A question for Christians only please

[saintmichaeldefendthem]

If you ask Jesus to forgive your sins, He will forgive them - time and again. Believing that Jesus is your savior will keep you out of Hell. That doesn't mean that you are home free. All of us will stand before Jesus for an accounting of our lives. I agree with Judicial review that you need to be with Christian people, get involved in a church, and stay busy. Pray for the wisdom and strength to get beyond this sin. Your prayers will be answered. Good luck.

Yes sins will be forgiven by asking for it, but you have to mean it too. I remember going to a Catholic church when I was a kid for a couple years and I watched these people go to confession, get a clean soul and then go right back out and do it all again the next week. Then the next week they would be back in the confessional asking forgiveness for the exact same things they asked forgiveness for the last week.

I have already gone on record as saying this topic that Ninja has brought up isn't a problem (although I am in the minority one that one), but if someone is going to take that path you can't have a daily wank in the shower and then just say "sorry God" while you are taking a shave and call it good. You have to mean it.

No you didn't see that. And if you think I'm calling you a liar, you're right. In fact, those of us who regularly go to confession make a much stronger effort to live the devout life because confession involves repentance and penance, doing something positive to regain footing on the path of righteousness. One does not go through that if they aren't sincere and those who intend to live a life of unbridled indulgence in sin don't go to confession.

So let's please stop with the lies.

 

[LindaVance826]

I believe that Catholicism is a true religion whose members believe in Jesus. I apologize for being flippant with my use of "middle-man," I was making a point. Being a Southern Baptist, I believe I can pray directly to Jesus, and that is what I do. Jesus is Lord of all.

 

[saintmichaeldefendthem]

You know.............many people over the years in their zeal to "out purify" and show God how good they really are have kinda messed up the definition of sin.

First off.............there are ZERO commandments about pornography or masturbation. If you have any questions, consult your Bible and check out the 7 Noahide Commandments or the 10 Commandments that were handed down to Moses.

If it's not contained in there, I don't worry about it. If it is, I follow the commandment.

Drinking is NOT a sin, because wine was considered to be a gift from God to gladden the hearts of men, says so in the Bible. However, in the book Song of Solomon, there are guidelines that say you shouldn't be a drunkard, because being in that state makes it easier for you to sin, because your inhibitions have been reduced.

Quite a few people call things "sins" when in reality they aren't.

I agree with you to a point. Smoking is not a sin, but it's hilarious to see Fundamentalists use 1Corinthians 6:19 as a cudgel against smoking when in fact the verse was referring to sexual immorality by its context.

Masturbation involves lust, but there are so many shades that it's hard to determine true culpability. What if it isn't masturbation but a very erotic dream that ends in wet, sticky sheets? Where a true bill of indictment can be laid is when masturbation begins to interfere in marriage, where a spouse is neglected in preference to masturbation. Then it becomes a grievous sin because it breaks the sanctity of marriage vows.

What Ninja is experiencing is a very typical problem, especially for those who aren't married. Eventually you have to work the pipes or they clog up and you get painful "blue balls". And no matter how hard one tries to keep their thoughts free from lust, eventually they lose out because lust only grows until it finds release. Yes it is a sin because of lust, but it's one I believe is met with far more understanding from God than most others because it's an inextricable part of our fallen nature.

I'm married now, but before I was married I waxed the dolphin several times a day. Strangely I feel little to no guilt.

 

[saintmichaeldefendthem]

I believe that Catholicism is a true religion whose members believe in Jesus. I apologize for being flippant with my use of "middle-man," I was making a point. Being a Southern Baptist, I believe I can pray directly to Jesus, and that is what I do. Jesus is Lord of all.

You can pray directly to Jesus and should.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation acknowledges a very Biblical concept that when one sins, they break fellowship with both God and God's holy Church. Paul addressed the social aspect of sin in many ways, declaring that a whole body is defiled by one person's sin. This was especially true when Paul was addressing a man who slept with his father's wife, his step mother. Sin is not private and when it's committed, both a vertical and a horizontal reconciliation must occur. The priest, appointed by a bishop who can trace a line of succession to the original Apostles, is commissioned to restore both relationships simultaneously.

This is why Jesus gave directly to his apostles the authority to forgive sin. John 20:23 If both the Church and Jesus have the power to forgive sins, we should seek forgiveness from both.

 

[Meriweather]

I believe that Catholicism is a true religion whose members believe in Jesus. I apologize for being flippant with my use of "middle-man," I was making a point. Being a Southern Baptist, I believe I can pray directly to Jesus, and that is what I do. Jesus is Lord of all.

Catholics pray directly to Jesus daily, so we understand what you are saying and what you are doing. There is nothing wrong with confessing one's sins in a prayerful manner--we Catholics do it all the time, so it is nothing new or different for us. We often hear at the end of the Gospel reading, "May the words of the Gospel take away our sins."

Some Protestants have picked up the mistaken thought that the only way Catholics are forgiven their sins is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. They think "middle man" when it is anything but.

Instead, possibly think of it as part of our celebration of Jesus' life and his gifts to us, and you may better understand why Catholics will not give it up. We feel we have chosen the better part.

 

[saintmichaeldefendthem]

Resist the devil and he will flee.

Resist lust and it will grow and so will the pressure in your seminal vesicle. Resistance is futile.

 

[saintmichaeldefendthem]

thanks guys, and yes its porn. Regarding J.R.- I agree. I do not party, drink, do drugs, smoke, gamble. My two main vices are porn and food. I do not hang out with the wrong crowd. I'm kind of a loner. I'm 42, single, no kids.

TBH I have not been to my church in forever. I do pray every day many times a day, read and post in here and on another Christian Board for fellowship, read the Word..not as much as I should though.

I will take everyone's advice and always praying. I think I'm just not "trying" hard enough to stop. I can go several days at a time but then I sin like that for one, 2, 3 days in a row...rinse and repeat. FOR YEARS. I thought this sin would get "better" after knowing God. ughhh.

Porn is a powerful addiction; prayer and counsel are often ineffective.

Lose the Internet. You can still access it at a library or at work or on your phone, if need be.

Porn is easily accessible on your smart phone. In fact, many people don't even bother to fire up the PC.

 

[saintmichaeldefendthem]

I have been a Christian since 1997, accepted Christ as my Savior back then. I have been dealing with the same sin for years and years. I blame it 100% on myself, no excuses. I feel hopeless many many times partly because of this same sin I keep committing. I pray each day for forgiveness from this sin, and all my others.


Have any of you guys (Christians please) deal with one sin over and over again, repent or at least try to and keep falling into the same sin? Honest answers please and please do not judge me. I trust God and have faith we will get through this but it has been years. I actually have been committing this sin since I was a child in the 80's.

Would like to hear your stories, advice and thoughts. Whether you have come through it to the other side or still "stuck" in it. Thank you. I guess the Holy Spirit convicting me still after all this time is a good thing? Otherwise I would be even in deeper trouble?

eta- I'm not asking for pity or justification as I know this particular sin is wrong (all sin is wrong but you know what I mean). I feel daily like there is an internal struggle to do good and not bad, but often I do the bad anyway KNOWING I'm doing bad and hurting myself and disappointing God

Get up off the computer, go become familiar with anaerobic exercise and strength training, drink your protein shakes, eat healthy, practice excellent hygiene, buy some new clothes and some nice cologne, and get out there and find yourself someone hot to fuck.

​

AHHHH...but according to Paul in Corinthians you should never fuck at all. Not even your wife. You shouldn't marry, divorce, or fuck....EVER. Because you know....the world is about to end, so what would be the point? At least according to Paul.

That didn't work out so well did it?

Damn

Now you're going on ignore.

 

[saintmichaeldefendthem]

ninja, what a thread! I could be very much like you, do not really go to church as often as I should, and although I have read the word many times, it has been several years. I was saved in 1983 or so.

I have fought with sin(s?) as well since. But in Romans(?) it says we all fall short, we are all sinners. I used to beat myself up (no pun) but now I have learned that even salvation does not make that stop. I am glad that (Max?) brought up where Paul (in 2 Cor) talked about the thorn in his side, because that is the first thing I thought of to help assuage your guilt. It has helped me over the years. If Paul can admit that he was still struggling with sin, than so can I; a much lesser soul. It is written that we are saved by grace and faith, NOT works. Sure we should strive to be Christ like, but we are not Christ.

Your relationship with God and Jesus Christ as you know is a personal one. So every man's 'thorn' is different. And the 'message' that every man gets about their sin will be different. You are obviously filled with the Holy Spirit. therefore you are saved. Otherwise, Satan wouldn't be going to the Father like he does (and did with everyone from Job on down) to try to pull you down (and or 'punish' you in worldly ways). And you wouldn't give a crap, and would never even created this thread, am I right?

So I hope this helps you brother. For those who say that going to church and surrounding yourself with more Christians, etc., well that is probably good advice; but I can almost guarantee you that every single person in any congregation that you fellowship with is fighting the self same fight with sin. It doesn't go away. And once one thinks it has, well then they could almost become like the Pharisee when they pray, "thank you God for giving me the strength to not be a sinner like this guy over there".

Get it? It is a tough thing to struggle with. when we were young, all we were fed was milk; now I pray you are getting fed the meat, brother.

God bless.

p.s. just wait another 10-15 years and porn will not be a problem, lol.

I love this post and please Ninja take heed to the emboldened text because a lot of people fail to realize that they're among many broken vessels, regardless of the appearances we put up to hide the fact that we're not ok. When you go to church, you see people at their best. You don't see the private struggles, the desperate sadness, the recurring issues, and the many things that they would be MORTIFIED if you knew. Welcome to real Christians who are far more like you than you imagined.

 

[Sonny Clark]

I believe that Catholicism is a true religion whose members believe in Jesus. I apologize for being flippant with my use of "middle-man," I was making a point. Being a Southern Baptist, I believe I can pray directly to Jesus, and that is what I do. Jesus is Lord of all.

I heard that Catholics put the Pope and The Virgin Mary before Jesus. Is that correct? Just curious.

 

[saintmichaeldefendthem]

I believe that Catholicism is a true religion whose members believe in Jesus. I apologize for being flippant with my use of "middle-man," I was making a point. Being a Southern Baptist, I believe I can pray directly to Jesus, and that is what I do. Jesus is Lord of all.

I heard that Catholics put the Pope and The Virgin Mary before Jesus. Is that correct? Just curious.

You mean like in line at the DMV or the bank? What do you mean? Just curious.

 

[Sonny Clark]

I believe that Catholicism is a true religion whose members believe in Jesus. I apologize for being flippant with my use of "middle-man," I was making a point. Being a Southern Baptist, I believe I can pray directly to Jesus, and that is what I do. Jesus is Lord of all.

I heard that Catholics put the Pope and The Virgin Mary before Jesus. Is that correct? Just curious.

You mean like in line at the DMV or the bank? What do you mean? Just curious.

I mean that I've heard that they pray first for the Pope, then pray to The Virgin Mary, then lastly, they pray to Jesus and thank him for blessings.

 

[hortysir]

You know.............many people over the years in their zeal to "out purify" and show God how good they really are have kinda messed up the definition of sin.

First off.............there are ZERO commandments about pornography or masturbation. If you have any questions, consult your Bible and check out the 7 Noahide Commandments or the 10 Commandments that were handed down to Moses.

If it's not contained in there, I don't worry about it. If it is, I follow the commandment.

Drinking is NOT a sin, because wine was considered to be a gift from God to gladden the hearts of men, says so in the Bible. However, in the book Song of Solomon, there are guidelines that say you shouldn't be a drunkard, because being in that state makes it easier for you to sin, because your inhibitions have been reduced.

Quite a few people call things "sins" when in reality they aren't.

One can sin against God without breaking one of the ten commandments

 

[saintmichaeldefendthem]

I believe that Catholicism is a true religion whose members believe in Jesus. I apologize for being flippant with my use of "middle-man," I was making a point. Being a Southern Baptist, I believe I can pray directly to Jesus, and that is what I do. Jesus is Lord of all.

I heard that Catholics put the Pope and The Virgin Mary before Jesus. Is that correct? Just curious.

You mean like in line at the DMV or the bank? What do you mean? Just curious.

I mean that I've heard that they pray first for the Pope, then pray to The Virgin Mary, then lastly, they pray to Jesus and thank him for blessings.

Really? What part of the liturgy leads you to believe that?

 

[Sonny Clark]

I believe that Catholicism is a true religion whose members believe in Jesus. I apologize for being flippant with my use of "middle-man," I was making a point. Being a Southern Baptist, I believe I can pray directly to Jesus, and that is what I do. Jesus is Lord of all.

I heard that Catholics put the Pope and The Virgin Mary before Jesus. Is that correct? Just curious.

You mean like in line at the DMV or the bank? What do you mean? Just curious.

I mean that I've heard that they pray first for the Pope, then pray to The Virgin Mary, then lastly, they pray to Jesus and thank him for blessings.

Really? What part of the liturgy leads you to believe that?

I said that I have heard that. I did NOT say that I have read it, nor experienced it.

 

[Meriweather]

I heard that Catholics put the Pope and The Virgin Mary before Jesus. Is that correct? Just curious.

The Pope is a Bishop, and Bishops are relegated to human status, far down the ladder from Christ.

Mary, also, is human, not divine. Catholics honor her as the mother of Jesus. Apparently some are astonished at the idea of honoring mothers, especially one who put God's wishes above her own.

Mary (and the Pope) are models of human faith, and respected as such. Many of our own parents and priests are great models as well, but you know the old saying about a prophet in his own country. In any case, there is respect which we give to Saints and Bishops--and then there is worship, reserved for God alone.

 

[saintmichaeldefendthem]

I heard that Catholics put the Pope and The Virgin Mary before Jesus. Is that correct? Just curious.

The Pope is a Bishop, and Bishops are relegated to human status, far down the ladder from Christ.

Mary, also, is human, not divine. Catholics honor her as the mother of Jesus. Apparently some are astonished at the idea of honoring mothers, especially one who put God's wishes above her own.

Mary (and the Pope) are models of human faith, and respected as such. Many of our own parents and priests are great models as well, but you know the old saying about a prophet in his own country. In any case, there is respect which we give to Saints and Bishops--and then there is worship, reserved for God alone.

Mary is, the Pope not so much. This one's got me steamed. I guess if I keep comparing every pope to John Paul II, I'll continue to be disappointed.

 

[saintmichaeldefendthem]

I believe that Catholicism is a true religion whose members believe in Jesus. I apologize for being flippant with my use of "middle-man," I was making a point. Being a Southern Baptist, I believe I can pray directly to Jesus, and that is what I do. Jesus is Lord of all.

I heard that Catholics put the Pope and The Virgin Mary before Jesus. Is that correct? Just curious.

You mean like in line at the DMV or the bank? What do you mean? Just curious.

I mean that I've heard that they pray first for the Pope, then pray to The Virgin Mary, then lastly, they pray to Jesus and thank him for blessings.

Really? What part of the liturgy leads you to believe that?

I said that I have heard that. I did NOT say that I have read it, nor experienced it.

The entire celebration of the Holy Mass is centered around the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, also called the Eucharist. When you enter into a parish, one of the first things you might notice is a red candle burning at the back of the church, left of the tabernacle. It symbolizes Christ's physical presence. There is opening hymns, a prayer of contrition, 3 Bible readings, the last being from the gospels, and then the rest of the service is dedicated to the liturgy of the Eucharist, where Christ is miraculously made present in the common elements of wheat and wine and everyone comes to the front to partake in his body and blood as he commanded.

So my answer is go to a Sunday Mass and see for yourself. I think you'll find the entire service is focused on Christ, his life, his death, and his resurrection. Though the Pope, the diocese Bishop, and the company of angels and saints bear mentioning, you'll see they are peripheral to a liturgy focused on Christ.

But I'd rather you see it for yourself.

 

[ninja007]

I have been a Christian since 1997, accepted Christ as my Savior back then. I have been dealing with the same sin for years and years. I blame it 100% on myself, no excuses. I feel hopeless many many times partly because of this same sin I keep committing. I pray each day for forgiveness from this sin, and all my others.


Have any of you guys (Christians please) deal with one sin over and over again, repent or at least try to and keep falling into the same sin? Honest answers please and please do not judge me. I trust God and have faith we will get through this but it has been years. I actually have been committing this sin since I was a child in the 80's.

Would like to hear your stories, advice and thoughts. Whether you have come through it to the other side or still "stuck" in it. Thank you. I guess the Holy Spirit convicting me still after all this time is a good thing? Otherwise I would be even in deeper trouble?

eta- I'm not asking for pity or justification as I know this particular sin is wrong (all sin is wrong but you know what I mean). I feel daily like there is an internal struggle to do good and not bad, but often I do the bad anyway KNOWING I'm doing bad and hurting myself and disappointing God

Get up off the computer, go become familiar with anaerobic exercise and strength training, drink your protein shakes, eat healthy, practice excellent hygiene, buy some new clothes and some nice cologne, and get out there and find yourself someone hot to fuck.

​

AHHHH...but according to Paul in Corinthians you should never fuck at all. Not even your wife. You shouldn't marry, divorce, or fuck....EVER. Because you know....the world is about to end, so what would be the point? At least according to Paul.

That didn't work out so well did it?

Damn

Now you're going on ignore.

my ignore list is getting real long. We can disagree on doctrine till the cows come home but this crap is over the top.

 

[ninja007]

I heard that Catholics put the Pope and The Virgin Mary before Jesus. Is that correct? Just curious.

You mean like in line at the DMV or the bank? What do you mean? Just curious.

I mean that I've heard that they pray first for the Pope, then pray to The Virgin Mary, then lastly, they pray to Jesus and thank him for blessings.

Really? What part of the liturgy leads you to believe that?

I said that I have heard that. I did NOT say that I have read it, nor experienced it.

The entire celebration of the Holy Mass is centered around the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, also called the Eucharist. When you enter into a parish, one of the first things you might notice is a red candle burning at the back of the church, left of the tabernacle. It symbolizes Christ's physical presence. There is opening hymns, a prayer of contrition, 3 Bible readings, the last being from the gospels, and then the rest of the service is dedicated to the liturgy of the Eucharist, where Christ is miraculously made present in the common elements of wheat and wine and everyone comes to the front to partake in his body and blood as he commanded.

So my answer is go to a Sunday Mass and see for yourself. I think you'll find the entire service is focused on Christ, his life, his death, and his resurrection. Though the Pope, the diocese Bishop, and the company of angels and saints bear mentioning, you'll see they are peripheral to a liturgy focused on Christ.

But I'd rather you see it for yourself.

S.M. I grew up RC, went to a RC grade and HS, we had a church right in the lot at grade school. I had communion every Sunday and went to mass and was baptized as a baby. I know a bit about the RCC. I respect your beliefs and whatnot but I vehemently disagree with the RCC, the Catechism and many of the traditions. As well there ARE many unbiblical teachings and practices. We can talk about those if you like There are Believer's in the RCC, BUT I personally believe it is despite the RCC, not because of it.

I do not believe Jesus is in the wafer for a number of solid reasons if you like to debate on it? (in a new thread?) plmk and God Bless. Kevin.