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Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Religion / What Makes A True Christian? (3795 Views)
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Re: What Makes A True Christian? by Kobojunkie: 6:10pm On Mar 10 |
maureensylvia:1. The statement that God's way is not our way and God's thoughts are not our thoughts could simply mean we, as humans are to submit to His Will in all-wise much like Jesus Christ is written to have done --- Obey God's teaching and commandments as opposed to our own ideas. It in no way implies that we are to abandon our ability to logicaly process or reason all that is around them, including God's Law. Sure, you can't always grasp it at first try, or several, --- after all understanding comes from the Father in His time to those who seek it. So where exactly is it stated that you throw out/abandon your ability to reason or logically process God's Law? 2. I am particularly interested in learning where you derived this idea that humans are to abandon their ability to reason and judge logically that which is stated in Scripture, an idea you not only seem to hold but approve as right approach as well. 3. I am more interested in that stated by the God of Israel, and His Son, Jesus Christ, the very ones proclaimed authors of the faiths of those who follow them. The opinions of men are meant to be validated against that spoken directly by God. So please, tell us where exactly God Himself revealed to you these ideas you have of faith, trust, hope and mystery. 1 Like |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by Michael547(m): 7:19pm On Mar 10 |
maureensylvia:Does this your idea agree with the bible verse below? Are Christians suppose to speak in disagreements? Can't we be united in purpose and conviction by the holy spirit? Let's stop giving rooms to false teachers na.
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Re: What Makes A True Christian? by maureensylvia(f): 8:13pm On Mar 10 |
Kobojunkie: 1. There's definitely a difference between submitting to God's will and abandoning the ability to reason or think critically. The Bible encourages us to use our minds to understand God's Word (2 Timothy 2:7) and to test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21). So while we should submit to God's authority, we should also use our minds to understand and apply His Word. 2. I believe that the Holy Spirit helps us to interpret and understand Scripture, but He doesn't do this in a way that bypasses our ability to think critically. The Holy Spirit works with our minds to help us understand God's Word. So I'm not suggesting that we should abandon our reasoning or our ability to use logic. Rather, I'm suggesting that the Holy Spirit works with our reasoning and logic to help us understand 3. I think it's important to distinguish between what God has directly revealed in Scripture, and what people have interpreted from Scripture over the years. As you mentioned, God is the ultimate authority, and His Word is what we should base our beliefs on. So let's look at what Scripture actually says about faith, trust, hope, and mystery. I’ll recap my previous quote, in Hebrews 11:1, we're told that "faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." So faith is about trusting in things we can't see or know for certain. 2 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by maureensylvia(f): 8:17pm On Mar 10 |
Michael547: From your bible quote, it's clear that God wants believers to be united in their understanding of Scripture and their purpose as the church. However, I think it's important to remember that 1 Corinthians 1:10 is talking about a specific church in Corinth, and it's not necessarily a blanket statement for all believers in all circumstances. In addition, the Bible doesn't say that disagreement and division are always bad things. For example, there were some disagreements and divisions within the early church, but they ultimately led to a stronger and more resilient church. So while we should strive for unity, we should also be open to the possibility that some disagreements and divisions can be beneficial. In fact, it's possible that the Holy Spirit can use these disagreements to help us grow in our understanding of Scripture and our faith. 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by Michael547(m): 8:50pm On Mar 10 |
maureensylvia: Madam I don't understand you....disagreements between members in church does not imply disagreements in doctrinal matters na....they are two different things. If we agree that there is one holy spirit, then there should one interpretation and understanding by the holy spirit that we all should adhere to. Nowhere did the early Christians disagree on doctrinal matters to the extent of the apostles opening their own independent churches and teaching contradicting messages that divided the church like we have it today. Nowhere does the Bible teach that the holy spirit fosters disagreements to help the church grow in faith. That is a false teaching. |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by kkins25(m): 1:38am On Mar 11 |
maureensylvia: Where can I find where the bible says that disagreement and division aren't always a bad thing? Also, based on what, do you say "Holy Spirit can use these disagreements to help us grow in our understanding of Scripture and our faith"? |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by Kobojunkie: 2:10am On Mar 11 |
maureensylvia:1. So do you then agree that your initial claim which is that Scripture is somehow meant to be "interpreted" through what you claim is the lens of faith and is not always logical is not based on Scripture but an idea foreign to Scripture? 2. Can you please provide Scriptural evidence for where the God of Israel or His Son, Jesus Christ, stated that the Holy Spirit would help us to interpret Scripture? (Scripture is already presented to us in human language and ready to be understood as is written, so I am lost as to why further interpretation is necessary.) I ask because that is another claim I have yet to come upon in Scripture, and I have searched. Jesus Christ instead said that the Holy Spirit — the Spirit of Truth— would reveal that which is hidden, but Jesus Christ never said that the Holy Spirit would help us interpret Scripture. So, please help me out with Scriptural backing for this other Christian ritual you hold to. 3. I wholly agree that all should be judged by the standard that is the Word of God. But I fail to understand why you repeatedly quote from the letter to the Hebrews, an opinion piece — the writer did not in any way assert that this opinion of his comes from the mouth of God so why insist that we accept it as though it is of God. To understand faith, 2 The Lord spoke to Isaac and said, “Don’t go down to Egypt. Live in the land that I commanded you to live in.Right there we see what Abraham's faith was all about— made up of. Abraham not only trusted God — He abandoned the idols of His fathers for a God He did not know— but He also obeyed God's every teaching and commandment given Him by this God— Abraham's faith — and for this he, Abraham, was justified. (God didn't suggest that Abraham obeyed Him one time; no, Abraham lived his life in continuous obedience to Gods commandments and statutes and it was for this that he, Abraham, was then justified by God.) If you ask me, this is the best explanation in all of that book of what faith is about. It sheds a whole different light on the opinion expressed in Hebrews 11 vs 1 - 2 by the writer of the letter to the Hebrews. God's very own explanation beats, hands down, all the numerous interpretations that flow regularly from churchian pulpits every week, including the mouths of those from other religions. Why? Because God's explanation makes absolute Scriptural sense. It explains why God's mandate of obedience to His teachings and commandments. Can you see how very different what God says is from what men and their many interpretations assert? 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by kbomz(m): 2:00pm On Mar 11 |
jesusjnr2020: You seem confused. You cannot discredit your source of information and still use it to verify your statement. |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by budaatum: 10:15pm On Mar 11 |
Michael547: By first learning and understanding what Christianity is, and by recognising it's fruit. Sounds simple but takes years, since you must first cultivate from seed.
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Re: What Makes A True Christian? by budaatum: 10:20pm On Mar 11 |
maureensylvia: You have literally described the Church of Nairaland. The Holy Spirit (and all the gods) are using our disagreements to further our learning so Nigeria will grow. 1 Like 1 Share
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Re: What Makes A True Christian? by kkins25(m): 11:59pm On Mar 11 |
maureensylvia: Some could interpret that women are lesser beings than men, would you agree? |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by Michael547(m): 9:20am On Mar 12 |
budaatum:Have you found the Christianity with the right fruit today? If yes, which one among all Christians that we have today? |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by maureensylvia(f): 3:32pm On Mar 12 |
Kobojunkie:while I agree that God's Word is the ultimate authority, I also think it's important to recognize that there are different ways of understanding and applying that Word. In the end, I think we should strive for a balance between honoring Scripture as our ultimate authority and remaining open to new insights and interpretations. |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by maureensylvia(f): 3:35pm On Mar 12 |
kkins25: No, I would not agree with that interpretation. While it's true that there are some verses in the Bible that could be interpreted in that way, I don't think that's a fair or accurate understanding of Scripture. The Bible teaches that all people, regardless of gender, are created in the image of God and have equal worth in His eyes. Furthermore, there are many examples of women in the Bible who were leaders, teachers, and heroes of faith. So, while some have tried to interpret the Bible in a way that supports inequality between men and women, I think a more careful reading of Scripture shows that this is not the case |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by kkins25(m): 3:42pm On Mar 12 |
maureensylvia: Aren't you now being disingenuous? You say the Holy spirit could cause division so that the people may grow, but now argue that it's not "correct" to interpret the Bible as being misogynistic? Deliberately ignoring numerous instances where women, from the laws of Deuteronomy, are deemed "property." On what grounds would the Holy Spirit teach apostle A that X is good, but teach apostle B, that same X is bad? |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by GodHimself(m): 3:45pm On Mar 12 |
Christianity is a religion, and it is man-made. You are called to be a Christ, to be just like-christ, and that goal is greater than Christianity, greater than any man-made religion. jesusjnr2020: |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by maureensylvia(f): 4:07pm On Mar 12 |
kkins25: I'm not trying to be disingenuous, but I think you're confusing two different ideas. The first is that the Holy Spirit can use disagreements to challenge and grow our understanding. The second is that some interpretations of Scripture are simply more consistent with the overall message of the Bible than others. These are two different concepts, and I don't think they contradict each other. In fact, they work together to help us grow in our understanding of the Bible. It's true that there are difficult and challenging parts of Scripture, but that doesn't mean we should abandon our search for truth or throw up our hands in confusion. The Holy Spirit teaches us through a variety of means, including scripture, prayer, and the community of believers. The Bible is a complex and multi-layered book, and different people can have different interpretations of its meaning. So it's not surprising that two people could have different understandings of the same passage. However, I believe that the Holy Spirit guides us towards truth, and that the more we study and pray, the more our understanding will grow and align with God's will. So I don't think the Holy Spirit would deliberately teach one person something that is in conflict with what another person has been taught. Rather, I think the Holy Spirit works to bring about a deeper understanding of the Bible and God's will over time. The process of studying and understanding the Bible is like a journey, and we can all be at different stages on that journey. So even though two people may have different understandings of a passage, I don't think that necessarily means that one of them is wrong. They may simply be at different stages in their journey of understanding. |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by budaatum: 4:17pm On Mar 12 |
Michael547: It is not my duty to go looking for Christians with the right fruits. I have seen many Muslims and atheists and Hindus and Christians and etc however, whom I'm certain the gods would need to be dumb if they turn them away from their heavens. |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by Michael547(m): 4:54pm On Mar 12 |
budaatum:Lol....so are you saying all people from diffrlerent contradictory religions and even those who choose not to believe in God are destined to a promised heaven? How does that idea lead us to the true religion with the right fruit? 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by budaatum: 5:11pm On Mar 12 |
Michael547: No. I'm saying, if the gods refuse to let those of other religions who have even better fruits than some Christians into heaven, then the gods are dumb. Please refer to the Parable of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritan did not believe in God as others did, yet Jesus told you to go do as he had done. As for true religion, I can't say any religion is untrue as far as fruits go. |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by Michael547(m): 9:59pm On Mar 12 |
budaatum:So Even when the World's religions contradict each other, they are all true? Or are you saying that just been good to people makes your religion true? Which one oga? |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by kkins25(m): 11:08pm On Mar 12 |
maureensylvia: How do you know this? Did the Holy Spirit reveal this to only you? Cause, from what I've read so far, the Holy spirit is supposed to move with one accord. The second is that some interpretations of Scripture are simply more consistent with the overall message of the Bible than others. These are two different concepts, and I don't think they contradict each other. In fact, they work together to help us grow in our understanding of the Bible. It's true that there are difficult and challenging parts of Scripture, but that doesn't mean we should abandon our search for truth or throw up our hands in confusion. 1. The writer of the books didn't intend that every soul out there would interpret their message differently. The bias in interpretation comes from many factors: a. The readers' cultural bias b. The readers' frame of interpretation----- Theologians interpret scripture differently from Scholars, even though scholars have a better interpretation of the bible. c. Religious background of the reader---- A Jehovah's witness will interpret differently to support their own bias, just like you're doing now. The Holy Spirit teaches us through a variety of means, including scripture, prayer, and the community of believers. The Bible is a complex and multi-layered book, and different people can have different interpretations of its meaning.The bible is complex only because it's a document that was written over the span of 1500 years. There are no multiple layers, instead, what we have are the different world views of different groups of people. Different people can have different interpretations, but the real deal is WHAT WAS THE INTENDED MESSAGE OF THE WRITER. That's what matters, not your interpretation. So it's not surprising that two people could have different understandings of the same passage. However, I believe that the Holy Spirit guides us towards truth, and that the more we study and pray, the more our understanding will grow and align with God's will. So I don't think the Holy Spirit would deliberately teach one person something that is in conflict with what another person has been taught.Are you saying that all interpretations of the bible lead us towards truth? What of the view of Yahweh being a devil as held by the Gnostic Christians? Hmm? Is that a fruit of the Holy Spirit, too? Rather, I think the Holy Spirit works to bring about a deeper understanding of the Bible and God's will over time. The process of studying and understanding the Bible is like a journey, and we can all be at different stages on that journey. So even though two people may have different understandings of a passage, I don't think that necessarily means that one of them is wrong. They may simply be at different stages in their journey of understanding. So, the idea or interpretation that Yahweh is a demiurge, a deity that deludes itself that it is the creator of the universe can be another viable interpretation of the bible instigated by the Holy Spirit? Or that the disciple that rested their head on Jesus' shoulder during the Last Supper is Jesus' spouse as purported by the likes of Dan Brown? What you're trying to do here is the very reason why your churches are flooded with pastorpreneurs who use scriptures to amass wealth, rape young girls, widows, troubled wives, and brainwash their members to do absurd things. The Holy Spirit causes confusion is a claim that is no where stated, insinuated, or thought of in the New Testament. Mark 3:23–27 23 lAnd he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by budaatum: 11:30pm On Mar 12 |
Michael547: The contradictions in the Bible don't make the Bible "untrue", so why should contradictions in religions mean they are not true? Michael547:Not, or. Being good to people does require a good understanding of people, which requires love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control to get, to say the least. And if love, joy, etc is gotten from one's religion, I will say that religion is a true religion. It isn't the only true religion however, as most religions teach similar things, one would find if one bothered to check. Take Christianity for instance. If you remove all the love your neighbour, no body in their right senses but fools would preach Jesus or want to go to heaven I don't think, and practising neighbour love here on earth by oneself is rewarding enough, I'd say, since I wouldn't need to worry about my neighbour stealing from me or killing me. And yes, I do notice the contradictory politically corrected ˹bondspeople˺, lol.
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Re: What Makes A True Christian? by Kobojunkie: 2:06am On Mar 13 |
Plus1234:I found here yet another perfect example of a true Christian and a certified Churchian. |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by Michael547(m): 8:04am On Mar 13 |
budaatum:How can you possibly say that contradictions in religions does not mean they are not true if you are sincere to yourself?, if the bible has contradictions as you claimed, then it can never be true. Do you actually think we can achieve peace on earth of we don't agree on the standard of what is good and bad? So are you saying that all religions on earth today are a force for peace love and Joy? If yes, why do we have crisis in the world today? 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: What Makes A True Christian? by budaatum: 3:36pm On Mar 13 |
Michael547:That depends on your definition of "true". 'Thou shalt not steal', is morally true. Thou shalt not murder, is morally true. Love your neighbour, is morally true. The earth was created in 6 days is contradicted by the evidence and literally untrue, but still teaches the creation process that many successfully follow. Michael547:Religion, Christianity specifically, teaches how to use ones own senses and how to treat ones neighbours, and as soon as people understand that instead of thinking it's a map to some imaginary heaven, we will start building that heaven right here on earth where the lions amongst us will not eat the lambs amongst us. So yes. I do you actually think we can achieve peace on earth, because the aṣshøles will evolve or die and the pure of heart will thrive. Achievement date is the year 5023. Michael547:I wish I could say that all "religions" on earth today are a force for peace love and Joy, and I would in fact say that if the religion was based on the proper understanding of the relevant religious books, but I can't disregard those who twist the books to line their own pockets and create crisis in the world. There will always be TBJoshua's, unfortunately. But I am certain that people themselves will read the book and seek understanding, and then use their religious understanding to create peace on earth. I have stated a tentative when, above, only because we humans can be slow to evolve from stupidity to enlightenment. |
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