HELP! Plz answer my qs

[Lad]

The Bible says in Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” And it is this verse’s connotation and the saying “Christians are in the world, not of it.” That I have been battling with for a few months now. And so, for those brave enough to answer, here are a few major questions I want answered.
Just what is ‘of the world’ that we aren’t to take part in?
Is clubbing something a Christian shouldn’t do?
Are tattoos and piercings bad for Christians these days especially with the neutral designs of tattoos and the common-ness of ear piercings, eyebrow piercings and tongue piercings we are now exposed too?
Is drinking alcohol something we shouldn’t do?
What should be our criteria for T.V programmes, books, movies, and music?
Are we to be like monks in order for our ways to be different and not conformed to this world?
Does the world REALLY have to hate us?
Are we allowed non-christian friends?
Is smoking something that we shouldn’t do because its bad for our health or is it because of our beliefs?
How can we be christians and yet get along with and be accepted by non-christians if we can’t follow along with whatever music/movies etc they may be talking about?
How can we be holy but not be on a ‘high-horse’?
Thanks,
With Love,
Jayden

 

[pickles]

Wow, trying to take it all in at once would be overwhelming. Thats why Jesus gave his life and his grace. All you listed can and often is true but start with the cornerstone of faith. Giving your heart compleatly to Jesus. Then start with what you believe is likley to get in the way of your walk with Jesus. Sin is mostly in your heart but also in action. Jesus wants you first and yes many in the world will turn their backs on you but Jesus will fill the emptyness with his love. Try one thing at a time and trust in Jesus, He will give you the knowlage you need and the wisdom to choose. His word is a good place to start. You can still live in the world and among non christians yet not be a slave to sin. Living your faith among nonbelievers is the oppertunity to witness to them. To stay off the high horse , never use anothers failier to build yourself up. You will know in your heart as you get to know Jesus what you should not do. Trust in him and the wisdom of other christians and you will find your way. Hope this helps, God bless, and my prayers are with you. pickles

 

[Densetzu]

That's a lot of questions, actually.

For one thing, consider the time Paul was writing this. The world at the time was a polytheistic society with multiple opposing cults and secret organizations; there was corruption and excess around every corner, and many things that Christians are called to abhor were enshrined in society, especially prostitution in the cult of Venus. Slaves were treated horribly by some, often forced to fight for others amusement.

In some ways, today is vastly different. In other ways, it's not. We're no longer polytheistic, but many people all but worship celebrities.

We still have corruption everywhere.

But we no longer have slaves, and we're certainly more humanitarian than Roman society.

Remember that the system itself isn't evil, but evil is often entrenched in the system.

-Clubbing is a pretty generic descriptor. There's nothing wrong with going out and having a good time, but remember that you're supposed to be representing a higher power. Don't do anything you'll regret while having fun.

-I have no real opinion on tatoos and piercings, but some say they violate the principle that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit

-Alcohol is not evil in and of itself, but problem drinking and drunkeness can put you in a world of hurt.

-I can't decide the criteria you use for your entertainment for you. That's between you and God.

- No. Monks were a bad idea caused by fanaticism.

- The world hating you depends on whose toes you step on, and living a moral life may require you to step on some toes.

- Choose your friends wisely. In some cases, 'Christian' friends who are obsessed with legalism are worse than non-believer friends who respect your beliefs.

- this sounds like a very legalistic question. Movies and music need not be a stumbling block, not if you're grounded in reality and have a strong sense of right and wrong. Look for good messages in movies and songs, and if you can find none, nobody will fault you for not caring for a particular movie. The real test of your character when influencing others for God is whether you live up to the command to love your neighbor as yourself. If people get the sense that you don't care for them, that you're just hanging with them to try and win them to your religion because 'my religion tells me to' then they'll see through any gestures of friendship in a heartbeat.

-Emulate Jesus. Also, Superman if you need more examples.

 

[SB81848889]

The Bible says in Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” And it is this verse’s connotation and the saying “Christians are in the world, not of it.” That I have been battling with for a few months now. And so, for those brave enough to answer, here are a few major questions I want answered.
Just what is ‘of the world’ that we aren’t to take part in?
Is clubbing something a Christian shouldn’t do?
Are tattoos and piercings bad for Christians these days especially with the neutral designs of tattoos and the common-ness of ear piercings, eyebrow piercings and tongue piercings we are now exposed too?
Is drinking alcohol something we shouldn’t do?
What should be our criteria for T.V programmes, books, movies, and music?
Are we to be like monks in order for our ways to be different and not conformed to this world?
Does the world REALLY have to hate us?
Are we allowed non-christian friends?
Is smoking something that we shouldn’t do because its bad for our health or is it because of our beliefs?
How can we be christians and yet get along with and be accepted by non-christians if we can’t follow along with whatever music/movies etc they may be talking about?
How can we be holy but not be on a ‘high-horse’?
Thanks,
With Love,
Jayden

Well Jayden if these are the hardest questions you are facing in your walk with God then you are blessed I think.

As a Christian you must remember that you are DEAD when you were born of the spirit, and you died when Christ died. You no longer have to serve sin and now have the power to live a holy sanctified life, thats what John means when he says walk in the light not in the darkness. You now are beginning to see this world with the light of God which only he could make real to you and that is a great blessing. The goal now for you is to learn to live in that light.

This world is filled with people who do not see evil for what it is and they are in rebellion against God and dont even realize it. You are trying to walk in the light of God and non Christians will never understand that. They still have their blinders on like we all did before our salvation. You must now start to live in the spirit and see the world as God sees it. You now have the power by the Holy spirit to choose to live by faith and walk in the spirit. As you learn from the Bible and maybe your church but that I doubt these days you will know Gods will for your life, It will take time and you will slip up, but it will be amazing when you start to have victory over sin that you never could have or wanted to before, and all by the mercy of God.

Clubbing will soon be less and less apealing to you as the Holy Spirit convicts you of whatever your temptations are. This is just my opinion but as a Christian we should avoid the apearence of sin just like Paul said and this means the party scene. I know you can go to a bar and not sin, but if this is a problem area for you, then definately give it up.

Every christian I have talked to that has a tattoo at least has regretted it and it was something they did to impress someone, You have to ask yourself why you want a tatoo. God is not as interested in what we do as much as he is about why we did it. Thats what walking in the spirit is like, You do things when only God would know about them, or you dont do things because you feel Gods pressence even when no other person is around and know one would know you did it, but you want to please him so you stop doing it. I really cant say eaither way about piercings and tatoos, but the Holy Spirit will lead you to make your choice. Pray and keep praying always about difficult situations and choices. Say in 10 years you are a Bible teacher somewhere or your teaching and ministering to kids, you may have a problem showing these kids about tatoos and body piercings and setting that example for them. Just my opinion though.

Some Christians have the freedom to drink alcohol and they are not tempted to over indulge, drinking alcohol is not a sin but getting drunk is however, so if you are inclined to be tempted to drink too much or were an alcoholic then it would be wise to cut it out completely from your life, this also may require lots of prayer for Gods grace and help if its a real problem for you.

As far as TV and movies go, all I can say is I personally believe that entertainment is satan's substitute for Gods joy, and it is a very cheap substitute. God wants all your love and attention and he wants your time and thoughts, and if entertainment is getting in the way or you are prefering it over spending time in prayer or fellowship or ministry or bible study then you will have to judge that one for yourself. As far as the type of entertainment, that needs no explanation, but really all of it is keeping us from serving and loving the lord the way he wants.

God does not want us to be like monks. Who could a monk help, he couldnt do or help anyone. We are called to give out the gospel and be a light to this world. We are to serve each other and love our fellow man, the monks were trying to live perfect Holy lives by stripping all worldly things from their existence, but they were trying to please God by their own power, and most of them failed, all we need is to live by faith and trust God and he will make us all more Holy then the greatest monks, because its his power that we are able to achieve it not our own, God has given all things for us and he is pleased to bless us with many material things for our pleasure and needs. God knows when we need food and clothes or when we are tired or bored, and he blesses his children on this earth. We just need to remember our first love and know that all things are Gods for the giving and taking for our good.

Yes the world will hate you and persecute you as a Christian. If you are not having trouble in this world with friends and family and co-workers then I would take a deeper look at your faith. The cross of Christ divides men and you will loose friends and family because of it, but this is a good sign for you that you are living for God when everyone else around you is against him. Stand firm, and be that light so that these people can see God in your life and maybe have a chance to repent and have salvation because of you and Gods work through you.

We need to have Non-christian friends, how else are we to give out the word, Many christians just stay within their little church clique and never show anyone else their light, they only stay with people they are comfortable with and never really make an impact in anyone's life for Christ. We should be sowing seed in this world, and God will enable us to do just that.

Well Smoking is an addiction and you are serving your flesh when you light up, so in a way its the same as any other addiction, and Paul says to put to death the flesh every day and I think smoking is something you should put to death, but thats also just my opinion.

You cannot serve two masters, so as a Christian you may not be able to reconcile evey relationship you have with people, but by showing the love of God in your life and bearing the fruits of the spirit like mercy, kindness, longsuffering, meekness etc... then you will be suprised how your non-christian friends and family may react. Pray for all of these people because chances are you are going to be the only christian they will ever know and God may want to work through you to save them.

We have something way better and loftier than a high-horse, we have a robe of righteousness and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Ride it high and far.

Remember to continue in prayer, fellowship, breaking of bread and the apostles doctrine and you will know Gods will.

God bless you in Christ

 

[wattie]

Yeah... just catching the undertow of your post (opening thread) ..

Understand that the legal requirements of the law are gone.. so there is no condemnation or rejection for you from Jesus after you are saved.

So things like.. don do this.. don do that... don touch this .. don touch that..

these things are only achievable by relying on the grace given by Jesus




How do you quit habits? By not condemning yourself when tripping in the process of trying to flee from them



The correction God gives is of conviction NOT guilt... guilt is from Satan.. conviction is from God who desires you to know how you are hurting Him and then be empowered by Him to flee from sin.


So.. be assured.. you have everlasting life if you have entrusted your salvation with Jesus! It is His guarantee and promise to you.. therefore.. be at ease.. do not worry.. all the requirements and handwriting of the law have been wiped out by Jesus.. dwelling in you as the Holy Spirit.

This is your motive to flee sin.. that you have been freed from the law of sin and death..

(Phillipians 4:6-8) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

 

[MahogonySnail]

The Bible says in Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” And it is this verse’s connotation and the saying “Christians are in the world, not of it.” That I have been battling with for a few months now. And so, for those brave enough to answer, here are a few major questions I want answered.

Well I'll try.

Just what is ‘of the world’ that we aren’t to take part in?

Anything and everything that is part of the world's system. That includes cultural mind-sets and patriotic national pride and humanistic values. How you borrow money, how you spend money.

Is clubbing something a Christian shouldn’t do?

Depends if you feel like it or not. I personally dont like clubbing. I think Christians in general tend to stay away from clubbing because they don't like it.

Are tattoos and piercings bad for Christians these days especially with the neutral designs of tattoos and the common-ness of ear piercings, eyebrow piercings and tongue piercings we are now exposed too?

Hard to define bad. IF we do it to honor God alone, that might be ok. But most is copying the worldly mindset and values.

Is drinking alcohol something we shouldn’t do?

Only to excess. But in general for good health, abstinence is best. Alcohol is a poison, and all the other perservatives etc that are put into it.

What should be our criteria for T.V programmes, books, movies, and music?

Whatever you aren't comfortable with, don't watch.

Are we to be like monks in order for our ways to be different and not conformed to this world?

That's up to you. But really, yes, like monks is a good aim.

Does the world REALLY have to hate us?

Hate means 'love less' or detest. Or like less. It's not so hardcore. The bible says "if the world hates you". If the world likes you, then that's a bonus. It's ok to grow in favor with God and men.

Are we allowed non-christian friends?

Yes within reason. There's nice non-christians and not so nice non-christians. I don't be friends with anyone constantly putting down my faith or doing bad things like drugs etc.

Is smoking something that we shouldn’t do because its bad for our health or is it because of our beliefs?

Bad for health is the main reason.

How can we be christians and yet get along with and be accepted by non-christians if we can’t follow along with whatever music/movies etc they may be talking about?

You'll just have to communicate on another level.

How can we be holy but not be on a ‘high-horse’?

Yes it's possible because the hallmark of a Christian is not only holiness but humility.

 

[Thaddaeus]

you press toward the mark of the High calling which is to be Holy, you stay off your high horse while getting there and after you get there by realizing that it was Jesus and His power that got you there nothing you did, you could not have achieved anythingany level of holiness without Christ and His strength> you give Him all the Glory, for the things He has done through you.