Whatever you do avoid......

[David777]

If you were in the situation where you had to give advice to a young Christian.
In your experience as a Christian, what would be the single most important piece of advice you could offer.

• Assuming of course the young Christian would understand the advice.
• Assuming they already were familiar with the fundamentals of the Christian faith.

What area have you seen that has slowed down young Christians as they walk the walk, say.

What for example was the hurdle you had to leap in your Christian life?

All advice accepted, feel free to respond. Take a shot, you never know you may assist
someone else.

 

[DraKKar]

Don't listen to secular music

 

[Donnie Ducati]

Don't listen to secular music

That is great advice. Though some can "appear" harmless I believe right up with a daily dose of Prayer and Bible reading/study, the music a Christian listens to is essential for there Christian walk.


I also believe the Bible they read from is critical. A lot of paraphrased editions out there are just as much from the pit of Hell as the Satanic bible itself. The more paraphrased they get the more watered down and useless they are.

Not to leave out a healthy group to fellowship with and accountability.

Sometimes I think we can get to much information and insight from to many sources/preachers. We need to be balanced.

Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

 

[judge not]

I Thess 5:21 - " Prove all things; hold fast that which is good "
Don't believe everything you hear, check it out for yourself.

 

[N8VFlower]

To each their own about the secular music...:singingfly::singing:
*I would tell them that you will hear many things from many people about God and about the Bible...but do not believe the first thing you hear. Check it out. Research it and most of all pray about it. Ask God to help you with it.

*Also now that they are a Christian, the devil will come against you harder, put on the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-17 (KJV)

*Also, I would say, when you pray, you don't have to use fancy words, pray with your heart, ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray. Talk to God like you were confiding in your best friend, because you are..Jesus is your best friend.

That is what I would say.:cute:

 

[Kit Carson]

Run to God with every concern, if you doubt run to God, if you do not understand something, run to God.

Be courteous and friendly to men, but pay them no attention. For they as you have an opinion. And much opinion is constructed by the thoughts of men.

Above all do not let the opinions of men cause you to live in fear. When you have and do and continue to accept God, he does wish joy, fun, peace and truth in your life.


An example of fear are the many threads on this forum about if I was saved can I lose my salvation. Hey it is common sense, if you are worried about it you have not lost, just simply say you are sorry for whatever it is and be done with it and get your smile back. Forget your human shortcomings and remember that Jesus forgives many times. You are going to have to slap him in the face and even then he will forgive, you have to deliberately with free choice walk away.

If you curse God and become and Atheist and preach against God, well at least you will not get cold in the winter.

Moral of the story, run to God, trust God, be courteous to men but trust them not.

Kit

 

[El Hombre viejo]

If you were in the situation where you had to give advice to a young Christian.
In your experience as a Christian, what would be the single most important piece of advice you could offer.

• Assuming of course the young Christian would understand the advice.
• Assuming they already were familiar with the fundamentals of the Christian faith.

What area have you seen that has slowed down young Christians as they walk the walk, say.

What for example was the hurdle you had to leap in your Christian life?

All advice accepted, feel free to respond. Take a shot, you never know you may assist
someone else.

Avoid religious teaching. Stay away from bible schools. They teach religion, not WORD
1 John 2:27
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Believe the WORD as the WORD spoke it. And do the WORD.

 

[megs56]

Advice

1. Read the Bible. I am an old girl now, so my memory is faulty, however I can remember whole passages I learned as a young thing. Get it into your brain and at any stage in your future life, the drawers of memory are easily opened for things learned whilst youthful. Who knows what may happen in days to come and if the Lord requires us to quote scripture....done!!

2. Be real. The fence might be a comfortable seat and maybe a little bit cool around friends - but it won't go down too well with God.

Hope this helps!!! Cheers

 

[David777]

Very good so far.

All excellent snippets of advice so far.

There are one or two options that I had not even considered.

It is so true that we all need each other here.

 

[El Hombre viejo]

If you were in the situation where you had to give advice to a young Christian.
In your experience as a Christian, what would be the single most important piece of advice you could offer.

• Assuming of course the young Christian would understand the advice.
• Assuming they already were familiar with the fundamentals of the Christian faith.

What area have you seen that has slowed down young Christians as they walk the walk, say.

What for example was the hurdle you had to leap in your Christian life?

All advice accepted, feel free to respond. Take a shot, you never know you may assist
someone else.

But now we're talking about a Christian running away from something. Instead of Running to Someone. Don't we believe that our GOD can teach us in spite of mistranslations in the Bible? Or in spite of goofy teachings of a preacher who is, after all, just a man? Or any silly and pretentious teaching brought forward by the enemy? Or even misconceptions on our part?
You say that GOD is in control but we talk about running the show ourelves. That alone is cause to believe that in essense WE are in control. We have what we speak. Or we die by what we speak.
That' why ....
Matthew 12:36-37 (King James Version)


<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-23526">36</sup>But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-23527">37</sup>For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.


Every unthoughtful word that comes out of our mouths.....

More later ...maybe

 

[David777]

Hello El Hombre viejo.

But now we're talking about a Christian running away from something. Instead of Running to Someone. Don't we believe that our GOD can teach us in spite of mistranslations in the Bible? Or in spite of goofy teachings of a preacher who is, after all, just a man? Or any silly and pretentious teaching brought forward by the enemy? Or even misconceptions on our part?
You say that GOD is in control but we talk about running the show ourelves. That alone is cause to believe that in essense WE are in control. We have what we speak. Or we die by what we speak.
That' why ....
Matthew 12:36-37 (King James Version)
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-23526">36</sup>But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
<sup class="versenum" id="en-KJV-23527">37</sup>For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Every unthoughtful word that comes out of our mouths.....

More later ...maybe

I am not sure exactly what you are saying?

Where in my thread did i state that we were running the show ourselves?

I will need further information from you before I may respond.

 

[MatthewFive]

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." But, I'd explain this to them in such a way:

If you are driving behind someone who has nothing else to do than go for a drive and they're going 26 in a 30, you shouldn't get upset or frustrated with them, because tomorrow you may be the one with no particular place to go and find yourself in front of someone who is desperately wanting you to go faster.

It's only after we place ourselves in the shoes of another that we can understand what they're going through, but unfortunately that rarely happens.

 

[El Hombre viejo]

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." But, I'd explain this to them in such a way:

If you are driving behind someone who has nothing else to do than go for a drive and they're going 26 in a 30, you shouldn't get upset or frustrated with them, because tomorrow you may be the one with no particular place to go and find yourself in front of someone who is desperately wanting you to go faster.

It's only after we place ourselves in the shoes of another that we can understand what they're going through, but unfortunately that rarely happens.

I agree!! "I'm retired! Go around!!" LOLOL After millions of miles of driving for a purpose, I now drive for the sheer pleasure of it.

 

[will]

If you were in the situation where you had to give advice to a young Christian.

My most important advice would be:

You are a young Christian.
Young Christians do not appreciate God yet.
Just like a young child, you do not yet appreciate love, sacrifice, and hard choices that their parents made.
Growing is your first priority, not debate, not arguments, not preaching, not teaching.

I wish I had someone drilled that into my thick head 10 years ago.

 

[El Hombre viejo]

I am not sure exactly what you are saying?

Where in my thread did i state that we were running the show ourselves?

I will need further information from you before I may respond.

Sorry David. I should have put a 'we' where I put a 'you'

We as Christians often claim that 'GOD is in contol' when things go wrong. To me that's running away from our responsibilities instead of taking responsibility when we don't do what is our job.
For instance; Billy Christian's finances go all wonky and he says "It's all happening for a reason. GOD is in control. HE knows what HE's doing. After all, we know that all things work together...." Then he sits and chews his nails hoping that thing will work out.
But what should Billy Christian do in that situation? If he needs money he should plant some to start with. After all the WORD says Billy Christian is in control. The WORD says we are a sowing and a reaping people. JESUS is the minister of our seed. HE gives us the seed to sow.
Sow money, give to the poor. I know, David, to the world that would seem like total insanity. "If I tithe, give offerings, give alms, I would go broke. I couldn't afford to give money away." That's rot! However, you are not of the world. You operate in a totally different financial system. The financial affairs of this world have NOTHING to do with you.
So plant your seed expecting to reap a harvest.
You get sick? No problem. The WORD says that by JESUS stripes you were healed. Claim it and come against sickness (any sickness) and it WILL flee from you. Stand on the WORD!

Anyway David, that's what I meant. We allow the enemy to stomp all over us then we blame GOD in such a 'righteous' way. "OH GOD has it all under control"

And GOD looks at us and says "Use the WORD Luke! My GRACE (my empowering PRESENCE) is sufficient for you!"

 

[Coconut]

If you were in the situation where you had to give advice to a young Christian.
In your experience as a Christian, what would be the single most important piece of advice you could offer.

PRAY PRAY PRAY ...and when you are done PRAY some more...and keep praying until your last breath.

Why such a simple answer?

Because every child needs to learn at HIS feet, to know HIS voice, to learn obedience to HIM, to be filled with HIS SPIRIT...and the place of prayer is the ONLY place to find HIM.

When my chilldren tell me they are confused...I say PRAY
When my children tell me there are too many voices....I say PRAY
When my children tell me they are lost...I say PRAY....................................................................

God tells us over and over and over through the testament of His Prophets, and the witness of every over-comer who has ever lived, and those of us who are alive today, that if we seek HIM, we will find HIM.

In finding HIM, we find the TRUTH that sets us free from the confusion, the lies, and the darkness of our own minds, and of this age we live in.

God said "He that seeks ME WILL FIND ME, if he seeks me with all his heart" This promise is sure, you can stake your very life on it, for God NEVER said He that seeks me will find a lie. If you find yourself entangled in lies, you have surely wandered away from the place of prayer, and you need to go back and do this one thing.

"Watch (listen) and pray." - Jesus Christ (listen means don`t do all the talking, take time to still your voice and heart...silence is a golden cup you can drink from in the prayer closet)

"MY sheep will know MY voice" - Jesus Christ

You can only know the voice of the Master from having spent a lot of time at His feet. When you have learned His voice, you will be as sure of it as your own Mothers, He can be calling you in a far off country, and you will say "I would know that voice anywhere s"

God speaks in such a myriad of ways, I have found no end to where and how He will speak...through a message you may read, through a song you may be listening to...through a bird singing in the trees...suddenly a word will stand out...and your heart will be overwhelmed with the knowing that you know that you know that surely God is speaking to me now...

My most important advice would be:

You are a young Christian.
Young Christians do not appreciate God yet.
Just like a young child, you do not yet appreciate love, sacrifice, and hard choices that their parents made.
Growing is your first priority, not debate, not arguments, not preaching, not teaching.

I wish I had someone drilled that into my thick head 10 years ago.

This sums up my answer very well.

 

[jiggyfly]

Don't get caught up in trying to be like God it's a lie ( see Genesis 3). Religion dictates we must strive to walk like Jesus but it is a deception and will only rob you of the joy of an intimate daily walk with Jesus.

My two cents (advice) is simple, especially in the midst of a age when the world is so busy and complicated, just get your hand in His hand and enjoy the strolls, good friends are very hard to find and He is the best so don't blow it trying to be something your not, He sees right through it.

 

[Coconut]

Don't get caught up in trying to be like God it's a lie ( see Genesis 3). Religion dictates we must strive to walk like Jesus but it is a deception and will only rob you of the joy of an intimate daily walk with Jesus.

My two cents (advice) is simple, especially in the midst of a age when the world is so busy and complicated, just get your hand in His hand and enjoy the strolls, good friends are very hard to find and He is the best so don't blow it trying to be something your not, He sees right through it.

Okay then...that`s a total of my sum plus 1!


Has your lovely wife ever told you, that you are a lot like Jesus, except you are a lot of work!

 

[jiggyfly]

Okay then...that`s a total of my sum plus 1!


Has your lovely wife ever told you, that you are a lot like Jesus, except you are a lot of work!

As a matter of fact....... um no she hasn't at least not the Jesus part. LOL

I just read your post and I really like what you said.

"Watch (listen) and pray." - Jesus Christ (listen means don`t do all the talking, take time to still your voice and heart...silence is a golden cup you can drink from in the prayer closet)

"MY sheep will know MY voice" - Jesus Christ

You can only know the voice of the Master from having spent a lot of time at His feet. When you have learned His voice, you will be as sure of it as your own Mothers, He can be calling you in a far off country, and you will say "I would know that voice anywhere s"

God speaks in such a myriad of ways, I have found no end to where and how He will speak...through a message you may read, through a song you may be listening to...through a bird singing in the trees...suddenly a word will stand out...and your heart will be overwhelmed with the knowing that you know that you know that surely God is speaking to me now...

This is so true and it comes from listening.
They say that A.W.Tozer , during his times of prayer, would lay prostrate on a rug in his office for hours at a time and never utter on word.

May Father give us all the patience and passion to hear his voice.

 

[Coconut]

As a matter of fact....... um no she hasn't at least not the Jesus part. LOL

ahahahahaha!


I prefer a rug of grass outdoors to a rug indoors...but to each his own.

As much as I esteem Tozer, it always rather troubles me when I read men of God who tell how many daily "hours" they spend in prayer, as tho that were the ideal to strive for. (edited to add, what you said was told ABOUT Tozer, so what i`m saying does not necessarily apply to him)

I think they should never tell such a thing, it seems as tho they are boasting...or contradict Christ who said "do not be like those who think they are heard for their long prayers"....you understand what I`m saying...

I pray anywhere and everywhere...often when i`m up to my elbows in chores...my days are a string of whispered prayers...as well as times alone with God when He bids me come...but really God does not exist by a clock...and He does not look at a time card...so our clocking in and clocking out, and spreading the notion that others aught to do the same, seems rather Pharisaical to me.


"For the man who prays in his heart, the whole world is a cathedral."
~ Sylvain of Athos ~

"O, let the place of secret prayer become to me the most beloved spot on earth." -- Andrew Murray