Convert me!!!

[George_Washington]

Ok so I am a catholic who for many years has questioned my religious beleifs. I do beleive in some spiritual power out there but I'm just not sure who or what it is anymore. I am very open to all ideas and things out there so I will take into consideration your opinions. I just feel maybe there is some religion out there that I can feel comforatable with since this whole catholic thing doesn't seem to be working out anymore.

Please state your religion, your beleifs, and why it would be good for me to convert to your religion. If I do decide, then someone has the priviledge of saying they have "converted" someone!

I am Catholic and will stay Catholic because the Protestants seem too weird for me. :rofl

They keep trying to convert me. I have a friend from work who has been trying to convert me now for over 5 months. He won't take no for an answer. I have never had a Catholic be this aggressive in trying to convert me. Plus, those Protestant Churches where they roll down aisles and speak in tongues are a little too Twilight Zone for me...

 

[Apostle13]

I am Catholic and will stay Catholic because the Protestants seem too weird for me. :rofl
They keep trying to convert me. I have a friend from work who has been trying to convert me now for over 5 months. He won't take no for an answer. I have never had a Catholic be this aggressive in trying to convert me. Plus, those Protestant Churches where they roll down aisles and speak in tongues are a little too Twilight Zone for me...

Denominational pride is the downfall of many. Ignorance concerning that of others could only lead to such, implied ridicule.
...And what headlines does the Catholic Church make these days?

 

[Apostle13]

I am Catholic
I have never had a Catholic be this aggressive in trying to convert me.

...And just how does a Catholic convert a Catholic...???

 

[laska]

Join Judaism! Get food!

...Lots of it. :?

Dang, probably can't compete with this but the Mormons do throw some pretty awseome koolaid parties. :smile: I guess the only advice I have (for what its worth) is to allow each religion themselves to define their beliefs. I know in my particular religion there is a whole cottage industry dedicated to portraying The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the most negative light. They put out a ton of material and use every form of sophistry to create a false perception. Many LDS scholars have called them on their shoddy scholarship and flood of innacuracies but they seldom change their materials. The sheer magnitude and passion involved in this process truly amazes me(Judaism and Catholicism are a couple of examples that can probably relate here.) I think it is good to always go to the source and never the enemies of a people to get an accurate portrayal. Best of wishes.

 

[ColaBear]

Ok so I am a catholic who for many years has questioned my religious beleifs. I do beleive in some spiritual power out there but I'm just not sure who or what it is anymore. I am very open to all ideas and things out there so I will take into consideration your opinions. I just feel maybe there is some religion out there that I can feel comforatable with since this whole catholic thing doesn't seem to be working out anymore.

Please state your religion, your beleifs, and why it would be good for me to convert to your religion. If I do decide, then someone has the priviledge of saying they have "converted" someone!

Good Morning AmericanWoman,:2wave:
It seems that you are missing something here.
It is not religion that changes you or converts you.
It is a personal experience.

I am not religious and when referred to in that manner I get a little ruffled. I am spiritual though.

I believe in the Holy Bible as the inspired word of God(Jehovah). So I believe everything it says about Jesus Christ(Yeshua Messiah)as God and the Son of God. I am a Christian by rebirth because of what He did on the Cross for me. and that I accepted His sacrifice. I can only share what knowing Him personally, walking with Him daily, studying the Word and teaching it on a regular basis has benefited my life.
If I were to die today and find out it was all a fairy tale then I would still be a winner because my life has meant something to me and to others and I had something to live for that brought me unimaginable joy.

I do not claim a denomination tho I do attend a church. Many people call themselves Christian because they were born into a protestant family, (tho for the life of me I have never understood it.) It would be obvious to turn from some religions if a person were to embrace Christianity.

There are Christians serving wherever God plants them...into many different denominations. I would never attempt to convert anyone to a denomination. It is the Holy Spirits job to woo and convict and bring the hearts conversion. For whatever you are looking for, I do hope you find it and God Bless you as you journey.
ColaBear

 

[Apostle13]

Ok so I am a catholic who for many years has questioned my religious beleifs. I do beleive in some spiritual power out there but I'm just not sure who or what it is anymore. I am very open to all ideas and things out there so I will take into consideration your opinions. I just feel maybe there is some religion out there that I can feel comforatable with since this whole catholic thing doesn't seem to be working out anymore.

Please state your religion, your beleifs, and why it would be good for me to convert to your religion. If I do decide, then someone has the priviledge of saying they have "converted" someone!

Good Morning AmericanWoman,:2wave:
It seems that you are missing something here.
It is not religion that changes you or converts you.
It is a personal experience.

I am not religious and when referred to in that manner I get a little ruffled. I am spiritual though.

I believe in the Holy Bible as the inspired word of God(Jehovah). So I believe everything it says about Jesus Christ(Yeshua Messiah)as God and the Son of God. I am a Christian by rebirth because of what He did on the Cross for me. and that I accepted His sacrifice. I can only share what knowing Him personally, walking with Him daily, studying the Word and teaching it on a regular basis has benefited my life.
If I were to die today and find out it was all a fairy tale then I would still be a winner because my life has meant something to me and to others and I had something to live for that brought me unimaginable joy.

I do not claim a denomination tho I do attend a church. Many people call themselves Christian because they were born into a protestant family, (tho for the life of me I have never understood it.) It would be obvious to turn from some religions if a person were to embrace Christianity.

There are Christians serving wherever God plants them...into many different denominations. I would never attempt to convert anyone to a denomination. It is the Holy Spirits job to woo and convict and bring the hearts conversion. For whatever you are looking for, I do hope you find it and God Bless you as you journey.
ColaBear

Very well stated ColaBear... Jesus in his tremendous foresight did make mention of this matter... "A house divided cannot stand." Denominations/division is the basis for our confusion Paul later writes/implies that, "Satan is the author of confusion."
He is truly a "personal God" and it is our individual personal experiences with Him that help to define not only our level of faith, but who we are in Christ.
If you find discontentment with your church then confide within yourself, if you find not the Spirit of God within, then you are rightly discontented... If you do then we should only need be ask, and He will direct our footsteps in the power of His Spirit.

 

[George_Washington]

...And just how does a Catholic convert a Catholic...???

People don't know that I'm Catholic just by looking at me.

 

[Apostle13]

People don't know that I'm Catholic just by looking at me.

Fair enough... So long as you don't sport a visible crucifix.
...But still you should consider what you may see as "aggressive" may only be true passion. I would not be so quick to discount/credit anyone who approaches me in the name of the Lord. Especially in lieu of sriptures such as these... Hebrews 13 (New International Version) Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Angel is defined as a messenger of God. Therefore, one need not be a divine being to serve such purpose. God speaks through His righteous servants and has many times spoken to me in this way... Even here on these forums.

 

[ColaBear]

Originally Posted by George_Washington
People don't know that I'm Catholic just by looking at me.



I don't believe that anyone would look at me and know I attend whatever denomination church either....and that is a good thing. Because I don't represent that denomination. and I make it mighty clear I don't within that denomination...teach women. It is the place the LORD has deposited me for a season. Only HE knows when the season changes because I am not personally thrilled where I am BUT I am there for His purpose.
My life verse i3 Job 13:15....so be it.
I represent the King of Kings and I would hope and desire that when others meet me , they know there is 'something' different about me. He is in my soul not sitting on my shoulder.
It is irrelevant what denomination one chooses...it is relevant WHO one chooses.:smile:

 

[ColaBear]

Very well stated ColaBear... Jesus in his tremendous foresight did make mention of this matter... "A house divided cannot stand." Denominations/division is the basis for our confusion Paul later writes/implies that, "Satan is the author of confusion."
He is truly a "personal God" and it is our individual personal experiences with Him that help to define not only our level of faith, but who we are in Christ.
If you find discontentment with your church then confide within yourself, if you find not the Spirit of God within, then you are rightly discontented... If you do then we should only need be ask, and He will direct our footsteps in the power of His Spirit.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you Apostle 13.
Yes we know just who it is that keeps all the turmoil going. It would be so much more peaceful if everyone saw the truth behind peoples actions and words in this world ,if they really knew who was fueling the fire.
But THEN that would be Heaven,right!!:lol:
Soon, soon, we will :lol: hear that trumpet.:2wave:
So many searching for answers in their lives and most of the time I hear the wrong ones being spoken.
I like you, believe it must all come from the inside out and not the 'window dressing' I find that being a Christian is a threat to some...don't know why.
I find that many Christians are threatened by what others are...don't know why either.
If you have a solid foundation then no threats can alter what one believes is true.
I have learned NOT to be easily offended because it will not change who I am or Who I believe in. I KNOW that I KNOW that I KNOW.

Precious words..."...I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness I have drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3b and " ...fear not:for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by name: thou art mine." Isaiah 43:B(KJV)

A man or woman can choose to be...and I don't care.
I just want the same respect in return.

....I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it....(not sure who said that and I would like to if anyone knows)

Same goes for denomination religions....a person has the right to be part of what they want...and I give them room to pursue that right.
I just want the same.

Thought provoking challenge American Woman tossed out. I hope she is coming face to face with the real issues because 'religions' will fail all of us and finds answers to them.

 

[Apostle13]

I represent the King of Kings and I would hope and desire that when others meet me , they know there is 'something' different about me.

Here you have a witness..
I can only pray you will stick around/keep posting... You are truly a tremendously gifted and timely edifier.

 

[ColaBear]

Bless you...today I can lay my head to rest, because there was more of Him and less of me.
I will stick around for sure. I enjoy this type of stimulating conversation.
I must admit Christ is my passion but might not be someone else's.
I am interested to know what truths and conclusions American Woman arrives at....whatever they are.
Its a privilege to watch the journey no matter what direction it takes.

 

[Donkey1499]

Sure they can. G is after F and D is before E. :rofl

BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[kal-el]

Ok so I am a catholic who for many years has questioned my religious beleifs. I do beleive in some spiritual power out there but I'm just not sure who or what it is anymore. I am very open to all ideas and things out there so I will take into consideration your opinions. I just feel maybe there is some religion out there that I can feel comforatable with since this whole catholic thing doesn't seem to be working out anymore.

Huum, many are attracted to the Christian torture symbol. I think if Christianity changed it's symbol they might actually keep some followers. Instead of showboating a tortured, bloody, crying man on a cross, I think they should portray Jesus standing, maybe giving a sermon or so. (It worked in Dogma :lol: ) Is is a sad state of affairs when parents dissallow their children to play violent video games or watch movies packed with gore, and these same people, are obliged to turn of the TV, and hand their children the bible, which is packed full of blood, gore, killings, porn, etc, etc, etc.

Please state your religion, your beleifs, and why it would be good for me to convert to your religion. If I do decide, then someone has the priviledge of saying they have "converted" someone!

Well, I really do not see how one could convert to theism without meeting God or his bastard son. If heaven (aka Mt. Olympus :lol: ) really existed and was so good, then why doesn't everyone kill themselves right now to get there? And it goes against the Loving God concept that such a benevolent entity would threaten humanity with eternal damnation. Now that I look back, I can kinda see how I was a Christian, as children do not have a strong sense of denial, and constantly being forcefed mystical fables and such, I began to gradually except this as the truth. But after a thorough reading of the bible, right from Genesis, I could see the big flaw in this God concept. God looked over what he made, and saw it was good, but yet Satan was in the garden in the form of a serpent.. And God told Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree in the middle of the garden, but he forgot to mention the tree of life. And he was truly concerned about it, as he put guards with flaming swords at the entrance.

 

[jfuh]

Ok so I am a catholic who for many years has questioned my religious beleifs. I do beleive in some spiritual power out there but I'm just not sure who or what it is anymore. I am very open to all ideas and things out there so I will take into consideration your opinions. I just feel maybe there is some religion out there that I can feel comforatable with since this whole catholic thing doesn't seem to be working out anymore.

Please state your religion, your beleifs, and why it would be good for me to convert to your religion. If I do decide, then someone has the priviledge of saying they have "converted" someone!

Why religion? Religion is nothing but suppression of the imagination and of questioning due to the organizational agenda behind most religious leaders.
Confucious said it best:

Be knowledgeable about the gods and the ghosts, but do not fall into superstition.

There is no need for certainty over "who's out there" or "What's out there" all that matters is what's in there. In being what's in your heart and what you feel is right.
If you must seek a religion I suggest you read Descartes meditations 1~3 first. Then dig a bit into Buddism and the Analects.
Personally I ascribe to no religion, but to the philisophical teachings of Confucious, Socrates, Lao zi, Descartes, Men zi, Heraclitus, Siddhartha Gautama, Jesus, Sun zi, Aristotle and Shinto beliefs as well . I find it much more enlightening to not limit myself to only one philisophical ideology.

 

[George_Washington]

Fair enough... So long as you don't sport a visible crucifix.
...But still you should consider what you may see as "aggressive" may only be true passion. I would not be so quick to discount/credit anyone who approaches me in the name of the Lord. Especially in lieu of sriptures such as these... Hebrews 13 (New International Version) Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Angel is defined as a messenger of God. Therefore, one need not be a divine being to serve such purpose. God speaks through His righteous servants and has many times spoken to me in this way... Even here on these forums.

I don't mean to imply that I dislike Protestants, I was just joking around. But I dislike it though when people try to convert me or tell me that they have a better interpretation of the Bible than I do.

 

[Apostle13]

I don't mean to imply that I dislike Protestants, I was just joking around..

I think I thought I kinda knew that.

But I dislike it though when people try to convert me or tell me that they have a better interpretation of the Bible than I do

I know what you mean there. I am always open and willing to listen to their views... But then I suffer them mine..:blowup:

 

[ColaBear]

[QUOTE] ORIGINALLY BY KA-EL ....Huum, many are attracted to the Christian torture symbol. I think if Christianity changed it's symbol they might actually keep some followers. Instead of showboating a tortured, bloody, crying man on a cross, I think they should portray Jesus standing, maybe giving a sermon or so [/QUOTE]

I don't see the Cross as a torture symbol. I see it as an ultimate act of Love
and one of reconciliation for man to God.

 

[kal-el]

I don't see the Cross as a torture symbol. I see it as an ultimate act of Love
and one of reconciliation for man to God.

That's fine, and you can. I think it's extremely barbaric, not to mention absurd and hypocritical that such a self proclaimed loving religion, would flaunt the instrument in which their basis of their religion was killed on in the most tasteless, uncivilized fashion.

 

[ColaBear]

BY Kal-el....I think it's extremely barbaric, not to mention absurd and hypocritical that such a self proclaimed loving religion, would flaunt the instrument in which their basis of their religion was killed on in the most tasteless, uncivilized fashion..

Yes,I can understand your thinking that, if you don't understand what The Cross actually represents. I will share with you why the Cross if beautiful to me. I do not expect you to feel the same nor change your mind about what you think...this is just sharing.

We,(Christians) did not choose this symbol.
God Almighty CHOSE the Cross as the instrument upon which Jesus Christ, would CHOOSE to sacrifice His Blood. His Blood removed the obligation of us having to bring offerings to the altar. His Blood was pure...sinless...and it only needed to be shed ONCE. My offerings could never pay the debt that Christ paid for me....or you...or anyone even if I gave them every hour of everyday.

The LOVE of the Cross is that He CHOSE to die in that manner. He knew there was NO ONTHER WAY for us to be reconciled to Him.
The death instrument of the day...as today is gas chamber or electric chair BUT there is No other more barbaric way to die (as you said)....

The MIRACLE of the Cross is that it fulfilled EVERY prophecy of the Old Testament. (no mere man could have done that...only God).

The BEAUTY of the Cross is that even while he died in utter agony HE FORGAVE...now I don't know about you, but it has been hard for me to forgive sometimes (tho I must and I do...finally)...and all someone did was say something ugly to me or about me.

The GLORY of the Cross is that it is EMPTY...the Tomb is EMPTY....because Jesus Christ ROSE from the dead...as HE SAID He would...three days later.
No other religion in the world has or will ever be able to say their God ROSE FROM THE DEAD.

The PROMISE of the Cross...the debt was paid...it will NEVER be recalled AND that Jesus Christ, coming as The Lion of Judah, King of Kings, Lord of Lords WILL RETURN for His.

Something to remember...
if Christians are smug about their righteousness...there is something wrong with them...we ARE righteous but ONLY because of what Jesus Christ DID....has nothing to do with me, not my work and I am to be grateful everyday of my life...and I am.
I can do anything He requires of me to d BECAUSE HE does it thru me and helps me.
and also remember if Christians appear to be 'flaunting'...could it be that you are just sitting in judgment and maybe they really aren't?? and if you are..could there be a deeper reason why you would be so offended by them or the Cross?? ...just something to think on.

and yes Christianity IS a loving religion and God IS a God of Love but He is JUST and sometimes the hardest times you love is when you chastise and punish...depends on how you view. When I correct my child or my grandchild it is for their best interest, it is because I love them not because I want to hurt them. It would be much easier to just throw my hands in the air and say..oh well, they don't listen and let them wander into the pits life has waiting for them.
I THANK God He did NOT leave me to wander till I fell into the pits of hell because He loved me toooo much to 'interfere'.

Good talking...gets the mind juices flowing..quite healthy.
I would send God's Blessings to you but I sense you don't believe in Him.(???):sigh:
ColaBear

 

[kal-el]

Yes,I can understand your thinking that, if you don't understand what The Cross actually represents.

If you think I do not understand the significance of the cross, you are in error my friend. The carpenter himself established the concept that the cross is a sign of complete surrender to God. He used it countless times as a symbol of discipleship. He said one should take up their cross, and follow him. By adulating a cross, I'd say the Christian believer re-lives the death and resurection by putting to death their old self, and installing the new.

I will share with you why the Cross if beautiful to me. I do not expect you to feel the same nor change your mind about what you think...this is just sharing.

Right on. But I know that crucifixation is the most horrible, violent, and humiliating punishment rendered in Biblical times. Crucifixation was only used on slaves by the Greeks and Romans, but sometime after the 1st century, regular citizens could bear that punishment, as directed by Caesar, of course. Common practices of it, were as follows: the victim was beaten or flogged and forced to carry the weighty crossbeam to the execution site, the victim was nailed (or tied) to the beam. I would say that death was caused most likely by a loss of blood or circulation, but if the victims were tied to the cross opposed to being nailed, it could take days to die. And if it took days one can imagine the extreme pain one would go through as I'm quite sure their limbs would become gangreneious, and eventually fall off.

We,(Christians) did not choose this symbol.
God Almighty CHOSE the Cross as the instrument upon which Jesus Christ, would CHOOSE to sacrifice His Blood.

So, a perfect entity chose the manner in which his son would endure numerous suffering and pain. He chose crucifixtion? Hardly loving.:lol:

His Blood removed the obligation of us having to bring offerings to the altar. His Blood was pure...sinless...and it only needed to be shed ONCE. My offerings could never pay the debt that Christ paid for me....or you...or anyone even if I gave them every hour of everyday.

The LOVE of the Cross is that He CHOSE to die in that manner. He knew there was NO ONTHER WAY for us to be reconciled to Him.
The death instrument of the day...as today is gas chamber or electric chair BUT there is No other more barbaric way to die (as you said)....

The MIRACLE of the Cross is that it fulfilled EVERY prophecy of the Old Testament. (no mere man could have done that...only God).

The BEAUTY of the Cross is that even while he died in utter agony HE FORGAVE...now I don't know about you, but it has been hard for me to forgive sometimes (tho I must and I do...finally)...and all someone did was say something ugly to me or about me.

The GLORY of the Cross is that it is EMPTY...the Tomb is EMPTY....because Jesus Christ ROSE from the dead...as HE SAID He would...three days later.
No other religion in the world has or will ever be able to say their God ROSE FROM THE DEAD.

The PROMISE of the Cross...the debt was paid...it will NEVER be recalled AND that Jesus Christ, coming as The Lion of Judah, King of Kings, Lord of Lords WILL RETURN for His.

As all that is so very nice and poetic, a crucified diety is not restricted to Christianity. Ever heard of the Egyptian God Mithra? What about the Hindu God Lord Vishnu? If you assert that the Christian God exists, but no other diety, that's a bit like saying that Aquaman exists, but Superman and Wonderwomen are just stupid stories.:lol: The fact of the matter is, if the bible God is omni- everything, why go thru this little charade of sacrifice? An omnipotent diety can wipe all sin out if they wish.

could there be a deeper reason why you would be so offended by them or the Cross?? ...just something to think on.

Well, think about it a sec with an open-mind. If you never heard of Christianity, what would you think of a religion that showboats a depiction of a human being bloody, tortured, and crying, yet preaches love, and tolerance? Wouldn't make sense to have a representation of the carpenter maybe preaching or something? I think Christianity would command infinitely more respect if it would forgoe their coveted torture symbol.

and yes Christianity IS a loving religion and God IS a God of Love but He is JUST and sometimes the hardest times you love is when you chastise and punish...depends on how you view.

The simple fact that he has to punish, proves he's not omniscient. Or else, it simply means he's bloodthirsty, fiendish, perverse, perverted, ruthless, and vicious, hardly a loving God.:lol:

When I correct my child or my grandchild it is for their best interest, it is because I love them not because I want to hurt them.

Yes, that may be the case with you, but if a diety must correct some action, he evidently does not forsee it, because being omnipotent, he could take earlier precautions, thus elimintaing the problem needing correction.

It would be much easier to just throw my hands in the air and say..oh well, they don't listen and let them wander into the pits life has waiting for them.
I THANK God He did NOT leave me to wander till I fell into the pits of hell because He loved me toooo much to 'interfere'.

All this is understandable to a fallible human, but none of it coinsides with a perfect diety. Is the bible God shown as having emotions? Is he thought of as omnipotent, omniscient, omnibenevolent, and omnipresent? If you answered yes to these questions, he cannot logically exist.

Good talking...gets the mind juices flowing..quite healthy.
I would send God's Blessings to you but I sense you don't believe in Him.(???):sigh:
ColaBear

Yea, that's why I am here, I relish in debate, as do you I suppose.

 

[ColaBear]

By Kal=el....He said one should take up their cross, and follow him. By adulating a cross, I'd say the Christian believer re-lives the death and resurection by putting to death their old self, and installing the new.

Good Monday to you!
It is symbolic....meaning to wake each morning and surreneder my will to His will...It is not easy the true consecrated Christian walk, but it is worth it. we are not to reinact the Crucifixtion or conflagrate ourselves...He did it Once for All.

Kal-el....But I know that crucifixation is the most horrible, violent, and humiliating punishment

Yes it is. and who but a God that truly loves would CHOOSE to die in such a horrible way,much worse than you have written, ( I haveseen medical reports on what it truly does to the body not even mentioning the emotions and don't forget what He endured from the moment He surreneder in gethsemane to the Cross also. Only a God that really loves would shed His Blood in such a fashion.

by Kal-el...So, a perfect entity chose the manner in which his son would endure numerous suffering and pain. He chose crucifixtion?

Yes, The Triune God did....don't forget that the Triune God also includes The Son...He CHOSE to endure.

As all that is so very nice and poetic, a crucified diety is not restricted to Christianity. Ever heard of the Egyptian God Mithra? What about the Hindu God Lord Vishnu?

Certainly I know others have died in like manner but NONE claimed they would RISE from the dead. ONLY Jesus Christ. That would certainly make Him God in my books even if I had to just learn of Him.

Well, think about it a sec with an open-mind. If you never heard of Christianity, what would you think of a religion that showboats a depiction of a human being bloody, tortured, and crying, yet preaches love, and tolerance? Wouldn't make sense to have a representation of the carpenter maybe preaching or something? I think Christianity would command infinitely more respect if it would forgoe their coveted torture symbol.

Well, with the open mind that I do have...I would want to know WHY He was on that Cross and WHAT happened after He was brought down.
If Christianity did have the Cross then it would be just like all the other religions in the world....there would be no need to cling to the Cross because it would only be a symbol, nothing more.

The fact of the matter is, if the bible God is omni- everything, why go thru this little charade of sacrifice? An omnipotent diety can wipe all sin out if they wish.

The simple fact that he has to punish, proves he's not omniscient

Since the beginning God required a blood sacrifice...an unblemished lamb....for men to be forgiven of sin. BUT it also placed a barrier between God and man...temple priests brought in the offerings. The Triune God has always wanted a relationship with His children.....the Cross was the instrument by way of bringing a PURE Lamb to the sacrifice that would enable ALL to come straight to Him. SO Jesus became that and He did it.
So now, we can be seen as Righteous when we come to Him BECAUSE He sees the Blood of Jesus on us.
Yes, He is and He did by way of the Cross...it is for each person to decide if they BELIEVE it or not.


Sin will be here till the end...He died so ALL could be forgiven of sin.
God does not take away our free will. He KNEW Adam and Eve would sin...He had a plan in place. It would have been UNloving if He had made us with no free will...then we would merely be puppets to a puppet god.
The Bible also speaks of the principles of Reaping and Sowing.....we get what we give...at some time in this life.

The Bible speaks of our praises being a sweet savor in His nostrils....I believe that brings the emotion of Joy...if He had no experience of emotion.(Jesus became a man...and was still God) did not forget.
The Bible also states...I am a jealous God...thus emotion. Why would you think He has no emotion...don't you think he weeps when of His children strays or when Christ is deliberately rejected?? I do. that does not make Him NOT God.


You have much head knowledge and opinions about Christianity, but no heart/soul/personal knowledge.( It would seem illogical to believe as i do, I know, but THAT is when Faith steps in....
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."Hebrews 11:1
I have CHOSEN to believe and my life has been the better for it. I have something to cling to that brings me joy, peace, comfort, guidance and a HOPE for tomorrow.
In the lowest, saddest moments of feeling alone, unloved, rejected I have just KNOWN that someone loved me and wanted me and set value upon me and it is God Almighty. When I read "For God so loved...." I heard in my heart.."Roberta, I so loved YOU..."...that was enough for me.
So now I wake each morn and ask for the strength to do better today to represent Him and to love all men as they are.
I fall on my face many, many, many times but I don't feel rejected, I feel my heart say...get up, try again.

Maybe you have yet to run into a true consecrated Christian. If that is the case, I am truly sorry.
Maybe you base your logical views on the views of others? Maybe you might take a look at the very Book that you dismiss as far-fetched. Got anything to lose except a few hours of quiet reading?

The name Christian today is all muddled up in religious denominations and their self pride of survival in Heaven and many times people say they are Christian because they are born into a protestant family,...go figure that.........that is not real Christianity.
I can also tell you this...if someone calls themself Christian and then goes off high and wide on you for your views...they have a LOT to learn about love.
and also none Christians seem to make a big deal if they know or hear of one who falls...how intolerant. we are ALL human and we ALL sin and we need to see that in others as well as ourselves. Becoming a Christian does not mean we become PERFECT...its a hard road and yet SO worth it.

There comes a time when a person just either decides to accept the Bible and Christ as real or reject it as foolish teachings. Many have done both and will continue to do both.

The thing is....this Hope I have as I am alive points me toward something I want to attain...when I die...IF it was all a fabricated tale by church conspiracy, then I am no worse off, am I?
I KNOW what I believe and I CHOOSE to believe it.
GREAT sharing! and Have a terrific day!!
ColaBear
:2wave:
REMEMBER...Stand for something,
Or you will fall for everything.
(wish I knew who said that!)
I do believe it.

 

[ColaBear]

CORRECTION ON MY PART.....

If Christianity did have the Cross then it would be just like all the other religions in the world....there would be no need to cling to the Cross because it would only be a symbol, nothing more.

If Christianity did NOT have the Cross....
sorry, missed it even as I edited.
ColaBear

 

[doughgirl]

George_Washington said,
“I am Catholic and will stay Catholic because the Protestants seem too weird for me. ”

Could you be specific about the weirdness of Protestants?


They keep trying to convert me. I have a friend from work who has been trying to convert me now for over 5 months. He won't take no for an answer. I have never had a Catholic be this aggressive in trying to convert me”

If your Catholic why would a Catholic try to convert you?

“Plus those Protestant Churches where they roll down aisles and speak in tongues are a little too Twilight Zone for me..”

I am not a Catholic but many of my family members are. I respect but question many things in their faith as I know they do mine.( I belong to a Non-denominational Bible believing church-praise and worship church.

We do not roll down the aisles nor do we speak in tongues..But we do lift our hands a lot in praise. I do not find this weird at all. I think people get crazier at rock concerts, wouldn’t you agree? Anyone is welcome to come through our doors……ANYONE.

I agree with what Colabear said……its all about a relationship. I am spiritual as well…..I am NOT RELIGIOUS.

I really question when I hear people say they converted to their fiancés religion in order to get married (especially if they were Christian to begin with) What…? they loved Christ for years then all of a sudden dumped Him for some other religion just in order to get married? They obviously never had a heart relationship…..only a "head relationship".

Good post ColaBear and right on #31

Apostle…said, “Fair enough... So long as you don't sport a visible crucifix.”

We just had a discussion about that today. How many people find it fashionable to wear crosses and aren’t Christian at all? Big gaudy diamond studded crosses.
I saw Madonna the other day in a picture wearing a huge cross around her neck. WHY? Does she mock Christians? Because she is anything but a Christian so I’ve read.

Apostle13 said….”Here you have a witness..
I can only pray you will stick around/keep posting... You are truly a tremendously gifted and timely edifier.”

Include me too. I agree with Apostle………God Bless.

George Washington said, “I don't mean to imply that I dislike Protestants, I was just joking around. But I dislike it though when people try to convert me or tell me that they have a better interpretation of the Bible than I do.”

Well I used to read the Bible too (before I was saved) and felt I had a good grasp of both the Old and New Testaments. It however means something totally different after the Holy Spirit changes you. I read it now……WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT TO GUIDE ME.

 

[Captain America]

Much to learn, you have, about the force within you. May THE FORCE be with you.

There is nothing wrong with your brain. We have taken it over.