Your Christian Identity

[nPeace]

Any idiot can not swear, big deal

The medal's in the post

Being a Christian is way more challenging than just that

There is way more to being a Christian than getting dressed up in certain clothes and not saying certain words, and parading about in your church, or handing out your propaganda on the streets

Those things are only really about posturing, about putting on a show

Those parts are the easy parts

But if that's the bit you're most concerned about and interested in then fair enough......

Is that a yes, or no? Not sure.

 

[Eddi]

Is that a yes, or no? Not sure.

The way I see it, a Christian way of life is shaped by four factors:

• Scripture
• Reason
• Tradition
• Experience

So yes, scripture is important but it has to be unlocked using the other three

Indeed in all circumstances how scripture is followed depends on the other three....

Even in your church how scripture is interpreted is based on a certain pattern reason and a certain body of tradition

That's the basis for all the different denominations having the same text but massively different interpretations of it

So, in answer to your question, I would say that The Bible is essential to being a Christian

But that other factors have to be taken into consideration

Regarding foul language:

I do not see it as being a justification or salvation issue

But yes, a common characteristic of those who are justified/saved is that they mostly refrain from swearing

But as I said before, there is a time and a place for it

I value honesty

And sometimes foul language can be devastatingly honest

 

[101G]

So, if someone has faith that murdering unbelievers is God's will, are they justified before God and their own souls somehow?

is it God Faith that tells you to murder? thank you.

101G.

 

[101G]

I do not agree that you can use that verse to justifying doing something that is harmful to either yourself or others.

did I say that ... or u?

101G.

 

[InChrist]

I know this is off topic, but I am curious to know, so may I ask what you mean.
Do you mean you worship alone, or do you worship with a group, but not in any particular group?
Or do you mean you attend and worship where you find people gathered for worship, but you don't belong?


Yeah. Me too.


These are scripture I also had in mind.

I mean that I believe when one trusts Jesus as their Savior and is born again to new life in Christ one then immediately becomes a part of the Body of Christ/ His church which is composed of Christian believers all around the world. I have attended a variety of Bible churches/ groups over the years, worshiping and fellowshipping with other believers. Right now I am going to a non- denomination church.

 

[Windwalker]

did I say that ... or u?

101G.

You said that. You quoted the verse that says happy is the person in what they allow for themselves. So you were saying it's okay to swear and curse others, so long as you don't condemn yourself for it. Why else were you quoting that passage? For what other reason?

Explain this post to us if you didn't mean that then:

Addressing the OP, one, no two scriptures, Romans 14:22 "Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth." Romans 14:23 "And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."

101G.

 

[Windwalker]

is it God Faith that tells you to murder? thank you.

101G.

What if it was? It certainly is for a lot of murders who kill in the name of God. So, do you believe these two verses you quoted apply then to them? If they kill another in an act of faith, are they justified before God? Or are they self-deceived and are not justified? Please answer. Please explain yourself.

Addressing the OP, one, no two scriptures, Romans 14:22 "Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth." Romans 14:23 "And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."

101G.

 

[Treks]

Thanks. I was raised Methodist, but left. I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Okay, thanks for letting me know!

 

[Treks]

I think that just like it's OK to feel sexual desire for your spouse (but not OK to lust after other people), it's OK to cuss when you stub your toe (but not OK to be cruel, uncouth, etc. with your words). Being cruel with your words may not even involve cuss words. I think this is a very important concept to think about, and is more important than whether or not a person says a cuss word.

 

[Kenny]

If you identify as Christian, what is your belief, or view on cussing - profanity - using abusive speech or words.
I'm referring to those words which most news media and TV channels censor.

@Kenny @InChrist and others, I would really like to hear your side on this.
Could you also identify what faith you identify with (by faith, I mean "denomination").

Since being born again, I have enlarged my vocabulary to the point that I don't cuss anymore

It doesn't bother me when other people use cuss words as I am in this world. I'm sure Jesus heard the language too.

Where as before, if I would accidentally stub my toe, I would say "$#@*#" - now i would just say "Praise God, Glory, that hurt, thank you for healing" et al.

(non-denominational - but like unto Assemblies of God or Church of God and others)

 

[101G]

You said that. You quoted the verse that says happy is the person in what they allow for themselves. So you were saying it's okay to swear and curse others, so long as you don't condemn yourself for it. Why else were you quoting that passage? For what other reason?

Explain this post to us if you didn't mean that then:

sure, have you been taught to swear and curse others? so you have faith for it then? .... thought so,

101G.

 

[pearl]

When you say "polite language", do you mean like "Go fly a kite"?

Instead of ****off?

 

[Windwalker]

sure, have you been taught to swear and curse others? so you have faith for it then? .... thought so,

101G.

I have no idea what you are saying. Are you trying to say that if you just do something by default, because you were programmed by it, that that's not really anything to try to correct because that's what you consider to be acting by faith? If you mean to communicate understanding, you'll need to be a little more precise with your language.

 

[101G]

I have no idea what you are saying. Are you trying to say that if you just do something by default, because you were programmed by it, that that's not really anything to try to correct because that's what you consider to be acting by faith? If you mean to communicate understanding, you'll need to be a little more precise with your language.

let 101G put it this way. maybe then you might understand. Romans 8:5 "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit." Romans 8:6 "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Romans 8:7 "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Romans 8:8 "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:9 "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."

did you get it? if not let 101G point it out to you. Romans 8:8 "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." SEE IT? if not, Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

now back to my original scripture, Romans 14:23 "And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."

can one get any plainer?

101G.

 

[Windwalker]

let 101G put it this way. maybe then you might understand. Romans 8:5 "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit." Romans 8:6 "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Romans 8:7 "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Romans 8:8 "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." Romans 8:9 "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."

did you get it? if not let 101G point it out to you. Romans 8:8 "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." SEE IT? if not, Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

now back to my original scripture, Romans 14:23 "And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."

can one get any plainer?

101G.

No. It is not answering my direct question. Could you ask 101G to answer it this time? Windwalker is waiting for an answer from him. Ask 101G to answer this clear question with an either yes or no answer. If a Christian believes it is okay for him to swear, beat, kick, spit on, or even kill another person, is it okay with God because it is an act of faith for him? Yes or no?

 

[101G]

No. It is not answering my direct question. Could you ask 101G to answer it this time?

just like u said, "NO". especially when 101G, has answered, and answered, why answer again, u still are not understanding.

why don't you put scriptures together in order to understand the working principle of the doctrine being taught?

so 101G answer is "NO" for you, but 101G answers "TO" u is go to God, and let him teach u the answer...... then u can come back to 101G. .....

101G.

 

[Windwalker]

just like u said, "NO". especially when 101G, has answered, and answered, why answer again, u still are not understanding.

why don't you put scriptures together in order to understand the working principle of the doctrine being taught?

so 101G answer is "NO" for you, but 101G answers "TO" u is go to God, and let him teach u the answer...... then u can come back to 101G. .....

101G.

To he who speaks of self in the 3rd person:

Jesus gives up.

 

[nPeace]

The way I see it, a Christian way of life is shaped by four factors:

• Scripture
• Reason
• Tradition
• Experience

So yes, scripture is important but it has to be unlocked using the other three

Indeed in all circumstances how scripture is followed depends on the other three....

Even in your church how scripture is interpreted is based on a certain pattern reason and a certain body of tradition

That's the basis for all the different denominations having the same text but massively different interpretations of it

So, in answer to your question, I would say that The Bible is essential to being a Christian

But that other factors have to be taken into consideration

Regarding foul language:

I do not see it as being a justification or salvation issue

But yes, a common characteristic of those who are justified/saved is that they mostly refrain from swearing

But as I said before, there is a time and a place for it

I value honesty

And sometimes foul language can be devastatingly honest

Let's test out what you say.

Jesus said to his apostles...
(Matthew 10:32-39) 32 “Everyone, then, who acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father who is in the heavens. 33 But whoever disowns me before men, I will also disown him before my Father who is in the heavens. 34 Do not think I came to bring peace to the earth; I came to bring, not peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to cause division, with a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 Indeed, a man’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever has greater affection for father or mother than for me is not worthy of me; and whoever has greater affection for son or daughter than for me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not accept his torture stake and follow after me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his soul will lose it, and whoever loses his soul for my sake will find it.
(Galatians 6:10)

Do you love Jesus more than your mother, and father, sister, and brother, aunt, uncle, neice, nephew, son, daughter...?

How does

• Reason
• Tradition
• Experience

help you to unlock that scripture?

(Matthew 19:9-12) 9 I say to YOU that whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of fornication, and marries another commits adultery.” 10 The disciples said to him: “If such is the situation of a man with his wife, it is not advisable to marry.” 11 He said to them: “Not all men make room for the saying, but only those who have the gift. 12 For there are eunuchs that were born such from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs that were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs that have made themselves eunuchs on account of the kingdom of the heavens. Let him that can make room for it make room for it.”
(Matthew 12:46-50)

Do you agree with Jesus, that one cannot divorce for any reason other than fornication, and not have God's disapproval?

How does

• Reason
• Tradition
• Experience

help you to unlock that scripture?

(Matthew 5:43-48) 43 “You heard that it was said: ‘You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good and makes it rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing? 48 You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Do you love your enemies?
I'm not sure if you consider your dad, or father an enemy. Do you love him?

How does

• Reason
• Tradition
• Experience

help you to unlock that scripture?

There are quite a many I can pull up here to test your "theories", but I don't want to swamp you.

(I'm not saying this is how you feel. I'm just asking a question, on how you feel about it.)
My question after you answer the above, is, do you think that if you disobey God, because "your reason" tells you that God's commandment is not practical, that you deserve to have anything from God, or do you think you would be worthy of the same "reward" as any atheist?

For the record , Jehovah's Witnesses do not use reason, tradition, and experience to determine whether to accept a scripture, or not. Scripture comes first.
In other words, since we have come to the conclusion that the scriptures is God's word to us, and we view God's ways, as superior to ours, we allow our thoughts, to be guided and governed by God.

If we used reason to decide what scriptural admonishion to follow, we would be like the millions professing Christianity today... "Lord, you know the sun real hot, and most people don't want to listen. It's not reasonable to walk through the hot sun knocking on doors. seriously Lord. Lord, you know we live in a real tough world. Lord, be reasonable, We gotta use a cuss word here and there. Come on. It's only reasonable, Lord. Lord, Lord..."

You know Jesus' reply right... Or don't you?
“Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but only the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, ... And then I will declare to them: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

Does that mean we don't use reason?
Of course not. Using our power of reason in line with scripture, is in fact reasonable.
To highlight this fact, here is one example.

(Acts 15:28-29) 28 For the holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you except these necessary things: 29 to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper. Good health to you!”

God commanded to abstain from blood.
Jehovah's Witnesses obey that command even though professed Christians and the world says, that is folly.
We obey regardless.
Is that against reason?
To the contrary.

Not only does it show that we obey God, and Jesus thus proving faithfulness and loyalty to God, It also shows that we trust that God does know best, and God's word is true - We don't just say it.

People find this out later, but their lack of faith is also made manifest.
Blood transfusions come with risks, including the potential for allergic reactions and blood-borne infections, so more doctors are considering bloodless medicine for all kinds of procedures.

Open-Heart Surgery Achieves Success Without Blood Transfusions
Teamwork and careful planning allowed for successful surgery to treat a congenital heart defect in an infant who, for religious reasons, could not receive blood transfusions or blood products.

 

[nPeace]

I mean that I believe when one trusts Jesus as their Savior and is born again to new life in Christ one then immediately becomes a part of the Body of Christ/ His church which is composed of Christian believers all around the world. I have attended a variety of Bible churches/ groups over the years, worshiping and fellowshipping with other believers. Right now I am going to a non- denomination church.

Okay, thanks. I still have questions.
Since the title of the thread is "Your Christian Identity", here is the appropriate place to ask.
Are you okay with questions regarding your "non-denomination church"?

Anyone is free to ask me about JWs who are non-denominational, and not identified as a church.

In the Bible, the congregation (Church) is knows as the body of Christ.
The Greek word for “congregation” (ek·kle·siʹa) refers to a group of people gathered together for a common purpose. 1 Corinthians 12:28; 2 Corinthians 1:1
Some Bibles use “church” to render the Greek word ek·kle·siʹa in this and other verses. However, since many think of a church as a building used for religious services rather than as a group of people engaging in worship, the rendering “congregation” is more accurate.

 

[101G]

To he who speaks of self in the 3rd person:

View attachment 70143

Jesus gives up.

ERROR, John 10:29 "My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."

101G.