What exactly is a Christan?

Question

Let me tell you why i am asking this:

Many 'christians' come to the gay section and ask questions like When are gays going to burn in hell? Why do gays feel they need rights when all they are doing is trying to shove their sinful world on us? Why do gays want to addopt is it because they want to recruit boys?

I always belived that God loves us. I know there is a God, and Jesus is His Son. I love them both. I also always was under the impression that we are supposed to love one another, and let God be the Judge.

Now it seems that there are 'christians' who copy and paste, to make us feel bad and hated. It is really starting to make me wonder what is a christian. Does a christian say: 'I would rather have you kill yourself than go back to that disgusting alternate lifestyle' or 'I do not agree with your lifestyle, but i still love you'.

Why do 'christians' do this? (notice I am not saying all christians)

I do not throw the word homophobe around alot. If someone disaggrees with my lifestyle, that is their opinion. But when people come to the gay section and say that us as a whole should be placed on an island an this island should be blasted, it gives me the impession that the asker is a homophobe. So do not think i say all those who disaggree with me are homophobes.

Thank you Vicki. I know there is a difference. And I will not smoke in your house lol.

Answer 1

Wow, I had no idea this was going on! I do not often the GL&B section, but when I do, I have never seen these questions.

Technically, a Christian is a person who has given their life over to God through Jesus Christ. Jesus becomes the judge in their lives over right/wrong, true/untrue, moral/immoral. He left specific instructions on how His followers were supposed to relate to each other and to outsiders.

With that thought in mind, the questions you have been seeing ARE NOT CHRISTIAN IN NATURE. The person posting it may claim to be "christian", but that may be all it is: a claim. A lot of people think that because they walk into a Christian gathering on Sunday morning, they are Christians. Truth is, walking into any Church doesn't make one a Christian, any more than walking into Taco Bell makes one a taco!

Then there are those people who claim to be Christians, and do hateful things, to deliberately demonize Christianity. I'm not sure if there is a word for people like that.

Is homosexuality and homosexual behaviour a sin in the Christian religion? Yes. Want to know something? So is prostitution. Do you remember how Jesus acted with prostitutes? I think that action is critical: we should be emulating our Lord. "Neither do I condemn you. Go now, and leave your life of sin." Neither condemning nor condoning, just offering a fresh start. We are all sinners. Everybody needs it.

Answer 2

First, whilst there are greater than 2 choices (you reward 3), the phrase to make use of is "stuck amongst Wicca/Christian/atheist" now not stuck among. Most persons feel within the reward. It's all now we have because the beyond is long past and the long run is not right here but. Most persons have a notion method of a few form ---atheism is a faith as is Wicca. The query is, what's your notion method? Wicca is cool in view that it shall we younger persons stroll the road among rejecting their mum or dad/established order notion method and outright atheism --- form of uprising lite. And feminine founded. Atheism is unappealing in view that of the nastiness and selfishness of so much atheists, who pick it in view that it's so rebellious they usually consider they are cool and wise. It allows for them to consider awesome. Christianity, with its emphasis on gentleness (despite the fact that traditionally now not so) and humility does not attraction to the younger --peculiarly younger men. At thirteen you're simply fitting conscious that lifestyles is not all you will have been informed. it is compicated, hurtful, and filled with miserable disorders like international starvation. You'll cross by way of levels - uprising, Maxist retailer-the-international from ________ (fill within the clean) in view that you could have plenty of vigour and wish to do well, and whole rejection of the arena. Then you're going to develop-up and settle right into a notion method that works for you. Investigate all of them. God will name you. Be sufferer and nonetheless, and pay attention for his voice.

Answer 3

From a non christian perspective because I am not one or Gay, Christians are the most uncontrolled group of people on this planet, they are like the wind they say and do what ever is on their mind, they have know idea what God is are what God wants, they claim to follow Jesus and try to live like him, but Jesus was poor, they do the thing they do to have BRAGGING rights and gays are not all born gay and you know that, and that is why the question of marriage, adoption and influence on the young come into play

Answer 4

You're wasting your breath. Most "so-called christians", claim to be real Christians and are only gross replicas of what they wish to be.

Answer 5

A Christian(s) is someone who loves and believes God, accepts everyone, doesn't judge (or at least doesn't try to) and asks for forgiveness. That's the real deal.

Answer 6

GayDude,
It's simple. The devil has been around long enough to turn their church into something that preaches something other than the Gospel. And they sit there and learn that certain people cannot ever be Christians-- the devils message.

Answer 7

I have not seen any Christian "Judge" anyone.

They simply told you what God Himself said.

Unless you or gays change their way, you have set "Judgment" on yourself now.

You say: You believe in God and His Son. You love them. Big deal. So what? God loves you also. Gays will not be in Heaven.

READ the Word of this God you claim to love so much, you can't even follow His Word.
.
Now, If I'm wrong, YOU show me scriptural where I am.
You show me in the Holy Bible of the God you claim to love, where gays WILL have eternal life.

YOU set your destination. I didn't.
.
Now, before you beatdown Christians with your "love" excuse. By the scripture you said, You have no clue what it means.
The Word "love" has 6 different meanings, used 6 different ways. The word "love" in your speech has 3 different meanings in the same verse used 3 times my friend.

IWANNOU A
The First Epistle General of John

Chapter 2
15) mh agapate ton kosmon mhde ta en tw kosmw ean tiV agapa ton kosmon ouk estin h agaph tou patroV en autw
2:15) Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Greek: Love, not the world..
agapaw
agapao
ag-ap-ah'-o
perhaps from agan (much) (or compare 5689); to love (in a social or moral sense):--(be-)love(-ed). Compare filew - phileo 5368.


Greek: Love, that love the world.
agaph
agape
ag-ah'-pay
from agapaw - agapao 25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast:--(feast of) charity(-ably), dear, love.


Greek: Love. of the Father is not in him.
agaph
agape
ag-ah'-pay
from agapaw - agapao 25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast:--(feast of) charity(-ably), dear, love.
.
Greek: Love. Different types.

agapaw
agapao
ag-ap-ah'-o
perhaps from agan (much) (or compare 5689); to love (in a social or moral sense):--(be-)love(-ed). Compare filew - phileo 5368.

26
agaph
agape
ag-ah'-pay
from agapaw - agapao 25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast:--(feast of) charity(-ably), dear, love.

27
agaphtoV
agapetos
ag-ap-ay-tos'
from agapaw - agapao 25; beloved:--(dearly, well) beloved, dear.

.Yes. I love ya my friend. Now you figure out which love Jesus Himself told Christians to have for one another, and then see the "love" He said to have for others.
.

Answer 8

I like the way you put 'christians' in this. It makes me believe you understand there is a difference.

This is NOT condoning their behavior - understand they believe this is what God has told them to do and they are trying to follow that.

Tell you what - your welcome at this Christians house for coffee - just no smokin' in my house!!!!

Answer 9

A Christian is a ninny who carries a big ruler at all times with which they hit across the knuckles anyone they hate.

Answer 10

Well now, let me tell you about Sin, all sin is unholy to an all holy God, some self righteous Christians will single Gay's out because of all the attention to it from the debates in the senate and all that, but it is all sin and all sinners Christians should be aware of, and as for Judging? well... read this article, I think it will clear up, the verse in the Bible about Judge not least ye be judged that is always taken out of context by non-believers to justify a wrongful sin lifestyle.

Should We Never Judge?


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"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment"; and "You have rightly judged."; and "Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?"; and "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves". (Jesus' Words in John 7:24; Luke 7:43, 12:57 and Matt. 23:15)


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Summary

There is an extremely serious error that is being believed by the vast majority of people caught up in christian religion. This error is literally making those folks unwilling and unable to discern truth. And what is this error? It is believing that all "judgment" is wrong. If this is true, then what is to be made of Jesus' Words above? In the verses above, Jesus clearly commands people to judge, commends people for judging, and judges himself.

The key point to understand is that not all judgment is wrong, just various types of judgment. The types of judgment that are wrong according to Jesus are condemnation, as well as hypocritical and self-righteous judgment. On the other hand, right judgment is commended by Jesus as we see above. Right judgment includes the judging of truth versus falsehood. The sincere, serious and sober judgment of our own sins, as well as the gentle, and compassionate judgment and correction of other's beliefs or sins.


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What is the matter with 'judging'?

Tragically, Satan is doing a masterful job in christianity's organizations in regard to confusing people over the issue of "judgment". People have been lead to believe that it is "un-loving" to correct someone who is in error, whether by word or deed. Certainly many have contributed to Satan's lie of "don't judge anyone" by being harsh, ungracious or unmerciful in their judgments. It is easy for a person - after being excoriated by a modern day Pharisee who is telling them that they are going to hell if they don't believe something that Jesus doesn't even address - to be pushed to believe that all "judgment" is wrong.

In like manner, many more have contributed to Satan's lie by taking the position that anything said to correct someone, no matter how gently done, is "ungracious" or unloving. These folks are the counterfeit believers who dogmatically state that all judgment is wrong (except their own of course!), especially the kind that points out the falsehoods they are believing. I can't count how many times have I heard the accusation, "oh, brother, you should not say that those who believe the doctrine's of the christian church are in error - that is judging them and Jesus says we are not to judge others. You are being divisive by your judgment. You need to come to an understanding of Jesus' love…" Notice how I am judged as "un-loving" comparing Christianities beliefs with Jesus' Words. I could be the kindest, most gentle, caring, compassionate, giving, selfless person on the planet (which I am not), but if I believe that the teachings of christianity lead people away from Jesus, then I am judged as "un-loving" and usually much worse. Ironic, isn't it? That when I try to point out how a teaching of Jesus contradicts a doctrine of christianity, I will be judged as a heretic or worse? So, while I try to look at a belief that someone holds, and they don't like the truth that I might be bringing, they are only too quick to break their own "don't be judgmental" belief to condemn my person.

Guess who is being judged as un-loving and divisive in these last days? The True and Real Jesus himself is being judged as un-loving and divisive, for he said, "I am the Way, the truth and the Life, and no one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). Of course the Jesus that christianity creates is approved however.

'Watch out - you better not judge'

Surely you have either been accused yourself, or have been the accuser, saying to someone something like, "you had better be careful, brother, you are judging someone and Jesus says we are not to judge". Normally, this response comes when you have said (or have heard someone say) something that is perceived as negative (in reality probably corrective) about some person or belief or event or organization.

The truth is we all make judgments all the time. If you see a man beating up a young child, you will make a judgment that his behavior is wrong and needs to be stopped. If you hear a person say something you perceive as negative about your mother or children, then you will immediately judge that person's words! If you decide not to go into a certain neighborhood during the evening hours, then you are making a judgment. As you listen to some preacher say that God commands you this night to give your entire savings account to his ministry, you will make a judgment. As you are reading my words in this article, you are judging them against your understanding of what is truth. This is a good thing, for the Lord commands it (John 4:24, 8:32), and it is part of the rational mind that God gave us to seek truth.

Telling people not to judge is irrational, for in doing so, you yourself have judged their words or actions, and that is why you told them not to judge! As soon as you tell someone not to judge, you yourself have judged their opinion or judgment as somehow wrong. This can make for an irrational go around of accusations of 'you better not judge'. The real issue that must be recognized before the emotions get too impassioned, is what is the truth regarding the matter at hand. Instead of accusing one another of 'judging', what should happen is the more spiritually mature person should ask the all important question, "what does Jesus say in regard to this issue?" This is always the proper way out from accusations of "judge not". Sadly, in many circumstances, those accusing another of 'judging' are not interested in what Jesus has to say, but rather in protecting their own incorrect opinions or tightly held traditions of men of which christianity is full.

How to Judge the Lord's Way

How do we untangle this mess about "judging"? The solution is not difficult to understand, but it is difficult to live by. If you will remember and live by these next four principles of Jesus regarding judgment, you will be walking according to the Lord's mercy and truth in this extremely important matter of "judging".

First, we are to judge all things (people's behavior and words/beliefs) against Jesus' Words, for Jesus, who is the Word of God, is the standard of truth (John 14:6; 17:17).
(In regard to this first principle of judging, it is extremely important to distinguish between a person's beliefs/doctrine versus their amoral behaviors or physical characteristics. We are to carefully judge all beliefs against Jesus' teachings, and we are NOT to judge people's amoral behavior. Amoral behavior means non-faith customs, traditions, ceremonies or actions that have no moral or spiritual implication. For example, the way someone brushes their teeth, or how or what someone eats, or the manner of their speaking, etc. We are also not to judge someone's physical appearance i.e. their body shape, skin color or facial structure.)

Second, when judging other's behaviors and words, we are to be careful that we are not committing similar sins or errors (Matt. 7:1-6). To be correcting someone for a sin that we have not gained control over (by the power of the Holy Spirit) is hypocritical.
Third, we are to be slow to judge and quick to listen and to forgive (Matt. 7:1-6, 6:14-15).
Fourth and finally, we are not to condemn anyone as hopelessly beyond the reach of God's mercy (Luke 6:37). The follower of Jesus should never tell someone, "you're going to end up in hell, period". Not even Jesus - the only one to ascend into heaven (John 3:13), and thus could justly give that judgment, and who certainly knew many people who were going to end up in hell - brought that condemnation.
'Well, O.K, but we are not to judge the heart…'

Oftentimes, when trying to point out to someone that someone's beliefs might be wrong, and they don't want to hear that their favorite teacher is leading them away from Jesus, they will say, 'Oh, but we are not to judge the heart'. Now, even if you said nothing about the person's "heart", or the organization's leader's motivations, many people will still try to force you to stop exposing the falsehood by using this emotional battering ram. Who wants to condemn someone's heart? No one, and we shouldn't regarding how the mercy of God might minister to them at the moment or in the future. In addition, we certainly are not to judge the motives of men's hearts, for only the Lord knows for certain the 'why' of someone's actions or words (Jer. 17:9; Matt. 13:28-30; Luke 8:17, 16:15; John 2:24, 25). But, dear reader, this does not mean we are not to correct then, or point out that their thought (or "heart") on the matter, is sinful. For Jesus says, "But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man." (Matthew 15:18) If I am defiling myself before God and am ignorant about it, I would appreciate someone telling me so that I could stop!

Let us take a look at a few men other than Jesus who made some pretty serious judgments in the New Testament.

First, the sent one Peter said to a man named Simon, "Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God…For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity." (Acts 8:20-23)

Now, for the 'don't judge the heart' folks, it appears Peter is sinning here. But if a person believes that all scripture is "God's Word", then that person would have to reconcile their "don't judge the heart" belief with this statement of Peter. Peter clearly says, "…for your heart is not right in the sight of God…" Cleary, Peter is "judging the heart" of Simon in this passage. Peter must have had these words of Jesus in mind in this situation: "But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man." (Matthew 15:18). When Peter saw Simon's actions, and heard the words of Simon's mouth, he could make a correct judgment about the man's heart i.e. that it was "not right in the sight of God". He judged the fruit, not the unspoken motivation. We should keep Jesus' command in Matt. 7:1-6 close to our heart before making such a judgment.

Peter makes a similar judgment in Acts 5:4 against a man named Ananias. In that case, he said to Ananias, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit…Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." Again, we see Peter judging a man's actions and words to arrive at a judgment regarding the man's heart - and quite a strong judgment at that i.e. "…Satan filled your heart…" Again, this author is not saying that Peter's actions were right. But what I am saying is that for those who believe both the doctrine of biblical inerrancy; and the popular doctrine of "don't judge a person's heart"; that these texts provide contradictions for those who hold both those beliefs.

Twisting Jesus' Words: Matthew 7:1-2

Probably the most mis-interpreted and thus the most mis-understood verse on this matter of judgment is Matt. 7:1-6. Here, Jesus gives us His command regarding the wrong type of judgment - the judgment in hypocrisy. Jesus says, "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces." Let us examine these verses a little more closely.

The reason these verses have so much force behind them is because they are spoken by the the Father's beloved only begotton Son. Jesus can condemn hypocrisy perfectly and soundly because of who he is - the sinless Son of God. Thus, when we read his words here, we should be heavily impacted by them and desire to be slow to judge people (Jesus in Matt. 5-7 is giving commands to his disciples, and in 7:3 says "your brother's eye"). However, what is equally clear is that Jesus doesn't contradict himself, and yet he clearly, on other occasions, commanded men to make judgments (John 7:24; Luke 7:43, 12:57). If you interpret his Words as meaning "You are not to judge", then Jesus clearly broke His own command on numerous occasions (Matt. 23, John 8). If you believe this, then his breaking his own commands would make him a hypocrite, and thus would disqualify him from being God's Messiah. If you are a true follower of Jesus, then you will not end up at this conclusion and will seek a little deeper.

The key verse and word for understanding Matt. 7:1-6 properly is found in verse 5, and that word is "hypocrite". If you recall the four points of judgment given above, Jesus is addressing point number two here, the second most important point. Jesus is dealing with hypocritical judgment in these verses. It addresses one of our biggest problems as people who retain the sinful nature. We are so quick to judge others more strictly than we judge ourselves. Our own sins always look so much worse on other people! [link to Ignoring the One You Love?] If we stop and solemnly examine our own walk before the Lord, we should arrive at the conclusion that to avoid hypocrisy, we really ought to be slow to judge! This problem cannot be overstated too much. In fact, it is the primary problem stemming from our pride, which leads us to walk according to our flesh rather than abiding in the Son.

In fact, the main point Jesus wants us to understand from these verses is that we are not to judge hypocritically, and thus we are to judge slowly, patiently and mercifully. However, these verses certainly do not teach that we are never to try and correct those who are erring. This truth is born out by two important phrases in these verses. First, verse 5 which states, "Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Obviously Jesus is allowing for humble, compassionate judgment here by saying that after you understand your own struggle with sin, THEN you can help your brother with his sin. Again, his whole point is that we are not to judge hypocritically or self-righteously.

The second point that reinforces the fact that Jesus does not condemn all judgment in these verses in Matt. 7, is verse 6. It is a curious verse seemingly out of place after verse 5 and before verse 7, but it is in just the right place. It is a follow up on verse 5. What it is teaching is that if you do approach your brother - the one mentioned in verse 5 with the speck in his eye - with humility and true compassionate love, and he/she rejects your gentle correction, then they are to be avoided as those disregarding the Lord's commands and yet claiming to be his disciples. The implication of this is far reaching - I hope the reader meditates on this truth until he/she understands it.

This principle is the same one Jesus states in the upcoming Matt. 18:15ff. In Matt. 18:15ff, the Lord lays out the type of discipline that is to be occurring within the local Families of believers. In summary, the principle is that if someone calling themselves a follower of Jesus, is involved in unrepentant sin, then that person is to be corrected with increasing levels of earnestness. If that person rejects the attempts of the other disciples to bring correction, then they are to be avoided, in as much as they are to be treated as, "heathen and tax collectors" (Matt.18:17). Matt. 7:6 has the same meaning as Matt. 18:17. Thus, at the end of the "judgment" passage, Jesus teaches we are to stay away from whose who say they are his disciples, yet who reject him and his ways.

In summary, those who are quick to castigate someone with Matt. 7:1-2 must do so by wrenching the scripture out of context and ignoring the following verses 3 - 6. This is most unfortunate, and might be a sign that the individual who does so is not walking in the Lord's truth and holiness.

Conclusion

Truth cannot be found without searching for it. Logic is useless if people are unwilling to take a few steps into the argument to find the truth. All truth that is eternally important is found in Jesus' Words and truth is understood and received by the enlightenment of the Spirit. Jesus was so concerned about the truth that He said regarding himself, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Jesus was so concerned about the truth that He said regarding the Holy Spirit, "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will tell you things to come." (John 16:13). Jesus was so concerned about the truth that He said regarding His Father, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth." (John 17:17) Jesus was so concerned about the truth that He said regarding his salvation, "If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

It is remarkable that a brief article like this had to be written - that those professing to believe in the one who says he is the Truth - are believing that all correction of a person's doctrine or belief is sinful 'judgmentalism'. This article has proved from Jesus' Words that this irrational position of 'judge nothing' is wrong. The truth is that the false gospel of self esteem preached by so many psychologizers of the faith, has contributed heavily to believing the falsehood that all 'judgment' is wrong. The psychologizers have labeled all corrective judgment as "negative" or "harsh" or their favorite, "un-loving". The only type of judgment approved by the psychologizers is "positive" or "uplifting" or "encouraging" "advise"[link to Can 'Christian' Psychology Help Me?]. Yes, believers are to encourage one another IN THE FAITH, for there is far too little encouraging of one another. Yet we cannot follow Jesus without a love for him and for his Words which he says are the Truth.

Blindness and confusion reign these days in christian religion. How we ought to have a strong passion and desire to avoid being the object of these Words of the Son of the Father, "depart from Me, for I never knew you".

He who has ears to hear, let him hear.


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