Christians differ SO Much!

I talk to a fellow Christian quite often and I'm always amazed at how we differ, it's so difficult to keep my opinions and emotions in check when I hear her speak about other religions, the Bible, the church and God. Sometimes I feel like it's my duty to tell her she is in error and because of the things she says I wonder if she is saved. I realise that this will come across as self-righteous - even bigoted but the things she says aren't Biblical and I have been mentored by conservative Christians and consider myself evangelical. Because of the circumstances surrounding us I'm not really in a position to rock the boat but it is hard. I don't believe we should try to manipulate the word of God.

I'm always surprised by how much we as Christians differ in our beliefs, just glancing around the forum - many of us are worlds apart in our beliefs and the way we live our lives. Surely the Bible is specific in it's teaching, why do so many Christians stray with self-added doctrine? Do we think we can improve the word of God? Modernise it? Manipulate it? It all looks black and white to me!

We all believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for our sins. How we get there is the most debated topic in Christianity.

Hi MadParrot woman. I was interested to read your post because I have also found this with in Christian forums and have also felt the same as you. However, if you try to bring correction on a place like this people just do not like it. I have learnt, or rather am learning, it is God's problem and not mine. I have to keep reminding my self of that . Keep focused on Jesus and the Holy spirit and keep setting the right example for others to see.

It feels like I'm failing to do what is expected of me by God for not speaking out - even going along with some of what this lady says when I know it's wrong. It's SO hard!

well mpw if what you say about her is true then yes she needs to be corrected in a loving way, believe me I know all to well how people react to loving correction but better to help them now than for them to continue living and believing a lie right?
Christians are very diverse in their beliefs, I know how easy it is to believe something that simply isnt true so I follow a simple guideline- If we only seek love and seek to be love everything else falls into place. sure we very well might be wrong about some of our beliefs but because we sought after God and sought his love and be love he molds us to be willing to admit we were wrong and to learn and be taught not get offended and see correction as judgement.

I know exactly what your saying........my SIL and I differ to the point where I try to avoid it at
all cost......I never share a lot with him......he means well......but.......
Here is an example.......he claims the only prayer he ever needs to say is ...Our Father......
well if anybody knows a little about me....would know what this does to my heart......my prayers
are what has gotten me the greatest joy ......my peace....I have so much more to tell God than an
Incredible prayer....most perfect.......but I share everything with God....there's more....but you get
what I'm saying......there are times when I want to put a sock in his mouth so I can enlighten him...
What to do......I have no idea....will someone enlighten me....

is it all black and white? sometimes I think I know something and then it turns out I don't.

I think I need to pray about this..

Aww, I disagree (hehe)
I'm just like all other Christians.

We are to accept those weak in faith - and keep loving and praying for them.

When I'm with friends who feel differently on doctrinal points and aren't open to learn, I just change the subject and focus on what we do agree on. Simple things like "How have you seen Christ working in your life this week?" More personal - less debatable things. Or we pray for each other's needs.

Find the place where you are in harmony - let the rest go.

Sometimes It seems some Christians don"t realize that the Written Word of God is alive,or what it is doing to their hearts.

I'd sum it up with two reasons...

1. many are not born again, and do not comprehend the Author of Scripture.

God has revealed those things to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches everything, especially the deep things of God. After all, who knows everything about a person except that person's own spirit? In the same way, no one has known everything about God except God's Spirit. Now, we didn't receive the spirit that belongs to the world. Instead, we received the Spirit who comes from God so that we could know the things which God has freely given us. (1Co 2:10-12)

2. Those of us who are born again still see through a glass darkly...

Our knowledge is incomplete and our ability to speak what God has revealed is incomplete. But when what is complete comes, then what is incomplete will no longer be used. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, thought like a child, and reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I no longer used childish ways. Now we see a blurred image in a mirror. Then we will see very clearly. Now my knowledge is incomplete. Then I will have complete knowledge as God has complete knowledge of me.
(1Co 13:9-12)

Haha I LOVE the dirty Harry movies and remember that quote LOL. Clint is the biz

Not everyone who claims to be a Christian really is a Christian. There are plenty of people who are "religious" but not right with God. Many people will be surprised at the judgment (Matthew 7:22-23).

Yes I agree with this but it is very sad. I see the harshness in this lady's manor, she is unrepentant and doesn't want to change. I don't want to sound like I know it all because really I'm just learning but I do feel I can usually tell when someone is saved by their way, they usually have a gentleness and sweetness about them - yes even the men and I recognise this as the Holy spirit at work in them.

You shall know them by their fruits.

Thanks, everyone, for being so civil.

In my experience, I understand that my brothers and sisters in Christ certainly do have differing understandings relating to spiritual matters. I hear what's said about wondering why we're not all on the same page.

One example: If we were very involved in a church and it was time to choose a new Sr. Pastor (the former retired, or whatever), the church usually forms a search committee, interviews, allows candidates to preach a Wednesday night service, and there would surely be a big push for sincere praying to make the right choice when the congregation votes.

That's usually how we do it, right? But after Judas was gone, it was time to choose another to "...take his place of leadership" (Acts 1:20). The apostles DID pray, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry". Okay, that's Acts 1:24-25. Well, I would be expecting God to settle my heart with the answer.

But that's not how the next apostle was chosen.

The next verse (26) describes, "Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Mathias, so he was added to the eleven apostles."

I seriously doubt that there would be any support from a congregation these days, when choosing a new pastor from among two...or many more, that would back an initiative to throw the dice (lots) and let the numbers of chance decide such an important issue. However, I DO believe that the apostles really did believe that God's will would be disclosed through the lots.

So, that's my example. Our faith and understanding in spiritual matters and how God "works" in and with us is diverse, seeming that believers are NOT on the same page. Well, whether apostle or layman, I am going to try to do what God lays on my heart/conscience and am just happy that others may show their faith in a completely different way, even casting lots.

May be God bless you all. Thanks for reading.

When it comes to thing relating to God. I always try to speak and react how God will speak and react. It pains me sometimes when I want to give my personal take on it but the holy spirit say "just say as I would say. If it get complicated add in some love. Love works everytime."

agreed nicee, let me add one thing: people have agendas. now they might really be well-meaning, have their heart in the right place, but it is still an agenda. this causes more division than anything.