Why do you Consider yourself a Christian?

[jay0heavenly]

As a spinoff to the other thread, I wanted to ask this question. What makes you a Christian? This thread is NOT to chump anyone, or say who is/isn't one thing or another, but just for me to get a good understanding about your understanding of Christianity.

I'm not asking for a deep theological reflection, but just simply your basis for calling yourself a Christian. Answer these q's for ya boy!

1. Do you believe that Jesus= God incarnate? Why/Why not?

2. What is belief to you? Is it simply confession?

3. If there was a direct scripture in conflict with one of your beliefs, would you change your belief? Or just ignore the Scripture?

4. Why do you believe what you do? Who/what shaped your spirituality?

5. Do you believe Jesus was physically raised from the dead?


I probably have more questions than these...lol...but this is a good start. Feel free to add whatever else you want.

[LejaOMG]

Disclaimer: excuse the footnotes/pinpoint cites, I'm in law school that's the only way I know how to assert anything. It really is ruining me

1. Do you believe that Jesus= God incarnate? Why/Why not?
No. I believe that Jesus and his father are two separate entities.

see Matthew 16:15-17, identifying Jesus Christ as the Son of LivingGod
see also Mark 12:28-30, describing God as "one"
but cf , John 20:17- Jesus worships God

2. What is belief to you? Is it simply confession?
Belief...I guess I'd call it a mixture of faith and works. With faith being the assured expectation of things hoped for though not beheld and works being those actions which demonstrate my true confidence in the things I "believe" I think both are necessary.

FN 1 Heb 11:1 - "Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld"
FN 2 James 2:26- "Indeed, as the body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead."

3. If there was a direct scripture in conflict with one of your beliefs, would you change your belief? Or just ignore the Scripture?
Not if there were a single scripture out of context. Anybody can take ONE group of words out of the bible and arrange it to mean whatever they like, even something which conflicts a basic Christian doctrine. At the mouth of 2 or more witnesses a matter is established, so the theme would have to repeat reliably throughout the Word for me to consider adjusting my belief.

**cf. Deuteronomy 19:15 (explaining procedures for accepting testimony)

4. Why do you believe what you do? Who/what shaped your spirituality?
Because I am convinced, to the very core of my soul that God is the creator, the whole obligation of man is to fear Him and to keep his commandments. What shaped my spirituality? My honest search for the one true way to really please Him and the way He drew close to me when I drew close to Him and the way He continues to bless my efforts in His service. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

5. Do you believe Jesus was physically raised from the dead?

Yes. I believe his corpse was in a tomb. The corpse was later miraculously done away with and his spirit ascended to heaven (from earth where Jesus had been previously). I do not believe, that Jesus' flesh and blood went to heaven after he died.

[jay0heavenly]

keep em coming I'll reserve all comments until everybody has a chance to speak their mind. I don't want to influence anybody's post!

[Colourgirlie]

*Disclaimer: This will be complementary to Leja's comment, since we are of the same faith.*

1. Do you believe that Jesus= God incarnate? Why/Why not?

No, I do not believe that Jesus and God are one in the same. Jesus even explains in John 14:28 when speaking to his disciples, where he states:

"You heard that I said to you, I am going away and I am coming back to you. If you love me, you would rejoice that I am going my way to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am."

Furthermore, in Matthew 3:17, God clearly states:

"This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved."

2. What is belief to you? Is it simply confession?

Belief means much more than lip service to me. Even the Pharisees and the Sadducees professed belief in God but their actions and words spoke otherwise. They spoke of what was truly in their hearts and this is where true faith lies first. One can see this when working at a job that they do not like. It's not something that's in your heart, therefore, your actions are going to make a testimony of that.

Romans 10:9-11 mentions:

"For if you publicly declare that 'word (the word of faith) in your own mouth,' that Jesus is Lord, and exercise faith in your heart that God raised him up from the dead, you will be save. For with the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation. For the Scripture says: "None that rests his faith on him will be disappointed.""

Also, in correlation to Leja's reference to Hebrews 11, which mentions the examples of several faithful men and women of old and well as how they pleased God through their faith in him, Hebrews 11:6 brings out:

"Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please him well, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him."

One must work in harmony with their belief in order for it to be true, otherwise, it's merely lip service, as Jesus brought out in Matthew 7:21:

"Not everyone saying to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will."

3. If there was a direct scripture in conflict with one of your beliefs, would you change your belief? Or just ignore the Scripture?

Deuteronomy 19:15, Matthew 18:15-17, and at least six other scriptural references mention that at the mouth of two or more witnesses a matter is established. Anyone can twist a scripture to their liking, however it is only through proper application that the truth can be ascertained. Therefore, the only way that I would change my belief is if this particular "conflict" was reliably repeated throughout the Scriptures.


4. Why do you believe what you do? Who/what shaped your spirituality?

I believe what I believe because I am thoroughly convinced that mankind's purpose is to fear the True God and keep his commandments, and in this way, I can be a part of those who make God's heart rejoice, so that he may "make a reply to him that is taunting me" as brought out in Proverbs 27:11. Furthermore, in Proverbs 2:7 it brings out that "for the upright ones he will treasure up practical wisdom; for those walking in integrity he is a shield." And further in verses 10-12 it mentions:

"When wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge itself becomes pleasant to your very soul, thinking ability itself will keep guard over you, discernment itself will safeguard you, to deliver you from the bad way, from the man speaking perverse things."

Everything that God has said that he will do, he has as brought out in Isaiah 14:24, where he states "surely just as I have figured, so it must occur; and just as I have counseled, that is what will come true." And Isaiah 55:11 furthers this point where God says:

"So my word that goes forth from my mouth will prove to be. It will not return to me without results, but it will certainly do that in which I have delighted, and it will have a certain success in that for which I have sent it."

In Isaiah 30:20, God is named the Grand Instructor. He is truly my Grand Instructor for everything that I have done in accordance with His laws and commands has proven successful and everything that I do in contrast to His laws and commands has proven disastrous for me. Yet, I know that as long as I strive to continue to put my faith and trust in him and serve him wholeheartedly, he will continue to bless my efforts.

5. Do you believe Jesus was physically raised from the dead?

Yes, I do believe that Jesus was physically raised from the dead and that he ascended to heaven as a spirit creature. In the first seven verses of Matthew 28, it mentions the account of a great earthquake and that an angel descended from heaven and rolled away the stone from Jesus' grave. When the sisters of Lazarus came, the angel said to them, "Do not you be fearful, for I know you are looking for Jesus who was impaled. He is not here, for he was raised up, as he said." Then he proceeded to say, "Look! He is going ahead of you into Galilee; there you will see him." Following this, there were some 500+ witnesses to his resurrection, even though the religious leaders tried to pay people off to say otherwise.

Concerning his presence in heaven, Jesus was originally a spirit creature and as 1 Timothy 6:16 mentions that he is the "one alone having immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom not one of men has seen or can see." Accordingly, Colossians 1:15,16 brings out that Jesus is "the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation" and that "by means of him all other things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible." So it is only fitting that Jesus would return to his spirit form when he returned to heaven.

[denounced]

As in the unequally yoked post, you have plenty of scriptures that conflict with yours concerning Jesus' deity, other than the ones I mentioned. Now let's apply your conflict logic. As Jay said, and also you CG (CONTEXT)..........What is repeated throughout scripture concerning Jesus? Dual natures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Give Him Glory...Why did Jesus not rebuke Thomas for calling Him Lord and God?

[123Diva]

May 22, 2008 18:45:15 GMT -5 jay0heavenly said:

As a spinoff to the other thread, I wanted to ask this question. What makes you a Christian? This thread is NOT to chump anyone, or say who is/isn't one thing or another, but just for me to get a good understanding about your understanding of Christianity.

I'm not asking for a deep theological reflection, but just simply your basis for calling yourself a Christian. Answer these q's for ya boy!

1. Do you believe that Jesus= God incarnate? Why/Why not? Yes, I do believe this. Jesus and God to me are like ice and water - some thing, different forms.

[/color]

2. What is belief to you? Is it simply confession?
Belief is confession and willingness to take to heart God's teachings. Being born again (or asking God into your heart) is key. At the church I grew up in the pastor used to say that is is simple as ABC - Accept, Believe, Confess...accept God into your heart, believe that he is your Saviour and was raised from the dead, and confess that you are a sinner.

3. If there was a direct scripture in conflict with one of your beliefs, would you change your belief? Or just ignore the Scripture?
Plenty of people, sadly even people who i consider to be true believers, take scripture out of context to suit their own traditions and wants. No, there is not one direct scripture that goes against my belief, but I do believe that plenty of scriptures have been taken out of context and turned into something to which I do not subscribe.

(For example, please do not talk to me about respecting and serving my husband without talking to me also about making sure I have a man who God deems worthy of taking the spiritual lead and who does indeed love me unconditionally as Christ loves the church. Also, I can't stand hearing that certain people are poor because they do not give enough money to the church. Where in the Bible does it say that God intended everyone to be rich and that poverty was a punishment? However, i can most certainly find scriptures talking about the superfluousness of some alleged men of God and also scriptures speaking against preying on widows...or those who do not have much.)

4. Why do you believe what you do? Who/what shaped your spirituality? I would say my upbringing originally shaped my beliefs, but as I got older, got saved and branched out on my own, getting some real world experience, God has definitely showed himself to me, and has yet to forsake me or leave me hanging. When we as Christians accept that what we want does not necessarily align with God's will for us and that his way is best, much will be revealed and our faith will be strengthened. Someone once said that God has 3 answers to prayers, YES, NOT NOW, and I'VE GOT SOMETHING BETTER IN STORE. I have found this to be true in my life. Remember that God's ways are not our ways, not are God's thought's man's/woman's thoughts.

5. Do you believe Jesus was physically raised from the dead? YES...If I did not believe this, the foundation of my faith would render itself null and void. He could not then in fact be my Saviour. That would make him like every other prophet whose tomb remains with skeletons inside.


I probably have more questions than these...lol...but this is a good start. Feel free to add whatever else you want.[/quote]

[Cambist]

1. Something like that. I don't believe in the virgin birth.

2. I agree with many of the other answers to this question. I would add though that belief is not simple confession. Beleive speaks to a humans very existance and governs his/her way of thinking and therefore his/her behavior and actions. If I simply confess but do not govern myself according to some circumscribed boundries (usually set by one's faith, salvation based or not) then confession is impotent.

We all must believe in something even if it's that we simply believe in ourselves. We must believe that there is something greater than ourselves (individually) in order to govern our interpersonal relationships and our interaction with the world.

3. Probably not. I could read one scripture right now that would convince me to stop typing on this message board. Having said that, if you were talking about one particular situation and I found a specific scripture...it would probably have an effect albeit a small one.

4. It works for me. My choice to become a Christian is more nurture than nature. I was raised this way.

5. I don't feel the need to accept or reject this. His sacrifice is enough for me. I'm not saying that it didn't happen.

[water]

Camel who is Jesus ?

I mean where did he come from ?

How did Mary get pregnant with Immanuel?

[Cambist]

Who is he or what is he? Are we discussing whether or not Jesus is the Annointed of God? Are we discussing whether Jesus is co-eternal with God and not created by him?

Is it so important for Jesus to be of virgin birth or virgin conception? Is it so important that he was physically raised from the dead as opposed to his spirit ascending?

Jesus is the Annointed of God and therefore the son of God. The sacrificial lamb of God.

How did Mary get pregnant? I don't really care. It wouldn't matter to me if it was Joseph's seed.

What matters to me is the sacrifice itself.

I don't deny that Jesus is the actual son of God or that he was decended from Heaven. There is no need. I don't feel it necessary to confirm or deny either of them.

[jay0heavenly]

keep em coming yall...

@ Cam...check out my post and give me your response.
onolympus.proboards67.com/index.cgi?board=relig&action=display&thread=2174

[Cambist]

I just did.

[Highly Favored]

1. Do you believe that Jesus= God incarnate? Why/Why not?

Yes. I believe in the inerrancy of the Bible. John 1 states that the Word was God and that Word became flesh. I Timothy 3:16 states "...God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."

2. What is belief to you? Is it simply confession?

To me, belief is more than profession. To really believe motivates one to act on that belief and hold steadfast to it. A person is not easily persuaded to part from something he or she truly believes in, even when it is not convenient to hold fast to those beliefs. Faith without works is dead. Even the devils (demons) believe and tremble, but for them, there is no redemption.

3. If there was a direct scripture in conflict with one of your beliefs, would you change your belief? Or just ignore the Scripture?

I would change my belief. I have already had to do that many times.

4. Why do you believe what you do? Who/what shaped your spirituality?

I was exposed to the Bible and Christianity by my mother as a child. I believe the Bible is God's word. The Bible itself has shaped my spiritual beliefs, more than anything else. Certainly, I have been exposed to great teachers and preachers who have also reinforced my study, but I never accept what anyone tells me without holding it up to the standard of God's word.

My faith in God's word has not proven misplaced.

5. Do you believe Jesus was physically raised from the dead?

Yes.

[water]

1. Do you believe that Jesus= God incarnate? Why/Why not?
He is YHWH The Creator of the Universe
2. What is belief to you? Is it simply confession? It is The decision to Follow Yahshua instead of following whoever or whatever

3. If there was a direct scripture in conflict with one of your beliefs, would you change your belief? Or just ignore the Scripture? Context is key then i would let the Holy Spirit lead me into TRUTH

4. Why do you believe what you do? Who/what shaped your spirituality? The guns broke out and like R Kelly said He (YAHSHUA) saved me Glory be to God

5. Do you believe Jesus was physically raised from the dead? Yes

[denounced]

Cam- Are you an Oprah fan? I see your mind went to a commercial break on water's questions.

The very questions you ask all matter to the Born Again Christian's faith. So what are you? I am not here to battle you, but you are obviously insincere, indifferent, and non-chalant in your responses. So why battle with someone who is clearly opposed to the very NATURE of who Jesus is? So That OTHERS can see WHO Jesus IS, AND Be made AWARE Of Those WHO HAVE NO PART WITH HIM, while REVEALING SATAN'S SUBTLETIES. It's no different than what I do with GLO's.

A WARNING TO ALL INTERESTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YOU MAY BE JOINING TO WIN SOULS....BUT WHO ARE THE NON-BELIEVERS WINNING SOULS TO? YOU DON'T THINK SATAN HAS AN AGENDA WITH THESE ORGANIZATIONS?

I share in the work to make disciples of Jesus among men, no matter who they are, where they are, or what they are in, etc.

"What matters to me is the sacrifice itself." CameltoFoot

Tastes Great, but Unfulfilling!!!!!!! If the sacrifice matters, then it must be the right type, which is found in the fallacy of your next forked-tongue statement.

"I don't deny that Jesus is the actual son of God or that he was decended from Heaven. There is no need. I don't feel it necessary to confirm or deny either of them." Camel to Foot

Son of God is actually a title of divinity (but you already believe in the "divinity" of Jesus), so what do you mean when you say that? Let me help the confused. He is saying nothing different than what the JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES SAY. Jesus is "A" god, CREATED a divine person for the purpose of his mission, life, example, etc. But He is not the only true God, The Creator.

He does not AFFIRM, CONFIRM, CONFESS, etc. (i.e. he lacks faith with the most credible evidence........) What no man has ever done, which the Jews hopefully and unsuccessfully tried? To disprove something they didn't even believe in.........What? The same thing is happening right before you all's faces. Unbelievers trying to disprove something they do not even believe actually happened. Shouldn't the evidence be sufficient? 70 A.D. was the reminder for the Jews, what will it be for you? Stop, Drop, and Roll doesn't work in Hell.


Do they still make lollipops in lollipop land? LOL!

[Cambist]

@ Denounced

1. Let me clarify the statement you quoted. What I didn't feel the need to confirm or deny was the statements I made earlier in my post. The virgin birth, the physical resurrection, etc...I don't deny they happened. I was not saying that I didn't affirm or deny the divinity of Jesus. I was talking about some of the reported events surrounding His life.

2. How can Jesus be "A" god? If you only believe in one God then isn't it impossible for there to be more than one God? Can God not manifest Himself any way He wishes?

[water]

About Jesus being God is told by men but revealed by the Heavenly Father . So until them scales fall off in the name of Jesus ...........All i can say is water loves ya

[Cambist]

English my brother. English. LOL! What does that mean, water?