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Who is a Christian??? - 6/11/2008 9:28:24 AM
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TorchHeart
Posts: 672
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From: One of the coldest places on Earth
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I realize I'm new on this forum, but I've already seen a number of posts where people say things like "so-and-so is supposedly a Christian, but they did this to me." Or "This friend of mine went out and did something I don't agree with. They're supposed to be a Christian."
Is it really right to question whether or not somebody is a Christian just because you're not getting along with them? Or because they complained about you at work? Or because you have a different political stance than them?
It seems like a lot of people forget that everyone is at different points in their walk with God, and that being a Christian doesn't mean that we're all cut-out copies of one another, but that we have a common belief in Christ as our perfect Savior.
Am I wrong in what I'm seeing here?
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RE: Who is a Christian??? - 6/11/2008 11:38:03 AM
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Szaftoo
Posts: 890
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: So. Calif.
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Until I reach perfection, I won't question another believer's personal walk with the Lord. If I feel like I don't see any fruit in their life, I will pray for them and hope they do the same for me.
This is not about holding each other accountable, it's about not judging.
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RE: Who is a Christian??? - 6/11/2008 4:17:35 PM
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davemiller7
Posts: 671
Joined: 3/5/2008
From: NC via NY
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First, welcome Brother/Sister in Christ. You're 100% correct when you point out that we're all at different levels in our walk with God. For some reason (could it possibly be our adversary, Old Scratch?), we don't always realize that and we try to fit others into our idea, image, of a Christian. Try not to get disappointed because we all don't get along. We are mere frail humans, but if we keep working toward the goal, we'll become stronger.
-Dave
quote:
ORIGINAL: TorchHeart
I realize I'm new on this forum, but I've already seen a number of posts where people say things like "so-and-so is supposedly a Christian, but they did this to me." Or "This friend of mine went out and did something I don't agree with. They're supposed to be a Christian."
Is it really right to question whether or not somebody is a Christian just because you're not getting along with them? Or because they complained about you at work? Or because you have a different political stance than them?
It seems like a lot of people forget that everyone is at different points in their walk with God, and that being a Christian doesn't mean that we're all cut-out copies of one another, but that we have a common belief in Christ as our perfect Savior.
Am I wrong in what I'm seeing here?
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The light of God surrounds me,
The love of God enfolds me,
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RE: Who is a Christian??? - 6/14/2008 10:37:13 AM
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humbleinspirit
Posts: 15031
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: Just Outside of Boston
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quote:
ORIGINAL: TorchHeart
I realize I'm new on this forum, but I've already seen a number of posts where people say things like "so-and-so is supposedly a Christian, but they did this to me." Or "This friend of mine went out and did something I don't agree with. They're supposed to be a Christian."
Is it really right to question whether or not somebody is a Christian just because you're not getting along with them? Or because they complained about you at work? Or because you have a different political stance than them?
It seems like a lot of people forget that everyone is at different points in their walk with God, and that being a Christian doesn't mean that we're all cut-out copies of one another, but that we have a common belief in Christ as our perfect Savior.
Am I wrong in what I'm seeing here?
Now are you talking specifically about people on this forum or Christians in general instead? If it is other forum members, then it is a Violation of TOS #9 which says in part:
If another Christian disagrees with you theologically do not immediately jump to the conclusion that they are not truly saved just because they disagree, as there are differences of opinion in translating Biblical doctrine.
I hope that helps.
Blessings,
Mike
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RE: Who is a Christian??? - 6/14/2008 11:17:02 AM
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deermousie
Posts: 1442
Joined: 9/26/2007
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quote:
ORIGINAL: TorchHeart
I've already seen a number of posts where people say things like "so-and-so is supposedly a Christian, but they did this to me." Or "This friend of mine went out and did something I don't agree with. They're supposed to be a Christian."
1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
This tells me we don't know if a person is saved or not because we can't see their hearts. We can, however, see the fruit of their lives. Since we're all sinners, and the saved ones hopefully are being sanctified in some area of their lives, we can see things in people's lives that shouldn't be there but still are because God isn't working on that part now but is working somewhere else in them and we see the fruit of it. We're a pretty moldy bunch. 
We struggle (hopefully) with sin, confessing and repenting it, and God grows us up. We walk a while and fall on our face and get up, confess and repent and walk some more. But this is different than a person who lives in unrepentant gross sin and continues in it as a lifestyle, and the Bible tells us how to discern and deal with that kind of person:
1 Corinthians 5:11
But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.
I hope this helps.
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RE: Who is a Christian??? - 6/14/2008 11:19:17 AM
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humbleinspirit
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From: Just Outside of Boston
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I just wanted to add one more thing from the TOS also:
TOS #6 says in part at the end: - Attacking the character or motives of someone who differs with your view or denying that he or she is a Christian is unacceptable.
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RE: Who is a Christian??? - 6/14/2008 12:26:33 PM
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4IMPersuaded
Posts: 424
Joined: 11/17/2007
From: Florence, KY
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You are right that we need not judge other Christians because like us, they are not perfect.
I don't know if you are referring to members of the Crosswalk community speaking about each other or individuals outside the community. Here is the only caution I would give you...
Christian leaders are held to a higher standard than the "average" Christian. We are told that to whom much is given, much is expected. I would approach famous Christian leaders with caution. Some preach a destructive doctrine of "feel good" theology and that is not what we are called to as beleivers. The only way you are going to be able to discern if someone is preaching the Word and not distorting it for whatever reason is to be in the Word yourself. Even then, we are not judging the individual, but rather judging the merit of the doctrine they preach.
God the Father is solely charged with judgement in this context-- and we are to avoid judging unless we want to be held to the same standard-- which I doubt we are.
Blessings.
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RE: Who is a Christian??? - 6/14/2008 1:07:14 PM
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BerianAardvark
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There are some teachings that are decidedly non-Christian in nature, though those who follow them claim to be Christians.
The range of doctrines that are considered by the Faith Community Network Forums (these forums) as Christian is broadly stated here:
http://forums.crosswalk.com/Range_of_Doctrines/m_1014/tm.htm
It is an interesting "read" and in a fashion a part of TOS.
It is my understanding that even in cases where someone espouses beliefs that fall outside of the established ranges, the person is not to be attacked, though the beliefs may certainly be discussed.
At any rate calling someone a "so called Christian" us setting yourself up as a judge as to someone else's salvation, which is definitely not scriptural.
Tim
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The Law is for the proud and the Gospel for the brokenhearted - Martin Luther
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RE: Who is a Christian??? - 6/14/2008 2:01:48 PM
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rcjames
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From: Oklahoma
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Who is a Christian???
Those who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
Thanks
RC
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Read the first chapter of my new book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com/
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RE: Who is a Christian??? - 6/14/2008 3:21:53 PM
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terryjohn
Posts: 398
Joined: 3/23/2007
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Anyone may say they are a christian but it takes one to know one as we are all of the same Spirit. Hence, we will know them by their fruit. Lets us not be nieve enough to say that one who says He is a christian and yet rapes, murders and steal is anything other than a lair too.
We can not sit by and let our brothers insult the spirit of grace given us and apart from that our love demands that we confront them regarding their attitudes much like Christ did to the religious leaders of Israel and Paul did to Peter. Can we merely excuse each other? Can they be forgiven, if they do not repent? How will they repent if they are not called to account?
In the end, if men will not respond to a holy rebuke, we may well leave them to die in their sins.
I personally remember once when I was being other than christian and a brother from another church had the courage and love to rebuke me. It was an amazing experience, for instead of reacting in anger, I instantly accepted it for what it was and ceased what I was doing. I also had never had much respect for the guy who rebuked me, but after that I did.
The only tricky thing is to do it in love after first making sure we are not in the wrong also.
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RE: Who is a Christian??? - 6/14/2008 11:46:37 PM
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_CANCELLED_
Posts: 165
Joined: 6/14/2008
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It's a sad fact that a lot of non Christians try to use one's Christian faith against them but it's an even sadder fact that Christians do it to each other.
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RE: Who is a Christian??? - 6/16/2008 1:52:33 PM
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allisonbrett
Posts: 141
Joined: 5/29/2008
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I also believe there are those that claim to be a Christian merely because they either attend a particular church or that they know that they're not Jewish or Muslim. The have no personal knowledge of Jesus Christ but may have enough info to claim knowledge of the Christian faith.
I once heard that Billy Graham said that he believed that 80% of the churches (membership) were not saved. He implied that they were mere attenders and not active in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If this is so then its a tragedy for sure.
I guess as the OP questioned we see those who claim to be Christian and yet say and do things that seems very worldly. Like another poster or two mentioned, we are all works in progress and therefore still fall to temptation. Then others compromise to some of the world's values and decide to pick and choose which of God's commands they want to abide by and which may not fit into their own value system.
In the end only God truly knows the heart. We may be disappointed by the actions of others regardless of whether they are a Christian or not. We should be careful not to put anyone on a pedestal (other than Christ) but pray for, encourage and lift up others to God. We must also forgive and ask forgiveness when we fail and tarnish our witness.
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