• Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed.

What's on your mind?

bèlla

❤️
Site Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
21,707
18,533
USA
✟1,040,866.00
Country
United States
Gender
Female
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
I work in healthcare. STDs are very common. It starts young. I fear the parents pass on their attitudes to their children. Praise God salvation isn't based on parents

That’s unfortunate. Healthcare can take a toll on employees mentally. You’re pretty upbeat in spite of your work and that’s a blessing.

I wish people would find other things to talk about & argue about too then abortion or having big families. I've just become numb to it all

I stopped participating in those conversations a long time ago and I don’t think large families are feasible for most. You need to start young ideally and have a lot of resources. I see it often in homesteading circles but they’re an anomaly and the majority of them homeschool and have a parent at home. My daughter wants the same and i support it. But it’s not for everyone.
 
Upvote 0

High Fidelity

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Feb 9, 2014
24,481
10,527
✟1,039,400.00
Country
United Kingdom
Gender
Male
Faith
Baptist
Marital Status
Private
Sometimes I wonder if us real Christians should go by another name, to separate us from the false Christians.
It wouldn’t make a difference, since they see themselves as Christians too.

Kinda like a skunk can’t smell their own stench, the fool is ignorant of his foolishness.
 
Upvote 0

bèlla

❤️
Site Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
21,707
18,533
USA
✟1,040,866.00
Country
United States
Gender
Female
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
Sometimes I wonder if us real Christians should go by another name, to separate us from the false Christians.

Our actions bear witness to the truth. It isn’t necessary to adopt a new label. We’ll naturally gravitate to things and people that enrich our spirit and draw us closer to the Lord. And when light departs the camouflage is obvious and onlookers notice a difference. Allow the outworking to have its way and all will be revealed.

I’ve been unfollowing a lot of christians on social media as of late and others who lack the qualities I’m prioritizing during this period. And the primary catalyst is greed. The popular term is tone deaf and I’m bothered by the lack of balance I see in promotions or sensitivity to rising costs. When you prioritize your welfare at another’s expense you’re entering murky waters. It doesn’t sit right with me.

The other thing I’m examining is their response to social struggles. Oftentimes people begin with the bible but as time progresses they have a different opinion. They don’t stand up for the little guy. You don’t have to champion every cause but when there’s no recognition of the marginalized I’m concerned. When I see problems addressed and the solution doesn’t account for variances in circumstances (like the person I posted the other day) it feels unloving.

But I‘ve found a few who warm the heart and leave the viewer feeling encouraged or inspired in a positive way and that’s refreshing. I value a level of transparency too. I don’t need to know your business. But I think when you view your influence as an opportunity to minister to others you’re more forthcoming and less enticed to wear a mask. You don’t win souls like that.

Be encouraged. There’s others like you. Pray for godly companions and divine appointments. And do the same online. Ask the Lord to send edifying content. The gems I’ve found showed up on my feed. I didn’t look for them.
 
Upvote 0

LoveDivine

Well-Known Member
May 20, 2015
2,373
3,737
✟230,416.00
Gender
Female
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
It wouldn’t make a difference, since they see themselves as Christians too.

Kinda like a skunk can’t smell their own stench, the fool is ignorant of his foolishness.
I agree. Unfortunately, this has been the struggle since the church began. Think about how much hardship the false converts brought upon the apostles and the sincere followers. There will always be tares mixed in. All we can do is focus on our own relationship with God and try to reach others.
 
Upvote 0

DragonFox91

Well-Known Member
Dec 20, 2020
5,986
3,634
33
Grand Rapids MI
✟267,569.00
Country
United States
Gender
Male
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Politics
US-Republican
I've definitely thought in the past we should identify as something else. I think that's a big reason in the past people would identify by their denomination, people saw Christian was just too broad a term. We don't really identify ourselves by a denomination as much anymore in some part b/c identifying ourselves by a denomination feels wrong to us, but we also feel Christian is just too broad a term, so we are stuck without a name.
 
Upvote 0

LoveDivine

Well-Known Member
May 20, 2015
2,373
3,737
✟230,416.00
Gender
Female
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
I've definitely thought in the past we should identify as something else. I think that's a big reason in the past people would identify by their denomination. We don't really do that as much anymore in some part b/c identifying ourselves by a denomination feels wrong to us, but we also feel Christian is just too broad a term, so we are stuck without a name.
I like to tell others that I'm a Christian. It's simple and I think it actually helps to draw attention away from the issues of the church. A denomination will never be perfect, but Christ is. By saying to others we are a Christian, we are saying that we follow Christ. We should bear his name. There is nothing wrong with belonging to a specific denomination, but I think it's always best to tell someone who doesn't believe that you are a Christian. Then if they inquire more you can share more information about the type of church you attend and the details of your particular denomination. I'm not ashamed to be considered a Christian, because it has nothing to do with others who claim that title. It has everything to do with the person we follow. Even though many professing Christians have brought a reproach to the gospel, it doesn't undo what Christ taught. When we share the gospel we don't need to focus too much on the church; we should direct people to read the words of Christ.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0

bèlla

❤️
Site Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
21,707
18,533
USA
✟1,040,866.00
Country
United States
Gender
Female
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
I've definitely thought in the past we should identify as something else. I think that's a big reason in the past people would identify by their denomination, people saw Christian was just too broad a term. We don't really identify ourselves by a denomination as much anymore in some part b/c identifying ourselves by a denomination feels wrong to us, but we also feel Christian is just too broad a term, so we are stuck without a name.

I’ve developed the ability to talk about the Lord and biblical principles without using any labels. Sometimes it’s necessary to meet a person where they are or find common denominators in shared interests. I’m less concerned about the word and more focused on the light. If the latter is lacking it doesn’t matter what I call myself. Have I made a difference today? Is someone bettered by my presence? Was I His hands and feet? Those are the questions that keep me accountable and draw others to Christ. Living the word is more important.
 
  • Like
Reactions: LoveDivine
Upvote 0

bèlla

❤️
Site Supporter
Jan 16, 2019
21,707
18,533
USA
✟1,040,866.00
Country
United States
Gender
Female
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
In Relationship
It increasingly feels like we’re living in Sodom and Gomorrah and I’m growing tired of the proliferation of sex and debauchery in our culture. Barely there attire is having its moment before the congregation and men are speaking out. Gym attire is on the hot seat and many are complaining. Why is it necessary to be sexy while exercising with no concern for others? Most of the pieces are too sheer, too tight or leave nothing to the imagination.

But they didn’t stop there. A recent incident at Disney World brought additional ire. Women were scantily clad in bubble skirts that didn’t cover their bottom. It looks like a micro mini skirt in the front and when she walks away the back is exposed. How did we get here? What compels someone to dress like that in a setting with children and families? It’s indecent.

I wish that was it but it’s not. We have mesh dresses that look like fishing nets and under clothes are optional. We’re no longer wearing pants and opting for pantyhose in their place with a onesie top that looks like a swimsuit. And if this wasn’t shameful enough, Kim Kardashian introduced a nipple bra through her Skims line. We’re finding new lows.

Someone likened this behavior to streetwalker culture and it’s genuinely moving in that direction. I feel for the children and adults who have to stomach it. The church isn’t immune to the problem. Trends find their way into pews on Sunday morning and men have complained.

While society uncovers itself some are opting for modesty instead and I hope it continues. No one considers the consequences of overexposure and what one may invite by dressing that way. My heart goes out to the men and husbands who are trying to do the right thing and honor the Lord and their spouse amidst this dilemma. We should ask the Lord to convict the offenders and raise a new standard of holiness in its place. That is my prayer.
 
Upvote 0

LoveDivine

Well-Known Member
May 20, 2015
2,373
3,737
✟230,416.00
Gender
Female
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Sometimes I think about writing. It would be cool to have a substack (or something like that, or a blog) where I could write things and it's actually seen by people.
What topics would you like to write about for a blog ?
 
Upvote 0