed an extreme pressure on traditional Christian male who are still operating on a 2000 years old "Operating System", when in fact in today's society you will notice that it is now more of a Matriarchal society. Some men are in complete denial and hence point fingers to women as the cause and fault as to why they are not marrying or marrying late. Some women went to marry out of shame or duty to serve their husbands to serve the conditions that hadn't happened for 2000 years for what purpose? Sometimes, these women are more accomplished with better degrees and better pay.

 

In today's society, a man can not operate like a Blockbuster or a Payphone anymore and blame customers for switching to a smartphone or netflix.

 

Perhaps rather than blaming and trying to change what women you want to date, look at the beam in your own eye and determine what unresolved psychology YOU HAVE WITHIN YOU that caused you to think like a man that the bible depicted 2000 years ago.

 

This is 2015, so you need to operate in this century and in doing, you need to treat women with equal respect and as holy union with them in marriage to serve the lord by raising the community they live or belong in.

 

Take note of the many happy married couple who joined together and work together to serve others in the community, a selfless service to bring forth more joy and happiness as our father intended.

 

But many single men today seemed to think that they are entitled to a woman without doing any community service or serve our father by perhaps teaching Sunday bible school or volunteering activities at Church or other holy functions rather than pre-occupied by jumping from church to church until you find a woman you like and then doing what? If this woman is performing selfless service to God in the church and you're not, how could you be compatible with such a woman? No woman today will be serving just your interest alone; again this is not a 2000 years old society we are living in.

 

You only attract the people that is similar to you. If you feel being Christian is simply wearing a uniform to church, sing a couple of angelic songs and then leave to attend to your other self-servicing hobbies, then perhaps you all need to contemplate your purpose in life serving our lord.

 

Cheers..

Edited May 12, 2015 by happydate

[digdug75]

I'm not angry at all.

 

Ok good to know.

 

 

And I wasn't attacking people who believe in Jesus Christ for heaven's sake.

 

It was just how I perceived what you wrote. Thanks for clarifying.

I'm a Christian at my core but have come to a place in my life where I believe life isn't as black and white as one might like to believe. I am also very open minded about a great many things including marriage and relationships and family.

 

 

What do you mean by life isn't black or white? From your point of view is there a right and wrong? Good vs. Evil?

 

 

If anything, the OP sounded like the one who was angry and even felt like they were doing some attacking. I don't understand why someone would be upset that women aren't marrying until later or at all for that matter. What barring does this have on the OP's life?

 

He seems concerned about corruption of taught principles from the bible. I do not know the OP's life, so I couldn't say!

[digdug75]

Hmmm judging! Is judging others wrong? If so what form of judgment do you mean? Is it ok to judge a righteous judgment as said in John 7:24. What does it mean to spiritually judge all things? 1 Corinthians 2:15. How do we apply Zechariah 8:16,17 without judging? or even Titus 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:16, 4:2. Why would Jesus teach in others synagogues Matthew 4:23? Doesn't it take a form of judgment to know what to teach?

 

 

With teaching we have the question of Authority/power. Many scriptures talk about Authority and power. Is Authority or power needed to teach others? Who receives this Authority/power? Who gives this Authority/power? How do you know if you have Authority and power to teach? which this also relates to judging.

 

 

Then we have truth which is need to Teach. Where does truth come from? Does truth change? How can one tell if something is True?

 

 

Which then leads to the Holy Ghost! Many Many scriptuers referring to the Holy Ghost.

 

 

On somewhat of a different subject we have education. What education is more important. That of the world or that of the spirit? Romans 7:14 , 1 Peter 2:5 , Ephesians 1:3. there is many more. It is said that the natural man is an enemy to God. What things are of the natural man?

 

 

We have warnings of false teachings, and priestcraft ect... What is Pure religion? James 1:27 Why is unity important and what does it mean? 1 Corinthians 1:10 , 2 Corinthians 13:11, Acts 4:32

 

 

Marriage? Hebrews 13:4 , Ephesians 5:22-32 , Matthew 19:4-17 , 1 Peter 3:7, interesting scritpture relating to marriage 2 Corinthians 6:14. If marriage and children are not important. Why would honor thy father and mother be part of commandments? If one of the purpose for men and women is to multiply and replenish the earth. How then can God justify marriage of a homosexual nature? Anything other than sex between man and women after marriage is sexually immoral. Sexual immorality is not in alignment of Gods commandments. Men: 2 Timothy 3:1-7, Romans 1:27, Genesis 2:18

 

 

some definitions

 

 

Reproof: an expression of blame or disapproval

Exhort: strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something

Judgment: the ability to judge, make a decision, or form an opinion objectively, authoritatively, and wisely, especially in matters affecting action; good sense; discretion: (what I feel to be righteous judgment)

[happydate]

Marriage: Men and women in the Kingdom of God.

 

2000 years ago and even today, who are the predominant sex that start any war? Who are killing the innocent women and children without just cause?

Did women also start an equal amount of wars as retribution? Ponder these questions. There must be a sense of responsibility. Jesus taught us we are responsible for our actions. If you promote or even involve yourself in a war, the cause and effect of the carnage and women displaced because their husbands were killed must be answered.

 

Today, marriage teaches both men and women to be responsible, trusting and respecting each other as each other brings forth a different aspect of masculine and feminine aspect of life experiences which helps them grow. It can help men curtail anger and aggressiveness in the sign of conflict and it can also help women transcend over their own passiveness and becoming more assertive in the modern age. And yet these days, people treat marriage as a means of free sex whenever a man feels like doing or as a means of financial independence or reliance. Marriage also brings in new life, which fulfills your purpose as co-creator of God.

 

Judging:

Matt. 7:1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."

 

You can judge, but expect to be judged back. Why then do you judge a situation? Because you have an intellectual belief that the situation does not meet your expectation and then you need to judge that. However, good judgement comes from experience. If you have an actual exact experience of the same situation, would you then be willing to hastely judge the other person or perhaps you would turn the other cheek?

 

You'll hear a lot of Christians say something along the lines of

"I've been there and done that". And that is because, they had been there, been in the shoes of the person being judged and have compassion of that person. Rather than judge, the person with the experience then offer the teaching of a solution how to transcend over those experiences.

 

Teaching with authority.

 

People teach with authority NOT BECAUSE you force them to listen to you. NOT because you have a degree or rank that is higher than your students.

People will listen to you because you have the experiences to back you up. You understand what your students are going through as though you had been through those experiences yourself before. You can offer wisdom and expertise to transcend over the same problems.

 

Please read the "Parables of the Prodigal Son" and understand it, and you will see some parallels to what the OP is going through now.

 

In the Parables of the Prodigal Son, the older son in his self-righteousness, he had forgotten to rejoice when a sinner returns to God. Bitterness and resentment keeps the older son from forgiving his younger brother. It blinds him to the treasure he freely enjoys through constant relationship with the father which is a lot of Christians are doing thinking that knowing the bible and verses automatically qualify them for a joyful relationship with the father when in fact, the relationship is always and continuing. Many of you have this relationship and yet, you are so bitter and resentful to judge others on your father's behalf!

Edited May 14, 2015 by happydate

[autumnnight]

Actually, there was only one parable of the prodigal son, and it's a picture of confession and redemption.

[happydate]

While I agree the story is about confession and redemption, the main theme of the Prodigal Son is about your life and how people perceive you.

 

How easy it is for you to confess your sins and ask for redemption especially when you hit rock bottom, as I had a few times in my life. I'm btw not in anyway a so called 100% perfect Christian. It has been my experience that after I confessed and been redeemed by God, my life turned around and now always so lucky, so full of abundance and so full of joy that other so called 100% Christians at church and at any holy establishments are now jealous of me because they knew me as Mr. Sinner and how could they not receive the same luck, joy and abundance like I did; the treasures of the Kingdom of God. I must have cheated, lied and manipulated to get those things were what these Christians had deduced and accused of me without any basis of foundation; them acting like the elder son in the Parable.

 

What those so called 100% perfect Christians don't realize is that, they TOO can enjoy the same joy, luck and abundance like I do. But perhaps they are so high strung, self-righteous and thought well I'm 100% perfect or maybe 99.99% or 90% perfect and that since Mr. Happy Date here who is only 10% perfect, I will obtain SPECIAL IMMUNITY from God and don't need to confess and ask for redemption for that last 0.001% of imperfection. Many of these Christians don't realize that humans are not 100% perfect, but thought just because they wore a Christian robe, they are immune to judgement and shall enjoy an automatic celebration like those who asked for redemption.

 

That is the main theme of the Prodigal Son, and that is, no one is perfect but everyone can enjoy the same treasures as the one who are willing to confess their sins to God and ask for redemption. His father (God) asked the elder son basically when is he planning to confess and ask for his own redemption?

 

So then, what's the hold up for many of you when the treasures of the Kingdom of God awaits you?

 

Don't blame others for their treasures because perhaps they had confessed and been redeemed. Unless you possess the list of names that God has of those who confessed, you don't really know who. But life is your report card. If their life is better than yours, then perhaps you need to look deep inside as to why your life is miserable compared to theirs and feeling bitter and resentful of their successes!!

 

In my observation thus far; if I truly confess from my heart and ask for redemption, my life does turn around for the better. It's totally weird; just like the Parables said. But if I only hollowly confess not from my heart and ask for redemption; nothing happened.

So now, I know that when I'm redeemed, my life becomes much better. I taught exactly the same way to my sister who's always been harassed by her boss, put down and generally very unhappy with her work. One day, she prayed asked God to redeem her sins; which was very hard for her due to her pride. After that and within just a few days, she told me that her bosses are treating her much nicer, work environment improved and things are getting better. She has less stress. So I guess, her prayers were answered and she was redeemed.

She couldn't believe it was that simple; all the while she blamed her bosses for being mean and this and that...

 

Look at your life as a report card. When life is better for you after confession, it truly means you're redeemed. Try it.

Edited May 15, 2015 by happydate

[digdug75]

Marriage: Men and women in the Kingdom of God.

 

2000 years ago and even today, who are the predominant sex that start any war? Who are killing the innocent women and children without just cause?

Did women also start an equal amount of wars as retribution? Ponder these questions.

 

 

Yikes we are kind of traveling off subject here! To many variables to fully reply in a short manner. You speak of men starting war as if women have not played any part in encouraging war (possibility), or having been reason to go to war(As if men are the only ones with desire to take part in war). Why does gender have relevance? Relevance is Good vs. Evil vs. Evil. Yes men have predominately fought in wars. We would then have to ask why? Was it to protect their family? Is it because of the honorable role a mother plays in her part of raising, and bearing children?(that they not fight in war) Is it because of fear of actions by leaders for not going to war? War exists, and even in heaven there was a war. Revelation 12:7-9 I do not know the hearts, intents, or thoughts of those that have started war. Do you? I see 2 sides of war. One side we have those that want to have power over others, to plunder, destroy, and to enslave. On the other side we have those that want to protect those things which are righteous in the sight of God from those that want to destroy such things of God. Lets say there was no physical war of shedding blood. There would still be a war of good vs. evil, choosing righteousness over temptation. Just my opinion.

 

 

There must be a sense of responsibility. Jesus taught us we are responsible for our actions. If you promote or even involve yourself in a war, the cause and effect of the carnage and women displaced because their husbands were killed must be answered.

 

 

No doubt! Cause and effect has its role in war! Isn't it good that God has provided rules, commandments, principles of righteousness, His son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost to provide relief from such carnage, and displacement. I don't know what you mean by responsibility. Responsibility suggests we have control over others choices. Jesus did teach we are held accountable for our choices, but not held accountable for others choices. Even if what we do may cause another to choose to sin, feel bad ect... we are not held accountable for others choices. As far as I know and currently understand things. I guess when you say responsible for actions you mean repentance, and doing all one can do to repair the wrong action committed. I say repair because the past cannot be undone. Just my opinion.

 

 

Today, marriage teaches both men and women to be responsible, trusting and respecting each other as each other brings forth a different aspect of masculine and feminine aspect of life experiences which helps them grow.

 

 

Yes this is true! when though has this not been taught by God?

 

 

It can help men curtail anger and aggressiveness in the sign of conflict

 

 

Sorry but why are you suggesting that anger and aggressiveness only belong to men, as if women do not get angry or aggressive? Anger and aggression can be good and bad. What emotion would you say Jesus had when he ran all the gamblers and evil doers out of the Temple? Was he aggressive?

 

 

and it can also help women transcend over their own passiveness and becoming more assertive in the modern age.

 

 

Are men being passive when they follow the commandments of God? Does being assertive mean rejecting Law of God? I mean what assertiveness needs to be met by women? Are we talking about abuse? This would then suggest that men do not get abused! In your opinion can there be 2 leaders in a family? This question reminds me of Luke 16:13 and how it relates to children in a family.

 

 

And yet these days, people treat marriage as a means of free sex whenever a man feels like doing.

 

 

Are you suggesting that all men have this intent when getting married? What I read from what you wrote is a marriage entered based on lust vs. love. How is this different than any other time in history? Don't women want sex? What I have been taught about marriage and sex. Is that when sex is desired both male and female both need to be in agreement. If a women doesn't want it she says no and if a man doesn't want it he says no (I am sure there will be a giggle with the idea of a man not wanting sex). God gave man the drive to have sex with women. God gave women the drive to bear children. Still both have a desire to have a family. Of course there are exceptions to my above stated opinion. Just trying to get some clarity of what you have written.

 

 

or as a means of financial independence or reliance.

 

 

I kind of see where you are going with this, but can you elaborate?

 

 

Marriage also brings in new life, which fulfills your purpose as co-creator of God.

 

I am not sure what you are saying! Marriage can bring new life that I get! Though sex outside of marriage brings new life also. Marriage as far as I understand is a promise or covenant made between man and women. Which promise and covenant is also made with God. God then has his promises/covenant to those who are married. Marriage is law because it brings the purpose of sex into perspective. Marriage is also law because it provides balance in raising children. God has given people authority to marry couples. With out that authority there is only marriage of the world and then when couple dies it ends. There is more that goes into these statements, but I am just being basic with my point of view. These scriptures are just some what comes to mind when I think of marriage. 1 Peter 3:7, 1 Corinthians 11:11 , Matthew 16:9 , Luke 20:34,35 , Mark 10:9, 1 Corinthians 7:all, Malachi 2:14. You lost me with statement co-creator of God!

 

 

My reply is just to show you where I am coming from and to more fully understand where you are coming from. No ill intent at all!

[digdug75]

Judging:

Matt. 7:1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."

What form of judgment is being taught? There is a scripture in Luke 6:37 which would suggest that judging in the form of condemning is wrong. Look at John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. Also there is Leviticus 19:15, Proverbs 31:9, Revelations 19:11, 1 Corinthians 6:2, 11:31, Luke 12:57, Acts 7:27,35 , 1 Corinthians 2:15*, Luke 7:43, Exodus 18:13

 

You can judge, but expect to be judged back. Why then do you judge a situation? Because you have an intellectual belief that the situation does not meet your expectation and then you need to judge that.

 

 

As we are now talking about me. When I judge/decide on how to act in a situation yes it is based on experience and perceived outcome based on that experience. Though there are other things involved like you have mentioned belief, expectation, and I am not sure if you have touched on this, but emotions. Expectation involves belief. Those that are raised in the gospel or have newly learned about the gospel will have expectations. Those expectations are provided from God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost written in scripture. We are taught once converted to strengthen our brethren Luke 22:32. James 5:19,20 expresses showing brethren the error of his way! If all judging is bad how is it then possible to follow those scriptures or even Timothy 3:16, Titus 1:13, 2:15 even 2 Timothy 4:2 says similar things with a warning in verse 3.

 

 

However, good judgement comes from experience. If you have an actual exact experience of the same situation, would you then be willing to hastely judge the other person or perhaps you would turn the other cheek?

 

 

Doesn't Good/Righteous judgment come from God which is provided through the Holy Ghost and scripture. The Holy Ghost that is the revealer of truth. Thinking of 1 Corinthians 2:11-15, Acts 1:2, 1 John 5:6,7 , John 16:13. Just a few scriptures. Does it take experience to know to help a person from drowning? Knowledge given by God through the Holy Ghost remedies lack of experience. Don't you think? Jesus Christ has righteous judgment yet what experience is shown in scripture of him being blind, gambling, falling away from truth, ect...? I do not believe it is necessary to have experience in situations to help, rebuke, reproof, teach, ect... Experience gives compassion, and understanding. What I do belief is necessary is to avoid all manner of condemnation through judgment. It is necessary to live according to the gospel to have righteous judgment. Again just my opinion from what I currently understand.

 

Please read the "Parables of the Prodigal Son" and understand it, and you will see some parallels to what the OP is going through now.

 

 

Hmmm judgment! how do you know that I do not already understand to a degree the "Parable of the Prodigal Son". I have read this parable several times. I see no parallel as to judgment in the form of condemnation and the OP. Op has not said those that do not comply should be rejected, that they should go to hell, or no longer excepted in his church. Though I may have missed something. Please correct me if I had missed his expression of such things in what OP has written.

 

In the Parables of the Prodigal Son, the older son in his self-righteousness, he had forgotten to rejoice when a sinner returns to God. Bitterness and resentment keeps the older son from forgiving his younger brother. It blinds him to the treasure he freely enjoys through constant relationship with the father which is a lot of Christians are doing thinking that knowing the bible and verses automatically qualify them for a joyful relationship with the father when in fact, the relationship is always and continuing. Many of you have this relationship and yet, you are so bitter and resentful to judge others on your father's behalf

 

 

 

 

Hmmm! I think of 3 main forms of Judgment in that parable! 1. by the youngest who judges himself see's the errors in his way. Judging himself and humbling himself returning back to his father. 2. The judgment by the father given to youngest son to except him and forgive him based on righteousness. The father using that same knowledge of righteousness to judge what to teach his oldest son. 3. The oldest son made judgment thinking it was not right for his brother to receive reward for the sins his younger brother committed. In a sense condemning his younger brother possible thinking his brothers choices deserves him no reward and needs to suffer. When if fact Jesus Christ had suffered for all our sins and gave us repentance so that we do not have to suffer. This that we may repent so that God will remember our sin no more. (forgiveness)

[autumnnight]

While I agree the story is about confession and redemption, the main theme of the Prodigal Son is about your life and how people perceive you.

 

How easy it is for you to confess your sins and ask for redemption especially when you hit rock bottom, as I had a few times in my life. I'm btw not in anyway a so called 100% perfect Christian. It has been my experience that after I confessed and been redeemed by God, my life turned around and now always so lucky, so full of abundance and so full of joy that other so called 100% Christians at church and at any holy establishments are now jealous of me because they knew me as Mr. Sinner and how could they not receive the same luck, joy and abundance like I did; the treasures of the Kingdom of God. I must have cheated, lied and manipulated to get those things were what these Christians had deduced and accused of me without any basis of foundation; them acting like the elder son in the Parable.

 

What those so called 100% perfect Christians don't realize is that, they TOO can enjoy the same joy, luck and abundance like I do. But perhaps they are so high strung, self-righteous and thought well I'm 100% perfect or maybe 99.99% or 90% perfect and that since Mr. Happy Date here who is only 10% perfect, I will obtain SPECIAL IMMUNITY from God and don't need to confess and ask for redemption for that last 0.001% of imperfection. Many of these Christians don't realize that humans are not 100% perfect, but thought just because they wore a Christian robe, they are immune to judgement and shall enjoy an automatic celebration like those who asked for redemption.

 

That is the main theme of the Prodigal Son, and that is, no one is perfect but everyone can enjoy the same treasures as the one who are willing to confess their sins to God and ask for redemption. His father (God) asked the elder son basically when is he planning to confess and ask for his own redemption?

 

So then, what's the hold up for many of you when the treasures of the Kingdom of God awaits you?

 

Don't blame others for their treasures because perhaps they had confessed and been redeemed. Unless you possess the list of names that God has of those who confessed, you don't really know who. But life is your report card. If their life is better than yours, then perhaps you need to look deep inside as to why your life is miserable compared to theirs and feeling bitter and resentful of their successes!!

 

In my observation thus far; if I truly confess from my heart and ask for redemption, my life does turn around for the better. It's totally weird; just like the Parables said. But if I only hollowly confess not from my heart and ask for redemption; nothing happened.

So now, I know that when I'm redeemed, my life becomes much better. I taught exactly the same way to my sister who's always been harassed by her boss, put down and generally very unhappy with her work. One day, she prayed asked God to redeem her sins; which was very hard for her due to her pride. After that and within just a few days, she told me that her bosses are treating her much nicer, work environment improved and things are getting better. She has less stress. So I guess, her prayers were answered and she was redeemed.

She couldn't believe it was that simple; all the while she blamed her bosses for being mean and this and that...

 

Look at your life as a report card. When life is better for you after confession, it truly means you're redeemed. Try it.

 

Actually, no, that is NOT the main theme of the Prodigal son. It is NOT about people's perception of us. If you read it in context of the entire chapter and surrounding passages it is pretty clear. It is about coming to the end of onesself and returning to the Lord. A side issue would be how those who think they have been faithful all along respond to others' redemption. But what others think of you is not the theme.

 

It is like taking that "judge not" verse in isolation. That does NOT mean we cannot deem what God has declared to be right or wrong as right or wrong.