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by **danielle** » Sun Mar 30, 2003 2:01 am

Has anyone ever been in the situation of dating a carnal Christian, but you considered yourself a spiritual Christian? My bf calls himself a carnal Christian right now, so this relationship has had it's share of not being on the same page alot of times. Can these type of relationships work or have longjevity?

Just wanted to get some advice & feedback....

by **Davep** » Sun Mar 30, 2003 8:58 pm

What is a carnal christian, and what is a spiritual christian?

by **danielle** » Sun Mar 30, 2003 10:17 pm

Here you go:

The Bible tells us that there are three kinds of people.

Natural Man (one who has not received Christ)

"A natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised" (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Spiritual Man (One who is directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit)

"He who is spiritual appraises all things...We have the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:15).

Carnal Man (One who has received Christ, but who lives in defeat because is trying to live the Christian life in his own strength)

"And I brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to carnal men, as to babes in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still carnal. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshy, and are you not walking like mere men?" (1 Corinthians 3:1-3).

by **Wynne** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 7:40 am

How sad, that he would so blandly accept his self-label "carnal".

For myself, I would rather date a worldly non-Christian than a worldly Christian.

It is much more difficult to "convert" a Christian.

by **danielle** » Mon Mar 31, 2003 9:04 am

Wynne,
He says that's what he considers himself "at this point" in his walk. He doesn't totally have Christ at the throne of his life yet.

How so? (do you feel its harder to convert a Christian) Can you elaborate?

by **Wynne** » Tue Apr 01, 2003 2:03 pm

Do not mind me, dear, I ramble.

If the man is a Christian who simply does not yet care for the deeper, more holy paths into the love of Our Blessed Lord, perhaps you are too straightlaced yourself! Give him more time.

If, on the oher hand, there seems to be no fruit in his life, perhaps he is not a Christian after all, regardless of what he has been taught.

Notice the convert is "quoted". I did not know how better to frame the thought.

The "convert" comes from my past experiences, past attempts to help a believer or two see that they were barely skimming the surface of what the Christian life can offer, what the Christian life ought to be. These amazing concepts are new to the unchurched, and thus interesting to many of them. Many an infant Christian, however, thinks he already knows all about it.

by **danielle** » Tue Apr 01, 2003 3:34 pm

Wynne,
No, I don't consider myself too straightlaced. I just love the Lord and am devoted to him. Want to live a holier life to please Him. We are just at different points in our walks, thats all. He wants alot of time! He wants to grow at his own pace, and that's what I've been allowing him to do.

what kind of fruit specificially?

He isn't exactly unchurched, but alot of teachings that we are learning at church is all new stuff to him he tells me. You see he was raised in an AME church background, where they focused more on social change, and bettering oneself and the community, etc.. He's not used to Christ being the focus of one's life......

by **Davep** » Tue Apr 01, 2003 9:54 pm

Danielle

I think there are two kinds of Christians, social and relationship. Most Christians are social, they believe in God, go to church out of habit, and simply live their lives the best they can. If they pray it is in time of great stress or need, if even then.

Relationship Christians are those who attempt to include God in everything they do, they think about God, and pray daily if not several times a day. They go to church to worship, and prayer is a normal part of each day. They live their lives the best the Holy Spirit and they can.

by **danielle** » Wed Apr 02, 2003 9:13 am

Davep,
I agree. I would say my boyfriend is the social one and I'm the relationship one, at this point. He enjoys church, reads the Bible every now & then, prays, and trys to live as best as HE can. The power of the Holy Spirit seems to be lacking. I guess its because we are at different stages in our walks...
But this is how it was when he was growing up too. This is what he is used to & comfortable with.

In your opinion, do you feel that God calls all Christians to be the relationship type? (in time)

by **Janine** » Wed Apr 02, 2003 11:28 am

Personally, I think He longs as a jealous lover for every one of us to throw ourselves heart and soul into His arms...

by **Davep** » Wed Apr 02, 2003 10:32 pm

In your opinion, do you feel that God calls all Christians to be the relationship type? (in time)

God wants us to have a relationship, unfortunately most Christians have no concept of this. It isn't until they come in contact with full-time Christians do they get a sense of what a relationship with God consist of.

by **danielle** » Sat Apr 05, 2003 7:23 am

VERY TRUE!!! (I'm experiencing this now with my bf).

by **Davep** » Sat Apr 05, 2003 9:05 am

Another point to ponder; many people have a hard enough time keeping and maintaining a relationship with people less alone God. All relationships envolve an investment of one's thoughts and time. Also a true relationship means, that you are allowing that other person to have some level of involvement in your life.

by **Beloved** » Fri May 02, 2003 11:23 am

Sorry to say this, but a carnal christian and a spiritual christian is like trying to mix oil and vinegar. Eventually as hard as you try, they will not blend together. We should always know in our heart that when someone is going to be a part of us, they should be able to see us on the same level or page. A situation like this will always ask for trouble in the sense that one will lead the other in the opposite direction and when it comes to mixing something with the flesh, we know in what direction things will go. Look for someone who can help you spiritually instead of carnally. :;):

by **danielle** » Fri May 02, 2003 7:29 pm

Beloved,
question for you: if the carnal were lead in the opposite direction (being spiritual) would that be a bad thing?

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