Why aren't we any different?

[Kersh]

A while back, I heard a sermon in which it was stated that polls show that the only moral distinctions between Christians and non-Christians is that we "are more likely to oppose abortion and we don't use the f-word as much." I don't know where the pastor got this from, but it seems generally consistent with my observations. Christians, by and large, are just as likely to look at pornography, cheat on our spouses, get a divorce, use foul language, lie, etc. as are non-Christians. So, I am wondering why this is? Or, if you think I'm wrong about this, tell my why you think that.

I believe that, based on what we believe about Jesus, we should see a radical transformation in the lives of people who follow Him. Our devotion for Jesus should lead us to be more ethical, more loving, more kind, more pure, and more honest than non-believers. But, frankly, I don't see widespread evidence of this in the American church.

 

[terryjohn]

Surely you do not include yourself in that assessment?

 

[Kersh]

I'm a Christian; I was talking about Christians; so, yes, I do count myself int that. To be honest, I have made some awful decisions during my Christian walk, but I have also seen substantial growth in many areas of my life and walk with Jesus.

But, my thought is that, based on what we believe as Christians, we should see a marked difference between how the "average" Christian lives and how the "average" non-Christian lives. And, the facts don't bear that out.

That said, I've known many Christians who were very kind, ethical, compassionate people, but I've known many Atheists who were also very kind, ethical, compassionate people. I've also seen the opposite.

 

[Bethany35]

I think there is a massive assumption that we are anti-gay, anti abortion and anti modern life
To be a Christian you have to follow Jesus' teachings and remember he is your God.

 

[Shempster]

Paul in Romans talks about this. Whats really cool is how we can be a "Christian" by what we believe and testify yet still be controlled by our sinful nature. He talks in Colossians 2 how having religious rules and observances does NOTHING to quell the sinful nature. Paul really had a good grasp on the issue.
I spent 27 years like this. I was living a dual life. I knew all the scriptures about being free and sung songs about my chains being broken, but alas the chains were stronger than steel and it seemed the lock was rusted shut.
The NATURE of a person is the real issue to look at. For the most part, we cannot get free because of religious doctrines that many churches teach us and the ones they withhold because of tradition.
Paul makes it clear...religious rules seem good and make one look more pious, but if the evil nature still runs the show then life is not abundant but every day is a struggle. That life stinks. I lived it for a long long time.

If you want to know how I got from there to here I'd love to tell you but it is one of the banned topics on this site.

 

[Kersh]

Paul in Romans talks about this. Whats really cool is how we can be a "Christian" by what we believe and testify yet still be controlled by our sinful nature. He talks in Colossians 2 how having religious rules and observances does NOTHING to quell the sinful nature. Paul really had a good grasp on the issue.
I spent 27 years like this. I was living a dual life. I knew all the scriptures about being free and sung songs about my chains being broken, but alas the chains were stronger than steel and it seemed the lock was rusted shut.
The NATURE of a person is the real issue to look at. For the most part, we cannot get free because of religious doctrines that many churches teach us and the ones they withhold because of tradition.
Paul makes it clear...religious rules seem good and make one look more pious, but if the evil nature still runs the show then life is not abundant but every day is a struggle. That life stinks. I lived it for a long long time.

Thank you for the response. But, when I read Romans 6, I read that we are dead to sin and slaves to righteousness. But, all too often, we don't show evidence of this.

I am not talking about legalism here. Law is about following the rules because we don't want to be punished. Being a slave to righteousness is about having our very nature changed to the point where sin is not our default.

 

[longwait]

The reason why you do not see evidence of this is because not all who claim to be christians want to do the Lord's will. What does the scripture say? If you love the world and the things of this world the love of God is not in you. But the majority of christians still love the world. So they don't behave any different than the rest of the world. According to the Bible we have to keep ourselves from being polluted by the world.

Then there are others who try their best to be a good christian but sometimes the devil manages to make us say or do something that we will regret later. That is why we need to have a constant relationship with the Lord and to memorize the Word regularly. This is a continuous learning process and noone is perfect except the Lord.

 

[SkyWriting]

A while back, I heard a sermon in which it was stated that polls show that the only moral distinctions between Christians and non-Christians is that we "are more likely to oppose abortion and we don't use the f-word as much." I don't know where the pastor got this from, but it seems generally consistent with my observations. Christians, by and large, are just as likely to look at pornography, cheat on our spouses, get a divorce, use foul language, lie, etc. as are non-Christians. So, I am wondering why this is? Or, if you think I'm wrong about this, tell my why you think that.

I believe that, based on what we believe about Jesus, we should see a radical transformation in the lives of people who follow Him. Our devotion for Jesus should lead us to be more ethical, more loving, more kind, more pure, and more honest than non-believers. But, frankly, I don't see widespread evidence of this in the American church.

I believe this is because statistics lie.
I have seen transformed people, but people who need God also
become Christians. I see much diversity in Sunday School class.
I would say that "Christians" are more diverse than the general
population yet statistically equal.

 

[Sketcher]

A while back, I heard a sermon in which it was stated that polls show that the only moral distinctions between Christians and non-Christians is that we "are more likely to oppose abortion and we don't use the f-word as much." I don't know where the pastor got this from, but it seems generally consistent with my observations. Christians, by and large, are just as likely to look at pornography, cheat on our spouses, get a divorce, use foul language, lie, etc. as are non-Christians. So, I am wondering why this is? Or, if you think I'm wrong about this, tell my why you think that.

I'd need to see credible statistics and read some interviews by those on the wrong side of that fence before coming to an adequate conclusion.

 

[Emmy]

Dear Kersh. In Matthew 22: 35-40: Jesus tells us: The first and great Commandments are: " Love God with all your hearts, with all your souls, and with all your minds. The second is like it: love thy neighbour as thyself." In verse 40
we are told: " On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." God is Love, and God wants loving sons and daughters. What could be more than that? Love God and love each other. Love is very catching, and a Christian`s weapon is love and compassion.
In Matthew 7: 7-10: we are told: " Ask and you shall receive," we ask for Love and Joy, then thank God and share all
love and joy with our neighbour. (neighbour is all we know and all we meet, friends and not friends) We might stumble and forget at times, but then we ask God to forgive us, and carry on loving and caring, being kind and always use friendly words. The Bible tells us: " Repent and be Born Again," give up all selfish wishes and wants, and start loving and caring. The Holy Spirit will help and guide us, and Jesus our Saviour will lead us all the way: JESUS IS THE WAY. We will gradually change into the men and women which God wants us to be, and God will keep blessing us.
To Love God and love our neighbour is what God wants, we ask for Love and then share it with our neighbour.
Let us keep following Jesus and be the men and women which God wants us to be. I say this with love, Kersh.
Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ.

 

[Boogeyman07]

 

[ScottA]

A while back, I heard a sermon in which it was stated that polls show that the only moral distinctions between Christians and non-Christians is that we "are more likely to oppose abortion and we don't use the f-word as much." I don't know where the pastor got this from, but it seems generally consistent with my observations. Christians, by and large, are just as likely to look at pornography, cheat on our spouses, get a divorce, use foul language, lie, etc. as are non-Christians. So, I am wondering why this is? Or, if you think I'm wrong about this, tell my why you think that.

I believe that, based on what we believe about Jesus, we should see a radical transformation in the lives of people who follow Him. Our devotion for Jesus should lead us to be more ethical, more loving, more kind, more pure, and more honest than non-believers. But, frankly, I don't see widespread evidence of this in the American church.

That's just it...what is widespread, is widespread (what "was", still "is"...and what has changed, is unseen). I mean, think about it, it's not like we pass through some body scan thingy as a sinful fleshly creature and are transformed into a perfect new spiritual being. No...the problem does not exist with the new spiritual creation that scripture says is born in us...but with the old man that scripture says is dead. So...our problem is unbelief. We don't get up the next morning a new creation...we get up the next morning, realize we still have a body of flesh, and walk out the rest of our days like a zombie.

But you don't hear about how to embrace your new spiritual babe - even, and especially, from the pulpit - but what we hear is a multitude of guilt trips and one form or another of how to keep your body-buddy on a tight leash. So...instead of letting the dead bury the dead...we move in with them (with the blessing of the church).

 

[DreyDay]

A while back, I heard a sermon in which it was stated that polls show that the only moral distinctions between Christians and non-Christians is that we "are more likely to oppose abortion and we don't use the f-word as much." I don't know where the pastor got this from, but it seems generally consistent with my observations. Christians, by and large, are just as likely to look at pornography, cheat on our spouses, get a divorce, use foul language, lie, etc. as are non-Christians. So, I am wondering why this is? Or, if you think I'm wrong about this, tell my why you think that.

I believe that, based on what we believe about Jesus, we should see a radical transformation in the lives of people who follow Him. Our devotion for Jesus should lead us to be more ethical, more loving, more kind, more pure, and more honest than non-believers. But, frankly, I don't see widespread evidence of this in the American church.

I believe this, and I have observed this with my own eyes. We aren't that different, and I can tell you why.

Christians aren't that different in living healthy lifestyles or lack thereof. Many Christians still buy into the radical left wing ideology that supports feminism, man-shaming (androgyny), and fat acceptance. The social media, society, and the intimacy we have with the mass media outlets have created a generation of people regurgitating information spoon fed to them by left wing proponents who preach that being fat is okay and being manly is outdated and sexist.

True that we have problems with cussing, swearing, and infidelity. I'm probably as bad as the next guy. What I believe sets us apart as believers is that we have a vision, a purpose. Are we going to drift through the sea of life, or are we going to steer and create a life that has meaning, purpose, inspiration, and perspiration?

Do you really have a reason to live, or are you just floating around waiting for somebody to give you permission to really be alive and get what you want? Are you exercising, eating reasonably healthy, and setting an example with your appearance? Are you constantly shaping your personality to strip away any bad habits, thinking patterns? Are you striving for the next goal so you can become the best version of yourself?

This is the real question, not how we are swearing or watching dirty films like non-believers. Come on get real. Are we living our life to its fullest potential in the name of God, and are we pulling others up along with us?

Our bodies emit vibrational fields from our hearts, and these vibrations have a quality to them depending on how you feel. Good feelings emit high vibrations, and bad feelings emit lower vibrational fields. So as Christians we need to remember that we should operate only at the highest vibrational fields which consist of thanksgiving, holiness, kindness, self-control, love...hmmm doesn't this sound familiar lol.

 

[JCFantasy23]

A while back, I heard a sermon in which it was stated that polls show that the only moral distinctions between Christians and non-Christians is that we "are more likely to oppose abortion and we don't use the f-word as much." I don't know where the pastor got this from, but it seems generally consistent with my observations. Christians, by and large, are just as likely to look at pornography, cheat on our spouses, get a divorce, use foul language, lie, etc. as are non-Christians. So, I am wondering why this is? Or, if you think I'm wrong about this, tell my why you think that.

I believe that, based on what we believe about Jesus, we should see a radical transformation in the lives of people who follow Him. Our devotion for Jesus should lead us to be more ethical, more loving, more kind, more pure, and more honest than non-believers. But, frankly, I don't see widespread evidence of this in the American church.

I'm always curious on who is polled for these "polls" and statistics.

Morals that God set are, to me, pretty much common sense. Society shapes most of the same morals, and we're all flawed humans, so I wouldn't expect to walk around and see glaring differences between believers and non-believers so easily. It's easy to have a misconception of a Christian you hardly know, but see more of their light (or their issues) the better you get to know them. I don't believe in immediate transformation after being saved to the point where we're as good as it's going to get on this Earth. I believe people keep growing, learning and improving. This explains why you still see Christians who haven't acknowledged a sin, or else they haven't dealt with all sins, or else they aren't perfect. It's a journey.

 

[razzelflabben]

A while back, I heard a sermon in which it was stated that polls show that the only moral distinctions between Christians and non-Christians is that we "are more likely to oppose abortion and we don't use the f-word as much." I don't know where the pastor got this from, but it seems generally consistent with my observations. Christians, by and large, are just as likely to look at pornography, cheat on our spouses, get a divorce, use foul language, lie, etc. as are non-Christians. So, I am wondering why this is? Or, if you think I'm wrong about this, tell my why you think that.

I believe that, based on what we believe about Jesus, we should see a radical transformation in the lives of people who follow Him. Our devotion for Jesus should lead us to be more ethical, more loving, more kind, more pure, and more honest than non-believers. But, frankly, I don't see widespread evidence of this in the American church.

Honestly, there should be a radical difference from the Biblical understanding, and in fact, we saw that among the early believers, but in the US and some other western cultures, we have an easy beliefism which seems to weaken the church to such a degree that there is no perceivable difference. If persecution came to the Western Church, I bet you would see a dramatic transformation is a big hurry.

 

[tickingclocker]

Paul in Romans talks about this. Whats really cool is how we can be a "Christian" by what we believe and testify yet still be controlled by our sinful nature. He talks in Colossians 2 how having religious rules and observances does NOTHING to quell the sinful nature. Paul really had a good grasp on the issue.
I spent 27 years like this. I was living a dual life. I knew all the scriptures about being free and sung songs about my chains being broken, but alas the chains were stronger than steel and it seemed the lock was rusted shut.
The NATURE of a person is the real issue to look at. For the most part, we cannot get free because of religious doctrines that many churches teach us and the ones they withhold because of tradition.
Paul makes it clear...religious rules seem good and make one look more pious, but if the evil nature still runs the show then life is not abundant but every day is a struggle. That life stinks. I lived it for a long long time.

If you want to know how I got from there to here I'd love to tell you but it is one of the banned topics on this site.

Shemster, how could it be a banned subject, how the HS increases the New Creation, while the old man diminishes? Could you point me in the direction of why that is? I would appreciate it.

The behavior of most people, upon conversion, does change for the better. They suddenly view cursing, lying, stealing, etc., as being against what God would want them to do. Only, now they must discover the why of why those things go against God's nature. That's the stickier part of following Jesus Christ. Making Him your Lord instead of just leaving Him as Savior. Some don't ever grasp that next step/phase, which is very possible when allowing the HS to indwell the believer more and more.

 

[GeorgiaGuyinAtlanta]

Christians, by and large, are just as likely to look at pornography, cheat on our spouses, get a divorce, use foul language, lie, etc. as are non-Christians.

Most probably aren't Christians. There will be many who will say Lord who will be told that He never knew them.

Pornography = lust = adultery = not enter the Kingdom of God in this sin
Divorce is forgivable but remarriage after divorce (except for marital unfaithfulness) is adultery = not enter Kingdom of God in this sin.
Foul language represents an unclean heart and must be confessed to God. Christians do curse at times, but in no way do I believe that it is as common as non-Christians.

 

[GeorgiaGuyinAtlanta]

I think there is a massive assumption that we are anti-gay, anti abortion and anti modern life
To be a Christian you have to follow Jesus' teachings and remember he is your God.

As Christians, we should be anti-homosexuality, anti-abortion, and anti-modern life. After all, we are not to partake in these works of iniquity, nor should we support them.

 

[GeorgiaGuyinAtlanta]

repost