I am a born again Christian but I still have vices, Please help and advice?

[InThePottersChamber]

I was born again recently about two weeks ago. I just suddenly felt my spirit filled by Jesus Christ the Son of God. I was an agnostic prior to this but I'm very certain now about my faith. Jesus really repaired my life. I no longer feel lonely and loss. I no longer feel confused and depressed. I wake at 9 am without fail without alarm clocks every morning filled with the holy spirit and I pray at least twice per day. My mother is also a faithful Christian and she prays for me too.

Anyway, here's the trouble. I never was addicted to pornography and on the rare occasions I let myself go during holidays, I always manage to pull myself together back in time. But even after becoming a Christian, although it's easier to resist and I don't get the pull often at all, I still feel the pull sometimes.

Another problem is, I'm a bisexual and although I feel that it isn't wrong, I was raised by strict parents and learnt to respect (and expect) the cane so to speak. That means I rather be safe so I'm trying to change my sexual orientation but so far it's been not very successful. Last thing is tattoos- are they wrong if done good showing no vulgar and bad images? I don't believe in tattooing jesus and anything to do with God by the way. I feel that it is a desecration to Him who is all holy and we are not holy. I'm talking about something normal like script or an angel, etceteras.

Please give me some advice here. I'm afraid to talk about this to my church leaders as I'm still new and I don't feel secure sharing all this just yet.

Thank you and God bless.

 

[brinny]

Bless yer heart, praying for you (((hug)))

Continue taking any vices (we all have them) to God, each and every one. His grace and His mercy supersedes any "holds" that you may present to Him. He LOVES you, and He already knows our struggles. God bless you brother (((hug)))

 

[DeerGlow]

I was born again recently about two weeks ago. I just suddenly felt my spirit filled by Jesus Christ the Son of God. I was an agnostic prior to this but I'm very certain now about my faith. Jesus really repaired my life. I no longer feel lonely and loss. I no longer feel confused and depressed. I wake at 9 am without fail without alarm clocks every morning filled with the holy spirit and I pray at least twice per day. My mother is also a faithful Christian and she prays for me too.

Anyway, here's the trouble. I never was addicted to pornography and on the rare occasions I let myself go during holidays, I always manage to pull myself together back in time. But even after becoming a Christian, although it's easier to resist and I don't get the pull often at all, I still feel the pull sometimes.

Yes we try not to sin but people who have been saved for decades still sin. You're new, and you're trying to stop sinning. That's what matters.

Another problem is, I'm a bisexual and although I feel that it isn't wrong, I was raised by strict parents and learnt to respect (and expect) the cane so to speak. That means I rather be safe so I'm trying to change my sexual orientation but so far it's been not very successful. Last thing is tattoos- are they wrong if done good showing no vulgar and bad images? I don't believe in tattooing jesus and anything to do with God by the way. I feel that it is a desecration to Him who is all holy and we are not holy. I'm talking about something normal like script or an angel, etceteras.

Please give me some advice here. I'm afraid to talk about this to my church leaders as I'm still new and I don't feel secure sharing all this just yet.

Thank you and God bless.

Again, just pray for help and really try your best with all of your heart, soul, and mind. Tattoos.... I don't know. One person said just think about if it glorifies God, or something earthly. I'm not an expert on that though.

Edit: Fixed formatting.

 

[tstor]

I will break down your post into a few relevant sections:

1) I was born again recently about two weeks ago. I just suddenly felt my spirit filled by Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Praise God! Welcome to the family.

2) I never was addicted to pornography and on the rare occasions I let myself go during holidays, I always manage to pull myself together back in time. But even after becoming a Christian, although it's easier to resist and I don't get the pull often at all, I still feel the pull sometimes.
This is normal. Christians, no matter how old, continually deal with sin. We, as Christians, are not exempt from the realities of this world. We must continually pray for strength and forgiveness. I recommend that you read the words of Paul and see if they encourage you:

For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. (Romans 7:14-25; ESV)​

3) Another problem is, I'm a bisexual and although I feel that it isn't wrong, I was raised by strict parents and learnt to respect (and expect) the cane so to speak. That means I rather be safe so I'm trying to change my sexual orientation but so far it's been not very successful.
Well, you need to realize that bisexuality is wrong (Rom. 1:26-28). If you do not believe something is wrong then it will be incredibly difficult to overcome it. You need to repent of your sins and pray to the Lord for strength to help you conquer this desire.

4) Last thing is tattoos- are they wrong if done good showing no vulgar and bad images?
Christians may get tattoos, but I do not recommend it. They are generally not seen in a good light. However, it is ultimately up to you.

 

[JESUS=G.O.A.T]

I was born again recently about two weeks ago. I just suddenly felt my spirit filled by Jesus Christ the Son of God. I was an agnostic prior to this but I'm very certain now about my faith. Jesus really repaired my life. I no longer feel lonely and loss. I no longer feel confused and depressed. I wake at 9 am without fail without alarm clocks every morning filled with the holy spirit and I pray at least twice per day. My mother is also a faithful Christian and she prays for me too.

Anyway, here's the trouble. I never was addicted to pornography and on the rare occasions I let myself go during holidays, I always manage to pull myself together back in time. But even after becoming a Christian, although it's easier to resist and I don't get the pull often at all, I still feel the pull sometimes.

Another problem is, I'm a bisexual and although I feel that it isn't wrong, I was raised by strict parents and learnt to respect (and expect) the cane so to speak. That means I rather be safe so I'm trying to change my sexual orientation but so far it's been not very successful. Last thing is tattoos- are they wrong if done good showing no vulgar and bad images? I don't believe in tattooing jesus and anything to do with God by the way. I feel that it is a desecration to Him who is all holy and we are not holy. I'm talking about something normal like script or an angel, etceteras.

Please give me some advice here. I'm afraid to talk about this to my church leaders as I'm still new and I don't feel secure sharing all this just yet.

Thank you and God bless.

1. From experience (assuming you are born again in water and spirit), it's normal for some (this happened to me) to still struggle with things like pornography maybe once a week or so. Not everyone comes out the gate turning away from sins which is the reason this verse below has the take up to God option for those that still struggle with sin. Take it up to God.

1 John 2King James Version (KJV)
2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:




2. You feel bisexuality isn't wrong but it is. I had the same problem (not bisexaulity but believing something that was wrong was right), I thought something wasn't bad or I could hang on to it but that's becuase I was only walking in spirit and not yet in truth. I had to read it in the bible for myself and address it. A good area to read would be Romans 1:18-28 and 1 corinthians 6:9. Trust me when you let weights and sins go you will grow like never before. "Lay aside every weight and every sin that doth so easily beset you". After I let that stuff I had go and started to walk in truth as well I was called into ministry and i've been steadfast ever since. The key is taking it to the alter and to God and through time he will help you overcome the sin or weight, it may not happen right away especially with something like bisexuality or homosexaulity for example. I know some who came out of homosexuality but it took at least some weeks some longer. IK someone who's dealing with it now also.

3. Tattoos originally are a pagan practice Read about it in the OT. Also i'm shocked at your position though, normally those who believe in tattoos believe the christian ones are more morally acceptable then worldly or other ones.

 

[Aseyesee]

I was born again recently about two weeks ago. I just suddenly felt my spirit filled by Jesus Christ the Son of God. I was an agnostic prior to this but I'm very certain now about my faith. Jesus really repaired my life. I no longer feel lonely and loss. I no longer feel confused and depressed. I wake at 9 am without fail without alarm clocks every morning filled with the holy spirit and I pray at least twice per day. My mother is also a faithful Christian and she prays for me too.

Anyway, here's the trouble. I never was addicted to pornography and on the rare occasions I let myself go during holidays, I always manage to pull myself together back in time. But even after becoming a Christian, although it's easier to resist and I don't get the pull often at all, I still feel the pull sometimes.

Another problem is, I'm a bisexual and although I feel that it isn't wrong, I was raised by strict parents and learnt to respect (and expect) the cane so to speak. That means I rather be safe so I'm trying to change my sexual orientation but so far it's been not very successful. Last thing is tattoos- are they wrong if done good showing no vulgar and bad images? I don't believe in tattooing jesus and anything to do with God by the way. I feel that it is a desecration to Him who is all holy and we are not holy. I'm talking about something normal like script or an angel, etceteras.

Please give me some advice here. I'm afraid to talk about this to my church leaders as I'm still new and I don't feel secure sharing all this just yet.

Thank you and God bless.

In a nut she'll, you can let a bird fly over your head, but don't let it build a nest in your hair.

Think of your mind as a garden, and you are the gardener.

 

[Jack Isaacks]

I was born again recently about two weeks ago. I just suddenly felt my spirit filled by Jesus Christ the Son of God. I was an agnostic prior to this but I'm very certain now about my faith. Jesus really repaired my life. I no longer feel lonely and loss. I no longer feel confused and depressed. I wake at 9 am without fail without alarm clocks every morning filled with the holy spirit and I pray at least twice per day. My mother is also a faithful Christian and she prays for me too.

Anyway, here's the trouble. I never was addicted to pornography and on the rare occasions I let myself go during holidays, I always manage to pull myself together back in time. But even after becoming a Christian, although it's easier to resist and I don't get the pull often at all, I still feel the pull sometimes.

Another problem is, I'm a bisexual and although I feel that it isn't wrong, I was raised by strict parents and learnt to respect (and expect) the cane so to speak. That means I rather be safe so I'm trying to change my sexual orientation but so far it's been not very successful. Last thing is tattoos- are they wrong if done good showing no vulgar and bad images? I don't believe in tattooing jesus and anything to do with God by the way. I feel that it is a desecration to Him who is all holy and we are not holy. I'm talking about something normal like script or an angel, etceteras.

Please give me some advice here. I'm afraid to talk about this to my church leaders as I'm still new and I don't feel secure sharing all this just yet.

Thank you and God bless.

And did you expect instant sinless perfection?

If so, you've been sold a bill of goods.

The entire Orthodox Christian way is one of struggle against the world, the flesh, and the devil. And when you fall down, get back up.

In fact, when asked what monks do all day, the Abbot replied, "We fall down and we get back up. We fall down again, and again we get back up. And we continue the process until, by God's mercy and grace, we pick ourselves up on the other side of the threshold of the Kingdom of heaven."

It doesn't matter if you're gay, straight, sideways, bisexual, or trisexual. You are simply the way you are, and the orientation can't be changed. (We don't get to choose our temptations, do we?) As one elder said to a bisexual penitent, "Praise God! You have twice as much love to give." What you do with your orientation, of course, is another issue..

Another old saying: Who you are is God's gift to you. What you make of yourself is your gift to God.

Christ is risen!

 

[Jack Isaacks]

Tattoos originally are a pagan practice Read about it in the OT. Also i'm shocked at your position though, normally those who believe in tattoos believe the christian ones are more morally acceptable then worldly or other ones.

The English names for the days of the week are of pagan origin, too. So what?

In some cultures, it's considered an expression of faith to have a beautiful Cross tattooed on the forehead or right hand, so to prohibit receiving the mark of the Beast.

I have an unused and so far unneeded (praise God) AV fistula in my left arm when it was thought I would have to do on dialysis. After a serious medical episode a few weeks ago that sent me to not one but TWO ERs, I have seriously considered getting a tattoo on my left arm saying "NO BP OR IV IN LEFT ARM", because the crews and nurses kept on trying to do so there.

Christ is risen!

 

[GandalfTheWise]

Glad to hear about what God's been doing in your life!

You're now embarking on a life long adventure with Jesus. There will be ups and downs. Some sins and tendencies will miraculously vanish and others will require long term changes to address. It's easy to get our eyes focused on the potholes in the road and cliffs off to the sides rather than on the trip itself and the eventual destination. The main focus is that it is about walking with God and getting to know Him better and better. Many Christians spend years with their heads figuratively buried in maps, the GPS, and worrying about the itinerary, rather than enjoying God's company on the trip.

Our spiritual life is like a garden. It must be properly tended and cared for. If it isn't, it will get overrun with weeds and pests that will choke out all of the good things. Such things as regular prayer, Bible reading, having good Christian friends, and spending more time doing the things God wants us to will help the garden grow. What our individual lives look like will be different from person to person. God created us each as unique individuals. How prayer, Bible reading, and doing things for God will look in your life will probably be different than mine. Some people do it in the morning, others at night, others spread throughout the day, some people with weird job hours might do more on the weekends when not working. The key thing is that this process of continually growing over time that is what results in a holier life. As we grow, we become more and more the person God intends for us to be.

One of my daughters has a few tattoos including a very nice lion on her shoulder. I personally wouldn't get one, but that's me. In some Christian circles, it's no big deal; in others, it might be considered nearly sinful. I think that this is largely a cultural thing that can vary across countries as well. I met a few Christian from countries where tattoos were associated with occult practices. For them, tattoos were a serious matter.

Sexuality is just one aspect of our lives (albeit a powerful one). Most Christians have been deeply imprinted in some manner with unhealthy sexual patterns as well as our innate tendencies. Many have been affected by abuse, rape, pornography addiction, early experimentation, using it as an emotional escape of some form, or becoming sexually involved with multiple people. The net result is that this very powerful drive can be directed in ways that are not healthy for us (or others). The main practical advice I'd give has 2 parts. The first is to avoid doing stuff. The main point of that is to avoid consequences. It doesn't solve the problem of bad patterns, but it doesn't allow it to become worse. The second is to grow spiritually in other aspects of your life. Healthy sexuality does not stand on its own; it is part of a healthy spiritual and emotional life.

Jude (24-25) To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore.

 

[visionary]

I was born again recently about two weeks ago. I just suddenly felt my spirit filled by Jesus Christ the Son of God. I was an agnostic prior to this but I'm very certain now about my faith. Jesus really repaired my life. I no longer feel lonely and loss. I no longer feel confused and depressed. I wake at 9 am without fail without alarm clocks every morning filled with the holy spirit and I pray at least twice per day. My mother is also a faithful Christian and she prays for me too.

Anyway, here's the trouble. I never was addicted to pornography and on the rare occasions I let myself go during holidays, I always manage to pull myself together back in time. But even after becoming a Christian, although it's easier to resist and I don't get the pull often at all, I still feel the pull sometimes.

Another problem is, I'm a bisexual and although I feel that it isn't wrong, I was raised by strict parents and learnt to respect (and expect) the cane so to speak. That means I rather be safe so I'm trying to change my sexual orientation but so far it's been not very successful. Last thing is tattoos- are they wrong if done good showing no vulgar and bad images? I don't believe in tattooing jesus and anything to do with God by the way. I feel that it is a desecration to Him who is all holy and we are not holy. I'm talking about something normal like script or an angel, etceteras.

Please give me some advice here. I'm afraid to talk about this to my church leaders as I'm still new and I don't feel secure sharing all this just yet.

Thank you and God bless.

From the time of Yeshua's baptism. He went through 40 days of torment and temptations. In two weeks, you have experienced an awakening of seeing what the Lord sees and are coming to realize just how conflicting this world is with His. Be not surprised that you are learning, dealing, and overcoming each and more issues as they are presented to you. With God's help you will be victorious.

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

Well good news is you won't find a christian who is free from sin. Its impossible. This isn't an excuse to sin of course, but as long as we are stuck in these bodies we will mess up. But its why we pray and try hard to not mess up. As for your orientation, its hard to answer because its easy for someone whos straight to say "Just be straight!". Most people who have feelings for the same sex just lead celebrate lives and avoid relationships with the same sex.

Since your bi, maybe one day you will find someone of the opposite sex you will fall in love with and marry. And you will have them as a safe output for any desires. Which means hopefully no more desires for the opposite sex. Just remember as my name says, nothing is impossible with God. For some they can change instantly, for others it may take a long time. And for some things may always be a struggle. Like maybe they are free of something like porn for 40 years, then one day it comes back out of nowhere. The devil is relentless like that. Always waiting for our moments of weakness to make us tempted to mess up.

As for tattoos I go either way on it. Half of me remembers it harms our "Vessel" (body). But the other half of me knows its truly the end of the world. I've seen christians that have christian tattoos like "John 3:16" and what not. I don't think its something that Gods going to be like "Sorry no heaven for you because you got a tattoo!"

 

[Mrs.PGL]

I was born again recently about two weeks ago. I just suddenly felt my spirit filled by Jesus Christ the Son of God. I was an agnostic prior to this but I'm very certain now about my faith. Jesus really repaired my life. I no longer feel lonely and loss. I no longer feel confused and depressed. I wake at 9 am without fail without alarm clocks every morning filled with the holy spirit and I pray at least twice per day. My mother is also a faithful Christian and she prays for me too.

Anyway, here's the trouble. I never was addicted to pornography and on the rare occasions I let myself go during holidays, I always manage to pull myself together back in time. But even after becoming a Christian, although it's easier to resist and I don't get the pull often at all, I still feel the pull sometimes.

Another problem is, I'm a bisexual and although I feel that it isn't wrong, I was raised by strict parents and learnt to respect (and expect) the cane so to speak. That means I rather be safe so I'm trying to change my sexual orientation but so far it's been not very successful. Last thing is tattoos- are they wrong if done good showing no vulgar and bad images? I don't believe in tattooing jesus and anything to do with God by the way. I feel that it is a desecration to Him who is all holy and we are not holy. I'm talking about something normal like script or an angel, etceteras.

Please give me some advice here. I'm afraid to talk about this to my church leaders as I'm still new and I don't feel secure sharing all this just yet.

Thank you and God bless.

From what I have read, you have received some excellent responses. Seems lately, my specialty has been homosexuality, so I'll comment on that if you will.
First of all, you need to learn about the word, "orientation". It has been coined to "normalize" sins such as homosexuality and pedophilia, leading one to believe they are born in this manner and have no hope of change. It is a lie.
God loves us. He is not going to create us to be something He considers an abomination, to not be able to change for our lifetime, and to place us in Hell because of it. That idea is so anti-God, that it is almost blasphemy.
James 1:13 New International Version
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;
If homosexuality were innate, that scripture would be a lie and scripture cannot be broken. God loves us and wants good for us and not harm, so your first need is to dispel of the "orientation" myth.
1 Corinthians 6:11 - "....and such were some of you."
God will keep His promises to forgive and heal us of our sin. You need to remember to keep your eyes on Him when these temptations occur and not on the problem - sounds much easier than it actually is, but many, many people have managed it. And you need to remember to not put yourself into situations where you are tempted. Our temptations are our fault.
James 1:14 each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
These are a few sites that will help you
moorematt.org
Facebook - Ex-LGBT through Jesus Christ
- Restored Hope Network.
Also remember to give yourself the grace that the Lord does. Conversion does not mean you are perfect, but you have put yourself in the Lord's hands so He can mold you and perfect you. We all fall down, but as long as we get back up looking at the Lord, you have nothing to fear.
God bless you on your journey;

 

[least]

Lots of good advice already!

You need to know that as long as we are in our bodies of sin we will struggle with sin. But take heart, Jesus will raise us up in perfection and we will be made like him!

Meanwhile, we must pit to death those things that interfere with our walk with God. Sexual sin is a tough one, because it desecrates one of the most sacred relationships God has given us: husband and wife. Everything outside of that is dangerous, both physically and spiritually. It destroys families and by virtue of that, it destroys civilizations. Note how debased America has become!

And I am a guilty partner, and so are most people. First John 1:8-10 says, "If WE say WE have no sin, WE deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in US. If WE confess OUR sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse US from all unrighteousness. If WE say WE have no sin, WE make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

I highlight the WE's, because in writing this, the Apostle John even includes himself! And as someone else noted, Paul even admits he struggles, doing what he ought not and not doing what he ought. He even claimed to be the chief of sinners!

Does this mean we are to give in to sin? Absolutely not! But if these great men of the faith wrestled with son, should it surprise us that we will also? Then what are we to do?

Confession. Not to me or any other person, but rather, to God. Here are some things you should consider confessing:

1. Your faith in God's love for you
2. Your trust in God that he is working on you to make you like Jesus
3. Your own inability to live rightly without his help
4. Your sin. Remember, if we confess it he will forgive us. This is walking in grace!

We must live a life of trust and obedience. We don't want to sin, but when we do, we take it God, for he alone can make it right. Read the Bible, study the Bible, memorize the Bible; and cover it all in prayer.

Lastly, remember that the closer you are to God, the further you are from sin. I hope this helps!

God bless!

 

[Kit Sigmon]

I was born again recently about two weeks ago. I just suddenly felt my spirit filled by Jesus Christ the Son of God. I was an agnostic prior to this but I'm very certain now about my faith. Jesus really repaired my life. I no longer feel lonely and loss. I no longer feel confused and depressed. I wake at 9 am without fail without alarm clocks every morning filled with the holy spirit and I pray at least twice per day. My mother is also a faithful Christian and she prays for me too.
Thrilled to hear this! Welcome to the family of God!

Anyway, here's the trouble. I never was addicted to pornography and on the rare occasions I let myself go during holidays, I always manage to pull myself together back in time. But even after becoming a Christian, although it's easier to resist and I don't get the pull often at all, I still feel the pull sometimes.
We will face temptations in this life...every believer does.
Abide in the Lord and in the Bible.

Another problem is, I'm a bisexual and although I feel that it isn't wrong, I was raised by strict parents and learnt to respect (and expect) the cane so to speak.
Hold on...you are a born again believer, that makes you a Child of God, your
identity is: Child of God.
The "old man" be crucified...you be raised to new life in Christ.
You have been purchased by the blood of Jesus.
Jesus say in Matthew 15:24: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

That means I rather be safe so I'm trying to change my sexual orientation but so far it's been not very successful. Last thing is tattoos- are they wrong if done good showing no vulgar and bad images? I don't believe in tattooing jesus and anything to do with God by the way. I feel that it is a desecration to Him who is all holy and we are not holy. I'm talking about something normal like script or an angel, etceteras.

Please give me some advice here. I'm afraid to talk about this to my church leaders as I'm still new and I don't feel secure sharing all this just yet.

Thank you and God bless.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Don’t you know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God?
You are not your own, for you were bought at a price.
Therefore glorify God in your body.

Leviticus 19:28....indicates that cuts, putting print marks on the skin shouldn't be done by the children of Israel...but is it limited only to them or does it also include us who have been grafted in?
For me it does mean that we aren't to tattoo, pierce or cut our skin since God
don't want it on His Children...and us who are grafted in, are His Children too.

It's doesn't keep me from being friends with people who have tattoos, body piercings or cuttings...I just don't advocate doing that to your skin for whatever reason regardless if the tattoo is "religious" or "secular".
As it be, I have relatives, friends, neighbors etc who have tattoos, piercings or
both. Some of them have some pretty vulgar tats...one friend who came out of
the age of hippies/free love and what not, has a Charles Mansion type tattoo
across his forehead...he keeps it covered up by wearing bandages
or bandannas.

Some employers don't find them acceptable and exclude you from being hired; some have rules about them being covered up.
The same goes for body piercings...many employers want the "jewelry" removed when you're in the workplace or representing the company at a convention or conference.
{And if your body piercings resembled that of "Pinhead' don't even walk
by my house...that's all I'm saying lol!}

It can be a deal breaker when it comes to finding a date.
I know some people will not date/marry somebody who has tattoos.

To be fair... there are a few religions where it is mandatory part of that religion that it's members must be tattooed and their rights are protected by law and that's why a certain major fast-food chain had to cough up the big bucks to an employee who was wrongfully fired.

The Mayo Clinic warns, “don’t take tattooing lightly”.
They’ve resulted in severe allergic reactions, infections, unsightly scars, and blood-borne diseases like Hepatitis B and C.
Tattooing deliberately opens skin and exposes your blood to unknown bacteria. Tattoo parlors are not medical clinics, although they are puncturing skin and exposing blood.
Just a few things for you to carefully consider BEFORE getting inked.

As in all such matters, whether it be about tattoos, dressing modestly, working in a nightclub etc...seek God and submit yourself to Him.

 

[Hidden In Him]

Sexuality is just one aspect of our lives (albeit a powerful one). Most Christians have been deeply imprinted in some manner with unhealthy sexual patterns as well as our innate tendencies.... [so] grow spiritually in other aspects of your life. Healthy sexuality does not stand on its own; it is part of a healthy spiritual and emotional life.

I would agree you are indeed receiving several excellent responses here. Gandalf The Wise's struck me as particularly helpful to your bisexuality issue, so let me amplify on his words just a little more:

We are all created with different natures, temperaments and interests. Satan studies each of us, and (sorry if have to get super spiritual on you here, but I write as the Spirit leads me to) he then assigns demons to us specifically who will then begin tempting us in the areas we are weakest in. God creates some of us with an equal interest in interacting with both sexes. Satan seeks to pervert this into sexual expressions which are in violation of His design for sexuality, which is to reflect the mystery of the marriage of the Bridegroom to His Bride, the church. Others are born with an innate affection for children, which Satan perverts into pedophilia. Still others are created with a deep and abiding affection for animals...

The point is this: Do not seek to change the psyche that God gave you, or the interests that were placed there by God since your inception. Seek only to reign in those desires and interests so that they do not manifest themselves in spiritually unclean ways. Once you can master this, you are free in Christ to be a blessing to those most in need of you, whom you were created by God to minister to most effectively.

 

[derpytia]

I was born again recently about two weeks ago. I just suddenly felt my spirit filled by Jesus Christ the Son of God. I was an agnostic prior to this but I'm very certain now about my faith. Jesus really repaired my life. I no longer feel lonely and loss. I no longer feel confused and depressed. I wake at 9 am without fail without alarm clocks every morning filled with the holy spirit and I pray at least twice per day. My mother is also a faithful Christian and she prays for me too.

Anyway, here's the trouble. I never was addicted to pornography and on the rare occasions I let myself go during holidays, I always manage to pull myself together back in time. But even after becoming a Christian, although it's easier to resist and I don't get the pull often at all, I still feel the pull sometimes.

Another problem is, I'm a bisexual and although I feel that it isn't wrong, I was raised by strict parents and learnt to respect (and expect) the cane so to speak. That means I rather be safe so I'm trying to change my sexual orientation but so far it's been not very successful. Last thing is tattoos- are they wrong if done good showing no vulgar and bad images? I don't believe in tattooing jesus and anything to do with God by the way. I feel that it is a desecration to Him who is all holy and we are not holy. I'm talking about something normal like script or an angel, etceteras.

Please give me some advice here. I'm afraid to talk about this to my church leaders as I'm still new and I don't feel secure sharing all this just yet.

Thank you and God bless.

I want to tell you something though you've gotten some good responses. I was raised Christian and I knew from the get-go that bisexuality IS wrong. However, when I entered college I fell away BIG TIME to the point where I identified as bisexual. Then a series of painful events brought me to my knees (though I'm surprised that I wasn't already on my knees considering the full scale of unfortunate events in my life) and made me turn back to God. I no longer identify as bisexual although that particular temptation does crop up every now and then. I pray to God for forgiveness and ask for help to turn my mind away from such a thing. It definitely helps. It sounds "stuffy" and "bigoted" to today's society, I realize. But it's all part of not belonging to the world and instead looking to higher things. Because we are saved by Christ we do not belong to the world or even ourselves anymore. We were bought at a great price. Thus, we love God so much. And if we love God, shouldn't we want to do what is right in His eyes? Just something to think on.

 

[JESUS=G.O.A.T]

The English names for the days of the week are of pagan origin, too. So what?

In some cultures, it's considered an expression of faith to have a beautiful Cross tattooed on the forehead or right hand, so to prohibit receiving the mark of the Beast.

I have an unused and so far unneeded (praise God) AV fistula in my left arm when it was thought I would have to do on dialysis. After a serious medical episode a few weeks ago that sent me to not one but TWO ERs, I have seriously considered getting a tattoo on my left arm saying "NO BP OR IV IN LEFT ARM", because the crews and nurses kept on trying to do so there.

Christ is risen!

Using your logic we can sacrifice babies to Gods because almost everything is a pagan influence. What you need to understand anyway in all seriousness is that the Earth was cursed in Genesis chapter 3 or so... JESUS says "love not the world" the world itself isn't to be trusted which is why there are tons of pagan influences. But if there are some you can avoid why not avoid them? And if your body is a temple for the holy ghost why disrespect it?

What you've got to be kidding me and i'm laughing as I type this. People seriously think....that tattooing a "beautiful cross on the forehead/hand" prohibits them from receiving the mark of the beast?? That's just blasphemous. And for all we know by the time the beast returns there will be technology readily available to have tattoos removed...so the person will just remove the tattoo of the cross and get the mark.

Look first of all the bible indicates that only JEWS even have a shot at avoiding the mark anyway, secondly if you can't live for God now then there's no way you can live for God in a tougher time than now. Next what must be understood is that no one knows how the mark will be IK a youth pastor who said during his time they thought barcodes would be the mark. Now people are thinking chips...but what they don't realize is that they already have prototypes of things such as a tool that can project your phone onto your arm for example. They have phones on watches now and for all we know they may come up with some stylish wrist band that extends into a phone sleeve for all we know...that could be the mark. I mean phones kept getting bigger after all right could see a similar trend with other devices.

Lastly though the bible says the righteous scarcely shall be saved.....so why not be as pure as you can?? The bible also indicates in revelations 21 that some will be deceived after the 1,000 reign by satan and I assume that will be those that just did enough to get in and nothing more. Why settle for that?? Why risk that??

 

[longwait]

How can you be filled with the Holy Spirit and be bisexual at the same time?

 

[derpytia]

How can you be filled with the Holy Spirit and be bisexual at the same time?

I'd imagine you can but it'd be really difficult for you to be at peace with the Holy Spirit because you would know through the Spirit that acting on your bisexuality to be with someone of the same gender would be wrong and following the ways of the flesh. In Romans, Paul tells us to surrender to the Holy Spirit's guidance and live by the Spirit instead of the flesh (which is sometimes hard to do, I understand). I know Christians who struggle with homosexuality and they choose to remain celibate because they know that acting on it (engaging in sexual/romantic activity or even looking on the opposite sex lustfully) is against what God wants for us. But I don't know everything so I could be wrong.

Note: When I say "you" I don't mean you specifically.

 

[aiki]

I was born again recently about two weeks ago. I just suddenly felt my spirit filled by Jesus Christ the Son of God. I was an agnostic prior to this but I'm very certain now about my faith.

Did this filling of your spirit by Jesus just happen out-of-the-blue?

Jesus really repaired my life. I no longer feel lonely and loss. I no longer feel confused and depressed. I wake at 9 am without fail without alarm clocks every morning filled with the holy spirit and I pray at least twice per day. My mother is also a faithful Christian and she prays for me too.

Wonderful! It's good to feel good! Let me ask you: Would you still be a person filled with God's Spirit if you felt lousy or nothing at all? I mean, do your good feelings and condition make your salvation true? Or are you truly saved because you trusted in Christ as your Saviour?

I never was addicted to pornography and on the rare occasions I let myself go during holidays, I always manage to pull myself together back in time. But even after becoming a Christian, although it's easier to resist and I don't get the pull often at all, I still feel the pull sometimes.

Does porn not repulse you? Do you not feel deeply convicted and uncomfortably at odds with God when you look at porn? How do you think someone who has the Holy Spirit of God within them ought to feel toward what is unholy?

Any and all temptation is dealt with in essentially the same way:

1. By the word of Truth, the Bible. - Read it. Study it. Memorize it. Obey it. Ps. 1; 119:11; Phil. 4:8.
2. By the power of God. - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. John 15:5.
3. By the armor of righteousness. - Keep short accounts with God. 1 John 1:9.
4. By making no opportunity for sin. - Romans 13:14.

Another problem is, I'm a bisexual

No, you aren't. God has made only males and females and designed them to be sexually compatible with the opposite sex. Bisexuality is a perversion of God's design. It is also a lie fed to you from the World and devil. Reject it and fully embrace being the male or female God made you to be.

Last thing is tattoos- are they wrong if done good showing no vulgar and bad images?

Here's how you can decide if it is right or wrong: Does it make me more like Christ? Does it help me better glorify God with my life? If you can say, "Yes" to both questions, its okay.

Selah.