Christianity has become so misunderstood. We’ve started seeing it as a list rules to follow instead of a vibrant, healing, redeeming, life-giving relationship with our Creator. In fact, I rarely like to use the word “can’t” and “Christian” in the same sentence, because I believe the essence of our faith is about freedom and the fact that we …”CAN do all things through Christ. ” (Philippians 4:13).




For all our freedoms in Christ, I’m deeply concerned that many of us have lost sight of the essence of Christianity. While it was never intended to be a set of rules to follow, we’ve adopted some destructive attitudes and behaviors that are undermining the foundation on which our faith should be built. This list below isn’t a call to any form of legalism or any attempt to earn God’s unmerited grace, but rather, a simple reminder about what it means to live in the freedom and grace our Savior gave His life to make possible for us.




This list is not comprehensive, but all of these are important. When you blow it in any of these areas (as most of us do daily) remember that God’s grace is bigger than our biggest sins! Embrace His grace and move forward in a better direction.




A Christian should NEVER…






1. Hold a grudge.
As I read the Bible, one of the most sobering realities is that while God’s grace to us is limitless, He gives it to us in the same measure we give it to others. In other words, we CAN’T receive God’s grace unless we’re willing to also forgive the people who have wronged us.


Augustine said, “Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and then hoping the other person dies! ” Jesus Himself teaches this important truth in many places including his famous Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor. As a Christian, we have to receive God’s forgiveness and we have to share forgiveness with others. It’s that simple.



“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (Colossians 3:13)



“Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” (Matthew 18:21-22)




2. Devalue or mistreat children.


We live in a culture that seems to value pets more than kids. We live in a world where more children than ever are being exploited through sexual slavery, human trafficking and other horrific abuses and Christians should be on the front lines in rescuing and protecting these kids, but too often, the plight of orphans and abused children is treated like an inconvenient distraction in modern churches.





There are also millions of Christians who support abortion rights which is the most dehumanizing practice of our time. It isn’t a political issue, but a moral travesty.




3. Misuse sex (or misuse another person for our own gratification).


Our culture is the most sexually exploited and exploitive culture in the history of the world. We’re so saturated with sexually-exploitive images that we don’t even think of it as strange anymore than a fish in the ocean doesn’t realize he’s wet…it’s just the only world he knows. As Christians, we are called to a high standard. We shouldn’t be having sex outside of marriage or looking at porn






4. Be anxious, worried or afraid.

This one doesn’t seem possible on the surface, but God is always calling us to do things that don’t seem possible. On nearly every page of scripture, He is telling us to stop worrying or to trust Him. He clearly wants us to understand that He is bigger than whatever we’re worrying about. When we choose to go through life preoccupied by fear or doubt, we are allowing worry to occupy the part of our heart where faith should live.



Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. ” (Philippians 4:6-7)
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)



“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:25-27)




Feel free to add yours



Happy Sunday


http://sixseeds.patheos.com/davewillis/4-things-a-christian-should-never-do/

Wawu, FTC this Sunday morning, on mother's day. I dedicate it to all mothers all over the world, especially those who play fatherly roles in the lives of their children. Hit the like button if you are so proud of your MOM whether dead or alive

Nice write-up

OK... will put that to practice. d guy below me what's ur comment

5.Must not be judgmental.
Shout out to NL Christians, hell fire marketers.

Cool... Really Nice. That no 1 is for me.
Always try to stop but I keep doing the same thing.
God help me
Aku Isinmi eni o
Happy Sunday

front page post news on nairaland feels like Sunday school for me..

even though seu.n is an atheist he is still making money off gullible people

Tolulopefinest:
Cool... Really Nice

nothing nice here

ok

Happy Sunday too all mine ppls off nl


Jesus his come soon

Haved u sayed Jesus I love u today?

its well said

We will change our old ways n turn on a new living

Thank you...

Here on NL they do all this so tell them and our muslim brothers should learn to love also. We are one so religion or ethnicity or race shouldn't be a bearer long live Naija & God bless America and one love. Using this moment to wish mah mum Happy mothers day she's the best love u momma

Chikelue2000:
nothing nice here

Oh I see... I know your type already

There are just two things christians should not do, Do not reject Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour; do not commit sin. Aside these, there is nothing christians shouldn't do.

Nice thoughts

Even on the pulpit, your Pastor still keeps Malice and the listed is common in the church. Religion, wash.

Ok

ADEWUMIMichael:
Christianity has become so misunderstood. We’ve started seeing it as a list rules to follow instead of a vibrant, healing, redeeming, life-giving relationship with our Creator. In fact, I rarely like to use the word “can’t” and “Christian” in the same sentence, because I believe the essence of our faith is about freedom and the fact that we …”CAN do all things through Christ. ” (Philippians 4:13).




For all our freedoms in Christ, I’m deeply concerned that many of us have lost sight of the essence of Christianity. While it was never intended to be a set of rules to follow, we’ve adopted some destructive attitudes and behaviors that are undermining the foundation on which our faith should be built. This list below isn’t a call to any form of legalism or any attempt to earn God’s unmerited grace, but rather, a simple reminder about what it means to live in the freedom and grace our Savior gave His life to make possible for us.




This list is not comprehensive, but all of these are important. When you blow it in any of these areas (as most of us do daily) remember that God’s grace is bigger than our biggest sins! Embrace His grace and move forward in a better direction.




A Christian should NEVER…






1. Hold a grudge.
As I read the Bible, one of the most sobering realities is that while God’s grace to us is limitless, He gives it to us in the same measure we give it to others. In other words, we CAN’T receive God’s grace unless we’re willing to also forgive the people who have wronged us.


Augustine said, “Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and then hoping the other person dies! ” Jesus Himself teaches this important truth in many places including his famous Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor. As a Christian, we have to receive God’s forgiveness and we have to share forgiveness with others. It’s that simple.



“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (Colossians 3:13)



“Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” (Matthew 18:21-22)




2. Devalue or mistreat children.


We live in a culture that seems to value pets more than kids. We live in a world where more children than ever are being exploited through sexual slavery, human trafficking and other horrific abuses and Christians should be on the front lines in rescuing and protecting these kids, but too often, the plight of orphans and abused children is treated like an inconvenient distraction in modern churches.





There are also millions of Christians who support abortion rights which is the most dehumanizing practice of our time. It isn’t a political issue, but a moral travesty.




3. Misuse sex (or misuse another person for our own gratification).


Our culture is the most sexually exploited and exploitive culture in the history of the world. We’re so saturated with sexually-exploitive images that we don’t even think of it as strange anymore than a fish in the ocean doesn’t realize he’s wet…it’s just the only world he knows. As Christians, we are called to a high standard. We shouldn’t be having sex outside of marriage or looking at porn






4. Be anxious, worried or afraid.

This one doesn’t seem possible on the surface, but God is always calling us to do things that don’t seem possible. On nearly every page of scripture, He is telling us to stop worrying or to trust Him. He clearly wants us to understand that He is bigger than whatever we’re worrying about. When we choose to go through life preoccupied by fear or doubt, we are allowing worry to occupy the part of our heart where faith should live.



Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. ” (Philippians 4:6-7)
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)



“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:25-27)




Feel free to add yours



Happy Sunday


http://sixseeds.patheos.com/davewillis/4-things-a-christian-should-never-do/

OP... u are right BTW.
Many don't know this, esp No. 1

ShobayoEmma:
There are just two things christians should not do, Do reject Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour; do not commit sin.

everybody is meant to sin so nobody I repeat ain't no f*** body dah won't sin

pressplay411:
5.Must not be judgmental.
Shout out to NL Christians, hell fire marketers.

Lol. Tell them to show you where hell fire is written in the Bible and they'll start framing different verses.

Tolulopefinest:
Cool... Really Nice. That no 1 is for me.
Always try to stop but I keep doing the same thing.
God help me
Aku Isinmi eni o
Happy Sunday

I love your honesty. Once one understands his problem(s) the solution(s) is/are already on the way.

Phil 4:6 that is one of my best verse in the bible.. Never worry about anything. God has a reason for everything, just be steadfast and believe that only him can do the impossible.

hmmm

about point #1.
is it possible to forgive someone and still feel hurt and regret at some point with memories flashing back?

have prayed constantly about it ...deep down my heart I would hug this person when we ever may get to see ... but I doubt if she feels same away about me.


its a relationship I broke off after giving my life to Christ,it ended quite messy have asked for forgiveness which she claimed she have given...but said no communication should ever come up between that I should never call her line...

somebody help a brother!

ok we dn hear

OKAY.....GOOD ONE

You omitted the most important:
A Christian should NEVER engage in PRE-MARITAL SEX

Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

a Christian should never run down the church

Op, many Christians are guilty of all the above, but his grace saves us.