Advice for Deaf Christians from email article....

[Heath]

Acts 22:15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

Many times, our unbelieving family and coworkers -- society in general, can make us feel small and inferior -- like second class citizens -- because we are Christians. Unfortunately, somewhere along the line, somehow, we begin to believe it! We become what I like to call "mopey Christians," just moping around, keeping our faith hidden under a bushel, feeling afraid to say a word about Jesus, in fear that we might offend someone! And that's precisely what the enemy wants us to feel!

But we can choose whether or not to give in to his foolishness today! Jesus said that those who follow after Him shall never hunger or thirst -- they have been set free from the law of sin and death -- they've been renewed, cleansed, forgiven, loved with an everlasting love! How on earth can we mope about that??

We need a reality check. We should be holding our heads high today and ready to tell people about the great work he's done in us! We have been redeemed!!!!!!!!!

 

[Cheri]

I dislike it so much when some Christians have some nerve to come up to me and tell me that I'm going to hell for something I once did a long time ago, I don't appreciated that because they are not the ones who are going to take my soul when I die. Only God can judge me no one else. I already seek God for my forgiving I don't need other Christians throwing bible in my face. It's like this? "Who do u think you are? You're a sinner too just like me." Enough said by me

 

[Heath]

Jesus said that those who follow after Him shall never hunger or thirst -- they have been set free from the law of sin and death -- they've been renewed, cleansed, forgiven, loved with an everlasting love!

 

[Mookie]

Huh? I am going to Indian temple tonight for my wife's sake...

 

[Heath]

Huh? I am going to Indian temple tonight for my wife's sake...

For your wife's sake? why not God's sake? it is unwise to mess with God.

2 Kings 17:17 (King James Version)

And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

 

[Heath]

I dislike it so much when some Christians have some nerve to come up to me and tell me that I'm going to hell for something I once did a long time ago, I don't appreciated that because they are not the ones who are going to take my soul when I die. Only God can judge me no one else. I already seek God for my forgiving I don't need other Christians throwing bible in my face. It's like this? "Who do u think you are? You're a sinner too just like me." Enough said by me

Psalm 25:8 (King James Version)

Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

Isaiah 1:18-20 (King James Version)

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Jesus Christ is the only one who will take care of your soul.

Romans 10:9 (King James Version)

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

 

[pek1]

For your wife's sake? why not God's sake? it is unwise to mess with God.

2 Kings 17:17 (King James Version)

And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

For God's sake? I thought salvaion was for mankind's sake...that's what the Bible says.

 

[pek1]

I dislike it so much when some Christians have some nerve to come up to me and tell me that I'm going to hell for something I once did a long time ago, I don't appreciated that because they are not the ones who are going to take my soul when I die. Only God can judge me no one else. I already seek God for my forgiving I don't need other Christians throwing bible in my face. It's like this? "Who do u think you are? You're a sinner too just like me." Enough said by me

Cheri,

I concur. Read the next response, as I respond directly to Heath. Grab the popcorn...

 

[pek1]

Many times, our unbelieving family and coworkers -- society in general, can make us feel small and inferior -- like second class citizens -- because we are Christians. Unfortunately, somewhere along the line, somehow, we begin to believe it! We become what I like to call "mopey Christians," just moping around, keeping our faith hidden under a bushel, feeling afraid to say a word about Jesus, in fear that we might offend someone! And that's precisely what the enemy wants us to feel!

We need a reality check. We should be holding our heads high today and ready to tell people about the great work he's done in us! We have been redeemed!!!!!!!!![/B][/COLOR]

Heath,

I retired from lay ministry after 18 years in it in 2000 and find your remarks repulsive and shows that you're out of touch with reality.

"Christianity," Heath, "is the only religion in the world, that kills their own wounded." The Church is supposed to be a hospital for the saints, as well as the educational training ground for them, yet it is not, neither is it a museum. Also another saying is, "Christians are the meanest people on earth." I find both these sayings to be very true, as I've dealt with a lot of people, including pastors. Pastors are scared of their congregants who go off to a Bible school for study to be in the ministry because they believe they're going to lose their pulpits to them. Well, the last I heard, there's about 6 billion people in the world today that need to hear about Christ and salvation, not to mention having the message given to them in their native language, sign language included. But yet, the jealousy and the hatred still is there. For what reason? I can't think of any good ones.

Since I retired, I did try to go back into the ministry late last year and was rejected...the things that were said about me would endanger my life if I was in jail accused of them only and not convicted. Sad to say, rumors will kill any attempt against a person if they even try to be in the ministry, so I take the next best approach...closing the billfold/wallet and the checkbook. If they have no money, they can't preach, can they? God can supply His own people, but at the rate the Christians are going here in the USA, that might need to be done. As I've stated before, "Never mind getting Christ back into Christmas, let's get Christ back into Christians."

 

[deafdyke]

Many times, our unbelieving family and coworkers -- society in general, can make us feel small and inferior -- like second class citizens -- because we are Christians.

Why the heck would this happen? I don't get it..... Christians are the MAJORITY in our society. You guys are not a persecuted minority at ALL!!!! Tell me.....when's the last time a Christian was beaten up for wearing a cross necklace or told that their songs of praise are evil or any other number of acts that other religious minorities encounter each and every day!

Unfortunately, somewhere along the line, somehow, we begin to believe it! We become what I like to call "mopey Christians," just moping around, keeping our faith hidden under a bushel, feeling afraid to say a word about Jesus, in fear that we might offend someone! And that's precisely what the enemy wants us to feel!

There is nothing wrong with expressing your faith. However, some people do take it overboard. I am not evil or a product of Satan just b/c I do not follow or believe the way some constervative self-rightous holier then thou Christian does. There are amazing folks who do follow Christ...but there are just as many who are so self-rightous and so holier then thou and hypocritical that it would turn everyone and anyone off of Christainity.
I have heard about Jesus. You'd have to be deaf-blind and living in a cave somewhere in Montana not to have heard about Jesus!

 

[Heath]

Deaf dyke Read the last statement in the article I have shown you ...

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/10/192005b.asp

 

[Rose Immortal]

I retired from lay ministry after 18 years in it in 2000 and find your remarks repulsive and shows that you're out of touch with reality.

First question, a bit off-topic: what qualifications does one need for lay ministry, and what does the job involve? I'm trying to gain a better understanding of what work is available within the church in case my calling leads me there. I know you're probably in no mood to answer questions from me, but I thought I'd at least ask so that you or someone who knows this could tell me.

"Christianity," Heath, "is the only religion in the world, that kills their own wounded."

Excellent quote and how very true--Christians can be a VERY exclusive bunch. It's like they think there's not enough of God to go around or something. Sorry for the spamming, but I wrote this once in frustration over things like that:

The Worm from Within

You spoke once of a light
A light to guide the world towards their home
And You entrusted us with the power
To carry Your light into the world

Cast Your eyes upon the flames, my Lord...
They have taken the fire of Your lantern
And set the fields ablaze.
This is what they do in Your holy name.

You command brotherly love
And we repay You with fratricide.
Is it any wonder the rest think You lied?
No one sane runs into the heart of a wildfire.

Maybe I'm wrong, or maybe I'm right
But I think You know all about this
It was an inside job
When You were betrayed with a kiss.

deafdyke--That kind of blatant persecution tends to be rare in the U.S. and for that we're blessed, although you have the instance of the kid at Columbine who was shot for refusing to renounce Christ. But in some other countries, being a Christian is no cakewalk, that's for sure.

 

[dkf747]

Why the heck would this happen? I don't get it..... Christians are the MAJORITY in our society. You guys are not a persecuted minority at ALL!!!! Tell me.....when's the last time a Christian was beaten up for wearing a cross necklace or told that their songs of praise are evil or any other number of acts that other religious minorities encounter each and every day!

There seems to be some confusion over what is meant by the word "Christians" Apparently, the way you are using the word, and the way the OP used it, are talking about two different things. As used by the OP Christians are NOT the majority. Defined your way I guess they are. Peowple say stuff like you mentioned all the time. Beatings, and worse, will happen sooner or later. I bet they already do happen and it isn't covered in the media.

I have heard about Jesus. You'd have to be deaf-blind and living in a cave somewhere in Montana not to have heard about Jesus!

Yet so many know so little about Him! That's why I think you're statement is not true. Barna has done the surveys and they show that most people do not know much abou Jesus, other than his name, and a few fact about Him.

 

[Reba]

... The Church is supposed to be a hospital for the saints, as well as the educational training ground for them, yet it is not, neither is it a museum.

I can't speak for "The Church" but I know that my local church is not that way. Restoration of individuals and families is very important in our church, and Bible teaching and training is strongly emphasized.

Also another saying is, "Christians are the meanest people on earth." I find both these sayings to be very true, as I've dealt with a lot of people, including pastors.

I'm very sorry that you have had such negative experiences but I can tell you that it is NOT true that born-again Christians are "the meanest people on earth." Some Christians are "mean" because they let their old nature keep control of themselves, and they don't nurture the Holy Spirit within. There are also many people who use the title "Christian" but really are not.

Pastors are scared of their congregants who go off to a Bible school for study to be in the ministry because they believe they're going to lose their pulpits to them.

That is really bizarre. I have never heard that before. Our Pastor strongly supports members attending Bible school and going into full-time Christian service. He is on the board of a Bible college. He frequently takes offerings to support the tuition needs of our students. He offers summer ministorial interships to the students at our church. He offers evening Bible courses at our church that have transferable credits to Bible colleges. He has established a tradition that the New Year's Sunday evening services are preached by "preacher boy" students. He has hired several young men over the years to serve as youth and assistant pastors. He has helped new evangelists and pastors of small struggling churches get established. Our Pastor strongly encourages young men to enter the ministry.

 

[Reba]

There seems to be some confusion over what is meant by the word "Christians" Apparently, the way you are using the word, and the way the OP used it, are talking about two different things. As used by the OP Christians are NOT the majority.

What is "OP"?

Barna has done the surveys and they show that most people do not know much abou Jesus, other than his name, and a few fact about Him.

Who is "Barna"?

 

[Heath]

Yep that is what I was thinking ....you read my mind Reba....

 

[dkf747]

What is "OP"?

"Original Poster"

Who is "Barna"?

Well known Poll taker with emphasis on Christian issues.
http://www.barna.org/

 

[Cheri]

Psalm 25:8 (King James Version)

Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.

Isaiah 1:18-20 (King James Version)

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Jesus Christ is the only one who will take care of your soul.

Romans 10:9 (King James Version)

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Speak english please, I have no clue what you saying.

 

[Reba]

"Original Poster"

Well known Poll taker with emphasis on Christian issues.
http://www.barna.org/

Thank you.

p.s.
Thanks for the link. Very interesting.

 

[Mookie]

For your wife's sake? why not God's sake? it is unwise to mess with God.

2 Kings 17:17 (King James Version)

And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

Health, I am a mutt of Catholic and Protestant. Becareful what you judge any person in any religion....

I let my wife to pray her own beliefs in Hindu and I would never force her to join your fraking religion againist her will...

"[N]o man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer, on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities."

"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance."

Health, if you think I am wrong, you better pray harder and let me know if you get a right answer from your sweet lord....