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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 764
Gecko
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OP
Gecko
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 764 |
What are some of the obstacles for believers when you are around unbelievers?
What kinds of things have you put up with that have been contradictory to your beliefs and when have you taken a stand? What happened?
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,914 Likes: 1
BellaOnline Editor Wolf
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BellaOnline Editor Wolf
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,914 Likes: 1 |
I know a pastor who says mis-believers instead of unbelievers. I think he is right, because everybody has a concept of who they think God is. (I think atheists think they are God) Anyway..back to the question!
Most of the problems that I have encountered have been misunderstandings. If I don't choose to participate in an activity, they often think that I think less of them for doing it. When in reality, in most cases, I've already done that before I knew Jesus and I know the harm that it caused. I also know how easy it is to be attracted to 'sinful' behavior. I know that we are all in the same boat and the only thing that saves us is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. - So I'm no better than anyone else. My salvation is not of my doing. And ability to resist certain temptations is not of my doing either. It is the work of the Holy Spirit Who has been working in me since I became a believer. <img src="/images/graemlins/angel.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I don't often put up with things that are contradictory to my beliefs anymore. If I can't do anything about it or remove myself from the situation, I make sure the other person knows how I feel about it and why.
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 71
Amoeba
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Amoeba
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 71 |
Personally, Jenna I feel that if you were a true Christian you wouldn't find that there were obstacles when you were around unbelievers. You should accept people for what and who they are - as our good Lord did. If you read your bible properly, you should understand that!
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,254
Chipmunk
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Chipmunk
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,254 |
Ok, this is not to instigate at all...this is more a query than a 'nastigram'. I want to know why as a christian you recruit others to become christian like you (or which ever branch of religion you participate in). Kind of a curiosity thing.
per aspera ad astra: Through rough ways to the stars...
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,914 Likes: 1
BellaOnline Editor Wolf
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BellaOnline Editor Wolf
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,914 Likes: 1 |
distressedmum, If you will read your Bible you will find that Jesus had issues with unbelievers too. A believer undergoes changes in attitude and desires that often are at odds with the way some others live. It doesn't really have anything to do with whether you accept them or not - its more whether you want to join in or not.
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 71
Amoeba
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Amoeba
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 71 |
Lynne Chapman I don't think Jesus found that unbelievers were obstacles though - which was exactly the point that I was trying to get across. By the way - exactly what bible do you read?
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,914 Likes: 1
BellaOnline Editor Wolf
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BellaOnline Editor Wolf
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,914 Likes: 1 |
Jenna didn't say that unbelievers were obstacles. She asked what obstacles do you encounter when your are AROUND unbelievers. There is a difference.
I read three or four translations and a couple commentaries.
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 71
Amoeba
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Amoeba
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 71 |
I know exactly what Jenna asked! I just mentioned that if you were a true Christian you wouldn't find that there were obstacles when you were around unbelievers. That is my opinion.
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,914 Likes: 1
BellaOnline Editor Wolf
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BellaOnline Editor Wolf
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,914 Likes: 1 |
Oh I see. I thought there was a misunderstanding. I apolgize.
For me, if someone is unkind, mean, gossipy, etc. - their actions are an obstacle. I try to accept them and even love them as God does but I don't accept or love their actions. I don't think God does either.
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 71
Amoeba
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Amoeba
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 71 |
No offence taken - but yes, the above traits in a person could be called obstacles. It can be trying at times to see eye to eye with people like that - I try to see the good side of everyone though. Anyway JENNA, what are your views on the topic that you started?
Last edited by distressedmum; 06/20/05 03:31 AM.
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