Christians in the club?!?

[Shalom08]

Shalom Everyone~

1 Cor. 6:12 --All things are lawful for me, but not all things are expendient. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.

*From this scripture we see that for some Christians, freedom and liberty justifies sin. Here, Paul insists that our Christian liberty and freedom is limited by two careful considerations: Is the practice expedient (helpful) and will it enslave?*

1 Cor. 10:23 --All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all edify.

*As Christians, our freedom and liberty should be motivated by the concerned welfare of other brothers/sisters and nonbelievers until we VOLUNTARILY restrict ourselves if our actions and behavior will cause spiritual growth in believers to be hindered or it causes nonbelievers to reject the gospel.*

In order to preserve time and length of this post, I give "Amens" and Kudos to AND piggyback off both Eclipse and Blackwatch. Yet, in desiring to post a short reply, I would like to answer iceandivy's question with a personal testimony if I may do so.

***Knees shaking as I stand at the Greekchat Altar***

First, giving Honor to God to whom all praises are due, Pastor, First Lady, Deacons, brothers, sisters in the Lord and visitors,...
I Love To Dance (yes, I can work the chickenhead...better known on the West Coast shores of the Bay Area as "the Cringy"). Dancing is something that is apart of my culture and my personality. As a matter of fact, I believe dancing was created in me even before I was placed in my mother's womb!

I LOVE TO DANCE!! However, dancing was the FIRST thing the Lord required me to give up when I rededicated my life to HIM fourteen years ago. Why? Just reread Blackwatch's commentary-4th paragraph...that was me he was writing about.

In the course of developing an intimate relationship with the Lord, one in which I listen to and obey his voice, leadings and promptings without putting up a sassy argument, (I was good for giving the Lord advice or suggestions) after yielding my body as a vessel for HIS use and glory for HIS kingdom, and after saying, "yes Lord", I found that I no longer desired to go to clubs. Clubs lost their appeal and dancing was no longer a prerequiresite for happiness nor joy. Why? Reread Blackwatch's commentary-5th paragraph this time AND Eclipse's commentary regarding Compromising My Witness To Nonbelievers...both comments are so me and describe what I went through.

2003-Although I no longer go to clubs, I do attend social functions in which secular music is played and yes, you will see Shalom08 out there on the floor with brotha-man dancing to music with lyrical content that agrees with what is appropriate for me and my walk with the Lord. Why? Because I, in the words of Blackwatch and soon to be my motto: "allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me as an autonomous moral agent".

Saints, as believers, each one of us is accountable for our walk here on this earth. Through Jesus, we've been set free from sin and death; therefore,we have the opportunity to enjoy our "earth walk". Our boundaries are not set up to be joy-killers, but are there to protect us so that the enemy who wants to kill, steal and destroy us will not be able to do so.

To those whom frequent clubs because the Lord and you have discussed it and you stand clean before HIM in that area---GO. To those whom the Lord says you can't entertain that area---DON'T. Ultimately, enjoy your relationship with the Lord and with others as so to hear, "WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT".

***Looking around at the Greekchat Pastor who is wishing I would hurry up and sit down so the congregation can be dismissed---***


Shalom~

Shalom08
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc
Tau Upsilon Omega
Spr. 03

[nachural]

I agree with most of what has been said. I guess if you will be tempted to engage in activities inconsistent with your religious beliefs ( and not your churches) then you shouldnt even take the first step.

If you go to the club and have a good time not doing anything 'ungodly' then fine. But if you'll be tempted to have another drink which will make you too provacative and possibly too promiscuous then the club is not for you. And this applies for non christians as well. And I'm not saying Shalom08 stays away from the clubs because she'll be tempted- because sometimes just being in a club feels sooo wrong and just not for me or anyone.

It all depends on my mood and the vibe at the cllub. If there are a bunch of horny toads there with no respect for good looking women, I'll abstain. But i dont have a problem going out and dancing as long as I still find myself respectful and won't have to regret anything the next day. Guilt free/ regret free is how I try to live.

nachural

[CRIMSON_DIVA]

I think that a very easy way to look at any situation involving your walk with Christ is to ask yourself "Self if Christ were to come back right now and find me doing what I'm doing would he be pleased." I know that we aren't perfect, but many times if you are truly trying to live for God you will know if what your doing is pleasing in his sight. When I was younger we had a minister visiting that said there isn't anyplace a Christian can't go but it is how you act when you get there.

[Professor]

Thank you!!!!!

Originally posted by CRIMSON_DIVA
I think that a very easy way to look at any situation involving your walk with Christ is to ask yourself "Self if Christ were to come back right now and find me doing what I'm doing would he be pleased." I know that we aren't perfect, but many times if you are truly trying to live for God you will know if what your doing is pleasing in his sight. When I was younger we had a minister visiting that said there isn't anyplace a Christian can't go but it is how you act when you get there.

[CRIMSON_DIVA]

Your welome, Professor.

[Ivy QT2]

Crimson Diva we must have met because that has long been my motto. "If the Lord was to come back now..."
There has been so much Word spoken on this thread. I thank and praise the Lord that His labourers are so many. I love each and every one of you for being called according to His purpose.

I will try to be brief. My soror, Shalom, hit on some very key points
There was one scripture that came to mind when I read the thread.

"Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Originally posted by Shalom08

In the course of developing an intimate relationship with the Lord, one in which I listen to and obey his voice, leadings and promptings without putting up a sassy argument, (I was good for giving the Lord advice or suggestions) after yielding my body as a vessel for HIS use and glory for HIS kingdom, and after saying, "yes Lord", I found that I no longer desired to go to clubs. Clubs lost their appeal and dancing was no longer a prerequiresite for happiness nor joy. Why? Reread Blackwatch's commentary-5th paragraph this time AND Eclipse's commentary regarding Compromising My Witness To Nonbelievers...both comments are so me and describe what I went through.

You see, God will change your "wanna". You won't want to do the things you used to do when your faith gets stronger. I know because no one used to dance more than me. I am a living testimony. God will fill your every need. He gave me service to all mankind to fill that void. He opened the door of love in my heart to fill that void. He gave me a constant ministry to fill that void.

Listen.

Originally posted by Shalom08
*As Christians, our freedom and liberty should be motivated by the concerned welfare of other brothers/sisters and nonbelievers until we VOLUNTARILY restrict ourselves if our actions and behavior will cause spiritual growth in believers to be hindered or it causes nonbelievers to reject the gospel.*

I talk to people everyday, even now, and find myself in a position to share the word of God. Everyday, I'm glad that I didn't do anything the day before that would have made my ministry void.

People don't get so caught up in not caring about what other people think. We do that because we don't want to be responsible for what other people do. But we are our brothers keeper. I think Shalom, Blackwatch and Eclipse proved that very well in their choice of scriptures. So, that's just a poor excuse to make up for your shortcomings.

How can I say this. God, in His infinite wisdom, knew the power of leading by example. That's why He sent Jesus. I say sent because it's less confusing but let me explain something.

Stay with me and I'm going to bless you. God transformed Himself into Jesus so that he could come down here and show us how it's done. John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the was God and the Word was with God." Amen?! Now, God is like your mind, Jesus, your body. "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." Then, Jesus transformed or transfigured into the Holy Spirit. That is like your soul or spirit. You see, we are made in His image. Amen?! Do we not have a mind, a body and a spiritual soul? And does not the Bible tell us that "God is a spirit, and they that worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth." John 2:22

In spirit and in truth. Let's look at that. Does that not mean in mind and in body.

Don't be fooled people. The Bible says "My people perish for lack of knowledge." Get in your Word. "Study to show thyself approved unto the Lord." Not unto man. Learn what the Bible says about every situation. There is nothing new under the sun. And the Bible advises us in Proverbs 3:5-6 to "Lean not unto thy own understanding. But in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall make thy paths straight." Then as David, hide the Word in your heart that you might not sin against God.

I love you and be blessed.