Topic: What should I do about my past involvement with heterodox?

[mikeforjesus]

I had been posting in christianforums.com I don't feel comfortable doing that anymore. I want to be strictly orthodox from now but I think I will often go astray even because my family is not strictly orthodox. I feel stirred inside to post there sometimes. But I will trust in God now to provide laborers for them.
I feel like I am a traitor to orthodox people being of prime concern or service.
I am worried about this way of life making me poor. Orthodox say "we know where Christ is but we do not know where He is not"
So what do we say about people of other religions becoming christian. Are they still not saved?
I thought we accept protestants.  But I think there is more benefits to the church maybe more healing.But there is so many rules maybe within some people of orthodoxy maybe. Maybe they would not like me going out often to worldly things. If I marry a wife who is into protestant things I will listen to those protestant things but I will trust in God to show me the orthodox truth.
I know I will often go astray and desire to partake of worldly events and heterodox things.
My family is not strictly orthodox which makes it harder for me but they consider themselves orthodox.
I don't think I will prosper in this world without respecting others. I don't know if I will remain strictly orthodox. For how can one have servants and prosper in the world if one does not respect and love others? I am worried about depressing my kids if I have any and then them becoming sinners because of that

[xOrthodox4Christx]

What's the question? 

[mikeforjesus]

The question is does the church have anything against me trying to help others on christianforums.com ? And if my FOC gives me approval (he has not and I have not asked him - but one priest may not be the voice of the church) can I be there? as I feel there are no orthodox laborers to the protestants

and can I be forgiven for my past involvement and what are the means of remedying my faults?

I must trust God is a just judge

I had the username christiantruth1334

[newtoorthodoxy]

What's the question? 

I'm kinda wondering the same thing.  There's about 37 questions in that post, but nothing really solid.  Mike, if you think you will be influenced or even swayed by being around protestants and don't want to take on that way of thinking or worshiping, then yes, I'd stop posting on that other forum.  

I've posted on some of those catchall Christian forums, where they say it's nondenominational, but they really mean protestant nondenominational.  You can be a member of almost any protestant denomination, but not just any Christian denomination.   That means you can be Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, etc, but I've found that Orthodox (never many of those on those sites at all) and Catholic are pretty much policed, and they don't accept Mormons or JWs.  

I was on one site, and the Catholics, Mormons, and JWs were constantly trolled on, and brow-beaten to confess to protestant doctrines, particularly the OSAS and 'grace without works.'  Several arguments broke out on several threads, particularly with calling Catholics to task on 'when were you saved' and bashed if they cited a date which would have suggested they were baptized as infants.  One woman poster took it upon herself to demand to see everyone's 'christian identification card' every time a new poster joined the site.  The site banned every single Catholic, Mormon, and JW from the site all on the same day.  It was cabal-istic.  

I don't think any Orthodox would try to suggest you can't post on other Christian sites, but you might want to decide to do that for yourself, because it sounds like you're worried about being influenced by that kind of thing.

[newtoorthodoxy]

The question is does the church have anything against me trying to help others on christianforums.com ? And if my FOC gives me approval (he has not and I have not asked him - but one priest may not be the voice of the church) can I be there? as I feel there are no orthodox laborers to the protestants

and can I be forgiven for my past involvement and what are the means of remedying my faults?

I must trust God is a just judge

I had the username christiantruth1334

Okay, I think I know what you're referring to.  If you're talking about going to a site like that and trying to convert protestants to Orthodoxy, that's a train wreck, imo.  As to wondering if you can be forgiven for past involvement, I don't think it's an issue.  You're on the right track now.   

[mikeforjesus]

Thanks I am not fully worried about being influenced by them but I feel I am not witnessing properly to them and I am stumbling orthodox people too perhaps.
Some tv teachers are kind of having an affect on me destroying all the faith I am building up but I trust God to show me the true path. As my FOC take the good and leave the bad. If I marry a wife I have to listen to what she listens to to understand her but seek the truth which God loves to give wisdom to people to know the right from the wrong.

I am trying to choose to love Christ and serve Him no matter how far I have been from Him for my past will not hinder me from loving Him I hope. I may not inherit eternal life because I may not desire to serve Christ when He praises others before me but I hope to. There is a danger that ones past which one has no excuse from can stop Him from desiring to abide in Christ forever. Thats why I don't want others to follow me. I may not inherit heaven but I don't want my sufferings in hell to be worse. And if I do inherit the kingdom I may abide with Christ but they may not

[stavros_388]

I feel stirred inside to post there sometimes.

Usually when I feel "stirred inside" to do something, it is often my ego or my habits or my pride or my curiosity driving the impulse. If you are worried about it, maybe try to refrain from doing whatever it is you are unsure about doing for awhile. Maybe spend some time learning and grounding yourself in the Orthodox faith before witnessing to anyone.

[Putnik Namernik]

I gather you are referring to being an online Orthodox missionary. Regardless if conversations are done in person or online,  there is a need for us to be well knowledgable about the fundamental teachings of Orthodoxy. That alone will not help us...But remember, when it is needed, God will speak through you when it is needed as has spoken through someone else when it was spoken to you about Orthodoxy. Orthodox  method of performing missionary, especially in the case of layman is to be a living example which others can follow. Having said that, we can be a witness to the faith online and in person by conversing with non-Orthodox about faith. That is what we do here on oc.net anyways. Helping others is a great deed and we should try to do it as often as possible. Promoting Orthodoxy in person or online is not the only way...there are others as well. Look into your soul and it will tell you what provides her pain and pleases her.

[Putnik Namernik]

Oh and there is no need to isolate yourself from non-Orthodox but simply do not talk about faith if you are uncomfortable and surely do not impose that subject on others. If a friend asks you for an example why you don't eat cheese on a fasting day then by all means explain...and if your friend is interested then recommend some books which you have found useful. There is no need to be overzealous nor should you let others badmouth Orthodoxy. Simply state that you respectfully disagree and talk about something else....

[mikeforjesus]

Thanks for the replies I came back just now to say I will not follow tradition and dishonor my parents and not provide for my future children if I have any I will love everyone and help everyone
everyone who sincerely tries to please God will be saved if not now in the world to come and God may desire to save everyone I believe this is the gospel but I may be wrong because the person must try to please God and honor their parents and love everyone
I don't want myself to be persecuted by a road I don't want to follow as I have a family to care for in the future and my parents or honor now

[xOrthodox4Christx]

Thanks for the replies I came back just now to say I will not follow tradition and dishonor my parents and not provide for my future children if I have any I will love everyone and help everyone
everyone who sincerely tries to please God will be saved if not now in the world to come and God may desire to save everyone I believe this is the gospel but I may be wrong because the person must try to please God and honor their parents and love everyone
I don't want myself to be persecuted by a road I don't want to follow as I have a family to care for in the future and my parents or honor now

You don't want to be persecuted and you're an Orthodox Christian? This is news. Love everyone and love God. That's all there is.

[mikeforjesus]

Because I am not exactly an orthodox Christian who believes only orthodox are saved and orthodox have a bad reputation of rejecting others so I will be persecuted
I also do not trust any priests care about me but hopefully I will take up my cross some day or soon
Do you really think people like working within those who condemn them to hell ?

[mikeforjesus]

Some kid tried to scare me saying Arah like a ghost or like he was going to kill me in the future
when I was on the train next time how should I punish him ? This just happend now 2 similar incidents happened in the recent past one even threw an alcohol bottle out of their car I don't know if intent to hit me but it came really close
I am afraid it is because I have left christianforums I will not leave people permanently
but I don't think a good orthodox says Protestants are not saved
I feel bad that I troubled them with doubt about their salvation and their spiritual walk

As they must not say we are not saved we must not say they are not saved some Protestant messages in the past did give me peace of being reconciled to God but it is an orthodox friend who helped me in my depression also but the psalms helped me I learned from others I could not suicide and go to heaven

http://www.itbn.org/index/d.etail/ec/1pN3NoZzqhGwOuJzaxALukE0KwdmMxAv

[LBK]

Some kid tried to scare me saying Arah like a ghost or like he was going to kill me in the future
when I was on the train next time how should I punish him ?

What on earth are you trying to say here? I can't understand a word of it. 

[mikeforjesus]

Don't worry I will ask my dad I did not mean ghost but as a monster I was just saying I was bullied on the train just now

[mikeforjesus]

the other link does not work. This one does
http://www.itbn.org/index/detail/ec/1pN3NoZzqhGwOuJzaxALukE0KwdmMxAv

and the drunkards who threw an alcohol bottle out of their car they did it before I left christianforums my dad said it is because they are jealous of people who work as they think non australians are taking their jobs

[LBK]

http://www.itbn.org/index/detail/ec/1pN3NoZzqhGwOuJzaxALukE0KwdmMxAv

Why have you posted this link?

[mikeforjesus]

deleted please delete your quote of me and delete the link and maybe delete all this bad discussion. I want to be orthodox I have sinner. Moderator help

[LBK]

because my concern is you hinder the gospel and did not help me in the past but other internet preachers helped me and noone in your churches show compassion to anyone and want them all to commit suicide. Watch the video and you will see. You shut up the kingdom against men
why did you not reply only till now you heartless person

You want to "win souls" to the Orthodox Church, yet you seek "help" from online preachers who aren't Orthodox. 

Several people here, not just me, have suggested you talk to an Orthodox priest about your troubles and concerns. Have you done so?

As for "noone in your churches show compassion to anyone and want them all to commit suicide", where on earth did you get this from? What are you getting at? 

[mikeforjesus]

even if I am wrong I will not have you humiliate me in public and neglect my concerns. I know the orthodox faith is the truth but only those who love others will be saved in it
anyway I wish I could delete my behaviour I am really sorry. Please forgive me I know orthodoxy is truth

[LBK]

I will not stay among you anymore if you can't even defend your faith
I will not leave the faith I will take the sacraments as I said to you I don't judge orthodox who try to please God
let every man know what is in your heart it is not concern for the church but you are just a devouring wolf that loves tearing people

Are you talking to me, or to someone else?  I'm finding it impossible to follow what you're saying.

[LBK]

even if I am wrong I will not have you humiliate me in public and neglect my concerns. I know the orthodox faith is the truth but only those who love others will be saved in it

Who has humiliated you? Neglected your concerns? Where on earth are you coming from with all this? 

[mikeforjesus]

I very sorry father/brother I know orthodoxy is right and I have sinned. But will you not admit it is harsh to say protestants will go to hell for eternity. Is this easy to swallow? is that what orthodoxy is? I know it is not for no priest says that so I have sinned very badly. Please forgive me. I love you. You can even delete my links. The church through clergy I heard say they go to heaven a slower way. Please know that I come from a coptic orthodox background and people in the forum have held this to be so yet even they admitted they are not sure about their fate
I was a lost sheep looking at porn everyday or often in high school year 12 and I saw a protestant website tell me about Jesus. I should have known from when I went to church but I expected the priests to help me actually I feared them. I knew John 3:16 from church so I should not have needed that website. But that site told me that God will always love me. I did not feel that in the church everyone is out to say who is good and who is bad

[LBK]

But will you not admit it is harsh to say protestants will go to hell for eternity.

Where has any Orthodox person, EO, OO or Coptic, here said that? I sure haven't.

[mikeforjesus]

On tasbeha.org they made posts as questions are only coptic orthodox going to heaven? many said all the oriental ethiopian etc go to heaven and also they think the eastern orthodox also do. But they never were confident about protestants
anyway it is up to God where people go so I can't complain but I thought they deserve only annihilation but only God knows what eternity is. Only the devils deserve a fearful and painful eternity in hell but I am being a heretic now. If God is love why does He enjoy putting sinners in hell because they want to live a life
of pleasure
the bible says He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked
the internet preachers who helped me. I mean by their websites I have not actually met them

[LBK]

Mike, I'll say it again. You need to talk to a priest. An Orthodox priest, not non-Orthodox online evangelists who only add to your confusion and distress.

[mikeforjesus]

Do you really think I will find a priest who looks after me? send me one who will be faithful to me and make time for me
I am busy with study how often do you suppose I am supposed to see them? and when will you say I have done the right thing? after how many times I see the priest? what do I have to talk to them about?

[LBK]

Do you really think I will find a priest who looks after me? send me one who will be faithful to me and make time for me

I can't send you a priest, I don't live where you do. Look up the Coptic or other OO churches where you live, and talk with the priests there.

[LBK]

what do I have to talk to them about?

Talk to them about the stuff you've posted about here.

[mikeforjesus]

Ok
Btw I will say about protestant preachers the problem is them they don't have the sacraments and baptism to be given the ability to live righteous lives. And they make up for it by saying Jesus without the Church is enough for salvation even to judge those part of a true church who try to please God as going to hell which I disapprove of
They try to turn people away from orthodoxy so I am sorry

[William]

Mike, you seem a bit scrupulous. That and extensive exposure to religious internet forums is a bad thing. I'd take a break from OC.net and tasbeha and develop a relationship with an Orthodox priest.

[mikeforjesus]

Ok thanks I will try harder now after I finish this semester or now if possible

[mikeforjesus]

After really listening to this video I feel this is a false teacher attacking orthodoxy and him and their congregation are being repulsive in rejecting the beauty of orthodoxy

[mikeforjesus]

Wouldn't you agree that there needs to be orthodox laborers for them? rather than let them be led astray by false teachers on christianforums.com ?
is that not lukewarmness to do nothing and let the world be immoral when Jesus said your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven
I have a zeal for them. What is our or your church doing for them? there could be many bullies on christianforums and people who give wrong advice
but I am not always a wise person to give advice
I also feel responsible for them as I took the place of God forgiving people in 2003 and my return these recent years

[Putnik Namernik]

Mike, I have a feeling that you have (for the lack of a better terminology) spiritual version of survivor's guilt. You seem to be confused a lot. We agreed that Orthodoxy is the way. Great. Now you have to follow it. Each individual is only responsible for his .own personal salvation and for guiding his kids in order to be able to have spiritual strength to do the same when they grow up. That is it. You are not responsible nor is it expected from you to be the one to show them salvation. I am not telling you that you shouldn't but simply that you do not have to take on that burden. Not preaching Orthodoxy does not mean you should not help other.On the contrary, helping others is.in our nature.

Do not be afraid about the salvation . There is someone esle who does. Jesus.

 

[orthonorm]

Guys,

I would suggest you read mike's posts here. He has some specific issues which would be good to be sensitive towards or at least aware so you know a little better about what you are dealing with.

Mike,

You have a good heart and sounds like you struggle greatly.

Hang in there.

May I make a suggestion? I would suggest that you let everyone know your particular struggles which complicate your life when you create a thread about things which trouble you.

You are sorta new here and I think it is hard to understand what you going through if we don't know about what I asked you about.

This is not to stigmatize you, but rather help put your difficulties in context so that everyone can better understand where you are coming from.

If I have offended you or assumed too much, I apologize.

Your posts just break my heart a little.

Thank you for keeping it from being complete stone,

Jason

[mikeforjesus]

Thanks putnik and orthonorm for being more compassionate I will try to respond to youse when I have free time and no responsibilities

[orthonorm]

Thanks putnik and orthonorm for being more compassionate I will try to respond to youse when I have free time and no responsibilities

I am not sure if we are being more compassionate, in fact many would say I am one the least compassionate people on this board. I think maybe we just have paid closer attention to the larger context your post is in.

It could be that some haven't seen nor remember your other posts. Or rather myopically think that talking to a Priest is in order for your struggles.

Please never feel some urgency to post here or follow up. Take your time.

And try to remember to the degree you can, that you suffer from some of the worst suffering, the sort which compounds itself and is sometimes blind to itself.

Be careful with yourself and be easy on yourself.

Maybe having some more structure to your online use would be helpful? Maybe spend sometime on this site which has Orthodox rather than other places where you are in the minority.

There are non-Orthodox here who could benefit from your posts and Orthodox as well.

Your desire to help others and defend Orthodoxy is admirable but if it ends up harming you and stopping you from being able to help anyone, is it worth it?

People have different gifts and different crosses. Someone once said Christianity could be summed up by seeing your crosses as your gifts.

You have a cross. And I hope this doesn't sound disingenuous or patronizing, please forgive me if it does, but by sharing your cross here, you do cause me pause and make me reconsider my behavior. Your posts touch my heart.

Perhaps that is a small and insignificant thing, but maybe you could post here more and touch others who might be able to be touched by you. Rather than trying to reach those you cannot?

If you recall Jesus' instructions to his disciples about where to witness and how to leave where they were not welcome? Jesus himself didn't hang around places just to be mocked and jeered.

So Mike, consider spending time somewhere and getting to know people and letting your pain and struggle be useful to others.

A friendly suggestion. Again, I hope no offense was taken.

Jason

[katherineofdixie]

I feel stirred inside to post there sometimes.

Usually when I feel "stirred inside" to do something, it is often my ego or my habits or my pride or my curiosity driving the impulse.

+1

AFAIK, nobody is ever "argued" into a belief in Christ or Orthodoxy. A lot of times it just brings out the worst in folks, while a life well-lived in Christ is the greatest witness.

[mikeforjesus]

I'm worried if I get married to an orthodox she will not respect my opinions I may marry a Protestant non denominational and make her orthodox
Because I have a lot on my head I like to share with people and she may accuse me of abuse
Right now I'm thinking how God said the time has come when you will neither here or in Jerusalem worship the Father what could that mean ? I may marry a bad orthodox who does not care about my questions and try to ask a priest for me I can't feel romance with such a woman
Better to dwell in the wilderness than with a hateful woman
Or probably not that was assuming orthodox are hypocrites not trying to please God
I trust they are not hypocrites and I can learn the orthodox faith from my wife
I trust I will find an orthodox wife who loves me and can forgive my mistakes and endure a difference of opinion sometimes

[orthonorm]

I feel stirred inside to post there sometimes.

Usually when I feel "stirred inside" to do something, it is often my ego or my habits or my pride or my curiosity driving the impulse.

+1

AFAIK, nobody is ever "argued" into a belief in Christ or Orthodoxy. A lot of times it just brings out the worst in folks, while a life well-lived in Christ is the greatest witness.

It's as if I've said it myself a millions. Yes.

But sometimes the worst must come out to be exorcised.

[Putnik Namernik]

I'm worried if I get married to an orthodox she will not respect my opinions I may marry a Protestant non denominational and make her orthodox
Because I have a lot on my head I like to share with people and she may accuse me of abuse
Right now I'm thinking how God said the time has come when you will neither here or in Jerusalem worship the Father what could that mean ? I may marry a bad orthodox who does not care about my questions and try to ask a priest for me I can't feel romance with such a woman
Better to dwell in the wilderness than with a hateful woman
Or probably not that was assuming orthodox are hypocrites not trying to please God
I trust they are not hypocrites and I can learn the orthodox faith from my wife
I trust I will find an orthodox wife who loves me and can forgive my mistakes and endure a difference of opinion sometimes

Dear Mike, take one step at a time. You are in control. You decide whom you marry and with whom you hang out. There is no need to hang around with people who are a bad influence to you and make your life a living hell, let alone merfy such a person. Take your time in making decisions, especially when making life altering decisions. Also do not forget that you are not alone and that there are people willing to help you. You will know who they are (first and foremost parents..) from my reading of your posts, you seem like a genuine, good and sensitive soul who is lost and feels like at the crossroads. Yku need some guidence (asall of us do just to a possibly different level. We are not better nor worse than you.  All of us have issues abnd the only one who can help us is Jesus.

[mikeforjesus]

Thanks a lot for the support

[mikeforjesus]

I want to die standing for what I believe in which is even salvation after going to hell
But I want to be saved now rather than going to the everlasting fire and punishment Gods mercy is on all who have been adopted into Him by faith in Jesus Christ I can't be a Pharisee

[mikeforjesus]

But I can't just take my life it will be selfish and if that is truly my characteristic when God gives me my chances I or such a person may be lost forever hopefully no one is that evil

I just found this verse now as my memory got me searching it.It means all heterodox christians are saved just as we are. Maybe slower though but having the same rewards. But to him who knows to do good and does not do it to him it is sin. If he knows grace exists in the orthodox church and he refuses it he is guilty

1 Corinthians 1:2
New King James Version (NKJV)
2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: