So tired of Christians not knowing what a Christian is!

[Rhema]

What will you say when he is assassinated in the Oval Office.

That's a pretty specific location, Bill.

I think we'll hold you to that.

 

[KingJ]

From the OP:

"Christian" is a mere label; whereas believer is an action.

Claiming such label would be a declension, a step down, from standing as a believer in or follower of Jesus Christ. I challenge brethren often about using the name of Jesus Christ in their witness, rather than the once-removed politically-correct label of "Christian." I have even seen people manifest at the mention of Jesus. Fact is, in the Holy Bible, you will never find a man of God calling another man of God, "Christian."

How and when was the word "Christian" first used? The term 'Christian' was used to describe a follower of Christ in terms of the world, from the world’s point of view. The pagans at Antioch called the apostles "Christians" first (Acts 11:26; 26:28) and used it derogatorily because the apostles didn’t follow the commercial world of the pagans. "Christian" is an adjective, not a noun. The substance is not in the word "Christian", the substance is in the heart of the man it is attempting to describe, and which the pagan user cannot see.

Christ never called himself a Christian, Christ never called his followers Christians. The apostles never called each other Christians. Christ never used an adjective to describe himself. So how are we to identify ourselves then? The disciples called each other, "brethren", "disciples", "apostles", "servants", "believers", "followers", "the faithful", "the elect", "the called", and "saints." We can also identify ourselves as "bondservants" of Christ.

The servants of Christ belong to the kingdom of God. If you do not belong to a certain kingdom, you are labeled or named by that kingdom to be of another kingdom. For example, people in the continent (kingdom) of North America call those from the continent (kingdom) of South America, South Americans; from Asia, Asians; from Africa, Africans; from Europe, Europeans. But South Americans don’t call themselves South Americans, Asians don’t call themselves Asians. Africans don’t call themselves Africans, and Europeans don’t call themselves Europeans. Do North Americans call themselves North Americans? When you introduce yourself to somebody, do you say, "Hi! I’m a North American!" No, you don’t, because those from the same kingdom do not place labels on themselves or others. If you are a constituent of a Kingdom, you do not name one in the same Kingdom any thing; but you call them according to the relation between the two of you (brother, sister, mother, father, workman, labourer, minister, bishop, deacon, etc). And who establishes the relation? The Lawgiver (Isaiah 33:22, James 4:12).

The term "Christian" was imposed upon the servants of Christ by Christ’s enemies living outside the Kingdom of God, to label those living in the Kingdom of God. Servants of Christ should not call themselves Christians, since this would imply that we are not from the Kingdom of God. Just like someone in Asia would not call themselves ‘Asians’, those living in Christ should not call themselves ‘Christians,’ because it would give the impression to others that you are from a different kingdom.

1 John 4:5, "They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world…"

As scripture says, those who are of the world speak of the world, and use the words of the world. By using the words of the world, or by using the words of another kingdom, you identify yourself as being of that kingdom. And, since the word "Christian" is a term of the world, it might be best to use the words of God to describe us.

Here are a few references:

"Christian: A follower of the religion of Christ [Note carefully that Christ never started a religion - John 7:16]. It is probable that the name Christian, like that of Nazarenes and Galileans, was given to the disciples of our Lord in reproach or contempt. What confirms this opinion is, that the people of Antioch in Syria, Acts 11:26, where they were first called Christians observed by Zosimus, Procopius, and Zonaras, to have been remarkable for their scurrilous jesting. Some have indeed thought that this name was given by the disciples to themselves; others, that it was imposed on them by divine authority; in either of which cases we should have met with it in the subsequent history of the Acts, and in the Apostolic Epistles, all of which were written some years after; whereas it is found but in two more places in the New Testament, Acts 26:28, where a Jew is the speaker, and in 1 Peter 4:16, where reference appears to be made to the name as imposed on them by their enemies. The word used, Acts 11:26, signifies simply to be called or named, and when Doddridge and a few others take to imply a divine appointment, they disregard the usus loquendi [established acceptation of the term] which gives no support to that opinion. The words Tacitus, when speaking of the Christians persecuted by Nero, are remarkable, ‘vulgus Christianos appellabat,’ ‘the vulgar call them Christians.’ Epiphanius says, that they were called Jesseans, either from Jesse, the father of David, or, which is much more probable, from the name of Jesus, whose disciples they were. They were denominated Christians, A. D. 42 or 43; and though the name was first given reproachfully, they gloried in it, as expressing their adherence to Christ, and they soon generally accepted it." Richard Watson, Watson’s Bible Dictionary (1832), p. 233.

"Cristianos, Christian: a word formally not after the Greek but after the Roman manner, denoting attachment to or adherents to Christ. Only occurs as used by others of them, not by Christians of themselves. Tacitus (A.D. 96) says (Annals 15, 44), ‘The vulgar call them Christians. The author or origin of this denomination, Christus, had, in the reign of Tiberius been executed by the procurator, Pontius Pilate.’" Ethelbert William Bullinger, A Critical Lexicon and Concordance of the English and Greek New Testament (1908), p. 152.

"This name (Christian) occurs but three times in the New Testament, and is never used by Christians of themselves, only as spoken by or coming from those without the church. The general names by which the early Christians called themselves were ‘brethren,’ ‘disciples,’ ‘believers,’ and ‘saints.’ The presumption is that the name ‘Christian’ was originated by the heathen." Thomas W. Doane, Bible Myths (1882), page 567, note 3.

"The name (Christian) given by the Greeks or Romans, probably in reproach, to the followers of Jesus. It was first used at Antioch." Easton’s Bible Dictionary.

"Egypt, which you commanded to me, my dearest Servianus, I have found to be wholly fickle and inconsistent, and continually wafted about every breath of fame. The worshippers of Serapis (here) are called Christians, and those who are devoted to the god Serapis (I find), call themselves Bishops of Christ." The Emperor Adrian to Servianus, written A.D. 134.

If you go to Zodhiates Word Studies, he tells you that when they were called Christians at Antioch, using the word ‘crematezo,’ it was a "divine warning." In other words, be forewarned, avoid this word and the use of it. And that’s what the apostles did. You will never read any of these New Testament writers using the term ‘christian’ to describe themselves.

P.S. If you want to experience a quantum leap in the effectiveness of your witness, drop the socially-safe and PC "Christian" label and rather go with "Jesus Christ." Then stand ready for the fireworks!

Interesting thoughts but with regards to the topic, really much ado about nothing.

You quoted a passage that said ''what is a Christian'' and you explain in detail that a ''Christian'' is a word that should not exist as a noun.

Perhaps, but so what? Substitute the word for a child of God.

John 1:12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God.

 

[KingJ]

@Dave M , @Bill , @Rhema

Please discuss Trumps 'assassination' in another thread.

 

[Dave M]

Yes , after you complained that Trump was not re-elected, i said "not yet"

What does God being forgiving and merciful have to do with a prophecy. Do you think Pres. Trump is being punished? No, he is not being punished. The prophecy is of what will happen.

no you did not, I have what you said to me. after he lost,

I asked you did God lay that on your heart, or did you actually hear God's Voice, and your reply was very telling up a humble person. But then
you changed your story,

You did not get prophecy, and you had better Go to God in a humble way and ask for forgiveness.


this is your exact reply to me Nov 5 2020
I didnt mean to seem defensive . But ive felt in my heart Pres Trump will win re-election . And the Lord has told me to put my faith in Him .

Im not perfect either . Lol thank God . I am glad to stuggle , although its a pain too . Lol

 

[Dave M]

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Bill

the reason I brought that up about trump ...was when you said he would win,,,,,,,, I was not sure if you were claiming God told you, or if that was just your opionin that he would win, dont be so defensive brother its all good

have good night my freind

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Bill

the reason I brought that up about trump ...was when you said he would win,,,,,,,, I was not sure if you were claiming God told you, or if that was just your opionin that he would win, dont be so defensive brother its all good

have good night my freind

I didnt mean to seem defensive . But ive felt in my heart Pres Trump will win re-election . And the Lord has told me to put my faith in Him .

Im not perfect either . Lol thank God . I am glad to stuggle , although its a pain too . Lol

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spoken like a humble servant of the the Lords !!

nothing but love love you Bill have a good day and thanks for the reply in God we trust,


One thing is certain,,,,, lawlessness will abound in end times and we are seeing that play out before our eyes

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spoken like a humble servant of the the Lords !!

nothing but love love you Bill have a good day and thanks for the reply in God we trust,


One thing is certain,,,,, lawlessness will abound in end times and we are seeing that play out before our eyes

Dave , i just want to tell you . I thank the Lord for you .

Not only your words for me and our friendship . But those times you hold me in check , and i have seen the Lord speak through you to me as well .

Thank you brother

 

[backNforth]

Nope.

Χριστιανός G5546 is a noun, in both Acts 11:26 and Acts 26:28.

You don't have the right to change the language and lie to people about it.

lol I do understand why you're lost on this. Being right is more important to you than the plain truth. Both your cited verses were spoken by heathens, which renders your slander a non sequitur.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
(Matthew 11:29 KJV)

Both meek and lowly are adjectives that Christ used to describe himself.

You don't have the right to change the language and lie to people about it.

You're lost again. For example, the Greek "meek" is a noun (Nominative Singular Masculine). Matthew 11 :: King James Version (KJV)

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
(1 Peter 4:16 KJV)

The author of First Peter used it when addressing believers.

You don't have the right to change the language and lie to people about it.

And you're lost a third time. This one is quite shameful, but hey, truth is always the first casualty in your rants.

"Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf."

First of all, keep in mind this is the one and only place in the entire scripture this word is used by any man of God. Secondly, Peter did not label the followers of Christ a "Christian" in the passage. Read it again, very carefully. He said they were to be "as a Christian." This is very important. The word as means "like or similar to," but it does not mean one is that word. For example:

1. Genesis 49:9, "...he couched as a lion," does not mean Judah was a lion when he couched!

2. Exodus 15:5, "...they sank into the bottom as a stone," does not mean they were a stone when they sank.

3. Matthew 17:20, "...If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed," does not mean faith is a mustard seed.

4. Matthew 23:37, "...gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens," does not mean God's children were chickens.

5. Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ," does not mean husbands are Christ when they love their wives.

And, therefore:

1 Peter 4:16, "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian," does not mean man is a Christian when they suffer.

When someone is "as" something else, it does not mean one is that something. It means we are similar, in some way, to that name, but we are not literally that name. You see, the heathens are the ones who called the followers of Christ "Christians" (Acts 11:26; 26:28). When Peter was referring to the title "Christian, " it is in the context of suffering, and is in reference to the name as imposed upon them by their enemies, because our enemies want us to suffer.

 

[Bill]

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Bill

the reason I brought that up about trump ...was when you said he would win,,,,,,,, I was not sure if you were claiming God told you, or if that was just your opionin that he would win, dont be so defensive brother its all good

have good night my freind

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I didnt mean to seem defensive . But ive felt in my heart Pres Trump will win re-election . And the Lord has told me to put my faith in Him .

Im not perfect either . Lol thank God . I am glad to stuggle , although its a pain too . Lol

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Dave M​

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spoken like a humble servant of the the Lords !!

nothing but love love you Bill have a good day and thanks for the reply in God we trust,


One thing is certain,,,,, lawlessness will abound in end times and we are seeing that play out before our eyes

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Dave , i just want to tell you . I thank the Lord for you .

Not only your words for me and our friendship . But those times you hold me in check , and i have seen the Lord speak through you to me as well .

Thank you brother

May the Lord Jesus bless us, keep us in His love and fill us with His wisdom.

It is very clear in my heart, Pres. Trump will be killed in his second term as President. I also have a strong impression ( via the Holy Spirit ) it will happen in the springtime ( but i do not know the year) also i feel ( via the Holy Spirit) his death will take place in the Oval Office.

Is this clear enough for you.

Along with this. I have these prophecies.

1) there will be a song on the radio, a real toe Tapper. Many people will really enjoy the song. It will not be focused on God or one thing or another just a good tune. However the author of this song will be considered the new Amadeus, the new Beethoven and many people say the same thing. This song will be on at least four different genres of music.
2) not too soon after the song becomes very popular, there will be a large army that will move from the north down into Israel it will go through Turkey as it does so. Everyone will know the focus of this Army, but no one will stop it. As they come on, stepping into Israel. A number of different things will take place. There will be a great earthquake, the likes the world has never seen before. The Sun will experience something, I can't quite explain it. But very soon after the Great Day of the Lord will take place.

All these things do not matter, as Christians do not see Christian in any of these prophecies. But whoever told God that it has to be Christian to be a prophecy of God

 

[Bill]

lol I do understand why you're lost on this. Being right is more important to you than the plain truth. Both your cited verses were spoken by unbelievers, which renders your slander a non sequitur.


You're lost again. For example, the Greek "meek" is a noun (Nominative Singular Masculine). Matthew 11 :: King James Version (KJV)


And you've lost a third time. This one is quite shameful, but hey, truth is always the first casualty in your rants.

"Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf."

First of all, keep in mind this is the one and only place in the entire scripture this word is used by any man of God. Secondly, Peter did not label the followers of Christ a "Christian" in the passage. Read it again, very carefully. He said they were to be "as a Christian." This is very important. The word as means "like or similar to," but it does not mean one is that word. For example:

1. Genesis 49:9, "...he couched as a lion," does not mean Judah was a lion when he couched!

2. Exodus 15:5, "...they sank into the bottom as a stone," does not mean they were a stone when they sank.

3. Matthew 17:20, "...If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed," does not mean faith is a mustard seed.

4. Matthew 23:37, "...gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens," does not mean God's children were chickens.

5. Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ," does not mean husbands are Christ when they love their wives.

And, therefore:

1 Peter 4:16, "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian," does not mean man is a Christian when they suffer.

When someone is "as" something else, it does not mean one is that something. It means we are similar, in some way, to that name, but we are not literally that name. You see, the heathens are the ones who called the followers of Christ "Christians" (Acts 11:26; 26:28). When Peter was referring to the title "Christian, " it is in the context of suffering, and is in reference to the name as imposed upon them by their enemies, because our enemies want us to suffer.

LOL I do get amused by the little words that get left out

It kind of reminds me of the story of preacher once said that I thought was pretty funny having to do with cleaning out the latrine system of his motorhome that he rented. It said that it needed 5.0 lb of air pressure in the tank and then release the pressure through the nozzle to exit all the stuff out of the tank. The thing was is when he read the 5.0 he did not see the period and thought it read 50 lb.

I'm sure you could imagine how the hose sprayed everything LOL

But the preacher made a great point about having to pay attention of the little things in the scripture and not just the big things

 

[Dave M]

May the Lord Jesus bless us, keep us in His love and fill us with His wisdom.

It is very clear in my heart, Pres. Trump will be killed in his second term as President. I also have a strong impression ( via the Holy Spirit ) it will happen in the springtime ( but i do not know the year) also i feel ( via the Holy Spirit) his death will take place in the Oval Office.

Is this clear enough for you.

Along with this. I have these prophecies.

1) there will be a song on the radio, a real toe Tapper. Many people will really enjoy the song. It will not be focused on God or one thing or another just a good tune. However the author of this song will be considered the new Amadeus, the new Beethoven and many people say the same thing. This song will be on at least four different genres of music.
2) not too soon after the song becomes very popular, there will be a large army that will move from the north down into Israel it will go through Turkey as it does so. Everyone will know the focus of this Army, but no one will stop it. As they come on, stepping into Israel. A number of different things will take place. There will be a great earthquake, the likes the world has never seen before. The Sun will experience something, I can't quite explain it. But very soon after the Great Day of the Lord will take place.

All these things do not matter, as Christians do not see Christian in any of these prophecies. But whoever told God that it has to be Christian to be a prophecy of God

point people to God Bill stop talking about self, with the love of Jesus !! have a good night

 

[backNforth]

It is very clear in my heart, Pres. Trump will be killed in his second term as President. I also have a strong impression ( via the Holy Spirit ) it will happen in the springtime ( but i do not know the year) also i feel ( via the Holy Spirit) his death will take place in the Oval Office.

I happen to agree with you on Trump's impending death (or, at the least, we will be told that he has been killed). Further, I believe Harris will assume the "presidency" or what's left of it. Time will tell all.

I'm sure you could imagine how the hose sprayed everything LOL

...not unlike what's been "sprayed" around in some of these threads! Gotta remember that debate is a characteristic of the reprobate mind (Romans chapter 1).

...cleaning out the latrine system of his motorhome that he rented.

You wouldn't happen to be staying in an RV or caravan, would you? Lots of folks over this way are majorly downsizing. Ppl say they must pay rent and buy groceries for the month, but they can't do both! That is where they're at, at this time. In any case, there are lots of opportunities presenting themselves, to increase the harvest, as this show devolves in the face of God's increasing judgements on USA and elsewhere.

 

[Bill]

I happen to agree with you on Trump's impending death (or, at the least, we will be told that he has been killed). Further, I believe Harris will assume the "presidency" or what's left of it. Time will tell all.


...not unlike what's been "sprayed" around in some of these threads! Gotta remember that debate is a characteristic of the reprobate mind (Romans chapter 1).


You wouldn't happen to be staying in an RV or caravan, would you? Lots of folks over this way are majorly downsizing. Ppl say they must pay rent and buy groceries for the month, but they can't do both! That is where they're at, at this time. In any case, there are lots of opportunities presenting themselves, to increase the harvest, as this show devolves in the face of God's increasing judgements on USA and elsewhere.

Why would you think " I " stay in a RV. When i was talking about a story from a preacher. Who talked about renting a motor home.

Did you completely miss the " point " i was trying to make . No pun intended

 

[Rhema]

Being right is more important to you than the plain truth.

Thank you. I appreciate that you admit your "plain truth" isn't right. And that being right isn't important to you. It explains a lot.

You're lost again. For example, the Greek "meek" is a noun (Nominative Singular Masculine). Matthew 11 :: King James Version (KJV)

αρατε τον ζυγον μου εφ υμας και μαθετε απ εμου οτι πραυς ειμι και ταπεινος τη καρδια και ευρησετε αναπαυσιν ταις ψυχαις υμων​

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek πραυς and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.​

(Matthew 11:29 KJV)

I'll make this quick:

Strong's Greek: 4239. πραΰς (praus) -- Meek, gentle, humble

​

praus: Meek, gentle, humble​

Original Word: πραΰς​

Part of Speech: Adjective​

Of course I wouldn't expect you to apologize, being so lost in your "plain truth." Why does this forum seem to attract the ignorant narcissist?

Both your cited verses were spoken by heathens, which renders your slander a non sequitur.

Grammar is grammar. Language is language, and "Christian" is a noun.

(You have a very weird definition of "slander" but given certain obvious linguistic difficulties, I shouldn't wonder.)

And you're lost a third time. This one is quite shameful, but hey, truth is always the first casualty in your rants.

"Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf."

How would that be any different than, "if any man suffer as a Believer" ?? Your equivocation makes no sense.

Glorify God that you're suffering as a Christian.... (Ya didn't do too well in 10th grade English did you? So... get fixed.)

First of all, keep in mind this is the one and only place in the entire scripture this word is used by any man of God.

OMG... THEN IT CAN'T BE TRUE since it was only used once !!!!

I think the operative point is that it was used....

When someone is "as" something else,

All that time and effort to argue in the wrong language ???

ει (IF) δε (BUT) ως (WHEN) χριστιανος (CHRISTIAN)....​

Soon you'll be telling me that πάσχω (πασχετω) is in the passive voice to mean "suffer" !!

But lest I chase a fool's errand...

Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name.​

(1 Peter 4:16 NRSV)

Do you glorify God because you bear this name? Or do you reject it? !!!

I'll let you answer that for yourself.

Rhema

 

[backNforth]

Oh dear Rhema, such sophistry and pettifogging are unbecoming a child of God. How you do "like" to debate; it's such a foul spirit. Do not despair, as the King of kings is faithful and just to rid you of it, if only you'll confess it and turn (repent) from it (1 John 1:9).

Why would you think " I " stay in a RV. When i was talking about a story from a preacher. Who talked about renting a motor home.

Your description seemed to come from a personal perspective, as most RV'er types are enamored of their liberty and are quick to express it. And I am one such traveler. I have three home birthed and homeschooled daughters, completely unpapered, and we love the lifestyle (and we're not renters). God is good!

Did you completely miss the " point " i was trying to make . No pun intended

Preacher man and a motor home. Sounds familiar! Did he claim to be Christian, or rather a follower of Jesus Christ?

 

[backNforth]

Let's move back to KingJ's OP and extend it a bit.

We know who remains the most subtle beast of the field. And that creature is evidently quite active in this thread. Who is he?

KingJ starts by dropping a plumbline (Amos 7:8) here:

There is a truth to sanctification for many in the church. But we know that not all who say ''Lord, Lord'' are saved and born again Christians that would die for Jesus. Please read my OP. If anyone is not able to die for Jesus, they are NOT a Christian.

Seems like a noble enough thought, if not a bit militant.

But already we've started to move away from God's way and into the territory of mere men:

Num 23:19 says God does not change and Acts 10:23 says God is no respecter of persons. All these verses you quoted, need to be read through this lens of what it takes to be a Christian so that you, I and everyone can grasp what a Christian actually is.

There's the first clue i.e "what it takes to be a Christian". This is why I posted, explaining the problems with appropriating the "safer" (but unscriptural) label of "Christian," rather than performing the action of being a believer (or follower) of Jesus Christ and what might result if we take that route.

Who is that creature?

[KingJ] If Judas died before getting an opportunity to betray Jesus, would he be in heaven today? Yes or No?

Ding! Ding! Ding! This is a clear departure from the ostensible intent of the OP.

Who is that creature?

[KingJ] ...the underlying point of the OP, which is to ensure people take conversion to Christianity VERY seriously! Surely you can witness with and agree with that! God is not fooled by fake conversions of airy fairy commitment!

Ok, most would agree that "seriousness" and "commitment" are desirable character traits for a follower of Jesus Christ, and "fake conversions" are indeed everywhere.

Then Twistie gives us another clue toward uncovering the identity of that creature:

Why I don't claim the title of Christian... I see most Christians produce worldly fruits also many like to argue bicker debate and demean others who don't see as they do..
The Lord said follow me n no matter how many times I've looked and seeked for a title He claimed I find not one time He claimed Himself as a Christian not speak the word Christian it was man that started that as far as I can come to understand I know the Lord said Mine is a nation of priest I know He said Ye are my witnesses I know He said to be followers of Him I know He tells His children to separate and to turn from evil n there's no except in His sentence..

Bill soon follows with yet another clue:

In heaven , no one calls themselves Baptists, no one calls themselves Catholic, Methodists, or anything else.

They all call eachother " the children of God ".

[and]

The same happens when God reaches out to me and has me reach out to a person. I don't go there to teach them to be Catholic, I go there to bring them back to the Father.

Bill then concludes that line of thought:

This string has gone awry. There are two major types of Christian, Say-So and Spirit-Filled! Living these past 35 years as a Holy Spirit-filled...many in Church Membership are not members of Yeshuah's family although they proclaim it because they are not indwelt by Ruah.

Then Dave M calls it out straightly:

I think maybe you are mixing up faith and denomination, in heaven we will not need faith. Faith the believing in the unseen.

[and]

so your faith is in your denomination? just trying to be clear, not understanding what your saying

Who is that creature?

Twistie jumps back in with the simplicity that is in Christ (2 Cor. 11:3):

We r told to fast onto Him n Him alone.. man wants to complicate the Word but He is so simple a child can understand Him..

Rhema responds by issuing a challenge:

Pick a translation... (let me know).

So we would wander further away from the absolute truth, into the area of "textual criticism," where critics criticize the word of God, using corrupt lex-icons and critical editions and copyrighted versions of the Holy Bible owned by men with profit motives, ad nauseum.

Who is that creature?

Then the street sweeper Ncdataman arrives to attempt a tidy-up for us:

After reading this very long post, I find some of this conversation fascinating. I see the points everyone is trying to make, but I also see a lot of pride in the responses here. Discussion is always good, but insults and trying to provoke someone to see your viewpoint hardly ever result in anything but strife.

Indeed.

So who is that creature?

That creature is obviously one of Satan's boys...the spirit of denominationalism.

As Twistie might agree, it is the denial of the scripture's absolute authority, and not its difficulty of interpretation, that has resulted in the various divisions of Christ's congregation. The Gospel is simple, it’s just that men make it complicated.

Once an absolute standard has been abandoned, there is no logic for determining right from wrong other than human logic. Whenever a congregation abandons the absolute standard of Scripture, the outcome of all religious and moral decisions is left in the hands of men. And whether these decisions are rendered by clergy, scholars, theologians, courts, synods, membership votes, or forum posters, if the decisions do not come from Scripture, then they must come from people of society, and sooner or later those decisions will inevitably be influenced by society.

"Christian" and "christianity" (and others mentioned in this thread) are denominational labels; whereas believer (or follower of Jesus Christ) is an action. Scripture clearly condemns denominations. Let's stop ourselves right now from going there.

...all of which brings us back to the OP:

SO TIRED OF CHRISTIANS NOT KNOWING WHAT A CHRISTIAN IS!

So now you know.

 

[Rhema]

Oh dear Rhema, such sophistry and pettifogging are unbecoming a child of God. How you do "like" to debate; it's such a foul spirit.

Obviously ad hominem, the refuge of the incompetent.

You have a nice day,
Rhema

 

[Rhema]

"Christian" and "christianity" (and others mentioned in this thread) are denominational labels; whereas believer (or follower of Jesus Christ) is an action. Scripture clearly condemns denominations. Let's stop ourselves right now from going there.

You know, out of all my years in academia I never truly encountered a tempest in a teapot before.

Thank you for the experience,
Rhema

 

[Bill]

You know, out of all my years in academia I never truly encountered a tempest in a teapot before.

Thank you for the experience,
Rhema

I just read backandforth's comment about Christian and Christianity being denominational labels. I have to ask myself "did I read that right???"

( I'm still laughing )

No one ever said common sense was a Gift of the Holy Spirit, but it should be.

(Tempest in a Teapot, that is funny)

 

[backNforth]

I just read backandforth's comment about Christian and Christianity being denominational labels. I have to ask myself "did I read that right???"

Again, in the Holy Bible, you won't find "Christianity," or a believer or Jesus calling another believer "Christian." So why would we? It's yet one more subtle tactic for Satan to draw folks away from the Lawful and powerful authority that is their birthright through the blood of Jesus Christ. When was the last time you delivered a needy one from an unclean spirit or "led someone to Jesus Christ" anyway? It's high time we got busy about the Father's business (Luke 2:49), and not our own.

Words have a tremendous impact on us. Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or evil. The basic tool for the manipulation of truth is the manipulation of words. If one can control the meaning of words, one can control the people who use those words. Likewise, the basic tool for the preservation of truth is the preservation of God's words.

Words have been re-defined. But upon closer examination, we find another astonishing truth. What has been done is that we have adopted the words of the world to describe us, instead of using the words of Christ to define us. Some claim that the words we speak aren’t that important. But if it’s not important, why does scripture prohibit "vain babblings" (1 Timothy 6:20, 2 Timothy 2:16), "evil communications" (1 Corinthians 15:33), and "filthy communication out of your mouth" (Colossians 3:8)?

Proverbs 12:18, "...the tongue of the wise is health."

As in the health of the body, a doctor can often assess our state of health by looking at our tongues; so too in the spiritual realm. James tells us that the way a man uses his tongue is a test of his spiritual strength (James 1:26). He also says that if a man can control his tongue he is a perfect man (James 3:2). Jeremiah was told by the Lord that he could be God's mouthpiece only if he was careful about the way he used his tongue - if he separated the precious from the vile in his conversation (Jeremiah 15:19). Therefore, we should be very careful about the words that we choose to speak.

1 Corinthians 2:12-13, "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual."

It is so very important, as the above passage states, to not speak the words that we have been conditioned to speak by the spirit of the world (by what man's wisdom has taught us); but to speak the words which the Holy Spirit has taught us (to speak in a spiritual manner). These words are contained in the Holy Scripture, which are for our "doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).

"Follower of Jesus Christ," or another tea drinking "Christian" - which one are you?

This speaks directly to the OP. Most folks have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof (1 Tim. 3:5). Now you know why.

 

[Rhema]

Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or evil.

“Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.” – Fake Buddha Quotes

fakebuddhaquotes.com

Most folks have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof (1 Tim. 3:5). Now you know why.

Others plagiarize.

 

[th1bill]

You know, out of all my years in academia I never truly encountered a tempest in a teapot before.

Thank you for the experience,
Rhema

Really? And after the very scriptural (words of He that saves) dressing down he did on you. It was so righteous it also stung me!