NationStates Jolt Archive

Dearest Brothers and Sisters In Christ,
Nothing is more of a harm to one's witness than to be hypocritical in one's life. Example, John Smith says "Hey I am a christian. This is what I beleive. Blah Blah Blah" Later that night John Smith is seen at a party with a can of Busch in one hand and a bottle of smirnoff in the other. But it is more than that. When we as Christians presents ourselves as so, we are then watched by the world in every aspect. Then we go off and do something idiotic and ruin our witness.This is not to say that anyone is perfect. But really, is anyone making an attempt nowadays?

Recently, I have been a victim of this cruel process. I have had the hardest time with swearing. I admit it, I have said some pretty foul, profane words. And then the next moment words relating to Jesus or the Word, slip out of the same filthy mouth. This is such an embarrassment to our Saviour. How can we- How can I- sit here, claim Christ and then follow the flesh?? The Bible tells us that we cannot serve two masters. We cannot serve both man and Christ. It is one or the other. I personally wish to serve My Saviour. So thus, I know i need to work myself back to where i was previously, and then go from there.

In regards to the church; How can we claim that we are the Body of Christ? Are some of our action necessarily what Christ would do or want us to do? How can we preach the love and tolerance that Christ showed us, when we are not willing to show it to the world? How can we complain about the shape of the world, yet not move from our comfort zones, to spread his Holy Gospel? These are all things that need to be worked on! We need to go out to the community and show the world how the Love of Christ has transformed us into wonderful creatures. We need to show the world that in these times of war, death, and hate, there are those that still care. there are those that still have Hope for this world. That is what this world needs. It needs us to get off our lazy rears and march through the streets proclaiming His Glory in every breath we have, every step we take, every move we make. We must be first willing to live the life according to his will. We need reform, and we need it now.

Furthermore, we need to monitor what goes on in our churches. I hear reports of so called megachurches or superchurches, that seek to entertain the attendees. How is that at all what God wants? Did Jesus not overthrow the tables in the temple, for more or less making a mockery of it? We should do the same, EVEN IF it is NOT popular! If we were to do what was popular, the church would be dead. I, for one, will do all I can to prevent that from happening in my lifetime. The church is a place for worship, fellowship, learning, and love. So why then are vulgar movies, and sports shows allowed on during some services? Why are video games, and rock and roll allowed to pollute the mind of our younger brothers and sisters, IN CHURCH? We must stand up and say enough is enough! We will not compromise our faith! We will not give ground to our enemy! We will not give up on God. We will stand for what is right. We will fight our mortal enemy in every way we can. We must do have this attitude or satan has already won this battle, and our lifestyle will be no more.

In closing, if i have "stepped on any toes", too bad! talk it over with God! :)But what i have said has come from the deepest part of my heart. This message is one not filled with condemnation, but rather one of hope and love, so that we may change our ways before it is too late. One final thought to think about; If we give an inch here and a foot there, how long before the entire mile is gone? How much longer will we compromise the faith, and even more let our Saviour's love be in vain?



In him

Thomas


Ps- If you have anything to comment on about this or any questions, please feel free to telegram me or just reply to this.

This is the wrong forum for this type of essay. Atheists and agnostics outnumber Christians here. Perhaps http://www.beliefnet.com would be a more suitable venue?

This is the wrong forum for this type of essay. Atheists and agnostics outnumber Christians here. Perhaps http://www.beliefnet.com would be a more suitable venue?


Well this is a public forum. Not to be rude or anything, but I just assumed we were allowed to talk about anyhting non-trollish or flamming. And seeing this is neither, nor is it anything vulgar.

But thank you for the advice on where to post it though. :)

I'm glad your faith is leading you to attempt to improve yourself.

Of course, that said, the rest makes every rational particle within me cringe.

Do all sects of christianity have an issue with moderate drinking? I know LDS and some others forbid any drinking, but I thought practicing Christians of other denominations could have a few drinks at a party and not be out of line.

I do remember spending several years at a private christian school some years ago, and observing most of their behaviour didn't add any impetus to convert.

Still, if I hear your general thesis, you want people in your religion to practice what they preach. That seems reasonable, for the most part.

Anyone can talk about whatever they'd like here. Tyranny by the majority (while unavoidable...we are human after all,) is frowned upon. Zilam, as long as you want to talk about religion in a religious context, preach on, brother.

(rants about science, when good science doesn't even try to oppose religion, is another matter. :D )

I think people ought not to sin so much.

Do all sects of christianity have an issue with moderate drinking? I know LDS and some others forbid any drinking, but I thought practicing Christians of other denominations could have a few drinks at a party and not be out of line.

I do remember spending several years at a private christian school some years ago, and observing most of their behaviour didn't add any impetus to convert.

Still, if I hear your general thesis, you want people in your religion to practice what they preach. That seems reasonable, for the most part.

I dunno about the protestant churches, but I'm pretty sure I've seen my local priests down a few... of course, in the Orthodox church, unlike the Roman Catholic, our priests marry and such, and aren't subject to the scrutiny that the higher-ups are.. In fact, I think I've seen one priest under the influence of some harder stuff, judging by his Hendrix-esque bouzouki solo at the Easter picnic.. :p Joking, of course..

Do all sects of christianity have an issue with moderate drinking?

Some do, some don't. The Catholic church doesn't have a problem with drinking in moderation but many protestant demoniations do.

Video games and rock and roll are polluting me how?

Video games and rock and roll are polluting me how?
I think the poster is against having video games and rock in church.

I think the poster is against having video games and rock in church.Yes. But his claim was that video games and rock and roll pollute minds.

Yes. But his claim was that video games and rock and roll pollute minds.

He's right, you know. My generation grew up on Pitfall for the Atari 2600, and now I sneak out at night and prowl the streets, looking for scorpions to jump over.

I think the poster is against having video games and rock in church.

What about Christian rock (eg. The Newsboys) and that "Bible Adventures" NES game? I used to have so much fun throwing Baby Moses in the river and watching the little brat drown.

"Good work! But you forgot Baby Moses!"

Yes. But his claim was that video games and rock and roll pollute minds.


Well from my christian perspective, (yes i know its not much but) those two things only allow for people to become numb to fleshly and vulgar ideas and so forth. Not to say that i don't partake in either one.. I do..and i prolly will for a while longer. But nothing goes cold turkey over night. So it iwill be a gradual process...but yah i got off topic there :)

(rants about science, when good science doesn't even try to oppose religion, is another matter. :D )


yeah i wasn't really thinking through that one..I wish i didn't post it...now people prolly look at me as being a douche bag or an idiot, if they didn't already:p

oh my..i just realized..Im almost at 300 post :p

and there i go..300 finally..i've only been a memeber here for like 5 months.. and just now getting to 300 poopy

Yes. But his claim was that video games and rock and roll pollute minds.
Well, I'm not the OP, or religious, but I guess that when you're in church you're suppossed to concentrate on god, prayer, and such; that is, cleanse your thoughts and actions to stand in the house of prayer. Video games and rock and roll (and other kinds of music for that matter) distract you from this process, therefore "polluting" your mind.

Of course, the OP will have to clarify whether he meant only at church, which is quite understandable, or in every other aspect.

Well from my christian perspective, (yes i know its not much but) those two things only allow for people to become numb to fleshly and vulgar ideas and so forth. Not to say that i don't partake in either one.. I do..and i prolly will for a while longer. But nothing goes cold turkey over night. So it iwill be a gradual process...but yah i got off topic there :)

So, my wife once played a video game (a D&D video game, at that) until 1:30am, gaining like 13 levels in one sitting, and she was listening to U2 the whole time...

Why was she not numb to my fleshy and vulgar ideas?

Maybe I need to buy an X-Box 360 and trade-up to heavier rock...

So, my wife once played a video game (a D&D video game, at that) until 1:30am, gaining like 13 levels in one sitting, and she was listening to U2 the whole time...

Why was she not numb to my fleshy and vulgar ideas?

Maybe I need to buy an X-Box 360 and trade-up to heavier rock...

Try playing Manhunt, which was apparently so warped and evil it was banned in my country, while listening to some Black Metal.

It made my eyes glaze over in only the way that a good Christian lecture on ethics can, so I suppose that you might call your work a doubleplusgood accomplishment for God, Jesus, and the Holy Toast, if you were feeling whimsical.
On the other hand, you are now on my hate list for dredging up horrible old memories about Religion and Society style classes. Ugh.

Later that night John Smith is seen at a party with a can of Busch in one hand and a bottle of smirnoff in the other.

In regards to the church; How can we claim that we are the Body of Christ?

Why are video games, and rock and roll allowed to pollute the mind of our younger brothers and sisters, IN CHURCH?


Ok, here's my say then:

Cheers for writing (most of) this and, yes, there are a lot of things we need to work on... (just as the Church has always had to... things weren't all that diff back in Paul's letters;) ) But I really wanted to reply to some of these...

I believe that drinking in moderation is okay... fair enough if you don't want to, that's your choice, but Jesus drank wine, so I don't think that alcohol in moderation is an issue...

Umm, we are the Body of Christ... us not being perfect doesn't change anything there, I don't think...

And uhh... where does you hatred for rock come from??? If it's the lyrics then, I don't think that worship rock songs should be a problem, and if that's not the problem, can you explain???

Well from my christian perspective, (yes i know its not much but) those two things only allow for people to become numb to fleshly and vulgar ideas and so forth.

I....ok....

I missed that part in the bible.

Ok, here's my say then:

Cheers for writing (most of) this and, yes, there are a lot of things we need to work on... (just as the Church has always had to... things weren't all that diff back in Paul's letters;) ) But I really wanted to reply to some of these...

I believe that drinking in moderation is okay... fair enough if you don't want to, that's your choice, but Jesus drank wine, so I don't think that alcohol in moderation is an issue...

Umm, we are the Body of Christ... us not being perfect doesn't change anything there, I don't think...

And uhh... where does you hatred for rock come from??? If it's the lyrics then, I don't think that worship rock songs should be a problem, and if that's not the problem, can you explain???
What Lashie said.
Besides We Won!:D

I....ok....

I missed that part in the bible.

HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAH
HAHAHA
HAH
HA!!!!!

*forgets why hes laughing*

What'd we win, Harlesburg?:confused:

anyway I'm going offline so don't bother to reply here unless you really want to, just do it in "do we have to"...

:fluffle:

What'd we win, Harlesburg?:confused:

anyway I'm going offline so don't bother to reply here unless you really want to, just do it in "do we have to"...

:fluffle:
Cricket!:fluffle:

LOL 'Do we have to'

Don't mean to step on toes here or break up comfortable stereotypes but I'm a chritian, 15, only wear black and listen to heavy metal- It's music- not a cult! It doesn't pollute my mind. If the singers are on about bible burning and moronic hateful trash, I listen to a different group. Some rock bands are christian Like Iron Maiden. And as for being a 'goth' I don't self harm, I have never stolen I don't drink and I don't do drugs and I still go to church quite regularly; more often than my parents do so I don't see that the physical world is ruining my faith, only if I let it. I could of course do with cutting down on swearing, which I am attempting but still I don't think it's right to say that rock and roll pollutes minds. Though I agree it has no place in church. btw I haven't brocken any 1 of the ten commandments so I would wveiw myself as a good christian.

I agree that Christians should really try harder to practice what Jesus preached, otherwise they're being hypocritical.

However, I listen to extreme metal, but I'm very well-behaved (except for swearing, but they're just words). I don't drink, or do drugs, and I've never been arrested or detained by the police. Oh, wait, that time that I got in a car accident might count, but that happened because I was being stupid, not immoral. During my entire time in high school, not once was I ever sent to the Vice Principal's or Principal's office. I was never given detention either. The only law I've broken is that against J-walking.

It's pretty safe to say that I am far more "moral" than most of the so-called Christians I know. So, no, rock music has not polluted my mind. It's good that you're trying to actually follow your religion, Zilam, instead of using it simply to criticize others as many people do.

... btw I haven't brocken any 1 of the ten commandments so I would wveiw myself as a good christian.

You've never coveted? Wow.

Some rock bands are christian Like Iron Maiden.

Iron Maiden is a Christian rock band? I've never listend to their stuff, so I never really knew...

I would've thought Christians invented actual "Iron Maiden" Brand Patented Information Extraction and Conversion Motivation Tools (tm), but not the band. Interesting.

I play guitar in a Christian Mariachi band called "The Inquisition"

I play guitar in a Christian Mariachi band called "The Inquisition"

I very much hope this true, 'cause its schweet, dude. Now, what you need to open for you is a Shi'ite string quartet and 4 orthodox rabbis who do barbershop.

Iron Maiden is a Christian rock band? I've never listend to their stuff, so I never really knew...

I would've thought Christians invented actual "Iron Maiden" Brand Patented Information Extraction and Conversion Motivation Tools (tm), but not the band. Interesting.
They are against 'The Man'.

They are against 'The Man'.

Well damn The Man.

btw I haven't brocken any 1 of the ten commandments so I would wveiw myself as a good christian.


Yeah thats a lie. If only ONE person never broke a commandment , then it would not have been neccessary for Christ to come and die for us. That being said, everyone has commited trangression in the form of not obeying a commandment..Thats just life

Yeah thats a lie. If only ONE person never broke a commandment , then it would not have been neccessary for Christ to come and die for us. That being said, everyone has commited trangression in the form of not obeying a commandment..Thats just life

I'm certainly no theologian, but I thought the interpretation of sin in most doctrines was far broader than the Ten Commandments of Exodus. Doesn't the actual list include something over 600 various statutes? Maybe he hasn't busted any of the big 10, but he's totally gone to town on the others.

Some do, some don't. The Catholic church doesn't have a problem with drinking in moderation but many protestant demoniations do.

How do they feel about LSD?

Oh yeah..Last time i checked Iron maiden is what one would call a"christian group"


an excerpt from the song The number of the beast:
666 the number of the beast
666 the one for you and me
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/i/iron-maiden/68027.html

If they were christian why would they proclaim that 666 is the number for them? From my understanding, if anyone takes the mark of the beast, or has anything to do with him, then they are not of Christ.

In the case that perhaps they were singing this song as impersonating a hell bound sinner or satan, why would they be glorifying it in a song? Shouldn't they be glorifying Christ instead?

Dearest Brothers and Sisters In Christ,
Nothing is more of a harm to one's witness than to be hypocritical in one's life. Example, John Smith says "Hey I am a christian. This is what I beleive. Blah Blah Blah" Later that night John Smith is seen at a party with a can of Busch in one hand and a bottle of smirnoff in the other. But it is more than that. When we as Christians presents ourselves as so, we are then watched by the world in every aspect. Then we go off and do something idiotic and ruin our witness.This is not to say that anyone is perfect. But really, is anyone making an attempt nowadays?

Recently, I have been a victim of this cruel process. I have had the hardest time with swearing. I admit it, I have said some pretty foul, profane words. And then the next moment words relating to Jesus or the Word, slip out of the same filthy mouth. This is such an embarrassment to our Saviour. How can we- How can I- sit here, claim Christ and then follow the flesh?? The Bible tells us that we cannot serve two masters. We cannot serve both man and Christ. It is one or the other. I personally wish to serve My Saviour. So thus, I know i need to work myself back to where i was previously, and then go from there.

In regards to the church; How can we claim that we are the Body of Christ? Are some of our action necessarily what Christ would do or want us to do? How can we preach the love and tolerance that Christ showed us, when we are not willing to show it to the world? How can we complain about the shape of the world, yet not move from our comfort zones, to spread his Holy Gospel? These are all things that need to be worked on! We need to go out to the community and show the world how the Love of Christ has transformed us into wonderful creatures. We need to show the world that in these times of war, death, and hate, there are those that still care. there are those that still have Hope for this world. That is what this world needs. It needs us to get off our lazy rears and march through the streets proclaiming His Glory in every breath we have, every step we take, every move we make. We must be first willing to live the life according to his will. We need reform, and we need it now.

Furthermore, we need to monitor what goes on in our churches. I hear reports of so called megachurches or superchurches, that seek to entertain the attendees. How is that at all what God wants? Did Jesus not overthrow the tables in the temple, for more or less making a mockery of it? We should do the same, EVEN IF it is NOT popular! If we were to do what was popular, the church would be dead. I, for one, will do all I can to prevent that from happening in my lifetime. The church is a place for worship, fellowship, learning, and love. So why then are vulgar movies, and sports shows allowed on during some services? Why are video games, and rock and roll allowed to pollute the mind of our younger brothers and sisters, IN CHURCH? We must stand up and say enough is enough! We will not compromise our faith! We will not give ground to our enemy! We will not give up on God. We will stand for what is right. We will fight our mortal enemy in every way we can. We must do have this attitude or satan has already won this battle, and our lifestyle will be no more.

In closing, if i have "stepped on any toes", too bad! talk it over with God! :)But what i have said has come from the deepest part of my heart. This message is one not filled with condemnation, but rather one of hope and love, so that we may change our ways before it is too late. One final thought to think about; If we give an inch here and a foot there, how long before the entire mile is gone? How much longer will we compromise the faith, and even more let our Saviour's love be in vain?



In him

Thomas


Ps- If you have anything to comment on about this or any questions, please feel free to telegram me or just reply to this.

What's all this 'We' crap?

Jesus told me that love, generosity, respect for my fellow man and belief in Him as my personal savior are enough.

Are you sure you were listening to Jesus and not some wacko clergyman?

I'm certainly no theologian, but I thought the interpretation of sin in most doctrines was far broader than the Ten Commandments of Exodus. Doesn't the actual list include something over 600 various statutes? Maybe he hasn't busted any of the big 10, but he's totally gone to town on the others.


Well it does include all of those laws...Which is another reason Christ came. Because if we can't even keep 10..then how are we to keep over 600(your estimate..idk how many) But i was just pointing out it is impossible in anyway to keep all 10 commandments, even though we should still try

What's all this 'We' crap?

Jesus told me that love, generosity, respect for my fellow man and belief in Him as my personal savior are enough.

Are you sure you were listening to Jesus and not some wacko clergyman?


We...because as christian WE are in this together. No individuals. We are all connected and thus all need to work to make things better. Yes those are all enough, but why settle with enough? why not go the extra mile and try to make things as best as possible. No i don't listen to the clergy very much. I listen only to my saviour :)

We...because as christian WE are in this together. No individuals.

See you at the 2-minutes Hate.

See you at the 2-minutes Hate.

Ohhh, obscure.

Oh yeah..Last time i checked Iron maiden is what one would call a"christian group"


an excerpt from the song The number of the beast:
666 the number of the beast
666 the one for you and me
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/i/iron-maiden/68027.html

If they were christian why would they proclaim that 666 is the number for them? From my understanding, if anyone takes the mark of the beast, or has anything to do with him, then they are not of Christ.

In the case that perhaps they were singing this song as impersonating a hell bound sinner or satan, why would they be glorifying it in a song? Shouldn't they be glorifying Christ instead?

You took a cool song out of context. Read it all next time, they aren't taking the number of the beast, its about how hard it is to reject satan.

Ohhh, obscure.

Sorry, my bad. Should I have asked him if he would've been willing to throw acid in a baby's face to free the world?

We...because as christian WE are in this together. No individuals. We are all connected and thus all need to work to make things better. Yes those are all enough, but why settle with enough? why not go the extra mile and try to make things as best as possible. No i don't listen to the clergy very much. I listen only to my saviour :)

Well, that's good. Because for the most part, clergymen are nothing but people with the arrogance to consider themselves humble.

The clearest voice of God is the one each of us hears. A lot of people lack balance in their lives. But do YOU think YOU'RE the one to give it to them? Live your life well. Show people what a well-lived life is like.

MOst importantly, be as generous with your tolerance as with your beliefs.

Well, that's good. Because for the most part, clergymen are nothing but people with the arrogance to consider themselves humble.

The clearest voice of God is the one each of us hears. A lot of people lack balance in their lives. But do YOU think YOU'RE the one to give it to them? Live your life well. Show people what a well-lived life is like.

MOst importantly, be as generous with your tolerance as with your beliefs.

Wow, that's lucid.

Wow, that's lucid.

Sorry. Sometimes this stuff slips through my wacky filter. :p

Ohhh, obscure.

I got it. :)