layhoma

Well again this is all hypothetical and I am no teenager or someone hiding behind this alias asking "what ifs". I'm living a single life and not even interested in dating at this moment. In fact I regard myself as believer in chatisement and I choose a life of complete celibacy. The reason why I am posting because I know there are couples out there that are faithful and full of Godly restraints but yet choose to take an unorthodox path in life. As to my opinion why aren't these people just get married and I can think of a few reasons, just for the sake of arguments. They are spiritually mature but not financially secure to raise a family. There are mutual irreconcilable differences between their parents that needed time to solve. They are still in college ?? They can be a testament that agape love is more enjoyable than erotic love to those that are having struggles with temptations.......( just sayin )....etc

Thank You Everyone for your precious sharings.

I know when 2 persons of the opposite sex who are dating, in this hypothetical situation, Christians who are in love must draw a clear boundary what not to cross or else temptation would overcome them to commit sins. What if I tell you truthfully, and tell God truthfully that my girlfriend and I are so committed in a relationship that is embedded in the commitment of chastisement that even when we live under the same roof or even in the same bed that we can overcome the temptation of having any forms of sex. Say we respect each other so much and love God so much nothing could ever deter us from our determination to stay pure until marriage. Again hypothetically speaking, all working out perfectly. Without being a stumbling block to other Christians, let's say we only share this secret with those that believes and understood us. Would anyone here thinks that what we are doing is wrong?

It is agreed among many commentators that Paul's ordeal based from his continued persecution, mental unrest and physical ailments that tormented him especially during his time in jail, he was undoubtedly depressed because saint or no saint he is merely a human being. When the pressure becomes too much it would be human nature to have thoughts to entertain themselves in ending own lives. That being said lets look at the scriptures: Philippians 1:23 says that he would rather be with Jesus, and the verse 24 is him saying it would be more beneficial for them if he stayed. Then verse 25 is him saying he recognizes this fact and will happily continue his mission. Because suicide is such a taboo in Christianity, could Paul be saying "he would rather be with Jesus be a way of saying, "I rather die now, please God take my spirit because I can't bear the pain...." ? Would the politically incorrect way of interpreting it as " I want to die, if you permit lord, I'll take my own life". We Christians are bound by our acceptance and belief that we are purchased with a price (Jesus's blood) that we do not belong to ourselves along with one of the commandments (thou shall not kill), we do not have the liberty to kill ourselves. But put us in Paul's shoes, how many of us would break and just jump or hung ourselves to alleviate from the unbearable pain. I'm not here to debate the issue of legality of suicide or euthanasia or anything as such but I just want to know how many of you out there believe there is a slight possibility that Paul had a brief instant of thought to take his own life.

Thanks everyone I know what all of you meant, it is written that if GOD is with you who could be against you! Yes we are offered armor of God, I learned that long time ago in Bible class but in reality, when we are placed in the front line of spiritual warfare, we are challenged if whether we could put the words into practice, we are prone to have collateral damage. Many don't know or want to even talk about spiritual warfare because they think if they don't get involved with the enemy would leave them alone. Nothing could be further from the truth. But know that none of us is perfect and the slightest weakness or loophole is all it takes for the enemy to gain a foothold and start wrecking havoc in our lives. It does not require a backslidden Christian for them to start an assault. When one starts to disclose intimate details onto prayer request forums, demonic realms could be offered more information to piece together one's weakness and they would start their assults. As someone here said that they could do nothing to us; well somewhat true that these minions could never thwart off God's plan for us but they are more than capable of planting seeds of doubts or fear in our minds. Especially those that are milk fed but not meat fed Christians who are more vulnerable to such attacks. All in all, just saying the cyber world is full of sleeper cells, who comes in as wolves in sheepskins. My spiritual advisor who is a very devoted Christian, usually keep important prayers between only him and God alone, praying in silence but never out loud with anyone because he said that Satan could eavesdrop but he could never tune into our prayers in the heart to the Lord.

Just discussed about posting prayer requests on forums with another Christian, Told him I was sad that someone challenged my faith and kept rebuking my post with barrage of scriptures like in legalism. He told me to stop posting on public forums because it is the quality that matters not quantity of prayers. Just as many legit Christians who are eager to help and care, there are also spies send in by satan that would curse or pray to the dark lord to go against the person in need. There are those that thought they are true followers of Christ but in fact being possessed by evil spirits unknowingly spreading negativity. As sometimes I notice there are forums (not this one) that are heavy with spirits of accusations, judgement, discord, pride...etc all masking behind someone that shows some knowledge of the scriptures but displayed little love or compassion. What do you think?

Just odd when I see some people who post very thoughtful threads in the forums but in a day or two their alias status gets the word "banned" under it. Is it something they said that unknowingly or knowingly breaking the rules or is there some sensitive issues that cannot be discussed in here? Just curious

Thank you Monarchy, Selene for taking an interest just by entering this topic and much appreciate gdemoss for the great wisdom from God through you bestowed upon me. God Bless You All!

The moment when people confess and accept Jesus as their Lord by mouth and heart, say on a phone conversation OR when they are being baptized formally in front of people and confess and accept Jesus as their Lord by mouth and heart. I think I may know the answer to this silly question already but I thought that there are others who think otherwise.

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” I know when I pray God listens. I have the Holy Spirit. This verse is more than face value and I'm sure it is considered somewhat a parable with deeper meanings. Can someone explain why the Lord express a gathering of more than two ?

In the eyes of the Almighty, any sins, regardless of the magnitude, is still sin. You think committing this act is evil ? what about when you hated your brother, even for a split second, would HE consider your thought a lesser sin ? I think not. Just my humble opinion.