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Need to marry someone on fire for God?

JohnClay

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My sisters' pastor says that Satan wants them to marry someone who isn't on fire for God: (4:25 video)


My unmarried sister is 45 and is taking that message seriously - if she didn't it is more likely she would have been married.

Do you think it is ok if the husband just was a regular Christian rather than being a very strong Christian?
 
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Coolerranch

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Only God marries people. People cannot force marriage or try to control it. The whole point of the ceremony is to acknowledge the fact that God has approved the marriage. When people take God's opinions for their lives out of consideration is when there are problems. After all, God married Adam to Eve. Maybe your sister isn't meant to be married or will be when it's time or when God wants her to be with the right person.
My sisters' pastor says that Satan wants them to marry someone who isn't on fire for God: (4:25 video)


My unmarried sister is 45 and is taking that message seriously - if she didn't it is more likely she would have been married.

Do you think it is ok if the husband just was a regular Christian rather than being a very strong Christian
 
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Richard T

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Seems to be a good teaching to me. Better to to find the person God has blessed, than ask God to bless the person you find yourself. Proverbs speaks of the adulteress woman, one who has even paid her vows, that can lead someone down. Prov 7:14 So certainly any fleshly partner can lead one down, but there are cases where a Godly partner can lead one to heaven.

Can a wrong spouse lead one to hell? I believe in once saved always saved. Even Paul said children are sanctified by the believing spouse, that you can stay and thrive even with an unbelieving spouse. But a wrong spouse may cause some to throw in the towel, so to speak with God.
The wrong spouse certainly can bring heartache. Sometimes our flesh ignores some poor traits like anger or dissension.
Prov 21:9 Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

I will say too I think it is harder for a woman because she is not supposed to be the spiritual leader. Men that are subservient could suffer too but men are not obligated to follow as close to their spouse as a woman is in many instances.

So is your sister wrong? Not to me, but there too are ways Satan or our flesh hinders someone from finding a spouse. Perhaps one is too picky, or just ignorant that a solid chance is right there. Satan brings out emotions I think sometimes that cause people to lose faith, to have low self-esteem, to not consider a certain person or opportunity. I think too one should be able to marry someone that others might think is "beneath" or "far above" you in class, education or any other area. So sometimes we are just too dismissive.

Left unsaid in the video is the part of the bible that says to be equally yoked. Dreams, Goals and vision of what you want from God and the motivation to get there is better if you are on the same page. Course, how long that same zeal may last in both partners can vary. The Holy Spirit can help you with this. Time of courtship would seem to make one more sure as well.

Thanks for sharing the teaching, to me it was a good word.
 
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eleos1954

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My sisters' pastor says that Satan wants them to marry someone who isn't on fire for God: (4:25 video)


My unmarried sister is 45 and is taking that message seriously - if she didn't it is more likely she would have been married.

Do you think it is ok if the husband just was a regular Christian rather than being a very strong Christian?
The stronger relationship people have with the Lord the better ... we should always be pressing into Him.

Don't know what you mean by a "regular Christian" and very "strong Christian" ... who are we to judge? The important thing is that one is sincere about continuously growing in Christ.
 
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JohnClay

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Don't know what you mean by a "regular Christian" and very "strong Christian" ... who are we to judge?
It means they talk about God a lot and want to go to her church with that pastor. That sister judges whether the potential husband seems to be on fire for God.
 
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JohnClay

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Only God marries people. People cannot force marriage or try to control it.
The pastor seems to be saying that Satan can influence people to marry people that God doesn't want married.
 
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timewerx

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My sisters' pastor says that Satan wants them to marry someone who isn't on fire for God: (4:25 video)


My unmarried sister is 45 and is taking that message seriously - if she didn't it is more likely she would have been married.

Do you think it is ok if the husband just was a regular Christian rather than being a very strong Christian?

That preaching/video made a lot of sense.

I just don't think I heard the preacher say anything about marrying someone "on fire". I could've misheard it but did he really say it? "On fire" can mean a lot of things, some of them bad like allowing themselves to be distracted by their own performance rather than focusing on the Lord and seeking the truth.

Before we get lost in meaning and interpretation, just be informed a very strong Christian can appear like a regular Christian while a seemingly strong Christian, very active in the church, even looks very animated in worship - the life of the worship service can be as lost as unbelievers.

You may never know unless guided by the Holy Spirit because followers of Jesus if they're paying attention, keep their good deeds in secret (Matthew 6:1-8)
 
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CoreyD

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My sisters' pastor says that Satan wants them to marry someone who isn't on fire for God: (4:25 video)


My unmarried sister is 45 and is taking that message seriously - if she didn't it is more likely she would have been married.

Do you think it is ok if the husband just was a regular Christian rather than being a very strong Christian?

Most married people are not happy... and why?

The Bible says, "a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

That's because when the couple has God in the marriage, the bond is stronger, and sustainable. 1 Corinthians 7:39
 
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ViaCrucis

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I am not particularly keen on the "on fire" language, as I think it originates in a largely hostile attitude toward other Christians.

Now, if I was giving advice to a single person would I suggest that they look for someone who has a deep commitment to their church, to their faith, to taking Jesus seriously? I would, of course. I would also advise someone who is emotionally mature, and whose faith and church life ground them in a way that is emotionally, mentally, and spiritually robust; and that the two be loving and kind toward one another, able to be vulnerable with one another in healthy, loving ways. That there is a deep committment to a genuine, serious, healthy relationship. It would be a multi-faceted thing where spiritual and emotional health are grounded in a community of love, that takes Jesus seriously, and isn't whimsical, uncompassionate, or selfish.

But, again, that "on fire" language tends to be rooted in a context that is hostile.
 
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timewerx

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I am not particularly keen on the "on fire" language, as I think it originates in a largely hostile attitude toward other Christians.

Now, if I was giving advice to a single person would I suggest that they look for someone who has a deep commitment to their church, to their faith, to taking Jesus seriously? I would, of course. I would also advise someone who is emotionally mature, and whose faith and church life ground them in a way that is emotionally, mentally, and spiritually robust; and that the two be loving and kind toward one another, able to be vulnerable with one another in healthy, loving ways. That there is a deep committment to a genuine, serious, healthy relationship. It would be a multi-faceted thing where spiritual and emotional health are grounded in a community of love, that takes Jesus seriously, and isn't whimsical, uncompassionate, or selfish.

But, again, that "on fire" language tends to be rooted in a context that is hostile.

The "on fire" term is also judgmental.

I prefer deep commitment to the truth. Whatever form that maybe.

Someone can be deeply committed to a church but is that church preaching the truth?

Human beings tend to form loyalties too easily and too soon. Not giving enough work to scrutiny against what is presented.

Faith is for knowing the truth, not for hoping what you know is the truth.

Have faith that you hear the truth and not use faith at the hope the things you've heard is the truth. No faith can turn a false into true.
 
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bèlla

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A person's decision to marry someone who doesn't have a strong relationship with God has more to do with them than the devil. While it's easy to blame him the truth is less sensational and common. Most people don't want to spend their lives alone. What they don't admit to themselves or others are the lines they're willing to cross to do it. Which usually involves compromises in their beliefs and morality.

The fiery verbiage overspiritualizes the principle which is best addressed by speaking plain. There's a difference between what we like, want and what we choose. Everyone has dichotomies. Where we differ is where they appear. Marriage is a hot potato for christians because of the changes that test our beliefs. Most people weren't on fire for God in the past. But our values made the differences palatable and easier to hide. Now you can't.

When you move beyond the platitudes and pretty words you'll find God is more of a concept than a practuce for many. It's popular to acknowledge it in certain areas and less so in others like marriage. If the majority are lukewarm or worse that doesn't leave a lot of options for companionship. But that's too morbid to admit and may dry up donations so we'll say he has to be on fire for God instead.

~bella
 
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JohnClay

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I just don't think I heard the preacher say anything about marrying someone "on fire". I could've misheard it but did he really say it?
From 0:28 it says:

"If you're on fire for God, Satan wants you with someone who is not on fire. So, they put your fire out."

1:26 says:

"If you are spiritual and your partner is religious, beware that they do not make you religious."

That is related to: "Why Religious Christians Are against Christians Who Burn with the Spirit’s Fire!"


So that's what this particular pastor means. He believes that most so-called Christians are going to hell including those who are very "religious".

I think it seems consistent with Matthew 7:13-14
Enter God’s kingdom through the narrow gate. The gate is large and the road is wide that leads to ruin. Many people go that way. But the gate is small and the road is narrow that leads to life. Only a few people find it.
My sisters have been going to that church for about 10 years or more but there are still only about 15 people there. The pastor used to call himself a prophet. My Dad doesn't like the pastor though but my father is a elder in a Lutheran church.
 
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timewerx

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From 0:28 it says:

"If you're on fire for God, Satan wants you with someone who is not on fire. So, they put your fire out."

1:26 says:

"If you are spiritual and your partner is religious, beware that they do not make you religious."

That is related to: "Why Religious Christians Are against Christians Who Burn with the Spirit’s Fire!"


So that's what this particular pastor means. He believes that most so-called Christians are going to hell including those who are very "religious".

I think it seems consistent with Matthew 7:13-14

My sisters have been going to that church for about 10 years or more but there are still only about 15 people there. The pastor used to call himself a prophet. My Dad doesn't like the pastor though but my father is a elder in a Lutheran church.

Here's my take on this pastor.

I agree with everything he said about the religious.

However, "Christians on fire" remains vague to me at best. This "fire" in the Bible is either literal (the Holy Spirit) literally appearing as tongues of fire. OR this "fire" representing difficult trials in our life meant to purify us.

Is the pastor saying we "burn in the Spirit's fire" as subjecting ourselves to the difficult trials of the Holy Spirit? That would be the Biblically correct meaning.

If literal, then we should literally be seeing tongues of fire.

What amazes me though is he kept on persisting with only 15 people! Incredible!
 
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JohnClay

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However, "Christians on fire" remains vague to me at best.
Well the pastor has written 20 books (that haven't sold) and has put 675 videos on YouTube in the past two years. He has 81 subscribers and the highest viewed video has 151 views. I haven't looked through them all but he has said something like that to be saved you've got to put God first in your life. And getting your power from the Holy Spirit rather than in a fleshly way or something.
What amazes me though is he kept on persisting with only 15 people! Incredible!
I'm amazed at his YouTube performance and how many books he's written. One of my sisters has also written 6 Christian books that have only sold a few copies.

Also it seems the congregation has no input in the direction of the church... (regarding the websites)

The new website has hardly any content - it's about the pastor and his "ministry".


The old website had heaps of text but was shut down (here's a backup from archive.org) - it was focusing on the "church" (which is at a community centre)


and dozens of hour long sermons - now there are only 5 minute YouTube videos.

In the old website it says "hell" eight times on the front page...
 
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timewerx

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Well the pastor has written 20 books (that haven't sold) and has put 675 videos on YouTube in the past two years. He has 81 subscribers and the highest viewed video has 151 views. I haven't looked through them all but he has said something like that to be saved you've got to put God first in your life. And getting your power from the Holy Spirit rather than in a fleshly way or something.

I'm amazed at his YouTube performance and how many books he's written. One of my sisters has also written 6 Christian books that have only sold a few copies.

Also it seems the congregation has no input in the direction of the church... (regarding the websites)

The new website has hardly any content - it's about the pastor and his "ministry".


The old website had heaps of text but was shut down (here's a backup from archive.org) - it was focusing on the "church" (which is at a community centre)


and dozens of hour long sermons - now there are only 5 minute YouTube videos.

In the old website it says "hell" eight times on the front page...

He probably never promoted his videos on platforms like instagram, facebook, twitter, reddit, etc or he would have gotten more views.

The "fire" remains vague to me. If it means the anointing of the Holy Spirit, why not just say the anointing or if "burn" means "to live in", IMO, it is better and clearer to just say to "to live in the Spirit" than "burn in the fire of the Spirit". Those are much more familiar terms in the Bible and less likely to be misinterpreted.

Otherwise, I'd rather lean in that direction than a worldly version of Christianity.

I still don't consider myself an "extremist" in terms of spirituality. I would still take advantage of technology for example but I will not openly promote nor encourage its use in the vast majority of cases.

Material things very often have a corrupting effect on people and spirituality even with things that seem very useful even with good, innocent, and selfless intentions. Personally, I prefer to keep worldly dealings in secret.

Christians telling their worldly dealings amongst each other in a positive light I think have greatly contributed to the worldliness of Christianity. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
 
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JohnClay

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He probably never promoted his videos on platforms like instagram, facebook, twitter, reddit, etc or he would have gotten more views.
Their church used to have an Instagram page - with 224 posts: (and 29 followers)
I think having 675 videos in 2 years made each video have less views rather than if there were 20 videos.
The "fire" remains vague to me. If it means the anointing of the Holy Spirit, why not just say the anointing or if "burn" means "to live in", IMO, it is better and clearer to just say to "to live in the Spirit" than "burn in the fire of the Spirit". Those are much more familiar terms in the Bible and less likely to be misinterpreted.
He talked about the church and preaching being "anointed"
He also said "be empowered by the fire of the Holy Spirit".
Otherwise, I'd rather lean in that direction than a worldly version of Christianity.
I mentioned that on the closed down church website he mentioned hell 8 times (and "lake of fire" 3 times) on the front page. Well he also made this hour long video called "My Christian Grandmother Went to Hell - Shocking Truth Revealed"
 
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2PhiloVoid

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My sisters' pastor says that Satan wants them to marry someone who isn't on fire for God: (4:25 video)


My unmarried sister is 45 and is taking that message seriously - if she didn't it is more likely she would have been married.

Do you think it is ok if the husband just was a regular Christian rather than being a very strong Christian?

Yes, any kind of Christian who has actual belief and faith should be acceptable. No one is perfect. The main thing to avoid is for Christians to not be flailing about in life and marrying non-Christians.

That's it. Anyone who tells you otherwise is just being anal.
 
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ViaCrucis

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From 0:28 it says:

"If you're on fire for God, Satan wants you with someone who is not on fire. So, they put your fire out."

1:26 says:

"If you are spiritual and your partner is religious, beware that they do not make you religious."

That is related to: "Why Religious Christians Are against Christians Who Burn with the Spirit’s Fire!"


So that's what this particular pastor means. He believes that most so-called Christians are going to hell including those who are very "religious".

I think it seems consistent with Matthew 7:13-14

My sisters have been going to that church for about 10 years or more but there are still only about 15 people there. The pastor used to call himself a prophet. My Dad doesn't like the pastor though but my father is a elder in a Lutheran church.

As a religious Christian I'm not exactly on board with this "being religious" is a bad thing. This is just rhetoric that exists explicitly for the purpose of being hostile.
 
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JohnClay

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As a religious Christian I'm not exactly on board with this "being religious" is a bad thing. This is just rhetoric that exists explicitly for the purpose of being hostile.
I think it is used to motivate the congregation to be even more "on fire" for God rather than allowing them to get too comfortable. Or it is about feeling more special. Or something like that.
 
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