Jude 2

In a currently hot thread that is being hashed out someone mentioned the term, man of God, and it sparked some thoughts in my mind. Who exactly is a man of God? What makes one a man of God? Who do I know that is a man of God? Am I a man of God?

Some folks may choose not to dialog with me usually and that is fine but I would absolutely love to hear everyone's thoughts on this subject. What makes someone a man of God?

If we are going to label someone as such then shouldn't we be able to say what makes them such? If there are qualifications then certainly there are disqualifications otherwise we (we as in all people) all fit the mold.

A man (or woman) of God would be someone that exhibits the fruit of the Spirit, someone that is like Christ. They should be leading a life of sacrifice, and not a life of self. Their number one goal should be showing Christ to the world, not themselves. I think it is a life of attitude - attitude that Christ should be number 1. Will there be times when He's not? Absolutely - we're human. And they will make mistakes, but will be willing to recognize that they did and repent and accept Christ's forgiveness. Love and humility and grace and forgiveness and.... and.... and.... should be the attributes that are seen.

FQ,

Danny, I believe the exact quote was,

Paul is a man of God, with honest and sincere intentions,

While his intentions might be “honest and sincere”, that is not the measure of a “Man of God.” No, that measure is in how his actions and teaching aligns with the Word of God. I have never sat under Paul (our Paul), so therefore I cannot make a definitive assessment as to whether or not that appellation applies. The only information that I have on Paul is garnered from his own writings on this forum, and that Pastor Gary, a man that I do know and respect his judgment, respects him. I therefore will give Paul the benefit of the doubt as to whether he is walking in the light to the best of his ability.

We, as Christians, have a habit of throwing around terms and titles without ever stopping to consider what they actually mean. The term (or title, if you will) “Man of God” has by historic tradition been bestowed upon anyone in the ministry. Evangelist, pastor, preachers, teachers, prophets, healers, etc. all have had the appellation applied to them. Have they all been “Men of God?” Need I remind you that Jesus himself speaks of those that will be turned away even though they cast out demons and preformed miracles in his name, because he never knew them.

Were Jim Jones or David Koresh “Men of God?” Some people attached that title to them, and how many souls did they lead to the lake of fire? It would be wonderful if we could attach that title to all who claim to labor for the Lord, but that is a Pollyanna attitude that is dangerous. How many “honest and sincere” people that are unfortunately gullible must be lost before we question the truth of these “Men of God?”


TW

Danny, I believe the exact quote was,

Quote:
Paul is a man of God, with honest and sincere intentions,

Yes TW, but this thread has nothing to do with Paul, NOTHING AT ALL, and nothing to do with anyone in particular.


Others please?

I am a man of God.

Some homosexuals would see me as a hater, not a man of God.

Some Baptist would see me as "of the devil" because of their lack of belief in the Holy Ghost, not a man of God.

Some Catholics would see me as erring from the truth, not a man of God.

Some sinners would see me as religious, not a man of God.

Some Christians would see me as a fanatic because of too much faith, not a man of God.

Other Christians would see me as lacking faith for not embracing extremes, not a man of God.

I guess the most important thing is how does God see me.

So now go ahead and continue to snip at one another from your uniquely jaded perspective., but don't blame it on Jesus.

Danny,

I know what this thread is about! I also know what it is not about! It is not necessary to yell (as in all capital letters).

Yes TW, but this thread has nothing to do with Paul, NOTHING AT ALL, and nothing to do with anyone in particular.

The only reason that I mentioned Paul's name was that Jennifer Smith, you know the woman whose post got you thinking, named Paul as a "Man of God," and then qualified that with the attributes of "honest and sincere intentions." Not wanting anyone to think that I was saying Paul was not a Man of God I explained why. The entire post was three paragraphs long, but you seem to have tried to reduce it to three sentences in the first paragraph. Then with your closing comment, "Others please?" you would seem to be blowing off my views as being insignificant and not worthy of discussion.

You ask a valid question, you should be prepared to at least listen to the responses. If you don't want to know, don't ask.


TW

TW, please settle down dude. I was not yelling but stressing the fact that this thread is not about anyone. Paul seems to think that some are attacking him and I sure don't want him to get that idea from this thread.

Also I never said I was going to discuss each individual viewpoint or opinion but I merely asked for everyone's opinion.

Are all those chosen of God.

Full Quiver wrote:In a currently hot thread that is being hashed out someone mentioned the term, man of God, and it sparked some thoughts in my mind. Who exactly is a man of God? What makes one a man of God? Who do I know that is a man of God? Am I a man of God?

Some folks may choose not to dialog with me usually and that is fine but I would absolutely love to hear everyone's thoughts on this subject. What makes someone a man of God?

If we are going to label someone as such then shouldn't we be able to say what makes them such? If there are qualifications then certainly there are disqualifications otherwise we (we as in all people) all fit the mold.

You will find your answer in John 1:12

Ray

scooter wrote:I am a man of God.
...

Some Baptist would see me as "of the devil" because of their lack of belief in the Holy Ghost, not a man of God.

We don't know the same Baptists!! I'm not now nor have I ever been and never intend to be a baptist, but I do share some of their views on a few things (don't we all?). I know on the issue of eternal security and all that I'm more close to being baptist than you are! BUT, let me say this --- I think I have a pretty decent sense of people, and although we've never met, I'd agree with you that you're a man of God. I don't think anyone should be slow to own up to it, either, and I'm glad you did just that. I said this in the hope that my views that I've expressed here over the past few years on specific issues don't color me as being a hater or doubter of the power of God in the lives and ministry of everyone serious about God. I want YOU to know that because I respect you. I believe in the Holy Ghost, and I believe He is real and present and lives in us. We may differ on particulars about that, but I'll tell you that difference makes no never mind to me. I thank God you and Shellie are where you are, doing what you do with who you all are doing it with.