Rules for Living...

[Chrissie59]

I recently decided to follow Christ and I have been learning a great deal.I've been going through a booklet which says I need to follow God's ultimate goal; to become like Jesus.
I have been trying, I've been reading the new testament learning more of Jesus's works and stuff. And truthfully I feel more at peace I suppose (the feeling' kinda hard to describe) than ever before. I have also been learning to pray (something I've never done before) and so far it all seems a bit strange and new.
Ok so I suppose my question is what are the things I can and can't do, I have read some stuff in the bible but how does it relate today?
For instance none of my Christian friends drink wheras I enjoy a drink when I'm hanging with my bestmate. Is that wrong?
I like reading and my favourite genre is fantasy, can I still read books that exist in a made up world and have made up gods?
I spend most of my time with non-Christians mostly colleagues at work and stuff, for the most part I'm not close with them but a few that I am I haven't told that I've accepted Christ into my life and I don't know why I haven't.
Also how do I know what things that I'm doing are sinful? I know were supposed to cut out the sinful things in our lives but like how do I know what that is? I know that sounds really stupid I know about the major sins but I have heard people saying that getting a tattoo is sinful and I just don't know where to find other rules like that?
I'm sorry about the confusing post, I don't even know if this is posted in the right section but I do need some help and guidance.

 

[tturt]

Hi again!

The most important recommendation I can make is for you to learn to not only thank and praise Him but to worship Yahweh.

 

[Elijah2]

Hi Chrissy,

I recently decided to follow Christ and I have been learning a great deal.
Now I guess you are saved, and have prayed the Prayer of Salvation, is that correct?

How long has it been?

I've been going through a booklet which says I need to follow God's ultimate goal; to become like Jesus.
Well that is the ulitmate goal, but you can't become like our Lord if you don't renew your body and soul. You give away the old and take on the new.

I have been trying,
Sad as it is, a new Christian can try as much as they like, and if they haven't good sound foundation in His Word and a good mature mentor helping them, then you can try forever, and all you are doing is working in your own strength and desires.

So find a bood Bible course and get into His Word, and find yourself a MATURE Christian who can lead and guide you.

I've been reading the new testament learning more of Jesus's works and stuff. And truthfully I feel more at peace I suppose (the feeling' kinda hard to describe) than ever before.
Well, that is good, but you need to fellowhip with Christians and let your old life slide away. It doesn't mean you drop your friends, but you don't walk that life with them anymore.

The Fruit of the Spirit is what you also aim for, such as being patient, selfcontrolled, faithful, gentle, good and kind. The other three love, peace, and joy comes eventually at the end.

I have also been learning to pray (something I've never done before) and so far it all seems a bit strange and new.
Sad as it is, as you get older you do get a bit slack with prayer, but always remember when you pray to our Heavenly Father you can only go to HIM through our Lord Jesus CHrist.

Remember to be a Christian you also need to obey the ten commandments and His New Testament.

Ok so I suppose my question is what are the things I can and can't do, I have read some stuff in the bible but how does it relate today?
His Word has never changed, it is Today, Tomorrow, and Forever.

You are now walking a new life, and all you old bad habits and attitudes are to change.

For instance none of my Christian friends drink wheras I enjoy a drink when I'm hanging with my bestmate. Is that wrong?
Well, when you say enjoying a drink with your bestmates in a pub or hotel, and if that is so, you are being unequally yoked with unbelievers.

I was an alcoholic so I know what I am talking about when it comes down to grog consumption on a belief that a social drink does no harm.

And people will say to you that because the Bible doesn't say that you can't drink, then it's not a sin.

You can have one drink, and then a second, and then a third, and do you know that your whole attitude and feelings change. Well that's not the HOLY SPIRIT!

I like reading and my favourite genre is fantasy, can I still read books that exist in a made up world and have made up gods?
Read the Ten Commandments in the OT.

You live in fantasy then you will allow your doorway to open to the enemy.

I spend most of my time with non-Christians mostly colleagues at work and stuff, for the most part I'm not close with them but a few that I am I haven't told that I've accepted Christ into my life and I don't know why I haven't.
That's simple, because your feel if they know they will drop you. You can drink with them, but don't drink alcohol. If they are your mates and true friends they will not goad you or spike you drinks, would they?

Also how do I know what things that I'm doing are sinful?
Easy, if you feel guilt and shame and conviction, then it's sin.

I know were supposed to cut out the sinful things in our lives but like how do I know what that is?
Simple read His Word, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide and lead you in your daily walk, each morning, and to protect you from temptations.

I know that sounds really stupid I know about the major sins but I have heard people saying that getting a tattoo is sinful and I just don't know where to find other rules like that?
Well tell me does your tatto glorify our Almight God, our Lord Jesus Christ, or does it glorify you and your desires.

There is Scripture in regards to graven images and defacing your body. But, I won't go there, because there are far too many around who wants to debate it.

So, I'll ask you again, if you decide to deface your image of God, remembering that you are created in HIS IMAGE, and HE who by the way doesn't wear tatoos or body piercing in all parts of the body, do you believe that if you do that that you are glorifying HIS KINGDOM??

I'm sorry about the confusing post, I don't even know if this is posted in the right section but I do need some help and guidance.
Well, you will get that from a good MATURE Christian at your church, so why not ask them, then ask an unknown person on a forum who could be Satan himself, and lead you astray.

Be blessed in Jesus' Name.

 

[NathanHocking]

For instance none of my Christian friends drink wheras I enjoy a drink when I'm hanging with my bestmate. Is that wrong?

-Some say it is, some say no. Jesus turned water into wine, some might take a miracle like that to justify drinking, then their are passages that scorn drunkenness. but I think for all things you need to read the bible and pray, then decide if you can or cant do something. Talking to someone who is well read in the bible is a good idea too.

One thing I do after that is ask my self: is what I am doing or about to do going to come between myself and God? If it would I make sure I don't do the intended deed.

 

[artybloke]

There are no rules for living. Love God, love your neighbour. Don't listen to the Pharisees. That's all you need. Christianity is not about law, it's about grace.

"Love God, and do as thou wilt." S. Augustine.

 

[Elijah2]

If you where to punch into a Bible search engine of the words "live" and "living", I perceive that you would get some good understanding of living what is right or what is wrong.

If you read completely through Proverbs you would probably get good wisdom and understanding of living.

The Fruit of the Spirit is living?

Testing the spirits mean is living?

"You are snared by the words of your mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth...Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids. Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter (Satan and his forces), and like a bird from the hand of the fowler (Satan and his forces)"" (Prov. 6:2-5)

My son, give attention to My Words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart (spiritual mind); for THEY ARE LIFE to those who find them, and health to all their flesh" (Prov. 4:20-22).

"Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding (and knowledge of earthly and heavenly things), but a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding (knowledge of earthly and heavenly things). Wise people store up knowledge (and understanding of earthly and heavenly things), but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction" (Prov. 10:13-14)

"Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Prov. 11:14)

Be blessed in Jesus' Name.

 

[Chrissie59]

Now I guess you are saved, and have prayed the Prayer of Salvation, is that correct? Yes

How long has it been? Less than a month

The Fruit of the Spirit is what you also aim for, such as being patient, selfcontrolled, faithful, gentle, good and kind. The other three love, peace, and joy comes eventually at the end. I like that, it's very profound. You are now walking a new life, and all you old bad habits and attitudes are to change. Scary thought and yet I know I will gain more from what I give up.

Well, when you say enjoying a drink with your bestmates in a pub or hotel, and if that is so, you are being unequally yoked with unbelievers.
Perhaps I wasn't clear, I don't go out drinking and partying and that sort of thing, I am a very shy person.
What I meant was; is alcohol a thing I should completely steer clear of? I only drink about once a month when hanging out with my best friend. It's just us bonding and talking, I don't know when alcohol came into it. It's not to get drunk or drinking to excess though.

I like reading and my favourite genre is fantasy, can I still read books that exist in a made up world and have made up gods?
Read the Ten Commandments in the OT.
You live in fantasy then you will allow your doorway to open to the enemy. Yes, I see what you mean but my thought is still, it's nothing I believe it's just something to read I'm not worshiping idols or anything. Like if I read crime stories where someone murders someone, it doesn't mean I'm going to, it doesn't mean I believe it's right. I still have to give it up? (sorry I guess I'm feeling a bit defensive about this...) I understand there are things about my personality and my actions that need changing I just never thought before that I would have to give up reading certain things/ I know in the end I will gain more but still it's the things I never considered could even be wrong are.

I spend most of my time with non-Christians mostly colleagues at work and stuff, for the most part I'm not close with them but a few that I am I haven't told that I've accepted Christ into my life and I don't know why I haven't.
That's simple, because your feel if they know they will drop you. Yes I suppose your quite right there. Maybe not so much drop me but treat me differently...

Also how do I know what things that I'm doing are sinful?
Easy, if you feel guilt and shame and conviction, then it's sin.
Thank you, very clear.

I know were supposed to cut out the sinful things in our lives but like how do I know what that is? Simple read His Word, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide and lead you in your daily walk, each morning, and to protect you from temptations. That sounds so obvious.

I know that sounds really stupid I know about the major sins but I have heard people saying that getting a tattoo is sinful and I just don't know where to find other rules like that?
Well tell me does your tatto glorify our Almight God, our Lord Jesus Christ, or does it glorify you and your desires. There is Scripture in regards to graven images and defacing your body. But, I won't go there, because there are far too many around who wants to debate it. So, I'll ask you again, if you decide to deface your image of God, remembering that you are created in HIS IMAGE, and HE who by the way doesn't wear tatoos or body piercing in all parts of the body, do you believe that if you do that that you are glorifying HIS KINGDOM?? Ok this appears to be a sensitive issue, I'm not really considering a tattoo and if I was it would only be YHWH anyway. my question is how I do I find rules like that one, things I would have never have thought of were sinful are. I understand when you say it in context, that your defacing God in a way. So there is scripture on this? I mean at this point I have only made my way through a little bit of the bible... How do I know it all?

I do need some help and guidance.
So find a bood Bible course and get into His Word, and find yourself a MATURE Christian who can lead and guide you. /Well, you will get that from a good MATURE Christian at your church, so why not ask them, then ask an unknown person on a forum who could be Satan himself, and lead you astray.
I am still very new at this and I don't really have a church I have been to a church but I am unsure of what denomination to become or anything at this point. You emphasis mature, I was wondering what you meant by that? An older person or someone who has been a Christian a long time? I have met this girl from the church I went to she has asked me to go with her to a 4 week course that has "basics & essentials for your Christian walk". I have agreed to go so I suppose thats all good.

You need to fellowhip with Christians and let your old life slide away. It doesn't mean you drop your friends, but you don't walk that life with them anymore.
Your right, I don't, nor do I want that life. Thank you. I suppose It's about changing the things I need to, God must be my highest priority no matter what.

 

[Elijah2]

Hi Chrissie,

Great to see that you are saved, so as we say, “Welcome to the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Wow, One month, I’ve came to our Lord in 1957, and I am still learning, and at times I feel as though I have only been with HIM for a month!

I always advise everyone to start at patience and self-control as the first two steps to a new life with our Lord Jesus Christ. Then when we have mastered those two fruits, then we can go onto faithfulness and gentleness. Then after that goodness and kindness will fall into place.

But, those last three are hard to find at times as you begin to get closer to our Lord Jesus Christ the enemy will throw someone across our path to steal and to cause trouble.

The race of endurance is a very narrow path, and a challenging path, which can’t be found in a few weeks. It’s a lifetime of experiences from making many good and bad choices and decisions.

Yes, it’s scary when you are tying to renew your mind and soul.

Well, just drink fruit juices or soft drinks. Well, I can ask you a question, “Why do people drink alcohol?” Now I know that it is a poison and it’s used to make you hurting body to feel comfortable, and that is the spirit of alcohol. Well as a Christian, the Holy Spirit is all you need to make our hurting body to feel comfortable.

Now I would NEVER advise anyone to drink alcohol. I didn’t start drinking until I was 33, and then I became an alcoholic. Many believe that having a few social drinks is no problems, but why not drink something that doesn’t have an intoxicating affect. And you are still socialising with your friends.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2).

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness considering yourself lest you also be TEMPTED.” (Gal. 6:1)

Well, stay a shy person, and don’t participate in alcohol when it isn’t necessary.

Well, if you look at going to a pub for a few social drinks, remember that alcohol is one of the roots of evil, because it is designed to get those who consume it to basically get drunk, and to drink more so THEY, the designers of evil, can make a profit. Breweries are not a designer of good. In fact alcohol has more damages credited to it that any other form of socialising, such as marriage break-ups, car accidents, murder, and many more. Alcohol is evil and “drunkenness” is a sin (see Gal. 5:19-21)

Well bonding is fine, as long as it doesn’t turn into “bondage”.

Reading is okay, but always be aware, beware, and don’t be unaware of what you are reading.

I can only advise on my experiences of others who have shared with me over the years, of how they came into bondage to things that they thought were harmless, but were subtle snares and traps of the enemy. I’m not talking about worshipping idols. But obsession can be a bondage.

Ask our Lord to give you the discernment you need to discern good and bad.

I spend all my life with unbelievers, and all the temptations of the world, and I haven’t told them that I am a Christian, but when they try to suck me into those things, I quietly inform them that I don’t do those things.

So don’t tell them that you are a Christian, but don’t act like them, just to be one of the girls or boys.

Let them see the change in you and that you are different, most will respect your honesty.

Tattoos: “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:28)

Read this site:

http://www.inplainsite.org/html/christian_tattoos.html

http://christianteens.about.com/od/advice/f/tattoo.htm

It will take you years to get a good foundation of His Word, so try to get involved with a Bible Study Group.

A mature Christian in my eyes is an elderly person who has much wisdom received from their bad decisions and choices.

When you arrive at the age of 50 you are suppose to be knowledgeable, well I am over 70, so I have a good grasp of what life is all about, and not the fantasy that has infiltrated into the Body of Christ over the past three decades.

Yes, you do need help and guidance, and your church should have directed you toward a person to help and guide you, who is very conversant with His Word.

Yes, do get involved with the 4 week course, because this is the start point for you.

Getting to know our Lord Jesus Christ is so important as we walk “The Way”, and you can only get to know him from His Word, and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Be blessed in Jesus’ Name.

 

[alatir]

I used to read fantasy novels too but after I found God (july 2007) I haven't really been interested in them.
Even though there are some good stories and adventures in them, those books are full of occult stuff, false gods and other immoralities. I'm happy to worship the living God and He's the only one that can truly satisfy your soul.

Stay away from alcohol, the Bible clearly warns about it (Pro 23:29-35, for example).

Seek God in prayer, praise and give thanks to Him and get into His word, simple things but they work. Ask Jesus for the Holy Spirit and His fullness (Luke 11:13)

 

[artybloke]

Don't let a bunch of fundamentalist Pharisees (ie, most of the don't do this don't do that brigade above) lead you into bondage.

Christianity is about freedom from the law, not legalism.

 

[heymikey80]

For instance none of my Christian friends drink wheras I enjoy a drink when I'm hanging with my bestmate. Is that wrong?

By "enjoy", do you mean "a drink that I enjoy but that doesn't get me into danger", or "really kinda ... buzzed, I don't know really if I'm in dangerous ground or not"? If the former, not wrong. If the latter, it's probably going a little too far. Try sticking to one drink. See if you can.

I've read of people in denial as well. Brennan Manning's "The Importance of Being Foolish" is a stiff reminder, we can deceive ourselves.

"Don't be deceived: someone reaps what he sows."

I like reading and my favourite genre is fantasy, can I still read books that exist in a made up world and have made up gods?

As long as it's stuck firmly in the realm of fairy tale.

I spend most of my time with non-Christians mostly colleagues at work and stuff, for the most part I'm not close with them but a few that I am I haven't told that I've accepted Christ into my life and I don't know why I haven't.

That's going to be more and more problematic as you go along. Don't just "spring" it on 'em, but it'll take time understand how to bring it up naturally.

One of my mentors accepted Christ, and told his three best friends in high school -- and because of the stress over how they'd respond he threw up on telling them. They found out he was serious -- and after seeing that he could take this seriously, they accepted Christ, too.

Also how do I know what things that I'm doing are sinful? I know were supposed to cut out the sinful things in our lives but like how do I know what that is?

Sinful things are anything that makes you less reliant on Christ, or that are against God's will. Things that hurt your faith in Christ, that seems to me pretty evident? Does it, to you? And second, probably the best exposition of God's will I've ever found is in the Larger Catechism of the Westminster Confession. It's long, and understand, this is a lifelong struggle of discovery and repentance.

Keep in mind, sins don't destroy your salvation.

Still, it says nothing about tatoos, and only a little about getting drunk.

I know that sounds really stupid I know about the major sins but I have heard people saying that getting a tattoo is sinful and I just don't know where to find other rules like that?

Um, I call this the crowd that says, "Don't swear, drink, smoke or chew, or go out with girls who do."

Real Christianity is a lot more than this. Yes, getting in with a bad crowd can slide you into much worse behavior. But these things alone aren't problematic.

Read Acts 15 about the Council of Jerusalem's view of such ceremonial cleanliness.

Then try out Col 2:4-23. These chapters can be misleading if taken outta context -- there are standards of behavior, one prominent in Scripture being care over your sexuality. But understand, often these things are "made-up" litmus tests. They're not real.

If you'd like to know how you'd be encouraged to live, Ephesians 4 & 5 are the sections I always go back to when I need to know.

I would suggest, if you can find a "Sonship" class somewhere nearby, this could help you sort out many of these issues.