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#15 by tomgallagher on 19 May, 2009 06:35
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I don't believe that the music you listen to or the TV shows you watch, or the clothes you wear define your Christianity at all.
The way you live your life and treat others defines who you are as a man of Faith. Some of the worst Christians I've known in my life were serious Church goers that "apparently" lived Christian life styles.
I agree with Mike 100%.
I did a lot of bad things in my life that I'm not proud of.....and I drink beer, curse like a sailor on some days, and love old classic Rock music. I'm tattooed and have a big shiny shaved head. This is hardly the picture of a good Christian to many, many people,,,, but I dare say that my Faith is
very strong and stronger than the Faith of many who would criticize my own.
In our Church when Communion is offered a very simple statement is made when presenting the meal to the congregation. I think this statement says it so simply and to the point:
"This meal is offered to all that believe and ALL are welcome to join this meal."
Christ doesn't care what you look like.......He cares about what is in your heart and soul. -
#16 by Timmay on 19 May, 2009 07:36
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Amen to this thread.
How Christian would it be of a "Christian" to ignore and avoid someone who isnt a Follower? For those who say they are Christian and snub up their noses to people who are "lost" or just have not found their calling, I think it is very hypocritical of yourself.
Here is my motto that I stand by and it is also the motto of our church
"we are passionate about helping everyone connect with God no matter where they are in their life."
"Our purpose is to unconditionally accept all people and guide them into an active relationship with Jesus Christ."
For someone to say that you are not a Christian because of the choice of music you listen to, or friends you hang around with is being very judgmental.
This should not be confused with using good judgement. This is the act of making decisions and is a different context.
Knowing right from wrong does not require opinions. It does require facts though. For example, the bible says you're not supposed to steal. If someone does steal, they have clearly gone against the teaching of the bible. If you are someone who values the teachings of the bible than this act than this is not conducive to your beliefs.
See how that works. You can make good, moral decisions based on logic and facts with the bible as your guide and avoid the need to put yourself on a pedestal by calling the person "a thief." It's a small, but important difference. Calling someone a "thief" places you above him. In a sense, you are looking down on this person and believe that you are superior. This view of your fellow man is NOT what Jesus wanted. This feeling of superiority is the seduction of judging others. Avoid this. Don't judge. Use facts, logic and the bible to make good decisions.
"Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.
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#17 by schro on 19 May, 2009 07:38
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Don't mean to be a wet blanket here, but I know Tyler has asked that topics of religion are to be avoided on SBG. THAT BEING SAID, I think the spirit of Tyler's rules are topics that compare religious faiths that could be interpreted as offensive or negative are not permitted. Since this is a topic that narrows its questioning to one religion (and everyone has been extremely polite about it
), no biggie.
Gotta agree with Koz (again
)...what's in your soul is most important. I'm not an overly religious man or an active church goer, but I try to live my life in a way that is supportive of the Lovely Mrs. Schro and my kids, raise my kids in the most responsible & loving way I can, treat my friends & neighbors with respect, leave a positive mark on my community through youth sports and community involvement, and have as much fun as possible along the way.....I think I'm doing a pretty darn good job, despite the fact I shave my head, enjoy my cocktails, and listen to Jimmy Buffett! 
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#18 by The Scottish Ambassador on 19 May, 2009 08:34
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Don't mean to be a wet blanket here, but I know Tyler has asked that topics of religion are to be avoided on SBG. THAT BEING SAID, I think the spirit of Tyler's rules are topics that compare religious faiths that could be interpreted as offensive or negative are not permitted. Since this is a topic that narrows its questioning to one religion (and everyone has been extremely polite about it
), no biggie.
Gotta agree with Koz (again)...what's in your soul is most important. I'm not an overly religious man or an active church goer, but I try to live my life in a way that is supportive of the Lovely Mrs. Schro and my kids, raise my kids in the most responsible & loving way I can, treat my friends & neighbors with respect, leave a positive mark on my community through youth sports and community involvement, and have as much fun as possible along the way.....I think I'm doing a pretty darn good job, despite the fact I shave my head, enjoy my cocktails, and listen to Jimmy Buffett!
Sorry Schro! You aint welcome in my church if you listen to the Buffet man
Only kidding buddy.
I really wish some of the members in my church could read this when I go in to church in jeans and get a dirty look. -
#19 by Timmay on 19 May, 2009 09:48
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OHHH...you wear jeans? OH MY LORD! lol Come to my church buddy and experience the difference.
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#20 by Mikekoz13 on 19 May, 2009 10:40
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I'd like to THANK the Mods for letting this thread continue. Notorius asked for our own views on what does or doesn't manke a good Christian. His question isn't inflammatory at all.
to the Mods.
And SCHRO agreeing with me AGAIN may be seen as a sign by some Christians as the beginniing of the end....
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#21 by Rhymez on 19 May, 2009 12:05
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I'd like to THANK the Mods for letting this thread continue. Notorius asked for our own views on what does or doesn't manke a good Christian. His question isn't inflammatory at all.
to the Mods.
And SCHRO agreeing with me AGAIN may be seen as a sign by some Christians as the beginniing of the end....
Is it really against the forum to post questions on religion?? I did not kno that, and hope the MOD's do not delete this post. I was not posting this to be judgmental on people who are Christians, or tell other people there religion is B.S., I simply posted this to ask other Christians weather or not they think it is "UnChristian" to consume Non Christian Media, or hang out with Non Christian People. I happen to do both, without the "I'm going to hell" fear. Altho there are a lot of people out there who consider it a sin, so I was asking other Christian members on the forum if they think it is wrong, or right, or am I looking into peoples comments towards me and my beliefs too hard. If anyone on the forum should find this offensive they do not have to read or post on this topic. I am not posting saying religion is B.S., making fun of other peoples faith and beliefs of other religions, I am simply asking a question to get some feedback from the people that share my religion. And I would like to thank everyone for their feedback. -
#22 by Kratos on 19 May, 2009 13:00
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Oh, sorry Notorious, lol, I read the thread a little too quickly, my apologies brother.
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#23 by Chaplain Mike on 19 May, 2009 20:47
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I'll weigh in a little. Jesus hung out with some of the lower life forms of his day according to the religious elite of his time. I believe that the only way to show Christ's love is to be involved with all of society. I would help anyone and have on many occasions who were of a varitey of religious backgrounds including atheists. The Air Force Chaplains are dedicated to the "free exercise fof religion" This includes those who don't practice any.
As long as you know where you stand in you Christian walk, it does not matter what you listen to, wear, or look like. I have tattoos and that has helped me share the gppd news. I play guitar including old rock and roll, that has helped me spread the good news.
I's all a mtter of perspective and choice. I avoid those things that damage my Christian walk, but that doesn't mean it has the same affect on another. I live by a motto I got on a retreat some years ago: "Make a Friend, Be a Friend, Bring a Friend to Christ." You can't do that if all you do is hang out with Christians. -
#24 by Paul on 20 May, 2009 03:56
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I believe that the only way to show Christ's love is to be involved with all of society. I live by a motto I got on a retreat some years ago: "Make a Friend, Be a Friend, Bring a Friend to Christ." You can't do that if all you do is hang out with Christians.
Amen to that Mike. Beautifully said. -
#25 by PeripheralxMvmnt on 20 May, 2009 06:45
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Its good to see that we can all tread lightly on incendiary grounds and be respectful. Its heartwarming and enlightening in its own right.
I find it silly when people ostracize themselves because they believe if God is not plastered all over something, it will make them "unclean." Like Chaplain Mike said, Jesus was around the lowest of the low, and he didnt waver. I think those people are like that because they do not have faith in their own faith. -
#26 by Timmay on 20 May, 2009 07:12
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I am with you as well Peripheral. I am glad this thread has went as well as it has.
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#27 by The Scottish Ambassador on 20 May, 2009 08:11
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This thread is amazing. I wonder if i could print it and slip it in the hymn books this Sunday. Might make some of the old dinosaurs in our church wake up and smell the coffee!
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#28 by Timmay on 20 May, 2009 08:31
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Talking about the older christians and how they are set in their ways. Last week I was sitting in a dr's office and across the street there was construction going on. I had my back to the windows and there was an older couple sitting infront and facing me. I heard the lady say something to her husband. She made a comment about one of the construction guys. Evidently he had taken his shirt off because he had gotten hot. She went on and on about how wrong that was to be out in the public exposing himself like that. It was very unappropriate and not Christ like. He chimed in and said that they should be made to put a privacy type fence up around construction sites if they were going to employ such "ungodly" people like that. This went on for a I know at least 5 minutes or so. Finally I had enough of listening to it and got up out of my seat. Before I walked away I said "Excuse Me..can I ask you both a question?" Have you both ever been to a beach or swimming pool? Most men I know swim with out a shirt on and they are both public places. She asked how dare I question her beliefs and the way she was brought up.
I then turned to her and said the following that left her mouth hanging open.
"See the plank in my eye before I see the speck of dust in my brothers eye" -
#29 by Mikekoz13 on 20 May, 2009 08:38
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"See the plank in my eye before I see the speck of dust in my brothers eye"
Bravo to you Tim!
As I said..... often times those who believe they are the most righteous are the biggest sinners and hypocrites.