Naming the Name of Christ

[Guest Biblicist]

What's a person to do when the people around them, leaders in the church, pastors, etc. are justifying the sin for them. If they are being led astray by false teachers who tell them that what they are doing is acceptable "God accepts you the way you are."

There is a huge "Come as you are" movement sweeping churches so that Pastors don't step on people's toes and thus keep them in the pews. How can a person learn what is sin and what is not if those they trust with the Word of God are not rightly dividing the word of truth?

I am speaking of all sin, not just sexual sins. There are people out there that have never heard that their particular type of sin is actually a sin, just a not nice thing to do but nothing serious. They live with it, keeping them from a true relationship with the Lord, not really realizing what they are doing.

Christians need to begin thinking Biblically about their sins. And about where those sins come from.

[Guest shiloh357]

Ahhh okay, I know I need to get my Bible out here because I only remember enough to be dangerous but, Shiloh I know there were people who were believers in the Bible, but the Word had to be explained more fully to them, before they understood it all. They weren't treated as un-believers just those who did not have the full truth yet. I know I'm kinda grabbing at straws here, because they hadn't heard the full gospel yet, but............well isn't it kinda the same thing??? I know people right now, who do things, and know they are wrong, and they are sorry and feel remorse and wrong, but they can't seem to actually stop themselves..................so I kinda get where Fiosh is coming from, but I'm torn also. Does this make any sense at all or am I just babbling again???

The difference is that they struggle. Fiosh's question pertains to those who do not see that their homosexuality is sinful and are not convicted.

The Father disciplines those he loves. The mark of a true Christian is that they cannot sin and enjoy it. So your friends who are remorseful do not fit in what I have described as those who live concupiesciently in sin and even reject the knowledge that it is sinful.

[Scarletprayers]

Ahhh okay, I know I need to get my Bible out here because I only remember enough to be dangerous but, Shiloh I know there were people who were believers in the Bible, but the Word had to be explained more fully to them, before they understood it all. They weren't treated as un-believers just those who did not have the full truth yet. I know I'm kinda grabbing at straws here, because they hadn't heard the full gospel yet, but............well isn't it kinda the same thing??? I know people right now, who do things, and know they are wrong, and they are sorry and feel remorse and wrong, but they can't seem to actually stop themselves..................so I kinda get where Fiosh is coming from, but I'm torn also. Does this make any sense at all or am I just babbling again???

The difference is that they struggle. Fiosh's questino pertains to those who do not see that their homosexuality is sinful and are not convicted.

The Father disciplines those he loves. The mark of a true Christian is that they cannot sin and enjoy it. So your friends who are remorseful do not fit in what I have described as those who live concupiesciently in sin and even reject the knowledge that it is sinful.

Okay, I see what your saying, gonna have to think about it some more but...............gonna take this alittle further though if you don't mind. What can you do, to help somebody that knows what they are doing is wrong...........I mean I know pray for them, but is it only between them and the Holy Spirit, or can you actually do something to help them do you think?

[Fiosh]

Felicia: "Anyone living a lifestyle that includes any relations outside of marriage are not Christian by this standard."

Shiloh: "No, it would apply to those who either reject the sinfulness of extra-marital sin, or who are fully aware of their sin, but enjoy it too much to give it up."

**********************************************************

Here's where I have a problem with these discussions about whether people living the h(tired of typing the word) lifestyle are really Christian. There seems to be a double standard. Every other sinful lifestyle is not as bad.

What is the 3rd option in your statement above, Shiloh?

1. Reject the sinfulness of extra-marital sin

2. fully aware but don't want to give it up

3. ?????????????????

Would it be: realize it's sinful but can't stop themselves?

If so, what would they say to "us"?

Peace,

Fiosh

[Guest shiloh357]

Ahhh okay, I know I need to get my Bible out here because I only remember enough to be dangerous but, Shiloh I know there were people who were believers in the Bible, but the Word had to be explained more fully to them, before they understood it all. They weren't treated as un-believers just those who did not have the full truth yet. I know I'm kinda grabbing at straws here, because they hadn't heard the full gospel yet, but............well isn't it kinda the same thing??? I know people right now, who do things, and know they are wrong, and they are sorry and feel remorse and wrong, but they can't seem to actually stop themselves..................so I kinda get where Fiosh is coming from, but I'm torn also. Does this make any sense at all or am I just babbling again???

The difference is that they struggle. Fiosh's questino pertains to those who do not see that their homosexuality is sinful and are not convicted.

The Father disciplines those he loves. The mark of a true Christian is that they cannot sin and enjoy it. So your friends who are remorseful do not fit in what I have described as those who live concupiesciently in sin and even reject the knowledge that it is sinful.

Okay, I see what your saying, gonna have to think about it some more but...............gonna take this alittle further though if you don't mind. What can you do, to help somebody that knows what they are doing is wrong...........I mean I know pray for them, but is it only between them and the Holy Spirit, or can you actually do something to help them do you think?

One word... Discipleship. One of the things that the Church has fallen down on is discipling new believers. They get saved, but no one follows up except maybe a deacon or two. New Christians need a mentor someone mature in the faith who is willing to be committed to discipling. We are called to make disciples out of all nations (Matt. 28:19). We are to make disciples for Christ, not ourselves.

New believers need guidance. Unfortunately they are left to flounder on their own or are thrown to the wolves by fellow believers and in some cases return to their former life. This is particularly of some homosexuals who get saved but are not discipled.

The Christian is not supposed be an island where he fights his battles alone. They need us to encourage them, hold them accountable and to intercede for them and whatever else we have at our disposal to help them achieve victory.

[Guest shiloh357]

Felicia: "Anyone living a lifestyle that includes any relations outside of marriage are not Christian by this standard."

Shiloh: "No, it would apply to those who either reject the sinfulness of extra-marital sin, or who are fully aware of their sin, but enjoy it too much to give it up."

**********************************************************

Here's where I have a problem with these discussions about whether people living the h(tired of typing the word) lifestyle are really Christian. There seems to be a double standard. Every other sinful lifestyle is not as bad.

What is the 3rd option in your statement above, Shiloh?

1. Reject the sinfulness of extra-marital sin

2. fully aware but don't want to give it up

3. ?????????????????

Would it be: realize it's sinful but can't stop themselves?

If so, what would they say to "us"?

Peace,

Fiosh

I have already addressed that to Scarlet.

[Fiosh]

Felicia: "Anyone living a lifestyle that includes any relations outside of marriage are not Christian by this standard."

Shiloh: "No, it would apply to those who either reject the sinfulness of extra-marital sin, or who are fully aware of their sin, but enjoy it too much to give it up."

**********************************************************

Here's where I have a problem with these discussions about whether people living the h(tired of typing the word) lifestyle are really Christian. There seems to be a double standard. Every other sinful lifestyle is not as bad.

What is the 3rd option in your statement above, Shiloh?

1. Reject the sinfulness of extra-marital sin

2. fully aware but don't want to give it up

3. ?????????????????

Would it be: realize it's sinful but can't stop themselves?

If so, what would they say to "us"?

Peace,

Fiosh

I have already addressed that to Scarlet.

I don't believe that you have addressed this particular question: If so, what would they say to "us"? ...and I'd really like to hear your thoughts on it, Shiloh.

Thanks,

F

[Guest shiloh357]

Who is "they?" I am also not aware that a doublestandard has been erected.

[Guest shiloh357]

Here's where I have a problem with these discussions about whether people living the h(tired of typing the word) lifestyle are really Christian. There seems to be a double standard. Every other sinful lifestyle is not as bad.

Actually Fiosh, I was very careful to make sure that I covered other forms of sinfulness as well. I was rather "across the board" in answering your question.

Your alleged doublestandard is a myth at least where my response is concerned.

[Fiosh]

Who is "they?" I am also not aware that a doublestandard has been erected.

(What I wam trying to ask is "what do people who have extra-marital relations say to "us" to justify themselves?)

I'm not making myself clear. Let me try again.........

It is disturbing when h's are put in a separate category from all other sinners. How are h's different from people who have extra-marital relations?

And, if there is no difference, than all those who try to justify their extra-marital relations are not Christians either.

And any h's who are convicted but pretend otherwise because the lifestyle is too hard for them to give up. ARE Christians.

Is that any clearer?

This would be an easier discussion to have face to face.

Peace,

F