I have a question about the necklace with a cross on it..

[keeki]

well you see...I'm pretty new to all of this stuff...and my friend saw me wearing the necklace with the cross on it today...and she asked me if I had gotten it..uh..I can't remember what the word she used for it was...it was something like "blessed"...she went something like "oh hey..nice necklace I have one too, did you get it [insert word that I can't remember but I think it was something like blessed]?" and I didn't know what she was saying...does anyone else know?

and also..I'm a new christian but this friend of mine has been a christian for a long time..and I think she thinks im a hypocrite because before I wasn't a christian and now I am one. She went to me and said "Why did you become a Christian?"...and I don't know...is it wrong to become an enthusiastic Christian before you really know it?? I think that a lot of my friends think that I'm a hypocrite because they think that I'm using this "Christianity" thing to get attention or to create a good self image...and I keep wondering if it's true and now I feel really bad about it...

 

[Oblio]

A blessing of a physical object is quite normal and is done in both the Orthodox and Catholic faiths. In the blessing prayers are said and God is petitioned to protect and bring His spirit upon the wearer.

I think that a lot of my friends think that I'm a hypocrite because they think that I'm using this "Christianity" thing to get attention or to create a good self image...and I keep wondering if it's true and now I feel really bad about it...

This doubt does not come from above, but from the evil one. He wants nothing more to turn you from your new faith and life, resist the devil and he will flee.

 

[keeki]

oh that's cool ^___^...thank you

 

[psycmajor]

Being on the Protestant side, I'm not too sure about that cross.

John 8:31-37
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 33 They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be made free'?" 34 Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Oblio is right. Satan is trying to convince you through your friends that you are a hypocrite. But look, even Paul the apostle was a murder of Christians, and he became very close to Christ! God called Paul, a murderer, to serve as His (God's) mouthpiece. See Acts chapters 7-27.

2Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

See that? You're a NEW creation. And look at this:

Hebrews 8:12-13
12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." 13 In that He says, "A new covenant," He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

God promises to forget your sins if you repent. So you have a clean slate. No matter how your friends see you, you are clean in God's eyes.

Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.

Why doubt?

 

[Oblio]

keeki, There is a small discussion on the Cross going on over here that you might find interesting.

 

[lared]

Imagine, your mother or someone you dearly love is shot dead by a revolver, or perhaps stabbed painfully to death by the use of a kitchen knife.

Can you imagine, making a replica of the instrument of death, out of gold, and wearing it around your neck?!?

And then at times, even kissing it?!?

The Christians that I know, would never even consider it.

Perhaps this is food for thought.

 

[Blessed-one]

*mod hat on*

please, no more opinions in this thread on the questions and meaning of the cross. Keep to the topic at hand thanks.

*mod hat off*

keeki, you shouldn't be feeling bad about being a Christian. Imagine how joyful our heavenly Father is in knowing that another of His lost children has returned? (which is the whole purpose of Jesus dying for us)

the concern here is not whether or not you are enthusiastic, but whether or not you are willing to follow Him from now on, so don't be put off and feel discouraged by what your friend said. A christian should be supportive, not suspicious, but just bear in mind that everyone stands on different level of spiritual maturity. Everyone's timing in growth is different.

 

[psycmajor]

good show, blessed 1

 

[keeki]

Thank you so much, everyone

 

[GodOwnsMe]

um. now thats pretty weird, I'm thinking why'd she not be happy for ya being a Christian ?? Cause hey I think knowing God's the most awesome thing in the world !!
well. I'd say i't be good to talk to God about the way you feel about this image thing & to change you if necessary. Cause it's all about knowing Him & loving Him & believing Jesus is God's son. Uhh I mean not like k I'm going to a church now & am a Christian....
hope I'm not confusing ya w/ that in a bad way....just ask if you have any questions

 

[GodOwnsMe]

oh. welcome to the boards & the "family" !!!!!
God Bless you
Karen

 

[keeki]

thank you