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[Rita]

I remember being told that I had to speak in tongues; without it, I was considered "unsaved." The sisters even claimed to see "demons" in me and my brother. Then there were the "open confessions"-forced upon me with someone I didn’t even know.

Week after week, I found myself consoling my brother through it all. Today, by the grace of God, he stands as a grown man in Christ Jesus.

J.

So sorry, yes there was a phase in my journey where everything was put down to demons ect. To Date I can’t speak in tongues - but in all honesty my husband would have had me committed if I had and I did often wonder if that was why I had not been given that gift - but who knows. I think deep down I still feel like a second rate Christian because of it ….

 

[Johann]

My first experience in church was something like that. The preacher man was putting his hands on people and they would fall out in the floor and they would be acting like they are climbing a ladder to heaven, some dancing around, other speaking in what they considered tongues. I feel like I was at the age of 8-9 years old. A friend telling me he seen the spirit of Mary, and it was a lot, I just closed the section off from my life all together.

I’m glad you were there to help your brother. There are even people out there that still play with snakes and dying from it, and what not… there are some strange beliefs out there and they can be detrimental to those who are afraid to think and speak for themselves, and are subjected to such things. It is sad, to me.

It’s deeply traumatic, brother, and the mind simply "shuts down." Many are being emotionally wounded by the things happening in churches today.

Sad, indeed.

J.

 

[MatthewG]

So sorry, yes there was a phase in my journey where everything was put down to demons ect. To Date I can’t speak in tongues - but in all honesty my husband would have had me committed if I had and I did often wonder if that was why I had not been given that gift - but who knows. I think deep down I still feel like a second rate Christian because of it ….

Hello Rita,

This is one of the many reasons I don’t try to give into my feelings. There are days, unending where I just tell Yahavah/God, that I know I don’t do anything worthwhile all I know is just trust you and your son. Our feelings get to all us all the time. Jesus knows what it was like I believe to, he is our strength when we are weak. And this probably why it’s good for us to read the Bible. Because those who do believe are heirs to Christ, they are children or sons or daughters of God, as we live in faith, having hope and abiding in Christ loving God and others.

 

[Johann]

So sorry, yes there was a phase in my journey where everything was put down to demons ect. To Date I can’t speak in tongues - but in all honesty my husband would have had me committed if I had and I did often wonder if that was why I had not been given that gift - but who knows. I think deep down I still feel like a second rate Christian because of it ….

Don’t feel that way, @Rita. I was born again when I was just a young man. It wasn’t anything dramatic, but over the years, the Lord has patiently worked in my life, cutting off strong and unhealthy habits-and He’s still working in me.

My struggle now is that I don’t experience the presence of the Holy Spirit as I once did. Is this the same with you?

I can only stand in awe of the testimonies shared by others.

Keep the faith sister.

Johann.

 

[Eternally Grateful]

Born again is not a religious term

Are you still dead in sin or are you alive (born a second time) in Christ

If you’re still dead. Why have you not been saved?

 

[Johann]

You're so wonderful! I wish I could be like you. I guess I'm not good enough. Maybe God doesn't love me.

Do you have a testimony you want to share?

J.

 

[NotTheRock]

Do you have a testimony you want to share?

J.

I don't have a testimony.

 

[Johann]

I don't have a testimony.

So? Nothing wrong with that now, is there?

J.

 

[Rita]

Don’t feel that way, @Rita. I was born again when I was just a young man. It wasn’t anything dramatic, but over the years, the Lord has patiently worked in my life, cutting off strong and unhealthy habits-and He’s still working in me.

My struggle now is that I don’t experience the presence of the Holy Spirit as I once did. Is this the same with you?

I can only stand in awe of the testimonies shared by others.

Keep the faith sister.

Johann.

Yes, I can relete but I do know that it’s me that doesn’t draw near, not the other way around. I knew the presence more when I was going through years of inner healing , but at the time it was needed. Maybe it’s about trusting in the presence rather than feeling it all the time
I think it also depends on life experiences, we are human and emotional upheavals can have an impact, I lost my dad and then my daughter tried to end her life, then I had health issue and retired and moved- and yet looking back through last year, so many blessings. We are all works in progress xx

 

[IronMaiden]

Should there be a follow-up question to ask those who reply "Christian" if they are born again?

I've been assured that people who declare that "Jesus is Lord" and who strive to follow his commandments cannot accurately be described as "Christian" unless they have been "born again".

Maybe those who profess to being "born again" should get a sparkly, gold cross by their name to differentiate them from the unwashed masses. How about it?

If you have not been born again, you cannot be a Christian.

 

[Johann]

Yes, I can relete but I do know that it’s me that doesn’t draw near, not the other way around. I knew the presence more when I was going through years of inner healing , but at the time it was needed. Maybe it’s about trusting in the presence rather than feeling it all the time
I think it also depends on life experiences, we are human and emotional upheavals can have an impact, I lost my dad and then my daughter tried to end her life, then I had health issue and retired and moved- and yet looking back through last year, so many blessings. We are all works in progress xx

I’m sorry to hear this. Personally, I don’t rely on my emotions or feelings. On this forum, I continually seek to draw closer to our Lord Christ Jesus. When I mentioned experiential experiences, I was referring to my time as a pastor at The Ark in Durban-nothing related to emotions.

As you rightly said, we are all a work in progress.

Imitation of Christ
1 John 2:6 (LXX)
"Ὁ λέγων ἐν αὐτῷ μένειν ὀφείλει καθὼς ἐκεῖνος ἐπορεύθη, καὶ αὐτὸς ἀποτελεῖν."
Translation: "Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked."

This verse calls Christians to imitate the behavior of Christ. The "Christlike life" here is depicted as a life of obedience and holiness, walking as Christ walked, in humility and righteousness.

Ephesians 5:1-2 (TR)
"Γίνεσθε οὖν μιμηταὶ τοῦ θεοῦ, ὡς τέκνα ἀγαπητά, καὶ περιπατεῖτε ἐν ἀγάπῃ, καθὼς καὶ ὁ Χριστὸς ἠγάπησεν ἡμᾶς."
Translation: "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us."

Here, Christians are explicitly instructed to imitate God by following Christ's example of love. The "Christlike life" is marked by a self-sacrificial love that mirrors Christ's love for the church.

Philippians 2:5-8 (TR)
"Τοῦτο φρονεῖτε ἐν ὑμῖν, ὃ καὶ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, ὃς ἐν μορφῇ θεοῦ ὑπάρχων οὐχ ἠγάπησεν τὸ εἶναι ἴσα θεῷ..."
Translation: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself..."

This passage shows the "Christlike life" as one of humility and self-emptying, a life that prioritizes the will of God over personal ambition or status.

2. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
Romans 8:9-11 (LXX)
"Ἐὰν δὲ πνεῦμα θεοῦ οὐκ ἔχητε, οὐκ ἔστε τοῦ Χριστοῦ."
Translation: "But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ."

The "Christlike life" cannot be lived without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This passage emphasizes the necessity of the Holy Spirit to empower believers to live in a manner that reflects Christ.

Galatians 5:22-23 (TR)
"Ὁ δὲ καρπὸς τοῦ πνεύματος ἐστιν ἀγάπη, χαρά, εἰρήνη, μακροθυμία, χρηστότης, ἀγαθωσύνη, πίστη, πραΰτης, ἐγκράτεια."
Translation: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

The "Christlike life" is exemplified through the fruits of the Spirit, which mirror Christ's own character and actions. These attributes, given by the Holy Spirit, enable Christians to live in a way that resembles Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (TR)
"ἡμεῖς δὲ πάντες ἀνακεκαλυμμένον τὸ πρόσωπον, ὡς ἐν καθρέπτη τὴν δόξαν τοῦ Κυρίου θεωροῦντες, μεταμορφοῦμεθα εἰς τὸ αὐτὸ εἰκών, ἀπὸ δόξης εἰς δόξαν, καθὼς ἀπὸ τοῦ πνεύματος Κυρίου."
Translation: "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image, from glory to glory, as from the Spirit of the Lord."

This passage speaks to the transformation that occurs in the believer, where the more they behold Christ, the more they are conformed to His image. The "Christlike life" is a process of ongoing transformation by the Spirit.

3. Living the Christlike Life in Practice
Colossians 3:12-14 (TR)
"ἐνδύσασθε οὖν ὡς ἐκλεκτοὶ τοῦ θεοῦ ἅγιοι καὶ ἀγαπητοί, σπλάγχνα οἰκτιρμῶν, χρηστότητα, ταπεινοφροσύνη, ἀπειλη, μακροθυμία..."
Translation: "Put on, then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience..."

Christians are urged to "put on" virtues that reflect the "Christlike life", including compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. These traits are not just abstract ideals but practical expressions of the Christlike life in community.

1 Peter 2:21-23 (TR)
"ἰδοὺ ὑπομείνατε, ὡς καὶ Χριστὸς ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἔπαθεν, ὑπομονὴν ὑπομείνας..."
Translation: "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps."

The "Christlike life" includes suffering with patience and endurance, following the example of Christ. This passage teaches that Christ's suffering is a model for Christians to imitate in their own lives.

Conclusion:
From these scriptures, we can conclude that Christians can experience the Christlike life, but it requires both an intentional effort to imitate Christ and the ongoing transformation that comes through the Holy Spirit. The "Christlike life" is not merely an abstract concept, but something that is lived out daily in the believer’s actions, character, and relationships, empowered by the Holy Spirit and modeled after Christ's example.

Sorry for the late edit @Rita.

J.

 

[ScottA]

Should there be a follow-up question to ask those who reply "Christian" if they are born again?

I've been assured that people who declare that "Jesus is Lord" and who strive to follow his commandments cannot accurately be described as "Christian" unless they have been "born again".

Maybe those who profess to being "born again" should get a sparkly, gold cross by their name to differentiate them from the unwashed masses. How about it?

No, on the path of following Christ are seekers, believers, and those who are born from above having passed from death to life. All are rightly called "Christian." Although as the parable of the Sower explains, many will not grow and some will even wither away. Even so, God has allotted each a lifetime wherein the fork in the path that no one knows the day or hour of may come at any time. Regardless of labels.

 

[ScottA]

I don't know if I have been born again. Since I am unsure, can I change my affiliation from "Christian" to "unsure" or something else? I am not worthy to be in the presence of all of these righteous, TRUE, Christians!

No need. All who seek and follow Christ are rightly called "Christian."

 

[Rita]

Ah! There it is! I'll change it to "other affiliation" so as not to continue to defile true Christians with my presence in the "Christian only" sub-forums.

View attachment 55815

Are you changing this because of what has been said - a reaction. Only please be aware that with the choice you have made there will be restrictions on where you can post, which is a shame if in fact you are a Christian

 

[Pearl]

Should there be a follow-up question to ask those who reply "Christian" if they are born again?

I've been assured that people who declare that "Jesus is Lord" and who strive to follow his commandments cannot accurately be described as "Christian" unless they have been "born again".

Maybe those who profess to being "born again" should get a sparkly, gold cross by their name to differentiate them from the unwashed masses. How about it?

I see you identify as 'other faith' would you like to explain what that is please?

 

[TLHKAJ]

I'm going to be short with my answer. I do remember the moment and date of my conversion.... January 12, 1986. I was 13 years old. It was a dramatic change from night to day. My appetites changed, hatred turned to love and a burden for others to know Christ.

I do believe that every born again believer has a testimony in Christ. It's an important part of how the believer overcomes.

1 Corinthians 1:4-6
[4]I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
[5]That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
[6]Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:

Acts 22:18
[18]And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

2 Timothy 1:8
[8]Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

Revelation 1:9
[9]I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 6:9
[9]And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

Revelation 12:11,17
[11]And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
[17]And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 19:10
[10]And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

 

[Verily]

Should there be a follow-up question to ask those who reply "Christian" if they are born again?

I've been assured that people who declare that "Jesus is Lord" and who strive to follow his commandments cannot accurately be described as "Christian" unless they have been "born again".

Maybe those who profess to being "born again" should get a sparkly, gold cross by their name to differentiate them from the unwashed masses. How about it?

John says,

1 John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

 

[Verily]

That never happened for me. I'm obviously NOT born again.

Ok, how can I change my classification to something besides "Christian"?

This is some good advice for us, Paul says,

2 Cr 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

 

[Verily]

I remember being told that I had to speak in tongues; without it, I was considered "unsaved." The sisters even claimed to see "demons" in me and my brother. Then there were the "open confessions"-forced upon me with someone I didn’t even know.

Week after week, I found myself consoling my brother through it all. Today, by the grace of God, he stands as a grown man in Christ Jesus.

J.

So they were seeing other worldly beings and thought there was something wrong with you and your brother?

Heh, what did they do? Go off their meds?

 

[quietthinker]

Should there be a follow-up question to ask those who reply "Christian" if they are born again?

I've been assured that people who declare that "Jesus is Lord" and who strive to follow his commandments cannot accurately be described as "Christian" unless they have been "born again".

Maybe those who profess to being "born again" should get a sparkly, gold cross by their name to differentiate them from the unwashed masses. How about it?

haha....ahhhhh, the desire for man to categorise. The 'bucket' is never satisfied!

Isn't it clear that the only factor Jesus endorses is 'By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another' John 13:35

....and I would add, not those who make big noises talking about love but those who have it.
I would also add, these are not differentiated by denominational affiliation.....to the chagrin of many.