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comforts of this age - 3/2/2010 7:55:26 PM
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Doctrinor
Posts: 142
Joined: 4/12/2005
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In my town it seems christian people persuade' others to have the plush comforts of this age to be almost thrown at belivers as to having all material things like a tv or just a nice looking home [I know those things are not evil] But such things are used to 'hush-up' a serious Believer as I feel is being done to me..
Just wonder why Christians do this to other Christians if like a game to play. I love scripture and I might not be appreciated much for that..
We know the bible indicates 'things' will pass away -but is why I love how when I see God in action ..The average home place is made as if it is more important then eternal life..Some people think those who love this age less are looneys .Like my family-parents who wonder about me as if I do not see anything good in living for the 'now.'
I am not a minister per say ,but I am saved a very long time and fought to not 'backslide' =
If any pastors like to be a penpal and keep in touch somehow or by PMs please do.
=material things -treasures on earth that can so plush or fine or tidy even as to take the place of things of eternal value.
I admit I like to rest on a bed of course But it is I want less distractions as I am seeking Him above .I am aware of being stewards while we are here on earth as well so you might know where I stand .
IF this doesn't make sense then I will explain this further.
< Message edited by rapturetruth -- 3/2/2010 8:59:18 PM >
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RE: comforts of this age - 3/2/2010 8:07:21 PM
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Kat_D
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I'm sorry, I have no idea what you are talking about. How can Christians force others to have the "plush comforts of this age" as you put it?
_____________________________
~Kat
"...And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes...no more death, sorrow, nor crying."
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RE: comforts of this age - 3/2/2010 8:57:44 PM
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bolt.
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It sounds like the OP lives a lifestyle somewhat less comfortable than middle class Americans, and because of this the Church that he is involved with does not seem to give him much credibility among them.
He doesn't think that such things should be a criteria for having a legitimate voice in a congregation. He would like to be able to share his love of Scripture with them, and to have a community of support around him as co-heirs of eternal life -- rather than to experience the rejection that seems to come to him from Christian people who live that middle class life and tend to think of him as a 'looney'.
I think that is a legitimate critique of the middle class North American Church, which needs to be responded to where possible.
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RE: comforts of this age - 3/2/2010 9:02:39 PM
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Doctrinor
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They --Kat don't force them as much as brainwash by flattery and nice talk .I mean by force they have an agenda to get you to follow their idea and want you to feel bad if you are not agreeing with it. Or they feel you are so unintelligent as to not know scripture that well. 
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RE: comforts of this age - 3/2/2010 9:04:37 PM
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myhusbandswife76
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quote:
It sounds like the OP lives a lifestyle somewhat less comfortable than middle class Americans, and because of this the Church that he is involved with does not seem to give him much credibility among them.
He doesn't think that such things should be a criteria for having a legitimate voice in a congregation. He would like to be able to share his love of Scripture with them, and to have a community of support around him as co-heirs of eternal life -- rather than to experience the rejection that seems to come to him from Christian people who live that middle class life and tend to think of him as a 'looney'.
rapturetruth, is this what your trying to say?
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RE: comforts of this age - 3/2/2010 9:06:34 PM
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Doctrinor
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What bolt said or posted and they pretend to be devoted maybe unintentionally I am not sure as I am not going to 'judge' them ,But be cautious as to the voices I hear in such circles..
Also it might be that some never got off some spiritual 'milk' as yet and also keep getting fed milk as their normal diet.
They just think I am not thinking the best way though they are not evil people I do know.
< Message edited by rapturetruth -- 3/2/2010 9:36:19 PM >
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RE: comforts of this age - 3/2/2010 9:09:48 PM
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Doctrinor
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Yes I am wife76 that it is..and more so and my other posts. PLus in my town we are not allowed to help or teach the babes only the ones on pedestals are allowed this which I cannot yet change ,so owell.I can only handle one maybe two of the sheep who need it if that's the case. And no legalism I mean to convey in the posts.
< Message edited by rapturetruth -- 3/2/2010 9:38:12 PM >
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RE: comforts of this age - 3/3/2010 6:57:53 AM
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RJR_fan
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I am more of a fan of "the affirmative way." Defining personal holiness in terms of all that one does not do, does not enjoy, is the simplest approach. It can also be a refined form of self-centered pride. Was for me, anyhow. This century does not take "pillar saints" too seriously -- and being grumbly hateful towards life repels far more people than it attracts.
I'd rather be humbly grateful.
IMHO, we should rejoice to use, with thanksgiving, the wonderful things of this world that God created for us to enjoy. This computer, for example, aids my calling as a writer, who earns a good income by writing about -- computers. My wife and I have been enjoying, with thanksgiving, one another for more than 30 years, and have four delightful children to prove it. Our home-schooled kids have learned to say yes to music, to literature, to learning, to life.[1]
This age, which is passing, nonetheless gives us opportunities and resources to do beautiful things for the glory of God. Our works can provide immediate blessings for those around us. Some of us will attain an excellence that will bless people, and lift their hearts towards God, for centuries to come. How long has it been since you've sung Handel's Messiah, for example?
[1] Although we tried to raise them to appreciate the classics, they share our tastes for classic rock, science fiction, and detective stories.
_____________________________
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Meet my beloved mentor, RJR
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RE: comforts of this age - 3/4/2010 12:11:31 AM
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Dakotasunbeam
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I do understand your point, rapturetruth. It's so easy, few people will detect it. There is scripture about it all through the Bible.
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RE: comforts of this age - 6/18/2010 11:16:41 PM
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Doctrinor
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quote:
ORIGINAL: myhusbandswife76
quote:
It sounds like the OP lives a lifestyle somewhat less comfortable than middle class Americans, and because of this the Church that he is involved with does not seem to give him much credibility among them.
He doesn't think that such things should be a criteria for having a legitimate voice in a congregation. He would like to be able to share his love of Scripture with them, and to have a community of support around him as co-heirs of eternal life -- rather than to experience the rejection that seems to come to him from Christian people who live that middle class life and tend to think of him as a 'looney'.
rapturetruth, is this what your trying to say?
MOSTLY what I'm trying to say yes--wife76 ==
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RE: comforts of this age - 6/20/2010 9:44:07 AM
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jn1010lf
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Hello Doctrinor
You seem to be confused over this issue. I would suggest that you seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness and the things of this life will fall into place. Since God is our loving Father, our Daddy, he take great joy in our living victoriously in this life. He likes to see us have nice things as long as they don't become gods to us over Him.
No I've seen many Christians who are not successful in this life claim that they long for the next one over this one. But our loving God does want to see us succeed in this life while having His peace that passes all understanding.
I may not have answered your question. I hope my words haven't just added more confusion to the matter.
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RE: comforts of this age - 6/20/2010 8:50:59 PM
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gralan
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As I look at my life, its usually the folks who are authentic with personal relationships who have had the greatest impact in my own life.
Lots of good teaching and preaching in my past, but the faces I remember with fondness are those who walked alongside on occasion and walked the talk, lent a hand, noticed I was worthy to talk with, etc.
There is a difference between offices and gifts in the Church. Some have the office but not the corresponding spiritual gifts - they are not handed out with the diplomas you know. Others have the gift but not the office.
Do what you know you need to do is all I can suggest for the moment. I'm sorry you are having a similar experience to mine own with folks in churches.
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BTh student TGSAT
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RE: comforts of this age - 6/20/2010 10:58:42 PM
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Doctrinor
Posts: 142
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quote:
ORIGINAL: jn1010lf
Hello Doctrinor
You seem to be confused over this issue. I would suggest that you seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness and the things of this life will fall into place. Since God is our loving Father, our Daddy, he take great joy in our living victoriously in this life. He likes to see us have nice things as long as they don't become gods to us over Him.
No I've seen many Christians who are not successful in this life claim that they long for the next one over this one. But our loving God does want to see us succeed in this life while having His peace that passes all understanding.
I may not have answered your question. I hope my words haven't just added more confusion to the matter.
True ---and thanks much/ It is a fact I have a few smaller more limited but happy material things too .. Oddly what I like now People would likely call 'junk' as for them ..I collect old stuff made out of metal usually like two tire rims ,big, 70 lbs each of a big military trunk someone threw aside locally [making one into a small table--coffee table]..That's example.
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RE: comforts of this age - 6/24/2010 5:15:32 PM
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iamnotforgotten
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Doctrinor - I somewhat have seen this happen. Two families actually left our church because they thought we were "too middle class." They stayed with the same denomination, just transfered their membership to a church that was in a riztier area of town. One lady even told me they were more comfortable going into homes now because those houses were up to their standards. The best of the best and the latest and greatest gadgets.
I don't have a stove or an oven. I use a toaster oven, a hot plate and my good ole George Forman grill. I love it so much that I even got rid of my microwave. Of course, the people who think this is odd or give me the most comments are people from my church.
I do think that some people have a warped sense that those who are serving faithfully are rewarded with material things. Which is not always the case.
_____________________________
"God does not love us because we are valuable. We are valuable because God loves us." Fulton Sheen
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RE: comforts of this age - 6/26/2010 8:31:10 PM
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Palavra
Posts: 102
Joined: 8/28/2005
From: Georgia
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quote:
ORIGINAL: jn1010lf
Hello Doctrinor
You seem to be confused over this issue. I would suggest that you seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness and the things of this life will fall into place. Since God is our loving Father, our Daddy, he take great joy in our living victoriously in this life. He likes to see us have nice things as long as they don't become gods to us over Him.
No I've seen many Christians who are not successful in this life claim that they long for the next one over this one. But our loving God does want to see us succeed in this life while having His peace that passes all understanding.
I may not have answered your question. I hope my words haven't just added more confusion to the matter.
I very much disagree with this. Having had the privilege to live in other countries, I can tell you most assuredly that there are wonderful, victorious Christian people who live everyday with almost none of the comforts of this world. God hasn't passed them over because they don't pray enough or give enough, etc. God is primarily concerned with our eternal life. Why do you think Jesus said that it is harder for a rich man to get into heaven than a camel to go through the eye of a needle?
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RE: comforts of this age - 6/26/2010 11:46:52 PM
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scottmcc1
Posts: 48
Joined: 4/11/2008
From: Kansas City, MO
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quote:
ORIGINAL: jn1010lf
Hello Doctrinor
You seem to be confused over this issue. I would suggest that you seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness and the things of this life will fall into place. Since God is our loving Father, our Daddy, he take great joy in our living victoriously in this life. He likes to see us have nice things as long as they don't become gods to us over Him.
No I've seen many Christians who are not successful in this life claim that they long for the next one over this one. But our loving God does want to see us succeed in this life while having His peace that passes all understanding.
I may not have answered your question. I hope my words haven't just added more confusion to the matter.
I also disagree with this.
The question is: Are we content where we find ourself? Phil 4:11
Have we accepted the way of the cross? Phil 3:15-18
Are we fellowshiping with Christ? John 10:27
I have the worlds goods as a tool.
car to hold job and take care of family.
Cell phone to talk with others
Computer to write and read
Books to learn and teach others.
Bicycle to exercise.
Share your life with Christ and those who long for Him will be drawn to you. Encourage others to walk closer to God, using examples of how He is working in your life.
_____________________________
(My Bible study web page)
http://wftr.webs.com/
(comments on nature)
http://www.verde33.blogspot.com
Thoughts on my Christan walk
http://www.verde34.blogspot.com
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RE: comforts of this age - 6/28/2010 8:06:25 AM
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DaveW
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Yeah - I have seen materialism and consumerism taken in place of true spirituality. I have a friend (now retired) who had a bible book store for years. One guy came into his shop and was explaining to him how the Lord had shown his congregation that the TRUE evidence of being filled with the spirit was that you drove a luxury car. So the congregation went out and leased a fleet of Lincoln Town Cars for the entire congregation.
Where do they get this stuff????
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Winner of 2010 "best in "He Says"
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RE: comforts of this age - 6/28/2010 12:49:14 PM
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buckifn
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It's possible to have comforts and still share Jesus. Because my home is comfortable it actually makes it easier to have people over for studies, fellowship etc.
I am not quite sure what you are saying about that part...but from what you said about who is allowed to share I would say you need to shake the dust off your feet and move on to find a new circle of friend's.
All who live a Spirit filled life are commissioned to share the Gospel. That authority comes from God and not man.
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RE: comforts of this age - 7/23/2010 12:04:57 AM
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Teaching_The_Way
Posts: 53
Joined: 4/18/2006
From: Teaching The Way Ministries
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Friend I diffidently understand what you are saying.
1) First off the falling away is taking place in most churches of today.
It is written; 2 Thessalonians 2:3
3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,
NKJV
2) Many in the churches of today are worldly and carnal, instead of spiritual. That is why many can not understand of what you are talking about.
3) There are many who are false christians. Jesus talks about that many times, like the parable of the Parable of The Sower Mt 8:1-9 or when Jesus said not everyone who says Lord Lord will enter heaven except those that do the will of the father, or like when Jesus said why do you call me LOrd and do not do what I say.
Many of christian are lazy as the Parable of the talent shows about the one with one talent that did nothing at all with the masters money. Many do not do anything with their talents, abilities or resources for our Lord Jesus Christ!
Many only play church games instead of being in service for our Lord Jesus Christ.
A true Disciple (Christian) of Jesus Christ does like Jesus, becomes like Jesus Christ.
God Bless Friend and Hang in there, the time is short and the rapture is not very far off :)
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