Maw-wage

[Prof Underwood]

since these are Paul's words from a letter and not one of God's ten commandments or anything there could be a case in which God calls you to marry a non-Christian

This is the exact thing that I'm trying to avoid here.  Christians should not try to find loopholes when following the Bible.  If God's Word says to not marry non-Christians, then it doesn't matter if it is in the 10 commandments, or the letters of Paul, or the recorded words of Christ Himself.  The whole Bible is true and should be followed by all Christians.

Your response to BB was about feelings vs. logic. I was talking about faith. If you think I can't tell the difference, then it appears you are not as sorry about insulting me as you stated.

Man you really are trying to be insulted by me regardless of how hard I try not to

I'm just saying that when people talk about "faith", they often mean different things.  If by faith, you mean believing that the Bible is true, and following it, even though you can't prove it 100%, but you know it is more logical that it is true, than it is that it is false, then yes that's great.  If by faith you mean making a choice that seems to go against the Bible because you just feel like God is leading you that way and you are going to act on "faith", then that is terrible.  The problem that I have is that it seems like there are a lot more people who call themselves Christians and do the 2nd thing, than there are who do the 1st thing.

[YourMathTeacher]

The problem that I have is that it seems like there are a lot more people who call themselves Christians and do the 2nd thing, than there are who do the 1st thing.

I found it insulting that you would think I fall into the second category.

Man you really are trying to be insulted by me regardless of how hard I try not to

"Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try." - Yoda   

[SomeKittens]

OI!  This thread is for me to whine about my problems.  Let's not get so offended here.
It states pretty clearly in the Bible "not to be yoked together with unbelievers", for a variety of reasons.  Rest assured that the female in question is a believer, and at approximately the same spiritual level as I (since there's no real way to quantify that).
Prof's list was a suggestion.  Not a bad one either.  I plan on using it in the future.
Both Prof, BB and MathMan have said very smart things.  Let's take that at face value.  If the shoe fits, wear it.  If it doesn't, don't try it on and blame someone else for the pain.

[Warrior_Monk]

as far as age goes, I think it's not a bad thing. of course, after all my research on arranged marriages, my opinion is probably tinted. as far as whether you're ready or not, keep praying. if you think God is telling you something, don't resist. do all things by trust, and have faith that He knows what He's getting you into! I'll be praying.

[YourMathTeacher]

Let's not get so offended here.

No need to worry. There's no permanent damage here. Prof and I go wayyyy back. We've known each other for...what......a couple months now....    

[BubbleBoy]

since these are Paul's words from a letter and not one of God's ten commandments or anything there could be a case in which God calls you to marry a non-Christian

This is the exact thing that I'm trying to avoid here.  Christians should not try to find loopholes when following the Bible.  If God's Word says to not marry non-Christians, then it doesn't matter if it is in the 10 commandments, or the letters of Paul, or the recorded words of Christ Himself.  The whole Bible is true and should be followed by all Christians.

I had a feeling this would come up. Honestly, I'm still not really sure where I stand on the issue of 100% authority of everything in the canonical Bible. I don't believe that God would allow hundreds of generations to be fooled by the mistakes of man into believing that certain writings are the Word of God when they are not. Then again, we have to take things in context and realize that the collection of books which we know of as the Bible have been compiled by men. They were probably influenced by God, but they were still men. I'm pretty sure Paul doesn't say in (at least most of) his Epistles that his writings were directed by God, although they very well may have been. So why did the early church leaders decide that they were appropriate additions to the Bible? Perhaps this is where a level of faith which I do not have is required.

[Prof Underwood]

I found it insulting that you would think I fall into the second category.

I don't actually think that YOU do.  A LOT of the time when I am posting on threads like this, I have an overall point that I am trying to teaching, and I am only quoting people to give the context for that teaching.  I'm NOT actually trying to direct my message at them specifically.  For instance, although I've been quoting BB as I've been talking about the authority of scripture, anyone who has read my posts on this forum for long, knows that I am always talking about that whenever the opportunity arises.  So I'm not really trying to pick on BB (or you for that matter) at all.  Perhaps I should start quoting people and taking their name out of the little quote thing so that it will seem less personal.

No need to worry. There's no permanent damage here. Prof and I go wayyyy back. We've known each other for...what......a couple months now....   

We have known each other in person for about that long, but we've been interacting here on the boards for years.  And I'm very glad that there's no permanent damage.  To quote an old commercial for an inappropriate beverage...I love you man!

I don't believe that God would allow hundreds of generations to be fooled by the mistakes of man into believing that certain writings are the Word of God when they are not...So why did the early church leaders decide that they were appropriate additions to the Bible?

I completely agree that God would not allow His message to all people throughout all time to be misleading.  The early church leaders decided which books to put in the Bible based on which books were already accepted by the Jewish people (for the Old Testament) and which books were written by people who had direct contact with Jesus (for the New Testament).  But regardless of their methods, I believe that God inspired them to pick the right ones

[BubbleBoy]

I don't believe that God would allow hundreds of generations to be fooled by the mistakes of man into believing that certain writings are the Word of God when they are not...So why did the early church leaders decide that they were appropriate additions to the Bible?

I completely agree that God would not allow His message to all people throughout all time to be misleading.  The early church leaders decided which books to put in the Bible based on which books were already accepted by the Jewish people (for the Old Testament) and which books were written by people who had direct contact with Jesus (for the New Testament).  But regardless of their methods, I believe that God inspired them to pick the right ones

This seems to be not only the easiest standpoint to remember, but also the one that puts God in the best position, so I am probably going to assume this point of view, although I will need to contemplate a bit more. I will (at least for now) recant my belief that it is okay for a Christian to marry a non-Christian.

I also believe that girls should shut up in church.

[Prof Underwood]

I also believe that girls should shut up in church.

Let's not open THAT can of worms in this thread

[BubbleBoy]

I also believe that girls should shut up in church.

Let's not open THAT can of worms in this thread

Oookaaay... *duct tape*

[beenredeemed]

From what I hear, Post-Marriage sounds great.  It's the before stuff I don't like.  My ideal wedding would be any one that occurred yesterday.  Getting into and keeping personal relationships alive is hard for me, albeit getting easier.  I'm also a chronic worrier, and that doesn't help one bit.
I guess it could be summed up as "I'm afraid of what could go wrong".  Brilliant, I know.

SK, sounds like to me you may be putting the cart before the horse.  Spend your time praying about the PERSON you're contemplating marrying.  When you're sure you've got the WHO nailed down, the rest will fall into line.  Keep chasing the Lord as fast and as hard as you can and if the Lord brings a helpmate alongside you, He'll let you know.  As to worry, hold on to the words of our Lord:

Matthew 6:25-33

 25"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 important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look 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? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[a]?

 28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. - Phillipians 4:19

Peace and Grace to you -

In Christ,

Lance

[SomeKittens]

I also believe that girls should shut up in church.

Let's not open THAT can of worms in this thread

Oookaaay... *duct tape*

Don't worry about that, this is the internet!  There aren't any girls here.

I can tell you guys have been praying.  Stuff's been happening.  Brilliant advice from beenredeemed, which I plan on following.

[hi123]

On top of my previous post, God has spoken to me three times in the past 24hrs. about marriage.  Without getting into specifics, I don't think I'm ready in the least.  I'm 19, for Pete's sake!
If you guys could ask for guidance/hearing/whatever, that'd be a great help.  God listens to His people, and maybe you could let Him know I'm not ready yet.

I doubt this will help, but my parents were 19, and 18 when they got married, and everything turned out good for them.

[that one kid]

Dude, Somekittens, the last time I said that, I got attacked!

[SomeKittens]

On top of my previous post, God has spoken to me three times in the past 24hrs. about marriage.  Without getting into specifics, I don't think I'm ready in the least.  I'm 19, for Pete's sake!
If you guys could ask for guidance/hearing/whatever, that'd be a great help.  God listens to His people, and maybe you could let Him know I'm not ready yet.

I doubt this will help, but my parents were 19, and 18 when they got married, and everything turned out good for them.

Thanks for that.  Encouragement is good.

Dude, Somekittens, the last time I said that, I got attacked!

*glances around*  Looks like I'm right.

[LadyNobody]

I also believe that girls should shut up in church.

Let's not open THAT can of worms in this thread

Oookaaay... *duct tape*

Don't worry about that, this is the internet!  There aren't any girls here.

I feel insulted, SomeKittens.

Despite your ignorance on the matter of feminine presence on this forum, I'll give you my  .

I remember reading in a book awhile back, and in it, the 'sage' character asked the main character if he felt ready for the particular task he was called to. (I think it was something about being a king.) The character said he didn't feel ready, and the 'sage' character told him that it was because he didn't feel ready that, in actuality, he was ready.

Sometimes God calls us to things that we don't feel like we are ready for, yet it is taking that step of faith and trusting in the Lord to be our security that brings about spiritual growth. Life isn't about doing the things we're 'ready' for; that would be boring. It's about saying, "Okay Lord, where to next?"

~Britta

[BubbleBoy]

As silly as it may seem to take advice from someone who doesn't exist, I agree with the above.

[SomeKittens]

Britta, that's probably exactly what's happening.  Though the sage in question doesn't exist, good advice.

[Good Samaritan]

As silly as it may seem to take advice from someone who doesn't exist, I agree with the above.

I also believe that girls should shut up in church.

Let's not open THAT can of worms in this thread

Oookaaay... *duct tape*

Don't worry about that, this is the internet!  There aren't any girls here.

I feel insulted, SomeKittens.

Despite your ignorance on the matter of feminine presence on this forum, I'll give you my  .

I remember reading in a book awhile back, and in it, the 'sage' character asked the main character if he felt ready for the particular task he was called to. (I think it was something about being a king.) The character said he didn't feel ready, and the 'sage' character told him that it was because he didn't feel ready that, in actuality, he was ready.

Sometimes God calls us to things that we don't feel like we are ready for, yet it is taking that step of faith and trusting in the Lord to be our security that brings about spiritual growth. Life isn't about doing the things we're 'ready' for; that would be boring. It's about saying, "Okay Lord, where to next?"

~Britta

 

[xCaLeBx]

I also believe that girls should shut up in church.

Let's not open THAT can of worms in this thread

Oookaaay... *duct tape*

Don't worry about that, this is the internet!  There aren't any girls here.

I feel insulted, SomeKittens.

Despite your ignorance on the matter of feminine presence on this forum, I'll give you my  .

I remember reading in a book awhile back, and in it, the 'sage' character asked the main character if he felt ready for the particular task he was called to. (I think it was something about being a king.) The character said he didn't feel ready, and the 'sage' character told him that it was because he didn't feel ready that, in actuality, he was ready.

Sometimes God calls us to things that we don't feel like we are ready for, yet it is taking that step of faith and trusting in the Lord to be our security that brings about spiritual growth. Life isn't about doing the things we're 'ready' for; that would be boring. It's about saying, "Okay Lord, where to next?"

~Britta

I disagree....why?....because your a girl.

[The Warrior]

I also believe that girls should shut up in church.

Let's not open THAT can of worms in this thread

Oookaaay... *duct tape*

Don't worry about that, this is the internet!  There aren't any girls here.

I feel insulted, SomeKittens.

Despite your ignorance on the matter of feminine presence on this forum, I'll give you my  .

I remember reading in a book awhile back, and in it, the 'sage' character asked the main character if he felt ready for the particular task he was called to. (I think it was something about being a king.) The character said he didn't feel ready, and the 'sage' character told him that it was because he didn't feel ready that, in actuality, he was ready.

Sometimes God calls us to things that we don't feel like we are ready for, yet it is taking that step of faith and trusting in the Lord to be our security that brings about spiritual growth. Life isn't about doing the things we're 'ready' for; that would be boring. It's about saying, "Okay Lord, where to next?"

~Britta

I disagree....why?....because your a girl.

What is this legendary female creature of whom u speak?

[Lawfuldog]

I've been thinking about this a lot lately, actually.

I'm only 16 years old, soon to be 17 and a Senior next year. A friend of mine, who I played a little football with, got married yesterday and he graduated from high school last year and I believe he is 19 (if not, then he's 18 and almost 19). I remember finding out he was engaged a few months ago, was one of those shocking moments and I thought to myself "That's only a couple years away for me..." Just a little encouragement for you, that age didn't stop him from marrying the woman he loved, all he knew was that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her and he wasn't going to let society's "normal age marriage" standard get in the way.

I haven't read what others have posted on the thread other than the last page, but just follow the path that God lays out for you. Just continue praying and don't let society's "norms" get in the way (such as the "appropriate" age to get married and such). Personally I would focus on praying for that special person to come into your life, once you find her then everything will follow accordingly in time.

On a side note, I read the comment about the lack of girls on the internet and thought to myself "I hope Britta finds this thread" and sure enough... she did. 

[LadyNobody]

On a side note, I read the comment about the lack of girls on the internet and thought to myself "I hope Britta finds this thread" and sure enough... she did. 

How could I resist a thread entitled with one of my favorite, most-quoted lines ever?

my friend whose 20 got married to a girl he met 3 weeks before the marriage and she had a kid already and 1 month later shes divorcing and asking for child support.........................be wary of women that are "w" itches

And I know two different couples who met, started dating about a week later, got married within a couple months, and both of their marriages are very strong. Be wary, yes, but there is such a thing as a 'whirlwind' romance too. Then again, don't take my advice; I don't exist.

~Britta

[SomeKittens]

Lawfuldog, aside from slight changes in the numbers, I experienced the same thing earlier this year.

she had a kid already

18 warning lights should have gone off in his head there.


I don't believe in a whirlwind romance, but I don't believe in waiting too long either.  Though you guys have inspired me to write another part of my testimony.

[YourMathTeacher]

A relative of mine was 24 when he married his girlfriend (she was 18). She was already pregnant when they first met. The father of the child was her high school prom date. My relative knew the risks, but was certain it was love.

They have been married for 11 years now and have a second child all their own, and no they do not play favorites.

Bottom line: be careful, be smart, but sometimes love supercedes logic (i.e. God loved us first)