AkinwaleJJ:

That depends on what you meant by "Christians"

God is speaking to Christians through his word (Bible) today. Regarding things to come during the endtime Jesus forearmed his followers with predictions so they won't get carried away with the signs of the endtime! Matt 24:3-14
His true followers keep observing his words till today, so it's the unbelievers (those not trusting Jesus' predictions) that are worried!

But it is not supposed to be limited to the word alone. What if there was no bible?

The earlier disciples were led by the Holyspirit right?

A Christian is somebody who has been brainwashed to believe that Jesus was a real historical figure.. And there are others who know he was just a made up character by the Romans..

Myer:

But it is not supposed to be limited to the word alone. What if there was no bible?
The earlier disciples were led by the Holyspirit right?

God used his holy spirit to direct humans till all the information in the Bible were documented, after that God said everything is complete.
So the work of God's holy spirit now is to comfort Jesus' followers through the endtime crisis, that's why Jesus referred to the spirit as "another comforter" John 14:16
Jesus only tells his followers things that's necessary not everything that's going to happen, he didn't tell Martha and Mary their brother Lazarus will die. Christians believe in the spirit to guide them through this turbulent times not to continue revealing how like the manner in which it will be or the date it's coming

AkinwaleJJ:


God used his holy spirit to direct humans till all the information in the Bible were documented, after that God said everything is complete.
So the work of God's holy spirit now is to comfort Jesus' followers through the endtime crisis, that's why Jesus referred to the spirit as "another comforter" John 14:16
Jesus only tells his followers things that's necessary not everything that's going to happen, he didn't tell Martha and Mary their brother Lazarus will die. Christians believe in the spirit to guide them through this turbulent times not to continue revealing how like the manner in which it will be or the date it's coming

Mary and Martha were before the Holyspirit was given right? During which Jesus was hearing him.
Besides was it written that the Holyspirit has expiry date in the bible? That's an assumption I hear mostly from JW members.

As you can see, you have not been able to state anything substantial that differentiates a Christian from others.

Myer:


Mary and Martha were before the Holyspirit was given right? During which Jesus was hearing him.
Besides was it written that the Holyspirit has expiry date in the bible? That's an assumption I hear mostly from JW members.

As you can see, you have not been able to state anything substantial that differentiates a Christian from others.

The holy spirit doesn't do the same thing all the time, that's what you need to know. Different generations of faithful worshipers experience the power of the holy spirit but differently.
It's unbelievers that always expect the same thing they heard before.
The only difference is the obedience and humility exhibited by followers of Jesus, there is nothing affecting others that doesn't affect them!
So anyone who want to know the difference should study Jesus' words with keen interest then diligently observe all the groups around you claiming worshipers of God. Of course they may not even call themselves Christians because it's by their fruit that Jesus said they will be identified.

AkinwaleJJ:


The holy spirit doesn't do the same thing all the time, that's what you need to know. Different generations of faithful worshipers experience the power of the holy spirit but differently.
It's unbelievers that always expect the same thing they heard before.
The only difference is the obedience and humility exhibited by followers of Jesus, there is nothing affecting others that doesn't affect them!
So anyone who want to know the difference should study Jesus' words with keen interest then diligently observe all the groups around you claiming worshipers of God. Of course they may not even call themselves Christians because it's by their fruit that Jesus said they will be identified.

And which fruit is that? Cos the premise of this whole discussion is that there is no difference.

Myer:

And which fruit is that? Cos the premise of this whole discussion is that there is no difference.

Hmmmm, are you annoyed over something?
Because the tone in your expression is changing.
Please don't be offended, if i've said anything bad just let me know.
Jesus spoke of a kind of fruit and Paul expatiate on the nine qualities of this fruit. But Paul's explanation makes it clear that the fruit is not what an individual could exhibit alone, according to Jesus and Paul it's on the group level that the qualities of this unique fruit could be observed.
So it's left to each Bible student to be diligent in his study of the scriptures to decipher how to identify the group bearing this fruit.

"But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory," - Romans 9:20-23

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9

---

"He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He." -Deuteronomy 32:4
=========

frank317:


The same people God saw as righteous before destroying others like a mad man were still the same people who went ahead to breed sin.

I think this una God is a waste of a God. Why destroy people because of sin only for sin to continue from ur own selection?

AkinwaleJJ:

Hmmmm, are you annoyed over something?
Because the tone in your expression is changing.
Please don't be offended, if i've said anything bad just let me know.
Jesus spoke of a kind of fruit and Paul expatiate on the nine qualities of this fruit. But Paul's explanation makes it clear that the fruit is not what an individual could exhibit alone, according to Jesus and Paul it's on the group level that the qualities of this unique fruit could be observed.
So it's left to each Bible student to be diligent in his study of the scriptures to decipher how to identify the group bearing this fruit.

My tone did not change, I simply asked a question. Though reading it again I can understand why you would misconstrue that.

I know what you mean by the fruit of the spirit, I simply meant which Chrstians do you see exhibiting them?
Galatians 5:21-22.
Even the gifts of the spirit as listed in 1 Corinthians 12 are not exhibited by Christians.

So this leads me back to the same question what then is the difference between a Christan and others? Sincerely

xproducer:
"But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory," - Romans 9:20-23

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9

---

"He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He." -Deuteronomy 32:4
=========

He asked you a very important question which you should have simply replied that you did not have an answer.

Quoting scriptures as if God is against asking him questions when clearly Moses did, David did, Job did, Habakkuk did, and several other prophets did.

Simply say you don't know.

Myer:


My tone did not change, I simply asked a question. Though reading it again I can understand why you would misconstrue that.

I know what you mean by the fruit of the spirit, I simply meant which Chrstians do you see exhibiting them?
Galatians 5:21-22.
Even the gifts of the spirit as listed in 1 Corinthians 12 are not exhibited by Christians.

So this leads me back to the same question what then is the difference between a Christan and others? Sincerely

The highlighted is where we must draw the curtain. If you knew where to find the list of qualities Paul mentioned to help interested observers identify the group of Christians yet you can't see the difference then let's keep our opinions to ourselves. I have studied the Bible diligently and i now know the group bearing that fruit, Jesus said "by their (many as in a group) fruit you (the interested person) will recognize them"
I know if you're to identify a group of wrestlers, footballers, musicians, lawyers, butchers, tailors, soldiers, bankers, engineers, robbers and so on, you won't need me to tell you, because the tenets of their profession will help anyone to discern their movement.
So with what you yourself have quoted from the Bible after reading about Jesus of Nazareth it's evident my opinion will never count before you!

AkinwaleJJ:


The highlighted is where we must draw the curtain. If you knew where to find the list of qualities Paul mentioned to help interested observers identify the group of Christians yet you can't see the difference then let's keep our opinions to ourselves. I have studied the Bible diligently and i now know the group bearing that fruit, Jesus said "by their (many as in a group) fruit you (the interested person) will recognize them"
I know if you're to identify a group of wrestlers, footballers, musicians, lawyers, butchers, tailors, soldiers, bankers, engineers, robbers and so on, you won't need me to tell you, because the tenets of their profession will help anyone to discern their movement.
So with what you yourself have quoted from the Bible after reading about Jesus of Nazareth it's evident my opinion will never count before you!

Are you JW?

Myer:


Are you JW?

Have you noticed the fruit in their movement?

AkinwaleJJ:


Have you noticed the fruit in their movement?

Not really, just you sound like them. JW always try to dissociate themselves from other Christians even though the only difference is in their doctrines. Not in the fruit nor gifts of the spirit.

Myer:


Not really, just you sound like them. JW always try to dissociate themselves from other Christians even though the only difference is in their doctrines. Not in the fruit nor gifts of the spirit.

Well it's like each person needs to stick to his own opinion now!
Jesus said you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.
So it's a free world!

AkinwaleJJ:


Well it's like each person needs to stick to his own opinion now!
Jesus said you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.
So it's a free world!

I didn't mean to offend just stating the facts.

I know a couple of JW members. I've worked with 2 closely, male and female and trust me they're just the same as other Christians.
In church they know how to act holy but on a regular day, you find them practising the same immoralities as others.

Myer:


I didn't mean to offend just stating the facts.

I know a couple of JW members. I've worked with 2 closely, male and female and trust me they're just the same as other Christians.
In church they know how to act holy but on a regular day, you find them practising the same immoralities as others.

I've told you that the "fruit" doesn't mean on individual level!
A Christian out of fear denied his master three times even when the master said "whoever denies me before men, i will also deny before my father"
Another Christians sold his Master for money.
Another Christian couple lied over the price they got from selling their property.
Another Christian was caught sleeping with his step mom.
Another Christian ran away from his master.
All these were recorded as part of the atrocities committed by the early Christians.
So what exactly makes them different back then to the extent that their faith is resounding in the hearts of billions today?
It wasn't the individuals performance because they are also sinners, but it's their movement as a group (body) that stands out as unique in Judah in the first century.

AkinwaleJJ:


I've told you that the "fruit" doesn't mean on individual level!
A Christian out of fear denied his master three times even when the master said "whoever denies me before men, i will also deny before my father"
Another Christians sold his Master for money.
Another Christian couple lied over the price they got from selling their property.
Another Christian was caught sleeping with his step mom.
Another Christian ran away from his master.
All these were recorded as part of the atrocities committed by the early Christians.
So what exactly makes them different back then to the extent that their faith is resounding in the hearts of billions today?
It wasn't the individuals performance because they are also sinners, but it's their movement as a group (body) that stands out as unique in Judah in the first century.

The bible doesn't teach that though. It teaches individual salvation not organisation. It is not organisation that will be judged but the individuals right?

AkinwaleJJ:


I think this has to do with real and fake money!

The real comes from the printing and minting section of the CBN while the fake may be printed by other means, both will appear exactly the same, when it's time to spend it (make use) then the real will buy you things but the fake remains ordinary paper. That's why Jesus himself spoke extensively on how to distinguish between future fake religionsists that will claim Christians and original!

I like this so much. God bless you

Myer:


The bible doesn't teach that though. It teaches individual salvation not organisation. It is not organisation that will be judged but the individuals right?

The highlighted! Know that it's not easy to understand what the Bible really teach, you must be a member of the group God is using to unravel the sacred secrets, through this group you will be fully equipped with timely spiritual nourishment.
The individual judgement is not now. There are two forms of judgement the first is organizational but the second will be individual.
There is a war coming to destroy all the false religionsists it's called "Armageddon", this war will only deal with organizations. It will destroy Political, Commercial and Religious organizations making life unbearable, so God's word emphasized on the "gatherings" Reve 16:16
But the final will deal on individuals level those who defaulted after all Satanic cobwebs (organizations) has been removed. Hence names written in a symbolic book becomes the bases fo this judgment! Reve 20:15

AkinwaleJJ:


The highlighted! Know that it's not easy to understand what the Bible really teach, you must be a member of the group God is using to unravel the sacred secrets, through this group you will be fully equipped with timely spiritual nourishment.
The individual judgement is not now. There are two forms of judgement the first is organizational but the second will be individual.
There is a war coming to destroy all the false religionsists it's called "Armageddon", this war will only deal with organizations. It will destroy Political, Commercial and Religious organizations making life unbearable, so God's word emphasized on the "gatherings" Reve 16:16
But the final will deal on individuals level those who defaulted after all Satanic cobwebs (organizations) has been removed. Hence names written in a symbolic book becomes the bases fo this judgment! Reve 20:15

Romans 2:6 and Revelations 22:12 makes this clear.
Even Matthew 7:21-23 confirms this.

There is nothing like organisational salvation only personal salvation.
The head of your denomination could be cast to hell for his sins while ordinary members will make heaven because of their good works.

Myer:
The whole idea of Christianity is all about how Christians are to be identifiable by the grace of God upon them, their relationship with the Holyspirit and living in victory over enemies and challenges through faith in Christ.

I have been a Christian but this was not my reality. Which made me question the bible.

Recently a christian pastor murdered his own wife just like an unbeliever could. Which makes me question, is there even any difference between a Christian and others?

Bro, trust you are doing great. Longtime.

I am sure you know this answer yourself, that Christianity has its own identity saviour and traditions. And our feelings or experience can't change that. It's the Christian culture that should change our thinking.

Where's AkinwaleJJ?

Myer:


You seem not to understand the post.
The person Jesus is a given, you can understand him through the bible.

The question is how come there seems to be no difference between a Christian and others.
A Christian just like other struggles with all what the bible calls sins.
A Christian like others struggles with the challenges of life.
A Christian is even more likely to be consumed by spiritual forces simply because he believes in them.

What then separates Christians from others?

.
Bro, you still have somethings mixed up. And I feel that is what is informing your actions and thought.

Note that
1. Salvation in Christ or Christianity never promised a life without temptation. Temptation is not sin, and the fact that you can be tempted shows your humanity. What Christianity gives you is strength, hope and leading to be able to overcome this. Will some fall in this? Yes. Is it right? No. Can I live without being tempted? No. As much as you have desires, temptation will abound. Yet the scriptures provide a way out of this always.

2. Christianity or Salvation never promised you a life free of challenges. Anywhere that is preached is a false gospel. In fact it promised you a more challenging life for the gospel sake. So, can I prevent challenges? No. Do I have the power to overcome these challenges? Yes.

---

So, you must firstly know in reality the gospel you recover and believed. This days there are many ANOTHER GOSPEL flying around. A proper understanding of what the Bible teaches and offers is key.

Myer:


You quoted from old testament scriptures, that's more of Jews than Christians. What is the difference as someone in the new covenant, so to say.

The old testament as you called it, is as both relevant to Christianity as much as the New Testament. There will never be new without the old. So actually, not old per say. Scripture is scripture.

Myer:


But the problem is God doesn't even speak to Christians too.
At least if God speaks to you, you can be different from others but take the Covid19 pandemic for example, no one knew about it talkless of what to do. Even Pastors where caught unawares talkless of ordinary christian members.

How did you know this. Am sure you didn't interview all Christians in the whole world. The challenge with computer age is that the user don't know life exist outside forum and social media. You need to start seeing beyond the letters on screens.

Sister is highly emotional so i stopped her from commenting on the religious section!

haddeylium:


Where's AkinwaleJJ?

Myer:


But it is not supposed to be limited to the word alone. What if there was no bible?

The earlier disciples were led by the Holyspirit right?

Bro you are looking for something else. You need to slow down now. Really really need to.

hoopernikao:


Bro, trust you are doing great. Longtime.

I am sure you know this answer yourself, that Christianity has its own identity saviour and traditions. And our feelings or experience can't change that. It's the Christian culture that should change our thinking.

It's been aeons. I had feared you have been caught up in the spirit and translated to Sambisa to convert Shekau and his cohorts.lol

hoopernikao:


The old testament as you called it, is as both relevant to Christianity as much as the New Testament. There will never be new without the old. So actually, not old per say. Scripture is scripture.

You mean there is no difference between the old and the new testament?

hoopernikao:

.
Bro, you still have somethings mixed up. And I feel that is what is informing your actions and thought.

Note that
1. Salvation in Christ or Christianity never promised a life without temptation. Temptation is not sin, and the fact that you can be tempted shows your humanity. What Christianity gives you is strength, hope and leading to be able to overcome this. Will some fall in this? Yes. Is it right? No. Can I live without being tempted? No. As much as you have desires, temptation will abound. Yet the scriptures provide a way out of this always.

2. Christianity or Salvation never promised you a life free of challenges. Anywhere that is preached is a false gospel. In fact it promised you a more challenging life for the gospel sake. So, can I prevent challenges? No. Do I have the power to overcome these challenges? Yes.

---

So, you must firstly know in reality the gospel you recover and believed. This days there are many ANOTHER GOSPEL flying around. A proper understanding of what the Bible teaches and offers is key.

Of course I'm not speaking merely of life's challenges, that's a given also.
What I mean is as regards struggles with sin.
A Christian just like other non-christians is commiting one sin or the other.
Otherwise how do you explain Nigeria having almost the highest number of Christians in the world yet the most corrupt country in the world.

Myer:


Of course I'm not speaking merely of life's challenges, that's a given also.
What I mean is as regards struggles with sin.
A Christian just like other non-christians is commiting one sin or the other.
Otherwise how do you explain Nigeria having almost the highest number of Christians in the world yet the most corrupt country in the world.

You like dropping statistics without verification. You should ensure you are talking based on reality.

Also, what is the correlation between having high number of Christian and governance? Does the government of Nigeria uses scriptures as constitution. Or do you use scriptures in police station or court as constitution? There is no correlation in this at all.