Christain Posers......Can you spot them?

[CMiner]

WARNING!!!!
You know, I was sitting at work today.  Just thinking back on conversations I've had with people in the past.  I thought back on friends and associates(yes there's a difference....lol).  Lately, I've been feeling "alone" if you will.  I tend to try to place myself around "christain" people, but lately....I get the sense that im just around a bunch of "posers".  People who front the lord, and don't come close to living what they are portraying.  I spend alot of time around the gospel music setting.  90% of the people that I meet, are not what they seem and are not living what they portray.  Is this not a dangerous thing???  God takes the delievrance of his people very seriously....so why not go fully into the world and be yourself, instead of coming into what is to be Holy and hide your true self and true intentions.  I think that most people who do this, feel that as long as they can have the world MON-Sat and give God a good hour or two on SUN then they are ok.  What gets my goat is that these are the people who are leading out praise and worship, who are playing our organs, who are ultimately ministering to the lost souls!

Maybe someone can help me figure this out.  Why even go through the trouble it takes to "pose"?  When I say pose, I mean talk a good game, dish out what seems to be sound advice, but the same stuff slicks off you like water.  Your already not what you say.....(first strike).

Ok ok, im done venting...geting back to my point...I guess my question is.  How do you tell someone they are a FAKE christain???  Should you tell someone they are???

[nessalynn77]

I think they know.  Bottom line, I think it's easier to be a "wonder" in the church, than in the world, so your average poser gets more notoriety and has more influence in the church world, than they would out in the real world.  I hate to say it, but church folks are an impressionable and gullible bunch as a whole.   Was that a generalization?  I was trying to think of a better way to say it.  Somebody help me out...

[CMiner]

I think they know.  Bottom line, I think it's easier to be a "wonder" in the church, than in the world, so your average poser gets more notoriety and has more influence in the church world, than they would out in the real world.  I hate to say it, but church folks are an impressionable and gullible bunch as a whole.   Was that a generalization?  I was trying to think of a better way to say it.  Somebody help me out...

See, dang...you hit it on the head.  That was my suspision.  Church People(those who really love GOD) are some of the most accepting people, but then again..that's what we are suppose to be...Right?  I mean we are to welcome in those who are lost.  Those who want to change(who WANT TO CHANGE!).  Im not talking about those who fus over some visitior that accidently took "their seats"(that's another post...lol),im talking about the ones who are truly there to serve GOD.

Your right, in the world they wouldn't and can't hack it.  The world sees them as lame, and the church sees them as the evangelical "elvis".... lol.  Im just tripping I guess....but I was wondering hard as to wether it was just me or not.

[baptistchurchman]

I personally feel like it is not my place to point out whois real or fake. I believe when we get to heaven we will all be in for some real surprises. There will be many folks who we thought would not be there but they will be. There will be many who we just tknew would be there and they will not be. I would never tell anyone that they are a fake Christian. I may not like some of the things they do and say, but I still don't have that authority. Now I agree I can't stand folks who lie like they are Holy Holy and then sneaking doin dirt. But if a person professes to be saved but admit that they have various battles and struggles I will not pitch them into the lake of fire because God ultimately chooses to be merciful to.......


Everybody does not change at the same time. You may be at a certain point in your life where you are spiritually more mature than some others but we all advance at different paces.     

[CMiner]

I personally feel like it is not my place to point out whois real or fake. I believe when we get to heaven we will all be in for some real surprises. There will be many folks who we thought would not be there but they will be. There will be many who we just tknew would be there and they will not be. I would never tell anyone that they are a fake Christian. I may not like some of the things they do and say, but I still don't have that authority. Now I agree I can't stand folks who lie like they are Holy Holy and then sneaking doin dirt. But if a person professes to be saved but admit that they have various battles and struggles I will not pitch them into the lake of fire because God ultimately chooses to be merciful to.......


Everybody does not change at the same time. You may be at a certain point in your life where you are spiritually more mature than some others but we all advance at different paces.     

That's right, we shouldn't judge.  Does that include Pastor's watching out for their flock, and forbidding people who are doing this...not to be in positions where they are over...for example children, etc

[baptistchurchman]

That's right, we shouldn't judge.  Does that include Pastor's watching out for their flock, and forbidding people who are doing this...not to be in positions where they are over...for example children, etc

That's a good question. Romans 11:29 says the gifts and callings of God are without repentance. God does not call the equiped He equips those that He calls. The reason that it is set up that way is because if we had to meet qualifications or standards in order to recieve gifts or callings from God there would not be a gifted person on this earth. One of the first gifts God ever gave man was grace and Lord knows none of us deserved or earned that. God does not base what gifts and callings He will give us based on our lifestyle or our worthiness. He gives them to us based on 1) how available we make ourselves 2) and the after effects of you using the gift kingdom advancement/souls being saved etc..........

I believe a preacher (if preaching the truth) can preach you into heaven and still go to hell himself if he is not living it.

1Cr 9:26  I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
1Cr 9:27  But I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.    

So I guess to answer your question. God can call those who we many not look at as being worthy to be teaching or ministering to anyone else. Because we should not be looking at them anyway. And God does not repent for who He gives gifts and callings to. 

[baptistchurchman]

P.S.

also to add to that, remember God equipped Moses to lead the people as far as he did to the promised land but because of his disobedience still himself was unable to go in himself.

[BigFoot_BigThumb]

I've had many discussions about church and the world.  I basically summed it up by saying, God is not going to judge you on how much you went to church, how sharp you dressed, how many choirs you sang in, how much tithes and offering you gave, how many auxilary groups you were a part of,  how much you made for the church with bake sales and fish frys, or how much shouting and amening you did.  You will be judged on what you did once you walked out of those doors.

[SisterT]

How do you tell someone they are a FAKE christain???  Should you tell someone they are???

Here is how I handle the times when I see people who aren't living right but claim the name of Christ-----I look at my own witness for the Lord. AM I qualified?

The only person that will be able to tell another that they are a FAKE Christian, is the one who is perfect---Jesus Christ.

IMHO, if you go around pointing fingers at others, take note of the three pointing back at you. Sure I see people who are openly rebellious...but what about me, the Christian street crosser, when I saw someone in need, and I don't have the time.....does that make me a fake Christian? I bet to the person who I did not help they would say yes.

Does it make me a fake Christian when I think the things that I should not think? I bet if some folks knew what I was thining, they'd say yes.

It's easy for me to point out the shortcomings of others----it makes my own mess look a lot better.

I think the way we deal with the FAKE Christian should be the same way Jesus dealt with us-----with prayer, patience and love. To quote an actor I heard today on a television sitcom, "You are so busy looking at the things I haven't done, instead of looking at the things I have done."   That ministered to me as I evaluate the lives of others. In other words, how far have they come....what''s there progress? BUT, being that I'm not omnipresent nor omniscient, I really can't make a fair call about someone else's life.


Just pray for them, that they will live a life pleasing to God.

[Shadow_]

Here is how I handle the times when I see people who aren't living right but claim the name of Christ-----I look at my own witness for the Lord. AM I qualified?

The only person that will be able to tell another that they are a FAKE Christian, is the one who is perfect---Jesus Christ.

IMHO, if you go around pointing fingers at others, take note of the three pointing back at you. Sure I see people who are openly rebellious...but what about me, the Christian street crosser, when I saw someone in need, and I don't have the time.....does that make me a fake Christian? I bet to the person who I did not help they would say yes.

Does it make me a fake Christian when I think the things that I should not think? I bet if some folks knew what I was thining, they'd say yes.

It's easy for me to point out the shortcomings of others----it makes my own mess look a lot better.

I think the way we deal with the FAKE Christian should be the same way Jesus dealt with us-----with prayer, patience and love. To quote an actor I heard today on a television sitcom, "You are so busy looking at the things I haven't done, instead of looking at the things I have done."   That ministered to me as I evaluate the lives of others. In other words, how far have they come....what''s there progress? BUT, being that I'm not omnipresent nor omniscient, I really can't make a fair call about someone else's life.


Just pray for them, that they will live a life pleasing to God.

Great Post.
Very Excellent reply SisterT. Thanks BaptistChurchman..."God doesn't call the equipped, He equips those that He calls". I love that right there. Its my quote of the day. God Bless.

[sjonathan02]

Here is how I handle the times when I see people who aren't living right but claim the name of Christ-----I look at my own witness for the Lord. AM I qualified?

The only person that will be able to tell another that they are a FAKE Christian, is the one who is perfect---Jesus Christ.

IMHO, if you go around pointing fingers at others, take note of the three pointing back at you. Sure I see people who are openly rebellious...but what about me, the Christian street crosser, when I saw someone in need, and I don't have the time.....does that make me a fake Christian? I bet to the person who I did not help they would say yes.

Does it make me a fake Christian when I think the things that I should not think? I bet if some folks knew what I was thining, they'd say yes.

It's easy for me to point out the shortcomings of others----it makes my own mess look a lot better.

I think the way we deal with the FAKE Christian should be the same way Jesus dealt with us-----with prayer, patience and love. To quote an actor I heard today on a television sitcom, "You are so busy looking at the things I haven't done, instead of looking at the things I have done."   That ministered to me as I evaluate the lives of others. In other words, how far have they come....what''s there progress? BUT, being that I'm not omnipresent nor omniscient, I really can't make a fair call about someone else's life.


Just pray for them, that they will live a life pleasing to God.

I like it.   

[THE WOLFMAN]

A tree is called by the fruit it bears.


i got that from subbing for the old man on the mountain. He's real cranky tho..

[baptistchurchman]

Here is how I handle the times when I see people who aren't living right but claim the name of Christ-----I look at my own witness for the Lord. AM I qualified?

The only person that will be able to tell another that they are a FAKE Christian, is the one who is perfect---Jesus Christ.

IMHO, if you go around pointing fingers at others, take note of the three pointing back at you. Sure I see people who are openly rebellious...but what about me, the Christian street crosser, when I saw someone in need, and I don't have the time.....does that make me a fake Christian? I bet to the person who I did not help they would say yes.

Does it make me a fake Christian when I think the things that I should not think? I bet if some folks knew what I was thining, they'd say yes.

It's easy for me to point out the shortcomings of others----it makes my own mess look a lot better.

I think the way we deal with the FAKE Christian should be the same way Jesus dealt with us-----with prayer, patience and love. To quote an actor I heard today on a television sitcom, "You are so busy looking at the things I haven't done, instead of looking at the things I have done."   That ministered to me as I evaluate the lives of others. In other words, how far have they come....what''s there progress? BUT, being that I'm not omnipresent nor omniscient, I really can't make a fair call about someone else's life.


Just pray for them, that they will live a life pleasing to God.

child you know you keep an extra dose of wisdom in yo back pocket!!!!! Very well put!

[CMiner]

I personally feel like it is not my place to point out whois real or fake. I believe when we get to heaven we will all be in for some real surprises.   

I know that's right.  I got a number of them waiting on me  But it's not a matter of Judging.  It's a matter of standards.  I could be wrong, but children of chirst have standards.  How many of us have been taught that we should hold ourselves to the highest of standards and expect these standards from the world, and that we should place ourselves  around christains and not the world.  How many christains have friends that are "crack heads" or "rapist".  Not many...and that's a form of judging...right?

My original post had nothing to do with being judgmental.  Everything to do with how should you apporach someone who is in a position (in the church) that leads them to directly effect others(those saved and not saved).  We as christains are to (1) not judge (2) pray and be patient and (3) hold God's people to a Godly standard. 

You will be judged on what you did once you walked out of those doors.

No doubt about that.  But what about what goes on inside.  I've seen people in position that deal with ministry that were caught having sexual relations "IN" church "DURING" service!!  That's crazy, but wait I don't want to judge...so I should turn the other way and ignore that this is going on.  Yes, Pray for them and about the situation, but ignore it because I don't want to be guilty of judging...oh yes, send them back out there to minister to the people(after the wash their hands of course ). 

I don't agree with that because to some level, as christain we will do some  type of judging(but not in the sense that we are better than them).  We can't condemem people based on what they do, but we can chatise(spell check) them.  How else are you going to tell some one who's done wrong that they are wrong?

[Nakia518]

I was reading this in the book of Romans yesterday... although what Sister T stated is true... you are still pressed with the issue of feeling bad for the person who is messing around with God...

I know with me... I have a lot of issuse... but the fact that I am working on them with God's help does kinda make me a step ahead of the person who is just oblivious to what they are doing... Som people get saved because they dont want to go to hell... Some because they had a devine visitation... others for other reason... What ever the reason we are saved...we need tobe working on that relationship with God...

I know that I am FAR from perfect... but I am working on a better me... and while I am working on a better me... I see someone who just doesnt care... It does make me feel for them... is that wrong NO but being the christian that I am I want to help... Not so much in a way as pointing fingers at that persons faults... but helping them to develope a better relationship with Christ...

We dont want to see anyone burn in the hell fire... not even out worst enemies... So we do the "Christian" thing and try to help them... Which isnt wrong... it is when we point the finger as if our temple is perfect that makes it wrong... I guess the better question is.. How do we help these "Christian" develop a relationship with Christ without pointing the fingers at them...

Truth be told... these are the "Christian" that give the church a bad name... people look at them and what they do and judge the ENTIRE body of Christ... When all they are is a tiny virus... that needs and antibiotic...

*jumps off the soap box*

[vtguy84]

Here is how I handle the times when I see people who aren't living right but claim the name of Christ-----I look at my own witness for the Lord. AM I qualified?

The only person that will be able to tell another that they are a FAKE Christian, is the one who is perfect---Jesus Christ.

IMHO, if you go around pointing fingers at others, take note of the three pointing back at you. Sure I see people who are openly rebellious...but what about me, the Christian street crosser, when I saw someone in need, and I don't have the time.....does that make me a fake Christian? I bet to the person who I did not help they would say yes.

Does it make me a fake Christian when I think the things that I should not think? I bet if some folks knew what I was thining, they'd say yes.

It's easy for me to point out the shortcomings of others----it makes my own mess look a lot better.

I think the way we deal with the FAKE Christian should be the same way Jesus dealt with us-----with prayer, patience and love. To quote an actor I heard today on a television sitcom, "You are so busy looking at the things I haven't done, instead of looking at the things I have done."   That ministered to me as I evaluate the lives of others. In other words, how far have they come....what''s there progress? BUT, being that I'm not omnipresent nor omniscient, I really can't make a fair call about someone else's life.


Just pray for them, that they will live a life pleasing to God.

Nicely stated.

[saxandkeys]

What makes someone a "fake" christian...as opposed to us "real" christians?  Is it that they committed ___ (#)sins....as opposed to our ___ (#) sins?

....................glass houses are sooooo last year.   IMO.

[CMiner]

I know with me... I have a lot of issuse... but the fact that I am working on them with God's help does kinda make me a step ahead of the person who is just oblivious to what they are doing...

Som people get saved because they dont want to go to hell... Some because they had a devine visitation... others for other reason... What ever the reason we are saved...we need tobe working on that relationship with God...
*jumps off the soap box*

I have issues too.  I am not perfect and by no means want to be considered to be(talk about pressure ) you have to be careful.  That statment about being one step ahead....could be seen as judgement.  Although you proably don't mean it, It just brings me to my point in my last post.  There is always going to be some level or "judgement".  How can you correct without first pointing something out that needs to be corrected???  Not point the finger saying "girl, you know you wrong for stealing that gum" when you yourself have just lifted some bubbalicous yourself.

Truth be told... these are the "Christian" that give the church a bad name... people look at them and what they do and judge the ENTIRE body of Christ... When all they are is a tiny virus... that needs and antibiotic...

*jumps off the soap box*

Yes, I know far too well that people(who haven't accepted Christ and those who want to hold on to the world) often use the excuse that "church people" aren't right...and that "church people" are doing this and that.  How can we expect to bring others into what we say is blessed by GOD when half of the circle are people that the are often times doing "wrong with"?

Overall, none of us are perfect.  We all fall short.  So exactly who on this earth is in a position to tell anyone right from wrong?  Ministers???  Deacons???  Who???  Do we have the right to tell one another about what they may or may not be doing wrong?  Are we to risk being judgemental.  I don't think so.  It is our job to correct as well as be corrected when the time comes. 

So as stated...."how do we effectively do this..oh and without being judgemental?"

[saxandkeys]

I have issues too.  I am not perfect and by no means want to be considered to be(talk about pressure ) you have to be careful.  That statment about being one step ahead....could be seen as judgement.  Although you proably don't mean it, It just brings me to my point in my last post.  There is always going to be some level or "judgement".  How can you correct without first pointing something out that needs to be corrected???  Not point the finger saying "girl, you know you wrong for stealing that gum" when you yourself have just lifted some bubbalicous yourself.

Yes, I know far too well that people(who haven't accepted Christ and those who want to hold on to the world) often use the excuse that "church people" aren't right...and that "church people" are doing this and that.  How can we expect to bring others into what we say is blessed by GOD when half of the circle are people that the are often times doing "wrong with"?

Overall, none of us are perfect.  We all fall short.  So exactly who on this earth is in a position to tell anyone right from wrong?  Ministers???  Deacons???  Who???  Do we have the right to tell one another about what they may or may not be doing wrong?  Are we to risk being judgemental.  I don't think so.  It is our job to correct as well as be corrected when the time comes. 

So as stated...."how do we effectively do this..oh and without being judgemental?"

Show them...that's all.  Less talk...more action.

[CMiner]

....................glass houses are sooooo last year.   IMO.

.....right.  But who's throwing stones in here??