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

[Nakia518]

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.

We are all on this christain walk.. and some ARE further ahead than other... which is to clarify my statement... I would be further in my christian walk than a new convert just learning who God is...

I think that a lot of people look at it like this... Because I am not doing the sin that you are doing.. then I can point the finger... Not so... because sin is sin is sin is sin... I for one hate when someone brings out my faults... its like I know that they are there but for someone to pull them out like they are ripping off a scab hurts like the dickens... One thing that I tell people who bring out my faults is this... "Yes I know about that.. but what can you do to help me with it... if you cant help me with it then dont say anything...

I believe that we can teach these (myself included) people how to live right in Love... If you must pull out their faults/issues tell them what they can do to fix it... dont just leave them there with a bleeding wound...

[CMiner]

We are all on this christain walk.. and some ARE further ahead than other... which is to clarify my statement... I would be further in my christian walk than a new convert just learning who God is...

I think that a lot of people look at it like this... Because I am not doing the sin that you are doing.. then I can point the finger... Not so... because sin is sin is sin is sin... I for one hate when someone brings out my faults... its like I know that they are there but for someone to pull them out like they are ripping off a scab hurts like the dickens... One thing that I tell people who bring out my faults is this... "Yes I know about that.. but what can you do to help me with it... if you cant help me with it then dont say anything...

I believe that we can teach these (myself included) people how to live right in Love... If you must pull out their faults/issues tell them what they can do to fix it... dont just leave them there with a bleeding wound...

I agree with you completely.  To me sin is sin.  I do think that people think there's some magical numbered list that sins fall into.  You have to treat the wound.  God's people have to treat the wounded..including themselves.  So why aren't we???  Have we become soo clean of sins that helping someone who's lost (or not so lost ) chances us to get dirty again?

[bassthumpa]

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

Yep.  There will always be people who think that just because you're showing them how their actions go against the Word, you must be judging them.  Just show them and move on.

I know sometimes I get caught up (as much as I try not to) and do or say things I shouldn't.  But if someone comes to me and tells me "hey bruh, lets talk for a sec... I understand that you dealing with some things but... <insert words of Godly wisdom>... just lookin' out for you..." I (with the help of the Lord) try to check myself and get things right. 

The thing is, we have to know how to approach a brother or sister when we want to help them.  If you come at them sideways and with what appears to be a judgmental attitude or tone, then don't be surprised if they reject your words.

And above all of this, focus on living our lives as an example to others.  As my pastor has said many times, a life lived is better than a sermon preached anyday.

[saxandkeys]

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

OK you asked.....frankly, it sounded like you were.  While I respect your right to your opinion....I would also respectfully suggest that you may not be completely aware of the circumstances that surround the people who seem fake to you.  Why would anyone feel compelled to "call out" anyone elses faith....unless their opinion was asked for by that person?

All we can do is show a person how we live....unless they somehow request our help.  Until then, it's between them and God.  In My Opinion.

[CMiner]

Yep.  There will always be people who think that just because you're showing them how their actions go against the Word, you must be judging them.  Just show them and move on. 

I know sometimes I get caught up (as much as I try not to) and do or say things I shouldn't.  But if someone comes to me and tells me "hey bruh, lets talk for a sec... I understand that you dealing with some things but... <insert words of Godly wisdom>... just lookin' out for you..." I (with the help of the Lord) try to check myself and get things right. 

The thing is, we have to know how to approach a brother or sister when we want to help them.  If you come at them sideways and with what appears to be a judgmental attitude or tone, then don't be surprised if they reject your words.

And above all of this, focus on living our lives as an example to others.  As my pastor has said many times, a life lived is better than a sermon preached anyday.

Nicely said. I agree with you. 

OK you asked.....frankly, it sounded like you were.  While I respect your right to your opinion....I would also respectfully suggest that you may not be completely aware of the circumstances that surround the people who seem fake to you.  Why would anyone feel compelled to "call out" anyone elses faith....unless their opinion was asked for by that person?

All we can do is show a person how we live....unless they somehow request our help.  Until then, it's between them and God.  In My Opinion.

Frankly, I wasn't throwing stones.  Might I suggest rereading my post.  But interpretation is an open field if you will.  That's one thing i like about discussion boards.  The right to have your own opinion.  And if it's open discussion everyone should be free to do so. 

[nessalynn77]

OK you asked.....frankly, it sounded like you were.  While I respect your right to your opinion....I would also respectfully suggest that you may not be completely aware of the circumstances that surround the people who seem fake to you.  Why would anyone feel compelled to "call out" anyone elses faith....unless their opinion was asked for by that person?

All we can do is show a person how we live....unless they somehow request our help.  Until then, it's between them and God.  In My Opinion.

The bible says let the wheat and the tare grow together.  I believe this parable was spoken because during the growing season, it's impossible to tell one from the other.  But when reckoning time comes, the tare will be bundled up and cast into the fire... so Sax and SisterT and others, that appears to be the correct answer.

Another scripture says Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious of the workers of iniquity, for they shall soon be cut down like the grass and wither like the green herb...

According to the scripture, it's simply not our concern to determine who's fake and who's real.

[saxandkeys]

Nicely said. I agree with you. 

Frankly, I wasn't throwing stones.  Might I suggest rereading my post.  But interpretation is an open field if you will.  That's one thing i like about discussion boards.  The right to have your own opinion.  And if it's open discussion everyone should be free to do so. 

As it should be...I've stated my opinion....and, on this thread, I'll agree to disagree with you.

Respect,
S&K 

[CMiner]

As it should be...I've stated my opinion....and, on this thread, I'll agree to disagree with you.

Respect,
S&K 

I'll try to remember to make a note of that

[CMiner]

The bible says let the wheat and the tare grow together.  I believe this parable was spoken because during the growing season, it's impossible to tell one from the other.  But when reckoning time comes, the tare will be bundled up and cast into the fire... so Sax and SisterT and others, that appears to be the correct answer.

Another scripture says Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious of the workers of iniquity, for they shall soon be cut down like the grass and wither like the green herb...

According to the scripture, it's simply not our concern to determine who's fake and who's real.

Ah, I gotcha sister.  And I myself went back and reread my own post(yes i tend to take my own advice).  I do think I could have worded it better("fake" sounds so harsh and judgemental).  So that's completely my BAD...lol

So let me rephrase it from another post.  How do we effectively correct someone who's knowly doing wrong.  In love what's the best approach.  Over dinner, after service, while it's going on???  You know some people don't like to be corrected. 

[HammerRock]

In regards to the original question, yes, I can usually spot them, but what purpose is the spotting if it's not to help guide them in the right direction (to Christ).

The fruit mentioned in Galations is good, because we'll know by their fruit where they're coming from. Jude also speaks of how to spot them.

[sjonathan02]

Ah, I gotcha sister.  And I myself went back and reread my own post(yes i tend to take my own advice).  I do think I could have worded it better("fake" sounds so harsh and judgemental).  So that's completely my BAD...lol

So let me rephrase it from another post.  How do we effectively correct someone who's knowly doing wrong.  In love what's the best approach.  Over dinner, after service, while it's going on???  You know some people don't like to be corrected. 

Who said it's our place to 'effectively correct someone'? That's God's job. Now, IF we're assigned to a person, then God will use us as willing vessels to correct that person AND they'll receive it. That's called relationship. 

I don't go around correcting ladi dadi and everybody, it's not my place. I correct my covenant brother, my students (who God has shown to be my assignment), my fiancee, folks like that; and they correct me.

But, when I see a person on the street; Mr or Mrs. Joe Blow? I mind my business, PRAY for them and move on.

I'm reminded of the story about the man who noticed a butterfly as it was emerging from its cocoon and helped the butterfly by taking it out of the cocoon by its wings. The butterfly couldn't fly. The moral?

Sometimes, even though we have the best of intentions or call ourselves led by God, we do more harm than good.

Just my two pennies. Be Blessed.

[CMiner]

Who said it's our place to 'effectively correct someone'? That's God's job. Now, IF we're assigned to a person, then God will use us as willing vessels to correct that person AND they'll receive it. That's called relationship. 

I don't go around correcting ladi dadi and everybody, it's not my place. I correct my covenant brother, my students (who God has shown to be my assignment), my fiancee, folks like that; and they correct me.

But, when I see a person on the street; Mr or Mrs. Joe Blow? I mind my business, PRAY for them and move on.

I'm reminded of the story about the man who noticed a butterfly as it was emerging from its cocoon and helped the butterfly by taking it out of the cocoon by its wings. The butterfly couldn't fly. The moral?

Sometimes, even though we have the best of intentions or call ourselves led by God, we do more harm than good.

Just my two pennies. Be Blessed.

Well, pennies are always useful i guess. 

I'll try again.  I said "we" as in the body of chirst..so in whatever area you are in.  You can't just be responsible for whom you see fit to be responsible for.  I don't think the bible says that.  It doesn't work like that.  If it did, all of the pastor's and their flock who go out into the communities to help and try to bring others to christ should HALT....and we both know that ain't right.  If you see a child getting pummled by a group of other kids, are you gonna turn a blind eye because that's not your child??? 

It is our job as christains to show others the way in ANY WAY THAT WE CAN.  Not just our fiancee', cousins, or whoever we deem worthy of our time.  That's what's wrong with most people...they pick and choose when they are suppose to do what is Godly right.  We are suppose to project and proclaim God and his word.  Live, learn, and loose it onto those who don't know.  So if i hear someone at my job saying that they don't believe in God because their dog died or for whatever reason(and I have done just this) then I will tell them why they should.  I will tell them why I do.  I won't just wait till someone who's been devinely shown to come around(because we may be waiting for a long long time).

[sjonathan02]

Aww....Lawd. 

Well, pennies are always useful i guess.

It's what my grandmother used to say.   

I'll try again.  I said "we" as in the body of chirst..so in whatever area you are in.  You can't just be responsible for whom you see fit to be responsible for.  I don't think the bible says that.  It doesn't work like that.  If it did, all of the pastor's and their flock who go out into the communities to help and try to bring others to christ should HALT....and we both know that ain't right.  If you see a child getting pummled by a group of other kids, are you gonna turn a blind eye because that's not your child???

Your argument makes NO sense because the child would be GRATEFUL for my assistance. In addition, if I actually believed what you're trying to say I believe, then I wouldn't be in my present vocation. 

It is our job as christains to show others the way in ANY WAY THAT WE CAN. 

I agree with the part in bold, wholeheartedly. However, I'm not going to beat my head against a brick wall, either. When asked, I'll answer. When prompted, I'll share. I'm not a biblical scholar so forgive me if I'm a bit off right up in here, but to my knowledge Jesus did a lot of corporate speaking and not so much one-on-one.

When Jesus did entertain a tete-a-tete, for the most part, the person came to HIM and he spoke life to them, forgave them of their sins, healed them, etc. Yes, there is the Samaritan woman at the well, but it's not like Jesus said to her, "Hey, you're doing X,Y and Z wrong, YOU'RE A SINNER!!" No, he had a conversation with her; he established some type of relationship with her FIRST! That was HIS 'any way that we can' tactic. And, THAT, dear friend, was my point. 
BTW, what's with your use of the 'glow' thing, are you "The Last Dragon" or something? 

Not just our fiancee', cousins, or whoever we deem worthy of our time.  That's what's wrong with most people...they pick and choose when they are suppose to do what is Godly right.

Have you MET most people? If so, I'd like to know your travel agent. Next time, try a phrase like, "in my experience" or something like that. It's less abrasive and arrogant. 

Futhermore, who are YOU to decide what's wrong with people? The last time I checked, Jesus was still seated at the right hand of His Father. To answer your thread it's statements LIKE THESE that cause threads to be locked. People wanting to put someone in a heaven or hell, as if they could. Or, trying to speak with an overarching tone of, "my way is the right way" 

We are suppose to project and proclaim God and his word.  Live, learn, and loose it onto those who don't know.  

Again, I agree with you wholeheartedly.

So if i hear someone at my job saying that they don't believe in God because their dog died or for whatever reason(and I have done just this) then I will tell them why they should.  I will tell them why I do.  I won't just wait till someone who's been devinely shown to come around(because we may be waiting for a long long time).

If you don't want to wait, then don't; Godspeed. Telling them why YOU believe in God sounds a lot better than trying to tell someone what they should do. They're people, not children. 

[baptistchurchman]

I believe that God has assigned and pre-ordained the people that He ultimately wants us to witness to. Reason being; people recieve things from certain people better than they would from others. God has given all of us special personalities to be able to reach special people. That's why people go to the respective churches; because they recieve the Word better from certain people.

Example: because of my experience in street life, I can witness to someone who is living life in the streets better than someone who has absolutely no knowledge about that lifestyle.

A person who is a delivered homosexual can witness to someone who is indulging in that life better than I can because I have no knowledge of that.

I don't believe that it is our job to try to help everybody we meet. There was a period of 400 years silence between the old and new testament so I believe that God will give us to keep silent sometimes too. 

[CMiner]

Aww....Lawd. 

.....ok

Your argument makes NO sense because the child would be GRATEFUL for my assistance. In addition, if I actually believed what you're trying to say I believe, then I wouldn't be in my present vocation. 

I don't know about your profession. Just what you said on here.  At either rate it speaks to what you said.  If you disagree that's your right.  But im my opinion...the correlation is good.

When Jesus did entertain a tete-a-tete, for the most part, the person came to HIM and he spoke life to them, forgave them of their sins, healed them, etc. Yes, there is the Samaritan woman at the well, but it's not like Jesus said to her, "Hey, you're doing X,Y and Z wrong, YOU'RE A SINNER!!" No, he had a conversation with her; he established some type of relationship with her FIRST! That was HIS 'any way that we can' tactic. And, THAT, dear friend, was my point. 

Common sense(or my common sense) tells me that yes you should approach someone with tact.  No, you should just run up to any old stranger shaking your finger at them.  Instead of trying to make a quick rebuke...take a min and let what you've read soak in.  I don't know about you, but if someone from my congregation came up to me...out of concern with something that they thought would help me...im not gonna say "YOU DON"T KNOW ME LIKE THAT MANNNN!"

Have you MET most people? If so, I'd like to know your travel agent. Next time, try a phrase like, "in my experience" or something like that. It's less abrasive and arrogant. 

Have you met most people?  Now if you want to get down to it..that's fine but leave the senseless scarcasims out.  Will ya buddy???

Futhermore, who are YOU to decide what's wrong with people? The last time I checked, Jesus was still seated at the right hand of His Father. To answer your thread it's statements LIKE THESE that cause threads to be locked. People wanting to put someone in a heaven or hell, as if they could. Or, trying to speak with an overarching tone of, "my way is the right way" 

Im the person who made the statement that you don't agree with.  Im the person who started this particular thread.  Im the person who wonders why people pick and choose when it's a good time to give words of encouragement and direction to someone.  does that answer your question??  You're worried about this thread being locked?  Then may I suggest not coming up in here with your tone becuase i've said something you don't agree with.  I've read a few of your other posts..this isn't the first time.  unless im wrong, your not the person who locks them.  Get over it!

[sjonathan02]

I believe that God has assigned and pre-ordained the people that He ultimately wants us to witness to. Reason being; people recieve things from certain people better than they would from others. God has given all of us special personalities to be able to reach special people. That's why people go to the respective churches; because they recieve the Word better from certain people.

Example: because of my experience in street life, I can witness to someone who is living life in the streets better than someone who has absolutely no knowledge about that lifestyle.

A person who is a delivered homosexual can witness to someone who is indulging in that life better than I can because I have no knowledge of that.

I don't believe that it is our job to try to help everybody we meet. There was a period of 400 years silence between the old and new testament so I believe that God will give us to keep silent sometimes too. 

[sjonathan02]

Instead of trying to make a quick rebuke...take a min and let what you've read soak in.  I don't know about you, but if someone from my congregation came up to me...out of concern with something that they thought would help me...im not gonna say "YOU DON"T KNOW ME LIKE THAT MANNNN!"
Have you met most people? 

No, I haven't met "most" people, therefore, I dont' make senseless generalizations. 

That's not what you said, you mentioned rebuking and correcting folks; there's a big difference. And honestly, because I'm careful who I allow to be in my circle, as Jesus was, I don't necessarily allow folks to just say anything to me, out of concern or anything else.

I don't know about you, but I need to know, or have God show me, that the person who is EITHER rebuking or encouraging me, indeed has my best interest at heart. And, everyone's NOT like that. That's just the truth.

If you combine what baptistchurchman and I have posted, I think you'll get a better picture of what I said earlier and what I'm saying now. We aren't assigned to everyone. 


Im the person who made the statement that you don't agree with.  Im the person who started this particular thread.  Im the person who wonders why people pick and choose when it's a good time to give words of encouragement and direction to someone.  does that answer your question??  You're worried about this thread being locked?  Then may I suggest not coming up in here with your tone becuase i've said something you don't agree with.  I've read a few of your other posts..this isn't the first time.  unless im wrong, your not the person who locks them.  Get over it!


With regards to sarcasm, what would YOU call, "well, I guess pennies are always useful, I guess" added punctuation for specific emphasis and correctness  

But, I don't have my feathers ruffled because sarcasm, like praise, is what I do.  Stick around, you'll get used to it. 

BTW, I don't worry about much, if anything, so no I'm not worried about the thread being locked. I was answering your other question. 

And, I was never under it, so there's nothing to get over. 

[CMiner]

No, I haven't met "most" people, therefore, I dont' make senseless generalizations. 

That's not what you said, you mentioned rebuking and correcting folks; there's a big difference. And honestly, because I'm careful who I allow to be in my circle, as Jesus was, I don't necessarily allow folks to just say anything to me, out of concern or anything else.

I don't know about you, but I need to know, or have God show me, that the person who is EITHER rebuking or encouraging me, indeed has my best interest at heart. And, everyone's NOT like that. That's just the truth.

If you combine what baptistchurchman and I have posted, I think you'll get a better picture of what I said earlier and what I'm saying now. We aren't assigned to everyone. 


Im the person who made the statement that you don't agree with.  Im the person who started this particular thread.  Im the person who wonders why people pick and choose when it's a good time to give words of encouragement and direction to someone.  does that answer your question??  You're worried about this thread being locked?  Then may I suggest not coming up in here with your tone becuase i've said something you don't agree with.  I've read a few of your other posts..this isn't the first time.  unless im wrong, your not the person who locks them.  Get over it!


With regards to sarcasm, what would YOU call, "well, I guess pennies are always useful, I guess" added punctuation for specific emphasis and correctness  

But, I don't have my feathers ruffled because sarcasm, like praise, is what I do.  Stick around, you'll get used to it. 

BTW, I don't worry about much, if anything, so no I'm not worried about the thread being locked. I was answering your other question. 

And, I was never under it, so there's nothing to get over. 

one thing i wont do..and that's get into pointless banter with someone who thinks their word is the LAW. 

So i'll just ask you...do you feel better???

[baptistchurchman]

CMINER,
        this is how we usually handle debates: we break bread and fellowship in a meal with one another.


SJ, let me do the honors please.........

Lets fire up the grill!!!!!!!!!!!

[sjonathan02]

one thing i wont do..and that's get into pointless banter with someone who thinks their word is the LAW. 

So i'll just ask you...do you feel better???

I never felt badly, darling; and I have never said that my word is LAW. Never, ever. 

I'm not saying anything different than has been stated by saxandkeys, Nessalynn and baptistchurchman. So, let's just agree to disagree, aight? Cool.