Spiritual Man

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ms.Elena Fit on October 23, 2009 at 4:52pm

Thanks for replying! About the doubt- I guess I meant reevaluating every single action, and then I become tired of too much thinking. And also when according to faith I need to let go some parts of my life to become more mature in my faith, it's not always easy. I never doubted God, I forgot about him for a certain time of my life, but He never forgot me because He is true.
It's nice of you to share thoughts with us. My biggest revelation recently was about the two covenants- one was made with Jewish people and because they failed to follow God, He created the second one, New one, with His Son, and Jesus didn't fail, He couln't, and that's why it's a better promise. People only can accept it or reject it. (Book of Hebrews).
I am going to look up those books when I have a chance.
As an athlete, what do you think about fast?
Thanks!

Permalink Reply by Steve on October 23, 2009 at 7:30am

Wow... Elena... There's a lot to chew on there!

I havent read the book, but as I noted on the comments section of the group page, I went through my doubts and "crisis of faith" over about a year's span. Many of us grow up Christian, but what I found was the simple message of Christianity for a lot of people (including me) for whatever reason doesn't sink in. It finally sunk in for me after I took a step back after comparing it to other religions and realizing it's as simple as accepting God's love and letting that be your compass. Said another way, for me, it's not about how many times I pray a day, Bibles I read, etc. It's about whether or not I wake up in the morning and go through my day knowing I'm not the only one in the room (and that's a warm feeling)!!

Side note --- I was baptized Catholic, confirmed Lutheran and now go to a Baptist church... Guess you can say I'm a denominational mutt... lol

Permalink Reply by Ms.Elena Fit on October 23, 2009 at 4:42pm

I was baptized when I was an infant by Russian Orthodox, but only two years ago I got baptized for real in a non- denominational church. Tomorrow I have a women prison ministry and I am going to fast since tonight. So, I know athletes don't really approve fasts, what are your thoughts on that? I am just curious.
And thanks for replying!

Permalink Reply by Steve on October 23, 2009 at 6:47pm

I believe we are saved merely by Grace through faith alone. When we believe, we become "new creations" and our desires to sin no longer come from the inside. That's not to say good works like ministry aren't required; but rather, good works become something a believer naturally does an outward sign of what's going on internally.

So as for fasting, I probably will never fast nor do I think it is required. But if it helps you focus and feel closer to God for whatever you're preparing for, it is a good thing.

But your question gets to the heart of why Christianity is different than Islam and Judaism, which are actually pretty similar on this point. Both Islam and Judaism believe that works and outward signs like fasting are required and are what saves. Chistianity on the otherhand simply would have you realize you don't control whether you are saved, so you merely need to accept His Grace.

Permalink Reply by Steve on October 25, 2009 at 8:41pm

How'd the prison ministry go?

Permalink Reply by Ms.Elena Fit on November 4, 2009 at 10:37pm

Less women were allowed because of the bad behaviour that day, but more women were receiving because the guards allowed us to pray with them (usually they don't allow personal physical contact).
Everyone wanted a prayer for them! But there were times when some of them would throw away their Bible on the way out and wouldn't shake the hand or say hi/bye. ;o(
I preach there because I came from the hard-way country and been through a lot, and when they hear my testimony, they can relate to me- if she could be an overcomer, they can be too!

Permalink Reply by Ms.Elena Fit on November 4, 2009 at 10:50pm

I am tired of watching on TV to sugar-coated speeches when a pastor mentions only 1 or 2 scriptures, and then the rest of it- wisdom from books that I could read myself at home. Like recently the well-known pastor witness how a little girl was converting to muslim and he said that "we as Christians need tolerance and peace". wow! if he believed that God is our only Saviour- then he just witnessed her to go on her way to hell! That's why I drive 45 min to my church, my pastor is not throwing stones but he unmasks a lot of our weaknesses and teaches how to fight them. Also he has a good sense of humor. what about yours?

Permalink Reply by Steve on December 18, 2009 at 6:29am

Totally agree! I won't name them, but there are "well known" pastors that seemed more interested in selling their books than the book upon which their ministry should be based.

As for the pastor's thoughts on conversion, I am all for interfaith tolerance. Personally, I love having discussions with three very good muslim friends of mine. They are fantastic people and I went to his wedding in Cairo. So on some level, I agree with the concept of "tolerance and peace", but I also agree with you that a pastor should not seem to imply "let the faithful go", which I am sure is how it sounded. He should have preached peace and tolerance as a global concept, but then encouraged us to pray for her and continue to witness to her.

My pator's sense of humor is awesome, and perhaps is one of the things that makes him successful in delivering the message. People like paying more attention if they think they'll get a laugh. :-) Great thing about it, he does it in a way that is both humerous and yet still not irreverent. Check out some of his sermons I posted here.

Permalink Reply by Ms.Elena Fit on November 24, 2009 at 9:06pm

Hey, guys!
I just got back from Teen Challenge preaching, that was amazing! If you know anybody that needs help from addictions or other tough situations, let them know that there is such a rehab with Bible study in Houston area and I think it's free.
I feel filled now and finally can relax and enjoy holidays- I've been waiting for my speech for two months! Happy Thanksgiving!

Permalink Reply by Steve on December 26, 2009 at 5:59pm

Hey Elena! Reach out to a fairly new member, Michelle! She is also reading the Watchtower books. Not sure if she's read Spiritual Man, but perhaps you two can compare notes!

http://www.therealspot.org/profile/MichelleNelson

Permalink Reply by Ms.Elena Fit on February 14, 2010 at 2:35pm

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you and to your families!


Love comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

~Timothy 1:5




I may be able to speak the languages of human beings and even of angels, but if I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a clanging bell. I may have the gift of inspired preaching; I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets; I may have the faith needed to move mountains-but if I have no love, I am nothing. I may give away everything I have, and even give up my body to be burned-but if I have no love, this does me no good.



~1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Permalink Reply by Ms.Elena Fit on April 12, 2010 at 12:38pm

The Privilege of Knowing God
Philippians 3:7-11
It is a great tragedy that many people go through life without ever becoming acquainted with their Creator. To overlook that relationship is to miss the purpose for their existence and the greatest privilege available to mankind—knowing God. Even Christians can undervalue the honor of getting to know Christ more intimately.
Paul's all-consuming passion to know the Lord caused him to count everything else as worthless in comparison to that tremendous blessing. Though believers can accept Christ as their Savior, faithfully serve Him, and anticipate being with Him in heaven, many have no hunger to know Him right now.
How can we be satisfied simply with being saved and have so little interest in the most gratifying and exciting relationship available to us? Pursuing Christ with Paul's passion requires sacrifice—spending time alone with the Lord, surrendering our will, and learning to know Him through suffering. Although salvation is a free gift, intimacy with God is a costly process, but the rewards are invaluable and eternal.
Our culture floods us with information and distractions that can fill our minds and hearts, leaving us indifferent to developing a deeper relationship with Christ. Some people even substitute learning facts about the Lord for knowing Him relationally.
Examine your life to see what is hindering your passion for God. Consider ways to carve out time each day to be alone with Him. As you go about your routine, seek His guidance and listen for His voice. You, too, will eventually count everything else as rubbish compared to knowing Christ.

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