Christian Forums - Baptists http://www.christianforums.com The forum for Baptist and other similar denominations. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:06:34 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.christianforums.com/style/misc/rss.jpg Christian Forums - Baptists http://www.christianforums.com I have a friend that doesnt remember when he was saved but he is a devout christian http://www.christianforums.com/t7418942/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:52:31 GMT Okay, I have a really good friend who is a very strong christian and bears all the fruits of a genuine believer. We were talking the other day and I asked him if he remembers when he was saved and his ansewere threw me for a loop! He told me that he cannot pin point any particular time that he was... Okay, I have a really good friend who is a very strong christian and bears all the fruits of a genuine believer. We were talking the other day and I asked him if he remembers when he was saved and his ansewere threw me for a loop!

He told me that he cannot pin point any particular time that he was converted but he knows he is saved. Now how in the world is this possible? I mean I know he is saved, there is no arguing about it but how could you not remember your conversion?

He has never prayed the sinners prayer or anything like that but he is saved without a doubt and his assurance is something that I long to have but im still without it.


Tell me how someone who has never walked an aisle or asked Jesus into his heart can have more assurance of their salvation than someone who has walked an aisle and asked Jesus into his heart about a million times? ]]> Baptists RobertZ http://www.christianforums.com/t7418942/ I Need Help Understanding John 18:6 and Isaiah 43:10 http://www.christianforums.com/t7418836/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:58:04 GMT I was amazed to find so many different ways people look at these verses. John Ch 18:4-6 (King James Version) Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas... I was amazed to find so many different ways people look at these verses.

John Ch 18:4-6 (King James Version)

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.

My question that I'm getting so many different answers on is:

What exactly was the reason that When Jesus said "I am he" that made them fall backward to the ground?

The answers I'm getting have totally surprised me.

One of my christian Friends said they fell back because the officers were so surprised that Jesus didn't run away they fell backward from disbelief.

Others believe like I do that they fell back because of the power and glory of God himself speaking the words "I am he" threw them backwords.

Compare: Isaiah 43:10
Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

It's almost seems like the very words "I am He" is just another signature of God himself being represented.

I would like to know if there is others out there that believe that the officers fell back and landed on their be-hinds because they were just surprised that Jesus didn't run away or if you believe it was the very power of God himself and his words that through them backwards. Which would of course imply that Jesus himself is God.

I would love to hear your interpretation either way and why you believe it.

Thanks,
Zotah ]]> Baptists zotah http://www.christianforums.com/t7418836/ Disagreement with pastor http://www.christianforums.com/t7418728/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:28:12 GMT I went to church tonight, and everything went fairly normal, until a woman brought up the "women are to be silent " (but specificly made mention of friends that had apparently became women pastors )verse that she had asked about a couple of weeks back, but the pastor was unable to address it due to the choir practice beginning .

Well he answered it, and since it was technically a loose Bible study, Since I disagreed I chimed in.

he had stated he did not understand those verses, and that he thought they were cultural, for those people at that time, and I disagreed, because interpreting one verse (or several in relation to this topic) as culturally relevant, ends up diminishing from all of the rest of the verses we know to follow. Homosexuality comes to mind as a blatant example of how the notion that verses some of us in modern times may disagree with, seem to become increasingly washed away because of our own cultural hang ups about them.

My question is not am I right, (though anyone is more than welcome to comment on it) but rather how I should address situations like this where I have a disagreement with the pastor on an issue that I feel strongly enough about that I believe it more than a disputable matter.

He is an educated man, from an uneducated background.
I am more intelligent than I typically let on, and in cases like tonight, I sometimes wonder if it is a failing on my own part.

I can sit on here and semi eloquently compose and arrange scripture in defense of a position I hold, but I am by no means instant in season.

The pastor and I have had a brush or 2 before with disagreement, and I believe, that he has heard certain arguments so often that he is not patient enough to listen and see that I am making a new point , and not necessarily following , some flawed theology. I have a problem with being scatterbrained in conversation, both individually and in public, I can see the verses in my head and how they arrange into a latticework to support doctrine, but when I try and explain it verbally I almost invariably choose the thing they don't want to hear the most, and get cut short before making my point. Tonight Instead of trying to demonstrate how a bury your head in the sand and pretend a verse is irrelevant today, I slipped up and tried to defend what Paul said, now with scripture, but with an analogy of how we in modern times have shifted our focus to "equality" and "rights" and all of these notions that do not nessesarily originate from Gods word. I mentioned how when the titanic went down they put women and children in lifeboats, and how we now have our lives center around our children, but that we would not place a child in charge of the family. I also tried to explain that it has nothing to do with importance, as he quoted we are all one in Christ from Galatians, but again I get the feeling that he thought I was spouting off some he man woman hater rhetoric. I was not, I have studied these verses extensively in the past, and even debated them here as well.
The topic stands out to me, because early on when I began to believe, I had been told by a new ager that the scriptures had been altered by Constantine, to suit his whims (more or less) and at the time being a believer in feminism myself, I wrongfully assumed that those verses, as well as other verses, such as Fearing God, had been altered as measures of control, much like the secular world, does. Well lets just say my Father rebuked me, and demonstrated, how my beliefs, at the time were not in line with his word.

He did come and talk to me when it was over, and I tried to explain my situation a bit better, He also pointed me to Galatians, and I having not looked at this topic under a study in quite some time, began a Bible study while my daughter was in Choir practice.

He pointed out to stick to scripture in my arguments, and I agree, especially with him. I also dislike quoting other teachers, etc in defense of scripture.

I also was a bit uncomfortable with the confrontation from one, which stems from the desire to not have to correct someone, but also with addressing it in the manner I did. If it had been a sermon I don't think I would have done it, but even though it was an informal study, I still don't like it. I have been noticing that things are getting more and more informal, and people are cutting up and laughing more and more frequently, and no he doesn't make jokes that often, its like people are laughing at our sinfulness, like when the woman brought up the topic, everyone laughed when he said I guess you don't agree with it either(about her asking it)

Should I have handled this differently? It wasn't hostile or anything, I just wonder If I should have held my tongue and discussed it privately as I am only in my 30s, and technically not even a member. I really need to be baptized, as I really have little excuse for not doing so, I keep putting it off hoping I can use it as a reason I can get my parents to show up for church, I am also still nervous about aligning myself with a group I don't agree with 100%, but I am coming to realize that will not happen until Christ returns.


Thanks ]]> Baptists chris777 http://www.christianforums.com/t7418728/ Young Earth Creation http://www.christianforums.com/t7418477/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:16:11 GMT For those that are YECs, why do you believe in a literal 6 day creation? What in the Bible convinces you of such? For those that are YECs, why do you believe in a literal 6 day creation? What in the Bible convinces you of such? ]]> Baptists leothelioness http://www.christianforums.com/t7418477/ Should a Christian Spend much Time in Trying to witness to Athiests? http://www.christianforums.com/t7418333/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:32:55 GMT :wave::wave::DSince I have Had troubles on the Baptist Forum I decided that I would Try and Witness to Folks on the Non christian Forum. In My own Mind I feel a Little drained as I endevor to share with atheists. But I do feel there is work for His Kingdom to be done there but I am not quite... :wave::wave::DSince I have Had troubles on the Baptist Forum I decided that I would Try and Witness to Folks on the Non christian Forum. In My own Mind I feel a Little drained as I endevor to share with atheists. But I do feel there is work for His Kingdom to be done there but I am not quite convinced that I am for that particular Job. I feel that If all they want to do is argue and catch a person up , and in no way willing ,a least thus far, To ask of how they might know more of Our Savior . Perhaps My Time could be better spent.

I said If they no longer want Me to share With Them the precious Gospel of our Lord Jesus, I would leave but they Will not ask Me to leave They enjoy the sport of cutting down Our faith.

Should I continue a correspondence with Them??

In the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ , The Savior of Mankind, I commit this question to You Brothers and Sisters of Our Faith. In Christian Love , Dave :prayer::prayer::prayer::wave::wave::wave::D ]]> Baptists oneofchrists http://www.christianforums.com/t7418333/ What direction is the USA headed? http://www.christianforums.com/t7418155/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:22:03 GMT Do you feel the USA is headed in the wrong direction as a nation? If so why? If not, why not?

I'd like responses regardless if you are a US citizen or not. ]]> Baptists Jeffwhosoever http://www.christianforums.com/t7418155/ What do you think of this? http://www.christianforums.com/t7418130/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:53:52 GMT The Edmond Sun - Ministers to rally in D.C. for religious freedom (http://www.edmondsun.com/features/local_story_316190747.html) I believe in preaching the entire counsel of God, but I think this is overboard. If the only reason (or a single motivation) they have is see if they will get in... The Edmond Sun - Ministers to rally in D.C. for religious freedom

I believe in preaching the entire counsel of God, but I think this is overboard. If the only reason (or a single motivation) they have is see if they will get in trouble for preaching against homosexuality, then they've missed the point. Now that's my opinion. What's yours? ]]> Baptists trentlogain2 http://www.christianforums.com/t7418130/ Do we go to heaven immediately? http://www.christianforums.com/t7417937/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:20:35 GMT Do we go to heaven immediately? I was in a discussion with a friend of mine and got really confused on the subject and was wanting to get some advice. We were talking about whether we immediately go to heaven? We were looking in Luke where Jesus tells the man “I tell you the... Do we go to heaven immediately?

I was in a discussion with a friend of mine and got really confused on the subject and was wanting to get some advice.

We were talking about whether we immediately go to heaven?

We were looking in Luke where Jesus tells the man “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise”

So is paradise Heaven or is it somewhere different?

I would appreciate any help as long as it is backed by scripture.

Thanks in advance. ]]> Baptists rkinsey http://www.christianforums.com/t7417937/ Salvation by grace v. works theology http://www.christianforums.com/t7417840/ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:29:43 GMT The emphasis placed on grace OPPOSED to works is the equivalent of doing this IMO:

UNWORTHY servant

We must produce the fruits of repentance born of grace. To do otherwise is to twist Paul's wisdom, ignore James outright and forget Jesus' parable of the tree which would not produce fruit. ]]> Baptists Brad2009 http://www.christianforums.com/t7417840/ Happy Sunday http://www.christianforums.com/t7417774/ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:32:17 GMT Happy Sunday my baptist friends (and even those who aren't) :)!


]]> Baptists judechild http://www.christianforums.com/t7417774/ I wonder if http://www.christianforums.com/t7417768/ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:45:37 GMT I wonder if we could have a bible study in this forum. I want to have your input. thanks.. I wonder if we could have a bible study in this forum. I want to have your input. thanks.. ]]> Baptists greenboy http://www.christianforums.com/t7417768/ <![CDATA[Pastors presiding at unbeliever's funerals]]> http://www.christianforums.com/t7417713/ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 05:16:00 GMT Is there biblical guidance on clergy speaking at unbelievers' funerals? How do pastors, in good faith, preside over the funerals of Christ deniers?

There is nothing but judgment, eternal death and gnashing of teeth for those who die without Christ. Besides spreading the gospel, what business does a pastor or church leader have at such a funeral? ]]> Baptists LiveInSpirit http://www.christianforums.com/t7417713/ <![CDATA[Why can't I repent and be saved!?!]]> http://www.christianforums.com/t7417609/ Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:54:44 GMT I am so tired of hearing, "if you desire to change that's enough of a repentance and as long as you're sorry for sinning and trust Christ your saved." I know this isn't what repentance is so why do people keep comforting me and telling me I'm saved when I know I am not!

There is nothing I would love more than to serve God and to have genuine faith in Christ and be dead in my sins to bring glory to God and to serve Him in some kind of ministry and dedicate my life to Him... but I can't. I have been struggling with sin so much and I just can't repent of it. Of course I can say the words "Lord I know I'm a sinner and that Jesus Christ is Lord and died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. I'm sorry and I trust in you for forgiveness, it's sufficient enough for me, and I will turn away and invite your spirit in me and submit to your will so that I can bring glory to you." Yet words are only empty words. I desire this, yet my heart seems to be deceiving me because I keep on sinning and am heavily addicted to sexual immorality and pornography and self gratification. I have become lazy in my work because I am so despondent because I know I am going to hell and no matter what I do I can't repent. I say the words and I desire to AFTER I sin, but not during the sin, even though I know I should stop. I don't want to hurt the other persons feelings and I love the feeling myself so it is impossible for me just to turn from it. I'm afraid I might hurt them and then they won't want to come to Christ either. I'm so lost. These sins have consumed my life and I want to be free of them, yet I can't STOP. Every time I'm tempted I act on them, theres no fight, there's guilt but no fight. I'm come to the Lord so many times begging for forgiveness yet my heart must be deceiving itself and not truly repenting.

I no longer no what to do. In all honesty, I'm not suicidal so this isn't a threat because I'm not going to harm or kill myself, but I just feel like dying. I feel like hell would be sufficient because at least there wouldn't be this anxiety over my salvation. Or perhaps I am saved and will go to Heaven to be with Christ. I don't know what to do anymore, I can't seem to care. I just.. I've brought this up to many people and everyone just says "theres a struggle so you're saved." That's great people think this but anyone who habitual sins is an indication that they are not saved and this sexual immorality, pornography, and self gratification is more than habitual it an addiction and I cannot be freed from it and I know that freedom is in Christ but I don't know how to rely on Him for it. It feels like my soul is in the wrong body. Someone please help... I don't know what to do. I don't want comfort, I just want honesty and truth. ]]> Baptists faceofbear http://www.christianforums.com/t7417609/ Do Baptists believe in Saints? http://www.christianforums.com/t7417531/ Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:42:19 GMT Hello Everyone, I have another basic question. As those of you who have not read anything from me, I come from a Catholic/Orthodoxy background, both of which the Saints are an important part of. I would like to learn more about the Baptist faith as well as early Christianity and was wondering if... Hello Everyone,
I have another basic question. As those of you who have not read anything from me, I come from a Catholic/Orthodoxy background, both of which the Saints are an important part of. I would like to learn more about the Baptist faith as well as early Christianity and was wondering if Baptists believe(not sure how else to put it) or follow the writings of great men such as St. Augustine, St. John Chrysostom, or St. Francis of Assisi. If not, does this mean that Baptists deem their writings as irrelevant? Once again, I ask for understanding for my ignorance and apologize if I may have offended anyone. I thank you for assistance in my education process. ]]> Baptists cdann40 http://www.christianforums.com/t7417531/ The Golden rule http://www.christianforums.com/t7417499/ Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:10:18 GMT *Matthew 7:12 (http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Bible_(King_James)/Matthew#7:12)*12Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (just discovered that Wikisource has the Bible online) How do we put that in... Matthew 7:12
12Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

(just discovered that Wikisource has the Bible online)

How do we put that in practice? How are you putting that in practice?

It seems to me that there are probably lots of room for improvement for everyone. For instance, what if the other person REALLY disagrees with you, or lives a lifestyle you oppose. Would it be a challenge to extend that to them what you would want for yourself? ]]> Baptists FreeinChrist http://www.christianforums.com/t7417499/