The State Of "Christian Spirituality"

[Hidden In Him]

I'm wondering when someone is going to report me for being too rough or something, when I'm actually going very easy.

I knew it! Sure enough, someone reported me, and for what for me was the most tame and well-behaved thing, LoL... but I said it exactly the way it needed to be be said, and he apparently didn't like it. That's why they are the way they are over there. You can't put someone in their place without getting reported, and three strikes you're gone for a month.

Oh well, it was worth it. Had a good sister come join us over here out of it, so I'd do it all over again in a heart beat.

 

[Heart2Soul]

Speaking of, pray for mine if you can. His name is Chester, and he hasn't eaten almost anything in 6 days. The vet is finally going to see him tomorrow at 9AM.

I'm at peace if I lose him, but he's a great cat, and we'll miss him if he goes.

Sorry to hear about Chester....I will pray for him.

 

[Hidden In Him]

Sorry to hear about Chester....I will pray for him.

Thanks! He seems to be doing better. Started eating a little again today after some antibiotics and an inflammatory : )
His blood cell count is way low, but he's fighting it. He's a good cat. Thanks for the prayers, sister.

 

[FollowHim]

Over at another forum today, and finding it amazing how little faith there is among believers in the supernatural. We may not have everything right around here, but good Heavens what it is that people even believe these days?! They sound like atheists.

Notice how many "Christians" are posting like they don't believe witchcraft is even real. It's astounding. I thought belief in the demonic, and the influence of evil spirits over the affairs of men was like "Christianity 101" or something.

What is going on? Anyone? I realize there may be a few here who feel the same way, but to me it's like Faithless Central over there or something!

Witchcraft 101

There are christians who are like the sadduces, take the morality and outlook of faith, but deny the faith itself.
So they are atheist believers. In the past they would be called existentialists. My parents fell into this camp, liking church but never assenting to real faith.

I have a friend who called himself a charismatic believer who now is agnostic. He follows Jordan Peterson. Jordan makes the point, if you want to live a psychologically healthy life, live as if there is purpose and God rules. His criticism of atheist nihilists, they live as if life has meaning and purpose yet their belief system destroys this very idea.

And that for me summarises the real issue. So many emotionally cannot cope with faith, but want to live in love, while denying its source of meaning. It means they can live an immoral life, steal, have sex, do whatever they want and believe they are not bound to a conscience or normal emotional loyalties. They unfortunately have believed the lie that we are not built as moral loving beings, it is just faith that makes us this way, when clearly faith just reflects what our hearts are. It is also why I listen to Jesus, because He speaks to our hearts, rather than our heads and our current world views. And clearly as babies we are born with hearts and learn our would view, so guess which one destroys the other.

God bless you

 

[Berserk]

In my childhood church I was exposed to 3 pastors who all got in trouble morally. One had been Billy Graham's interpreter for his massive South American crusades. He divorced his wife. The other was our YWAM advisor. He was defrocked for chronically having sexual affairs. YWAM (Youth wiht a Mission) sponsors young people who go all over the world and witness to Jesus in the streets and door to door. When I was a Theology professor, the pastor I most admired was a Baptist with a DMin, advanced training in pastoral care. I admired him until he had an affair with a woman in his church, despite his wife and 3 kids. Yet he was a supposed expert on Christian principles for family relationships. When I was a Harvard grad student, a famous nearby married pastor wrote a book on fatherhood and then had an affair with a woman in his church. All that wisdom on Christian fatherhood, and then he does that to his wife and kids! Such examples could be multiplied. This has happened so often in my life that I've found it hard not to get cynical about the spiritual depth of the spirituality of many evangelical leaders. The sheer stupidity of such easily exposed misconduct bothers me even more than its immorality!

 

[Hidden In Him]

There are christians who are like the sadduces, take the morality and outlook of faith, but deny the faith itself.
So they are atheist believers. In the past they would be called existentialists. My parents fell into this camp, liking church but never assenting to real faith.

I have a friend who called himself a charismatic believer who now is agnostic. He follows Jordan Peterson. Jordan makes the point, if you want to live a psychologically healthy life, live as if there is purpose and God rules. His criticism of atheist nihilists, they live as if life has meaning and purpose yet their belief system destroys this very idea.

And that for me summarises the real issue. So many emotionally cannot cope with faith, but want to live in love, while denying its source of meaning. It means they can live an immoral life, steal, have sex, do whatever they want and believe they are not bound to a conscience or normal emotional loyalties. They unfortunately have believed the lie that we are not built as moral loving beings, it is just faith that makes us this way, when clearly faith just reflects what our hearts are. It is also why I listen to Jesus, because He speaks to our hearts, rather than our heads and our current world views. And clearly as babies we are born with hearts and learn our would view, so guess which one destroys the other.

God bless you

Indeed. And children often have to have both their consciences and their belief in God drilled out of them by so-called "mature" society.

 

[Hidden In Him]

In my childhood church I was exposed to 3 pastors who all got in trouble morally. One had been Billy Graham's interpreter for his massive South American crusades. He divorced his wife. The other was our YWAM advisor. He was defrocked for chronically having sexual affairs. YWAM (Youth wiht a Mission) sponsors young people who go all over the world and witness to Jesus in the streets and door to door. When I was a Theology professor, the pastor I most admired was a Baptist with a DMin, advanced training in pastoral care. I admired him until he had an affair with a woman in his church, despite his wife and 3 kids. Yet he was a supposed expert on Christian principles for family relationships. When I was a Harvard grad student, a famous nearby married pastor wrote a book on fatherhood and then had an affair with a woman in his church. All that wisdom on Christian fatherhood, and then he does that to his wife and kids! Such examples could be multiplied. This has happened so often in my life that I've found it hard not to get cynical about the spiritual depth of the spirituality of many evangelical leaders. The sheer stupidity of such easily exposed misconduct bothers me even more than its immorality!

I think it is religion at play. Religious morality doesn't stand a chance against temptation forever. It will eventually buckle unless there is something standing in the way. True Christian spirituality may not either. But at least with spirituality you have the hope of the Holy Spirit finally consuming a believer's life to such an extent that they are delivered from fleshly weaknesses.

And quite honestly, I think faithlessness is at the heart of it. They say they believe in the Lord and in scripture, yet in reality they ascribe to a "faith" that doesn't even account for the spiritual war still going on between God and Satan for the souls of men. When your religion is all in your head and disconnected from spiritual realities, it produces this faithless business where men aren't even getting their thoughts from God anymore, despite presuming they live by His word and "have faith."

 

[GTW27]

I think it is religion at play. Religious morality doesn't stand a chance against temptation forever. It will eventually buckle unless there is something standing in the way. True Christian spirituality may not either. But at least with spirituality you have the hope of the Holy Spirit finally consuming a believer's life to such an extent that they are delivered from fleshly weaknesses.

And quite honestly, I think faithlessness is at the heart of it. They say they believe in the Lord and in scripture, yet in reality they ascribe to a "faith" that doesn't even account for the spiritual war still going on between God and Satan for the souls of men. When your religion is all in your head and disconnected from spiritual realities, it produces this faithless business where men aren't even getting their thoughts from God anymore, despite presuming they live by His word and "have faith."

What is at the heart of this is what we have received, or what we have not received. He who is born from above has both The Father and The Son. The spiritual gifts are ever present as He is ever present. The gift of faith is present at the moment He enters in. All things become new. I have the gift of faith because I have Him and He has me. The whole world can say that God does not exist, but I say no, not so, He does and is. How can one not believe when the Author and Finisher of our faith lives within. How can one read what has been written, and accept some, and reject some, when the words are One with The Author and Finisher of our faith. With me, all of the words written, from "In to "Amen" are within, because He is within. And they are the same,,as He is the same, and will not change. " heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away."

 

[bbyrd009]

I can't even get the one I'm talking to now to admit to the existence of Satan as a singular entity, and not some sort of "adversaries" in general.

so why not just work with that? or i mean why is it important to you that Satan be personified?

I think it is religion at play. Religious morality doesn't stand a chance against temptation forever. It will eventually buckle unless there is something standing in the way. True Christian spirituality may not either. But at least with spirituality you have the hope of the Holy Spirit finally consuming a believer's life to such an extent that they are delivered from fleshly weaknesses.

And quite honestly, I think faithlessness is at the heart of it. They say they believe in the Lord and in scripture, yet in reality they ascribe to a "faith" that doesn't even account for the spiritual war still going on between God and Satan for the souls of men. When your religion is all in your head and disconnected from spiritual realities, it produces this faithless business where men aren't even getting their thoughts from God anymore, despite presuming they live by His word and "have faith."

understand why the pimps and hoes are beating you into the kingdom is a difficult passage to incorporate huh

 

[bbyrd009]

It means they can live an immoral life, steal, have sex, do whatever they want and believe they are not bound to a conscience

um, not sure you could find too many justifying theft of property?

It is also why I listen to Jesus, because He speaks to our hearts, rather than our heads and our current world views.

i dunno, become like a little child, change your mind

 

[Hidden In Him]

so why not just work with that? or i mean why is it important to you that Satan be personified?

Well, it's sort of like dealing with a completely different religion if not. I am coming to grips with the faithlessness there now, but the day I was posting I was a bit in shock and disbelief, to tell you the truth, not willing to accept it.

understand why the pimps and hoes are beating you into the kingdom is a difficult passage to incorporate huh

There was so much scripture I could have cited I almost didn't know where to begin. But knowing they wouldn't listen, I was more interested in seeing just how deep the faithlessness ran... and it was waaaaaaaaay down there, Lol.

 

[Enoch111]

...why is it important to you that Satan be personified?

If Satan is a malevolent spirit being as noted in the Bible, that should simply be accepted as God's truth. Do you know why he is called "Satan" [ha Satan (שָׂטָ֖ן) in Hebrew]?

 

[FollowHim]

um, not sure you could find too many justifying theft of property?

i dunno, become like a little child, change your mind

Children have an innate trust in those whose duty it is to keep them safe. I think this is Jesus basic point. In our worldly way we oppose much in the attitudes of the Kingdom and hold on to the ways of the world. His point is simply we have to put out trust in Him and our treasure in heaven and follow as He leads, even when our hearts complain and it seems difficult. I know this from hard experience, there is no other way.

Our hearts and souls always want answers and solutions, not realising Jesus and His way is the answer and He alone is the door to eternal life. In the moment, sharing His truth and life, not knowing how it will turn out, is the truth of real love. We have hope that the light will shine in others, but there is no winning or formula, it is just shinning and seeing the Holy Spirit move in others hearts. God bless you

 

[FollowHim]

In my childhood church I was exposed to 3 pastors who all got in trouble morally. One had been Billy Graham's interpreter for his massive South American crusades. He divorced his wife. The other was our YWAM advisor. He was defrocked for chronically having sexual affairs. YWAM (Youth wiht a Mission) sponsors young people who go all over the world and witness to Jesus in the streets and door to door. When I was a Theology professor, the pastor I most admired was a Baptist with a DMin, advanced training in pastoral care. I admired him until he had an affair with a woman in his church, despite his wife and 3 kids. Yet he was a supposed expert on Christian principles for family relationships. When I was a Harvard grad student, a famous nearby married pastor wrote a book on fatherhood and then had an affair with a woman in his church. All that wisdom on Christian fatherhood, and then he does that to his wife and kids! Such examples could be multiplied. This has happened so often in my life that I've found it hard not to get cynical about the spiritual depth of the spirituality of many evangelical leaders. The sheer stupidity of such easily exposed misconduct bothers me even more than its immorality!

I hear you loud and clear. It has become clear to me our emotional lives are as important as our spiritual and intellectual lives. The problem with long term relationships, is we can get hurt and into bad behaviour patterns, so flirts and superficial contacts can become consuming, when in reality they are just hot air. I have been surprised how many are truly lonely and incapable of really making contact with others, where love and friendship transcends sexual attraction and involvement. Most of the guys I have met who knew the Lord and then went after other women, did not know how to connect, and devalued the very people close to them, and went after illusions and tricks of others. I am surrounded by lonely, dysfunctional women who would love an affair, except they would also destroy me, and have no clue the damage they would bring to myself and all I know. And what for me makes it ironic, I would never be involved with them based on how they are as people, but they are unaware of this.

The other problem with attraction, is euphoria or success seems to encourage connections with people, which amplifies these illusory feelings. People who spent most of their lives running themselves down, can find this rush and euphoria just overwhelms them. Emotional intelligence is part of our walk in Christ and maturity, the very essence of love and its power. But unfortunately you do not learn this in books and study, you learn it by the Holy Spirit, and letting your heart speak truth to others.

And unfortunately I am in no position to walk in anothers shoes or know their weaknesses. I just praise the Lord for His love and grace, God bless you.

 

[Taken]

The State Of "Christian Spirituality"
OP^

Highly Suspect!

Several Generations have been taught from a very young age;
Disobedience, without consequence.
Tolerance, of immorality, as acceptable.
Corrupt Learning materials,
No touching, No Exceptions.
God speech is Offensive.


Children stepping out as Adults are Conditioned;
Government is your provider: your savior:
For:
A means for Debt,
Food,
Housing,
Abortions,
Transportation,
Education,
Child care,
"free" money,
Health care,
Electronics,
No guns,
Jobs,
A God you can not See, not a god.
Products you can buy or not.
Language you can and can not speak.
Hate what they tell you to Hate.

All Enticing...not much different than living under a parent's roof...whether you work or not!

It's called Socialism.
Sounds great...until one discovers...the Taking from the Wealthy...puts everyone on an even scale of poverty. The government is your new Daddy, Owns Everything and you get what scraps they dole out.
And the sitting home...eh...no you will work, doing what they say, and if not capable?
You are not useful to their agenda...get your automated medicine chip, they control, or vaccine, etc.
Abortions, Elderly, Infirm...do nothings eating valuable resources...pfft!

Many in the last several generations have lived this lifestyle...for merely A vote....and pack of promises of more Freebies!

They Have no need of God.
Ya, eh, maybe they thought about believing, kinda sorta. They have no conviction. They are conditioned, They are entitled. Their life and do nothing Existence is Worthy and matters!

Yes, they are free to be a Do Nothing Burden, having contributed Nothing, but Taken much.

They are Deaf and Blind and perfectly content.
They will be told they are secure, safe and on the Only Peace path.

They do not Want or Feel the need for God.
Frog in the Pot Syndrome

Hidden In Him- let the Ignorant exercise their liberty to be Ignorant, they're content, and will only see you as an agitator to their contentment, and turn against you.

Glory to God,
Taken

 

[Hidden In Him]

They Have no need of God.

They are Deaf and Blind and perfectly content.

Reminds me of Revelation 3:14-23, and that much I certainly agree with. Deaf, dumb, blind, naked, wretched, poor, you name it. Of course, you can't tell them (in a right Spirit) that, unless you are on a forum that allows it, and those I referenced in the OP are currently on one where I cannot. I did so and got reported for it, so they are on their own. I wish them the best, but even being corrected "rudely" would be better than simply being allowed to remain in a spiritual state like that. Their souls are in serious danger in that current state. It is almost utter faithlessness, though they don't even recognize it as such.

 

[john t]

Do you know why he is called "Satan" [ha Satan (שָׂטָ֖ן) in Hebrew]?

FYI
There is no definite article in what you posted.

 

[Taken]

Reminds me of Revelation 3:14-23, and that much I certainly agree with. Deaf, dumb, blind, naked, wretched, poor, you name it. Of course, you can't tell them (in a right Spirit) that, unless you are on a forum that allows it, and those I referenced in the OP are currently on one where I cannot. I did so and got reported for it, so they are on their own. I wish them the best, but even being corrected "rudely" would be better than simply being allowed to remain in a spiritual state like that. Their souls are in serious danger in that current state. It is almost utter faithlessness, though they don't even recognize it as such.

They must akin to Crowds that gathered to hear Jesus...
Saying aha!!
Or ... --->
Walking away thinking He was a good orator of stories, but pretty much a waste of time.

Glory to God,
Taken

 

[Enoch111]

FYI
There is no definite article in what you posted.

And that is why I placed it in parenthesis. The definite article is in other Scriptures. See Job 1:6 הַשָּׂטָ֖ן (ha Satan).

 

[dev553344]

Over at another forum today, and finding it amazing how little faith there is among believers in the supernatural. We may not have everything right around here, but good Heavens what it is that people even believe these days?! They sound like atheists.

Notice how many "Christians" are posting like they don't believe witchcraft is even real. It's astounding. I thought belief in the demonic, and the influence of evil spirits over the affairs of men was like "Christianity 101" or something.

What is going on? Anyone? I realize there may be a few here who feel the same way, but to me it's like Faithless Central over there or something!

Witchcraft 101

Yeah, these forums attract a lot of people that aren't really Christian for some reason. Post about a spiritual experience or miracle and they'll accuse you of being a liar or delusional. This forum appears to be better though than some others.