What is a Christian? People from all faiths come up with different definitions. For me-Christianity is more than just a religion , but a personal intimate relationship with God through Jesus-Yeshua .
When was this "term" first used in the Bible?
"...and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch."-Acts 11:26
It's a lifestyle, which isn't perfect (yes, we are all hypocrites, which is why we chose Jesus to be our "Lord"-we need Him to direct our lives and we cannot live life by our selves)with daily temptations and/or life challenges. This is why I made the links down below to show what I feel is part of being a Christian....
"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. "
*Note: I'm no expert on these life lessons, but I just want to direct or point people the one who God-Elohim through His Son Jesus!
*ever heard of this? Well, I first heard of this when a missionary (former UMM alumn) came to share at the local church I curently attend. She encouraged us to do this to show others how you've been serving God and for other mission groups to know more about you when applying for a mission trip.
"
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we[c] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
"
*an awesome book my "Workplace" Bible-Study is currently (Jan 2007) going through. It's about being "broken" (humble) and the recent chapter I just read is about ministering to our very own homes first. Table of Contents
"ATLANTIC, IOWA (ANS) -- Most people don't want to be a Christian and shouldn't unless they are willing to take a radical stand, which requires a strong unshakable faith, generous spirit and a mission-oriented mind driven by agape love. Hopefully, by using the above title I have got both the Christian and non-Christian to read my opening paragraph.
In saying what I have, I am not referring to the type of religion that today perpetuates the brand of religious broadcasting that attempts to get into your pocketbooks and wallets, or the often too boring irrelevant church services that many times promote judgmentalism based on ingrained doctrines and churchisms.
Some of the things which initially kept me from wanting to associate with a church, are those within the church walls that are judgmental, arrogant, narrow-minded, bigoted, hypocritical, and brainwashed. And for quite some time I didn't want to deal with the political baggage most churches seem to deal with.
...
"...Miller had inspired many with his words. His Christian memoir, "Blue like Jazz," sold a million copies. He was a sought-after speaker. He had been dubbed the voice of a new generation of evangelicals.
Before that, though, Miller was an angry teenager and petty thief who blamed himself for his father's absence. Then one day he met an unusual man....
"Sunday morning church service is not an enormous priority; spending time with other believers is," he says. "Some people associate Sunday morning with God. One of the things I associate with God is a sunrise. How many sunrises have you missed over the years, and God created that?"...
Miller appeals to evangelicals because there is a "profound starvation for honesty," says Brian McLaren, author of "A New Kind of Christianity."...
"What sells radio and television time is sentimentality and promises of easy answers," McLaren says. "He is honest about his pain and his doubts and his life being messy. But he's also honest about his hope and faith."...
my new book is about," he writes in "Father Fiction," his latest book. "But in so many ways, I'm still that kid, not sure exactly how to be emotionally intimate with a girl without feeling weak, not sure my work is good enough, not sure if the people who are clapping would really like me if they got to know me."
Some people associate Sunday morning with God. One of the things I associate with God is a sunrise. How many sunrises have you missed over the years, and God created that?
--Donald Miller. author "Blue like Jazz"
Miller is not content to write about that void, though. He created "The Mentoring Project," a program that offers mentors to kids without fathers. He contends that men who grow up without fathers are more predisposed to prison and brutalizing women.
The Mentoring Project has attracted so much attention that Miller was asked by the White House to join a presidential task force on fatherhood.
Miller accepted that invitation -- and another that was far more personal. He met his biological father.
Miller says his mother and father divorced when he was a kid and his mother never talked about his father. He blamed himself for his father's disappearance.
"I was afraid he'd rejected me for a reason, that he somehow knew I'd grown up and become fat."
He had his father's number for two months before he finally called him. When he drove to his house, a big man opened the door and hugged Miller.
"I'm sorry," he said as a tear rolled down his cheek. "Do you forgive me?"
Miller said he did....
He left a Southern Baptist church and ultimately joined the Journey IFC (Imperfect Faith Community) church in Austin, Texas, where people sat on sofas instead of pews and the only church mission statement was love Jesus and love your neighbor as yourself....
Deep Thought
Persecution: He Wasn't Kidding
"When you have a bad day and you feel persecuted, think of the Apostle Paul. Your life is a picnic compared to his."
"This is one of the most touching scenes I have ever witnessed in my entire life. Taken from Zefirelli's "Jesus of Nazareth" (1977)
We are blessed - never forget that! Do not let others discourage you or bring you down, for it is written:
"If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they have kept my sayings they will keep yours also."" A lesson, from youtube.com "You have heard it said you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. For if you love only those who love you, what reward is there in that? "
*see Movies: The Passion
Personal Review:
Hi,
Just saw the very interesting documentary on "Friends of God", which I feel you could do another one. Do you have plans to do so? I would like to see one that goes from region to region. As a Christian from the midwest, the "Christian experience" various throughout our "diverse" nation. This particular documentary seems to focus more on the "South" (a.k.a. "Bible belt"). It would be cool to see one in the "Midwest" or on different cultures (e.g. African American). Or even around the world (continent to continent)!
Christian since college 96',
Sal:)
http://christianlife.goodnewseverybody.com/
"
I'm gonna be a history maker in this land
I'm gonna be a speaker of truth to all mankind
I'm gonna stand, I'm gonna run
Into your arms, into your arms again
Into your arms, into your arms again
Well it's true today that when people stand
With the fire of God, and the truth in hand
We'll see miracles, we'll see angels sing
We'll see broken hearts making history
Yes it's true and I believe it
We're living for you"
*many of the book below were refered during a sermon by Nate Rooney, pastor of Harvest Community Church (Fargo, ND), a UMM Alumn-on Sunday, April 22nd of 2007 at Morris Community Church
Reviews: AllAboutJesus Christ Amazon.com Wikipedia "(1998) is book by Christian apologist and former journalist Lee Strobel supporting the thesis that Jesus of Nazareth was the unique son of God. In it, he conducts a series of investigative interviews of Christian scholars and experts, whose replies refute many of the typical objections to Christianity"
Reviews: Facing the Challenge "'Evidence That Demands a Verdict' volumes 1 & 2 were classics. 'The New Evidence...' is fully updated in one volume to answer questions challenging followers of Christ in the 21st Century. This revised edition contains some helpful new material on apologetics in the light of postmodernism and the 'death of truth'."
Reviews: amazon.com Campus Crusade "Josh McDowell thought Christians must be "out of their minds." He put them down. He argued against their faith.
But eventually he saw that his arguments wouldn't stand up. Jesus Christ really was God in human Flesh. Josh became a speaker on college and university campuses, challenging those who were just as skeptical as he had been.
In More Than a Carpenter Josh focuses upon the person who changed his life--Jesus Christ. It is a hard-headed book for people who are skeptical about Jesus' deity, his resurrection and his claims on their lives."
5 Minutes Bible Study - Why Dont We Read The Bible?
"By Dr. Harold Sala
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
When China opened its doors to foreigners in the late 1970s, I was among those who quickly applied for a visa to see the land described as a sleeping giant. For decades Chinese friends had been denied what we take for granted--freedom of expression and, certainly, freedom of religion. The group was international, with people from all over the world. At dinner a man from Britain told of a strange encounter with a youth on the street seeking a Bible.
Do you have a Bible? asked the young man.
Taken by surprise the tourist replied, Yes, but not with me. Its part of my library.
Somewhat disappointed the youth asked, Do you read it often?
No, came the somewhat embarrassing reply.
Then puzzled the lad asked, If you have a Bible, why dont you read it?
Good question! Not only for the British tourist who was not a practicing Christian, but for us who believe in God and His Son Jesus Christ but allow dust to cover our Bibles day after day, week after week.
Yes, we intend to read them at the end of the day, or we say to ourselves, Ill get up early tomorrow and take some time to get into the Word. But some way our intentions fade in light of the press of getting to the office, or scanning the newspaper for a few moments, or having the toast burn or the kids wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Bottom line--why dont we, when we believe this is Gods Word and is so very valuable?
In times of crisis, we dust off the old Book. Sure enough, the doctor says things arent going well, and we start searching for Psalm 23, or something which brings comfort. When bombs begin to fall or soldiers go into battle, they arent concerned with computers but they are with Bibles.
Helen Keller, that remarkable woman who challenged the lives of many in spite of her blindness, once said, I have often thought that it would be a blessing if human beings were stricken blind and deaf for a few days at some time during their adult lives. Darkness would make them more appreciative of sight; silence would teach them the joys of sound.
God didnt give us this book to grace the coffee table, or have it in our home as though its very presence would give us good luck and chase away the little devils that plague us with trouble. He gave it to us so that we might know how to live, how order our lives, how to relate to each other in a family, how to run our business, and how to make sure that we get to heaven when we die.
For years the Bible has been and still is the best selling book in all the world, but I wonder if the Bible is the best read book in all the world. Researcher George Barna says that 93 percent of us own a Bible, but less than half of those who own them ever read them. George Gallup Jr. agrees with him. As the result of his research, which confirms what I just quoted, he says, People revere the Bible, but they dont read it--thats what it comes down to.
The question of that young man in China seeking to find a Bible for himself still rings in my ears, If you have a Bible why dont you read it? How would you answer that? Could it be that the real answer is the same problem as plagued the Ephesians a generation after they first heard the Word? I hold this against you, said the Almighty, You have forsaken your first love (Revelation 2:4). Some way, somehow, we still have time for what we consider to be important. May God help us to get our priorities straightened out.
Resource reading: Revelation 2:1-7. "
From: "Poniman and Linda"
Subject: When I say... "I am a Christian"
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2006 20:16:49 +0700
"When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow! *
From: Joe G.
Date: Wednesday, April 7th 2010
"In the happy moments...Praise God
In the difficult moments..Seek God
In the quiet moments...Worship God
In the painful moments..Trust God
In every moment..Thank God"
"Elohim (GOD) is combined with other words to describe certain characteristics of God. Some examples: Elohay Kedem - God of the Beginning: (Deuteronomy 33:27). Elohay Mishpat - God Of Justice: (Isaiah 30:18). Elohay Selichot - God Of Forgiveness: (Nehemiah 9:17). Elohay Marom - God Of Heights: (Micah 6:6). Elohay Mikarov - God Who Is Near: (Jeremiah 23:23). Elohay Mauzi - God Of My Strength: (Psalm 43:2). Elohay Tehilati - God Of My Praise: (Psalm 109:1). Elohay Yishi - God Of My Salvation: (Psalm 18:47, 25:5). Elohim Kedoshim - Holy God: (Leviticus 19:2, Joshua 24:19). Elohim Chaiyim - Living God: (Jeremiah 10:10). Elohay Elohim - God Of Gods: (Deuteronomy 10:17)."
"Here are some examples of YHVH (LORD) used in scripture: YHVH Elohim - LORD God: (Genesis 2:4). YHVH M'kadesh - The LORD Who Makes Holy: (Ezekiel 37:28). YHVH Yireh - The LORD Who Sees/provides: (Genesis 22:14). YHVH Nissi - The LORD My Banner: (Exodus 17:15). YHVH Shalom - The LORD Of Peace: (Judges 6:24). YHVH Tzidkaynu - The LORD Our Righteousness: (Jeremiah 33:16). YHVH O'saynu - The LORD our Maker: (Psalm 95:6).
"IRVINE, CALIFORNIA (ANS) -- After she came to Christ, her Muslim father told her she was 'dead' from that moment and she was never to grace the doorway of his home. But despite her father's rejection, she found a new and living way to blessing from the Father of Lights.
Sophia Marsh-Ochsner, the daughter of a Muslim Pakistani father and a Roman Catholic mother grew up in the industrial heartland of West Yorkshire, England. Before her parents married, Sophia’s mother accepted her fiancee’s strict requirement that their children be raised under Islam.
"She assumed that some faith is better than no faith,” Sophia recalls. “She assumed we all believe in the same God.” Sophia’s mother was not allowed to mention Jesus or practice her faith inside the home.
Sophia did her best to straddle two cultures. Raised under the tenets and pillars of Islam, she also wanted to adapt and fit in with friends at school. But from an early age, she sensed something missing in her visits to the mosque. “There was a vacuum of God’s presence,” she thought. She struggled to understand the recitations uttered in Arabic and relied on her father for interpretation.
One day a friend in high school invited Sophia to a Christian church. She went without telling her father, and experienced something completely new. “I felt the Spirit of God for the first time,” she says. She left the church wanting to know more about Jesus.
About this time, Sophia's father was getting more serious about Islam. “It became his only focus, to some degree," she notes. He went on several pilgrimages to Mecca and spent more and more time in the mosque. “It alienated my mom and caused a lot of friction."
When Sophia visited the home of the Christian friends’ who invited her to church, she saw an environment within their home that was strikingly different. "I saw grace, peace, and mercy lived-out," she says.
One day Sophia asked her father about the claims of Jesus Christ. His face darkened, as if she had uttered a curse. “If you ever question Islam – if you think Jesus is the Savior, you will be out on the street,” he warned her.
"I got the message that Islam must be surrendered to, in blind obedience to everything,” Sophia notes. “There was no freedom to wrestle with my faith. I was forced to own it."
....more
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