thelastPope:

Sorry, I didn't know you were a lady. That being said, I don't get you at all. Where does religion even come in? Christianity is not a religion but there is religion in Christianity. That is another topic for another day.

Religion is not rules and regulations! Religion means something else. There are rules in Christianity. Plenty of them. Prayer, study, preaching, giving, communion, love, intercession, righteous living, worship, etc. Grace doesn't mean you should do whatever you like and God sees your heart. Grace is the ability of God in you that makes you do. That makes you walk in the spirit always. You seem to be getting some of these mixed up sis.

My point is, you are trying to separate a relationship with God and keeping God's commandments. How are they different? The Lord Jesus said "If ye love me, keep my commandments". Simply put, if you have a relationship with me, you prove it by keeping my commandments. You can't separate the two. They are interdependent! I don't understand what you mean by focussing on the dos and don'ts. The law is written in your heart. You don't have to focus on anything but Christ! The holy spirit will bring all things to your remembrance. He will guide you! Keeping Jesus commandments is not the same thing as keeping the law. The law is a set of rules God gave to the israelites. Jesus death was the fufillment of the law. Now we have the law of love and the law of faith. There are still dos and don'ts but we can keep them easily because the law is now written in our hearts. Romans 8:2-4. "For what the law could not achieve because of the weakness of the flesh is now achieved in us who walk after the spirit". We are a holy nation. A new creature!

I'm not achieving anything going back and forth with you Sir. There is a difference between saying factual statements and saying that which applies to the discussion . Yes God is God, true there is no adding to the bible, true if you love God you obey his commandments. But how does that apply to my stated belief on relationship and religion?

We both know the bible does not say this words listening to music is a sin- my point exactly if one seeks to obey the commandments "clearly" written out in the bible what happens to the ones not clearly stated? Especially for a young believer?However if you explain relationship and not religion- one tends to go above that which is clearly written. If you love God you will desire to please him in everything that you do. It wouldn't be an issue of being caught but more an openness of mind to the one who created you and sees your very core and weakness.

Take a min to look at the definition of religion and another to re read my post. There is no separation with obeying God and relationship. There is also no separation with religion/rituals and obeying God. My point is focus on relationship- love of God and obeying the commandments and pleasing God would come easy. That is exactly what your stated scripture reads. I can fast, pray, give alms and all sorts and heart is far from God. Do not be deceived with works!!!!! If I tell the brother who asked the question that listening to music is is sin without explaining the importance of guarding once heart - how do you expect him to know that masturbation is also a sin- note this sin is not clearly stated in black or white.

When talking to people about spiritual things use practical and personal examples so they can have an understanding and relate. How does me telling a brother who comes to me crying of hunger- The Lord would provide help quench his hunger? Re read my post- I gave a personal example of how I handle this.

If thou shall not or thou shall works for you it doesn't for me. I enjoy and admire the relationship with God just as he had with Elisha, David, and others. I love the fact that this man loved me so much to die for me and that drives the relationship. Knowing the effect my sins have on him- gives me a reason to flee. You state things that are factual that i already know but you deviate from my point. With this being said I bow out of this discussion and I hope the author has an answer to his question.

Your goal I hope is to be christ like, holiness and making heaven which is also my goal. Which ever way you or I get there as long as we get there is the important thing for me.

thelastPope:

I am sorry I am tough here but I have to be. You are my brother (if you are truly born again). This grey area christianity is what is being spread around and will lead many to hell! The Word does not change and is not subject to the feelings and standards of men. Just stay on track. Be ye separate! The two basic laws Jesus came to establish are the law of faith and the law of love. John wrote, "if you love me keep my commandment" and "my commandments are not grievious". One translation puts it, my commandment are not hard to keep. If your heart is on fire for God, keeping his commandments is easy. But if you are lukewarm, you struggle.

Your toughness would have meaning to me your sister if I understood you more. You believe in following commandments-religion. I differ I believe in relationship not religion. If a sincere relationship exists its easier to obey commandments and run to the throne of grace when you fall short. If one follows religion (rules and regulations) You tend to cover up sin- hypocrisy and self justification creeps in and to make matters worse you think you deceive others but you end up deceiving your own self.Religion also brings a sence of self righteousness to thoes who think they are on point and self condemnation to others who cannot keep up .Jesus came to take our focus off sin and not for us to dwell on it. He stressed love- relationship not rituals. Don't get me wrong the bible has principles that we should use as standards in living but our focus should not be on the do's and dont's.What is the state of your heart? Let me add relationship is not forced on us by God- you choose to let him in he comes in. He owns you but he gives you a choice to follow him. You keeping the law cannot save you- you are saved by grace. If you are in relationship with God his Holy Spirit would lead you to act right and convict you when necessary. I assume that you got the message about yardstick of grace and yardstick meaning two different things. May God help us all.

thelastPope:

Bro, I am sorry but this your first paragraph is dangerous waters. There are clear rules in God's Word. You don't just choose what you like to do. Christianity is not personal in that sense. You do not own yourself. God owns you! There is no different yardstick of grace for different Christians. This is dangerous mindset. The Word of God is the only authority and yardstick for a believer. You cannot add to it or take away from it. If you do, you are on your on. Jesus said guard your heart! Its an instruction not a suggestion. Paul said, what fellowship (koinonia, communion) has light with darkness. This your grey area Christianity will lead you into a backsliden state and you might not even know you are there. It will strip you of your fire and first love. Get fixed on God's word!

There is no point playing with words here. I clearly stated- I" look at Christianity as relationship not rules and regulations. Striving to follow the rules in public is equal to being religious and when Jesus came he did away with all of that. I can come up with several laws in the bible that we as humans can strive to follow in public- but what relationship exists between us and our creator when no one is watching? It's not about the amount of rules I can follow like the Pharisees did- it is not about giving alms or wear this wear that say this say that. All of those would come easily when a relationship exists. There is a difference between paying your thites because you are instructed to and an understanding of the principle behind that instruction- that comes with relationship.

I would say it again and again- different yardstick of grace for different people. Sir don't play with words again- I know the word of God is the only authority and yardstick for every believer - your statement and my statement do not mean the same thing. Sin is sin but God deals with us individually. How he gets my attentions is different from how he gets yours. You certainly cannot tell me that God expects the same level of faith and obedience from a baby convert as from a Pastor to whom he has revealed himself time and time again. He would show mercy unto whom he would show mercy.

The word of God is the truth- and one should not add or subtract from it. I didn't see a statement in which I was doing that- you can point that out to me so I make clarifications. There is no grey area Christianity - the bible says he will spit you out of his mouth if you are lukewarm. I have stated my approach on how I deal with that issue- I pay cautious effort to what I feed my mind- there is nothing grey or pink about that.

I like to look at Christianity as a personal relationship with God and not a body of rules and regulations. If we seek to obey the rules- hypocrisy and self justification would creep in. Everyone has a different yardstick of grace; there are things I would get away with that others won't and there are things I dare not venture into that others will and get away with .

So my take on this- whatever we do in life is either glorifying to God or the devil. The things we watch, listen to or read with time get into our minds and if we are not careful we begin to dwell on these things- hence in proverbs it says above all guard your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life . You are a product of what you feed your mind. If you read intellectual and inspirational books you begin to think in that direction .If you feed your mind with negative things you would yield negative products- Garbage in garbage out.

Don't get me wrong, I do appreciate good music - music is my life. I'm just extra cautious what I feed my mind. I listen to all genres of music but I try as much as possible to cherry pick- the moment I feel that uneasiness in my spirit I skip. Best practice though according to the bible- would be to flee from every appearances of evil.

So answering the question- is it a sin? It depends on the individual and the outcome expected. If you are seeking to obey rules- there is no rule stating listening to music is sin. If you are striving after relationship, holiness and making heaven- then phill 2:12.

Surprised no one is talking about his take on illegal immigrants - making life miserable for them and asking them to serve in the US military -like seriously ? Service in the US military as a pathway to permanent residency Who is more likely to be loyal in the battle front ? Us citizen or an illegal who already calculated his gains?

Even in this mess, I can question you but not your authority. You are greater than the greatest, higher than the highest, bigger than the biggest. You are the Almighty.

Lol- I prefer grace to blessing. But I prefer Ebun/Ire (blessing) to Oreofe (grace) :-)

:-)

To you alone be all the glory...

Thank you Jesus.

Thank you Lord

Thank you that your strength is made perfect in my weakness.

Thank you Lord.

Rooneyboy:

Frankly was really touched when reading this; not to worry dear some one special "who knows ur value is going to meet u in no time" and u both will be the envy of others ,including ur ex.

Just be strong and move on , it could be very difficult but not impossible.

Thanks :-)

Thank you Jesus

.

Intelligence
Love
Health

Hide me now
Under Your wings
Cover me
Within Your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know His power
In quietness and trust

Lol... You clearly do not have problems. Aunty, Uncle, Brother , Sister - I would even call them Mama if they want it. Don't create a problem where there is none. One thing I learnt from my brother is that he calls everyone chairman or oga - even when he is the one writing their checks. It doesn't take anything from you. Respect begets respect. Be more concerned about how you carry yourself around them and your attitude towards them. I often tell people let the person you are command and not demand respect.

Casting crowns- praise you in this storm

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Thank you Jesus

I can call you Shalom
I can all you Rapha
I can call you Adonai
I can call you Shammah
But I choose to call you Father
That's who you are to me

You are not a God
Created by human hands
You are not a God
Dependant on any mortal man
You are not a God
In need of anything we can give
By Your plan, that's just the way it is

You are God alone
From before time began
You were on Your throne
You are God alone
And right now
In the good times and bad
You are on Your throne
You are God alone

You're the only God
Whose power none can contend
You're the only God
Whose name and praise will never end
You're the only God
Who's worthy of everything we can give
You are God
And that's just the way it is

Unchangeable
Unshakable
Unstoppable
That's what You are

You are God alone- Phillips Craig & Dean

I trust you lord- Donnie Mcclurkin, I believe God- Martha Munizzi, Alpha and Omega- Israel Houghton , you are God alone- Marvin Sapp, mighty to save, from the inside out,the stand ,all I need,- hillsong. My desire, take you back,walk by faith- Jeremy camp..........

Yes you are the King of kings, pillar that holds my life, that is why you are called Jehovah,

There is no taking sides here my sister- your husband is your crown. I know and understand what it is to be stubborn. It wouldn't take you to far. If you want your marriage- pick your battles. A man who threatens to divorce you over goat meat has been keeping quiet over several issues that seem trivial to you. My advice to you is to apologize sincerely and make things right asap however possible
.
In the long term- drop the stubbornness !!! If that man leaves you today - your life would not be the same . Forget that story about being marketable o- what would you tell the next man the reason for your divorce? Would he be ready to deal with your stubbornness?Don't put yourself in a vulnerable position.

Submission is key- he wants goat meat give him goat meat- or try asking if he minds cat fish- not outrightly disobeying him. How many times does he tell you what he wants in the food? If he requests it this time - give it to him. Don't mess up what you have- its not worth it.

Jesu olutoju eniyan, Sara re na re, Baba olutoju eniyan, Sara re na re.

God of wonders beyond our galaxy- you are holy . The universe declares your majesty- you are holy.

The title of the thread states- what is wrong with virgins? And the first couple of comments talk about girls declaring that they are virgins and indirectly bashing them for speaking up. So what exactly am I not getting about the thread? Is It the fact that girls are speaking up or the fact that people are assuming that they have hidden intentions for speaking up.

If you would ask me it is not in your or my position to question anyones motive. For heaven sake- if she says she is a virgin- who cares to know her purpose for saying it. Why should it bite anybody if a girl states that she is a virgin? If you choose to listen or in this case read- you have an option to appreciate or be indifferent about it. If it strikes a nerve - then there is more to it.

I think it's a bit low for one to bash another one for what they stand for. You have to respect everyone for the choices they make because you just never know where they are coming from. I don't believe it's the right thing to sleep around or have premarital sex- but that does not give me the liberty to go around calling people names and at the same time it doesn't change what I believe is right. We all have our opinions about life and have different guides through our journey here on earth- you should respect people's choices and don't feel threatened - especially if you think you are doing the right thing.

You talk about taking a poll- and I'm like seriously? You see where I am going. Why go an extra length to do CIA runs to prove another person wrong on issues like this. Totally uncalled for! If someone is telling me something and I think it's a fab- I "yimu" and dismiss it- which one is prove again- you tell the truth good for you, you tell a lie- bad for you. Which one concerns me?

I would stress it again- it's important to speak up when the need arises. The intentions of our actions matter a lot especially to God. I doubt that virgins who have an understanding of what they are doing would broadcast it for the wrong reasons. I seriously cannot come up with a wrong reason why I would tell a random person that- but in a forum like this - where one states that they are virgins for whatever reason and is bashed for talking- totally unacceptable! Don't get me wrong- you can say whatever- it's a free world but don't expect every to go down the bashing lane with you.

I am not a regular on this forum- I just come here to unwind and grab some news and laughs. So I'm guessing I got in between a thug of war and at this point- I am done going in circles. I choose to agree to disagree with you- the koko of my epistle - let whoever say whatever they choose to say for whatever reasons they choose to. It's our job to believe, appreciate, yimu", and not investigate on a faceless forum their motives of stating whatever they state. But then again- it's a free world - so you can choose to.

Let me add striving to stay away from sex and abiding in the boundaries it was created for, striving to do the right thing, striving to show love, striving to live in peace with others , striving to speak and think right..... Are not things we can do solely on our own- we draw on grace that is made available to us. 1 cor 10:12; Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”


Miss WAM?

So hyped about this- glued to CNN right now :-)

ogugua88:

No, this is lame. "Hello, I am a virgin" versus "Hello, I am Dr Okocha". Is "virgin" someone's name or are people now putting that title before their name? Why are you comparing kola nut and garden egg?

I guess if you want to make that comparison, it should be modified to "hello, I'm telling you I'm a virgin because I know all guys like virgins and once they've found a virgin, they won't leave the girl" versus "hello, I am a doctor, I'm richer than Babangida, and I know you want a rich man because all women want a rich man with a big title, so stay with me and you will soon reap your benefits". The way some doctors are arrogant and feel they can get any man or woman because of their title is the same way some virgins assume all men want a virgin for that one sexual reason I refuse to state.

What I'm trying to say is that if a girl truly is a virgin, then why broadcast it? A girl stating it everywhere she goes, most especially in the midst of a man or men, is only begging to lose that virginity. I'm assuming she has waited so long so that she can marry and then lose it. Does she no longer cherish it then?

True- to the believers; speak and let them be aware of the standard that is expected of them and not be deceived into doing the popular thing! To those that don't believe; speak and let them be aware that they do have an option to abstain until they are ready to make that choice and live with the consequences whether good or bad. I cannot stress it enough- we can't deceive ourselves. It is the popular thing to do doesn't make it right! I certainly do not want my young nieces or nephews venturing into this- believer or no believer.

Well from my experience most girls who remain virgins have carefully thought through this decision and are doing it for greater reasons than keeping a guy around. How would being a virgin keep a guy around? A guy is going to leave whenever he pleases even a baby cannot hold a guy down if he chooses to leave. It should be more like dude I'm not going there with you- it's best you get the stepping now if we are not of like minds. If dude decides to stay - hoping to convince then good luck to him.

I also totally agree with you all, being a virgin is not the criteria of being a good wife or husband , going to heaven or having a successful marriage. There are blessings though attached to obeying God and it could also serve as a good foundation in starting a lifetime relationship.

Trust me a person- guy or girl who "chooses" to obey God in case of the believers or who chooses to keep oneself in case of non believers would be doing other things as well to better themselves . It takes a lot for one to be disciplined. People just don't do things without expecting results. I have chooses in quotation because a personal decision is different from a forced decision or one that is brought out of fear of unknown.

Let me add- it is all in the head. A forum consists of both males and females. It is wrong to assume that she or whoever this person is - is talking to the males alone. It could be that she is standing for what she believes in. A normal person wouldn't go to a place and announce something except the need arises and when it does- its best to speak so that boundaries are drawn.

I stand in awe of you- unto you alone are my praises due. There is no question of your greatness -You are greater than the greatest, nor searching of your power- you are mightier than the mightiest.You alone are God you are God alone.

Well the intention is not to make others feel less of themselves. We all are aware that times are changing. I don't recall my parents talking to me at such an early age on sex education- I was too busy playing with sand. It's happening now - it's amazing what a five year old knows. We can't afford to be quiet anymore on several issues and it goes beyond this. It's important to speak-because everyone does it doesn't make it right and no one should be bashed for speaking- but then again its a free world- so you can bash :-) I would rather people make choices based on I chose to rather than everyone is doing it- it must be right.