Is it possible to be a good Christian bloke these days? Why are Christian men portrayed as "Ned Flanders" types or paedophiles?! In this world of sex, drink and just about any-other-type-of-hedonism you want - can Christian men still be solid, strong and -above all - true to Christ? I'm trying - but it's tough going!!
2006-07-03 12:12:06 · 14 answers · asked by Firematt26 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Absolutely. It is very important to strip away legalism, which is nothing more that traditions some hold to, feeling they must conform to different doctrines and laws to please God. He asks us only to walk with him day to day in close fellowship. Remember that nothing we can do adds anything to our salvation, and nothing can separate us from Him, either. The main thing is not to offend another, as we are His ambassadors, and His witness in this world. No, we are not perfect, and He does not expect us to be.
Christ is the true picture of masculinity, and he never turned anyone away from him. Nor did he want the company of the so-called religious of His day. Christ laughed aloud and wept and touched lepers and died between thieves.
You do not need to put on a persona to live in this world a Christian, and actually that is what the unsaved think of Christianity- a show of 'holier than thou'. He wants you to be authentically you, warts and all, because it is the raw material He forms into the image of His Son, with no effort on your part. What He wants the unbelieving world to see is the faith and joy in you that is Him. Never compare yourself to another Christian, because Christ does not.
So, keep your hand in His and keep walking. You are doing just fine.
For inspiration, www.intouch.org
2006-07-03 19:57:50 · answer #1 · answered by cheekandfolly 3 · 6⤊ 2⤋
In 2 Timothy 3:1 it says that in the last days it will be very hard to be a Christian. Christian men portrayed as "Ned Flanders" is the tip of the ice berg. Is it possible for Christian men to still be solid, strong and true to Christ? Absolutely. Being a Christian is accepting Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour and admitting you can't make it on your own. (Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:9-11; John 3:3, 14:6; Revelation 3:20 for more info, good for witnessing, by the way). When you accept Christ, you get the Holy Spirit who helps you to lead pure lives(Romans 8:2). Sorry for the sermon, just that you never know who this may help. Anyway, just keep praying and reading the Bible. Remember, the Lord never said it'd be easy, but He promises to not only give us enough to get us through, but to be with us also.
2006-07-03 12:42:19 · answer #2 · answered by wolverine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because that is about the sum of it. True Christian men are a little over board.
But remember Ned Flanders according to the show is ripped (six pack), he is very well endowed and a really good family man.
So what's wrong with that.
2006-07-03 12:15:24 · answer #3 · answered by Vonicatripod 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its tough bruv. But be comforted to know that nothing is impossible for you through Christ. I am sure there are many a Christian men around the world asking themselves the same question. Keep the faith bruv not matter what anybody else says. God bless you as you do.
As a gal I ask myself the same questions but you know what I am yet to find anything drink sex friend or anything else that can equate to the liberty and peace I enjoy in Christ Jesus.
2006-07-03 12:30:28 · answer #4 · answered by Storm 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know what, it IS tough going! But who cares!? You're wonderfully and fearfully made, God CHOSE YOU to be born, he WANTED YOU to be born ... you have a purpose, find it out and fulfill it! Prove to the Media and whoever that Christian guys aren't all Ned-Flander types and paedo's! Cos they're not, my boyfriend's a Christian and he's FAB! Far from a Ned or a paedo :) Relax, walk the walk and rock on!
2006-07-03 22:22:36 · answer #5 · answered by Bridezilla 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you live in an unreal world of imagination, based on the lies and errors of the Bible, as misinterpreted by the various churches, it must be tough to live any kind of sane life. If you can figure out for yourself what a good Christian should do, more power to you.
2006-07-03 12:19:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't you think you should be asking God this question?
As a Christian woman, I wont compromise my faith by allowing other people's scepticism and assumptions/opinions about Christian women en masse, put my faith on the defensive, and nor should you.
This is my mantra, always...
"If you follow me, you will be persecuted for my sake."
I know it will ALWAYS be tough going as a Christian... I will always be attacked and ridiculed and tested, and I also know, the reward is not in this world, but in the next.
Stay faithful.
You CAN have fun you know, it is allowed, to be daft every now and then. Jesus drank the wine as well, and he partied with his friends.
Sex isn't a crime either. Enjoying sex isn't a crime. Bad behaviour in it, when it does harm to others, is. Christianity does demand propriety, monogamy, and obedience of all the laws of your community. It demands that we love one another... spiritually, not sexually.
When I think of Christian men, I think of Michael Landon, who both lived, and acted out his faith, at home and in his work.
Of Martin Luther King, who died for his faith, his people, and his love of all humanity.
Isaac Newton who needs no introduction and Joseph Priestley, who wrote a controversal book in his time called The History of Corruptions of Christianity.
Many Christian men throughout the world, through history, struggled with their human side as well you know, within the times they lived. Because their contemporaries were constantly condemning them as well, and fighting against their faith in Christ.
You wont be incarcerated for your faith, or burned, or hung, or gassed to death for it, as others were. All you have to cope with is ridicule, from those who have no faith, through words. I'd say you came in at the easy end, wouldn't you?
If these past famous Christian men, can cope with their much more serious persecution and still succeed in life, and still retain their faith, then so can you.
Put your hand (back) in the hand of the man who stilled the water and he'll still your troubled mind. And afford you strength to ignore them all.
God Bless!
2006-07-03 13:17:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are watching the decline of civilisation similar to the fall of the Roman empire. The secular liberals of the world use the media to portray Christians as bad or nut-jobs.
Next it will be equal rights for gay whales.
Do what you feel is right and leave the hedonists to the sexual health clinics, drug rehabs, alcoholics unanimous and the grave.
You stay with your faith and keep thinking for yourself.
2006-07-03 12:26:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your word. I seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your commands. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I may not sin against you. Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from Your mouth. I rejoice in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider Your ways. I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your word." Psalms 119:9-16
Repeat this over and over to yourself. Meditate on God's word. Praise God for the hope you have of eternal life with Him someday, but now as God has given you life-may you not neglect His word. But Live according to it. Below are verses from the Bible that I hope will encourage you - with your walk with God
Colossians 3:15-17 , Hebrews 10:35, Philippians 2: 12-15 , Romans 7:20-25, Psalms 37:3-6, Jeremiah 29:11-14 , 2 Corinthians 5:7-10, Psalms 62: 1-2;5-8
Books that may interest you...
The Journey; How to Live by Faith in an Uncertain World by Billy Graham
Description:
In this culmination of a lifetime of experience and ministry, join Dr. Graham as he leads you personally, chapter by chapter, on a journey in faith. You`ll learn about God, His purpose for your life, and what Jesus has done for you. You`ll be reminded that God has given you the Spirit and other tools to live successfully. Dr. Graham`s insights will help you deal with the challenges that come along the way--temptation, destructive emotions, events that turn life upside down, and others. Grounded in daily Christian living, you`ll also find practical advice on knowing God`s will, making right decisions, strengthening your marriage, being a wise parent, and using your gifts to share Christ with others. No matter where you are along the journey of life, The Journey will help you make the most of it!
A Man After God's Own Heart by Jim George
Description:
Your deepest desire is to be a man who follows God. But how do you accomplish it? George reassures you that all you need is a heartfelt desire for spiritual growth---God`s grace does the rest, bringing about lasting change in key areas of your life: your marriage, children, work, church, and witness.
Every Man's Battle byFred Stoeker, Mike Yorkey,
Stephen Arterburn
Description:
Today`s media bombards men with sexual images and temptation, so it`s no wonder that "sexual addiction" is on the rise---even within the church. In this compassionate brother-to-brother guide, Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker tackle this serious problem head-on, offering a practical battle plan for men---married or single---who desire to live by God`s standard.
2006-07-03 12:55:43 · answer #9 · answered by shininglight4christ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
JESUS came as a Lamb for the Slaughter.
JESUS is comning back as LORD of LORD's and KING of KING's to take over the World. We are suppose to be like HIM. In LOVE. Strong in FAITH. Strong in the WORD of GOD (which is JESUS).
Yes, you can. Hope this helps.
2006-07-03 12:45:37 · answer #10 · answered by maguyver727 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋