~This side of the 'glass'~

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Bingo

Well-known member
Feb 9, 2019
9,153
4,735
113
"Precisely what the heading of this thread says'...~from this side of the glass~my thoughts, and
no intention of judging or offending...( though some may feel offended, that is on you )
I find this site to be an interesting and diverse mixture of forum topics, giving an opportunity
of each unique individual personality to share a host of topics.
Of all things considered, about LIFE, being the basic summary of all things, in some form or other,
no matter the topic, each LIFE, putting forth whatsoever ones own LIFE, is compelled to put forth.
And, it being apparent, there are many that come and go, and seeing some comments, arrogance
and contemptuous attitudes and behavior being the prominent reason. One must wonder, where is
the 'Christian love', as so many claim to be a 'Christian'. Perhaps there are those that need a serious
inventory of ones own self!
And, I stand firm on my spiritual faith, as my own personal experience, which I have shared. And,
I find 'religion', being a title.

( Religion is a social-cultural system of designated behaviors and practices, morals, worldviews, texts, sanctified places, prophecies, ethics, or organizations, that relates humanity to supernatural, transcendental, and spiritual elements. However, there is no scholarly consensus over what precisely constitutes a religion. ).........this being a realistic overall to analyze. )
Perhaps the intellectual community ego, far and wide are promoting far too much worldly and materialistic
influence, often for personal gain or recognition. And, perhaps leaving the multitudes with an unsure and confused complacency,
bringing precisely the cause of 'falling away from God'. And, this too should be seriously contemplated by those
that understand not, precisely the meaning.....https://christianchat.com/threads/this-side-of-the-glass.182929/post-3848478
'Christ In Us...In Spirit and Truth'...words of profound significance...let us hope to grasp the gravity of LIFE, here in the now." OIPN845AFPX - Copy - Copy - Copy.jpg
 

Bingo

Well-known member
Feb 9, 2019
9,153
4,735
113
REFLECTION - Copy - Copy.jpg

"To be clear, I am not claiming to be special, I am proclaiming the teaching's of Christ are
what is special, and my real life experience forever changed my life. And, from this experience,
over the past several years, I have shared many things.
And it is disturbing to witness untold intellectual worldly language that leaves many with
a perceived sense of the ability to explain or analyze, the 'Inspiration of God's nature'...in their own worldly thinking.
It has been told of, vacant of spiritual insight, grave consequences are the result of foolishness,
and that being witnessed by contempt, arrogance, division, family turmoil, depression, anxiety, selfishness,
self-centeredness, egotism and materialistic attitudes and behavior...'falling away from God' bears these attributes."
My spiritual journey is real life happening, now of some two decades...Thank God!
 

Bingo

Well-known member
Feb 9, 2019
9,153
4,735
113
'A noteworthy article.'

Spectator or Participant?
Every four years since 1896 (interrupted only by World Wars I and II), the world's best athletes have convened to take part in the quadrennial spectacle known as the modern Olympic Games. As the thousands of participants strive mightily to excel under the Olympic motto of "citius, altius, fortius" ("swifter, higher, stronger"), they are cheered on by a huge audience in the stadium, and nowadays by a far larger audience on television (estimated in 2004 at 4 billion). This worldwide spectacle brings out the best efforts of the participants—as well as many judgments, both positive and negative, by the spectators.


What lessons can we gain from this two-week sporting extravaganza that so captivates the world's interest? One valuable lesson is that the spectator and participant play differing roles— and that the whole enterprise could not exist without participants. As we shall see, this is a vital lesson for us as Christians.

How often have we seen that a spectator is more likely to be judgmental and condemnatory than a participant? An Olympic athlete who makes even a minor mistake will often draw hostile boos and other expressions of disapproval from the onlooking crowd. An athlete who makes just one serious mistake may find that any previous successes and earlier displayed skills are quickly forgotten. The arena is an unforgiving forum.

Similarly, when we as Christians strive for success in our efforts to live godly lives, we experience firsthand many difficulties, disappointments and setbacks. We see our brethren experience similar trials. Do we criticize them the way one might criticize an athlete who has stumbled in a performance? Or do we recall how we, too, have felt when we have stumbled, and extend love, support and encouragement to those who are treading the same path as we are?

Unlike those in the world, who might criticize us, we know the resolve that is needed to overcome and to grow. How, then, can we justify condemning or criticizing others' faults and shortcomings? Remember Jesus' great illustration of one who finds fault with the speck in his brother's eye, while unaware of the plank in his own (Matthew 7:1–5). The Apostle Paul, too, who suffered grievous persecution in God's service and lived robustly the role of participant, offered a salutary warning to those who might, as spectators, sit in judgment (Romans 2:1–11).

The participant makes a far superior teacher than the spectator. All teachers must master their subjects before they can effectively teach. There is no better method for mastering a subject than being involved "at the coalface"— being the participant. Merely acquiring academic knowledge of an activity is no substitute. Only by having been a participant can a tutor convey the full passion and innermost intensity of stretching for achievement. In the Kingdom of God, we— today's participants—will be the teachers and leaders in reeducating the world (Isaiah 30:20, 21; Revelation 20:6). Priests are teachers (Leviticus 10:8, 11; Ezekiel 44:23). Our High Priest, Jesus Christ, as our Intercessor and Judge, brings to His office His experience—His participation— of having been in the flesh (Hebrews 4:14–16).

The participant grows in stature and prowess as he trains and practices. With daily discipline and reaching for a higher goal, we may excel—even to the point of setting new records. Paul compares our efforts at growing spiritually with an athlete giving his best (1 Corinthians 9:24–27). The parable of the minas (Luke 19) clearly tells us that those who do not put their assets to work gainfully (as participators), but rather conduct passive lives (as spectators), cannot expect to succeed. Scripture records that God wants His family to be made up of overcomers (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). Jesus instructs us to strive to enter in at the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13, 14), not merely to watch others pass through. Many who see themselves as "home and dried"—who think they have done just fine—will be shocked to discover that their mere lip service will not grant them admission to the Kingdom of God (Luke 13:25–28).

What we say must be backed up by what we do. A participant's testimony and opinion carries far more weight and credibility than a mere spectator's. Authors and lecturers know well the value of being able to recount examples from real life and historic events, rather than only theories. Travelers who have visited remote and exotic places can hold an audience spellbound with tales and photographs of firsthand experience, much more readily than can one who has acquired only secondhand information. The heroes and heroines of the Bible's great "faith chapter"— Hebrews 11—will be able to make powerfully compelling points from experience during Christ's coming millennial rule. Paul's approach in preaching was to perceive his subject from the standpoint of his audience (1 Corinthians 9:19–23), knowing that in all probability he had experienced the same trials and h a d t h e s a m e problems.

Like Paul, we can all look to our personal experiences for examples that we can later draw upon, which will animate the advice and opinion that may be sought of us, and which will allow us to speak with conviction and reliability.

Remember, our actions and conduct are quietly observed and noted by more people than we think. The man who habitually deals with honesty and integrity in business is rewarded with profitable trading, and shows the way to others who have eyes to see. Wise King Solomon had much to say on this matter (Proverbs 11). The woman who acts with decorum and femininity is held in higher esteem by the discerner, as emphasized by the well-known "Proverbs 31 woman." The youth who values chastity and good conduct stores up a better future. The writer of Ecclesiastes ruefully adds his endorsement (Ecclesiastes 11:9–10).

All too often, people nod in agreement with these values, but compromise them in their own practice— or disregard them where upholding them might cause unpopularity and material handicap. "Do as I say, not as I do" is, sadly, too often the hallmark of many in society. We will be profitable servants of God and Christ in tomorrow's world, and effective witnesses for the Truth today, only if we have been through the refiner's kiln, and have done as our Savior has taught us to do. We are being spiritually purified now, if we determine to participate in righteousness.
Christians, then, how can we ensure that we are fulfilling the role of participant and not merely of spectator? In our everyday lives, we are presented with innumerable instances that allow us to participate in helping others. By spending a little time with those who are burdened, we can encourage them. When we return to inquire how they are doing, we may thoughtfully bring a little help. We can pray for our brethren in their trials and plights. We can empathize with people from many walks of life, especially if we have had similar experiences. We can listen to those for whom society has less time. We can inquire after people's well being and send messages. We can give support by just being there for people. Such participation in people's lives can make all the difference. Jesus said that as we do these little things in the right way, it is as if we are doing them for Him (Matthew 25:35–40). How worthwhile He considers these little things! Conversely, and lingeringly, Jesus also said that by omitting such matters (failing to participate) we would fail Him (v. 45).

Let us be sure that we become involved in the practical, everyday matters wherein we can make a difference. In so doing, we will gain vital practice in dealing with life's challenges from a godly perspective, and we will be fitting and preparing ourselves for a useful role in the Kingdom to come!

( "This content is for informational use, and is not a substitute for'spiritual' advice.
Be sure to do your own careful 'inventory' before taking action based on anything you find in this content." )

 

Bingo

Well-known member
Feb 9, 2019
9,153
4,735
113
"I personally feel more connected to those that share their real life face image, as it
seems to be a more sincere real time exchange of the sharing of ones thoughts, on a
personal and real time friendly sharing of things. Seeing a face often inspires a more
honest and heartfelt connection. Connecting a face with the text may hopefully open
the door for a closer union of heart and soul, and a look at 'brotherly love'...in more of
the reality of the time we are living in now. We all need a closer connection with God,
and one another, to look to for love, support and encouragement."
~thoughts of 'this side of the glass' ~ :)


tenor9IYMK91O.gif
 

Bingo

Well-known member
Feb 9, 2019
9,153
4,735
113
diamond-rain-purple-4k-and-full-hd_vkocjpnc__F0000 - Copy - Copy (10) - Copy - Copy - Copy - C...png animated-dove-gif-8 - Copy - Copy - Copy.gif

'No more...No less'
I AM THAT I AM


eec1360fb7318e585b22a63413232294 - Copy.gif
 

Bingo

Well-known member
Feb 9, 2019
9,153
4,735
113
"Christian complacency means that no matter what happens, you are fully self-satisfied with your
current personal effort in pursuing Christ. Complacency is Dangerous for Christians Because It Means You Are Not Growing.
Disturbing, that this appears prevalent in the 'Christian' circles. Life changing testimonies often
gives insight to lost souls. And, lost souls being more important than making claim about God, rather
than putting forth how God has changed ones own life. And, repetitious scripture are merely words
on pages, as hearts of stone appear unmoved in any spiritual growth. A spiritual awakening is much needed."
( just my thoughts ...this side of the glass )


2350_4e13802c_full - Copy (2) - Copy - Copy - Copy.jpg
 

Bingo

Well-known member
Feb 9, 2019
9,153
4,735
113
3418_thumbnail - Copy - Copy - Copy (12) - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy - Copy - Co...jpg
"And, much to be said by...'the truth shall set you free'.......perhaps for some."
 

Bingo

Well-known member
Feb 9, 2019
9,153
4,735
113
diamond-rain-purple-4k-and-full-hd_vkocjpnc__F0000 - Copy - Copy (22) - Copy - Copy - Copy - C...png
"Of great importance to ponder carefully."
 

Bingo

Well-known member
Feb 9, 2019
9,153
4,735
113
d83501634ca1e9d7fdd03debdd10a84d - Copy.png
"We all are witnessing 'times' of which have never before been witnessed, and it is disturbing.
And, of eight decades, I assure you I am aware of great changes, and 'growing pains' now has a
loud ring of reality. Some good things, yes...but the disturbing fact is, that we have been led down
a path of deception and mind altering consequences, at the hands of MANY. More or less, everything
seen or heard across the 'air' waves, has mind altering effect, in some form. We are all vulnerable.
My life of several decades before 'God found me'...are but memories, and I assure you, I have been
'around the block'.
It is what has taken place with my life in the last two plus decades, that are now of utmost importance,
especially in striving to cope with the reality of the restless and uncertain chaos being witnessed.
And, rest assured, I am grateful of God's 'inspiration' that has so influenced my life. I will repeat...'inspiration'
that has influenced my life. Ponder the above 'image' carefully.
And, to be crystal clear, it is not for me to judge nor offend, but to be stern and bold, as many proclaimed '
Christians',
appear to be run on an intellectual ego trip, and not at fault, but utterly deceived by those not spiritually

prepared to lead. The 'Divine word', being of great value, but intellectually misconstrued with grave consequences.
And, all are welcome to observe this spiritual journey since 2013 on ' prayerrequest.com' or within the pages of this site.
The Holy Spirit being the guiding 'light', as that being put forth, the 'inspiration' of God in action, of sharing many things,
on my own, would be unable to achieve." Praise God....I Came...I Came to...I Came to believe..........God is."
'Thank God'
 

Bingo

Well-known member
Feb 9, 2019
9,153
4,735
113
"There being an array of entities throughout the entire 'Christian religious groups', is an
example of diversity at the highest level. And, with this comes the obvious breakdown of
spiritual truth. Each must choose their own path, and it appears many are continually confused,
with untold intellectual interpretations and illusions that are away from the spiritual realm.
Often, this leaves a precarious complacency, and away from the reality of a spiritual peace and well being.
This to be witnessed first hand within the many pages before all to witness.
And, it would appear, lives seemingly unchanged, as the intellectual ego prevails."
2350_4e13802c_full - Copy (2) - Copy - Copy.jpg
 

shittim

Senior Member
Dec 16, 2016
13,741
7,741
113
Thank you brother, your work is appreciated
 

Bingo

Well-known member
Feb 9, 2019
9,153
4,735
113
Special Group / Born Between 1930 - 1946. Today, they range in ages
from 75 to 90. Are you or do you know someone “still here”?
Interesting Facts:
You are the smallest group of children, born since the early 1900s.
You are the last generation, climbing out of the depression, who can remember the winds of war and the impact of a world at war which rattled the structure of our daily lives for years.
You are the last to remember ration books for everything from gas to sugar to shoes to stoves.
You saved tin foil and poured fat into tin cans.
You saw cars up on blocks because tires weren't available.
You can remember milk being delivered to your house early in the morning and placed in the "milk box" on the porch.
You are the last to see the gold stars in the front windows of grieving neighbors whose sons died in the War.
You saw the 'boys' home from the war, build their little houses.
You are the last generation who spent childhood without television; instead, you imagined what you heard on the radio.
With no TV until the 50's, you spent your childhood "playing outside".
There was no little league. There was no city playground for kids.
The lack of television in your early years meant, that you had little real understanding of what the world was like.
On Saturday afternoons, the movies gave you newsreels sandwiched in between westerns and cartoons.
Telephones were one to a house, often shared (party lines) and hung on the wall in the kitchen (no cares about privacy).
Computers were called calculators; they were hand cranked.
Typewriters were driven by pounding fingers, throwing the carriage and changing the ribbon.
INTERNET' and 'GOOGLE' were words that did not exist.
Newspapers and magazines were written for adults and the news wasbroadcast on your radio in the evening.
As you grew up, the country was exploding with growth.
The Government gave returning Veterans the means to get an education and spurred colleges to grow.
Loans fanned a housing boom.
Pent up demand coupled with new instalment payment plans opened many factories for work.
New highways would bring jobs and mobility.
The Veterans joined civic clubs and became active in politics.
The radio network expanded from 3 stations to thousands.
Your parents were suddenly free from the confines of the depression and the war, and they threw themselves into exploring opportunities they had never imagined.
You weren't neglected, but you weren't today's all-consuming family focus
They were glad you played by yourselves until the street lights came on.
They were busy discovering the post war world.
You entered a world of overflowing plenty and opportunity; a world where you were welcomed, enjoyed yourselves and felt secure in your future though depression poverty was deeply remembered.
Polio was still a crippler.
You came of age in the 50s and 60s.
You are the last generation to experience an interlude when there were no threats to our homeland.
The second world war was over and the cold war, terrorism, global warming, and perpetual economic insecurity had yet to haunt life with unease.
Only your generation can remember both a time of great war, and a time when our world was secure and full of bright promise and plenty.
You grew up at the best possible time, a time when the world was getting better.
You are "The Last Ones." More than 99 % of you are either retired or deceased, and you feel privileged to have "lived in the best of
times!"

( Believe me, the times that were, simply have to be lived to fully appreciate the good old days. ) :)






 

Billyd

Senior Member
May 8, 2014
5,212
1,620
113
Special Group / Born Between 1930 - 1946. Today, they range in ages
from 75 to 90. Are you or do you know someone “still here”?
Interesting Facts:
You are the smallest group of children, born since the early 1900s.
You are the last generation, climbing out of the depression, who can remember the winds of war and the impact of a world at war which rattled the structure of our daily lives for years.
You are the last to remember ration books for everything from gas to sugar to shoes to stoves.
You saved tin foil and poured fat into tin cans.
You saw cars up on blocks because tires weren't available.
You can remember milk being delivered to your house early in the morning and placed in the "milk box" on the porch.
You are the last to see the gold stars in the front windows of grieving neighbors whose sons died in the War.
You saw the 'boys' home from the war, build their little houses.
You are the last generation who spent childhood without television; instead, you imagined what you heard on the radio.
With no TV until the 50's, you spent your childhood "playing outside".
There was no little league. There was no city playground for kids.
The lack of television in your early years meant, that you had little real understanding of what the world was like.
On Saturday afternoons, the movies gave you newsreels sandwiched in between westerns and cartoons.
Telephones were one to a house, often shared (party lines) and hung on the wall in the kitchen (no cares about privacy).
Computers were called calculators; they were hand cranked.
Typewriters were driven by pounding fingers, throwing the carriage and changing the ribbon.
INTERNET' and 'GOOGLE' were words that did not exist.
Newspapers and magazines were written for adults and the news wasbroadcast on your radio in the evening.
As you grew up, the country was exploding with growth.
The Government gave returning Veterans the means to get an education and spurred colleges to grow.
Loans fanned a housing boom.
Pent up demand coupled with new instalment payment plans opened many factories for work.
New highways would bring jobs and mobility.
The Veterans joined civic clubs and became active in politics.
The radio network expanded from 3 stations to thousands.
Your parents were suddenly free from the confines of the depression and the war, and they threw themselves into exploring opportunities they had never imagined.
You weren't neglected, but you weren't today's all-consuming family focus
They were glad you played by yourselves until the street lights came on.
They were busy discovering the post war world.
You entered a world of overflowing plenty and opportunity; a world where you were welcomed, enjoyed yourselves and felt secure in your future though depression poverty was deeply remembered.
Polio was still a crippler.
You came of age in the 50s and 60s.
You are the last generation to experience an interlude when there were no threats to our homeland.
The second world war was over and the cold war, terrorism, global warming, and perpetual economic insecurity had yet to haunt life with unease.
Only your generation can remember both a time of great war, and a time when our world was secure and full of bright promise and plenty.
You grew up at the best possible time, a time when the world was getting better.
You are "The Last Ones." More than 99 % of you are either retired or deceased, and you feel privileged to have "lived in the best of
times!"

( Believe me, the times that were, simply have to be lived to fully appreciate the good old days. ) :)
It's a shame that the future holds so little for the young people of today.