I need some advice

Hi Ben.

What specifically is an affirmed believer in Christ? Also, given the environment you are in, how'd you come to be a believer?

Thanks.

(I make it sit in the corner and face the wall)


Well.. I would say to add a cold factual stance to your situation.

1. There is in fact a difference of beliefs. So there will be some inner and outer conflicts. What you do with the conflicts needs to be wise and responsible. Keep a long-term perspective on wanting the people you love to eventually appreciate God's love for them. Go to the dollar store and buy some earbuds.

2. In their view, they might feel like you are trying to change them. Changing where they put things, changing the music in the house... whether religious conflict or not, it jostles them.

You have a right to be in the house and do some things your way. But I would suggest keeping your focus on edifying. You won't be in the house much longer, so use your time well.

3. There will be supernatural conflict when supernatural beings feel threatened. We struggle not against flesh and blood, but angels, principalities, etc. When Jesus was confronted with the devil in the wilderness, He quotes scriptures back to the devil.
Start gathering some scriptures that you expect you will need, to tell the devil what authority reigns in your household. Do not use these on the people -- use them for the spiritual realm. Quote back "the facts" just like Jesus did.

If your mother likes to think of herself as a white witch, and doesn't practice, then it was probably a trendy exploration that doesn't need to be stirred up. Treat her like she's a disciple of God, and the mother that you love, on her way to following Christ with her whole heart. It's sometimes better to leave the negative topics alone and let them drift away into powerlessness. Don't give her cause to reinforce it.

So Ben, welcome to the forum! It looks like you have your work cut out for you. Just remember -- your family will always feel like you are part of them, whether conflicts come up or not. Family can get pretty strange, but in the end they will stand by each other out in a pinch.

Let God's glory reign in the house, and allow the transition to be rough. It doesn't need to be smooth, you don't need to agree, people don't need to like the same music. It'll be fine. And if you need to keep moving Pan, make a joke out of it. Put him in the freezer, on a different shelf, in the pantry. Liven it up.

Jesus warned that believers will experience what you are going through.Probably all you can do is pray for them and obey God's command to honor your parents.

Jonathan the son of Saul was in a situation similar to yours. There were times when he spoke out to his father and told him that what he was doing was wrong but he submitted to his father's authority and was with him when he was killed by the Philistines. Perhaps if you read about his life you might get some ideas about how to cope with your parents.

You aren't wrong in your beliefs and feelings, Ben. But since you're living in another person's house, you need to honor God with YOUR thoughts, words, and actions, and let God deal with the other people as He sees fit. Think of people like Daniel and Joseph, who were taken into non-believing households as young men. They didn't try to uproot the household or cause a revolution. They simply held to their own beliefs with quiet dignity. God holds YOU accountable for what YOU do. You aren't to blame if someone else in your home is doing something offensive to God.

Hi Ben. Bless yer heart. You're in a tough situation. I'm going to pray that God grants you extraordinary wisdom, discernment, and clarity and that He opens doors to you that only He can. Praying also for your parents and their household. Praying that God protects you and ministers to you and breaks every chain and yoke in your family, precious brother in Christ and beloved son of the Most High God. Father may it be so, in Jesus name, amen.

He's GOT you, even in all of this uncertainty. God moooooves as only He can. Praying that He mooooves in each heart, mind, and soul in your parents household. Pray for your parents and be still and KNOW that He is God. He is the God that CAN and is ABLE to break every chain, precious child of the Most High God. Hang in there.

Melissa How and Matt Stinton - Break Every Chain + Prophetic Songs - YouTube

Disbelief and deception are part of the enemies corruptive influence. It sounds as if you are not blinded. Your belief and faith offer you strength, which can help maintain a righteous heart. The hard and cold facts are that living under someone else's roof you are living alongside their disbelief and belief in what could be construed as heathenism or blindness to what is the truth.

As a genuine Christian we will be persecuted. We have the knowledge and the ability to discern the enemy and reveal the corruption they breed. This is why our struggles are against powers and principalities.

Ephesians 6:10-15

King James Version (KJV)

10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Our primary standard as Christian's is the foundation of love, with this lord JESUS the son of GOD, and the word of GOD we are equipped to stave off arrows of the enemy. There is of course a deeper structure in our faith, but love is one of the sole-grounding rod's of our faith.

If what you say is true, then I would pray for they're deliverance and fill them with love. I personally have encountered many situations that are similar, and know that the enemy roars around us like a lion seeking to destroy.

Praise be to GOD the heavenly father and his son lord JESUS CHRIST forever>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Examples of an affirmed believer:
Placed his/her hopes for heaven entirely on Jesus. (1 John 5:13)
Believes that Jesus is the Christ and is the Son of God (1 John 5:1)
He or she abides in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 1:9)
Practices righteousness (1 John 2:29)

Living with others who are not Christians is difficult especially if they
have the say over what you can and cannot do within their home.

No doubt their ways and beliefs clash with yours, this is natural because
darkness and light don't "get along".

Since you are living in your parents home, then you are to abide by their
rules and tolerate their decorations-- and as soon as you can find your own
place to live where you can play Christian music and decorate your place
according to your own likes.

ben177 said:

Hello. My name is Ben. I'm an affirmed believer in Christ, if that makes sense, its the best way to explain my belief, I really feel he's helped me but I can't explain how, I want to live as God would want.

This post is about my family, I would like to know what you think and what I can do if anything. I don't have any money of my own, so I'm here for the timebeing, please share your wisdom if you can.

I don't talk about Jesus or my faith in this house because they make me feel like I'm crazy. I'm having hard times and I talk about my faith and my dad says "forget God, Jesus wants you to go after money". When I play church hymns on my stereo he says "turn that **** off, if I wanted to hear that I'd go to church, this house is not a church", other times he says listening to it is a sign of madness- "are you going crazy?". My nana was extremely religious, so I don't understand this, my parents also had me baptized as a baby. My mother says she doesn't believe in Jesus, she is "spiritual", she's said (as a joke?) she is a "white witch", but she's never discussed anything like it and I've never seen or heard her do anything like...that. I love them, they're my family. They've given me food and water and a roof over my head, but I can't shake an uncomfortable feeling. We have alot of statues in our house, sculptures of various roman/greek gods, music composers, one of them is of a horned man sitting holding a book, my instinct is to remove it from the house, but every time I move it (I make it sit in the corner and face the wall) or say I don't want it in the house they tell me to stop being stupid and put it back...on the fireplace.... Am I being superstitious? Am I really crazy? I know there are people I know who will find this really funny, but I trust my instincts, even when everything seems plain on the surface. A sense of discomfort has been troubling me for a long time, I've kept it to myself because...it seemed crazy to worry about.

If you read this and you think you can advise me, I would be grateful to hear your thoughts. Thank you, God bless.

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The best thing you can do is to love your parents and show them respect
and try to be at peace with them as you grow in your relationship with Christ.

Let your changed life speak for itself and do not try to push your "Christianity" into their face but instead pray for them and show them love and help them out around the house and let your actions say "I love you".

Don't worry about the statutes and their sins but instead pray God's blessing upon your home and family as you ask God to love them through your willingness to love and serve them even when you don't feel like they deserve it.

God loved you first, even though you did not deserve it.

God came in the form of the man Jesus Christ and died for your sins
and the sins of your Mother and Father, even when none of you deserved such love.

Jesus told us to love and pray for even our enemies and to do good to those who use, abuse and even hate us so how much more should you love, serve, pray for and bless your parents without being religious and weird about it?

Let your faith in Christ cause you to be a great son to your parents even when you think they are making fun of you or mocking you and your faith in Christ and God will work in their hearts as you pray for, love and serve your parents as a faithful son.

Jesus continued to love others even when they mocked Him while He hung on a cross that they all deserved and He prayed, "Father, forgive them they do not know what they are doing".

The devil will try to get you to hate your parents as he will incite them to say hateful and harmful things to you but if you instead react to your parent in love and pray for them, the devil will see that the more he comes at you through your parents, the harder you will pray and love them and so he will give up.

The devil wants to drive a wedge between you and your parents but as you do things God's way, in love, God will show up and you will see a change in your family as God will change the situation for good and bring your parents into Christ's salvation.

God will stand with you when you follow Christ and live your life as He lived His as you choose to love
your parents as God has loved you. God gave His all for you and your Mom and Dad and held nothing
back as He loved us all absolutely and completely in Jesus Christ, God with man.

ben177 said:

Hello. My name is Ben. I'm an affirmed believer in Christ, if that makes sense, its the best way to explain my belief, I really feel he's helped me but I can't explain how, I want to live as God would want.

This post is about my family, I would like to know what you think and what I can do if anything. I don't have any money of my own, so I'm here for the timebeing, please share your wisdom if you can.

I don't talk about Jesus or my faith in this house because they make me feel like I'm crazy. I'm having hard times and I talk about my faith and my dad says "forget God, Jesus wants you to go after money". When I play church hymns on my stereo he says "turn that **** off, if I wanted to hear that I'd go to church, this house is not a church", other times he says listening to it is a sign of madness- "are you going crazy?". My nana was extremely religious, so I don't understand this, my parents also had me baptized as a baby. My mother says she doesn't believe in Jesus, she is "spiritual", she's said (as a joke?) she is a "white witch", but she's never discussed anything like it and I've never seen or heard her do anything like...that. I love them, they're my family. They've given me food and water and a roof over my head, but I can't shake an uncomfortable feeling. We have alot of statues in our house, sculptures of various roman/greek gods, music composers, one of them is of a horned man sitting holding a book, my instinct is to remove it from the house, but every time I move it (I make it sit in the corner and face the wall) or say I don't want it in the house they tell me to stop being stupid and put it back...on the fireplace.... Am I being superstitious? Am I really crazy? I know there are people I know who will find this really funny, but I trust my instincts, even when everything seems plain on the surface. A sense of discomfort has been troubling me for a long time, I've kept it to myself because...it seemed crazy to worry about.

If you read this and you think you can advise me, I would be grateful to hear your thoughts. Thank you, God bless.

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You are NOT crazy. Many pharisees called Jesus crazy too remember? People will hate you at different points in your life if you really are for Jesus, as He stated in His word.
You just have to carry your cross and KEEP following Him. I believe God is doing some things in and through you, but the enemy is also trying to have his own way. God always win.

I advice you to keep praying to God and will have His way.
Before I left home, I used to go to night service at church and my parents were against it. They thought one service every week was enough and i didnt need to keep looking for God anymore than that. They thought is was borderline extreme actually. But then they are anglican
I kept going to church and even sneaked out atimes to evening service.

That was my own faith and God in His mercies and love met me at the points of my needs and even did more that I could have asked for. When you go through all odds to please God, He always has your back. IF you through the Bible thoroughly, its all there.
People will be against your worship of Jesus, and even you own family and closest pals.

But carry your cross and keep following Jesus. Someday you will move out of their house and be independent, what you have now will continue to grow and sustain you, which is the power of God in you, The Holy Spirit
Dont look back and dont put anything or anyone before God, let them say what they will.

BFine said:

Examples of an affirmed believer:
Placed his/her hopes for heaven entirely on Jesus. (1 John 5:13)
Believes that Jesus is the Christ and is the Son of God (1 John 5:1)
He or she abides in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 1:9)
Practices righteousness (1 John 2:29)

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So how is an affirmed believer different than a normal non-affirmed believer? This is a legit question; is "affirmed" a category of believers used to distinguish them from other believers?

ben177 said:

What do you mean by the environment I'm in?

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What I was asking was this: given the lack of exposure to Christianity, i.e. your environment, how did you come to become a follower of Jesus Christ?

As long as you are living in your parents house your have no right to remove their stuff. When you get your own place, you can do whatever you want.

advice: devote yourself totally to the study of Gods word and to His service. Seek out Christian fellowship and pastoral support. Go to church if you are able. Fast and pray for your family. Give every care to God in prayer. Ask Him to take you to a better environment so you can be established in the faith. This battle is the Lords and theres a stronghold there it seems. Don't fight it in the natural. You have to resist while obeying the Lords commandments to honor your parents. Watch God move on your behalf. I had to end a 49 year friendship because my friend became involved in witchcraft. We have no fellowship with darkness. God can and will take you through every trial. Give it to Him and do your duty. I dont know how old you are so I cant give you emancipation advice. Keep reaching out to other Christians though. I will pray for you too.

Thank you for the update Ben. Continuing to pray.

Dear Ben177. I have some advice for you, and it would not hurt your Mum or Dad, just do not talk to them about it. In Matthew 22: 35-40: Jesus tells a Lawyer: " The first and great Commandment is: Love God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. The second is like it: Love thy neighbour as thyself." Then Jesus states this great truth: " On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." God is Love, and God wants loving children/sons and daughters. Start by treating all you know, Mum and Dad included, treat them as you would love to be treated: with kindness and always friendly words. God will see your sincere efforts, and God will bless you.
Jesus will give you His Love and Joy, and the Holy Spirit will empower you with His Love, also. Jesus told us to ask God and thank God, and then share all Love and Joy with our neighbour. You might stumble and forget some times, but then ask God to forgive you, and carry on loving and caring your neighbour. ( Matthew 7: 7-8) Keep asking and thanking God, then share all Love and Joy with your neighbour.
A Christian`s great weapon is Love, with Love we will overcome all enmity,
and wrong behaviour. People around you will treat you the same as you treat people, Love is very catching. Keep bringing your parents to God in prayer, and just keep on Loving God with all all your beings, and loving your neighbour, your Mum and Dad included, as you love yourself. Jesus our Saviour will help and guide you all the way: JESUS IS THE WAY.
I say this with love, Ben. Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ.

ben177 said:

Again, thanks for your replies, I've prayed for God to bless you with whatever he knows is best in his wisdom. Its really appreciated.

Hospes- my parents had me baptized when I was 2 months old. We sung hymns every morning at school until I moved to another one, but Christianity wasn't preached in our house, my dad always said it was nonsense and to paraphrase- seeking money gets things done, not God. The christian school was the best in our area it wasn't my parents choice. I can see why saying I'm an "affirmed believer" can be taken the wrong way- I'm better off walking the walk instead of talking about how great my faith is.

Like I said, its their house, their rules, but if the horned guy with the book makes me uneasy, I'm still gonna move it, as for putting it in the freezer, its about a foot high, and yes, I'm not joking, its sat on a marble fireplace which bothers me even more. If I've taken anything from the many replies I've read its to remain vigilant in faith and keep going. I respect their rules, I don't move anything else, and they're happy for my icons to be in the house as a decoration, which is as good as its gonna get.

Thank you again.

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Thanks, Ben. I appreciate your patience in helping me get a better understanding.