If you are separated,& have not had sexual relations with your soon to be ex in a year and a half, does the Baptist view a romantic relationship to be against God? That God would be angry if you did, and be unable to forgive you?
127480
As long as you aren't having sexual relations with the Baptist, you will be all right. You are married until the divorce is final.
146294
I was raised Baptist, but I no longer go to a Baptist church. I notice that you say nothing about being saved, only about "believing in God." Remember that the devil believes in God, too. Maybe by that, you meant that you were saved, I don't know - just a thought. \n\nLet's put this into perspective. Christians have two commandments - that we love God above all else, and that we love each other. The Bible teaches that we should have fellowship with other Christians - because it encourages us and lets us grow in our relationship with God, which keeps us close to Him. It also strengthens every member that they might better avoid poor choices and sinful decisions. \n\nAnother aspect to this is that to be saved and to love God means that you have a personal relationship with Him. He wants you to worship Him and have fellowship with other Christians. When you do not, I think it hurts Him. When you avoid the chance to do what his word taught that you should for your own reasons (staying out on Sat. night), I think that also hurts Him. In human to human relationships, we try to not hurt each other because of our love for each other. In a human to God relationship, that should apply even more so. \n\nYou can pray anywhere, and going to a church building is not going to church. The church is not the building - it is the people. \n\nI think that you can be a Christian and not go to church, most definitely. But I don't think you can reach your potential as a Christian without actively seeking God's will instead of your own.
419945
Legit, no question. \nEven though God hates divorce (actually the cause of it), It was God who instituted divorce. By the term 'divorce' I mean the legal end of a marriage by an act of law-not just a separation. \nI believe the first mention (without looking it up) of divorce in the Bible is in Deuteronomy 24. Without going into too much detail, the requirement God puts on the divorce is that you "...write her a certificate of divorce and put it in her hand...". Basically that means if you are going to get a divorce -you must make it legal. \n\nNow, some denominations like the Catholic church (there may be others) do not recognize a legal divorce for any reason for their members. However they do recognize a process in the church call an 'annulment'. This means that your marriage was erased, it is as though it never happened. \n\nYour father made a mistake in the past. If he repented, and made his divorce legal, then God does not even remember it. And, he certainly does not hold you and your siblings responsible. That's is what the Bible says. Different religions make up their own rules. But God is clear where he stands. You are not guilty in His eyes. And really, that's all that counts.\nHave a good day.
514284
My little sister please hear me out.\n\nMatthew 6:33 says "But seek you first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you."\n\nThere is nothing like just spending time with Jesus, in His word, in prayer, and in worship, all at our masters feet. Yes there is a bit of pleasure in kissing or in the other drives that God has made us with, though all in His time, it is like a beautiful flower that blooms. Love is patient and it is kind. If you and your boyfriend are meant to be together then in God's perfect time, by His perfect will, then you both will be together. If it is not God's will then know this that God has someone so much better for you then you could have ever imagined. Please don't just read God's Word, the Bible as just another book, for it is 66 love letters from God to you, and for you to grow and mature by. The love of Jesus for you can't be compared to by anything else, no human relationship or even what we have, for all will seem dim when I am with Him. Seek to really know God first, and in His proper time, You will see that the love that waits will be rewarded. \nTrust God and obey your mom and dad. \nYour in my prayers. God Bless You<>< + ><>
436906
I'm a white Christian and I married a black Christian. It's all about the love man. I was least likely to date an atheist ( regardless of race) because for a long lasting relationship, you should see eye to eye on religion. Everything isn't so black and white (pardon the pun)
172913
Without God, we are not capable of knowing what love is.  \n\nAre we supposed to read your name "Pastor Hatred"?\n\nYou still haven't told us what it is that you have against God.
10782
Hello.  I was raised Southern Baptist in Texas.  I'm not sure which branch of the Baptist church you are attending, but the basic tenants of all Baptist churches are: 1) Jesus Christ is the human incarnation of God; 2) He was crucified and died for the forgiveness of the sins of all humankind; 3) He was resurrected on the third day after His death; 4) He ascended to heaven where he sits with God; 5) His gift to us when he departed was leaving us with the Holy Spirit; 6) Christ will come again at the end of the world; 7) God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are three-in-one - the Trinity. 7) Baptism is a voluntary external demonstration of an internal acceptance of Christ as your personal savior.\n\nAfter those basic facts, churches can vary widely on their interpretation of Biblical events and on their doctrinal beliefs.  The book of Revelations provides great material for debates in the Baptist church.  Baptist churches are also largely evangelical - they believe in sharing the word of God with others and inviting outside people to visit the church and worship with them.  The Baptist church is not generally a place where you will hear a pastor say "our denomination is the only one that has it right."  Baptists generally believe that all denominations of Christianity are worshiping the same God and the same Christ, but that there are ceremonial and some doctrinal differences in the way the worship services are conducted.  I hope this information helps!  Please let me know if you would like to discuss the topic further.  \n\nBy the way, one of the previous respondents mentioned that women were treated as second-class citizens.  I have to say that I wonder what Baptist church this person has visited.  I taught Sunday School at my church from a very young age and was a very respected person (regardless of gender) there.  Women and men held equal positions in the church council, and were given equal voice.  While I'm sure that there are unfortunate areas of the United States where gender discrimination occurs in and out of church, I am proud to say I have not encountered it. Also, I am Mexican-American.  I never encountered racism in my church.  I did encounter racism in my public high school, and even in the work force, but the church was always a haven where everyone was welcome and treated with respect.  I hope and pray that you find a church home that follows the most basic teaching of Christ: "Love one another".  -Amy
124835
ive been through hell in my life too, i was beat and raped and even stabbed, and made to go w/out food, and w/out seeing my family. its not easy to forgive someone sometimes, but for your own sake you have too. all your doing is harboring all those negative feelings. do you want to be a victim all your life? of course you dont. so you need to decide right now that your not gonna be the victim anymore, you are the overcomer,ok? you can do it. you have a wonderful spouse right now and kids. you have so much to be thankful for. why would you want to let your past ruin your future? that doesnt make any sence at all. you dont have to talk to your ex, but just say outloud "i forgive, then say his name" "and im letting it go and giving it all to god, it no longer has any control over my life". and mean it when you say it. say it as much as you need to. remember this, if you live your life like this then you let your ex  win, he's won. he's still controlling you even though your not together. let it go, and let god!!! I did. and im gonna be remarrying this summer to the love of my life and i would never let my past put a damper on my happiness. i dont care about the past anymore, it just doesnt matter.
380427
Per the Judeo/Christian Bible, "no."\nBut most people who claim themselves to be Christian in this country don't practice what they preach.  The rate of divorce alone demonstrates that point.  From a "civil" perspective, why not?  They can't do any worse than what the heterosexuals have done.\nFrom my own perspective, "no."
231684
Where does it say in the Bible that sex is only for procreation? It says sex outside of marriage(between a man and a woman) is wrong. And I don't think that bd/sm..D/s is wrong or they are devil worshipers. Again as long as it is with your wife or husband. I am truly sorry that you have dealt with Christians like you described. Please know that A) not all Christians are like that and B) the Christian faith does not teach to be Judgmental.  I know that there are a lot and I mean a lot of Christians that are judgmental. They are wrong! But, also know that we are not supposed to be judgmental but at the same time we are not supposed to be open to all things. We hate the sin not the person. For example: I do not hate people that are homosexual. I don't look down upon them like I am better than them or anything like that. I don't gay bash. Homosexuality is a sin just like any other sin. I have my sins to deal with that are no lesser than theirs.  However I am not going to accept homosexuality as a life style any more than I would accept murder, child abuse, alcoholism, or lying as a lifestyle.  They are all equally bad in the eyes of the Lord.  I do pray for those people as fervently as I pray for my own sins and ask God with help in my own sinful urges.\n\ntosmith
127592
Does your relationship bring life? Does it encourage you do do all the things you know are right? When you are apart are you preoccupied with thoughts of her? If you can answer yes to those questions it might be. my suggestion pray about it, read the bible it has all the answers.
324051
First, GOOD FOR YOU that you have decided to become a Christian! THat's wonderful! I know it is difficult, but yes, your religion will have an effect on your relationship. The opposite also holds true-- your relationship will have an effect on your religion. It sounds as if you really love your boyfriend. If I were in your situation, I would pray and sit him down. Explain to him how you feel and how important this is to you to raise your children this way. Your faith may prove to be a turning point for him. Your faith will mean that there will be things you should no longer do (such as premarital sex, etc). IS he willing to stand by you? You have to communicate with him. If he really loves you, it will be difficult, but he will respect your faith, even if he does not "buy into it" at this time. You also have to be prepared that he may not understand and may try to talk you out of it. Be strong and stay prayerful. Pray for him as well, that he may also find the Lord. Even if you break up, continue to lift him up in prayer. Pray for the strength to be true to your faith. I wish you the best of luck. I know it is a difficult path you are about to embark on. Be strong. God will not forsake you and you may lead your boyfriend to the Kingdom as well!!!
341903
I don't know if you're a religious person, but since your question is about forgiveness, I'll answer it from a Christian perspective; but please understand that you don't have to be religious in order to benefit from the wisdom of the Bible.  I do not consider myself to be Christian, but I still use many things I read in the Bible to help me through challenges of the spirit such as the one you have describe.\n\nFirst of all, we should ALWAYS forgive others.  Jesus said to forgive people seventy times seven times, which comes out to be 490 times.  If you have to forgive someone more times than that, they are probably so evil that it's not going to matter whether you forgive them or not; at that point your best best would bwe to just get the hell away from them!  LOL\n\nBut I think what he meant was to forgive as much as you possibly can.  But you sound very young to me- it sounds like there's not a whole lot you can do OTHER than forgive; sadly, we are basically powerless in our youth to change the behavior of others, so you'd better forgive wholeheartedly and do it RIGHT.  The following information is lengthy, but it will help you learn all you need to know about forgiveneness:\n\n- This is not an optional action on our part, but rather it is imperative to our own well being that we forgive others.\n- Most Christians understand that this is not always an easy task.\n- For some, there have been people in their lives which have wronged them severly.\n\n- Though it may be a process, and it may not happen instantaneously, we must be willing to take the first steps toward forgiving others.\n- As long as we continue to harbor bitterness in our hearts toward someone else, we allow that individual to have a controlling factor in our lives.\n- There are a number of occasions where unforgiving Christians lose their relationship with God because of what someone else had done to them in the church.\n\n- There was once a man who lost his relationship not only with God, but also his children and people in the church because of his bitterness toward others. He basically went around feeling sorry for himself all the time.\n- To forgive means to "send away". In other words, to not hang on to the wrong doing.\n\n- When you forgive someone, it means that you are not holding that sin against that person.\n- Therefore, you're not focused on how you can get back at that person.\n- You're not praying that their boat will sink or that their plane will crash.\n- As a matter of fact, you actually begin to pray for their salvation and deliverance.\n\n- Understand that when you forgive someone, it doesn't mean that you have to re-establish a relationship with that person.\n- It may, by God's will, lead to that and that's great if that's what God desires.\n- In the verse, there's no mention that you should stop praying and go find that person to let them know that you forgive them.\n- Release the thought of anger and bitterness and hurt unto God.\n\n- Forgiveness does not mean, by the way, to forget.\n- Trying to forget is merely an attempt to hide something.\n- When you hide something, someone will eventually find it.\n- We're are to deal with he hurt and send it away.\n\n- Jesus didn't just preach this. He lived this.\n\n(Luke 23:33-34 NKJV) And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And they divided His garments and cast lots.\n\nFORGIVING OTHERS HELPS US TO UNDERSTAND AND RECEIVE FORGIVENESS\n\n(Mat 6:14-15 NKJV) "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."\n\n- It seems as if God's ability to forgive us is contingent upon our ability to forgi
87139
I'm a Baptist, and though some are against any dancing, I believe it's all in the motive. If you're dancing for God, That's Great! There were so many Christian heros who danced for God (Like David and Miriam). But if the dancing is sexual or for the praise of others, etc. There's a big problem with that. An example of that is Herod's step-daughter. She danced at Herod's Birthday Party, and He was so pleased that she was given a wish. Her mother, who HATED John the Baptist, told her to ask for John the Baptist's head on a platter. Herod didn't want to but He'd promised in front of everyone so he did it anyways. Thus ended the life of a great Christian Hero.
14291
We as humans were designed to interlock with the opposite sex. Thats the way God made us. The relational differences between a female/male relationship and a female/felmale relationship can be confusing. Jesus offers us a way out of our sinful lifestyles. I was involved in what you are now involved in. It is no doubt hard. I felt so bad and was so unsure of everything. But once we recognize that we are not perfect then we can go to Christ and He will forgive us and lay upon us the will to change and do better in His sight. All sins are equal and they all demand repentance. You need to get out of this situation for your spiritual well being. You should pray and ask what God wants for you. Tell her that your friendship means a lot and that is why it developed into what it is. Tell her you overstepped some important boundaries apologize and ask her to forgive you. I will pray for you. Just remember Jesus saves the broken hearted. No sin is too great to be pardoned as long as you come willing to yield to Him.
197579
hi,\n it is difficult to answer this without sounding judgemental.... please believe me when i say that i am only putting myself where they MAY be.... It says in the Bible not to be unequally yoked, but that means in plain English that as a christian if you date a non christian it may become difficult for you to stick to your christian beliefs, personally if my sons where to date a non christian that had never had the chance to know the joy of Christ my priority would be to give them that opportunity.\nPraying that God will bless you in your search for answers.\nGod be with you\nShaz\nx x x x x x
455886
Yeah, you do sound like a perfect match here.. (I'm listening to your friends here too.. they're all Christians, they know you 2 guys.. we're a load of strangers out here and do not.) I am glad you are Christians and it'll pay off.. I hope you do not get a lot of rude-comments in here.. (people are like that.. you sound like a really nice girl, er woman.) I was thinking back when I was in h.s./then college.. Back then it was a big age difference to have a high school and college 'kid' hook up.. (too much difference..) Now I don't know(?) (Guess I am too old!.. lol.. 53/f) I think if you've got these same morals (you don't sound in any HUGe hurry here, that's good) you should pray on it, wait some more. Can you talk to your minister? (I know.. it's embarassing.. how about talking to the minister's wife? other women in the church?) You'd be surprised (if it's like MY church) how helpful they can be! (might put in a good word for ya even.. wink) IF this guy is looking (and he will be) for a good CHRIStian wife, don't worry, he'll go straight back to his favorite church (and guess what?! YOU'll be there!) good luck.. I'll be praying for you two.. peace out