| jenpr17 | -- 05-01-2006 @ 8:33 AM |
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I have a few questions that perhaps one of you can answer for me. I've been to "EL REY DE JESUS" a couple of times to accompany my cousin who is an avid member. Personally, I'm very involved with my catholic youth group but of course I'm opened minded and encourage anyone finding their path to GOD in the realm that they choose. I don't know much about this church only really what I saw the two times I went and what my cousin and a couple of friends share with me when we discuss Christianity. My questions are as follows: My cousin always wants to make a point that she's Christian and I'm Catholic so I'm different and I wont understand her Christianity. I am always open to her information and do try to tell her that we are all Christians because whether it be Catholic, Pentacostal, Baptists, etc. we all believe in the Gospel, the whole bible and in Jesus Christ. Does the church differ with this thinking? Another question, she has been telling me that she is taught to stay away from anything or anyone un-Christian. While, I do understand this reasoning-in that keeping yourself in a Christian environment will always help you grow and stay on the right path-what I want to ask -is does this mean turn away from people just because they are not Christian. Perhaps I'm wrongly interpreting what she is telling me, but it seems to me that an aura of "judging" can be felt when I hear these things. I was always taught not to judge, to love thy neighbor, to try to help people out~I'm sure this is what the church is teaching as well being that it is Christian, right? Another, major topic of discussion we have been having- again, I totally understand why she would be taught to stay away from "worldy" things and things of evil nature but what I've been telling her is that bottom line regardless of where you are and who you are with- with God in your heart and staying Christian in your actions- it is not always neccessary to feel like your limited when it comes to socializing? What does the church teach about these things~an example we bring up alot is that she is always telling me as a Christian she can't go to parties or to clubs. I respond with that going somewhere to spend time and dance with your friends won't send you to hell- I tell her that of course you shouldn't be getting drunk, or doing drugs, or having sexual encounters but that the way you act amongst these situations is what really matters? Is it wrong for me to give her this view point, according to the church? I'm not trying to steer her the wrong way but I do want to understand her more because I love her and I love Jesus Christ too~so perhaps one of you can give some answers !!! Thanks
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| Dutchy | -- 07-06-2006 @ 4:27 PM |
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Hi Jen, These are tough questions you're asking! They concern the heart of living like a christian. Well, I will try to give you some answers. Whether you are a christian or not does not depend on the church you're going to. It depends on the condition of your heart. When you have given your heart to Jesus - when you have decided to live your life with Him and for Him - then you are a christian! God has no special places in heaven for different churches. About going to pubs and dancings etc, well, I don't do that myself, but that is mainly because I don't like it that much. I don't like the atmosphere, so I stay away. As long as you remeber that your heart is beating for Jesus and not for booze or that wonderful guy you've never seen before, it won't do you much harm. But when you are open for influences that will keep you away from Jesus ... protect yourself and don't go! That's called: flee from sin! And staying away from non-christians - well, that makes telling them about Jesus a little difficult, won't it? I don't think you should have a heart-to-heart relationship with a non-christian. They won't understand you and they will never give you God-inspired advice. But I have a friend since primary school who is not a christian, and we have lots of fun together! So relax - listen to your heart - and love Jesus!! Than you will make it fine!! A day without love is a day without life
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| Cori07 | -- 08-06-2006 @ 10:00 PM |
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Okay..you're very right and a little wrong. This friend of yours is right when it comes to not going to clubs or parties or anything that could bring her down..she's also right in not really becoming close friends with unbelievers. Now then...as far as clubs and parties go - it's not okay to go into a bar or strip club and expect to come out perfectly fine. The Bible says to stay away from 'wild parties' ...that doesn't mean its wrong to go to a b-day party but if it consists of drinking and inappropiate dancing - then you shouldn't attend. Simply because we are put here to live holy lives through Jesus Christ and unless your going to that party with a motive and action of witnessing to people - it's best to stay away. As far as the non-socialism with unbelievers...we are put here to GO and to WITNESS to our friends and family members and even those out of our little circle. If your best friend is an unbeliever then you should distance a bit away from them because they will eventually bring you down in your walk with Christ...but...that doesnt mean we're supposed to ignore those who need Jesus and those who don't even know Him as WE know Him. And yes you are right and wrong about the whole Catholic and Baptist and Methodist and all that being in one Christian-based religion. It doesn't matter what denomination you are as long as your a Bible-based church. I go to an Assembly of God church while my mom was raised Baptist -- but we're still just as close as we'd be if we were in the same denomination. Although I've heard that Catholism is different then Christianity - it confuses me actually!! My advice: Just keep praying for your friend to come to a better understanding of GOd. and know that no matter what God is there to help you in all your situations -- you keep your eyes on the Prize and nothin else will matter...keep the faith!! I'll be praying for y'all.. God bless!! -Cori-
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| cindydg | -- 01-02-2008 @ 10:56 AM |
quote: Some really good advice here! I'd just add that it's the motivation and the Lord's leading going into "iffy" social situations, that should be our guide there. It's not what we can get by w/ and still be "Christian"; it's what does it take to stay close to the Lord. A real Christian would not desire to partake of things like that, unless led by God to do so for ministry. We must interact w/ the world (like Jesus did), but we are told not to have close friendships w/ them (as He did not). He CHOSE His friends,and they ministered together, totally led by God: not what they thought would be fun and "ok". As for the Catholic issue, some of the most sincere believers I've known are Catholic. The issue isn't our church affiliation, but whether or not we're BORN AGAIN. We are only to pray to GOD, in Jesus' name - not Mary, not saints - only HE can answer prayer. So forget the labels, don't argue about the extras, and stick to what the Bible says. In Pursuit, Cindy
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