Hello
Im a christian, a bit of a freelancer since I don't go to a church or read the bible. I know, sounds silly, but a few years ago I used to visit a chaplan with a friend once a week (at school) where I was taught the ways of god and I prayed to god for forgivness and salvation. I was pretty much left to my own devices after I left school as I could therfore not visit the chaplan. Like other christians I do question a lot and feel my faith is tested, though I do pray and talk to god to try and keep my faith and christian bond strong.
Well first, since I bassically maintain my own faith and don't go to a church or read the bible does this make me... lesser compared to other christians?
Secondly, I have a great fear of the "dark side" I guess you could say. How much does god shield me from evil?

Riot.

It is difficult for the Christian to really know God or His will for our lives without reading what he has to say to you. The only way to know him intimately is to read his word.

Check out what the apostle Paul has to say about the word of God.: Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

What I am trying to say is this isn't just any ol book. It is important in your Christian walk...

Check this out: Jermiah 10:23

I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps

Plus we are told we need to study the word this is what Paul says to Timothy:
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

You need to be able to give people an answer for the hope that is in you because of Christ. How can you when you don't read the word? You don't know houw to back up what you believe with what God has to say.

The Bible says this: romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ

Christians really need the Bible to know how to give people answers, to have the Lord speak to them through the scriputres and so the Lord can direct their steps.

As far as being protected from evil. The Lord Jesus himself was confronted and tempted by Satan.. the only thing he used was the written word He answered satan with scripture he started his sentences with these three words.. IT IS WRITTEN. Finally satan left him. If Jesus needed to use the Bible against evil, how much more do we? The Word of God is our sword and shield against Satan. It is the ONLY thing satan even fears. If you know it. And you quote it... he will flee from you.

You have no need to fear the "dark side" by the way.. because fear doesn't come from God. The Bible says WE have not been given a spirit of FEAR, but of LOVE, POWER and a SOUND MIND. If you have fear... READ the Bible.

AND one last thing... we are also told not to avoid getting together with other Christians. We need one another.. Church really is important.

Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Does this make you LESS for not reading the word or going to church. NO.. BUT if You are a believer and you Love the Lord why wouldn't you want to? The word of God is our spirtual food... basically, spirtually speaking, you are starving to death.

One last thing, you say you are maintaining your faith. But the Lord says differently... did you know that Jesus says that without HIM you can do nothing.

I'm just trying to encourage you, the Bible isn't boring at all. It isn't even hard to understand when you ask the Lord to help you. Try it.. you'll like it. :)

Its not that I don't want to read the bible, I just find it tricky to understand, especially with the language used. See I live in a family where I am the only one who believes in god so I'm really just walking blind until I find which way I need to turn. I feel extremely disadvantaged, not being brought up in a house hold of god, or not having a church to attend and with people I can ask questions. I just need a bit of guidance.
Thank you for helping me

I don't know where you are from or where you live. But perhaps you can Google your area to find a bible believing church and maybe get involved in Bible study. Also try different translations online.. you can the Bible on your computer.

Check out this webite...

Biblos.com: Search, Read, Study the Bible in Many Languages (http://biblos.com/)

its not that i dont want to read the bible, i just find it tricky to understand, especially with the language used. see i live in a family where i am the only one who belives in god so im really just walking blind untill i find which way i need to turn. i feel extremly disadvantaged, not being brought up in a house hold of god, or not having a church to attend and with people i can ask questions. i just need a bit of guidence.
thank you for helping me

If you're trying to read the King James that explains a lot. I grew up on it and memorized large parts of it but even I can't really understand it any more. Get yourself a copy of The Message; it's an excellent rendering that's especially for folks who don't want to get bogged down. It's a version that's faithful to the original while at the same time put into language that keeps things moving, so to speak. The New International Version is a good one for study, but for just sitting down and reading, it's hard to beat The Message.

As for turning to the Dark Side, Jesus said that if you're his then nothing and nobody can pluck you out of his hand. But as long as you're going to be in his hand, you may as well establish an ongoing conversation with him.

Dave,

Totally agree. The link I posted is really good because for each verse in the bible it gives many of the different translations. I use it all the time.

Riot, what Dave said is so true... nothing and nobody can pluck you out of his hand. AMEN take comfort in that.

"i have a great fear of the "dark side" i guess you could say. how much does god shield me from evil?"

I agree with what classyT has said. God may not shield us from evil but reading his word will protects us from what evil we may face. 2 Timothy 3:16 says "All Scripture is inspired by god and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, and for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness." So any situation you may face, having an accurate knowledge of god will help in any problem.

One protection you can count on is at 1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has taken YOU except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let YOU be tempted beyond what YOU can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for YOU to be able to endure it." God knows each of us better than we no ourselves and knows what we can bear and will not let us be tempted any more than that. Any more than that

its not that i dont want to read the bible, i just find it tricky to understand, especially with the language used. see i live in a family where i am the only one who belives in god so im really just walking blind untill i find which way i need to turn. i feel extremly disadvantaged, not being brought up in a house hold of god, or not having a church to attend and with people i can ask questions. i just need a bit of guidence.
thank you for helping me

Have you ever heard of Benny Hinn?
He has a very interesting story which sounds similar to yours. Look him up on the internet and see how much he had to go through in his young life. Persecution, rejection by his entire family, to hatred by everyone. But somehow he found a way, Now he is one of the most influential preachers/teachers in the modern world.
There are many many versions of the bible, from the King James, to the New King James, to the New American Standard to The Message. Search out one that easy for you to read and understand and start reading.

Thank you everyone. I've also been talking to an old friend about the same issue and he's helping me break sections down to read in the bible, such as today I read 1 John and then I plan to then read Romans and then Ephesians, which are apparently about restoration, so it's a good place to start, I don't feel as over whealmed anymore.
Thanks again

Riot - the good thing is that your story describes nearly all of the people I know who are genuine disciples of Christ. The road to the Kingdom of God is often one that is not laid out clearly and neatly, so to speak. What I mean is that our lives don't strictly follow the path of getting saved, going to a bible-believing church, and making great leaps and bounds in faith, etc. That's more the American way than anything else. I have a friend who became a Christian while living in India, at the young age of 12. Both of his parents died in a horrible accident and he and his 19 year old sister were left to start over their lives, living in a culture where his own remaining family wanted to kill him because he was a Christian. He fled India to come to the U.S. just to live.

In my own life, I struggled intensely with my own doubt concerning the sincerity of my faith. I became a Christian at 24 and started attending a fundamentalist church. I even went to a bible college because I thought it was the right thing to do by God. However, going to this particular bible college brought me to a defining moment in my Christian life. It forced me to question whether I believed any of the stuff I was being taught. I remember even asking whether I believed in God or not. Most of this was really due to my theological differences with fundamentalism and not with God but I didn't have the understanding to sort that stuff out then. But how do you resist the teachings of a church community that seems so convincing when you do not possess the understanding to refute ideas and paradigms that challenge your entire worldview? It was a struggle of my mind and heart and was absolutely crushing in many ways. Because ultimately I believed I took God very seriously but I opposed the worldview being given to me by people who seemed to know what it was God was saying better than I did. In that spot, it's hard to know whether I really loved God or just hated the teaching of a few men.

The point of saying all of this is that even if you find a community of Christians and get into a bible study, etc. you will struggle at points along the way. Your faith will be tested greatly because everyone who takes God seriously gets tested. God trains (disciplines) those he loves as the writer of Hebrews puts it. Sometimes Christians can be the hardest people to get along with because we believe we know so much. All that I am trying to say is that you are best served by having both eyes wide open to your situation and where it is you desire to go. Your life may or may not be enhanced by a church any more than your own situation at home is. I pray that you can find someplace where the church leadership (at least some) display integrity and humility.

Riot, it is a good idea to try and put yourself out there and try to learn about God, as others have already advised. Dwashbur aptly pointed out that ultimately God will not let one of his own fall but sometimes the question we have is "it's not that I doubt God's ability to protect one of his own; but am I one of God's own?" I believe that our faith is one that endures a process of coming to grips with our guilt before God and our coming to believe in the mercy of God. But it is our commitment that we sometimes struggle with... do I actually believe this stuff and do I take God seriously or not? I think that as we go through our lives, we learn what sort of person we really are. Whether our hearts be good or evil... whether we love God or hate him. So just know that as you live your life, you will face struggles. You and I all have much to learn. Being a disciple of Jesus is both incredibly fulfilling and yet incredibly painful at times. But in the end, as it is my own hope, I trust that all of the struggles and joys of this life aren't worthy to be compared with the glory that awaits those who long for it. I pray that God brings you into the path of those who are interested in that and it is my prayer that you are interested in that as well.

A lot of the time when I pray it feels like I'm talking to no one, or that there is a barriar, but I pray anyway because I have faith that god can hear me.

Getting involved with a church is tricky for me, for I don't know what one to go to, baptist? Brethren? All the others...
I also live in the apparent "bible belt" of the state I live in (Australia way). Of course this is both good and bad for it lets me accociate with many other christians, but at the same these 'groups' (or churches) are tight communitys and I would feel as if I am intruding into a place I no nothing of how they percive the bible and what they do differently from other churches. And how many times would I have to change churches till I find one I like?

Today was Sunday. Sure, I didn't go to church like the others, but I still prayed and had a talk to god anyway.
I try my best to determine what's right and wrong and have a sense of justice, feeling what I do about a situation would be what god would will me to do. Sure we're not perfect, but I try my best. Does god know I try? I don't know, but I try anyway.

Maybe I will try to find that chaplin I talked to back in high school

Please. Your overwhealming me and I do not know the answer to all your questions.
No I don't know if I'm meant to pray directly to god or if I'm meant to pray through to god via jesus
And no I do not know what the lords prayers are or where they are to be found

The main issue that the bible tells us to fellowship with other Christians and it is important first so that we grow in our faith and work together for the good of the church here on earth.

It was so important that the early christians risked their lives, as do people in nations where it is illegal to be a Christian today meet at risk of their own life.

So you visit several, and find the type of service first that fits you. There are formal services in churches with icons that help some find a closeness with God

There are others where a more interactive service with the worshipers are done.

The fact is, that all of them can bring you to a better relationship.
But finding the one that you feel at home is, is done by visiting dozens of them.

My Sunday service is done in a store front, and almost everyone wears Jeans or shorts and T shirts, so some may not feel OK there, if they want to be in suits and formal dresses. But if that is what they want, there are 10 down the street that does.

Hello
well first, sinse i bassically maintain my own faith and dont go to a church or read the bible does this make me... lesser compared to other christians?



Hi Riot-

There was an analogy that I heard once that came to mind as I read your question, and I wanted to take a moment to share. In the spirit of full disclosure, I want to be clear that I used to be a Christian, but have since gone through some changes in my beliefs/thoughts and am currently of a more agnostic bent than anything else. I do, however, understand your concern, and I hope that my time as a Catholic Christian can be of some help...

Not being part of a church doesn't make you 'less of a christian'- but it makes it harder for you to remain resilient in your beliefs, and more difficult for you to transpose your beliefs into action in your daily life. The function of church is to have a supportive community in your Christian walk. Life isn't easy, and you often are faced with struggles and difficulties that require your response, either in word or action. I'm sure all would agree that life can be a challenge at times, and sometimes it's all you can do to just hang on and live according to your ideals, regardless of your religion...

And now the analogy:

Envision yourself hanging onto the edge of a cliff. The cliff represents your life as a Christian, remaining true to the ideals and beliefs that you hold-when you are alone in your walk, it's just you... sometimes you slip, fall, and you're hanging onto the edge, dangling there. If you have a friend or two, they might be above the cliff... and they can try to pull you back up on top. But who knows, they might be dangling there right next to you! However, odds are if you have a large support group, sure some might be hanging there with you- but there are bound to be many also able to help pull you back to "safety"- And what would you prefer? To hang there by yourself? To have one or two people try to pull you back up? Or a whole community working together to help pull those who are just "hanging on" back up to solid ground?

Most would prefer to have all the support and help they can get- and that is, as I understand, one of the main functions of being part of a church. Even if your beliefs don't exactly align with the churches you attend at first, it is a process of finding where you fit- and if people in these churches see you genuinely seeking to figure things out, I would imagine that they'd be supportive of you in your journey- and will be able to form at least some sort of temporary network of support as you continue seeking. You may even find that those you don't necessarily see eye to eye with can come to be your biggest support.

I hope this is helpful!

Thank you Chuck and Margog, you were much more helpful.

I am going to see a friend tommorw who is chirstian and I will discuss the various churches of our town and see what I can do about it

Actually come to think of it, a lot of my christian friends attend different churches around the place, so maybe I should gather their oppinions too

thank you everyone. ive also been talking to an old friend about the same issue and he's helping me break sections down to read in the bible, such as today i read 1 John and then i plan to then read Romans and then Ephesians, which are apparently about restoration, so its a good place to start, i dont feel as over whealmed anymore.
thanks again

Hi riot,
Don't forget the Old Testament. A good place to start reading is beginning at Judges and reading on into the books of Samuel. They show God working in the lives of both people and nations, and there's a lot of restoration in those stories. But the nice thing about them, the thing that makes them good reading, is the fact that they *are* stories. With a decent modern version like the New International or the Message, it's fun to read.

Riot,
You have been given some good advice.God does hear every prayer you have uttered aloud or with thought.
Here is The Lord's Prayer that Jesus taught us to pray. It is a good way to start your daily prayers.
Our Father, which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done,
In earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
But deliver us from evil.
[For thine is the kingdom,
The power, and the glory,
For ever and ever.]
Amen.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Riot

Now you have your prayer

Now approach tow or three people from each religion, separately, and ask each one of them separately if they know what the Lord's Payer means.

See how many of them can explain the Lord's Prayer simply and easily and in less than two

Edited "again"

Is what I have just posted, wrong in any way?


Well, writing "tow" instead of "two," twice no less, might qualify.

Today was sunday. sure, i didnt go to church like the others, but i still prayed and had a talk to god anyway.


From one believer to another, I think as you are looking for guidance,maybe you could say a prayer everyday and keep the connection with the Almighty and not reserve it just for Sundays.


.

Riot,
If you have trouble understanding the Lord's Prayer or what it says please let me know and I will clarify it for you.
Notice that when you pray that you pray for many people for you say "US" several times.
Thus when we pay that we also pray for each other.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Allright, thanks, I appreciate the support guys

Riot,
I'm very happy to be able to help.
I praise God for that.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Allright, I think I've finished here. I'm getting a lot of advice from both Christians and Catholics and this is just adding to the confusing since I'm not Catholic.

Thank you for everyone's points of view though. Again, I appreciate it

Catholics are Christian, just a denomination like Baptist, Lutheran and so on. There are 100's of denomination. They are all Christian merely have various differences in some beliefs and how they worship ( type of service)

Also even within a denomination you will find some differences in how they worship depending on the local church and where you are at. Example, I visited a MO Synd Lutheran Church, in a African American area, they had allot ( allot) of African music and customs in their church. I have been to Catholic churches on Indian reservations where American Indian customs are included.

Catholics are Christian, just a denomination like Baptist, Lutheran and so on. there are 100's of denomination. They are all Christian merely have various differences in some beliefs and how they worship ( type of service)

Also even within a denomination you will find some differences in how they worship depending on the local church and where you are at. Example, I visited a MO Synd Lutheran Church, in a African American area, they had allot ( allot) of African music and customs in their church. I have been to Catholic churches on Indian reservations where American Indian customs are included.

Fr_Chuck, I only have one comment towards your posted answer. The Word of God says MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE, and of course that Word of God is Jesus Christ. (so it is safe to say Christians follow Jesus, and hear HIS Word)

The Word also tells us how John was shown in the spirit, that there is one church that holds fast to the name of Jesus, however God has something against that church. This is the scripture result refer: Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

AND the **WORD says many like satan himself will come in Christ' name. REFER: Matthew 24:5 Mark 13:6 Luke 21:8

The deception you speak of when you say many have different beliefs.. That is exactly why I stopped participating on this forum and watch from a distance. No where in God's Word does it say we should have different beliefs. If we follow Christ Jesus, then we do hear HIS voice. Christ did as the HIS Father in Heaven told HIM. Christ was led by the Holy Spirit, and remained in the care of HIS Father's bosom (John 1:18)

The catholic denomination, as well as many other denominations must be watched carefully. As the **WORD says we can tell by the fruit. REFER: Matthew 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Those that change the WORD of God or add to it will be dealt with God's promise to add unto him the plagues that are written in this book(Revelation 22:18) AND if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book. (Revelation 22:19)


Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

~watch carefully

well first, sinse i bassically maintain my own faith and dont go to a church or read the bible does this make me... lesser compared to other christians?

God will judge the hearts of HIS children.(Psa 44:21 & 64:6) And all souls belong to God. The WORD does tell us that HIS people will be destroyed by lack of knowledge.

Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Hsa 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.





secondly, i have a great fear of the "dark side" i guess you could say. how much does god shield me from evil?

Trust and rest in Christ Jesus.. BECAUSE The darkness and shadows of death are here on earth in the pain and suffering that tempt us with doubt and to cause doubt.

Psa 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Pray that you can be all God created you to be, and that evil bows down from you, in Jesus name of power and glory. Amen

sndbay.
Yes... you said...
"Trust and rest in Christ Jesus.. BECAUSE The darkness and shadows of death are here on earth in the pain and suffering that tempt us with doubt and to cause doubt."
I agree. That is great advice.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

sndbay

Those that say we can do as we like and believe what we like and still be acceptable to God, are those that want us to accept what they do.

Anyone who reads the Bible and comes away thinking that God accepts anyone who takes on the teachings and rituals of other religions has got rocks in their head.

They also like to say that no one can judge them, they completely ignore the fact that the Bible says we can most definitely judge them and can also very easily see if they originate either from God or the Devil.

They like to teach that no one can tell which religion is from the devil.

They also like to claim that the Bible is hard to understand.

In fact the Bible is only hard to understand when you try and squeeze their pagan teachings into it.

The truth is easy to see, easy to find and easy to understand.

They like to teach that God is too difficult for us to understand, yet Jesus said himself that he has fully explained God.

Do not let them fool you. I no longer consider myself to be a Catholic, the evidence is far too damaging to ignore.

sndbay

Those that say we can do as we like and believe what we like and still be acceptable to God, are those that want us to accept what they do.

Yes you are right, they example what satan offered to Christ, and how satan twisted the will of God spoken in Matthew 4:6. Their teaching has given people the idea that they can sin, and still be a child of God. That outside the structed building known as the church they live with the idea that sin is done daily by the child of God, in likeness to sinner.

1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

1 John 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him

John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.



Anyone who reads the Bible and comes away thinking that God accepts anyone who takes on the teachings and rituals of other religions has got rocks in their head.

They have fallen asleep as scripture tells us. They did not watch carefully for evil does come and tempt us. Just as Christ example on the mountain to HIS disciple, evil came to do the deeds of satan.

Newton, scripture tells us not to worry about those that fall asleep. God is in control and knows the hearts of all.

1 Thessilonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.


They also like to say that no one can judge them, they completely ignore the fact that the Bible says we can most definitely judge them and can also very easily see if they originate either from God or the Devil.

They like to teach that no one can tell which religion is from the devil.

The WORD tells us to discern between right and wrong. (not judging people but discern their actions to avoid being beguiled as Eve was beguilded by satan) Those that can discern are usually older, and have experienced the teaching of the world that God gave them to learn. They have reap from what they sowed, and found peace and forgiveness in their ways and turn to follow Christ. To die on the cross with Christ, to be buried in baptism with Christ, and raise through the resurrection of Christ. To understand that you are begotten again as a child of God. Not of this world but one with Christ.


Hebrew 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

1 Peter 1:3-4-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.





They also like to claim that the Bible is hard to understand.

In fact the Bible is only hard to understand when you try and squeeze their pagan teachings into it.

The truth is easy to see, easy to find and easy to understand.

They like to teach that God is too difficult for us to understand, yet Jesus said himself that he has fully explained God.
.

Remember the truth was not revealed to Peter until he confused his love for Christ Jesus 3 times. Until the hearts of people are given in love to God our Father in obedience of HIS will being done, and confess the begotten Son of God is Christ Jesus to follow HIM and HEAR HIS VOICE will they then know the truth of God's Word.

John 8:47He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

~God's grace be with you

Hi sndbay

You are right, I was wrong. It is not that we should judge, but we are able to see what 'teachings' originate with God and what teachings originate with the Devil.

But we are also told that those who are not doing what God requires should be dismissed from us and we should give them no further thought.

So although we do not 'judge' individuals, it is easy to see if they follow Christ or not and if we should associate with them.

But, you are right, I should not judge.

But we are also told that those who are not doing what God requires should be dismissed from us and we should give them no further thought.



Where did you get this idea?

Hi sndbay

You are right, I was wrong. It is not that we should judge, but we are able to see what 'teachings' originate with God and what teachings originate with the Devil.

I understand this to be not I that am right, but the Word of God is right. And it is wrong not to obey the Word of God.



But we are also told that those who are not doing what God requires should be dismissed from us and we should give them no further thought.



The Word of God examples the members of HIS church. The many members of One Body in the spirit of Christ Jesus.

Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not [that] thy whole body should be cast into hell.




We are not to yoke ourselve with evil.

So although we do not 'judge' individuals, it is easy to see if they follow Christ or not and if we should associate with them.
.

Each of us are accountable to our responsibility to love one another. We live by example for others, and we walk in the spirit to follow Christ steps. No longer walking in the flesh that we were born in, but begotten again to walk in the spirit.(John 3:6) (Romans 8:1) (Romans 8: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.).

Roman 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow HIS steps

So we follow HIS steps by not yeilding to the flesh of sin, nor yeilding to those around us that are sinners, but we show the way by example to reap the fruit God gives us. We plant the seed and take nothing from them. .

Thank you sndbay, I wish I knew my scriptures as well as that and that I had the patience to write it down like you do.

I also wish I did not yield to the temptations around me.

I do not follow God, or do what is right in any way. I know what he requires but I am far too lazy.

About the only thing I have done that is worth anything is leave the church.

dwashbur asked how I get the idea that we should dismiss people who do not do as God says.

dwashbur must not know about not mixing with drunks and adulterers and slanderers and gossips and murderers etc etc etc.

That is part of my problem with church; filthy liars, thieves, adulterers, abortionists, paedophiles etc, do what they like through the week, most of us know what they are, and they sit beside my children at church.

dwashbur asked how I get the idea that we should dismiss people who do not do as God says.

dwashbur must not know about not mixing with drunks and adulterers and slanderers and gossips and murderers etc etc etc.

That's not what I asked. You said "we are also told that those who are not doing what God requires should be dismissed from us and we should give them no further thought." I asked where you got that, i.e. who told you that and where it's recorded. Instead of just name-calling, perhaps you could answer the question.

Thank you sndbay, I wish I knew my scriptures as well as that and that I had the patience to write it down like you do.

I also wish I did not yeild to the temptations around me.

I do not follow God, or do what is right in any way. I know what he requires but I am far too lazy.

About the only thing I have done that is worth anything is leave the church.

dwashbur asked how I get the idea that we should dismiss people who do not do as God says.

dwashbur must not know about not mixing with drunks and adulterers and slanderers and gossips and murderers etc etc etc.

That is part of my problem with church; filthy liars, thieves, adulterers, abortionists, paedophiles etc, do what they like through the week, most of us know what they are, and they sit beside my children at church.

Both you and your children face the temptations from what the prince of this earth/satan puts before us hourly no matter where we might be. That too is written in scripture,, try to be more forgiving towards others who have not yet seen the light. Remember the words Christ spoke to HIS Father even as He was on the cross. "They know not what they do"

What I trust is the voice of our Lord Jesus. Go into your room and close the door in private, bow before the temple that is our Lord Jesus Christ. In the spirit of HIS presense, ask our Father in Heaven to help you be all that HE created you to be, and ask that evil leaves you, where by no harm abids in you or towards others. Ask this in the glory and power of Christ' name. The promise of the WORD is there, we all have been called. (Eph 4:4-5-6)

~in Christ

Thanks Adam

I truly hope I can do that. I am even too gutless and lazy to even make the decisioon to do it, let alone go through through the motion.

I know what work will be in front of me if I ask God for help and I am - at this time - too lazy and too busy with life to even want to go through the pain.

Sounds poor I know and that is why I am not happy with myself.

But thanks Adam; it has helped a little. At least it has mede me think again that I shoukd have the guts to stand up.

I Newton,
You already do have the guts to do it and with God's help and faith it will work.
Self motive YOU!!
Be determined.
You'll be surprised at what you can do once you start.
The first step is all it takes to get started. Each step after that becomes easier.
Get after it.
Don't delay that's the trap many people fall into.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Hi Arcura

Yes a trap for many, and I have joined them.

I know I would receive help and strength of I ask for it. I think that is part of what makes me so pathetic, I refuse to ask for it, I do not seem to even want the strength, I obviously seem happy doing nothing.

But, one day, one day.

Thanks Arcura.

I Newton
I'll do this for you.
I'll pray specifically for you for God's inspiration and strength help for you. God knows the dilemma that you are SUFFERING under so He understands.
How he will respond to my prayer is in regard to His wisdom so I can only guess at what His answer might be, but I know that He will respond in some way and you should also know that.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Thanks for that mate. It actually means a lot.

It could be of course that he does not want me, because I am... not wanting to feed his sheep, you might say.

But thanks mate.

I Newton,
Why in the world would you not want to feed His sheep?
The God via the world feeds you.
But when Jesus was telling Peter to feed His sheep Jesus was talking about spiritually and leading them more than with food.
Look at it this way.
Christians who lead a Christian life are setting a good example of why to be a Christian.
In doing that they are feeding Jesus sheep.
Good Christians help other Christians to be good ones.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

I newton, I tried to PM you back but it said you didn't want receive pms or something like.
Just letting you know if you check back here