Sufficient Self's Bible Study Group

[Wannabefree]

I prefer to let my actions speak for the most part, but I do wear my Christianity without shame, literally. I LOVE the Christian T-shirts! I just got a new one a few weeks ago that says "a blood donor saved my life" and has the blood donor logo and bible verse on it. I LOVE it

I do discuss openly, publicly, my beliefs without batting an eyelash given opportunity, much like I would openly discuss my theories on raising clean food or the benefits of cooking from scratch. It is WHO I am. Some folks just simply lead by example, which I believe is the only true way to lead. Some folks aren't as vocal as others. Nothing inherently wrong with that

We can't let opposition shut us up though just for the sake of personal comfort. We are to be IN the world, but not OF the world. NOBODY shuts me up Big suprise eh?

 

[Wannabefree]

Another point I would like to make though..

If Christ is in us, and we deny ourselves, by keeping our mouths shut about such obvious offense...is that not denying Christ as well, BECAUSE He is in us? Scary thought. I don't want to be guilty of that Not judging, just thought of that and thought it a good point to ponder. The mark of a true Christian, is self examination of motives and self discipline, and I think that pertains to this situation. I can't say for sure how I would have reacted per se, but I was not in her position. It does make ya think about what you'd do.

 

[Farmfresh]

I try to tell people always that I am a Christian, but I am careful about HOW I do it. I have seen a lot of people be scared away and turned off by an in your face person and I just don't want to do that. I also try to make the most of a given opportunity.

It just troubles me that the world is SO against anything Christian these days. I think back to other times when most families went to worship on a given Sunday. Now the ones who do are considered odd. Probably this is worsened by the fact that we are city dwellers.

 

[Wannabefree]

Yeah, I am not "in your face" either, as I see that as very VERY counter productive. I state my belief, and reasons, and testimony, and let them say/think what they want beyond that. I do have a close friend, who recently, and maybe partially due to my influence, has gone back to Christianity after a long hiatus due to some very bad circumstance in her life which she blamed on Christians. She had gotten WAYYYYY off the beaten path into paganism, and experimentation with other religions, mostly out of anger for what a few "Christians" did to her. I let her know right off the bat I was a Christian and do not tolerate certain behaviors and things in my home, but she would be completely accepted here regardless of her personal belief, and then I showed her I meant that. We became great friends FAST, and have been for a few years, and I have to say, I am thrilled that she has accepted Christ of her own accord! I would never push it on anyone, and that is one of the things she said influenced her a bit, it allowed her to make up her own mind, and made her feel respected for whatever decision she made. It just so happened she made this decision. I would never not be her friend either way, and that was actually a great point of comfort for her She does seem much happier now, and loves her church! I think it is incredibly sweet!

I am pretty blatant about the fact that I am Christian, and pretty blatant about it being okay if others aren't. I can still pray for them and still love them for who they are. It's what Christ did He loves us anyway, and that tells me I should love others anyway too.

 

[Farmfresh]

I am pretty blatant about the fact that I am Christian, and pretty blatant about it being okay if others aren't. I can still pray for them and still love them for who they are. It's what Christ did He loves us anyway, and that tells me I should love others anyway too.

Exactly!

 

[ScottSD]

First time I have seen this thread!

Looks like a good one.

On the children in church misbehaving, i understand completely.

Our church has a children's pastor that holds a service geared towards kids with puppet shows, lessons, etc.

Anyway, just wanted to say i like this thread.

Oh, and if you get a chance, check out the following movie if it is in your area.

http://www.courageousthemovie.com/


We previewed it our church last night and it is excellent. Really shows the importance of fathers.

 

[miss_thenorth]

I am starting to know how Lot felt.

Question. Do you think Lot chose the east when he and Abraham separated, because he was drawn to the sin and corruption of Sodom and Gommorah? I just got done studying that chapter, and that is the consenus. I think Lot knew what he was getting into.

 

[BarredBuff]

This was posted on BYC so I thought you guys might like it:

THIS IS AWESOME!!! BY A 15 yr. OLD SCHOOL KID Who got an A+ for this entry, Since the Pledge of Allegiance And The Lord's Prayer Are not allowed in most Public schools anymore Because the word 'God' is mentioned..... A kid in Arizona wrote the attached NEW School prayer: "New Pledge of Allegiance" ~~~ Now I sit me down in school Where praying is against the rule For this great nation under God Finds mention of Him very odd. If scripture now the class recites, It violates the Bill of Rights. And anytime my head I bow Becomes a Federal matter now. Our hair can be purple, orange or green, That's no offense; it's a freedom scene. The law is specific, the law is precise. Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice. For praying in a public hall Might offend someone with no faith at all. In silence alone we must meditate, God's name is prohibited by the state. We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks, And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks. They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible. To quote the Good Book makes me liable. We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen, And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King. It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong, We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong. We can get our condoms and birth controls, Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles. But the Ten Commandments are not allowed, No word of God must reach this crowd. It's scary here I must confess, When chaos reigns the school's a mess. So, Lord, this silent plea I make: Should I be shot; My soul please take! Amen. ~ If you aren't ashamed to do this, Please pass this on. Jesus said, 'If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before my Father.

 

[Beekissed]

LOVE it, BB!

Farm, that is very sad about your D1.... I guess the only place I have to defend my faith to any degree is...well...right here on these forums. But then, you all know how quickly I take a stand for my Savior...have no problem with that.

In my area Christianity is still the primary religion practiced and folks don't blink an eye if you say you are a Christian. Oh, there is the usual, "I don't go to church because it is full of hypocrites." comment that is standard everywhere you go.

I usually reply, "Well, if you go, then you can be assured that at least ONE person sitting in the pew is NOT a hypocrite...right?"

The local nursing home is Christian based and has Bible verses all over the walls~a lot of my work time is spent in there with patients. My own nonprofit employer is Christian-based as well~we are currently getting decals of Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 to place on our office walls. I'm claiming the following for my office wall: "A time to weep and a time to laugh..."

I am very blessed to be living in an area that supports Christianity and upholds good values, for the most part.

 

[Wifezilla]

Not trying to be difficult, but have any of you researched the history of the pledge of allegiance?
http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=3296