What Time is It?

[woobadooba]

It's time to spend less time complaining about what people believe and more time making sure our character is fitted for heaven.

The Bible gives us explicit instruction on how we should behave towards others. It is time to do what it says!

This is not about being saved by works. It's about being genuine Christians--the kind of people that Jesus said we ought to be!

 

[AndrewK788]

It's time to spend less time complaining about what people believe and more time making sure our character is fitted for heaven.

The Bible gives us explicit instruction on how we should behave towards others. It is time to do what it says!

This is not about being saved by works. It's about being genuine Christians--the kind of people that Jesus said we ought to be!

 

[Xenon]

This seems like a good time for...

1 Timothy 6:3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

If people don't listen and you've done your best, move on....

 

[woobadooba]

This seems like a good time for...

1 Timothy 6:3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

If people don't listen and you've done your best, move on....

And this is what is most frustrating. You share a simple message with people and they trivialize it. They did the same thing to Jesus. You would think that people would know better by now. That just isn't the case though.

I think it is because they have such a strong desire to make a point that they fail to grasp the most important points. In other words, they just won't stop talking long enough to listen to what is really being said and what they need to hear the most...

 

[TrustAndObey]

Woob, I think you're absolutely right. We spend too much time worrying about other people's beliefs and not our own character.

I touched upon this subject just this morning in another thread actually, so it appears you and I are getting the same message lately.

I have so many character flaws that I really need to pray about and ask for help on.

Just one of many flaws that I have....

Last night I got a call from a car dealership (one of those pay-by-the-week type places) and they wanted a reference for a friend of mine that I've known since kindergarten.

I know her character (at least the part that she's shown ME over the past 30+ years) and where she works and where she lives...but whether or not she pays her bills? No.

I know that she isn't always a financially responsible person, but they didn't ask me that and I was thankful, because I would've told them the truth.

They asked at the end of the conversation if they could contact me if they are ever unable to get in touch with her. What this means, basically, is that I will be harassed if she defaults on the loan and avoids their calls.

I said "yes" even though I didn't want to. Why?

Because in this crazy world we need people that will stick up for us, and I'm GREAT at defending the people I consider friends. The people I don't consider friends? Not so much.

I put myself in a potentially bad situation for a friend, but I know I wouldn't do that for people I don't get along with.

At the same time, my FRIEND put me in this situation.

If she does quit paying for the car, the car dealership would expect me to let that fact interfere with my friendship and that *I* should be the one to try to give her a lesson on responsibility...possibly jeopardizing 30+ years of friendship. They would expect me to nag my friend into doing the right thing.

I should've said "no". However, I was worried they'd mark me off as a reference if I did that and that my friend would be upset with me. I should've taken the chance.

My gameplan is to give them a speech they'll never forget if they do start calling me and harassing me. I didn't co-sign for the loan afterall....but I need to talk to my friend about not ever doing that again.

My prayer is that she does pay for the car, and I know she needs reliable transportation right now and is going through a lot.

I strayed from my original point, sorry about that. I don't always stick up for or defend people I'm not close with. I also don't make smart choices when it does come to people I do consider friends.

This flaw (again, just one of MANY) has gotten me into trouble several times.

I didn't bear false witness though. Like I said, if they would've asked, I would've told them the truth.

 

[honorthesabbath]

I've heard the naysayers time again complain about character perfection. I'm always amazed that they think that we think that that can be brought about by OUR OWN EFFORTS! AMAZING to say the least.

But what they fail to understand (either deliberately or not) is that God really does want to change our hearts. And when the heart is renewed thru the indwelling Spirit--then the thoughts and ACTIONS change to 'be like Him".

If anyone hasn't visited CARM for awhile. Let me urge you to go to this thread..http://www.christiandiscussionforums.org/v/showthread.php?t=116073
and see what "JESUSWALK4ME" is saying. This guy is awesome. He is debating with the naysayers that the law Paul is complaining about is NOT the 10c., but the natural law in our members (our FALLEN natures). And he is point on.

I find it absolutely incredible that any Christian would resist the Holy Spirit's promptings to 'resist the devil, and he shall flee from you'. They act like it's OK with God that we continue to do that which He PROMISED to deliver us from, and in so doing, horribly and maliciously place man's desire to sin above God's desire and ABILITY to cause to STOP.

When God saved me, many things instantly changed in my life. He caused me to stop smoking & drinking (alcohol--lol), swearing and bar dancing (can you say two-steppin--lol). And many other vices that I prefer to keep between He and I. Now if He could cause me to give up those nasty things that I truly loved doing--tell me naysayers, at what point will He say He has no more power to complete what He started? Will He stop at anything LESS than perfection?

All that stands in His way is OUR UNWILLINGNESS to yield. (But this is another topic).

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

Cool ! (my fave word the last couple days)

it has taken over 3 decades for some changes to be accomplished in me, from the very core inside working out... (Yahweh's Doing It; and me joyfully willing, choosing daily to choose His Way)

straight about the op
Yahshua said "You (disciples) know what to do, you're in the Kingdom, NOW LIVE LIKE IT." (NOT at all a 'prosperity gospel' which is "an other gospel" contrary to truth; more like giving up everything; everything is a hindrance)

and "Never turn away from your fellow man (in need)" but "personally help him"....

Shalom in passing by....

 

[sentipente]

It's time to spend less time complaining about what people believe and more time making sure our character is fitted for heaven.

Without trivializing your main point please allow a slight detour. We know that the Bible is full of evidence that humans want to go to heaven. Is there any evidence that God wants to take us to a place outside of earth called heaven?

 

[woobadooba]

Without trivializing your main point please allow a slight detour. We know that the Bible is full of evidence that humans want to go to heaven. Is there any evidence that God wants to take us to a place outside of earth called heaven?

I think you'll see all the evidence that you need to see when that time comes.

But know this: Heaven is not merely a place. It is also a state of being. And those who are of it have a certain kind of character. Unless your attitude is in agreement with that character, you won't ever live there...

"Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. (Mat 18:3)

 

[sentipente]

I think you'll see all the evidence that you need to see when that time comes.

What does this really mean? What "time" are you speaking of?

 

[mva1985]

Without trivializing your main point please allow a slight detour. We know that the Bible is full of evidence that humans want to go to heaven. Is there any evidence that God wants to take us to a place outside of earth called heaven?

John 14:1-3