Testimony's

[JJtheJETplane]

We all have our own testimony. But many of us don't always want to share it. We think it is nothing at all. Or we think that no one will care. Well those thoughts couldn't be further from the truth. You could have just grown up as a christian, and still are. Or you could have went thru a hard struggle, only to find God was your God. No matter what the case. This post is for you. So go ahead and share, someone out there might really need some inspiration, or uplifting. YOU can do both.

My testimony...:
Ok. I say 2 years since i became a Christian, because that is when i became a true Christian. Games were useless, is what i had realized, and so i asked God into my heart...with tears in my eyes. And that is the end...now the part leading up to that is this. I had a girlfriend who is now my x. And of course i loved her. And everyday...i would read the bible...to find something about relationships, to make ours stronger. And she was a christian too, so that wasn't to hard. But i would read everything, and i got into the Word so much. And i read it...and i understood it...and it touched me. I prayed every night,:prayer: and God forgive me for not doing it more,...and i should. But i just was starting to understand it all. And then after six months with my x...she broke up with me. Left me for another guy. And she said words that would haunt any soul for Christ. "Everyone that goes to church is the same, that is why my family doesn't go, you're all a bunch of hypocrits" Now i am a Biblical Christian. And i try my best to keep away from anyone who might be a threat...or a hypocrit. I go to my church...and i don't act up, or show in any way that it is all a joke. I still have fun, but i don't over do it.:clap:
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alright...and there is my testimony. I hope you all might think about it a bit. Take it to heart. And i can't wait to see what you others have to post.
God bless you,
John

[BGMCFAR]

Well JJ here goes I grew upin guess you say part-time Christian homeand I part -time christian schools But as I've grown in years I've come tho know the Lord much betterI'develope a very close and personal relationship with my Lord Savior and brother Jesus ,to clarify I'm a child of God and Jesus is a child of God so that makes us Brothers its a persoal thing betwen the two us .My brother gave his life for me and I give my life for him Know greater love has a man tha to give his life for his friends or brother. How wonderful it will be to meet my brother face toface and sit down and talk and thank Himfor shedding his preious blood for me :) JJ on a personal noteI sing some of the songs to my granddaughter when I rock her to sleep from the PBS seriesI love being a grandpa.

[Zecryphon]

"My testimony...:
Ok. I say 2 years since i became a Christian, because that is when i became a true Christian."

What makes you a "true" Christian now as opposed to earlier?

"Games were useless, is what i had realized, and so i asked God into my heart...with tears in my eyes."

What games are you talking about? Also what brought the tears to your eyes when you asked God into your heart? Plus, where in the Bible does it say verbatim 'ask God or Jesus into your heart and you will be saved', I have yet to find that a verse that specifically says that.

"And that is the end...now the part leading up to that is this. I had a girlfriend who is now my x. And of course i loved her. And everyday...i would read the bible...to find something about relationships, to make ours stronger."

What was causing your relationship to be weak?

"And she was a christian too, so that wasn't to hard."

"But i would read everything, and i got into the Word so much. And i read it...and i understood it...and it touched me. I prayed every night,:prayer: and God forgive me for not doing it more,...and i should. But i just was starting to understand it all. And then after six months with my x...she broke up with me. Left me for another guy. And she said words that would haunt any soul for Christ. "Everyone that goes to church is the same, that is why my family doesn't go, you're all a bunch of hypocrits""

Show me one person in this world who is not a hypocrite in one way or another. There is not one person on this planet who always does what they say they do.

"Now i am a Biblical Christian. And i try my best to keep away from anyone who might be a threat...or a hypocrit. I go to my church...and i don't act up, or show in any way that it is all a joke."

If you're a Biblical Christian, why would you be in a church that you consider to be a joke? If you're in a church you think is not keeping or teaching the word of God, you would leave. I did. I left the church I was in, because it was full of games and half-truths and searched for a more Biblically sound church. I love how people get tired of the church they're in and leave the church altogether instead of finding a more suitable church.

"I still have fun, but i don't over do it.:clap:"

Do you go to church to have fun or to glorify God? Exactly who is being served by you going to church?

[yodafett]

Hi guys! I didn’t grow up in the church, in fact, quite the opposite, really. Both of my parents grew up in the church, and they decided to let me decide if I wanted to attend or not. I was overly interested in science and decided that (at best) the Bible was incomplete and something was wrong/missing from Christianity, so I discarded it. I found religion interesting enough that I as I got older, I looked into things like the “lost gospels” and pseudographia (I still haven’t quite figured out why I started there instead of the Bible…). Lots of playing and dabbling in the occult. Became a pretty accomplished Tartot card reader, frighteningly accurate on occasion. Not too long after I turned 25, moved out and on my own. Went through some hard times, trying to spread my own wings, and all that. My best friend, Dan, had gotten involved in the church after I moved here, and he kept inviting me to his Men’s Group. Obviously, I ran from that for quite a while, but I noticed that while I was going through all these low spots, “something” kept happening to provide for this, that, or the other, whenever I needed it. I finally hit a point where I accepted that someone or something, a “higher power” was watching out for me. I said aloud, something to the effect of “I’m not going to fight anymore, show me the way”. Dan stopped by my apt and once again asked me to Men’s Group. I ended up going, and was amazed by the level of honestly, sincerity, and openness from the men present, especially since I was a newcomer. Talked with the pastor at the church a few times. To make a long story short, within a few months’ time, I’d come to accept Christ as my savior. Not quite 4 years later, I’m tied into several different ministry teams, on our church’s leadership circle, and in my second year at a Bible College. J

I really relate to the song from Pillar Rewind, because as I look back over my life, I can see God’s touch in so many places that I never could have seen it if I didn’t believe. How He let me grow outside Him so that I could see how hollow the other “answers” are. How He used that time of me learning to “walk on my own” as a period of burning away some of the shells and walls I’d built between us, and then He was faithful. And when I acknowledged Him, even without name at first, He reached out to me in the way that I needed, by further dismantling those walls in a loving way, with the logic I needed to see the Truth in Him.

Pillar – Rewind
It seems just like yesterday was the first time that I heard You call my nameSince then, so much has changedI’m still the same man that I was beforeKnowing that I can be without anything scares me away from being aloneNow, that I know what’s going onI can look back and see YouAnd I made You wait, as I turned away If I could rewind, watch all my lifeJust pass me by, I could see YouIf I could rewind, I’d take back the liesAnd all of those times I hurt You I don’t know if I’ll ever know exactly how much that I hurt YouKnowing that hurts me everydayIf I could rewind, I would take it away And not make You wait, and I won’t walk away I wanna take back all those liesI wanna take back all those timesI wanna show You with my life that I’m here for You

[JJtheJETplane]

"My testimony...:


Do you go to church to have fun or to glorify God? Exactly who is being served by you going to church?

Whoa whoa whoa....hold the phone. You question me having fun at church. And you question who is being served, by my having fun? Let me ask you something...are you stuck in a ritual that you can't get out of? Is your church about doing things exactly as the bible says. Do you dress in sandals and wear old cloths? Saducee or Pharasee...come on. Have you no idea what a church can be like? When i go to church i know exactly what teenagers these days want. They don't want to come to some upperclass church where the only way to know God is one that doesn't want you to have fun. And when i say fun don't get me wrong. Fun for me, is going to my church to hang up Christmas lights. Fun for me is taking pictures of my youth group. Fun for me is making a dvd, every year so that our youth group can remember the events that were "fun". Have you know idea what the word "fun means anymore. You were qouting me Zecryphon...now i am quoting you. And to me, "fun" is putting my energy, heart, and soul into a work for God. And if that isn't glorifying to God, or if i am not serving others than someone had better tell me. And then after you tell me go do some research. I know that you can't tell me truthfully that Paul, John, Peter, Luke, Mark, Timothy or any other disciple, or bible translator (because God is the author) wasn't having fun doing what they did. Don't bad mouth me or any other christian for that matter who says they are having "fun", until you find out what it means to them. Send me a PM next time, and i would be glad to answer your questions. Thank you, and May God Bless You.

John

[Zecryphon]

"Whoa whoa whoa....hold the phone. You question me having fun at church."

All those questions I asked you and THIS is the one you answer? Interesting. And to answer your question, yes I question who is being served by you having fun at church. You can have fun glorifying God at church and seeing your friends afterwards and hanging out that's all cool. But none of that was mentioned in your post, so I asked you the question I did.

"And you question who is being served, by my having fun? Let me ask you something...are you stuck in a ritual that you can't get out of?"

Such as?

"Is your church about doing things exactly as the bible says. Do you dress in sandals and wear old cloths?"

We're an LCMS church with three different services. I usually attend the traditional one, where we snig from the hymnal and recite the creeds and have public confessions of faith. Ritual? Maybe. But anything done a specific way could be considered a ritual. Even those services that have Power Point presentations and contemporary Christian songs, done the same way, enough times could be considered a ritual.

"Saducee or Pharasee...come on."

Why do people always throw out the term Pharisee the second you ask them a question about their worship habits or reasons for going to church?

"Have you no idea what a church can be like?"

I've been to many types of churches so I have a pretty good idea of what it can be. But is the modern-day church in this country what it should be or was meant to be?

"When i go to church i know exactly what teenagers these days want. They don't want to come to some upperclass church where the only way to know God is one that doesn't want you to have fun."

Ah, so you're being "relevant" then? Giving the masses what they want, and not necessarily what they need. Got it. Knowing God and having fun are two completely different issues. If you want to know God, open up your Bible. It's His love letter to you and to all of humanity. If you like reading, you'll probably have fun. If reading is a chore to you, you probably won't have fun. But whether or not you have fun reading the Bible has nothing to do with the fact that in order to get to know God you need to read the Bible.

"And when i say fun don't get me wrong. Fun for me, is going to my church to hang up Christmas lights. Fun for me is taking pictures of my youth group. Fun for me is making a dvd, every year so that our youth group can remember the events that were "fun"."

I agree all that stuff can be fun. Now are those the reasons you go to church? Or are there other reasons? Answer this, what is your primary reason for going to church?

"Have you know idea what the word "fun means anymore. You were qouting me Zecryphon...now i am quoting you. And to me, "fun" is putting my energy, heart, and soul into a work for God. And if that isn't glorifying to God, or if i am not serving others than someone had better tell me. And then after you tell me go do some research."

Why do I need to do research? Because you say so? Please.

"I know that you can't tell me truthfully that Paul, John, Peter, Luke, Mark, Timothy or any other disciple, or bible translator (because God is the author) wasn't having fun doing what they did."

I can't tell you that because I have not personally talked to any of those people and neither have you. So the answer as to whether or not they were having any fun, while being hunted down and persecuted for their beliefs, being stoned, crucified and beheaded for their willingness to not recant their beliefs is a non-issue.

"Don't bad mouth me or any other christian for that matter who says they are having "fun", until you find out what it means to them."

Show me where I've bad mouthed you? Please, I'd love to see it. All I did was ask you a few simple questions. What you read into those questions is your problem not mine. So before you go gettin' your undies in a knot over what you think I'm saying to you, don't. I'm just asking you some questions trying to find out about you, because your previous post, seemed to be lacking some details. For instance, how you personally define fun.

"Send me a PM next time, and i would be glad to answer your questions. Thank you, and May God Bless You."

I don't do the private message thing unless you're a mod or a friend, and right now you're neither. Why do you want a private message session to discuss things that shouldn't be private on a message forum anyway? Do you have something to hide? I don't think so. But the questions I have asked you are apparently going to remain unanswered. Go on your merry little way thinking you've been attacked and slammed by me. I just asked you some questions that you for whatever reason don't want to answer. Maybe I should stick to the Lutheran threads. I don't see this kind of reaction over there to a few simple questions.

[yodafett]

With all due respect, you've BOTH derailed what could have become an interesting thread on personal testimonies. I think JJ had a great idea on starting this thread, and yes Zecryphon, I think some of your questions were valid and deserved to be asked, but the manner that you asked them in came of to me as being confrontational, let alone to a 15 year old with less than 10 posts on this board. Neither one of you is acting Christian towards one another. Whatever your intentions were, the way you conveyed them towards each other probably just killed a productive and joyful thread.

[rosiecotton]

"Whoa whoa whoa....hold the phone. You question me having fun at church."

All those questions I asked you and THIS is the one you answer? Interesting. And to answer your question, yes I question who is being served by you having fun at church. You can have fun glorifying God at church and seeing your friends afterwards and hanging out that's all cool. But none of that was mentioned in your post, so I asked you the question I did.

"And you question who is being served, by my having fun? Let me ask you something...are you stuck in a ritual that you can't get out of?"

Such as?

"Is your church about doing things exactly as the bible says. Do you dress in sandals and wear old cloths?"

We're an LCMS church with three different services. I usually attend the traditional one, where we snig from the hymnal and recite the creeds and have public confessions of faith. Ritual? Maybe. But anything done a specific way could be considered a ritual. Even those services that have Power Point presentations and contemporary Christian songs, done the same way, enough times could be considered a ritual.

"Saducee or Pharasee...come on."

Why do people always throw out the term Pharisee the second you ask them a question about their worship habits or reasons for going to church?

"Have you no idea what a church can be like?"

I've been to many types of churches so I have a pretty good idea of what it can be. But is the modern-day church in this country what it should be or was meant to be?

"When i go to church i know exactly what teenagers these days want. They don't want to come to some upperclass church where the only way to know God is one that doesn't want you to have fun."

Ah, so you're being "relevant" then? Giving the masses what they want, and not necessarily what they need. Got it. Knowing God and having fun are two completely different issues. If you want to know God, open up your Bible. It's His love letter to you and to all of humanity. If you like reading, you'll probably have fun. If reading is a chore to you, you probably won't have fun. But whether or not you have fun reading the Bible has nothing to do with the fact that in order to get to know God you need to read the Bible.

"And when i say fun don't get me wrong. Fun for me, is going to my church to hang up Christmas lights. Fun for me is taking pictures of my youth group. Fun for me is making a dvd, every year so that our youth group can remember the events that were "fun"."

I agree all that stuff can be fun. Now are those the reasons you go to church? Or are there other reasons? Answer this, what is your primary reason for going to church?

"Have you know idea what the word "fun means anymore. You were qouting me Zecryphon...now i am quoting you. And to me, "fun" is putting my energy, heart, and soul into a work for God. And if that isn't glorifying to God, or if i am not serving others than someone had better tell me. And then after you tell me go do some research."

Why do I need to do research? Because you say so? Please.

"I know that you can't tell me truthfully that Paul, John, Peter, Luke, Mark, Timothy or any other disciple, or bible translator (because God is the author) wasn't having fun doing what they did."

I can't tell you that because I have not personally talked to any of those people and neither have you. So the answer as to whether or not they were having any fun, while being hunted down and persecuted for their beliefs, being stoned, crucified and beheaded for their willingness to not recant their beliefs is a non-issue.

"Don't bad mouth me or any other christian for that matter who says they are having "fun", until you find out what it means to them."

Show me where I've bad mouthed you? Please, I'd love to see it. All I did was ask you a few simple questions. What you read into those questions is your problem not mine. So before you go gettin' your undies in a knot over what you think I'm saying to you, don't. I'm just asking you some questions trying to find out about you, because your previous post, seemed to be lacking some details. For instance, how you personally define fun.

"Send me a PM next time, and i would be glad to answer your questions. Thank you, and May God Bless You."

I don't do the private message thing unless you're a mod or a friend, and right now you're neither. Why do you want a private message session to discuss things that shouldn't be private on a message forum anyway? Do you have something to hide? I don't think so. But the questions I have asked you are apparently going to remain unanswered. Go on your merry little way thinking you've been attacked and slammed by me. I just asked you some questions that you for whatever reason don't want to answer. Maybe I should stick to the Lutheran threads. I don't see this kind of reaction over there to a few simple questions.


Well, I wondered why you asked the questions you did. You almost seemed to be questioning his testimony.....all he was doing was sharing how he came to God. Your reply came across as questioning some of it.

[Zecryphon]

I disagree that I was confrontational when I initially asked him the questions that I did. My responses have now become what could be construed as confrontational based upon his initial response to me. They were simple questions to answer and you have said yourself they deserve to be answered. He apparently disagrees. He's 15 huh? That explains alot of the 'tude in his response. All threads get derailed at some point. I've never seen a thread stay on topic from start to finish. So let's see where it goes from here. I'm done with this kid.

[Zecryphon]

I asked the questions I did, because a testimony that reads like that one raises some red flags with me. He said he had "tears in his eyes" when he asked Jesus into his heart. Why did he have tears in his eyes? Was it because the law of God had shown him the error of his ways and how he had sinned against God and had earned Hell as a punishment for that sin? Or was it because of another reason, a more feel-good and warm fuzzy reason. Like Jesus died to be your friend, or God loves you so much, you're just such a good person that God sent His only son to die for you, so you could go to Heaven when you die and live forever and ever without disease and worry with Jesus? That one's real popular in the church today. In short, there's a couple catch-phrases in his testimony that are constantly being thrown around in the Evangelical circles of Christianity. The whole modern idea of "asking Jesus into you heart to be saved" is in there. Red flag, because I have never seen a Bible verse instructing us to ask Jesus into our heart. Calling on His name, yes. Asking Him into your heart, no.

He said he became a "true" Christian. Well anyone's gonna ask what that one means. I see people all over the internet from all faiths asking what that phrase means. But no one can seem to agree on it's meaning. Since I now know he's 15, I'll back off and treat him like a child. Most 15 year-olds I know hate that and want to be treated like an adult, which is what I did in this post. I treated him like an adult and asked him questions I have asked countless others on these boards and elsewhere. But if you all think he can't handle it or isn't up to the task, I'll back off. But unlike all of you, I think he is up to the task and is doing just fine in "handling" a person like me. And maybe there are some questions that need to be asked regarding his testimony, because that whole key issue of being convicted by the law of God for your sin and recognizing why he needs a savior and what he is being saved from is strangely absent. Cuz I gotta tell ya, that testimony that he gave is alot like my testimony used to be and alot like other testimonies I've seen given. And not one of them would convince me that there is any reason to be a Christian.

[yodafett]

Well, to take your viewpoint, you're 34, what's the excuse for your " 'tude" ?

And no, your questions are confrontational based on how you asked them, regardless of his answers. And I said SOME deserved to be ASKED, not answered, and not that YOU had to be the one to do that in that tone of voice.

This whole thread was to share testimonies and lift up God and how he brings us into the fold, not to question each other on where we are in our walk.

[yodafett]

I asked the questions I did, because a testimony that reads like that one raises some red flags with me. There's a couple catch-phrases in his testimony that are constantly being thrown around in evangelical circles of Christianity. The whole modern idea of "asking Jesus into you heart to be saved" is in there. Red flag, because I have never seen a Bible verse instructing us to ask Jesus into our heart. Calling on His name, yes. Asking Him into your heart, no.

So instead of asking him in another thread, or a private message, you decided to take away from honoring God by questioning him on things that raise red flags for you?

He said he became a "true" Christian. Well anyone's gonna ask what that one means.

No one else has.

That's another one that gets thrown around alot, but no one can seem to agree on it's meaning. Since I now know he's 15, I'll back off and treat him like a child. Most 15 year-olds I know hate that and want to be treated like an adult, which is what I did in this post. I treated him like an adult and asked him questions I have asked countless others on these boards. But if you all think he can't handle it or isn't up to the task, I'll back off. But unlike all of you, I think he is up to the task and is doing just fine in "handling" a person like me.

I never said he can't "handle" you, and I didn't see anyone else, either. I said your were both acting unChristian towards each other. You in being overly confrontational somewhere it was entirely uncalled for, and him for reacting in such an offended manner.

And I agree, he "handled" you just fine.

[Zecryphon]

"Well, to take your viewpoint, you're 34, what's the excuse for your " 'tude" ?"

One, I don't have a 'tude. I asked direct and pointed questions, does that constitute having a 'tude? I guess to you it does.

"And no, your questions are confrontational based on how you asked them, regardless of his answers."

He shot back with an attitude. But I guess you're willing to excuse that because of his youth. Well I won't excuse that because of his youth, I will engage him in it.

"And I said SOME deserved to be ASKED, not answered, and not that YOU had to be the one to do that in that tone of voice."

What's the point of asking a question, if you're not interested in getting an answer? So if I'm not the one to ask these questions, who is? You? Don't see any questions coming from you on this one. This is a message board, you can't hear tone of voice here, you can only read one into the posts as you've obviously done here. Actually we all have done that in this thread.

"This whole thread was to share testimonies and lift up God and how he brings us into the fold, not to question each other on where we are in our walk."

I'm just trying to get some answers to some simple questions. If I'm trying to ascertain anything it's is he truly saved or is he another false convert? If he is a false convert then we have a real problem on our hands and we have to take steps to correct that. And if at some point I find out that anyone is a false convert then yes, I will try and bring them into the fold. To do any less is unthinkable to me.

[Zecryphon]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zecryphon http://www3.christianforums.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.christianforums.com/showthread.php?p=30361408#post30361408)
I asked the questions I did, because a testimony that reads like that one raises some red flags with me. There's a couple catch-phrases in his testimony that are constantly being thrown around in evangelical circles of Christianity. The whole modern idea of "asking Jesus into you heart to be saved" is in there. Red flag, because I have never seen a Bible verse instructing us to ask Jesus into our heart. Calling on His name, yes. Asking Him into your heart, no.

"So instead of asking him in another thread, or a private message, you decided to take away from honoring God by questioning him on things that raise red flags for you?"

Yep. There's no need to address something he said in this thread in another thread. Doing that is what leads to threads being derailed, something you seem to have a real problem with.


Quote:
He said he became a "true" Christian. Well anyone's gonna ask what that one means.
"No one else has."

Not in this thread you mean, I have seen this question asked on this very forum and other places on the internet countless times.


Quote:
That's another one that gets thrown around alot, but no one can seem to agree on it's meaning. Since I now know he's 15, I'll back off and treat him like a child. Most 15 year-olds I know hate that and want to be treated like an adult, which is what I did in this post. I treated him like an adult and asked him questions I have asked countless others on these boards. But if you all think he can't handle it or isn't up to the task, I'll back off. But unlike all of you, I think he is up to the task and is doing just fine in "handling" a person like me.
"I never said he can't "handle" you, and I didn't see anyone else, either."

But you suggested it when you pointed out the fact that he was 15. Like his being 15 should entitle him to different treatment from me.

"I said your were both acting unChristian towards each other."

Good, now define Christian behavior for the rest of this thread so we can all act according to your preconceived notion of what it means to act like a Christian. What I see here, is two Christians who are having a difference of opinion.

"You in being overly confrontational somewhere it was entirely uncalled for, and him for reacting in such an offended manner."

I'm asking direct and pointed questions. This is how I am, if you think it's hostile and uncalled for, then avoid me.

"And I agree, he "handled" you just fine"

It's just too bad that I had to be the one to recognize it, right? If you want to treat him with kid gloves because he's 15 and that somehow means he needs special treatment go ahead. I disagree.

He's in an adult world and acting just fine. If you think there's been some big breach of the rules by me or anyone else, turn me or them in. It's nothing new to me. I've been a mod and I really don't see any problem on this thread, other than the fact that you don't like my tone.

[yodafett]

Good, now define Christian behavior for the rest of this thread so we can all act according to your preconceived notion of what it means to act like a Christian. What I see here, is two Christians who are having a difference of opinion.

I would say that the Fruits of the Spirit are at least a good starting point.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other

Which have been largely absent from this thread since about post #2, my posts included.

I've been a mod and I really don't see any problem on this thread, other than the fact that you don't like my tone.
Then I'll leave this thread to it's course and pray that it serves the purpose that JJ created it for and edifies God by others sharing their testimonies.

[Zecryphon]

"would say that the Fruits of the Spirit are at least a good starting point."

I"d agree with that.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Galatians 5:22-26
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other

"Which have been largely absent from this thread since about post #2, my posts included"

I'd disagree with this. Yes we've all acted "out-of-character" perhaps. But what is the driving force behind my questions. To determine whether or not he is a false convert. Most Christians go after the unsaved people out in the world. I've turned my attention inwards, to the unsaved people filling our churches week after week. I know they're there, because I used to be one of them. If it weren't for dilligent study of the word of God along with some really good podcasts, I'd still be one of them.


Quote:
I've been a mod and I really don't see any problem on this thread, other than the fact that you don't like my tone.
"Then I'll leave this thread to it's course and pray that it serves the purpose that JJ created it for and edifies God by others sharing their testimonies."

You don't have to leave, just sit back and watch, and call us on stuff you don't like. It's not against the rules to do so. :-) Who knows? Maybe I'll get around to posting my most recent testimony at some point too.

[JJtheJETplane]

well...woah. this was going to be about testimony's...and still can be. But now there are big points that have come. About how anyone, no matter what the topic can become arguementative. And Zecryphon I am sorry if you took my arguement back to you as being something out of hatred, or anything of that sort. In a sense you are right to say that my message wasn't all the way clear, but, it was a tad rude to ask it the way you did. But either way, if you would like to blame it all on me, then i can accept that. I just ask if you would be so kind as to forgive me for my actions. I shouldn't have disrespected you.

For the rest of you out there, i apologize for over reacting on Zecryphon and causing this uproar of events. None the less it was my wrong doing, and don't put him down. He did make a good point. But it would have helped to have more elaboration. Seeing how point made that i was just 15 was just. Either way, i hope that you all post a testimony. I also hope that you realize that it is their testimony, not yours. Questions are valid. Remarks aren't. And it was questions that were given to me.
Have a great day
God Bless Ya'll
John


Ps: And by asking Jesus into my heart. It means that i am letting Jesus guide my soul. Take over my life for his will. Because before that event can take place, temptating demons can't be present, or else uneasyness occurs and you aren't as willing to do things for the Lord. That is how i view it. I know others view it different, and everyone wants to be better than the other, but it's as the song goes..."Why can't we be friends"...i don't remember what it was called, so please don't ask;)

[JJtheJETplane]

Ok...now i will answer that second part to the question also. Who else is being served by me going to church. Ok...now by my testimony, i left it off at the fact that i was going to go to church, i said i would be a true christian, and by true, i mean biblical. Bad word choice, i know. By going to church and being a biblical christian, i got involved in anything i could. I am a leader in my youth group. And i welcome any new teenage face that walks into the door. Because no offense, but an older person walking up to you that is over the age of 25, isn't what is going to keep a teenager in the church. We have to think demographics here. So i have made pamphlets for my youth group, actually i made it yesterday with the help of my partner in leading. I have designed a t-shirt, and have the ability from God to go to a school that has a screen print, and thus we have on order youth group t-shirts. I mentioned i make dvd's to show what the group does. I wish i would have had more time to finish our youth group website in order to be good looking on the web. But it was thankfully lifted from me. Because i have little time due to the fact i also play soccer for my school and a local club. Everywhere i go i am a walking billboard for the Lord. I where christian oriented t-shirts in order to raise questions from teens. When i get one i answer it. I attend FCA at my school and talk to any teenager with struggles that needs it. I have fun out on the town with friends, and they are christian most of the time. I know how to relate well with teenagers of any sort. And if i can't, i listen and learn. These are just some of the things that i am involved in. I always look for more. And i grow every time that i do something. Anyways...i would like to know what ya'll think. And i again sorry for getting on your case Zecryphon. Forgive me if you would.
Have fun posting again ya'll
God Bless You
John

[Zecryphon]

"well...woah. this was going to be about testimony's...and still can be."

Cool.

"But now there are big points that have come. About how anyone, no matter what the topic can become arguementative. And Zecryphon I am sorry if you took my arguement back to you as being something out of hatred, or anything of that sort."

I didn't take it as hatred or anything of the sort. I thought you sounded a bit ticked off when you shouldn't have been ticked off. I was really just asking you some questions in an effort to get some answers. Like I said, some red flags went off for me when I read your testimony. When that happens I can't just sit back and say nothing, I have to ask questions, that's how I am.

"In a sense you are right to say that my message wasn't all the way clear, but, it was a tad rude to ask it the way you did."

How could I have asked the same question in a more friendly manner, so as not to be rude?

"But either way, if you would like to blame it all on me, then i can accept that."

I'm not blaming anyone for anything. We are having a conversation here, that's it. We're asking each other questions and giving each other answers, like adults. It's other people who think we are being rude and unchristian towards each other. But let them think what they want I say. This is an internet message board and what others think of us on here, seriously just doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. How well can we really know anyone from one or two posts?

"I just ask if you would be so kind as to forgive me for my actions. I shouldn't have disrespected you."

And you didn't disrespect me. You just overreacted to some things I've said. Dude, don't worry about it. We're cool.

"For the rest of you out there, i apologize for over reacting on Zecryphon and causing this uproar of events. None the less it was my wrong doing, and don't put him down. He did make a good point. But it would have helped to have more elaboration. Seeing how point made that i was just 15 was just. Either way, i hope that you all post a testimony. I also hope that you realize that it is their testimony, not yours. Questions are valid. Remarks aren't. And it was questions that were given to me."

Well put. John, you're a class act. Don't let anyone ever talk down to you or accept someone treating you different because you're 15. You've shown more maturity than alot of adults I've seen on message boards on the net. You have taken a look at the situation, your actions, my actions, everything that has been said and transpired and taken responsibility for it, that's the sign of a true adult. Good job. :thumbsup:

"Ps: And by asking Jesus into my heart. It means that i am letting Jesus guide my soul. Take over my life for his will. Because before that event can take place, temptating demons can't be present, or else uneasyness occurs and you aren't as willing to do things for the Lord. That is how i view it. I know others view it different, and everyone wants to be better than the other, but it's as the song goes..."Why can't we be friends"...i don't remember what it was called, so please don't ask;)"

That's all I needed to hear. And yes, we can be friends if you want. I have no problem with that.

[Zecryphon]

"By going to church and being a biblical christian, i got involved in anything i could."

That's a good way to approach church service. Try out everything and see where you fit best. At my previous church I was a small table leader for the new members class twice and then spent a year as a volunteer in the youth program. While in the youth program I also started writing some articles for the church bulletin. Which is eventually what led me to having to leave the church altogether. It wasn't solely the reason, but it was rather one of many reasons. LOL

"I am a leader in my youth group. And i welcome any new teenage face that walks into the door."

That's great.

"Because no offense, but an older person walking up to you that is over the age of 25, isn't what is going to keep a teenager in the church."

I don't think any person should be what keeps teenagers in the church. I think the power of Christ and their own desire to be there, is what should keep them there. I know when I was a youth group volunteer most of those kids would rather have been home playing XBox and Nintendo than sitting in a church listening to a group of adults tell them about Jesus while trying to be relevant and cool enough so they'd take us seriously. I think one thing I had in common with them was my love of professional wreslting. I LOVE the WWE, TNA and ECW. I always have though, so it wasn't that I got into watching wrestling to "fit in" with the kids, it's just part of who I am. I also loved the Left Behind series of books, so did they. I found that when I was myself instead of "Mr. Youth Volunteer" who had to be what the church thought I should be, I got along much better with the kids. I always thought that pandering to kids to be liked by them was a little dumb myself. Plus kids see right through that stuff anyways, they know who's real and who's playing them for an idiot. Playing games and putting up facades to keep kids where we know they don't want to be just ain't cool.

"We have to think demographics here. So i have made pamphlets for my youth group, actually i made it yesterday with the help of my partner in leading. I have designed a t-shirt, and have the ability from God to go to a school that has a screen print, and thus we have on order youth group t-shirts."

That's awesome! Have you ever heard of Second Life? It's a free massive mulitplayer online virtual game that's kinda like the Sims, but totally not limited or linear in any way. You can check it out at www.secondlife.com (http://www.secondlife.com) and they have a game server just for teens too. It's a great place to meet other Christians and spread the good news of Christ. I'm a member of a few Christian groups there and I gotta tell ya, I've heard better sermons in those churches in that game, conducted by real ordained ministers who stream in the audio from their personal websites, than I have in alot of the churches I've been to in real life.

"I mentioned i make dvd's to show what the group does. I wish i would have had more time to finish our youth group website in order to be good looking on the web. But it was thankfully lifted from me. Because i have little time due to the fact i also play soccer for my school and a local club. Everywhere i go i am a walking billboard for the Lord. I where christian oriented t-shirts in order to raise questions from teens."

How does that one go over in school? Are you told you can't wear Christian tee shirts in school? I know alot of schools really try to put the kabosh on that type of stuff.

"When i get one i answer it. I attend FCA at my school and talk to any teenager with struggles that needs it."

What's FCA?

"I have fun out on the town with friends, and they are christian most of the time. I know how to relate well with teenagers of any sort. And if i can't, i listen and learn. These are just some of the things that i am involved in. I always look for more. And i grow every time that i do something. Anyways...i would like to know what ya'll think."

I think what you're doing is good. You look for ways to serve and then serve in those capacities.

"And i again sorry for getting on your case Zecryphon. Forgive me if you would.
Have fun posting again ya'll"

If it'll make you feel better, I forgive you. Will you forgive me too?

[JJtheJETplane]

ok...now that i have had to type this for the third time...i will have to make it short and sweet. I am telling you someone doesn't want me to get this one message out. Yes Zecryphon...i will forgive you. Of course. You have helped me so much in learning to think and ponder some things before i react. It does helped to know the person too. But then again that is the fun of the online community. And i will check out that second life thing even though i have dial up...and it probably won't work, but i will still try it out. Anyways..i will post this before i get disconnected again.
God Bless You All
John

[JJtheJETplane]

[quote=Zecryphon;30369770]
How does that one go over in school? Are you told you can't wear Christian tee shirts in school? I know alot of schools really try to put the kabosh on that type of stuff.[/qoute]

Well when i was doing the website it was summer, but then school started, and school work took up to much time. SO i had to drop the website. I play soccer, so that takes up a lot of time too. But i love it so i do it. Anyways, I am allowed to wear christian-tees at my school, even if i wasn't...i wouldn't stop.
What's FCA?
FCA stands for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. It is a meeting at our school for anyone who is a christian, and every wednesday morning we meet before school. At the meeting we get a message, and talk about the week. We give prayer requests and praises, and then go into our prayer. Just something to take anyones mind off school for a bit.

Anyways...thank all of you out there for beign supportive of my thoughts, or Zecryphons, either way you have helped me realize that we really are all different. And that we all can learn something everyday. And i have learned that the easiest way to avoid arguement...is to think about things, and do all of the research, and then come to a conclusion.
So
God Bless you all
John

[BGMCFAR]

JJ thats ok you do what you are doing and if that is what brings you joy nad happiness with tthe Lord continueon yousee thats why a lot of young peopleleft a lot of churchs for a lot of yearsbecause so many churches were rpped up in their doctrine and dogma and forgot about Christ and you did strat a nice thread adn thats why I answered your thread first one God bless you and continue to have fun at church and with the Lord :) :clap: :wave: