Are there any Christian nerds in here.

[Rokwing87]

I am! I'm a pretty hardline Calvinistic Christian, so I try to attend reformed churches, I am very traditional. Actually, the blog in my signature is my blog, which is a Christian blog. 

 

@Krisis - you are right. It's actually good that you regret it though, it is evidence that the Spirit is at work in your life, when we are content with our sins it is worse. That said, I hope a sense of complete forgiveness will come in due time. I still regret my past fornications too. 

 

Regarding the topic of fornication, and that's what it is (it sounds like a harsh word, but sin is deadly serious and grievous and should never be lightened), it's not hard to avoid it when your love for Jesus is strong. If you are struggling and falling it's a sign your faith is weak or you might not even be saved, because the Spirit will not allow God's children to bring dishonor to Christ's name by living in sin. If you are truly saved and keep fornicating then God will severely punish you to get you back on track, and you may have time to repent before He admonishes you (as any loving father would) and avoid His punishment, so turn away from it!!! As Christians we can only marry other Christians, to even marry a nonchristian is a great sin, and God said you must hate even your own father and mother more than Him, so if you don't love Him more than money (infinitely less valuable than your parents!), examine yourself to see if you are in the faith. At any time you can go to city hall and get married, or simply find a pastor to do a private ceremony. Down the line you can have a big wedding, if that's a goal, but be right by God at all costs. 

 

I actually become a Christian when I was engaged, and that ruined my engagement because I refused to fornicate any longer, and she refused to marry immediately. She wasn't a Christian, so I guess God got me out of something that wasn't good for me. Nowadays I don't really struggle with fornication because I am so committed to the Lord and it would break my heart to dishonor Him by doing that. I love Him too much to do it, the fleeting pleasure would be overtaken by great shame. I also have total faith that God will provide me a Godly woman, and if He doesn't, then His provision for my life was still enough and I am thankful for all that he did give me. 

[Rokwing87]

@sheltie - Always keep looking for a church. I felt a little out of place at my last church, and as a guy in my mid-20's who lives on Army posts I show up to church alone and I can feel a bit awkward. It's hard for me to integrate because I'm usually too busy to get very involved, but, I learned that it's not just about how I feel, it's about whether the Church is Scriptural and whether I am fulfilling the Biblical command to fellowship with other Christians. The worst thing to do is to simply go without a church at all. I have had to do it for almost a year now, since I'm overseas on a small outpost with no chaplain or anything, and it hasn't been good, but thankfully God has used the Internet to help minister to me and at least I can fellowship with some Christian's online - but it's not the same as a church. 

[ChristianShred]

I am! Sweet there are others. I attended a reformed church this past Sunday.

[cerulean]

@sheltie - Always keep looking for a church.

Seconded.

 

I feel you on the "OMG what's wrong with me???" anxieties (esp. online where people are a little more open about being agressive against conservatism). But seriously, if a guy can't put his faith before sexual desires, I can't really trust him, you know? Is he going to put his sexual "needs" ahead of *me*, too? (Basically, cheating.) 

 

If it weren't for the group of friends that I've aquired since I've been a practicing Catholic, I'm certain I would have compromised by now. The young adult group at my church encompasses 20-39 year olds, so you'd be right in the middle of that one, so keep looking! And in the meantime, you've got quite a number of supporters here, too. Yay!

 

While we're on the topic, it really bugs me when people assume that people who wait until marriage are afraid, or don't really understand sex, or [insert other misconceptions here]. In reality what it's all about is priorities. I want to spend the rest of my life with a man who isn't a slave to his hormones and imagination and can put me and God (and pretty much all intellectuality) above what the chemicals in his brain are trying to convince him. Likewise, I try to be the same woman.

 

I get that its not easy with the porn industry being what it is and "family" shows featuring sex scenes and nude shots. (I'm looking at you ABC Family!) So I'd really like to encourage everyone to be supportive of the men who struggle. I think it's a lot harder on them than we realize.

[direrael]

While we're on the topic, it really bugs me when people assume that people who wait until marriage are afraid, or don't really understand sex, or [insert other misconceptions here]. In reality what it's all about is priorities.

 

I get that its not easy with the porn industry being what it is and "family" shows featuring sex scenes and nude shots. (I'm looking at you ABC Family!) So I'd really like to encourage everyone to be supportive of the men who struggle. I think it's a lot harder on them than we realize.

 

Yuuuuuup. It also bugs me when shows feature people who are in some sort of abstinence club as crazy Bible-thumpers or hypocrites as well.

 

Also, Cerulean, love your sig! Tortillas are evil, because they are so tempting! (I live in the Southwest, and they are absolutely everywhere)

[cerulean]

Haha thanks! They're pretty prevalent in Texas, too. When I finally get around to starting a blog, that's what it'll be called.

 

How to make sense of a blog that'll be half fitness and half faith-ness is proving to be difficult, lol.

[Gyro]

If it weren't for the group of friends that I've aquired since I've been a practicing Catholic, I'm certain I would have compromised by now. The young adult group at my church encompasses 20-39 year olds, so you'd be right in the middle of that one, so keep looking! And in the meantime, you've got quite a number of supporters here, too. Yay!

 

Ya, I've been going to a regular Catholic group for 18-35 year olds, it's so good. Frank discussion too.

[sheltiechick]

You guys are all awesome, thanks. =>  I told my co-workers about the "young adult" group and that spawned a whole conversation about what is "young adult" haha.  I'm an adult... I think I'm still young... I think up to 40 is perfectly valid!

 

I agree about the popular portrayal of people who choose to wait.  In general it seems people tend to think Christians are very "un-cool" people.  I've had people actually say to me upon finding out I'm a Christian "but you're so cool!"  Thanks...?  It's weird.  I don't know if it's popular portrayal that influences culture, or the other way around, or (my typical psychology major answer) a bit of both.

[cerulean]

Ya, I've been going to a regular Catholic group for 18-35 year olds, it's so good. Frank discussion too.

 

And usually adult beverages.

[Gyro]

Ya, I've been going to a regular Catholic group for 18-35 year olds, it's so good. Frank discussion too.

And usually adult beverages.

In our case, free pizza!

[direrael]

And usually adult beverages.

The catholic college I went to had a bar on campus run by students. It was awesome.

[jaxjaxjax]

@sheltie - Always keep looking for a church.

Yeah - What they said.  I know its sometimes discouraging, but keep on looking.  As a military family we have to find a new church every few years.  Its a process.  I like to look in the summer while there is not a lot going on there.  That way we can plug in in the fall when things seem to really get going.  Going to take the kids to a church tomorrow for the first time.  If it doesn't feel right, keep looking.  Here is the process I go through. 

1.  Check on line.  I am looking for stuff for my three kids, so I check out the  youth programs and groups for moms.  Obviously you would need something else.  Also, check their mission statement/about page so you can see if the theology lines up with yours. 

2.  I call and/or email.  I say "Hey I am new here.  I am looking for this things and that...what do you have, what are your beliefs on this and that issue" If they line up they go on the list.  

3.  I actually visit.  I plan to attend several churches over the next several sundays actually.  Last week I was at church literally 11 hours, 3 different services and a welcome lunch at one. 

4.  Go to the visitors desk.  Once there, I suck up all my nerves and desires to run from the door because I am extremely shy and basically say - Hi I am new here and looking for a church.  If they are not willing to take me and show me around and let me know how their church works and how wonderful it is, its not for me.  This is the hardest and, I have found, most essential part. 

So go out there, and try them out.  There is a place out there where you will find the supportive group of people that will help you on your journey.  Good Luck 

[Gyro]

I found my church online

[Krisis]

See, this is one thing I really love about being LDS (Mormon.)  No matter where I go in the world, the church is always there and always the same.  The people may be different, but everything is set up the same, and the same lessons are taught, and it's just very consistent.  Which is really nice.  (It only ever sucks if you end up in a place where the people are insane, but then you figure you have to be the one to bring some sanity into the congregation! :-)  )

[direrael]

See, this is one thing I really love about being LDS (Mormon.)  No matter where I go in the world, the church is always there and always the same.  The people may be different, but everything is set up the same, and the same lessons are taught, and it's just very consistent.  Which is really nice.  (It only ever sucks if you end up in a place where the people are insane, but then you figure you have to be the one to bring some sanity into the congregation! :-)  )

 

That goes for Catholics, too.

[Krisis]

That goes for Catholics, too.

 

Yes!  It's kind of just a big relief, whenever I have had to move somewhere.  

[unused_bagels]

Anyone want to start/join a squad with me?  I was going to call it the Clerics.  I put it up in the document in Cross-Guild if anyone's interested.

 

I, too, wouldn't be here right now if I didn't feel God's call to take care of what I'm given.  I'm lay leader on my ship, and what does it say about my faith if I'm flabby and lazy?

[Krisis]

If you explain what a squad is, maybe!  :-)

[Xerla]

Anyone want to start/join a squad with me?  I was going to call it the Clerics.  I put it up in the document in Cross-Guild if anyone's interested.

 

I, too, wouldn't be here right now if I didn't feel God's call to take care of what I'm given.  I'm lay leader on my ship, and what does it say about my faith if I'm flabby and lazy?

 

Sounds good!

[Elastigirl]

Anyone want to start/join a squad with me?  I was going to call it the Clerics.  I put it up in the document in Cross-Guild if anyone's interested.

 

I, too, wouldn't be here right now if I didn't feel God's call to take care of what I'm given.  I'm lay leader on my ship, and what does it say about my faith if I'm flabby and lazy?

 

 

If you explain what a squad is, maybe!  :-)

Are you talking about an accountabilibuddies group? I'm with Krisis, not sure what you are referring to with squad

[tenaciousglee]

If you explain what a squad is, maybe!  :-)

 

 

Are you talking about an accountabilibuddies group? I'm with Krisis, not sure what you are referring to with squad

 

Looks like he added a cross guild group on the spreadsheet here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnL943o3CTUvdFd4NWpFcnZnMzJFWjVDRVczVUpaakE#gid=7

[Elastigirl]

Looks like he added a cross guild group on the spreadsheet here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnL943o3CTUvdFd4NWpFcnZnMzJFWjVDRVczVUpaakE#gid=7

I didn't know there was such a thing. Learn something new every day  Is the purpose of squads, just a smaller accountability group than our regular guilds?

[Hiraedd]

Yep.

 

The Assassins haven't been interested much overall -- despite Nuala's pushing when the accountabilibuddies first came out, so that probably explains why you haven't heard of them much

[bbChelseaE]

Wow, great devotion! I am a Christian, honestly if it wasn't by the grace of God, I wouldn't even be here trying to get in shape the healthy way. I struggled with eating disorders over the last three years and finally God has delivered me from that sort of temptation, Nerd Fitness has definitely helped a lot!

[cerulean]

Looks like he added a cross guild group on the spreadsheet here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnL943o3CTUvdFd4NWpFcnZnMzJFWjVDRVczVUpaakE#gid=7

 

I'm in! Got my challenge post up today too. Whew.

 

Jesus, be my strength.