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H
Well here's what's funny, when we posted the original thread; the announcement that we were creating a fellowship for fans of Counter Strike and online gaming, we did so with absolutely no intentions of igniting some kind of discussion concerning what has now become the topic at hand. It was not our intention to seek anyone's council, nor were we in need of approval, as if necessitating the inquiry of a multitude of varying insights, views, and opinions, as to whether or not playing “Counter Strike Source” is acceptable, right, or permissible in the eyes of Lord. And why? Because it was never an issue for any of us to begin with.
Allow me be clear, I (and I'm sure I speak for many here) have absolutely no problem before the Lord playing this game. It does not trouble my conscience, nor does it grieve my heart and soul in any way. All this was intended to be, was a central place for posting information, for those who might want to join in the fun, and play online. Nothing more.
We just figured with all the people that initially showed interest upon first discussing how fun it would be to play Counter Strike with a bunch of Christian brothers and sisters from CC, that it would also be a good idea to have a single, centralized location for people to go; one “Christian Chat Counter Strike” resource, that would list our emails, game account id's, passwords, etc, for the sake of making it easy and convenient to find one another online, and gain access to the private games being hosted by us.
But I think it just really comes down to this: if you don't feel right about it, then don't play the game. Plenty of us as believers have an incredibly fun time doing so. But no one is asking anyone to play, (though as Chris said, “you're more than welcome to and we'd love to have you”)
Bro, (and sister), I hope I don't sound rude, as it's truly not my intention to do so, but I really think you're wasting your time, energy, and words, trying to convince us, if that is indeed your motive, that playing this game, is somehow “sinful” and wrong. Sorry friends, but it's just not gonna happen. At least not with me. Nor do I think it's going to happen with most of the others you might be trying to somehow convince that doing so wrong, as most of them are people like myself who've been walking with Christ for many years, and likewise do not have any problem playing and enjoying the game.
I think it's great that your soul has been sparked and ignited by Christ, and I can definitely see your love and passion for Him. But I believe that being a newborn babe in Christ, is very similar to being a newborn human in the world. And you guys trying to tell us that playing this game is somehow bad, and “sinful”, is like standing in line at the movies, and having some child who's in kindergarten coming up and trying to tell you that you're not supposed to be watching some movie, but doing so only because his parents told him that he's not allowed to watch it.
In other words, all this kid understands is what's right or wrong for him personally. But instead of understanding that it's a very big world with many differing maturities and perceptions, he does what we all tend by nature to do, and transfers his adopted truth's and perceptions onto the world around him, naively assuming that whatever must be right for him, must also be right and correct for everyone else.
Sorry if you can't handle us playing this game. More power to ya man. I get it. I've been there bro. God has hit the reset button in your life, and everything is very fresh, new, and radical, and it's very apparent that you are seeking to please Him. But offering us your wisdom, or projecting and transferring your personal convictions on a bunch of mature people in Christ, who have all been walking with him for some time now, especially when we're not asking for it, is like that kid in kindergarten, trying to direct the lives of adults, and continuing to do so, would really be quite trite and frivolous on your behalf. As mature adults in Christ, trust us bro, we have a good sense of what we ought and ought not do.
You look like you're in some kind of ministry. Great bro! That is so awesome! And truly my friend, I encourage you from the bottom of my heart. I'm sure God is going to use you in many wonderful ways. However, it would be good for you to start understanding something right now my brother, and that is that trying to change people from the outside, as you are trying to do, (even though you don't realize it, and even though your motives might be good) is like what Paul talked about when he said, “touch not taste not”, and it's going to bear fruit to absolutely no avail.
If you want to inspire people for God's kingdom, and desire to impact lives for something eternal, do so by example, not by preaching, or striving to get everyone to adopt your views. I mean really, do you set the standard of righteousness? Should I pray to you every morning to find out for myself what is acceptable to the Lord?
There are many things in life that I choose not to partake of or indulge in. And when the time is appropriate, I might even share with others why I do not, as well as express how I'm grieved and disgusted with the dark works of the world and it's nature. But I never try and convince someone to adopt my personal convictions. It's a turn off, it's patronizing, and most people aren't going to listen anyways. You better learn grace brother, because people will listen to you when they feel they can confide in you, like we can with God, but they'll never be truthful to you if they feel they have to front with you, or you're going to try and correct them.
The last thing you want to do in your righteous quest to walk with and know God, is make the foolish assumption that you are somehow God's little Cop, and start trying to correct the world, and other believers, by pulling them over and writing citations. Bro, I've done it, and trust me, all you'll do is end up looking back and seeing a dirty bag full of self-righteousness and pride. What you want is for them to be touched from the inside. Otherwise you're just being like the religious clerical, who so often manifested an outward appearance of faith, but who contributed to only more frustration and hypocrisy within themselves, which ultimately only turns away those they were seeking to impress, or appear holy before. “Touch not, taste not”.
I remember when I first came to the Lord, I was changed radically, and indeed, I continue to walk with Him everyday. Not by my own strength or ability, but because of His work and Holy Spirit that resides in me, something He sealed me with, and promised He would never forsake me. But I'm older in Christ and I'm wiser than you, and I remember how much of myself was there, thinking that it was my job to patrol other Christians, or that I somehow had the ability to conjure up convictions in people, all based on my own radical standards, or perceptions of the time. And right now you're doing the same thing. You're attempting to run around and correct people from the outside. So I'm giving you a gentle thump in the noggin, and hopefully knocking a little bit of Godly wisdom into you.
It might feel a little humbling at first, but a man of God will be able to handle it, and it will avail much growth. It's actually funny I remember being young in Christ doing what I'm talking about, and the first good whack of wisdom some old black lady gave me. But it really knocked some sense into me, and from that point on it made me wiser, as I grew from it and learned quickly. May this make you more wise my brother, and never let it be as though I were attempting to quench the Spirit and His work in you, because for that, I would be guilty of sin before Christ Our Lord.
So keep on keepin on man. Take care, your brother always, Shane. Can't wait to see how much you've grown years down the road into a mighty man of God.
Allow me be clear, I (and I'm sure I speak for many here) have absolutely no problem before the Lord playing this game. It does not trouble my conscience, nor does it grieve my heart and soul in any way. All this was intended to be, was a central place for posting information, for those who might want to join in the fun, and play online. Nothing more.
We just figured with all the people that initially showed interest upon first discussing how fun it would be to play Counter Strike with a bunch of Christian brothers and sisters from CC, that it would also be a good idea to have a single, centralized location for people to go; one “Christian Chat Counter Strike” resource, that would list our emails, game account id's, passwords, etc, for the sake of making it easy and convenient to find one another online, and gain access to the private games being hosted by us.
But I think it just really comes down to this: if you don't feel right about it, then don't play the game. Plenty of us as believers have an incredibly fun time doing so. But no one is asking anyone to play, (though as Chris said, “you're more than welcome to and we'd love to have you”)
Bro, (and sister), I hope I don't sound rude, as it's truly not my intention to do so, but I really think you're wasting your time, energy, and words, trying to convince us, if that is indeed your motive, that playing this game, is somehow “sinful” and wrong. Sorry friends, but it's just not gonna happen. At least not with me. Nor do I think it's going to happen with most of the others you might be trying to somehow convince that doing so wrong, as most of them are people like myself who've been walking with Christ for many years, and likewise do not have any problem playing and enjoying the game.
I think it's great that your soul has been sparked and ignited by Christ, and I can definitely see your love and passion for Him. But I believe that being a newborn babe in Christ, is very similar to being a newborn human in the world. And you guys trying to tell us that playing this game is somehow bad, and “sinful”, is like standing in line at the movies, and having some child who's in kindergarten coming up and trying to tell you that you're not supposed to be watching some movie, but doing so only because his parents told him that he's not allowed to watch it.
In other words, all this kid understands is what's right or wrong for him personally. But instead of understanding that it's a very big world with many differing maturities and perceptions, he does what we all tend by nature to do, and transfers his adopted truth's and perceptions onto the world around him, naively assuming that whatever must be right for him, must also be right and correct for everyone else.
Sorry if you can't handle us playing this game. More power to ya man. I get it. I've been there bro. God has hit the reset button in your life, and everything is very fresh, new, and radical, and it's very apparent that you are seeking to please Him. But offering us your wisdom, or projecting and transferring your personal convictions on a bunch of mature people in Christ, who have all been walking with him for some time now, especially when we're not asking for it, is like that kid in kindergarten, trying to direct the lives of adults, and continuing to do so, would really be quite trite and frivolous on your behalf. As mature adults in Christ, trust us bro, we have a good sense of what we ought and ought not do.
You look like you're in some kind of ministry. Great bro! That is so awesome! And truly my friend, I encourage you from the bottom of my heart. I'm sure God is going to use you in many wonderful ways. However, it would be good for you to start understanding something right now my brother, and that is that trying to change people from the outside, as you are trying to do, (even though you don't realize it, and even though your motives might be good) is like what Paul talked about when he said, “touch not taste not”, and it's going to bear fruit to absolutely no avail.
If you want to inspire people for God's kingdom, and desire to impact lives for something eternal, do so by example, not by preaching, or striving to get everyone to adopt your views. I mean really, do you set the standard of righteousness? Should I pray to you every morning to find out for myself what is acceptable to the Lord?
There are many things in life that I choose not to partake of or indulge in. And when the time is appropriate, I might even share with others why I do not, as well as express how I'm grieved and disgusted with the dark works of the world and it's nature. But I never try and convince someone to adopt my personal convictions. It's a turn off, it's patronizing, and most people aren't going to listen anyways. You better learn grace brother, because people will listen to you when they feel they can confide in you, like we can with God, but they'll never be truthful to you if they feel they have to front with you, or you're going to try and correct them.
The last thing you want to do in your righteous quest to walk with and know God, is make the foolish assumption that you are somehow God's little Cop, and start trying to correct the world, and other believers, by pulling them over and writing citations. Bro, I've done it, and trust me, all you'll do is end up looking back and seeing a dirty bag full of self-righteousness and pride. What you want is for them to be touched from the inside. Otherwise you're just being like the religious clerical, who so often manifested an outward appearance of faith, but who contributed to only more frustration and hypocrisy within themselves, which ultimately only turns away those they were seeking to impress, or appear holy before. “Touch not, taste not”.
I remember when I first came to the Lord, I was changed radically, and indeed, I continue to walk with Him everyday. Not by my own strength or ability, but because of His work and Holy Spirit that resides in me, something He sealed me with, and promised He would never forsake me. But I'm older in Christ and I'm wiser than you, and I remember how much of myself was there, thinking that it was my job to patrol other Christians, or that I somehow had the ability to conjure up convictions in people, all based on my own radical standards, or perceptions of the time. And right now you're doing the same thing. You're attempting to run around and correct people from the outside. So I'm giving you a gentle thump in the noggin, and hopefully knocking a little bit of Godly wisdom into you.
It might feel a little humbling at first, but a man of God will be able to handle it, and it will avail much growth. It's actually funny I remember being young in Christ doing what I'm talking about, and the first good whack of wisdom some old black lady gave me. But it really knocked some sense into me, and from that point on it made me wiser, as I grew from it and learned quickly. May this make you more wise my brother, and never let it be as though I were attempting to quench the Spirit and His work in you, because for that, I would be guilty of sin before Christ Our Lord.
So keep on keepin on man. Take care, your brother always, Shane. Can't wait to see how much you've grown years down the road into a mighty man of God.
W
You may not have, but it doesn't mean it doesn't happen. I wasn't even looking for anything like this, but I just happen to run across it shortly after read through this thread.
Video gamer hunts down rival who killed his character, stabs him (Includes interview)
I agree with dmurray on this debate, I think its wrong. We all have our opinions, but the Bible doesn't say, "Thou shalt not kill...in real life, but in video games its okay", it says thou shalt not kill. Thats my opinion at least.
I think you guys saying it isn't a sin is just an excuse so that you don't have to give it up and so you can go on enjoying yourself without feeling bad. Whether you like it or not, it really is a sin, because anything that isn't drawing us closer to God, but pulling us away, isn't needed.
The excuse that, "its bringing us closer together", can't be used either. If you honestly think Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit would sit down and "come closer together" by playing counterstrike with you, than by all means, continue, but if not, I think you should check, and re-check your beliefs.
Again, all this is my opinion, don't take any of it the wrong way. Have a good one guys.
God Bless,
waitn2drive
Video gamer hunts down rival who killed his character, stabs him (Includes interview)
I agree with dmurray on this debate, I think its wrong. We all have our opinions, but the Bible doesn't say, "Thou shalt not kill...in real life, but in video games its okay", it says thou shalt not kill. Thats my opinion at least.
I think you guys saying it isn't a sin is just an excuse so that you don't have to give it up and so you can go on enjoying yourself without feeling bad. Whether you like it or not, it really is a sin, because anything that isn't drawing us closer to God, but pulling us away, isn't needed.
The excuse that, "its bringing us closer together", can't be used either. If you honestly think Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit would sit down and "come closer together" by playing counterstrike with you, than by all means, continue, but if not, I think you should check, and re-check your beliefs.
Again, all this is my opinion, don't take any of it the wrong way. Have a good one guys.
God Bless,
waitn2drive
D
Amen Brother.
The visuals are sin, they trigger thoughts, consciously and sub-consciously. Out thoughts can be sinful.
Jesus said "whoever lusts upon a woman has already committed adultery in his heart" God's standards are SOO much higher than ours.
I just believe that if a new Christian was to come and find this here, it would not be setting a good example. Playing CS:S is something I did before I accepted Jesus, because it is worldly. We are to separate ourselves from the world, because were are no longer of the world.
I would suggest you pray on it brother.
God Bless.
The visuals are sin, they trigger thoughts, consciously and sub-consciously. Out thoughts can be sinful.
Jesus said "whoever lusts upon a woman has already committed adultery in his heart" God's standards are SOO much higher than ours.
I just believe that if a new Christian was to come and find this here, it would not be setting a good example. Playing CS:S is something I did before I accepted Jesus, because it is worldly. We are to separate ourselves from the world, because were are no longer of the world.
I would suggest you pray on it brother.
God Bless.
W
The Bible in 1 John 3:15,
"Everyone hating his brother is a murderer. And you know that no murderer has everlasting life abiding in him."
I don't know about you guys, but when I play video games that require me to kill, I get angry when I get killed. If you get angry, you have a tendency to hate someone, or something that made you angry, so that makes you a murderer according to the Bible. Thats breaking the ten commandments. Thats a sin.
That verse makes it clear that by thoughts, we are still sinning.
Now I'd love to say I never mess up and I never play those games, but at this point in my life I can't. The difference is is that I'm working really hard to get them out of my life so I don't struggle with them anymore.
The difference between Christians and the world is that when we sin and fall, we get back up and keep 'Pressing On', as a song by one of my favorite Christian groups, Selah, says.
As Dmurray said, if a new christian came here, this would be a horrible example. They would get the wrong impression, and think differently of all religions, no matter what religion under christianity you are.
Again, its not up to me to judge, but it is up to me as a servant of Christ to show from my perspective what I think the Bible means, and even then, I need to show what GOD wants me to show, above what I want to.
Hope you read this, it is long and boring, but either way, just more opinion.
God Bless.
"Everyone hating his brother is a murderer. And you know that no murderer has everlasting life abiding in him."
I don't know about you guys, but when I play video games that require me to kill, I get angry when I get killed. If you get angry, you have a tendency to hate someone, or something that made you angry, so that makes you a murderer according to the Bible. Thats breaking the ten commandments. Thats a sin.
That verse makes it clear that by thoughts, we are still sinning.
Now I'd love to say I never mess up and I never play those games, but at this point in my life I can't. The difference is is that I'm working really hard to get them out of my life so I don't struggle with them anymore.
The difference between Christians and the world is that when we sin and fall, we get back up and keep 'Pressing On', as a song by one of my favorite Christian groups, Selah, says.
As Dmurray said, if a new christian came here, this would be a horrible example. They would get the wrong impression, and think differently of all religions, no matter what religion under christianity you are.
Again, its not up to me to judge, but it is up to me as a servant of Christ to show from my perspective what I think the Bible means, and even then, I need to show what GOD wants me to show, above what I want to.
Hope you read this, it is long and boring, but either way, just more opinion.
God Bless.
P
I figure this, and take it as it is. I was interested in this game and playing with them. I am not financially able to get this game. God blessed me with a person that went out and bought it, because she felt lead by God. Now, you have nothing to say, because God placed someone in my life to hand me this game to play. May his blessings be known to all the world.
Debate this as you will, but this shouldn't have been a debate. It was an invitation to play a game with your fellow christians. If you didn't agree with it, well you should have just passed it by. Yes, Jesus told us to look out for one another, but he also says we need to fellowship. If you are not comfortable to where your faith is that you do not want to play these games, or you feel that they are not right, whereever your stance is. Do no deem we are sinning because we can play games and not think of it as a sin. We do not think sinful thoughts.
The whole "killing is a sin" should be taking a different way. Sure, if you go out and smoke your neighbor, it is a sin. But this game is a military based game. If you or I defended our country and had to kill someone to keep ourselves alive, is it a sin. I think not. Everyone has their own opinion on everything, it's life. But please let me ask you to not deem us to Hell or deem us to sinning.
Debate this as you will, but this shouldn't have been a debate. It was an invitation to play a game with your fellow christians. If you didn't agree with it, well you should have just passed it by. Yes, Jesus told us to look out for one another, but he also says we need to fellowship. If you are not comfortable to where your faith is that you do not want to play these games, or you feel that they are not right, whereever your stance is. Do no deem we are sinning because we can play games and not think of it as a sin. We do not think sinful thoughts.
The whole "killing is a sin" should be taking a different way. Sure, if you go out and smoke your neighbor, it is a sin. But this game is a military based game. If you or I defended our country and had to kill someone to keep ourselves alive, is it a sin. I think not. Everyone has their own opinion on everything, it's life. But please let me ask you to not deem us to Hell or deem us to sinning.
W
I was in NO way "deeming" you to hell, as I would never judge anyone as the Bible says, judge not lest you be judged. You're last paragraph stating that it would be okay to kill to save yourself would be okay, I can't even agree with that. Even though the Bible says there's a time for everything, we should still try to obey the Ten Commandments as much as possible and not kill. Desmond Doss was in the army and NEVER carried a gun, look at his story, just google his name. Now you say, " But this game is a military based game. If you or I defended our country and had to kill someone to keep ourselves alive, is it a sin." You don't HAVE to play this game. Its not like by playing this game you're saving your life. You're playing this out of free will.
I don't think either that you should say this "shouldn't have been a debate." I think debates are healthy for us as Christians and allow us to see other peoples perspectives on religion. By submitting a post to this thread, you contributed to the debate yourself, so you really have nothing to say.
You can stand strong in your opinion, but I'm just speaking from where I stand, and I will never move like a tree planted by the water.
Good day to you all, and may God bless,
~waitn2drive~
I don't think either that you should say this "shouldn't have been a debate." I think debates are healthy for us as Christians and allow us to see other peoples perspectives on religion. By submitting a post to this thread, you contributed to the debate yourself, so you really have nothing to say.
You can stand strong in your opinion, but I'm just speaking from where I stand, and I will never move like a tree planted by the water.
Good day to you all, and may God bless,
~waitn2drive~
H
Hey bro, how you doin man? I'm Shane, it's nice to meet you.
Just a few things for you brother:
Based on your own statements, it's obvious that playing these kind of games is something that troubles your mind.
Now it's either one of two things. It's because you're receiving some form of pressure from an external source such as pastors, youth leaders, or other believers, who've convinced you that playing a game like counter strike is evil and “sinful”. Or, you're feeling some sense of personal conviction about these games in your life.
I hope it's the latter, as this would be a lot closer to assuming the work of the Holy Spirit, then merely men's differing opinions, perceptions, ideals etc.
If it is, and this conviction is coming from within your own soul and being, well then, you know man, I can understand that. As I alluded to earlier, when we first begin walking with God, it seems like He hits this reset button in our lives, as if He's clearing out all the unnecessary stuff, so that we can focus on Him. We suddenly lose the desire for many things we once indulged in such as television, etc. Now we often think it's ourselves, and that we are righteous, but later discover it was God doing it. I've experienced this, which is why I'm able to relate to it, and I believe He knows this phase in our spiritual birth is critical for our lives with Him, and therefore it's His Spirit who creates this radically pure mindset within us.
In fact I remember going through my first several years with Him in this state of mind. Everything for me practically had to have a stamp and approval in my mind and conscience of being okay with the Lord. This enlightening part of our early years grows deep roots, and establishes a strong foundation in Him, so that we are deeply planted and established on Him, and His work which He began in us, will avail to much personal growth, and fruit in our lives.
But you must understand what I tried to tell the other guy, it's truly not a put down to you bro, I see in you, an incredible man of God. I mean, 15, and you want so badly to please Him? That is so awesome bro. Dude I wasn't ready to start serving Him until I was 17, and that's still very young. So I love to see the passion for pleasing God. It is indeed His work, and He's called you out of this world to be light to it.
What an incredibly humbling and amazing honor; to be chosen by the creator of the universe as one of his special vessels. And what an incredible miracle; to be born again. This is why you are even greater than John the baptist bro. Because even with all the amazing miracles God worked through his prophets, none of them had experienced the miracle of being born of the Spirit as you have been. Do you understand how incredible this is? This is why Jesus said upon hearing of John the baptist's beheading, “of all those born of woman, there have been none greater than him, yet I say to you, even the least in the kingdom of heaven, is greater than he”.
But I will tell you dear brother, in time, as you grow from infancy in Christ, to that of a child, and ultimately into a mature Spirit and Soul in Christ, you'll come to understand for yourself what is good to partake of, and what is not. We are older than you dear brother, and like I said, you guys trying to convince us that what we're doing is “sinful”, no matter what scriptures you try to pull up, or what kind of biblical argument, or what logical connection you try and establish, it's kind of like that kid I described before hand.
See, what you guys are saying is not “convicting” us and resulting in the need for us to feel we have to justify ourselves to you. That is, at least not for me. And why? Because again, as a mature adult in Christ, and someone who's spirit has had many radical years of growth in the Lord, I have a good sense of what I should and should not be doing.
In fact bro, I've grown so much with the Lord, that it's not even some kind of list I need such as, this is sin, so don't do this, or, this is acceptable, go ahead and do it. But rather, I just don't feel whole engaging in things that are of darkness, or even over indulging in things that might not necessarily be bad, but make you feel empty after too much of it. That's how in tune I am with my Lord, and only His work and walking with Him can do that, and you'll get there as you grow beyond this necessary state you're in right now.
But what I said in my longer reply above, was simply for the other reader, in hopes that he might understand what he is doing; trying to monitor and to some degree, “police” other believers, and projecting his personal convictions that he happens to be experiencing in his own life, and at this time, onto other believers who are older, wiser, more experienced, and who've walked with God a lot longer than him.
Now I want it to be clear that I'm not trying to slander him, or you for that matter. I can tell that like you, he is very passionate for the Lord. But all he understands right now is what's right and wrong for him. Again not to sound insulting, but just like a baby in the cradle.
An infant has to be nurtured, protected, spoon-fed, and above all, sheltered from anything destructive to it. It has an incredibly limited amount of freedom, and can't even stand on it's own two feet. So what am I saying then? I'm saying that being a newborn babe in Christ, is exactly the same as being a newborn in the world, and that it's just a common part of the child's development to first be nurtured, protected, spoon-fed and sheltered from just about everything in life, so that it can grow strong and healthy. However, that little infant eventually, and with the cultivating of God's hands, both physically and spiritually, becomes a capable adult, able for themselves to know how to walk in life as a mature and seasoned child of God.
You guys are young, on-fire believers, and I would NEVER, EVER attempt to discourage that. That's one of the ways I believe we can “quench the Spirit”, as God's word admonished us not to do. On the contrary, I want to be a part of your growth.
Dude, if I can help you with something, such as a question about spirituality, or something in your life, let me know. You have an older brother right here, and you guys are nothing less than precious brothers to me. You are treasures beyond treasures, young princes to be kings of the Almighty King, and I would never want to face my Lord, and find out I was guilty of kicking against the goads, and hindering His work in someone else's lives. But you just have to understand, as much as you might not naturally, that we know what is good for our lives, and acceptable to the Lord.
Okay man?
Take care brother. Please take me up on it if there's ever something I can help you with, or offer you advice for.
Just a few things for you brother:
Based on your own statements, it's obvious that playing these kind of games is something that troubles your mind.
Now it's either one of two things. It's because you're receiving some form of pressure from an external source such as pastors, youth leaders, or other believers, who've convinced you that playing a game like counter strike is evil and “sinful”. Or, you're feeling some sense of personal conviction about these games in your life.
I hope it's the latter, as this would be a lot closer to assuming the work of the Holy Spirit, then merely men's differing opinions, perceptions, ideals etc.
If it is, and this conviction is coming from within your own soul and being, well then, you know man, I can understand that. As I alluded to earlier, when we first begin walking with God, it seems like He hits this reset button in our lives, as if He's clearing out all the unnecessary stuff, so that we can focus on Him. We suddenly lose the desire for many things we once indulged in such as television, etc. Now we often think it's ourselves, and that we are righteous, but later discover it was God doing it. I've experienced this, which is why I'm able to relate to it, and I believe He knows this phase in our spiritual birth is critical for our lives with Him, and therefore it's His Spirit who creates this radically pure mindset within us.
In fact I remember going through my first several years with Him in this state of mind. Everything for me practically had to have a stamp and approval in my mind and conscience of being okay with the Lord. This enlightening part of our early years grows deep roots, and establishes a strong foundation in Him, so that we are deeply planted and established on Him, and His work which He began in us, will avail to much personal growth, and fruit in our lives.
But you must understand what I tried to tell the other guy, it's truly not a put down to you bro, I see in you, an incredible man of God. I mean, 15, and you want so badly to please Him? That is so awesome bro. Dude I wasn't ready to start serving Him until I was 17, and that's still very young. So I love to see the passion for pleasing God. It is indeed His work, and He's called you out of this world to be light to it.
What an incredibly humbling and amazing honor; to be chosen by the creator of the universe as one of his special vessels. And what an incredible miracle; to be born again. This is why you are even greater than John the baptist bro. Because even with all the amazing miracles God worked through his prophets, none of them had experienced the miracle of being born of the Spirit as you have been. Do you understand how incredible this is? This is why Jesus said upon hearing of John the baptist's beheading, “of all those born of woman, there have been none greater than him, yet I say to you, even the least in the kingdom of heaven, is greater than he”.
But I will tell you dear brother, in time, as you grow from infancy in Christ, to that of a child, and ultimately into a mature Spirit and Soul in Christ, you'll come to understand for yourself what is good to partake of, and what is not. We are older than you dear brother, and like I said, you guys trying to convince us that what we're doing is “sinful”, no matter what scriptures you try to pull up, or what kind of biblical argument, or what logical connection you try and establish, it's kind of like that kid I described before hand.
See, what you guys are saying is not “convicting” us and resulting in the need for us to feel we have to justify ourselves to you. That is, at least not for me. And why? Because again, as a mature adult in Christ, and someone who's spirit has had many radical years of growth in the Lord, I have a good sense of what I should and should not be doing.
In fact bro, I've grown so much with the Lord, that it's not even some kind of list I need such as, this is sin, so don't do this, or, this is acceptable, go ahead and do it. But rather, I just don't feel whole engaging in things that are of darkness, or even over indulging in things that might not necessarily be bad, but make you feel empty after too much of it. That's how in tune I am with my Lord, and only His work and walking with Him can do that, and you'll get there as you grow beyond this necessary state you're in right now.
But what I said in my longer reply above, was simply for the other reader, in hopes that he might understand what he is doing; trying to monitor and to some degree, “police” other believers, and projecting his personal convictions that he happens to be experiencing in his own life, and at this time, onto other believers who are older, wiser, more experienced, and who've walked with God a lot longer than him.
Now I want it to be clear that I'm not trying to slander him, or you for that matter. I can tell that like you, he is very passionate for the Lord. But all he understands right now is what's right and wrong for him. Again not to sound insulting, but just like a baby in the cradle.
An infant has to be nurtured, protected, spoon-fed, and above all, sheltered from anything destructive to it. It has an incredibly limited amount of freedom, and can't even stand on it's own two feet. So what am I saying then? I'm saying that being a newborn babe in Christ, is exactly the same as being a newborn in the world, and that it's just a common part of the child's development to first be nurtured, protected, spoon-fed and sheltered from just about everything in life, so that it can grow strong and healthy. However, that little infant eventually, and with the cultivating of God's hands, both physically and spiritually, becomes a capable adult, able for themselves to know how to walk in life as a mature and seasoned child of God.
You guys are young, on-fire believers, and I would NEVER, EVER attempt to discourage that. That's one of the ways I believe we can “quench the Spirit”, as God's word admonished us not to do. On the contrary, I want to be a part of your growth.
Dude, if I can help you with something, such as a question about spirituality, or something in your life, let me know. You have an older brother right here, and you guys are nothing less than precious brothers to me. You are treasures beyond treasures, young princes to be kings of the Almighty King, and I would never want to face my Lord, and find out I was guilty of kicking against the goads, and hindering His work in someone else's lives. But you just have to understand, as much as you might not naturally, that we know what is good for our lives, and acceptable to the Lord.
Okay man?
Take care brother. Please take me up on it if there's ever something I can help you with, or offer you advice for.
E
i was in the Army Rangers i was trained TO KILL to protect my country
so i ask u this if i had killed some 1 that was trying to kill me would that have been a sin
i guess what im trying to say is
the bible says killing is a sin but is very vague on the exceptions to this
like if i killed some 1 in self defense is that a sin?
when i play video games my goal is to be better then the other guy whether its a sports game or a shooter game the goal is to be better IN THE GAME im not thinking ohhh i have to kill HIM!! im thinking i need to get here so i need to do this
so i ask u this if i had killed some 1 that was trying to kill me would that have been a sin
i guess what im trying to say is
the bible says killing is a sin but is very vague on the exceptions to this
like if i killed some 1 in self defense is that a sin?
when i play video games my goal is to be better then the other guy whether its a sports game or a shooter game the goal is to be better IN THE GAME im not thinking ohhh i have to kill HIM!! im thinking i need to get here so i need to do this
W
I haven't seen you guys use one Bible verse in your arguments, unless I missed one, which there is a chance of that.
2 Timothy 3:16, 17
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Timothy 3:16, 17
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
D
Isn't counter-strike a bit violent for Christians? Haha. I used to LOVE CSS! But personally with all of the violence in it, I don't think it's appropriate. Theres a reason it's rated M 
I just think. What would Jesus Do? Since we are to strive to be like Him.
Just my opinion.
I do miss counter-strike though... QQ
I just think. What would Jesus Do? Since we are to strive to be like Him. Just my opinion.
I do miss counter-strike though... QQ
b00m heads0t nub.
Yeah man I wanna play some CSS!!!!