Most of you know by now that I've committed my life to Jesus Christ. And, with that comes the awesome responsibility of walking and behaving as Christ did, hence the name "Christian" (i.e., little Christ). I'm not crying or complaining because I'm seeing God really move in my life. I just wanted to note that with every good thing comes a price. I find that the more I try to walk circumspectly, the more temptation comes my way to try and derail me. One of the biggest missions and attributes of being Christ-like is showing love to EVERYONE. Now, this is where some misperceptions lie. God doesn't want his people to walk around like defeatists, accepting mistreatment from any and everyone. He simply wants us to react and deal with everyday problems differently from people who aren't "saved" and "born-again" Christians. Let me give you an example. If someone is nice to you, you're more likely to be nice back to them. That's all well and good, but Jesus teaches us that people who do that don't really get a reward. He challenges his believers to be nice and do right by those who curse you, and spit on you, and say all kinds of evil against you. That brings me to the point of this thread. I've sat back and watched as people like Invektive said I had AIDS, which not only is a horrible thing to say, but isn't true. Also, I've sat back and watched certain people try to shit on me as if I'm not a human being like everyone else, simply because of what they THINK I do/am. Before I made this commitment to God, I'd react in a vengeful way, lashing back out at them without thinking. Now, I still find it hard at times to "turn the other cheek," but thank God it's getting easier. I don't like conflict. I don't like friction between people. And, for what it's worth, I like carry myself in a dignified way (in real life). But, there are some people who can take you to places (emotionally/mentally) you just don't want to go. I've made a vow to myself that I refuse to let people like that bring me down anymore. I've come too far and done too much to let the ignorance of some people compromise my integrity. I'm actually apologizing to Invektive right now for chewin his butt out on Yahoo last night. But, there was already tension there from earlier encounters with him. And, when he said one last thing to me, I snapped. What he and Mimesis don't seem to get is that saying someone is "dumb" or "stupid" is an opinion and peopl have a right to say it. However, claiming someone has "AIDS" is a whole 'notha can of worms that is defamation. The real reason it bothers me is that it simply perpetuates stereotypes about gay people that need to come to an end. The truth of the matter is, anyone on this site who has had sex could have Aids.PERIOD.

In closing, I'd like to say to everyone to stay true to yourselves, no matter what. Do what it takes to maintain your dignity and beliefs. If it means getting away from certain things or people to walk upright, then do it. I've prayed hard on this matter and I know that God is faithful and will answer me.


God is great.

Don't let the devil blind you all into believing that you only have to give account to yourself. That's called secular humanism.


Neway...God bless and peace out.

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So that's what you were talking bout when you said you were tempted to go back to ya old ways last night in the cypher.

Meh, it is hard for the beginning, but eventually it gets easier. You have to be careful though in real life, cuz if you become passive people will just step over you, cuz there is a difference between revenge and defense. Main thing is if someone hits you, immobilize them, don't hit them. I mean, turning the other cheek is all good when your community didn't fight often, but now with knives and ish like that, it isn't reasonable. Read The Bible and make your own values, you don't have to believe everything The Bible says, you need to find what God has said in it and develop your own morals and customs.

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Cool...........

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Oh...I'm actually well versed in scripture. I'm not a new believer; I was raised in church. But, I totally agree with you when you say don't become passive. I mentioned that early in my statement about God not wanting his people to let others walk all over them. He simply wants us to react differently to everyday situations than non-believers would. I don't have fear because I know that God has my life in his hands. NO man can harm me unless God himself authorized it. And, if He did, it's for a reason. My faith is strong. There's no turning back for me because I've lived and done all the carnal things you can do. There's NEVER any true fulfillment in that. ONly God can fill the void in your heart, not drugs or sex or food.

Anyway, I appreciate what you're saying because it's true. My "marquee" scriptures that I read often are Mark 10:27, Romans 12:19, and Proverbs 3:5-6.

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Ya, I was brought up in a Lutheran school, ended up memorizing most of the small catachism (sp), but I've forgot a lot of it now. I just got sick of being told how I had to worship or else it was wrong, one reason I think that the Lutheran faith isn't as big as others. I made the mistake of being passive, but now I balance it. That's all faith really is is balance.

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balance and separating man-made tradition from true doctrine. Then again, you have to know the scriptures to know when you're being fed adulterated word. Last Sunday a guest preacher spoke and I almost jumped out of my seat. The reason I reacted so strongly, was because he was trying to pass his "opinion" off as scripture. Thank God I know the word because it was GLARINGLY erroneous. My only problem is that other people may not know because they don't study the bible as much.


I don't have a problem with someone giving opinions from the pulpit, but they should clarify that.

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Ya, one thing I don't like is that preachers give opinions, sometimes without realizing it, and try to make people think it's the Word. I take what they're saying, figure out their message, then think bout it later. This way, I get the views, but they don't automatically become mine. I remember that I knew a few people that whatever the priest said was law, and I just don't like that. Yes, The Bible says to obey our superiors and elders, but when I disagree with their opinions, I can't. Ish gets so complicated. -_-

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yea...I even knew one preacher at an old church of mine that tried to convince people how they should and shouldn't eat. I mean, this guy was serious when he said, "And why is it that we eat 3-4 eggs for breakfast, instead of just 2?"


^^You gotta be kiddin' me right? I realize he was ATTEMPTING to speak on indulgences and addictions, but 3 eggs instead of 2 hardly qualifies. I could then make the argument as to why even eat eggs at all!


man...God is good.

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Good for you man...

Remember this though.. There is only one Jesus. Just as there is only one you. Every human is different and although you may really admire someone from what you've read/heard about their lives.

Know that the circumstances you have gone through are still unique to yourself and the message you preach should be tailored not to suit the teachings of someone else, but to put forward the opinions and knowledge you've collected throughout your own life.

Those who have passed away can be reborn inside us, but not duplicated in our character. I guess what I'm saying is, its good to admire people who were as intelligent and well spoken as Jesus. But always stay true to yourself and preach from your own understandings of life...

hmm...I feel you. But, the whole point of the Christian "faith" is to be Christ like. Other wise, people should do something else and call themselves something else, which they certainly have a right to do. As for me, I choose to serve the Lord.

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Religion is merely the teachings of a prophet collected and preached to other people in order to spread the word of that prophet.

Nobody needs a set religion to have a relationship with god. Infact, most religion relies on the general stupidity of most people in order to gain a following and inevidibly power for the elected leaders of the religious group. The christian faith is about following what jesus taught throughout his life. Just like groups like Neo-platonists who follow the teachings of Plato.. However the church would have everyone believe there is much more to it.. By essentually making a load of things up about jesus being a deity when he was walking the earth, they changed and re-wrote parts of the bible to suit their teachings and gain a larger following etc etc...

Dont be fooled into thinking you have to choose a religion to become closer to god. In the larger scheme of things, all religions are is people preaching to the lesser or often, easily lead folk for their worldly satisfaction...

As I said, dont try to become Jesus.. As there was only one Jesus and althrough his spirit can be reborn into others seeking to do the work of god, always remember to stay humble and be yourself with your own teachings and knowledge.

You should try to walk straight too.

Lmao



And that's ill Q, It's not hard for me to hold in my anger or temptations, I just choose to act upon them. It's 'fun'.

There are specific things that Jesus charges his believers do. That's what I'm talking about. If someone doesn't want to do those things, then they have that choice. As a Christian, we have that responsibility, not merely just "appreciating" the teaching of Jesus. This faith is an ACTIVE one.

NEway...I'm not going to argue with you Nos on what I believe. People are blinded to the truth. Satan can't erase God, so he blinds people to the truth.

P.S. There's a difference between religion and spirituality. People religiously sin. And, alot of what you're saying is ANTI-scriptural. So, I'll leave you to your points of view.






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