Christian Struggles

[Mysteryman]

What do you think are the top 2 things Christians are struggling with in your church? Read the small print after you respond. 
1.Depression 2. Loneliness

I have 2 things in mind but I want to see what you all think. Lately I have noticed many people seem to be struggling with the exact same thing. There are also things I percieve to be the cause of but we over look them.

[changedman]

I think people tease us with prosperity messages because of depression over not having money or things we feel we need to make it. Singles ministries in SOME churches make being lonely worse. Gays run rampant because the church folks aren't equipped to deal with the struggle.  You sure there's just TWO answers?

[godsbassman2000]

In our bible study, the main two struggles discussed are, sexual temptation and letting go of worldly behavior.

[jphat]

In our bible study, the main two struggles discussed are, sexual temptation and letting go of worldly behavior.

Good point! I think if can fully overcome in those areas, man o man........how powerful we would be.

[Mysteryman]

I see that stuff too.

[funkStrat_97]

I think we've got it made.  If you want to talk about Christian struggles, go to China.

[musallio]

I think we've got it made.  If you want to talk about Christian struggles, go to China.

But then you'll be amazed at how blessed they are then U might think..

I think we are in more trouble in the so called free christian countries because We Don't Pray as we ought to most of the time..if we even pray the way a christian should ( don't ask me how )..

Rimemba that the people of the so-called  persecuted church live amonsgt many persecutions, & if you proclaim to be a christian there , U beta make sure that you truly rely on Christ (faith rather than hope) else you you'll die a really painful death& all in vanity  

[changedman]

Good point! I think if can fully overcome in those areas, man o man........how powerful we would be.

I was almost with you...but obeying sexual temptations is worldly behavior, correct?

[4hisglory]

I think its:

1.  Sexual stuff (as stated before)
2.  Depression (as stated also)

[changedman]

I think its:

1.  Sexual stuff (as stated before)
2.  Depression (as stated also)

Exactly, and then there are a million SUBtopics that fall under each of the main two.

And I feel that a lot of the prosperity messages are driving daggers into issue #2 by leaps and bounds....giving people false hope (as Rose said on Titanic) of an absolution that may never come!

[blessedwoman]

I think

1. Financial struggles
2. Bridling the Tongue (too many people are flapping their gums in church, outside the church...just period    That might be a part of keeping the flesh under subjection

[T-Block]

1. Sex (or lack there of)

2. Money (or lack there of)

[LaylaMonroe]

I think

1. Financial struggles
2. Bridling the Tongue (too many people are flapping their gums in church, outside the church...just period    That might be a part of keeping the flesh under subjection

Now, see.... don't nobody wanna talk about that tongue... 

That needs to be on the top somewhere...

If I had to respond to this, I would have to select 3 things, because I think depression, premarital sex (and adulterous affairs), and that dern tongue are equally widespread in today's church.  I have seen a lot of depression in Atlanta, but I didn't realize it was as widespread as it is... it's really unfortunate.  I feel a thread coming on...

[changedman]

1. Sex (or lack there of)

2. Money (or lack there of)

LOL @ #1

[godsbassman2000]

I was almost with you...but obeying sexual temptations is worldly behavior, correct?

Obeying and struggling are quite different. Wouldn't you agree? As you stated in another thread, sexual desire is God given (not your exact words), but it is a legitimate desire. Therefore, I don't believe being tempted or struggling with sin is worldly behavior. What we do with the temptation is another matter.

The other worldly behaviors we discussed concerned, cussing, is it OK to go to clubs, conduct (as a representive of Christ) in the world and on the job.

[ndel]

I think Christians are struggling with the fact that they are struggling.  We don't want folk to know that everything ain't one hunnerd percent.

Also struggling with the folks in your congregation, all those different personalities, all those Christians that are mean, spiteful, sharp tongued, critical, negative, lazy, know everything,won't support anything, always talking bout how the church goin' down and how it used to be, and.... (slaps my own self, shakes  off and straightens up) you get what I mean

And after having said all  that I got to end with the fact that it's good to know that God is in control and He can handle it all.

[godsbassman2000]

I think Christians are struggling with the fact that they are struggling.  We don't want folk to know that everything ain't one hunnerd percent. You need to say that again!!!!!


Also struggling with the folks in your congregation, all those different personalities, all those Christians that are mean, spiteful, sharp tongued, critical, negative, lazy, know everything,won't support anything, always talking bout how the church goin' down and how it used to be, and.... (slaps my own self, shakes  off and straightens up) you get what I mean

And after having said all  that I got to end with the fact that it's good to know that God is in control and He can handle it all.

[Mysteryman]

2. Bridling the Tongue (too many people are flapping their gums in church, outside the church...just period    That might be a part of keeping the flesh under subjection

James 3
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.