Gentle Heart

Whoa! That is absolutely horrific! I agree with you in that these "alternative definitions" especially the one dealing with sex is disgusting and totally unworthy of being in a Teen Bible of all things. Who are these editor's who would think that these alternative meanings would help get teens interested in Church, prayer, and witnessing? Just reading them it's obvious that they would have the opposite effect. In their attempts to sound hip and in tune with teens they have disgraced the Word of God. Thanks for sharing. I hope that youth workers, Sunday school teachers, and parents will investigate these teenage Bibles to see what is being written in them...and then perhaps even lodge some complaints (something has to be done). This was very shocking to me, especially for one who has taught teenagers and been involved in youth ministry in the past. I am definitely going to pass on this information. Kudos and blessings to you!

Igor, your reply sounds very harsh. I am not sure you intended it to come across that way or not, but I do not believe Wow's post for help is criticism or judgment and since this affects them personally it is their business. I did not see them being judgmental at all in their plea for help. You are correct that we should not be judgmental and since we can not always tell who is a believer and who is not, yes, we should leave judgment to God (1 Cor. 5:12-13). I've re-read their post several times and it breaks my heart that Angie who has been on the receiving end of their treatment is reacting out of anger wishing them death. This is serious indeed and deserves our concern and prayer. "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." Col. 4:6 Dear Brother in Christ, please accept this reply in the spirit it is intended not in judgment but out of desire help you see that as Colossians 4:6 states we are to respond with grace. There are also other verses too that say we need to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). While as believers we do have the right to judge the household of faith (1 Cor. 5:12). I will still leave all judgment to God. Peace and Grace!

Dear Wow! The Word of God tells in Matthew 7:18-21 "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Not everyone who professes to be a Christian is...this verse tells us we will know them by the fruit or lack of fruit and of course ultimately it is God who truly knows so that even if they profess that Jesus is their Lord - He knows if they are truly Christians or not. The fact that these relatives act as they do is an indicator of what is truly in their hearts. Galatian 5: 22-26 goes on to say what comes out of a person if they indwelled by the Holy Spirit, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." So ask yourself, according to these passages are they truly spirit filled Christians? Or are they only putting on a mask? God is not deceived nor mocked (Gal. 6:7). While no one can look into the hearts of men, God does and sees what is real and sincere. If they have made a profession of faith it is obvious they are not walking with the Lord nor are they representing Christ. As Christians, our goal is to be growing and conforming to the image of Christ. Challenge them with the Word of God when it comes to their speech and use of expletives so that their argument is not with you, but with God. Ephesians 4:29 says, "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." You ask for prayer and for help to know how to help - In the sending of this I have prayed for them and for you. Continue to model true Christianity to them and pray that the Holy Spirit will convict them of their sin. If they are not believers pray that God will draw them to salvation. If you know how to share the Gospel with them with love share what Christ did on the cross for them to redeem them and give them eternal life. Look at 1 John 5:11:13 this is how we know we have eternal life. Once they are believers then the Holy Spirit can convict them and begin to do a transforming work in their lives. Peace and Grace!

As I read your post and the replies of many others the word "legalism" kept popping up. This is what the Word of God has to say about legalism in Colossians 2:20-23 "If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!" which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men [religion]? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence." Even true believers can be legalistic - it has a "form of godliness" that emphasizes a system of rules and regulations for achieving both salvation and spiritual growth. Is God interested in how many pleats or how big the print is on your clothing? Or does He care more about your heart, your walk, and your obedience? God's purpose and will for us is not in the outward but in the inward change. It is sad that you have endured the kind of error that is so strict and demanding that God's grace seems to have been lost. Even when telling them you were leaving their unbending legalism judged your very walk with God and only God sees and knows your heart and your intentions. Many legalistic believers today make the error of demanding adherence to their own biblical interpretations and even to their own traditions rather than the Word of God all the while using the Word and twisting it to fit their needs. They may not intend to be judgmental or condemning but it is the result all the same. The truth is that following this strict system of religion negates that God has given us liberty and grace so that we are no longer in bondage to the "law" but rather to Christ who is the fulfillment of the law. Following strict rules and doctrines is no guarantee of spirituality. While I do not doubt that God used your time within this Church and you grew in your faith as well as had a close knit fellowship with other believers the fact that you are now questioning whether you should leave is an indication that God is leading you forward. So dear sister, do not worry what others will think or say and do not allow a false guilt or shame to keep you from being obedient to God and God alone. We are to please God above all others and we can only do that if we are obedient to Him. Pleasing God is or should be, the goal of all believers. The requirements for all who want to please God are that they must seek God by faith, walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh, and walk worthy of our calling in obedience and submission to the will of God. These things may often be difficult to do especially when those we love and respect are judging us, but God wants us to please Him and the beauty of our desire to step out in faith is that He makes it possible for us to please Him because we do not do these things in our own power but by the power of His Spirit who lives in our hearts. Ephesians 4:1- says, "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." It matters not what Church you go (as long as it is biblically based for your spiritual growth) but all believers belong to the body of Christ. You can continue to love and pray for those you leave and be the model of humility, gentleness, patience as you bear with however they choose to see you or treat you. Your testimony to keep the unity of the Spirit and to keep the bond of peace may fall on the deaf and blind, but in the end, we are all called to one hope. Praying for you! Peace and Grace! "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

While prayer is definitely something that you should be doing when seeking and asking God for a mate. One of the best advice I received when I was praying for a mate (not anyone specific at the time) was to pray for a "godly" man. You don't mention anything about your spirituality nor hers other than you go to a "Christ Centered" Gymn. You see just because someone may call themselves a Christian or even go to Christ centered places doesn't make them a real Christian who is walking with God and seeking to be godly. It doesn't sound like you know anything about her walk with Christ or whether she is truly a believer. And that should be the most important criteria for a mate. As those who have posted have said, "beauty will fade" this is a very true and profound statement. While attraction is important it should NOT be the determining factor for a relationship much less a marriage partner. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but inner beauty is what is valuable and precious to God and that will not fade; it will only grow as she grows in Christ (1 Peter3:3-4). We can ask God for anything, but God can say no, wait, or yes. How long are you willing to wait? What if God says, No? While I do believe we should pray specifically be careful that you ask with pure motives and not selfish ones (James 4:2-3). Instead of praying specifically for this girl, pray instead that God will bring the perfect woman that He has for you. I had a list of spiritual things I was asking God for in a husband when I became a Christian at the age of 16. There were a lot of guys who seemed right and I was definitely attracted to, but God brought that "tailor-made" godly man into my life when I surrendered my will to His. We just recently celebrated our 36th Anniversary. Pray that the Lord's will, will be your will, that way you will be open should He bring someone else into your life, rather than having tunnel vision for this one particular girl. Sure, God could bring that one, but then He may not. What is important though as I have stated before is that she be a true born again Christian who is truly walking with God. If she is not then it is not God's will that you marry and especially if she is not a believer (2 Corinthisan 6:14). Peace and Grace! P.S. I've included verses for you to look up that will give you a biblical perspective.

Religion is man's attempt to reach God through a system of doctrine, beliefs, and rules while Christianity is about God reaching down to mankind out of His great love for us by His atoning sacrifice on the cross. Religion is seen as mankind striving to earn God's favor to earn salvation. Religion can not reach God no matter how righteous. God is holy, divine, and righteous. There is NO one or religion that can earn there way to heaven. It is simply impossible. So, out of God's sacrificial and gracious love He came to us and provided us salvation. We confuse Christianity with being a religion because there are many religions who believe in Christ and are therefore classified as a "Christian religion." (i.e. Catholicism, Jehovahs Witness, Mormons etc...) However, practically speaking, Christianity has a key difference that separates it from other belief systems that are considered religions. That difference is relationship. Christianity is a relationship that God has established with us. In Christianity, God is the instigator and man is the beneficiary (Romans 8:3). The Bible states clearly that there is nothing man can do to make himself right with God (Isaiah 53:6; 64:6; Romans 3:23; 6:23). According to Christianity, God did for us what we cannot do for ourselves (Colossians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Our sin separates us from His presence, and sin must be punished (Romans 6:23; Matthew 10:28; 23:33). But, because God loves us, He took our punishment upon Himself. All we must do is accept God’s gift of salvation through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9; 2 Corinthians 5:21). This is seen as "Grace" it is God’s blessing on the undeserving. This grace based relationship between God and man is the foundation of Christianity and the antithesis of religion. Grace and Peace!

I think it is obvious that English is not your first language and the way you have worded your questions and answers are very difficult to understand and have caused some conflict. So, if you are truly are a Christian you will forgive us if we ask if you are a Christian because this is basic doctrine about God. So, I believe what you are really asking is, "if God is so big (expansive) how could he become a man who is small in stature?" But the very nature of God is that because He is God and He is all powerful nothing is impossible for Him. Therefore, He took the form of man and became a man for us so that in his human form He could die for the penalty of our sin (because He is sinless) in order to save us. I hope that answers your question.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths." This passage confirms what I stated earlier in this post...that the "apostasy" is alive and well on planet earth.

After reading your post and then many of the replies I was hit with belief that what you experienced with these pastors and what many have replied to is what I believe is the “Apostasy” it is a falling away from God’s truth or Word. We are seeing it more and more as professing "Christian" Churches are turning away from God’s Word and Biblical Christian doctrine. As it grows, it is also a type of rebellion that indicates a revolt, a departure, an abandoning and a rejection of God’s truth (His Word the Bible), a position it once held. It is this apostasy (falling away) that will come before the "Day of the Lord." 1 John 2:18-19 “Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us." This defection from the faith will occur and is occurring in the last days. It is this infidelity of those who profess to be Christian that are paving the way for the ultimate revolt against God and His truth. Hebrews 3:12-14 “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.” These are the signs of the Apostasy as Scripture warns us about and as we see happening today. It is a system of denials. This is not an exhaustive list but a sampling of truth revealing this falling away. Apostasy - the falling away by denying the truth. 1. Denial of God a. 2 Tim. 3:4-5 2. Denial of Christ a. 1 Jn. 2:18-22 b. 1 Jn. 4:3 3. Denial of Christ’s return a. 2 Pt. 3:3-4 4. Denial of the Faith a. Jude 3 b. Matt. 24:10-11 5. Denial of Sound Doctrine a. 2 Tim. 4:3-4 6. Denial of Christianity Liberty a. 1 Tim. 4:1-5 7. Denial of Christian Morals a. 2 Tim 3:1-8 b. Jude 18 8. Denial of Authority a. 2 Pt. 2:10 Jesus warns us of the signs to come in the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. In Revelation the Angel tells John to write to the 7 Churches – literal churches at the time, but are representative of “types” of Churches in the last days. Some of these Churches are holding to the faith others have become “apostate” and have fallen away as you experienced. All these are precursors to Jesus’ return and will be evident more and more as this time draws closer. Keep the faith, remain pure and steadfast to the Word of God. Find a Church that is holding to God's Word as literal and true - I always read the Statements of Faith to determine if they are truly "Biblical" doctrinally sound Churches. Grace and Peace to you dear sister!

As a former Catholic I was saved while still a Catholic but was not saved in the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church teaches that one cannot be assured of salvation. Salvation is by works (contradicting Eph. 2:8-9) and following Catholic (man made) tradition. Tradition and the Bible are considered to be on the same footing and in some cases tradition trumps the Bible especially in the case of Mary who is considered to have the power to save because they say she was born without sin. Also, the Catholic Church teaches that it is a mortal sin to believe that one is saved. This is called the "sin of presumption" and is considered a mortal sin because this is pride and God is opposed to the proud therefore this mortal sin condemns anyone who believes they are going to heaven to hell. As if this wasn't enough there is the doctrine of Purgatory that teaches that one must make atonement for their own sins invalidating the need for Jesus the Savior and contradicting Scripture (1 Jonh 5:11-13). I could go on and on about all the false doctrines and dogmas that the Catholic Church teaches and yet I must say that there are many wonderful sincere and very devout Catholics who love God, Jesus and the Bible yet are NOT saved. I was one of these. From the outside, I sounded and acted like a Christian believing that I was, because I believed in Christ and loved God with all my heart and actually tried to live a very righteous life. Yes, I knew Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world, but somehow I never truly understood that it was personal. That He died in MY place for MY sins. The Bible is clear that our belief must be based on TRUTH and this truth is the Word of God not on religion or on tradition especially if these things contradict the very Word of God which Catholicism does. True "born again" salvation is by grace through faith. This faith is an action of belief to believe that Jesus is MY Savior. Belief is not just head knowledge - knowing what Jesus did but it is active. John 1:12 says, "But as many as receive Him to them He gave the right to become children of God." Therefore my belief becomes a very real action and I "receive" Him as my Savior. This is when all people are saved when our belief becomes action - in receiving Christ into our lives. You can sincerely and devoutly follow any religion and NOT be saved. Read the story of Cornelius in the book of Acts. This man had love and godly devotion and he was a righteous man, by all accounts when you read about him you will make the assumption that he is saved, but he was not. God had him send for Peter so that Peter could show him how to truly be saved. All the love and sincere devotion and doing good could not save Cornelius and it can not save you. Do not be mislead to think that someone who is a Catholic is saved because they seem to be following Christ and have the correct vocabulary. I personally believe that if you are a true born again Christian who has received Jesus as your personal Savior and is walking with God by reading and studying the Bible you can NOT remain in the Catholic Church that teaches so many false and grievous doctrines. As a Catholic my faith was blind. I did not know the Bible. I revered the Bible as a holy book but I had never studied or understood it. Once I was saved I now had the Holy Spirit inside me to help me understand it and I began studying the Bible. It was the Word of God that set me free and corrected all my wrong religious beliefs that had me erroneously believing that I was ok. Sure I wouldn't go to heaven but my time in Purgatory wouldn't be very long and if my friends and family prayed for me my time there would be shortened. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ that is NOT in the Bible but that is what every good Catholic is taught and what they believe. Praise God for the Bible says "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free." Yes, Catholics can be saved and are saved when they hear the word of God. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Not works, Not religious doctrine, Not Mary, Not the sacraments and not doing your time in Purgatory" only through Jesus. Unless one is born again they can not enter into the Kingdom. But a true believer will NOT stay in a Church that does not teach the truth - we are to grow and mature in Christ and can not do so in a Church that does not even believe the Word when it comes to salvation. Grace and Peace!

One must first ask, what are we being saved from? According to scripture we are saved from the penalty of sin. That is why Jesus died on the cross to redeem those who were condemned. Romans 3:23 tells me I am a sinner and Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death. This death is eternal separation from God. My sins "earn" this death. So therefore, I need to be saved from this death. We all know John 3:16. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." God saw our plight that we needed to be saved so in His love He sent His Son so that whoever "believes" will have eternal life. This is being saved. We are to believe in His Son Jesus that He is the Savior sent to save us from our sins. This belief is faith. It is putting your complete trust in what God has done through Jesus to give us eternal life. My favorite verse that confirms this is 1 John 5:11-13 that states: "And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." There are so many scriptures that confirm and teach that our salvation is found only in Jesus - there is no other way. I cannot save myself and neither do my good works save me (Eph. 2:8-9). It is only through Jesus, Jesus Himself tells us, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me." and John 5:24 goes on to further tell us what we must do to be saved and what we received. John 5:24 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life." We must hear His Word and believe that God sent Jesus and when we do that is when we have eternal life (saved) we do not come into judgment (no condemnation for those in Jesus Rom. 8:1) and pass out of death into life. From our penalty of death (hell) into life - eternal life (heaven). "For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit" 1 Peter 3:18 This is how I know I am saved. Because I believe that Jesus died for my sins (past, present, and future sins). I believe His death paid that penalty and that by believing I accept and receive Him as my Savior and have asked Him into my life to be my Savior and to be my Lord. "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name." John 1:12. His name means Messiah = Jesus, Savior = Christ - Emmanuel = God with us. I BELIEVE and I RECEIVE - therefore I AM SAVED!

It was David and all the house of Israel who danced before the Lord - in 2 Samuel 6