Your core understanding is a good one. "Christians" have accepted Christ as their Savior which means that they have admitted that they need saving, believed that Christ died to save them, and then repented. Many Christians leave it here, thinking that repent means saying, "I'm sorry"... the rest of your sentence shows that you understand more than this. "Repent" means to say that you are sorry, and then turn away from your sin (humility, live a good life, etc).

Now, what "should" we pray for? There are 17 things that Scripture tells us to pray for and I think that God wants us to ask for things, but always understanding that it is His will that prevails. We must not pray against God's will just because we want a thing. As far as praying that non-believers don't move in... that's ludicrous. If non-believers move in, God must A) want me to learn something from them, B) them to see my Christian life, or C) something that I cannot even see yet.

It seems to me that you understand the core, and that you are focused on the eternal, not the temporal. Find a group of people that is like-minded, or, affect your current group to think more on the Lord and less on themselves.

R

 

Your faith sounds like mine - I pray in Jesus's name for forgiveness of my own sins and anyone else I know who needs to be lifted up in prayer. I trust in God to carry out his plan for my life, even if it's not something I want. And I turn to him in times of suffering or fear.

I supppose they can pray for whatever they want. That doesn't mean God gives us all vacations, although we're all free to ask. But being so focused on material things is something we're warned about in the Bible.

Someone else can probably do a better job of explaining, but I'm glad you left the group.

ETA: See - Windowor mirror did an excellent job explaining it.

 

Hi NEfarmgirl......

Here's a few verses about asking God for things......

And even when you do ask, you don't get it because your whole motive is wrong--you want only what will give you pleasure. James - Chapter 4 verse 3

And we can be confident that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will.
1 John - Chapter 5 verse 14

IMHO.... God is not some celestial sugar daddy.... I don't believe that he honors prayers asking him for more material posessions.... Or neighbors that we approve of....

I would also caution you about entertaining feelings of superiority.....

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Romans - Chapter 12 verse 3

I would say that you have a very good grasp of what it means to be a Christian.... I would encourage you to keep on... keeping on and continue to...

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
2 Timothy - Chapter 2 verse 15

David

 

Farmgirl - I would have been uncomfortable in that group, too! I have long considered the Lord's Prayer as a template for personal prayer - & it has no mention of money for vacations!

First, our relationship with God as his child, his holiness, then a plea for his kingdom and his will to be done. Then asking for our "daily bread" - just what we need, no more. Then the hardest part - asking God to forgive us in the same way that we have forgiven others! After that is asking God for help in leading a moral life.

We are told in the Bible to pray for others.

Living as a Christian has many different things in the particulars for people, but the main idea is the same.

 

I don't want to come off as being better then others. I know that I am a sinner and need to remain humble. I know what my role on earth is and I am not trying to judge others. After the last study I was in tears and decided to not go back--hubby thinks I am over reacting. I have prayed for guidance on handling this situation but feel lost.

 

no you're not better than others you are correct in that, you're following God's holy spirit...I have a question, have you presented this concern of yours to the group? We are as fellow christians to bring it to the person who is a fellow christian and tell them our concern, then if it is still an issue bring in someone else to hear both sides then if still bring it before the church. This is an extremely hard thing to do but for the salvation of souls we are to pick our brothers up when they have fallen . i will look for the scriptures to back this up. You know in you're heart God's will follow it. God Bless JIL

 

Seems to me your spirit did not bare witness with their spirit. If you were uncomfortable you were right to leave. There are false prophets out there and if you are uncomfortable maybe this is one group that is following one. God will give you peace in your spirit when you are hearing truth. We searched for years to find a church that is preaching the truth. Not that we are better by any means but, if you listen to false teaching you will begin to be desensitized to it. Seek the truth and you will know when you have found it. While you are looking for a place to worship in spirit and in truth you may want to listen to some truth.

Our church has a truck stop audio ministry and you can hear some very good messages on this link: http://www.sermonaudio.com/source_detail.asp?sourceid=libertyfaith

May God bless you while you seek his truths.

 

Being a Christian is not just accepting Christ as your savior, that is just the start. Being a Christian means living your life as close to Christ teachings as you can. There are many people and even churches out there who call them Christian who are not.

Pet peeve time now. Christians ARE to judge. We are to judge a person by their actions and act accordingly. If we see someone who is not following Christ's teachings we are to point it out to them. We don't demand or try to force them to change, AAMOF, we are told there are times we are to just walk away from them.

 

Cotton Picker--thank you for sharing the verses--I am re-learning and I appreciate any help in references.

JIL--I did bring up the verses dealing with if someone does wrong point it out to them in private, if they don't admit then bring a few others in and if that does not work to take it to the church. I was blown off for being a "new" person in the group. What I don't get is someone in the group will say"I shouldn't ask but...."

It hurts me most to hear comments about others because they don't believe--isn't that an opportunity to share the word? Thanks for the replies so far.

 

Being a Christian is not just accepting Christ as your savior, that is just the start. Being a Christian means living your life as close to Christ teachings as you can. There are many people and even churches out there who call them Christian who are not.

Pet peeve time now. Christians ARE to judge. We are to judge a person by their actions and act accordingly. If we see someone who is not following Christ's teachings we are to point it out to them. We don't demand or try to force them to change, AAMOF, we are told there are times we are to just walk away from them.

Very good advice watcher. I too, am tired of the ""judge not quote taken totally out of context.

 

Need help understanding "being a Christian"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am at a loss on understanding this concept.

Read and study the Holy Scriptures. God reveals to us in His Word what being a Christian is. The more you study His Word and understand His Will, the easier it is to see false doctrines, false teachers and false followers. A Christian has the responsibility of seeking out the Truth and worshipping with like minded followers. Before you join any religious church or group, you have the responsibility of making sure all that is taught, practiced and accepted lines up with God's Truths. Of course, there is a balance of understanding the difference between false teachings and weak Christians. The leaders and the church statements MUST line up but individual members are at different points in their understanding so should be granted more patience and lovingly corrected, encouraged and edified in the Truth. If you wish to help others who you feel are in error you need to be sure you understand God's Word and are motivated out of love. If you are still on milk yourself, leave the correcting to someone more knowledgeable. You can quietly lead by your example.

For now I would recommend working on your own faith and understanding through prayer and study.

 

you seem to be following God's word that is all you are to do. Trust in God to lead you, sometimes we are to dust the dirt off our feet and walk away. we are to fellowship with true believers and witness to the world the good news of the Holy Gospel. Bible studies should be the fellowship with true believers and being a witness is to those who know him not (or think they know him). We are in trying times and we need to dig deep into God's word to know him and his will. God Bless JIL

 

"Judge not lest ye be judged"

Judge (# 2919) - condemn, punish, avenge, ----

These are some of the meanings of the word "judge" as used in the quote from Strong's Concordance. As I understand the "meaning", we are not to condemn others. We are to judge a person based upon their character and actions, not to condemn them but to determine if they are someone you should associate with.


.

 

I don't want to come off as being better then others. I know that I am a sinner and need to remain humble. I know what my role on earth is and I am not trying to judge others. After the last study I was in tears and decided to not go back--hubby thinks I am over reacting. I have prayed for guidance on handling this situation but feel lost.

No, you are not over reacting! don't go back there if you are not comfortable with these people!

I am a Christian and I try hard not to judge others (And it's very trying sometimes!). I go on my merry way, putting one foot in front of the other, trying to like people even if they are not likeable and I don't understand them. Heck,I even like athiests:rock:!

As for prayer, that is very personal to me. If someone wishes to pray for material things...well, bless their hearts....that's fine with me. At least they are communicating with their God! I will not judge them because their prayers are different than mine! It's really none of my business any way!

 

By the by... you are not at a loss; of understanding the concept or anything else. What you are experiencing are people that claim the name whose fruits do not seem to be present. This is a very common issue, probably much more common than it should be. This is why we focus on the perfection that is Christ and not on other Christians.

 

For someone to pray for: vacations, money, who moves in to a house is to misunderstand what prayer is for. Those people need to actually study scripture and find out what its all about. You are right.
Keep in mind that everyone is at a different point in their spiritual walk, -- sorry to say these people youare talking about appear to be very early in their spiritual development.

 

I don't want to come off as being better then others. I know that I am a sinner and need to remain humble. I know what my role on earth is and I am not trying to judge others. After the last study I was in tears and decided to not go back--hubby thinks I am over reacting. I have prayed for guidance on handling this situation but feel lost.

Hi NEfarmgirl.....

I know first hand the letdown one feels when they find themselves at odds with a group of fellow believers...

The fact that you were so negatively impacted.... To me shows your sincerity about seeking out the truth...... I'm sorry that your husband appears to be less than understanding.... That makes the hard decision that you felt you had to make even tougher to live with....

Please... Don't despair... There are plenty of supportive folks here who would be more than happy to assist you with any questions that you may have about the Christian faith.... While you seek out a new group with whom you are more comfortable....

Keep you chin up....

David

 

Pet peeve time now. Christians ARE to judge. We are to judge a person by their actions and act accordingly. If we see someone who is not following Christ's teachings we are to point it out to them. We don't demand or try to force them to change, AAMOF, we are told there are times we are to just walk away from them.

Ahhh, but Watcher...... We are also admonished to tread lightly in our judgements of others......

Accept Christians who are weak in faith, and don't argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.
Romans - Chapter 14 verse 1

Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.

The Lord's servants must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. They must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people.

They should gently teach those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will believe the truth.

Then they will come to their senses and escape from the Devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
2 Timothy - Chapter 2 verses 23-26

 

"Judge not lest ye be judged"

Judge (# 2919) - condemn, punish, avenge, ----

These are some of the meanings of the word "judge" as used in the quote from Strong's Concordance. As I understand the "meaning", we are not to condemn others. We are to judge a person based upon their character and actions, not to condemn them but to determine if they are someone you should associate with.

Good points.... Uyk7.....

If I might back up that line of thinking with this......

Don't be fooled by those who say such things, for "bad company corrupts good character."
1 Corinthians - Chapter 15 verse 33

Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.

Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren't contaminated by their sins.* (Footnote: * Greek.... mercy, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.)Jude - Chapter 1 verses 22-23

 

"Judge not lest ye be judged"

Why is it people alway stop the quote there, when you do it changes the meaning drastically. see Matt 7 : 1 and 2

 

NEfarmgirl--dont' be bashful or feel guilty about moving on, in fact it's good that you do. It's "pearls before swine" to try to enlighten these people. First off, read your Bible, everything you need is in there, pray for God to help you understand and find things, He will. Next, you can try different churches in your community, or you can focus on making friends with your neighbors and community(like at school, work, etc)--this is good because Jesus said to do this, make friends with everyone and share our faith by BEING our faith. When you come along Christians who seem to think the same way you do (ie, they dont' spout off stuff like Jesus helped me find the perfect parking spot), try going to their church. "Good" church people make connections by feeling the Holy Spirit in other people (the "bear witness") and a mature and sincere and loving person speaks for themselves(speaking to how they blow you off cuz you're new). And they are kind and supprtive of "new" people.

If later on you feel strong enough to go battle the stuck up God-is-my-Santa-Claus(I really want to say "God is my B-word" because that is truly their attitude), then certainly have at it!

.

 

By the by... you are not at a loss; of understanding the concept or anything else. What you are experiencing are people that claim the name whose fruits do not seem to be present. This is a very common issue, probably much more common than it should be. This is why we focus on the perfection that is Christ and not on other Christians.

Good point... WindowOrMirror....

Here is a Bible verse, which I believes validates your point......

For we who worship God in the Spirit* are the only ones who are truly circumcised. We put no confidence in human effort. Instead, we boast about what Christ Jesus has done for us. (Footnote:* Or in spirit; some manuscripts read worship by the Spirit of God.) Philippians - Chapter 3 verse 3

 

Pet peeve time now. Christians ARE to judge. We are to judge a person by their actions and act accordingly.

You beat me to it. Just a few of the verses that tell us we are to judge - that is, discern the difference between good & evil - are:

John 7:24
I Cor 2:15
I Cor 5:9-13
1 Cor 6:2-3
1 Cor 12:10
I Thess 5:21
Heb 5:14

And people say we Catholics don't know the Bible! :nana:

 

As far as I can tell, you have a very good grasp of what it means to be a Christian. But just because someone prays for something you wouldn't doesn't make them a bad person (or even wrong for praying for it, depending on their attitude and motives which we really can't know since we aren't God) - God wants us to rely on him for the little things as well as the big, but it all comes down to what God wants in our lives, not what we want, and we have to trust Him.

Not every church can minister to every Christian. You just need to visit some churches and find one that is, not only like minded in their beliefs, but likeminded in their practice of Christianity and what it means to be Christian - aka Christ-like in their lives. Even different churches of the same denomination are different and not every person will be comfortable in all of them. Don't give up on fellowship with Christians just because of that one church - go out and find one you like that will support you.

 

NEfarmgirl, you're on the correct path! You possess a critical spiritual element that many people lack; being, an exceptional insight into things of God, apart from what you have been taught.

So many people go by their teaching/training (ie: brainwashing in some instances), that they totally loose their ability to discern God's truths. They listen to man and, his spin on scripture (even if well meaning), rather than possessing (and seeking) the ability to be able to truly "see" the Word of God and know the truth for themselves. They get blinded by either the peer pressure to believe the same (because your not Christian if have different views ), or just take the easy path and let someone else teach you, rather than seeking on your own.

I say God bless you for your insight, your sensitivity, and desire to follow Jesus Christ according to how He leads you. Don't worry about being a square peg in a round hole. Keep seeking a fellowship of those who feel as you do.