[to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ]

1-it is okay a person to edify another, when they have their own issues to look at first.

"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,"  Ephesians 4:11-12
God gave us each of these individuals to equip each of us to edify one another.  We are to do so.

Can you explain to me why or why not it is okay for people to be a jerk when they edify?  And yes it probably is The Lord working through them to make us grow as people.  But sometimes I feel like the people (specifically this one guy) get too full of themselves and feel like they can speak to people to create contention (purposely or not).  I am a very openminded person and am willing to listen, repent, and avoid evil.  I understand that Jesus didn't fall into any persons mind games.  But I am a growing/new Christian, but that doesn't give certain people the open door to try to disrupt the peace that would already be there.  If that makes sense..

it is okay to appreciate certain worldly things (if it is okay), because we are human and need to balance both the spirit and the world.  Just appreciating--not worshipping.

"All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up."  1 Corinthians 10:23
There need be no balance of the spirit and the world.  Remember, we are His and we are bought with a price.  However, to view everything in the world as wrong goes in the face of what Paul teaches.  It's not a question of what's ok, but rather, what's best.

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Can you explain how a growing Christian is suppose to live on Earth, and glorify the temple which The Lord God gave His children, without thanking The Lord for the beautiful things that He has created?  I fully accept the fact that He gave, and He can take away.  And that we are to look past this world and look towards Heaven to be with Him.  But how are we to disregard the people and the marvels He has created?

Thank you Tibby for your responses..

Yes, sounds a lot like him.  Sometimes I think that he is very insecure in who he is, so he lashes out at me and/or others.  But I do take some of the things he says for good.  But I just want him to understand that even though we try to be holy, we are human.  We are not God.  He is going on 24 now.  

I am going on 24 as well and haven't really stood up for what I believe in and put my foot down for what I have learned throughout my time here.  (Maybe he is taking advantage of that)  Yes, some of the things are bad (and now I recognize that).  So I am taking this as a lesson from the Lord that I need to use the tongue that the Lord has given me.  But I don't want to sound foolish or put my foot in my mouth.

I like him, but I can't let that get in the way of what the Lord wants for me.  And he holds that against me as well.  But I guess this is just a relationship issue...  But situations like this seem to arise often in my life, so I need to know how to handle them in a wise and respectful manner.  So if you have any scripture, I would really appreciate it...  

Thank you, once again.

Well, some examples...  If I listen to certain music, talk about certain things, if I watch certain movies.  I understand that yes they are worldly things, and not all leave a bad report in my mind, nor in others, but the are worldly things.  

So okay, I accept that when he tells me about those things.  But when I find him doing/watching/listening to his taste of entertainment.  I guess we could call it somewhat hypocritical and I want to point out to him exactly what he tried to point out to me.  But I guess that wouldn't be very lady-like.  

I just want to be able to back up why:

1-it is okay a person to edify another, when they have their own issues to lok at first.

2-murmuring and/or name calling is not God-like

3-it is okay to appreciate certain worldly things (if it is okay), because we are human and need to balance both the spirit and the world.  Just appreciating--not worshipping.

Without sounding like I don't appreciate the teachings and understandings of growing and becoming a better woman of God.  

If that makes sense??  I can go into more detail, but that would take up a lot of time and space.  If there are any other questions that would help you help me, please let me know...

I'm sorry, but can you go into any more detail? My first instinct is to say he should show more love and less judgment, but we only know a small piece, he could very well be doing what is best for you. Or, he could just me a jerk. Either way, we can’t know without more details. Different circumstances call for different things. Different sins are to be dealt with differently. A Child who lies about  spilling a glass of kool-aid on mommy's new white dress should not dealt with the same as a homicidal rapist, right? What exactly is he criticizing you for? How does he go about doing this criticism? You don’t have to go into that much detail, but, if you recall the case in 1 Corinthians 5, different sins call for different treatment. Fleshy behaviors could mean a lot of things, as can "Killing my Joy." Kill Joys can be both good and bad in the church, it all depends on what "joy" they are killing. The "joy" of raising your hands in praise, or the "joy" of getting drunk, it is all relative to the situation.


Chris

   Greetings fellow believers in Jesus.  I have a concern and a question that I have been thinking about.  As fellow humans I understand that we are suppose to love each other, and in that, we are teach others of their "wrongs" in the sight of the lord.  But recently a fellow brother has been what feels like judgement and criticism (and in a negative manner).  Yes, I take it for the Lord working through him to change some of my old fleshly behaviors, but does it have to be too the point where he is killing my joy?  Can someone please give me some scripture on how to biblically approach others to "edify," "exhort," our fellow people?  Also some verses that explain the compassion, understanding, and love that we can exemplify?

Thank you for your time  

ldyblueyez79@yahoo.com

So no one here is saved yet then, huh?

Yep, everyone here but you is unsaved JTB.  

Wow!  Don't be so quick to judge.  We are all learning.  And sometimes we may say stupid/foolish things.  (Even though we should only speak in wisdom)  If then, we should compassionately point out where we may be mistaken and help others learn from what we thought we knew.  However, it is not cool to label others.

You can never lose your salvation if you beleive and call on the name of the Lord.  However, you can lose that grace of God.

aw: Would you mind stating how that might happen?

I am slowly learning the Word and I am trying to understand better.  That was an ignorant/foolish statement to make.  Thank you for making me think on it.  I was reading on that a found...

"And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the Lord God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage" Ezra 9:8

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  God forbid.  How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"  Romans 6:1-2

A saved person knows the difference and chooses not to sin.  An unsaved person may either know what is right and wrong and chooses to do whatever anyhow.

"in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" Eph. 1:7

Thank you Jesus.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" Eph. 2:8

"But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ." Eph. 4:7

...so with this in mind, the Lord allows me to understand that, if we call on Christ Jesus to be our Saviour, then God will give us His gift of grace.  I guess that I was thinking about the unsaved people, who do not know of the almighty, loving grace that Lord God gives.  I humbly apologize.

What! must we do to stop the crime,

That's in our schools today?

Let's let the Lamb come back to school,

And teach our kids to pray!

If you agree, please pass this on

I agree--Mr. Ambassador4Christ.  I wish that the morals and values that were taught in school, came back.  I feel that we would have a strong, focused nation.  (not that we need to divide nations anymore, but to return to what America was founded on)  And now that I think about it.. they had such strong values back then because they did allow the Bible and prayer into schools.

Now, I feel like teachers are teaching worldly materialistic values. "I can't teach because I don't have any supplies.  I need new books.  I need more..."  

Teachers use to only need a chalkborad and the knowledge that is in their heads.  And from there, they made students think.  Now, it seems like they want to just barely pass by in classes and move the students on, instead of making students think/brainstorm/and grow as well rooted people of God.

It seems to me that the 14% of people who would rather not have God or the Word in our schools, should listen and allow such values in schools.  They should realize that there is a good and a bad (common sense?--maybe not) and that to grow into well-rounded, prosperous individuals, we need to know these things--not avoid them.  They should sit back and listen and try to understand just a little bit.  Especially this day in age: We need to be awake!!

God Bless.

You can never lose your salvation if you beleive and call on the name of the Lord.  However, you can lose that grace of God.

Well-to think of how the people who were so quick to change their minds makes me sad (a worldly, short-timer, human attitude).  

The fact that The Lord God of All sent down His Son to show us the closest way to be pure and God-like: honored, humbled and thankful.  

When I empathize/imagine how it would be on the cross at that moment when Christ Jesus let the soul go: like I am falling (free) but The Lord's got me in His hand and is ready to catch me at any moment.

Greetings!  I am pretty new to this forum as well.  I really like the concept and freedom to be able to speak with others who beleive in God, Jesus and Heaven.

My current roommates are completely involved with the world and do not appreciate my beliefs (as well as many others).  I am giving them as much charity and trying to be as humble as the Lord alllows me.. it gets difficult sometimes.  But no worries.. because God is on my side.

Greetings Willowbirch!  Thank you for your response.  This is my first forum.  But I am really thankful to hear all the testimonies, ideas, and concepts brought up.  I am able to read and communicate thoughts pertaining to the Lord without much persecution.  God bless you (and everyone!)  KIT

Hmmmmm.

My sentiments exactly!

"And by this we may be sure that we know him, if we keep his commandments."  I John 2:1-3"

What does it mean to "keep His commandments"? Looks as if this requires some action on the part of man. It means repenting of lying, fornicating, all sinning. Grace is not license to sin. One must maintain him/herself in Christ. The Holy Spirits sword is there to cut deep into the hearts the will of God for His people.

If christians see acts of sin in public places, they are not required to challange these sins but withdraw from them, have no part of them, and that place. Christians are a group called out of the world and are not to be a part of the sinful world. To start a ruckus over sinful public acts would be putting oneself on the same level as the sinners.

I am still learning, please forgive me if I sound ingnorant.  But we should continue to ask questions right??  

Anywho..  So ollie.. by people admonishing other people to help us grow as a whole spirit would be walking in the councel of the ungodly?  And by not partaking in their counsel whatsoever would bless us even more?

I thought that even Jesus came down to save the unrighteous and sinners.  Did not He, himself, talk with them?..  (I understand that He did not "walk" with them though).. But He told people of how God wants us to be.

Please let me know on this...  

LdyBluEyez

Amen Brother!  We need and want discipline.  Even the some that say they don't need it.  

If we allow people to continue in a way that we understand by God as bad.. we should do the will of God and admonish their bad habits.  If we allow them to continue in whatever.. we essentially are commiting the same act.  So as a loving, compassionate society-we should help eachother out and point out to them the what and whys of their actions.  And not in a judgemental way.  In an understanding, peaceful way.

God please open our eyes so that we can see and understand!!!

No!! We should not wait until "they" have control.  If we allow them to continue in what they think is okay, then we are somewhat agreeing with them and saying it is okay.  We need to as a loving community, admonish their actions and give them counsel.  We all need and want discipline (even if "they" say they don't).  It is how we show we care.  If we let them do what they will--they will not know God's will.

If we don't say something--then we are guilty of their sin too.

I pray to God that we learn to compassionatly rebuke our brothers and sisters...And grow together.

I think that the mark has already begun.  Most of us have a social seurity number?  An address?  A telephone number?  A number some how--censusing?  Somehow we are marked so that "they" can find us.  "They" being people who are not of God, but of the world.  

Once the world attempts to make one entire nation (throwing out any and all borders globally)--I feel like they will try to account for us as a whole and then all Hell will break loose.  And once "they" destroy the world "Earth," they will attempt to move to another planet or the moon so that we can repeat the same problems.

Take a look at ourselves people and learn to fear God..., because He will come some day soon and we need to be awake!!!!!