What defines a Man of God?
 

What is your definition of a Man of God?

I'll be the first
 

Although I am not a man..I will give my definition of a man of God..

I believe a man of God is one who is totally submitted to God. This means that nothing is more important to him than being a God-Chaser , pleasing God and doing his will. All of his goals, interests, activities etc. line up with the word of God. He makes no major decisions without consulting with his Heavenly Father first...and is obedient to direction from God. He has a strong relationship with God and you can see fruits produced in his life.

The converse of everything I'm saying is that there is no person, organization, career, etc. that is more important than God to this man. The majority of his conversations, activities will be more about spreading the gospel, winning souls etc. And even when he is in a secular setting ..his main goal will be to win souls!! Of course there is a need for balance...but you will not look at this man and say oh he's a badd Que ... you will see this man and say he's a mighty man of God...not because of the things he says..but because of what he does.

My definition is this:

A Man who has a close and personal relationship with god, outside of his professed religion. He is working to Honor the Will of God in all facets of his life through thought, action and speech.

Re: His Religion!
 

What was your point in saying this?

When I say god I mean higher power.

If you are gonna mince words then no need to have a conversation.

Have you done an in-depth study of those religions, AS a BELIEVER of those religions?

If so, then please break down the differences for me.

If not, then you are feeding me your interpretation of what the Christian "Word" has to say about OTHER religions.

Let me re-introduce myself.

I'm laidbackfella and I believe IN God not IN Christianity.

The Spirit is the GUIDE, the religion is the PRACTICE.

I'm more concerned about spirituality than religion.

Spirit is enduring, religions may come and go.

Spirit, in essence, is pure, some religions have agendas.

So when I say God, I put no SPIN of a religion with it.

I'm simply saying higher power.

Now you can assign any name that suits you best.

Re: Highest Power
 

So are you saying that only Christians know the real God? And all others are worshiping a false God?

Re: Re: His Religion!
 

This is the typical liberal and all inclusive view of religion that is very popular these days. To be a Christian means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. So if you are not calling yourself a Christian..... then you're not professing Jesus Christ as the Way the Truth and the Life. I guess your re-introduction of self explains why you take the stance you do on many subjects..so its cool to see the thought process behind the posts. The word says to put no other god before him..and that you cannot serve two masters. And that the only way to the Father is through the son Jesus Christ.

Back to the original question posed in this thread..I believe a man of God professes the Living God, Jesus Christ as his source for everything...and the only True God.

Re: Highest Power
 

You said a mouthful here. THis is so true. Man wants to make the Word of God fit their own lifestyle..instead of adapting to living how the word tells us to live. You summed it up perfectly. ;)

Someone please answer my question. Are you saying that if I am not a Christian there is no way I can have a relationship with God?

You can have whatever relationship you deem that best fits your "style" - but that does not mean that you are a follower after Christ's own heart (or being "saved").

And yes, that means that you are of the Christian faith (or at minimum, you are a non-denominational Bible-believing church).

ETA:

To answer the initial question...

A Man of God - is a man that seeks after the heart of Christ.

short and simple :) That covers everything a man should be (i.e. characteristics, traits, habits, lifestyle, etc.)

NO!
 

In the words of the Winans, No, NO,NO! Ladygreek to answer your question as a professing christian no you cannot have a "relationship" with God outside of what it truly means to be a Christian. As Icon has already qouted in John 14:6 Jesus is the way to have a relationship with the Father.

--------------------------------------------------
Iconoclastic originally said:
The "religion" of Christianity was founded by Jesus Christ (God in the flesh). Then Jesus goes on to say that he is the ONLY way to the Father (John 14:6), with Peter confirming it in Acts 4:12.
--------------------------------------------------



Was Christianity really founded by Jesus Christ? Jesus was a Jew, he studied the Torah and the writings of the prophets, observed the Jewish festivals... festivals that God himself gave as an eternal command for Jews and believing non Jews to follow.

"Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and so teaches others, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:17-19

Christianity decided to observe the holy day on Sunday instead of Saturday, basically saying that Christian doctrine was more important than God's own 10 commandments. How can you respect the Sabbath and keep it holy if you decide to change what day you want to observe the sabbath on? Christianity decided to stop observing Jewish holidays and adopt pagan holidays and simply rename them. Jesus never told anyone to stop observing the Sabbath, and he certainly never told people to stop observing God's appointed festivals. Christianity has allowed the word to be perverted and has intentionally misled a lot of believers.

A true man of God doesn't need to label himself a christian. He will study and seek to draw near to God and not just blindly accept what has been passed down for years as "truths". He will persevere through trials and tribulations that will come his way without having to compromise what he believes in. He will lift up God above all others, and seek to aid and fellowship with others who share similar ideals and beliefs and want to draw nearer to God. He will lift up in prayer those who don't want God's hand in their life.

So Muslims or Jews cannot have a relationship with God?

So Moses, Noah, David, Solomon, Jacob, Adam weren't Men of God?

They certainly came before Christ. Were they not worthy to be called Men of God?

Some of you need to check your statements before you hit Submit Reply cuz obviously you have ignored the history taught in the Old Testament.

I will summarily dismiss any diatribe you enter in this thread should you fail to START off your response with an answer to the first question I've posed.

Being that the Bible is a book of history, how can you respond to this question with an answer that ignores EVERYTHING that proceeded Jesus?

To sum it up I have THREE questions I desire a straight answer for:

1) Which of the following NON CHRISTIAN men was NOT a man of God, Moses, Noah, David, Solomon, Jacob or Adam?

2) Can you name an example of a Godly Man in today's society?

3) Who said that I was a Christian?

I really don't want to get into this debate but I had to address this...


Actually this is INcorrect. While Jews and Muslims do observe the sabbath - Friday nite into Saturday Christians celebrate the new beginning, the New Testament which was given to us with Jesus' birth, death and resurrection-which occurred on SUNDAY (He was crucified and left in the tomb because of the observance of the Sabbath-when the women went to clean His body they discovered He had risen). Most Jews don't acknowledge the New Testament so they observe the rules and rituals as are listed in the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus)-the same bible that I read. Christians acknowledge that with Christ there was a new beginning and for us that brought new rules for living.

What is outlined in the Old Testament are rules to be followed under the OLD covenant which was between God and his chosen people-the Jews. Christians believe in the good news of the New Testament and as such observe the NEW covenant (between God and all). With Jesus's death the rules were changed...his death was THE ultimate sacrifice...no need to keep killing bulls and observing other rituals that HE himself practiced as a Jew BEFORE his death.

On a historical note...the early Christians were considered a sect (or denomination) of the Jews. They still observed the Sabbath and observed the numerous rules as listed in the Old Testament but believed that the Messiah they were waiting for had come. As the "movement" spread, other differences arose and the "sect" was no longer recognized by the Jews. To spread the word the new Christians began to codify the "New Testament" (writings from the apostles, letters from Paul). They believed that the new covenant was made possible because of Christ's death and resurrection. Christians celebrate this by worshiping on the first day of the week (Sunday). Because Christ died our sins were washed away and we don't have to make sacrifices or have someone intercede on our behalf anymore. So as believers of the new covenant we don't observe past holidays as outlined in the Old Testament such as Rosh Hassana (sp?) and Yom Kippor or observe the Sabbath as traditionally done by Jews who are still waiting for the Messiah to come and thus continue to operate on the old covenant, rules and regulations.

Its important to read the Bible as both a spiritual document (written with divine intervention) & as a historical one (taken into account the times it was written and what was culturally acceptable at the time). But as a practicing Christian its important to note that things were not randomly changed just for the heck of it.

Discussion PSA
 

Anyone who QUOTES scripture from the bible ALSO needs to POST that scripture from the Bible. And even that out of the context of the passage can be twisted to support a personal agenda.

If you want to provide support for YOUR point, FINE. But that should not REQUIRE anyone else to do their own research on the example YOU are providing.

Everyone who reads thread this won't post. Most of them who read this will not have a deep knowledge of the Bible.

My initial question asked, "What is your definition of a Man of God?". Many Christians, as usual, ASSumed that all involved in this conversation approach it from a Christian background.

Intelligent Men and Women can not live by soundbite or snapshot alone. So refrain from posting SOLELY, your understanding and where the scripture can be found. Post the scripture, unless you feel that it may contradict what you are saying.

Any further references without supporting scripture will give cause, for me at least, to dismiss your post as the ramblings of a trash can preacher.

Thank You In Advance :D

stardusttwin thank you for sharing your knowledge.

This is the explanation that I've received as well.

I believe that to be the truth, regarding the Sabbath, as well.

Where did you first learn of this information?

Re: Discussion PSA
 

I guess that I am with LadyGreek and LBF on this. GOD preceded Christianity......

Re: NO!
 

AAAAAAAAAMEN!!!

Re: Good Material!!
 

YOUR website.

THE Word.

I, personally, don't co-sign with your rhetoric about GLO's so why would go there to be innudated with your theories and teachings?

Saved, is not the topic at hand.

Man of God is.

Since Icon/Fred has bowed out of this conversation. Would anyone else care to enter a response to the three questions I posed?

Matters of Belief aren't always Christian based. If you have a missionary spirit you'd, Seek First To Understand, Then To Be Understood.

It's far easier to guide people to salvation when you hear their viewpoints and attempt to understand their frame of thinking. Rejecting or dismissing one's belief or views WITHOUT even asking for clarification makes the SPIRIT of any conversation one that is not inviting for those who are just beginning their Spiritual walk.

Co-sign
 

And I am still waiting for the answer to my second question.

Last Post
 

If anyone wants to PM me and discuss this issues in this thread, please feel free to do so. I feel discussions about Biblical concepts should only be done when they are fruitful...meaning people are trying to gain understanding. This thread is turning into a debate, and I am not going to "argue" with anyone about Christ. All of a sudden new rules and parameters have been set and people have been accused of ASSuming stuff. The Bible speaks for itself. For those who choose to design their own form of godliness or make up their own rules to live by, they can live with those consequences.

I am standing Titus 3.9 "But avoid foolish questions, and geneologies and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain."

LBF 2 Timothy 3.1-7 may be helpful to you ;)

Re: Last Post
 

I am not surprised that my "foolish" question has gone unanswered. I was trying to gain an understanding but I guess to you and the others, there is only one true understanding--yours. And if it is questioned that means we are heathens, or have established our own form of Godliness and will face certain consequences."

It is exactly this attitude that causes people to begin questioning things (like why is probably more than half of the world deemed to be "unsaved" because they do not recognize Jesus as the son of God) and hesitant to talk about why. Dogma has always been the bane and divider of our world. It's even sadder that it is done in the name of God.

Re: Last Post
 

It's interesting that this should be your 666th post on Greekchat.

The only issue is your definition of Man of God. That is hardly a Biblical concept. Man of God is not an exclusive term to Christianity I wish people would show a little respect for the other viewpoints expressed here.

This debate or discussion can be very fruitful. But how can one be privy to another's viewpoint if tough questions aren't asked and addressed or their viewpoint is dismissed?

The actual Church Fight started when Icon/Fred and you, yourself provided commentary on MY definition of Man of God. Matthew 7.1 states, "Judge not, that ye be not judged". It's hard to determine the difference between Judging vs. Proclaiming.

Judging is providing your input about a situation, while Proclaiming is simply stating God's Judgement of a lifestyle.

These two comments seemed to be along the lines of judging and that simply was not needed:

here on 07-07-2004 05:58 AM
and

here on 07-08-2004 12:34 PM
Now if you can't answer questions or argue about Christ regardless of the other comments made then it makes me wonder about your spirit. I've asked three straight forward questions you could simply ignore anything you perceive as extra.

Yea, I did ask y'all to respect some parameters cuz I, personally, don't know what you are quoting. I'm not a scholar of the bible. In my "Q and A" thread which you've referred to in other threads, I simply anser the question and provide supporting documentation in that response if need be. I don't send people outside of my thread to qualify something I've provided the answer to. My thoughts are If YOU say it, YOU should support it.

No Second Timothy isn't real helpful to me, cuz it's been shown to me time and time again that most devils have a deeper knowledge of the scripture written in the Bible than I do. That's how they are able to cultivate the masses to their cults and causes.

Peace Be With You In All That You Do

True Truth?

You profess Truth!:rolleyes:

You supposedly are a "MAN of GOD".:(

I find you arogant to a point of idioticy and self egotisim.

Jesus, was supposedly the beginning of Christianity, ergo the name Christian. Christ The Son. The living being of God as We today know it.

There many cultures who professed a God of Supreme being long before Jesus came upon the scene. Were they not The Children of The God You so profess?:rolleyes: Or, maybe Heathens all!

Your rantings make you sound like an Bible Thumping self indulgent idiot of Supreme unimportance! What Tent do you preach under, yell and hollar at?:confused:

God let me keep trying to love people such as this demented person. Or not!

Re: Jews and Muslims
 

:confused: :confused: :confused:

I read something this week that said something to the tune of

"If you're not studying your bible with a concordance and an understanding of the history, psychology, and sociology of the time period, then you're not studying the bible...you're worshipping it."

That may have been on GC, it may have been in an email, I don't remember.

But I am with those who believe in the God who precedes man's written word.

And to answer the question, a man of God is defined by his actions. Any man with virtue is a man of God in my book, even if he is atheist. God, to me, is that guiding force that makes us want to do right. And that's enough for me.

Re: Jews and Muslims
 

Fred what church are you affiliated with? Because your theories are so exclusive and intolerant. I'd be interested to now what others in the area have to say about your church.

You sound like a Mad Christian. Not one showing his love for his god through his actions but busy condemning those who don't believe what he believes.

Again I noticed the interepretations but lack of relevant scripture. Sounds Trash Cannish Preachy to me.

Fred/Icon had you ever believed in any religion other than Christianity? Because it's statements like these that make me wonder about your study of ANYTHING other than Christianity.

It's the bolded that concerns me the most. Are other religions basing their credibility on what Christianity says? Better yet is Christianity (and more to the point YOUR mission) basing it's credibility on debasing other religions (and GLO's)?

That's what you seem to be determined to do. You don't really spread the word when you are on here you simply denounce this and rebuke that.

I'd like to see you enlighten people about the word. Just THE WORD. Leave your agendas at the door. Come on Rev. Hatch can't you just teach for the sake of sharing the wisdom of the word? I'd listen.

Honestly I would. But when you condemn and chastize people why would I want to try and decipher the sermon from the scolding?

Re: Temper! Temper!
 

I think you missed the point of the confusion. Your statement about DOCTRINE being taught by GLOs is far fetched. Yes members are educated about their organization but they are not taught how to view the world by associating with any particular fraternity or sorority. At least I wasn't. Again you are entitled to you opinion but I'll have to agree with LBF on this one. If you want to study the Bible and share scripture, I LOVE to read the Bible. If you want to condemn the vast majority of the world for thinking that they can have a direct connection to God then I'll read in private.


IMO: A man of God is not the one proclaiming it from the rooftops it's one who does what he should and what he can to aid others and better himself. His words aren't needed because his actions prove his faith daily. People seek him out not because he made them ashamed of what they weren't doing but because they wanted to do more of what he WAS doing.

Re: Re: Temper! Temper!
 

First and foremost, I am not in any GLO but I am no stranger to Greek Life. But I will like to say this, My father was a preacher and some of the things Icon is saying is very reminiscent of him. Things that he didn't understand he would say is the devil's work. And he called himself a Man of God.

The thing is that as humans we are all flawed. We must find our own ways to the lord and his goodness. What is your path is not necessary the path that God has chosen for, per say, me. That is something he couldn't understand and I believe that is your problem Icon.

Maybe you are a true man of God. That is something none of us can prove. But as a child of God, he can only tell an individual of his or her path. Not you. Not any one.

I've been following this conversation and it seems to me like you, Icon, have an agenda. If you do, that is cool. Just tell us and this whole situation will be closed. Alot of things you are saying are shallow and are only convincing if you don't know the lord for yourself.

ETA: I consign with Msn4Med's definition of a Man of God. Do you for fit the bill, Icon?

LBF, your questions are valid. Its a shame that Icon can not give you or anyone else in this discussion a straight answer.

Re: Temper! Temper!
 

Um those were looks of confusion re: your comment about GLO teachings. I am not frustrated, but thanks for the offer. My late grandfather, PhD Div., Pastor, Man of God, Phi Beta Sigma and PHA Mason calmed my frustrations a long time ago.

Re: Jews and Muslims
 

In all seriousness, this right here pretty much answers ALL questions regarding why us "mad christians" believe as we believe, why Christianity is not inclusive, why XYZ is not the same was Christianity or whatever.

The reason (and scripture although now according to the rules of the thread, its unacceptable) is out there, so what you do with it is up to you. Worldly ideas and theories can not be used to justify The Word. That's like trying to join ABC fraternity using DEF's ritual and manual.

I have to agree with Love_Spell, that as this thread has progressed and scripture is given, all of a sudden new limitations are then added on when you don't get the answer you expect or to your liking.

So in short, if not wavering in your beliefs is considered "bible thumping, corner and trash can preaching" then cool - not everyone will be receptive to the Word. You may not like Bro. Fred's approach, but that does not nulify the truth, as neither does cheap shots and personal attacks.

I will be more than happy to chat (or talk) with anyone who wants more info., but I will not go into it on this threas further because (a) it ain't on topic and (b) I feel like this thread has turned into a tit-for-tat pissing contest of which I will not participate in.

Re: Re: Jews and Muslims
 

I may be confused here but I didn't see any attacks. Fred doesn't answer a question from time to time and that makes folks reask it. That may seem hostile but if you are trying to get clarification you have to keep asking till you get an answer. Not one you agree with JUST an answer. And not to attack you are anyone else but I thought one of the primary tenets of Christianity was to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Is blatantly condemning someone for not worshiping Christ a cool thing? There are a number of different things we are SUPPOSED to do in order to follow the faith dilligently. I have yet to understand why we let ourselves SLIDE in certain areas but are convinced and steadfast in others. Notice I said WE so I'm not attacking anyone here. I'm guilty of judging myself and it's something I'm working on. I personally don't like gospel rap or Kirk Franklin (most of the time) because it sounds much too close to secular music but folks tell me ALL THE TIME it's just another means to get someone to know the Lord. So if Buddha, Vishnu or Allah gets them in touch with THE LORD let em be. Those people will at least be out trying to better the world.

ETA: I do understand the Christian faith doesn't allow for other Gods. However, and this has always been my issue with the various sects within Christianity, the practices were not passed down in their TRUEST form because the Bible was written by MAN who nearly everyone has said was FALLIABLE. The sects arose because one man disagreed with another man on how something was to be interpreted. So we end up with a new holy text and a new set of practices. We will not ultimately know if any religion was correct and really we shouldn't be worried about who's RIGHT we should be worried about being good people.

Re: Re: Jews and Muslims
 

Actually, both sides of done what you have mentioned. So don't just put it in the "questioners." That in itself is part of the problem.

My point is I respect your beliefs. I may not agree with all of them but I sure am not going to judge you and say you are condemned because of them. So why can't you (not you personally) accept me and my beliefs the same way? Why must I be labeled as unGodly?

Cliff Notes On My Posts
 

A lot of you are confused about my stance on Scripture.

I want you to post the whole verse, not just the reference.

In short

Instead of saying Matthew 7.1

I would prefer

Matthew 7.1 which reads, "Judge not, that ye be not judged".

Newcomers, to the thread please re-read and note that Love_Spell, bwb, and I are the ONLY people to quote the FULL verse in a response. EVERYONE else has simply referenced scripture.

No one is changing rules. I am asking that all provide full and complete documentation to support their statements in regards to scripture.

Can You Hear Me Now?

msn4med1975....

Maybe we both have different interpretations as to what is or isn't a personal attack and that is cool. But to address the rest of your post, I do agree with you that we should not let one thing slide (like its ok) and condemn another - with this whole topic being a good example. As a bible-believing Christian, I have to respond to this topic (how to have a relationship with the Father) with the same truth, conviction, and basis as I would if this convo was about murder, adultery, or gay marriage.

Ladygreek....

We too apparently have a difference in interpretation. Explaining to someone what your religious convictions are is something TOTALLY different from responding with silly remarks. That is what I was speaking of in my original post. I respect the fact that you believe whatever it is you believe. However that does not mean that it somehow conforms with my beliefs and that I should sugar coat what it says about it (especially when asked).

For example, if you told me "my religions says people with the name Honeykiss1974 are rabbits" and if that is EXACTLY what it says, then that's not a personal attack. You are simply stating what it says. However, if I respond by calling you a kook, that is a one and in my opinion, its gone from discussion to schoolyard games.

As I have said earlier, I will answer any questions that you or anyone may have, but I will not respond to posts with snide remarks and backhanded comments.

Not in this thread nor in any other in GC.

What Fred is saying has been said on here by various people in many thread before. Is the issue with the reason/belief (because it is what it is) or the messenger, knowing his stance on GLOs?

Now the REAL question...what the heck are we doing up so late?;)

OK.

That's three non-participating participants.

Don't post around me.

Just don't post.

I still have unanswered questions for those who are following this thread.

1) Which of the following NON CHRISTIAN men was NOT a man of God? Moses, Noah, David, Solomon, Jacob or Adam?

2) Can you name an example of a Godly Man in today's society?

3) Who said that I was a Christian?

Can ANYONE respond to those?

My issue with Fred is the fact that he is:

1) not accurate in his explanations. He is simply providing some untrue information, most blaring in my mind is Jesus founding Christianity. That is simply not true.

2) dismissive of other viewpoints before even seeking clarification. How would you like for your Doctor to diagnose you without even asking you your symptom? Would he even be able to write you an effective prescription? A TRUE Spiritual Counselor would not act in this manner. His unwavering stance castrates the effectiveness his words could have on me and many, many others (especially the ones who've PM'ed me because of this thread) who want to understand, as I do. I've asked y'all to post the full scripture, He won't. Those coming from a background that is not Christian will have a hard time supporting or endorsing statements that they themselves can't substantiate.

3) the first to make subtle sly sideways comments in this thread. Or have some of y'all missed those? He's made several statements to bait me into veering off course. He roped Tom in. YES, the things I say may ruffle feathers, check the signature. At least I gave everyone fair warning. It's been mentioned that someone may have a "personal relationship with a false god" and I've never mentioned which God I worship. It's also been mentioned that someone shares viewpoints with the Devil. Well don't we all, in his effort to overthrow the Kingdom of God he knows the Word better than any Man of God would. That's how he can cause believers to veer off track.

4) claiming Christ but not acting Christ like. It seems that HIS mission has replaced God's mission for him. This may be in part to my views on how he addressed people and issues in other threads. For example:

In this thread he mentions that he's acquired a few rituals. Why would a fully annointed Man of God need to pilfer through the private and closely guarded documents of Greek Letter Organizations in order to enlighten others? I spoke on that here

He seems to avoid answering my questions in almost every thread even though I answer his.

He's attacked others who responded to the original topic of a thread, thereby veering it off course.

He doesn't explain anything here he always want you to go some where else to read his views. Why can't he state his point here. I don't want to have to search the web to find supporting documentation for someone else's opinion.

I, sincerely, hope that the others of you, who have been reading in silence, will step in and respond TO THE SUBJECT at hand. Which is what is your definition of a Man of God. The purpose of a conversation is to come to an understanding and not an agreement.

To answer ladygreek's questions, God is alll-powerful, he can have a relationship with whomever he likes to. We cannot put limits on GOD. As a bible believiing Christian, I believe Jesus is the Way and the only way to spend eternity with Him is to believe in Him and have Him abide in me. Relationships can be short-termed, can be abusive, can be a host of negative things. If a muslim or a jew or another non-Christian religion had a "relationship" with God, I would wonder what type of relationship it was, and also is it with the same GOD that I have my relationship with. I know that souds harsh but we all don't believe in the same thing or else there would just be different sects of Christianity...

Now that right there is what I'm talking about.

Icon, those verses put limitations on who will enter the kingdom, not who GOD has a relationship with. I don't think there is another way into the kingdom then through Jesus, but GOD can do what he wants including having a relationship with whomever he pleases, whether its good or bad. Now fellowship is a different story...