[Levi Jones]

Re: Just joined

Wow that is the best advice I have gotten so far. And yes I have started reading cover to cover. On my kindle and in print. And I never said where the bible was quoted less. I am all for quotes not just the impersonal interpretation of a pastor. I would actually like more quotes. And there is a vast misinterpretation of what I have been trying to convey. I have no problem with

But the high and mighty act is a little tired. How about

Psalms 147:6
The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground

Psalms 149:4
For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.

Proverbs 3:34
He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.

Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 27:2
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.

Friend, I try to be always humble. The words I use come from the Bible. They are not my own. As far as the ability of a Christian to judge others, the Bible says we can because we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:15-16 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Matthew 18:3-4
And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Amen and Jesus says what should be done with those who offend humble servants of Christ.

Matthew 18 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Now I'm confused. Paul also writes.

1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

Jesus tells us what to do if they won't listen to us.

Matthew 10-14:15 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

instead of leading them to redemption in the manner they seek or desire.

What if the manner they seek is contrary to biblical doctrine?
2 John 1:10-11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

[macon church]

Re: Just joined

Friend, I try to be always humble. The words I use come from the Bible. They are not my own. As far as the ability of a Christian to judge others, the Bible says we can because we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:15-16 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

He says INSTRUCT not judge. Two different things. Words have meaning.



Amen and Jesus says what should be done with those who offend humble servants of Christ.

Matthew 18 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.




Now I'm confused. Paul also writes.

1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

Jesus tells us what to do if they won't listen to us.

The people that are attending church are seeking something. They may be fornicators, drunkards, and the like but they have also made a huge first step in seeking the guidance of God. Why not counsel instead of preach? Two different ways to get the same result. You just have to figure the proper way to get the desired results. And talking down to people rarely works.

Matthew 10-14:15 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.



What if the manner they seek is contrary to biblical doctrine?
2 John 1:10-11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

If they are in church then they are seeking bible doctrine and are open to listen to the proper way to worship Christ. Not asking anyone to go AGAINST the word of God but to realize the person in front of them is seeking guidance and MAYBE talking down to them is not the best course of action. Other ways to get these people to Christ than to act like you are better than them because you have already found your way.

[landoverlover]

Re: Just joined

My name is Bryan. I am 37 and have just recently found my way back to Christ. I was baptized when I was 8 but strayed from His teachings. I have not found a church in my area to attend as of yet. Don't know how people think about this but I don't like being "preached" to. I would prefer to worship and fellowship instead of hearing nothing but fire and brimstone most of the time.

Anyway, I thought this might be a great way to continue my learning in a way that I am more comfortable. I appreciate any help. Thanks in advance.

Just curious - is the "Macon" in your name as in, Macon GA? I ask because you can't swing a dead cat in Macon without hitting a Baptist church. I could look up an address for you.

And son, we're being cruel to be kind. You get the attention of more sinners with a two-by-four than you do with honey.

[BelieverInGod]

Re: Just joined

If they are in church then they are seeking bible doctrine and are open to listen to the proper way to worship Christ. Not asking anyone to go AGAINST the word of God but to realize the person in front of them is seeking guidance and MAYBE talking down to them is not the best course of action. Other ways to get these people to Christ than to act like you are better than them because you have already found your way.

Really? How many come here and say that they don't read the Bible, but they know that Jesus was a cool peace loving hippie and God is a fuzzy bunny.

People go to false churches so that they can alleviate their guilt about their sins. Unfortunately there's more than enough preachers out there that are willing to tickle your ears as long as you fill up the pews and tithe something.

2nd Timothy 4:1-5 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

[Timofey]

Re: Just joined

All I have witnessed is most Christians put themselves on a pedestal and attempt to think others are not worthy and deserve to be ridiculed and chastised instead of leading them to redemption in the manner they seek or desire.

Macon,

The Bible is the ultimate user's manual. Follow it and you will operate properly and your OS (soul) stay virus free. Take take short cuts or leave out a step and you will get a virus uploaded from the devil and YOU will crash and burn eternally.


It is a simple manual. There are no short cuts. There is no rewriting it.


2 Timothy 4
1I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.


YIC

Timofey

[macon church]

Re: Just joined

Just curious - is the "Macon" in your name as in, Macon GA? I ask because you can't swing a dead cat in Macon without hitting a Baptist church. I could look up an address for you.

And son, we're being cruel to be kind. You get the attention of more sinners with a two-by-four than you do with honey.

yes, Macon, Ga. and I know there are plenty of baptist churches around here and I won't pretend to have visited them all but have not gotten what I desired from any around here yet. And no smart alack comments desired.

[Pastor Ezekiel]

Re: Just joined

yes, Macon, Ga. and I know there are plenty of baptist churches around here and I won't pretend to have visited them all but have not gotten what I desired from any around here yet. And no smart alack comments desired.

Well exactly what is it that you're not getting? I know most of the Baptist pastors in Macon (well, the White ones anyway), so I can set you up.

[macon church]

Re: Just joined

Really? How many come here and say that they don't read the Bible, but they know that Jesus was a cool peace loving hippie and God is a fuzzy bunny.

People go to false churches so that they can alleviate their guilt about their sins. Unfortunately there's more than enough preachers out there that are willing to tickle your ears as long as you fill up the pews and tithe something.

2nd Timothy 4:1-5 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

I do read the bible and it seems more and more every day like I will have to do my worship on my own. And the churches and preachers you speak of are exactly the ones I have come across and are trying to avoid. Thanks

[macon church]

Re: Just joined

Well exactly what is it that you're not getting? I know most of the Baptist pastors in Macon (well, the White ones anyway), so I can set you up.

I am actually a little south of Macon in Byron but I am willing to travel for what I seek. I am just looking for a little guidance and some advice on the scripture. I don't need to be told what I have done wrong in the past. I KNOW. I am trying to be a Godly person from this point forward. Just looking for someone to talk to right now and maybe sort out my head. I am willing to take any advice and speak to any pastor. Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated and can be contacted at [EMAIL DELETED]. Thanks in advance.

[Levi Jones]

Re: Just joined

If they are in church then they are seeking bible doctrine and are open to listen to the proper way to worship Christ. Not asking anyone to go AGAINST the word of God but to realize the person in front of them is seeking guidance and MAYBE talking down to them is not the best course of action. Other ways to get these people to Christ than to act like you are better than them because you have already found your way.

I most humbly apologize if you feel I am talking down to you. It is certainly not my intent to speak down to a true seeker of Christ.

We get so many trolls here who are merely intent on mocking The Word, that we can seem harsh at times.

Since you seem to enjoy the Psalms, I thought I would share some with you. I think this one is particularly apropos for the current national nightmare we are suffering through with BO.

Do you think it is right that I pray this as David did?

7When he shall be judged, let him be condemned: and let his prayer become sin.
8Let his days be few; and let another take his office.
9Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.
10Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek their bread also out of their desolate places.
11Let the extortioner catch all that he hath; and let the strangers spoil his labour.
12Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children.
13Let his posterity be cut off; and in the generation following let their name be blotted out.
14Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered with the LORD; and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out.
15Let them be before the LORD continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth.

[macon church]

Re: Just joined

Just curious - is the "Macon" in your name as in, Macon GA? I ask because you can't swing a dead cat in Macon without hitting a Baptist church. I could look up an address for you.

And son, we're being cruel to be kind. You get the attention of more sinners with a two-by-four than you do with honey.

Not to be cruel myself but that only works on the weak minded. I don't need that type of worship. I know what I have done wrong and have made amends with God. you have to forgive me but I used to be in sales and every man is different and needs different methods to achieve results. Taking that approach is no wonder why the church loses more and more people each and every year.

[macon church]

Re: Just joined

I most humbly apologize if you feel I am talking down to you. It is certainly not my intent to speak down to a true seeker of Christ.

We get so many trolls here who are merely intent on mocking The Word, that we can seem harsh at times.

Since you seem to enjoy the Psalms, I thought I would share some with you. I think this one is particularly apropos for the current national nightmare we are suffering through with BO.

Do you think it is right that I pray this as David did?

Thank you I needed that. Actually gave me chills while reading it. I was hoping that the reaction of some may have been because of past experiences but I assure you I am no troll hence why I was willing to give close to my exact residence. Still doesn't excuse the way I was handled in this thread by some but I will forgive. And some would take note that treating everyone like trolls because of the way trolls have acted in the past is not very God like. Just a thought.

[Levi Jones]

Re: Just joined

Not to be cruel myself but that only works on the weak minded. I don't need that type of worship. I know what I have done wrong and have made amends with God. you have to forgive me but I used to be in sales and every man is different and needs different methods to achieve results. Taking that approach is no wonder why the church loses more and more people each and every year.

Then, let us begin our needs assessment.

Why your sudden interest in God? What has sparked it? What is it you want from a church community?

I get you don't want fire and brimstone, even though that is precisely what 3/4ths of the Bible is.

[Pastor Ezekiel]

Re: Just joined

... treating everyone like trolls because of the way trolls have acted in the past is not very God like. Just a thought.

And what would you say is "very God like?"

Surely you don't mean to tell us that God is some limp-wristed hippie who automatically forgives everything....Because the Holy Bible says quite the opposite.

[macon church]

Re: Just joined

I am actually a little south of Macon in Byron but I am willing to travel for what I seek. I am just looking for a little guidance and some advice on the scripture. I don't need to be told what I have done wrong in the past. I KNOW. I am trying to be a Godly person from this point forward. Just looking for someone to talk to right now and maybe sort out my head. I am willing to take any advice and speak to any pastor. Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated and can be contacted at [EMAIL DELETED]. Thanks in advance.

Last edited by Pastor Ezekiel; Today at 11:45 PM. Reason: Posting personal email addresses is forbidden, not to mention stupid.

That was very cruel. While some may have a problem with it. I was posting a personal email to gain confidence of the board. And I am far from stupid. Only posted an email that already gets spammed and am willing to share. While you may have to protect most on here, I assure you I can handle myself in the cyber world. And please don't call me or infer that I am stupid again. Thanks.