A new dilemma

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nukreation

Guest
#1
I work in the male dominated industry of construction. Our work christmas party has been organised and one of the directors has organised strippers.

As a divorcee it took some time to master sexual purity i.e. Marriage ends, intimacy comes to a grinding halt and adapting to being single. I discovered that by mastering what I let into my eyes and mind, and avoiding excessive drinking, thanks to the grace of God, I can remain pure.

That being said, I still need to run from sexual immorality so I don't think I'll go to the christmas party.

I can't work out how to tell my boss I'm not going. It sounds weak to say 'I'm not going because I'm a christian' like christianity is just do's and don'ts and I'm the weak one because I can't handle watching strippers. I'm tempted to just not show up to save having the awkward conversation, but it will only come up later.

Any thoughts on how I should manage the situation would be apreciated.
 
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Brandon777

Guest
#2
I'm glad you posted. Jesus was the strongest man who ever lived! He was strong partially because he resisted temptation to do immoral things. Watching strippers is immoral and it takes strength to man-up and stand for what you believe in-- Jesus, who was the strongest man who ever lived.
 

shemaiah

Senior Member
Jan 28, 2011
2,233
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#3
Don't let you job or friends or anything lead you into sin. You see, sin develops through small thoughts, images or action which build up and bring up struggle and in the worst case--bondage. We are urged to resist and flee from all forms of evil. My advice is Don't Go! God bless
 
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Timofree

Guest
#4
Non-Christians aren't generally used to people standing up for what they believe, or having real reasons to do or not do something..........so be honest, I got a bit of abuse when I said I didnt want to go out clubbing and drinking, but when people saw I was genuine they respected that and backed off.

I found what seemed like a big issue to me, like saying no, most people didn't care that much about :)

Don't go, God will bless you for trusting Him in this.

Hebrews 13:6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
 
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Brandon777

Guest
#5
Think about it. What's tougher for a man to do? Go and watch strippers even though he has a girlfriend or wife, or in your case wants to follow in the footsteps of the greatest man who ever lived, or deny himself of doing that? It's easy to go watch strippers; it's tough to stand up to what you want for a higher cause. Passifying your boss and coworkers by going with them is very similar to doing it yourself and giving in to your own desires. The Holy Bible makes it clear that our flesh continues to want things that are not holy and good for us or others. Apart from displeasing the Lord, the strippers would have one more man that condoned a job where they are treated as indiscriminate pieces of passion without the need for holy commitment, intimacy or unconditional loving affection (which every woman who acts sexually deserves according to the Holy Bible by the covenant of marriage). God gives us better standards to live by, and if we obey them we are happier for it. You know how difficult it is to remain pure, and God is proud of his son (you) for doing that. I encourage you brother to remain strong and know that a true friend, saved or not, would not force you to do something that is against what you believe is right.
 
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nukreation

Guest
#6
Thanks guys. Last year they had a golf day and one of the guys didn't go because he doesn't play golf, so it shouldn't be a big deal that I'm not going this year
 
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Ugly

Guest
#7
I'd speak up. Its my experience you have a chance of one of two responses. He's either some macho alpha male that thinks you're less manly for not being a walking talking sex addict. Or he'll respect you for your boldness and willingness to take a stand. I'd rather be criticize for what i am, and for the sake of the Gospel than make excuses. Really this is all about Your pride. So which is of greater importance to you, saving face and saving your pride, or taking a stand for your beliefs?
 
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Steve4U

Guest
#8
Yeah, that's right, I recon.

And how? to do it.

Honestly and humbly.

You'll bless him.

Have a great Christmas.
 
Dec 13, 2011
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#9
i have an important question..... could anyone give me an answer...please?
why does islam become the most growing religon in usa and west countries in general ?
 

Stuey

Senior Member
Aug 17, 2009
892
4
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#10
i have an important question..... could anyone give me an answer...please?
why does islam become the most growing religon in usa and west countries in general ?
Because the birth rate of Islamic people is much higher than their contemporary counterparts in the west.

Islam completely ignores every prophesy made in the Old Testament and New Testament and wildy claims that the bible 'is corrupt' despite extensive historical evidence to the contrary... on the word of one man Islam trusts over everything that was ever said by God.

Mate tell him you aren't going to the Christmas party and tell him why. Your boss might view you as weak but that isn't your problem, being a Christian involves standing out even though it will often be against the grain.

By doing this he will know you are Christian, see the difference and if you are lucky perhaps even enquire as to the gospel at a later time.

Good luck with it.
 
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Ugly

Guest
#11
i have an important question..... could anyone give me an answer...please?
why does islam become the most growing religon in usa and west countries in general ?
Please make a new thread for this instead of using someone elses thread. Basic forum consideration.
 
Dec 13, 2011
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#12

but there are so many people from western countries who have intered islam .....many of them used to be cristians.... what is the reason behind that...? The True Religion
by Dr. A. A. Bilal Philips (PhD. in Theology, Wales)



[FONT=Verdana,Arial]Which is the True Religion of God?
Each person is born in a circumstance which is not of his own choosing. The religion of his family or the ideology of the state is thrust upon him from the very beginning of his existence in this world. By the time he reaches his teens, he is usually fully brain-washed into believing that the beliefs of his particular society are the correct beliefs that everyone should have. However, when some people mature and are exposed to other belief-systems, they begin to question the validity of their own beliefs. The seekers of truth often reach a point of confusion upon realizing that each and every religion, sect, ideology and philosophy claims to be the one and only correct way for man. Indeed they all encourage people to good. So, which one is right? They cannot all be right since each claims all others to be wrong. Then how does the seeker of truth choose the right way?
God gave us all minds and intellects to enable us to make this crucial decision. It is the most important decision in the life of a human being. Upon it depends his future. Consequently, each and every one of us must examine dispassionately the evidence presented and choose what appears to be right until further evidence arises.
Like every other religion or philosophy, Islam also claims to be the one and only true way to God. In this respect it is no different from other systems. This booklet intends to provide some evidence for the validity of that claim. However, it must always be kept in mind that one can only determine the true path by putting aside emotions and prejudices, which often blind us to reality. Then, and only then, will we be able to use our God-given intelligence and make a rational and correct decision.
There are several arguments which may be advanced to support Islam's claim to be the true religion of God. The following are only three of the most obvious. The first argument is based on the Divine origin of the names of the religion and the comprehensiveness of its meaning. The second deals with the unique and uncomplicated teachings concerning the relationship between God, man, and creation. The third argument derives from the fact that Islam is universally attainable by all men at all times. These are the three basic components of what logic and reason dictate necessary for a religion to be considered the true religion of God. The following pages will develop these concepts in some detail.


The Religion's Name
The first thing that one should know and clearly understand about Islam is what the word "Islam" itself means. The Arabic word "Islam" means the submission or surrender of one's will to the only true God, known in Arabic as "Allah". One who submits his will to God is termed in Arabic a "Muslim". The religion of Islam is not named after a person or people, nor was it decided by a later generation of man, as in the case of Christianity which was named after Jesus Christ (p), Buddhism after Gautama Buddha, Confucianism after Confucius, Marxism after Karl Marx, Judaism after the tribe of Judah, and Hinduism after the Hindus. Islam (submission to the will of God) is the religion which was given to Adam (p), the first man and the first prophet of God, and it was the religion of all the prophets sent by Allah to mankind. Further, its name was chosen by God Himself and clearly mentioned in the final scripture which He revealed to man. In the final revelation, called the Qur'an in Arabic, Allah states the following:
"This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and I have chosen for you Islam as you religion." (Qur'an 5:3) "If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to God), never will it be accepted of him." (Qur'an 3:85)
Hence, Islam does not claim to be a new religion brought by Prophet Muhammad (p) into Arabia in the seventh century, but rather to be a re-expression in its final form of the true religion of Almighty God, Allah, as it was originally revealed to Adam (p) and subsequent prophets.
At this point we might comment briefly on two other religions that claim to be the true path. Nowhere in the Bible will you find God revealing to Prophet Moses' (p) people or their descendants that their religion is called Judaism, or to the followers of Christ (p) that their religion is called Christianity. In other words, the names "Judaism" and "Christianity" had no divine origin or approval. It was not until long after his departure that the name "Christianity" was given to Jesus' (p) religion.
What, then, was Jesus' (p) religion in actual fact, as distinct from its name? His religion was reflected in his teachings, which he urged his followers to accept as guiding principles in their relationship with God. In Islam, Jesus (p) is a prophet sent by Allah and his Arabic name is Eesa. Like the prophets before him, he called upon the people to surrender their will to the will of God (which is what Islam stands for). For example, in the New Testament, it is stated that Jesus (p) taught his followers to pray to God as follows:
"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Luke 11:2; Matt. 6:9-10)
This concept was emphasized by Jesus (p) in a number of his statements recorded in the Gospels. He taught, for example, that only those who submitted would inherit Paradise.
Jesus (p) also pointed out that he himself submitted to the will of God.
"None of those who call me 'Lord' will enter the kingdom of God, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven." (Matt. 7:21) "I cannot do anything of myself. I judge as I hear and my judgment is honest because I am not seeking my own will but the will of Him Who sent me." (John 5:30)
There are many reports in the Gospels which show that Jesus (p) made it clear to his followers that he was not the one true God. For example, when speaking about the final Hour, he said:
"No one knows about the Day or Hour, not even the angels in heaven, not the son, but only the Father." (Mark 13:32)
Thus, Jesus (p) like the prophets before him and the one who came after him, taught the religion of Islam: submission to the will of the One true God.



Recognition of God
Note; the text was very long, so i have deleted some of it from this part but you can read the whole text from its source
Islam: The True Religion - by Bilal Philips



The Signs of God
Throughout people's lives, from childhood until the time they die, signs of the one and only true God are shown to them in all regions of the earth and in their own souls, until it becomes clear that there is only one true God (Allah). God says in the Qur'an:
"We will show them our signs in the furthest regions (of the earth) and in their souls, until it becomes clear to them that this is the truth." (Qur'an 41:53)
The following is an example of God revealing by a sign to one man the error of his idol-worship. In the south-eastern region of the Amazon jungle in Brazil, South America, a primitive tribe erected a new hut to house their man-idol Skwatch, representing the supreme God of all creation. The following day a young man entered the hut to pay homage to the God, and while he was in prostration to what he had been taught was his Creator and Sustainer, a mangy old flea-ridden dog slunk into the hut. The young man looked up in time to see the dog lift his hind leg and pass urine on the idol. Outraged, the youth chased the dog out of the temple, but when his rage died down he realized that the idol could not be the Lord of the Universe. God must be elsewhere, he concluded. As strange as it may seem, the dog urinating on the idol was a sign from God for that young man. This sign contained the divine message that what he was worshiping was false. It liberated him from slavishly following his traditionally learned worship of a false god. As a result, this man was given a choice: either to seek the true God or to continue in the error of his ways.
Allah mentions Prophet Abraham's quest for God as an example of how those who follow His signs will be rightly guided:
"So also did We show Abraham the power and the Laws of the heavens and the earth that he might (with understanding) have certitude.
When the night covered him over, he saw a star. He said: 'This is my Lord.' But when it set, he said: 'I love not those that set.'
When he saw the moon rising in splendor, he said: 'This is my Lord.' But when the moon set, he said: 'Unless my Lord guide me, I shall surely be among those who go astray.'
When he saw the rising sun in splendor, he said:
'This is my Lord, this is the greatest (of all).' But when the sun set, he said: 'O my people! I am indeed free from your (guilt) of giving partners to Allah. For me, I have set my face, firmly and truly, towards Him Who created the heavens and the earth, and never shall I give partners to Allah.'"
(Qur'an 6:75-79)
As was mentioned earlier, prophets have been sent to every nation and tribe to support man's natural belief in God and man's in-born inclination to worship Him, as well as to reinforce the divine truth in the daily signs revealed by God. Although much of these prophets' teachings became distorted, portions revealing their God-inspired messages have remained untainted and have served to guide mankind in the choice between right and wrong. The influence of God-inspired messages down through the ages can be seen in the "Ten Commandments" of Judaisn's Torah which were later adopted into Christianity's teachings, as well as in the existence of laws against murder, stealing and adultery in most societies throughout the ancient and modern world.
As a result of God's signs to mankind through the ages combined with His revelation through His prophets, all mankind has been given a chance to recognize the one and only true God.
Consequently, every soul will be held accountable for its belief in God and its acceptance of the true religion of God, namely Islam, which means total submission to the will of Allah.


Conclusion
The preceding presentation has demonstrated that the name of the religion of Islam expresses Islam's most central principle, submission to God, and that the name "Islam" was chosen not by man, but by God, according to the holy scriptures of Islam. It has also been shown that Islam alone teaches the uniqueness of God and His attributes and enjoins the worship of God alone without intermediaries. Finally, due to the divinely instilled inclination of man to worship God and the signs revealed by God throughout the ages to each individual, Islam may be achieved by all men at all times.
In short, the significance of the name Islam (submission to God), is Islam's fundamental acknowledgement of the uniqueness of God and Islam's accessibility to all mankind at all times convincingly support Islam's claim that from the beginning of time in whatever language it was expressed, Islam alone has been and will be the true religion of God. In conclusion we ask Allah, the Exalted, to keep us on the right path to which He has guided us, and to bestow on us His blessings and mercy, for He is indeed the Most-Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be on Prophet Muhammad and all the prophets of God and their righteous followers.

[/FONT]
 
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Jullianna

Guest
#14
nukreation, I deeply respect your decision regarding this party. I had a similar situation occur where a female in charge was organizing a trip for the women to see male strippers. I just told her it was definitely not my thing. She didn't get upset, just respected my decision. And a couple of years later I had the privilege of praying with her to accept Christ. You never know the impact what may seem to be a small thing may have. :)
 
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nukreation

Guest
#15
Thank you all for your encouragement. I'm not sure how the moslem propaganda relates, but better off in here than out causing arguents in it's own thread.

Juliana that's really encouraging that you got the opportunity to lead your colleague to Christ. That would be awesome!
 
Aug 15, 2011
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#16
Just curious, if its a social stigma and you will be accepted more by your peers if you go to the stupid party, why not just go? So there are strippers. Big deal. You've seen people in the nude before I'm sure. It's not like you are going to have sex with them or anything. They would never even do that if you wanted to. So the only thing that might be tempting is to get a lap dance or something? So just don't do that. They usually would charge for that anyway. Make it a point to not bring any cash with you if you feel you will be tempted. A lot of guys are too nervous around strippers anyways (it's not something you see everyday). I've personally been to a few strip clubs in my day. It's not that big of a deal. It's kind of dumb really. All morals aside, you sometimes can feel kind of stupid for blowing your money on something so wasteful anyway. It's just really kind of lame, the whole thing.

Anyway, just get sick last minute or something. Tell them you don't feel well. Or just show up and be cool about it. It's really not that crazy of an experience. It probably sounds way worse than it really is.
 
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nukreation

Guest
#17
Thanks for your comments Mike. I'm happy to get the stigma for not going, seeing as they already know I'm a christian and they accept me for who I am. The temptation isn't to get a lap dance, but even to allow my mind to go that way. It is good that you are strong in that area, but I prefer to not even think about sex, and it's a bit hard not to when it's in your face like that. I just rang my boss to tell him I wasn't going and you're right, it wasn't a big deal.
 
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BrittanyJones

Guest
#18
You may not be the only person who doesn't want to go. Others may be afraid to speak up at well, I have found after speaking up people come up and thank you for doing it because they didn't want to be the one to do it.
 
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Relena7

Guest
#19
Becoming a hermit is a nice way to avoid problems like these...though that will probably backfire eventually. You have to emerge at some point to buy groceries. :p



But in all seriousness, glad it wasn't too big a deal in the end. :)
 
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nukreation

Guest
#20
Haha Relina fortunately a friend had a party on last night anyway so I didn't have to become a hermit