I am a Follower of Jesus Christ .. But I refuse to call myself a Christian ... Here me out

reply to post by lonewolf19792000


I absolute 100% see where you come from brother...

let me state something.... I do go to a church that believes along the same line that I do....
about a relationship.... and I do know attacking fellow believers is sinful , that is why I tried to choose my words carefully.. I understand if you want to call me a christian that's ok I can accept that as I am a DISCIPLE OF CHRIST.. I live in the gutters of society I am in the " ghetto" I prefer it here.... I see people that are shunned because of what they look like , or how they speak... and I completey understand it is a generational things as our parents listened to their parents and so on

this generation OUR generation is different ... I don't believe in putting on a church mask and my nice shoes to impress everyone on sundays...

I dress the way I always do ... Real... I speak real ,,, I cuss sometimes because I am real , I mean if I use it in context if I say F*** the Devil ... it is my way of saying I HATE HIM..... just using the language of today...

I mean if people can get all dressed up for their favorite NFL team and Freak out when they get a touchdown

I am going to do the same for Jesus ... and alot of chrisitans find that wrong

But we are on the same side... I love my brother and sisters in Christ.. I like many are just pushed away by old world religion that makes NO sense in todays society,...

for example

Do you think god cares if we eat pork

HELL NO ... But man sure does

------
another example why is it that catholic branch of christianity do they tell you that ONLY THE PRIEST can forgive you after telling him your deepest secrets so that he can tell god to forgive you... how evil does that sound., it sounds like that " u are not good enough to talk to god directly" and I have A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THAT...

anyone can call out to god anyone can talk to him , anyone can and will be forgiven by him

sometimes the middle man gets in the ay of our righteous path....

But yes call me a christian if you must as I do fit the description.... and I am not offended by that...

but know that no man or church is perfect besides Jesus himself

so I don't meddle in the politics of the churches who fight within each other for stupid reasons
ex.. singing hyms with no instruments while some churches have great worship teams that are rockin it , but the churches will tell each other they are going to hell... that is why I am a Disciple of Christ and not a " christian"

MUCH LOVE ATS ... I got to go to work talk to ya tonight

Firecrotch out

Originally posted by mnmcandiez
reply to post by APOCOLYPSE DAWN

 

lol

I said in my last post that I used to be Christian. I saw the light.... hope you see it one day as well.

Anyway, just because Christians have a PR nightmare you want to change the name? LOL That's putting lipstick on a pig.

www.merriam-webster.com...

Definition of the word Christian

1.a : one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ

You can't argue a words definition

edit on 9/28/2011 by mnmcandiez because: (no reason given)

edit on 9/28/2011 by mnmcandiez because: (no reason given)

Never did I say rename Christianity or express any desire to change its name... I said I am non-denominational and for good reason. I have seen the good and bad of many of the denominations even seen the delusions of some sects that claim to be christian yet are far from it!

You claim that I need to see the light or atleast you hope I see the light... However, I have seen the light and will continue to believe in Christ as my Savior... Its easy for you to loose your faith but it is not easy to keep it. I hope you can look past all the BS and take Christ's message for what it is and get beyond this whole man made church and religion that is turning away so many from Christ.

reply to post by APOCOLYPSE DAWN


I would consider myself Denominational as well

Originally posted by lonewolf19792000
I am happy to call myself a christian and I love being able to take strength from my brothers in times of need, when Jesus would send his disciples out to minister, he always sent them in pairs for that very reason, and so that they would not feel alone in their task. The Lord wants us to fellowship with eachother and strengthen eachother. A prime example of this is the prayer meeting at Pentecost in the upper room. 120 men and women, including the 12 apostles, Mary (mother of Jesus) and Mary Magda and many others gathered there as commanded by Christ until they each recieved the Holy Spirit.

When you isolate yourself from your brothers Satan will throw everything at you, including the kitchen sink. It was not the Lords intention or will for us to wonder alone by ourselves without the aid of our brothers and sisters. We are a family, related in spirit and a bond far stronger than blood, a bond that trancends death. You are casting judgement on your brothers and sisters, which the Lord has specifically forbidden for anyone to do, because you take on the mantle of God without being free of corruption and the Lord said "Judge not, lest you be judged, for the measure that you use to judge others, shall be the measure used to judge you". By you disclaiming to not be a christian you throw a stumbling block into the paths of your brothers and sisters and cause them to doubt the will of the Lord and his plan for us as a family and as his bride. You need to re-examine your beliefs and read the scripture, as is you are not listening to the Holy Spirit because He would never condone you going out on your own power and without your brothers and sisters.

edit on 28-9-2011 by lonewolf19792000 because: (no reason given)

You may have noticed, that the thread author generally have been very well commended and applauded (even I only grumbled a bit), and now you come to this thread as the perfect demonstration of why he's accepted and why your kind of christianity meets so much opposition.

And don't for a moment believe, that the somewhat disguised efforts of doctrinal coercion in this post go unnoticed. But that's no problem, it only accentuates the difference to OP.

Originally posted by kassych
well, the word Christian only appears THREE times in the bible.. so I think you should consider yourself a 'student' Disciple of Jesus. That is at least what they were known as in the first century. We can learn from other paths in this life.. that is my belief though I am a disciple of the Great Rabbi myself.

The term 'Christian' come from the Greek word 'Christos' which was coined to describe and label the followers of Christ. It is true that Jesus himself stated that there was no true church; there were only followers of the Father and the Son.

"I've had it with you! You're hopeless, you religion scholars, you Pharisees! Frauds! Your lives are roadblocks to God's kingdom. You refuse to enter, and won't let anyone else in either. You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You go halfway around the world to make a convert, but once you get him you make him into a replica of yourselves, double-damned." (Matthew 23:13-15)

I had this same notion when I was younger. I didn't want to call myself a Christian because I disagreed with organized religion, but right there was my error. Christianity wasn't suppose to be a religion; it was designed as a way of life. Following in the teachings of Jesus and glorying his name. We are more like spiritualists. Not all Christians are religious; as not all who call themselves Christians are truly Christians...

reply to post by DanteMustDie


You wrote:

["Following in the teachings of Jesus and glorying his name."]

What purpose is there in "glorying" anyone's name. It sounds like what a bunch of teenager-girls at a rock-concert would do.

reply to post by nutzmctaffy


I am religious in my own way but do not follow the teachings of the Bible or any religious text (well not 100% I do agree with certain things in some) I just wanted to say fair play to you though. More people should feel this way and accept that they should believe in how they personally interpret the Bible not how a certain church tells them what they should believe because we all have differing opinions, we should believe in our own judgement, learn from others by all means but make our own decisions ourselves ultimately.

reply to post by bogomil


That was meant to be 'glorifying'. Thank you for humbly pointing out my error.

Yep, just about any concert you go to people are chanting someones name...but that's chanting. When it comes to Jesus, I proclaim that He is Lord. I don't chant or jump up and down. Big difference. Now if some fan at one of these rock concerts exclaimed that 'Paul McCartney is GOD!' whilst screaming and jumping up and down, that is labeled as obsession and idolization.

Do I idolize Jesus? Absolutely. And the differentiating factor between Jesus and Paul McCartney: Jesus IS God.

Originally posted by lonewolf19792000
I am happy to call myself a christian and I love being able to take strength from my brothers in times of need, when Jesus would send his disciples out to minister, he always sent them in pairs for that very reason, and so that they would not feel alone in their task. The Lord wants us to fellowship with eachother and strengthen eachother. A prime example of this is the prayer meeting at Pentecost in the upper room. 120 men and women, including the 12 apostles, Mary (mother of Jesus) and Mary Magda and many others gathered there as commanded by Christ until they each recieved the Holy Spirit.

When you isolate yourself from your brothers Satan will throw everything at you, including the kitchen sink. It was not the Lords intention or will for us to wonder alone by ourselves without the aid of our brothers and sisters. We are a family, related in spirit and a bond far stronger than blood, a bond that trancends death. You are casting judgement on your brothers and sisters, which the Lord has specifically forbidden for anyone to do, because you take on the mantle of God without being free of corruption and the Lord said "Judge not, lest you be judged, for the measure that you use to judge others, shall be the measure used to judge you". By you disclaiming to not be a christian you throw a stumbling block into the paths of your brothers and sisters and cause them to doubt the will of the Lord and his plan for us as a family and as his bride. You need to re-examine your beliefs and read the scripture, as is you are not listening to the Holy Spirit because He would never condone you going out on your own power and without your brothers and sisters.

edit on 28-9-2011 by lonewolf19792000 because: (no reason given)

Mr Lonewolf;

I have been a believer since 1983 and I have 2 ministry diplomas and I have started churches, been a 'church' leader, teacher, worship leader, play in the band, go to church 6 days a week blah blah blah
- its all a game played by self seeking people preaching a man-centred gospel

I havent been to a 'church' other than for a funeral or wedding since 2002 when I finally decided I had had enough of being used by manipulative folks and had enough of being theonly one for miles who could 'think' instead of being a blind sheep, and I was not afraid to choose the word over tradition every time

Its lonely being that sort of disciple in a plastic environment where the focus is all about their 'house of the lord' and so on. There are lots of folks who have heard the voice say "come out of her my people" and the ones I know, we have a bit of 'fellowship' now and then and avoid the temptation to formalise it

there are lots of scriptural evidence for being a 'lone wolf' lol and still having a relationship with YHWH
- enoch
- noah
- abraham
- issac
- jacob
just to name a few

there is no stumbling block in getting folks to think about what they believe and why - in fact it needs to be encouraged

when you dig into the history of 'christianity' you will find so much influence from the mystery schools it is not funny - and this pagan influence is accepted as part of the worship, doctine, and practice of 'christianity'

just do a bit of digging on the words they use - like '"Jesus"
- a bit to get you started - greek 'iesous' - from 'isis' and 'zeus'.....

how about your 'jesus' artwork? - Hebrew men had short hair - ever read the verse Paul wrote how it is shameful for a man to have long hair? hmmmm? the plot thickens...think that one through.

how about 'sun-day' worship - the pope (roman emporer) who took over from constantine changes the commandments to get rid of the sabbath and make people worship on the day of the sun-god that the pagans followed, and also reworded the commandment on idolatry - these people had control of what scriptures were circulated as well

how about Martin Luther, the 'father' of the protestants? His sig file was the 'rose and cross' (rosicrutian - secret order of mystery babylon)

dig my friend, dig, and be like the man who 'dug deep, and founded his house upon the rock'

denying ignorance we can all fellowship even if it is via boards like ATS

posts like our OP here is why I love ATS

cheers

PS - the church has disobeyed the 2 commandments for a long long time
- love one another so that alll men may know you are my disciples
- preach the gospel of the kingdom

reply to post by DanteMustDie


You wrote:

["That was meant to be 'glorifying'. Thank you for humbly pointing out my error."]

I took it for that, but in spite of my other shortcomings, I wouldn't dream of aggressively correcting or mocking anyone's spelling ot typing-errors. There is a belt-line you don't hit under.

Quote: ["Yep, just about any concert you go to people are chanting someones name...but that's chanting."]

I've seen a fair share of religionists getting just as overexited in the same simplistic way.

Quote: ["When it comes to Jesus, I proclaim that He is Lord. I don't chant or jump up and down. Big difference. Now if some fan at one of these rock concerts exclaimed that 'Paul McCartney is GOD!' whilst screaming and jumping up and down, that is labeled as obsession and idolization."]

I guess that not all teenager girls at rock-concerts scream, swoon or get tickly either.

Quote: ["Do I idolize Jesus? Absolutely. And the differentiating factor between Jesus and Paul McCartney: Jesus IS God."]

Not much difference for me there. And my opposition stems from the experience, that christians can't keep their idolizing to themselves, but compulsory have to spead it noisily around them, whether people in the surroundings want it or not.

reply to post by nutzmctaffy

another example why is it that catholic branch of christianity do they tell you that ONLY THE PRIEST can forgive you after telling him your deepest secrets so that he can tell god to forgive you... how evil does that sound., it sounds like that " u are not good enough to talk to god directly" and I have A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THAT

The catholics do things alot old school. Where the priesthood comes in, is as a mediator between us and the Lord, much like the priests of judaism were the mediators between the Lord and the people of Israel. In truth when Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave and ascended, he switched places with the Holy Spirit. It is through the Holy Spirit that dwells in us that we are able to commune with him, and we do not need a priest as a go between because we have a part of God Himself dwelling in us. It doesnt necessarily mean they are totally wrong, but a priest cannot grant you forgiveness, only Christ can do that and Mary has no power because she is still in the grave awaiting the resurrection where we all must go when we die. The Pope has always seemed like a mockery to me, the Lords representative on earth is every man, woman and child that accepts Christ as savior.

Give strength to your brothers and sisters in times of trouble and need, and bewary of false prophets speaking lies. You have the Holy Spirit in you and He will reveal these liars to you. Take comfort that you will never be alone, as whatever town you come across you have brothers and sisters there, and you have the Lord himself within you at all times.

reply to post by Highlander64


The Church is not a building. The Church are the Lord's believers, his bride to be. It pains me to see separate denominations squabbling over doctrine. It is the Lord's will for us to be united into one body and one like mind, not separate bodies. The Holy Spirit gave to me a dream. He said to me that our denominations divide us, but Jesus is the tie that binds us together. He showed me a great revival, where churches of all denominations were gathered together in one spot in unity, all worshipping and praising the Lord, and he said to me "on this day, when all the church are as one, miracles will be seen the likes of which have not been seen in an age", and i saw a woman that was paralyzed from the neck down rise up out of her wheel chair and take the first few steps she has taken in many years, crying and praising Jesus.

We must move away from this separatism we have fallen into. Jesus said a house divided against itself cannot stand, we must prepare the church for the Last Days, for they are upon us and time is almost out.

reply to post by Highlander64


Loved what you said.... I have personally Loved the book of Enoch...

Originally posted by lonewolf19792000
reply to post by Highlander64

 

The Church is not a building. The Church are the Lord's believers, his bride to be. It pains me to see separate denominations squabbling over doctrine. It is the Lord's will for us to be united into one body and one like mind, not separate bodies. The Holy Spirit gave to me a dream. He said to me that our denominations divide us, but Jesus is the tie that binds us together. He showed me a great revival, where churches of all denominations were gathered together in one spot in unity, all worshipping and praising the Lord, and he said to me "on this day, when all the church are as one, miracles will be seen the likes of which have not been seen in an age", and i saw a woman that was paralyzed from the neck down rise up out of her wheel chair and take the first few steps she has taken in many years, crying and praising Jesus.

We must move away from this separatism we have fallen into. Jesus said a house divided against itself cannot stand, we must prepare the church for the Last Days, for they are upon us and time is almost out.

may it be as you say brother - we wish that with all our hearts, and I can see that it is a great desire of your soul and I am sure this is heard before the throne!

however my understanding is that despite the fact we dont have any 'churches' that facilitate the joining together of true disciples, there are a few hurdles to overcome to allow that transition, such as
- ecumenism and materialism and the new age infiltration has to be removed (Revelation 3:14-20)
- a change in leadership away from the centralisation and 'dogmatic irrefutability' of the church and the 'beating of the fellow servants' (luke 12-42-48)
- the great 'falling away' - that day should not come unless a great falling away occur first (2 thessalonians 2:3)
- a great cleansing of the doctrines and a determination to rid the churches of the influence of the mystery schools, so as to present 'right offerings' (malachi - whole of chapter 3)
- run the church through the wash cycle - so as to present himself with a pure bride (ephesian 5;26-27)

I think there is plenty of separatism when you look at established denominations, however, it is written, 'he who is of YHWH hears the words of YHWH - the reason you do not believe in me is that you are not of YHWH", and again, 'my sheep hear my voice", and again, "so there shall be one flock, and one shepherd" (whether in this age or the age to come I cannot say...

so it remains, regardless of denomination, that those who are called and chosen, may join in unison in this world if it be possible, before that great and terrible time coming upon the earth, whereupon at some point there shall be a great multitude who have washed their robes and be singing 'glory to the Lamb' - these are allegorically the 5 virgins who took extra oil with their lamps - these also are those who say, "when did we see thee naked and clothe thee, hungered and feed thee, sick or in prison and visited thee?" (man that story makes me cringe every time)

as for the healing - you can do that right now - no need to wait for a revival - we are commanded to heal the sick and lame by our saviour Ya'shuah already

go therefore!

reply to post by Highlander64


You are roght there must be a great falling away of the Lord, but the thing is. It is happening right now. Think how many people that call themselves christians, that refuse to do the Lord's will and his work. They do not cast away their old lives, they look back towards their own lives and return to their sin. We have men and women who go to church, and live together and have sex, yet are unmarried. We have men and women who do not have a charitable bone in their bodies and wouldnt lift a finger to help anyone but themselves (the Lord really has a problem with selfish people). These people proclaiming themselves to be christians yet they return to their sin (what is written in the bible as "a dog returning to its own vomit") is what the Holy Spirit speaks to me of, is as the great falling away. They refuse to heed His call and hear His words. We have people who were once christians, turning their backs on the Lord and becoming atheists and they shed their hearts and faith, or they turn pagan and worship other gods and seek to commune with the dead instead of seeking to commune with the Lord (paranormal research).

You are also right that we have the power to heal through the Holy Spirit, yet this healing should not come because of a donation to some televangelist seeking to line his pockets with wealth. It angers the Lord to see these men abuse the authority He has given, "Yes, for a donation of 500 dollars, YOU can recieve your healing from Christ Jesus!"

My church is working on unifying the churches in my town, we are trying to bridge the gap and all towns must begin to do this!

reply to post by bogomil

Not much difference for me there. And my opposition stems from the experience, that christians can't keep their idolizing to themselves, but compulsory have to spead it noisily around them, whether people in the surroundings want it or not.

As I've stated: There's a fine line between religious Christians [who I refer to as Sunday Christians] and spiritual Christians. I understand how easy it is for that line to be blurred as it seems there are more religious nuts. These Sunday Christians are just hypocrites; quick to cast judgment onto others yet continue to live in sin and contradict the very words they preach. These people sport the cross like a fashion statement, wear a cloak of Christianity for a sense of superiority, practice their faith for two hours one day out of the week, attend services to maintain a status, condemn others and forcefully shove their beliefs upon them. These are not genuine Christians, but carbon copies. They do more harm than good. I do not condone organized religion. In fact, it pisses me off that every person with the label 'Christian' falls into the religious category.

I do believe the idea of religion is a conspiracy. It wasn't just implemented to control societies and charge them usury for profit, but to replicate true spiritualism into a generic, shallow, self idolizing concept. These anti-Christians aren't serving God; they are only serving themselves and their self fulfilling prophesies. The real ideology of Christianity has become so warped and twisted, people such as the OP are ashamed to call themselves by the name.

I to no not gallivant down the streets shouting scripture, throwing the Bible at peoples face, and condemning others to Hell. I show the door and move on. It's not my job to save the world. Be happy, love others, and spread Peace. It's not always easy, but damn simple.

reply to post by nutzmctaffy


Thank you for the excellent post.
Flag and star

Cheers

I have similar feeling right now. I'm disgusted with the denomination I was attending and I don't see anything appealing anywhere else. I wish I could learn to love my neighbour purely - not doing good deeds but actually seeing my neighbour as part of myself and accepting everybody as they are.

My problem is that I don't know how to get there. Any suggestions?

I know exactly how you feel OP; I am not a hard-core religious person but have had a relationship with God since I was young...albeit an up & down relationship. I go to a Christian Church but for what ever reason, I don't consider my self a Christian or at least the kind of Christian people want to see.

I do believe people should be loved and cared for, too many greedy people out in this crazy world! lol

I don't know but there are times when I feel like this:

"...you can find yourself a God, believe in which one you want, 'cause they love you all the same, they just go by a different name..."

Taken from a Stereophonic's song called "It Means Nothing"; but it makes me think.

reply to post by Jim Scott



YEeeees this is a very good thread. Religion in and of itself is a broadly believed myth. I am slowly shedding my religion for my faith alone. Threads like these are nice to see. Because I firmly believe in the total un-importance of any one religion. That is my opinion.