How Do You Even Know That You're A Real Christian?

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Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
27,278
9,330
113
#21
Multiple answers on this one Kim.

1. I'm a pentecostal minister, so you can bet I have a definition of what a Christian is.

2. I've gone out of my way to avoid debates on this forum, so I'm not going to get into what a Christian is. Except for one thing;

3. I think the Bible says something about knowing a tree by what fruit it puts out...

4. Kim's starting another BDF thread! Kim's starting another BDF thread! Kim's starting...

5. *Lynx climbs into his bomb shelter and waits for the war to blow over.
 

Fenner

Senior Member
Jan 26, 2013
7,507
111
0
#22
I'm sure I'd fall into the not really a Christian in some circles. What really bugs me is that there are some that think you can pray diseases like mental illness away. I remember reading on here that you could pray away bi polar disorder or schizophrenia. Basically what this person said was schizophrenia was the devil talking. Not only is that stupid. It's dangerous. Yes Jesus helps, being a believer has brought me a lot of peace but without my medication I wouldn't be functioning very well.

I have a lot of thoughts about people who feel it's their place to throw the, you're not a real Christian title around but the thoughts aren't nice so I'll keep them to myself.
 

Adstar

Senior Member
Jul 24, 2016
7,581
3,616
113
#23
So... In your opinion, what makes YOU a "real" Christian?
1) I believe the teachings of Jesus His Words for he is the Word of God..
2) And i trust in the Atonement Jesus secured for the forgiveness of all my sins..

It seems to me a lot of people call themselves followers of Jesus but they do not believe what Jesus taught is true.. So can a person be a real follower of Jesus and not believe what he said?

It seems to me there are a lot of people who call themselves Christians who do not believe that all their sins have been paid for by the atonement of the LORD Jesus Christ .. Some of them believe that they must add their religious works and works of charity to the payment for their salvation and teach others that they also must work hard to pay for their own salvation too.. I cannot see how a person can claim to trust in the atonement of Jesus for their salvation and then turn around and promote the idea that well the atonement of Jesus does not in fact pay for your salvation, you MUST do this and do that and You Must never do this and never do that..
 
Jan 28, 2017
193
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#27
You can tell by how they treat others. Especially strangers.

Seoulsearch -- You seem a true Christian, both when you knew me and when you were supposing me to be a stranger treated me well even where we disagree on matters of opinion. You are always very open and very good for the talking to. You were always one of my favorites, and you still are for you make my brain to ponder with your many questions. Don't let yourself be pulled about though by the multitude of thoughts, this is my big problem as well, but it is a truth that if you seek you will find.

Susanna -- You seem a true Christian, though our contact minimal, you were always kind to me. Consider why some people are insecure, it is never without a reason. People can disagree without bashing each other personally, it is true, but it is also true that from henceforth 2 will be against 3 and 4 will be against 5. It is kindness and a fostering a sense of belonging that bridges these divides and makes one secure in Jesus.

Yahweh_is_Gracious -- You seem a true Christian, excepting one thing, as you yourself say you deny that you are! Take that not as an insult, but rather as an exhortation to simply accept you are a Christian and to identify yourself as such. Be not unsure anymore. Truly I am a stranger to you and you treated me very well and with much graciousness. You deserve to be able to claim the title of Christian more than most, even myself. Though I know you are a humble man indeed and feel uneasy saying this of yourself. Your comment mostly is what drove me to be here. I commend thee unto Christ, you are a Christian if I ever saw one and you cannot hide such a light under a lampstand, just embrace it.

PrynceNY -- You seem a true Christian. Very gifted of wisdom you seem to me and as I measure out how others judge me, so I judge thee Christian. And happily so do I judge thee, for I will reckon myself biased and unjust having much love for those being of my generation, a generation where there are not many Christians.

Notuptome -- You seem a true Christian. Though I don't recall us interacting much both when I was aforetime before you all plainly and also posing as a stranger you have never offended against me. I have read much of your words over the years and drank them like water. Yea your words are a water to thirsty eyes, and so for that I shall praise Jesus and have always hoped that he keep thee strong in his cause.

Laura_Charlotte -- You seem a true Christian. Though I will say you seem insular, I fault you not for that, for I have been insular beforetimes too. Do not be afraid to share yourself more openly nor fear other men, for of a truth it is common the other is more afraid of us than we are of them. Perfect love casts out all fear.

Notmebuthim -- You seem a true Christian. Though I have not known you intimately you are an accepting man. Therefore you will be accepted.

WineRose -- You seem a true Christian. I am a stranger to you little one, but you have a great love for one so young. Though you be small now God has made you great in authority. Truly out of the mouth of the children is the love of God shown.

Notmyown -- You seem a true Christian. I am a stranger to you, but you have never rose your foot against me. You are well learned I perceive, but be wary though of the doctrines of man, especially those that suppose themselves authorities over God.

Galatea -- You seem a true Christian. I am a stranger to you but you treated me very hospitably. Of all the strangers I took a liking to you best. You have a great sense of humor and truly the child of the promise was named Laughter.

Pipp -- You seem a true Christian. You have always treated me good when both you knew me and supposing me a stranger. I am happy to see you are still around Pipp. You always were one of the kindest, and by your kindness you will be known of God and man. Keep baking those good cakes, and yet even sweeter to eat are your words.

Phil36 -- You seem a true Christian. You always treated me good when both you knew me and supposing me a stranger. I am happy to see you also still around. Like Lady Seoul, you always are good for the discussion even where we disagree or agree on matters of opinion. You always offer good insight, indeed you are correct, the tertiary issues where we share opinions means nothing but wind. All are nutters and crackpots in matters of opinion! How we are treated of each other personally is the real meat.

Ariel82 -- You seem a real Christian. You always treated me well both when you knew me and supposing me a stranger. You are as a bold as a lion little woman! Your courage is what makes you commendable unto God more than any of your other good traits. Keep your courage, don't fear the nitpickings.

Cinder -- You seem a real Christian. You always treated me well both when you knew me and supposing me a stranger. You have a good sense of humor as well. Don't over worry yourself over the small things though like Martha did, like Mary, only one thing is needful, and that is the love of God.

Lynx -- You make me weep. I considered you so tightly a friend after my own heart, and we are not much different at all in the manner of the world. Many a nights I have thought after you. Yet howbeit your love has waxed cold that you insult me both when I was known of you and as a stranger to you? Does being a minister in a stone church make you anything? Does the broad phylactery of the Pharisee make him a priest? Nay, but the churches of stone are whitewashed tombs full dead men, how they file in to the sarcophagus! Nevertheless I would not cast you out as you cast me down. Strike from your heart your accusations against the strangers calling them trolls and all manners of accusations. In fact strike that word from your very vocabulary, your are no more an actual Lynx than I am a Troll. Can you be a minister and thrust out from your face everyone that seeks to come to you? Can being jealous over the Singles Section refill those that were lost? If we deny the water, how shall the cup be filled? You must pick Grace or you must fall under the Law. Just as Judah and Tamar, it was Judah's acknowledgement and forgiveness that undid the burning commanded of the Law. Remember years a go your great mirth and your great humor and your great happiness. These are the things that made me love you before, yea even made me love you more like a big brother than all those listed herein, and these are your qualities that will make me love you again. I say this not to insult you, but because I loved you so much though maybe you did not know. I would see your cold heart wax warm again for in that were many warmed including myself.

Fenner -- You seem a true Christian. You were kind to me beforetimes and as my posing as a stranger. Yet I say to you not in insult, but in exhortation, have more faith Fenner. For you have some, but I would to see you gain more. Indeed you can cast out illness and mental anguish with prayer. God can heal, and I know this first hand being a beneficiary of it undeservingly. Indeed though you are correct, just because one is for a temporary time anguished does not extinguish their light. Mercy and love which you possess these are the cures to these things. Learn to use them and you will wax stronger than you might think you can.

Adstar -- You seem a true Christian. I am a stranger to thee and you have treated me quite well. Your faith and your trust are your shield indeed. Yea many people do not have such a strong faith, but this does not cast them totally out. Learn to show more of your great trust and faith, do not fear to test it a little and reason together It is amazing how the boldness of one such as yourself can make buff the weak.

Zeroturbulence -- You seem a true Christian. You were so-so with me beforetimes and not totally to your fault, but you treated me well as a stranger. You have a good humor and you are a loyal friend. Lo though I know that you can become indignant and wrathful against others for the sake of those you call friends. In this respect we are much alike, for that is much like I. We both must wary of that though. For there is no reward to loving your own, even the biggest heathens in history loved their own. Perfect your welcoming attitude which you shewed me as posing a stranger. That is where you will earn God much glory. Other than that I always loved you much because you remind me a lot of my mortal dad.

88 -- You seem a true Christian. I am a stranger to you, but you have treated me quite well. You search the depths of knowledge and you will pull out treasure of wisdom from there. Share your treasure with man and may your wealth be multiplied before God.

Missy2014 -- You seem a true Christian. You were always kind to me beforetimes and posing as a stranger. Beloved missy I am glad to see you still around. Always full of humor and kindness. Continue to hold on to these good things missy. For as touching those that are of our generation there are not many of us left in this world or even on this website that have not fallen jaded or been thrust out by the unjust Pharisees that continually smite our generation with a rod of iron.
 

Lynx

Folksy yet erudite
Aug 13, 2014
27,278
9,330
113
#28
Aww, I'm the only one in that list that doesn't seem to be a real christian. :(
 
Jan 28, 2017
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#29
Aww, I'm the only one in that list that doesn't seem to be a real christian. :(
I never said you were or weren't, but indeed, you make me weep. Come back Lynx, be fuzzy and warm again.
 
Dec 16, 2012
1,483
114
63
#30
Laura_Charlotte -- You seem a true Christian. Though I will say you seem insular, I fault you not for that, for I have been insular beforetimes too. Do not be afraid to share yourself more openly nor fear other men, for of a truth it is common the other is more afraid of us than we are of them. Perfect love casts out all fear.

Thanks for the feedback. Do I know you under a different name?
 
Jan 28, 2017
193
2
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#31

Thanks for the feedback. Do I know you under a different name?
Perhaps you do, or perhaps you don't, but it does not matter. Not to be coy, but I genuinely do not know if you do or you do not. You were around but we never really talked much.
 

WineRose

Senior Member
Jan 3, 2017
3,631
265
83
Row A, Column 9
#32
You can tell by how they treat others. Especially strangers.

Seoulsearch -- You seem a true Christian, both when you knew me and when you were supposing me to be a stranger treated me well even where we disagree on matters of opinion. You are always very open and very good for the talking to. You were always one of my favorites, and you still are for you make my brain to ponder with your many questions. Don't let yourself be pulled about though by the multitude of thoughts, this is my big problem as well, but it is a truth that if you seek you will find.

Susanna -- You seem a true Christian, though our contact minimal, you were always kind to me. Consider why some people are insecure, it is never without a reason. People can disagree without bashing each other personally, it is true, but it is also true that from henceforth 2 will be against 3 and 4 will be against 5. It is kindness and a fostering a sense of belonging that bridges these divides and makes one secure in Jesus.

Yahweh_is_Gracious -- You seem a true Christian, excepting one thing, as you yourself say you deny that you are! Take that not as an insult, but rather as an exhortation to simply accept you are a Christian and to identify yourself as such. Be not unsure anymore. Truly I am a stranger to you and you treated me very well and with much graciousness. You deserve to be able to claim the title of Christian more than most, even myself. Though I know you are a humble man indeed and feel uneasy saying this of yourself. Your comment mostly is what drove me to be here. I commend thee unto Christ, you are a Christian if I ever saw one and you cannot hide such a light under a lampstand, just embrace it.

PrynceNY -- You seem a true Christian. Very gifted of wisdom you seem to me and as I measure out how others judge me, so I judge thee Christian. And happily so do I judge thee, for I will reckon myself biased and unjust having much love for those being of my generation, a generation where there are not many Christians.

Notuptome -- You seem a true Christian. Though I don't recall us interacting much both when I was aforetime before you all plainly and also posing as a stranger you have never offended against me. I have read much of your words over the years and drank them like water. Yea your words are a water to thirsty eyes, and so for that I shall praise Jesus and have always hoped that he keep thee strong in his cause.

Laura_Charlotte -- You seem a true Christian. Though I will say you seem insular, I fault you not for that, for I have been insular beforetimes too. Do not be afraid to share yourself more openly nor fear other men, for of a truth it is common the other is more afraid of us than we are of them. Perfect love casts out all fear.

Notmebuthim -- You seem a true Christian. Though I have not known you intimately you are an accepting man. Therefore you will be accepted.

WineRose -- You seem a true Christian. I am a stranger to you little one, but you have a great love for one so young. Though you be small now God has made you great in authority. Truly out of the mouth of the children is the love of God shown.

Notmyown -- You seem a true Christian. I am a stranger to you, but you have never rose your foot against me. You are well learned I perceive, but be wary though of the doctrines of man, especially those that suppose themselves authorities over God.

Galatea -- You seem a true Christian. I am a stranger to you but you treated me very hospitably. Of all the strangers I took a liking to you best. You have a great sense of humor and truly the child of the promise was named Laughter.

Pipp -- You seem a true Christian. You have always treated me good when both you knew me and supposing me a stranger. I am happy to see you are still around Pipp. You always were one of the kindest, and by your kindness you will be known of God and man. Keep baking those good cakes, and yet even sweeter to eat are your words.

Phil36 -- You seem a true Christian. You always treated me good when both you knew me and supposing me a stranger. I am happy to see you also still around. Like Lady Seoul, you always are good for the discussion even where we disagree or agree on matters of opinion. You always offer good insight, indeed you are correct, the tertiary issues where we share opinions means nothing but wind. All are nutters and crackpots in matters of opinion! How we are treated of each other personally is the real meat.

Ariel82 -- You seem a real Christian. You always treated me well both when you knew me and supposing me a stranger. You are as a bold as a lion little woman! Your courage is what makes you commendable unto God more than any of your other good traits. Keep your courage, don't fear the nitpickings.

Cinder -- You seem a real Christian. You always treated me well both when you knew me and supposing me a stranger. You have a good sense of humor as well. Don't over worry yourself over the small things though like Martha did, like Mary, only one thing is needful, and that is the love of God.

Lynx -- You make me weep. I considered you so tightly a friend after my own heart, and we are not much different at all in the manner of the world. Many a nights I have thought after you. Yet howbeit your love has waxed cold that you insult me both when I was known of you and as a stranger to you? Does being a minister in a stone church make you anything? Does the broad phylactery of the Pharisee make him a priest? Nay, but the churches of stone are whitewashed tombs full dead men, how they file in to the sarcophagus! Nevertheless I would not cast you out as you cast me down. Strike from your heart your accusations against the strangers calling them trolls and all manners of accusations. In fact strike that word from your very vocabulary, your are no more an actual Lynx than I am a Troll. Can you be a minister and thrust out from your face everyone that seeks to come to you? Can being jealous over the Singles Section refill those that were lost? If we deny the water, how shall the cup be filled? You must pick Grace or you must fall under the Law. Just as Judah and Tamar, it was Judah's acknowledgement and forgiveness that undid the burning commanded of the Law. Remember years a go your great mirth and your great humor and your great happiness. These are the things that made me love you before, yea even made me love you more like a big brother than all those listed herein, and these are your qualities that will make me love you again. I say this not to insult you, but because I loved you so much though maybe you did not know. I would see your cold heart wax warm again for in that were many warmed including myself.

Fenner -- You seem a true Christian. You were kind to me beforetimes and as my posing as a stranger. Yet I say to you not in insult, but in exhortation, have more faith Fenner. For you have some, but I would to see you gain more. Indeed you can cast out illness and mental anguish with prayer. God can heal, and I know this first hand being a beneficiary of it undeservingly. Indeed though you are correct, just because one is for a temporary time anguished does not extinguish their light. Mercy and love which you possess these are the cures to these things. Learn to use them and you will wax stronger than you might think you can.

Adstar -- You seem a true Christian. I am a stranger to thee and you have treated me quite well. Your faith and your trust are your shield indeed. Yea many people do not have such a strong faith, but this does not cast them totally out. Learn to show more of your great trust and faith, do not fear to test it a little and reason together It is amazing how the boldness of one such as yourself can make buff the weak.

Zeroturbulence -- You seem a true Christian. You were so-so with me beforetimes and not totally to your fault, but you treated me well as a stranger. You have a good humor and you are a loyal friend. Lo though I know that you can become indignant and wrathful against others for the sake of those you call friends. In this respect we are much alike, for that is much like I. We both must wary of that though. For there is no reward to loving your own, even the biggest heathens in history loved their own. Perfect your welcoming attitude which you shewed me as posing a stranger. That is where you will earn God much glory. Other than that I always loved you much because you remind me a lot of my mortal dad.

88 -- You seem a true Christian. I am a stranger to you, but you have treated me quite well. You search the depths of knowledge and you will pull out treasure of wisdom from there. Share your treasure with man and may your wealth be multiplied before God.

Missy2014 -- You seem a true Christian. You were always kind to me beforetimes and posing as a stranger. Beloved missy I am glad to see you still around. Always full of humor and kindness. Continue to hold on to these good things missy. For as touching those that are of our generation there are not many of us left in this world or even on this website that have not fallen jaded or been thrust out by the unjust Pharisees that continually smite our generation with a rod of iron.
Aww. Thanks :)

Fyi I'm not that 'little'. I am actually 172 centimeters tall, lol
 
Jan 28, 2017
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#33
Aww. Thanks :)

Fyi I'm not that 'little'. I am actually 172 centimeters tall, lol
Heheheh, you are welcome and deserving of it. Though to be forthright I have no idea what 172 centimeters looks like. I do mean though small of age, by way of flesh, though I am fairly tall I am quite small I suppose. There is a certain perspective that one gains that is peculiar in being esteemed so lowly in the flesh and in the eyes of man.
 
D

Depleted

Guest
#34
Something else that I've observed over the years is that people who pull the "so-and-so isn't a real Christian" or "I'm beginning to think Sister Sally or Brother Bob isn't even really saved" cards are usually just trying to manipulate other people into doing what they want and/or are dealing with rejection.

It's interesting that the "not a real Christian" or "not really saved" card always seems to be pulled out after a disagreement about something. For example... if you won't vote for them, support their agenda, donate money to their cause, attend their church, or even go out on a date with them, suddenly, it's the "not a Christian Corner" for you.

If all you would do is agree with the person, do what they want, or somehow validate their beliefs... Well then, glory hallelujah! Suddenly you will be placed back into the "Fellowship Camp (Cult)" once again.

Maybe it's just me, but I've always sensed something fishy about those kinds of "relations."

And, it's not because Jesus said we would be Fishers of Men.
But, back at you. What should be said when you learn someone doesn't believe Jesus is God, and yet proclaims to be a Christian? Or they trust a cult leader more than the bible? Or they want to bring in homosexuals into the church because God is "tolerant?" Or they believe God and The Universe are one and the same? Or they believe no one goes to hell?

Basically, what do you say if someone is preaching something that is totally against the God of the Bible?
 
Jan 28, 2017
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#35
Ah Lynn, though you are a worldly and a hardhearted woman towards me and many, I always thought of you as a good wife. I have prayed and cried over your husband much that he not die. Yet I am sorry to say die he soon shall, but at least once, so shall we all.

A praise of God though I give on your behalf. At least in the twilight he have you at his side and that is something a husband wishes greatly of in a wife, a crown jewel indeed. I pray thee kiss him tenderly before he goes to the sleep of the Ancients. May Jesus be greatly praised in this enduring symbol of the love between the wife and the husband.
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
16,440
5,387
113
#36
I never said you were or weren't, but indeed, you make me weep. Come back Lynx, be fuzzy and warm again.
G.I.S. -- Is that you?

The "Old English" manner of speaking is quite distinctive.

Whatever may be, I will always wish you well.
 
Jan 28, 2017
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#37
G.I.S. -- Is that you?

The "Old English" manner of speaking is quite distinctive.

Whatever may be, I will always wish you well.
Do you think I am a G.I.? Lol I confess I have never served in the world's army beloved Seoul.
 

JesusLives

Senior Member
Oct 11, 2013
14,554
2,176
113
#38
X marks the spot for a revisit when I have more time....getting ready to head out the door to church....
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
16,440
5,387
113
#39
In relevance to something I posted earlier (about how I personally believe that a lot of labeling others as "real Christians" or not is actually a form of spiritual manipulation), I wanted to add that I am certainly not immune to this.

I clearly remember one time when I was a little kid, a neighbor girl and I were having a play day. She wanted to play with dolls and I wanted to play in the sandbox, so of course, I told her she would go to hell for not agreeing to play what I wanted to! (Never mind that she was hosting me at her house as well!)

The sad thing is, we still see this kind of tactic all the time as adults.

Even all these years later in my own adult life, sometimes I'm about to say something, and the Holy Spirit reminds me of that incident. He tries to get me to question whether my motive is really Godliness... or trying to get people to do what I want (or punishing them for not agreeing with me.)

Unfortunately, sometimes I still override the Holy Spirit's warning. But it's also made my hyper-sensitive to when others try to do so as well.
 
Jan 28, 2017
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#40
Beloved blondie, you always seemed a true Christian to me though you put yourself down too much for your blondeness lol. You should be more sure of yourself I believe. May you and tourist always be well of course.