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Luke-warm Christian?

jeffrey

†ßig Dog†
The Bible is subject to interpretation. Hence, so many religions, so many Bibles. Who is to say is right? Jesus. My interpretation: We are to act like Jesus, to the best of our ability, by showing love. Compassion. Be humble. He never gave us the right to judge. Quite the opposite. As ND said in another thread, love God, love your neighbor. That is Christ like.
 

Evenstar

The Wicked Christian
Well! Thank you so much. See im a newish Christian, and found the Bible very hard to read, so I was giving another Bible to read, it was put into daily speech.... and I understood what I was reading.
Now please understand not all people are as intellectual as thou. And once again this is judging.​
Back to my first concept then "I cant be a Christian" And to honest with what I read in here, I dont want to be one either.
 

jeffrey

†ßig Dog†
may said:
whats important is weather the teaching are inline with the bible did not Jesus call the religious leaders of his day (serpents of vipers ) and hypocrits make no mistake about it to be a follower of jesus is to follow his example and that would include making known falsehood especially to religious leaders claiming to represent God .
The same can be said of Christians today.
 

Mike182

Flaming Queer
fromthe heart said:
I've noticed some big changes in attitude these days and that some Christians are becoming luke-warm. Changes in Bible texts to make text easier to read is in MPO a wrong in what we as Christians should do. Eventually the text will become so unlike scripture to 'suit' the readers request. Plus having the different services some churches have such as one of my family members attend. They have an old time Bible preaching service then they have the more contemporary service with the up beat music. then they have the one that has the teen style beat. So therefore just what do you see is a luke-warm Christian?

Personally I don't feel a true Christian would chose to have the scriptures changed...or that they would allow for some of what is accepted in some of todays churches given how scriptures says a Christian is to be...I would like some in-put from you all on this since I personally have a luke-warm Christian in my family and the differences are very apparent. Church going on Sunday unless the Steelers are playing a home game then it's off to Pittsburgh to the game...shouldn't we bide by the real facts of the Bible and ACT more like Christians should than having so many differences?

I don't say all this to get those of you who don't use KJV angry...it's more to get you to take a look at what you really see as a strong Christian...I personally don't care what version of the Bible you read but have noticed many ministers are making it quite an issue around here.

Thank you in advance.:)
we are defined by our actions, and our actions (if we are christian) should be defined by our faith

so differences between denominations aside, a strong christian is the one who does not judge, who turns the other cheek, who donates happily both his time and his money to the needy, and the one who takes up his own personal cross and stands sholder to sholder with jesus (that metaphorical ofcourse:D )

now, only 500 years ago the reading of scriptures was done in latin, so not many people understood their faith, i agree with re-writting the bible to make it's message easier to understand, and i think it is the job of a preacher to take the message of the bible in its original social context, and interprit it into todays social context - but i agree that it is important to not alter the message

however, many people do disagree over the meanings and significances of certain parts/scriptures/parabels etc, which define what they specifically believe, but the core belief is the same

and now im not sure if im answering a question or going off on a tangent :p

i think the meaning of the bible has been changed through out time, and king james is guilty of this aswell (thou shalt not suffer a poisoner *witch* to live) but remember, the majority of the bible was not written by jesus, and so although it is inspired by peoples whole hearted faith in jesus and inspired by God, it was not written by God, so it is still an interpritation of a message

cheers
 

may

Well-Known Member
jgallandt said:
The same can be said of Christians today.
yes i agree with that one , so how many religions who call them selves christian stick to the bible , without taking on there own thoughts and teachings, i think that many like to have their ears tickled and pick the bits that suit them, and fit the bible to the worlds standards ,rather than the other way around ,no wonder that people are confused when so called religious leaders water down Gods word its not a case of what do i want out of the bible , but it is a case of what does God require of us
If religious leaders in Christendom really taught what the Bible says, their flocks would know that God’s Kingdom will indeed solve problems such as poverty, disease, racial inequity, and oppression. But it will be in God’s due time and in God’s way. It will not be through the reform of political systems, which will pass away when the Kingdom comes. If these clergymen were true prophets, they would have taught their flocks that while waiting for God’s Kingdom to act, they can find real, God-given, practical help to handle the problems that the inequities of this world cause. no i think that so called christian leaders are more a part of the world , when really they should be no part of the world

 

Terrywoodenpic

Oldest Heretic
Mike182 said:
we are defined by our actions, and our actions (if we are christian) should be defined by our faith
Very true Mike.

It is very clear to me that we should first of all learn from Christs teachings.
He made it quite clear what he expected of us.
He gave a map of how to live our lives, treat others, and love and respect God.

To spend our time arguing over specific translations out of a Bible, is not part of God's plan for us.

We don't need detailed interpretations to live our lives as Jesus taught us.
The fine detail is of more interest to theologians than to practising christians.

I would be happy to pray with any Christian who demonstrated he was one, by the way he lived, rather than by the denomination he belonged to.

Terry__________________________
Blessed are the pure of heart, they shall behold their God.
 

michel

Administrator Emeritus
Staff member
Good posts, Mike and Terry. I feel better now; I was starting to think "Am I not as good as I should be ?" - I have problems with concentration, and my memory is appaling. I am resigned to the fact that what goes through one ear goes out of the other; the general drift is the most important message, and I think I can cope with that!
 

Mike182

Flaming Queer
Terrywoodenpic said:
Very true Mike.

It is very clear to me that we should first of all learn from Christs teachings.
He made it quite clear what he expected of us.
He gave a map of how to live our lives, treat others, and love and respect God.

To spend our time arguing over specific translations out of a Bible, is not part of God's plan for us.

We don't need detailed interpretations to live our lives as Jesus taught us.
The fine detail is of more interest to theologians than to practising christians.

I would be happy to pray with any Christian who demonstrated he was one, by the way he lived, rather than by the denomination he belonged to.

Terry__________________________
Blessed are the pure of heart, they shall behold their God.
if a CofE and a christian wiccan can agree, then we must have got something right atleast :D a good post terry, God bloess
 
Where does it say that? could we be judging?

This is exactly why I'm your 'luke warm Christian' So called Christians with their mightier then thou attitude. Preaching that their way is the only way. If you don't heed to their way of thinking, your going to hell. Condemning gays. Condemning any way of life that differs from theirs. What Jesus teach? Humility. Love EVERYONE! JUDGE NOT! If judging people, deciding for yourself who goes to heaven and who doesn't makes you a Christian, count me out. I'd rather find God on my own then be a part of that.

Jesus was also perfect. Did he not also say "He who is without sin be the 1st to cast a stone?" He is the only one that can judge. Seems a whole lot of Christians cast many a stone. It's cool to have your beliefs. I have mine. I believe Mine are correct.... for me. I try not to tell others how to live their lives. But others try to tell me how to live mine, according to their faith

The Bible is subject to interpretation. Hence, so many religions, so many Bibles. Who is to say is right? Jesus. My interpretation: We are to act like Jesus, to the best of our ability, by showing love. Compassion. Be humble. He never gave us the right to judge. Quite the opposite. As ND said in another thread, love God, love your neighbor. That is Christ like.
Where does it say that? could we be judging?

I'm not judging... Judging is discearning between good and evil. What judging is being looked at today is condemning... there is a HUGE differance.

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:15-16)

In another place (I have to look for it) Jesus says that you are either with Him or against Him and that you cannot serve two masters... Him and the world. Lukewarm means trying to serve both masters... if your trying to live for Christ and are carrying your cross daily then don't worry about it.\

When are not supposed to judge other people... But we do judge their ACTIONS. By their fruit we know them. We have to judge if something is right or wrong, thats good judgement. We don't judge them in the sense of "Your going to Hell. Your going to Heaven." We do not judge the heart of a man, but mearly the outward acts.

You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere man? (1 Corinthians 3:3) Here Paul "judged" the people of Corinth. It was a godly judgment. He was judging their conduct.

What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." (1 Corinthians 5:12-13)

If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge teh world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trival cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? But instead, one brother goes to law against another - and this in front of unbelievers!(1 Corinthians 6:1-6)

We also judge ourselves and our own actions. There is a certain order of things that happens to a Christian.
1. He Judges Himself
2. Others Judge Him
3. God's Judgement
If He fails to correct his behavior by juding himself then it is taken to believers. If it still doesn't work then God will send His judgment. (For a better understanding see Judging by Derek Prince.)

This is exactly why I'm your 'luke warm Christian' So called Christians with their mightier then thou attitude.

I don't have a "Mightier then thou attitude"! I sin just like everybody else! I consider myself better than no man, woman, or angel. I simply wish to be more and more like my Lord.


Preaching that their way is the only way.

Jesus is the only way... What other way would you like?

If you don't heed to their way of thinking, your going to hell.

Ummm... not my way of thinking... its God's. He has given His Son for you... What else would you like Him to do?

Condemning gays. Condemning any way of life that differs from theirs.

If a Christian condemns... HE IS GOING AGAINST SCRIPTURE!! Romans 8:1 tells us there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. And one of my close friends is bi... I'm not and I garuntee that if you ask him if I have ever condemned him he will say no. I'll give a phone number if you wish... And the Bible says Homosexuality is a sin... not me or any other Christian. So once again, take it up with God.

What Jesus teach? Humility. Love EVERYONE!

Exactly... But what does humility have to do with judging? And you judge(discipline) those you love... I do love everybody with agapa love. The unconditional love.

If judging people, deciding for yourself who goes to heaven and who doesn't makes you a Christian, count me out. I'd rather find God on my own then be a part of that.

A Christian acting out of line with Scripture condemns you it doesn't affect your salvation, although it might affect his....

Jesus was also perfect. Did he not also say "He who is without sin be the 1st to cast a stone?" He is the only one that can judge. Seems a whole lot of Christians cast many a stone.

I agree... But judging and condemning are different. Is it okay for the government to judge your actions?

It's cool to have your beliefs. I have mine. I believe Mine are correct.... for me. I try not to tell others how to live their lives. But others try to tell me how to live mine, according to their faith.

And I respect that... why do you believe yours are correct?

The Bible is subject to interpretation. Hence, so many religions, so many Bibles.

Says who? God? The Holy Bible is not subjected to one mans opinion. And each "religion" has their own "Bible," so to say that is to speak untruth.

As ND said in another thread, love God, love your neighbor. That is Christ like.

Amen.

He never gave us the right to judge. Quite the opposite.

How can we tell black from white without making a judgment? Aren't we suppose to judge our own lives? Judge what is right and what is wrong?

- David -
 

Katzpur

Not your average Mormon
Mike182 said:
if a CofE and a christian wiccan can agree, then we must have got something right atleast :D a good post terry, God bloess
Add a Mormon to that group, please. ;)
 

jeffrey

†ßig Dog†
Jesus stated the 2 laws. Love God, love your neighbor. Everything else is subject to interpretation. You are attempting to judge by your standards. Your beliefs. You are casting stones by saying your beliefs are right, and others are wrong, yet you admit you sin. I know what I feel in my heart. I will not tell you your beliefs are wrong... for you.
 

fromthe heart

Well-Known Member
jgallandt said:
This is exactly why I'm your 'luke warm Christian' So called Christians with their mightier then thou attitude. Preaching that their way is the only way. If you don't heed to their way of thinking, your going to hell. Condemning gays. Condemning any way of life that differs from theirs. What Jesus teach? Humility. Love EVERYONE! JUDGE NOT! If judging people, deciding for yourself who goes to heaven and who doesn't makes you a Christian, count me out. I'd rather find God on my own then be a part of that.
No offense but what you are speaking of in 'condemning gays' as judging....I believe we have to first understand you can love your brothers and sisters in Christ but along with loving we are to 'say' when they commit a sin....if you stand for God you stand for right and if you stand for what is right then you look for the good in people and you want for them not to commit a sin that could put them out of touch with the Lord....this is NOT judging this is concern and is not meant to be any type of hateful act towards anyone...a true Christian doesn't say I'm right and you're wrong...you look for common ground biblically and if you see someone committing a sinful act you ARE to bring it to their attention. You don't just stand by and see them perish in sin because you might offend someone...you love them enough to tell them what you feel is proper Christian behaviour and once you point it out to them there is no need to persecute them or berate them;you have then done your duty as their sister and brother in Christ to tell them...not everyone can stand just with God...some have one foot with God and the other with Satan...the Bible tells us this is impossible as a true Christian to do. We must either stand with God or against Him. Those who walk in between the lines are only hurting their own souls. If you are one of those who say well sure they sleep with the same sex but they are good people you need to turn to the Word of God for it's certian 'your sin will find you out-1Corinthians 6:9-10 and 6-18...as for gays...look at Lev.18:22-Romans 1:24-32....and in Isaiah 5-20-24 which begins with 'woe unto them that call evil good,and good evil;....

God calls these sex acts that are unatural 'vile affections'...No true Christian can say homesexual behavior is right in the eyes of the Lord. In saying that you also have to remember these that feel differently have a luke-warm heart on the words God put forth...and even though you see these actions as 'vile' you must not cast stones either because no one who walks this earth is without sin. You CAN love others AND disapprove of what they do without walking in that luke-warm world.
 

jeffrey

†ßig Dog†
This is what turns people off towards Christianity. The 'Your right, everyone else is wrong' attitude. I read the Bible, I will get something out of it you won't, and visa versa. So will michel. And Kat. And ND. And Terry. And aqualung. And Mike. Does this mean one is right and the rest is wrong? No, it does not. It means God has different ways to reach different people. Please respect that.
 

jeffrey

†ßig Dog†
I might disagree with what Victor believes to some extent about his views. I might disagree with aqualung on some of his views. But I respect them. And since they follow the 2 laws that Jesus stated, I'm sure I will meet them in heaven. You take your values and interpretations and judge others for that.
 
I read the Bible, I will get something out of it you won't
What do you get out of this:
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."
 

jeffrey

†ßig Dog†
JesusIsTheWay said:
What do you get out of this:
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."
I get Paul addressing an issue in his letter to a particular church that you are attempting to find your own meaning from to justify you judging others.
 

jeffrey

†ßig Dog†
gnosis_777 said:
christians arent supposed to be judgemental. period. (redundant?)
You are correct. This is why my wife struggles so much with being called a Christian. The narrow-minded I'm right your wrong attitude of some. To her, most Wiccans, which she has roots to, are more 'Christ like' then alot of so called Christians.
 
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