Questions about Christianity and reading books

[lcaj]

My opinion on books vs the bible is that the bible will always be the better book to read, it will always have the answers and you should make reading it a part of your daily life.
However, I believe many christian books can help new believers and more mature believers in their walk with God.
Just make sure you're reading books with a lot of scripture to back up what the author is saying, because sometimes its difficult to determine whether what is said is from God or from the author.

And my opinion about churches 'sugar coating' the bible is that in some cases it can be a problem.
A lot of the people God used for greatness in the bible were sinners, people who definitely couldn't have greatness in their own strength. And its important for christians to know that once you're saved everything isn't going to be perfect.
But at the same time, church pastors should know where their church is at. And they should be hearing from God as to the things their church needs to hear in that season.
So I believe there are times when churches need to focus on the positives in order to be encouraged. And in order to show non believers how forgiving our god is.
Of courses churches arent going to be perfect because they are run by humans. But I pray that all pastors have a strong relationship with god and are ready and willing to hear from God about the direction they need to take their church.

[RUN2GOD]

What I had to understand is that I can't depend on a church, or a preacher, or any other person or organization to tell me what was in my heart, or to decide whether I was saved or not. God is the only one that can remove the weight of sin. For myself, I try not to do or say anything that would weigh on my conscience, and it is a daily process. We are humans, and we'll never be perfect. Sometimes we are too hard on ourselves, or we try to make it too complicated. A sincere search for the truth starts personally, between you and God with prayer and study in His Word, then there is no limit to His blessings.

[thedustmaker]

why do christians start by reading books from other christians. Is it not important to read the bible first and then if the need arise start acquaint myself with how others feel. I sometimes am confused about the differences in christian living and following.
I just want to read the bible, i started reading other books such as Joyce Meyers and a very nice read it was but it still never completes me like the bible. how did any of you manage at first.

Hi bendathebee, Let me tell you, in very short form, about my experience of reading only the Bible first... First off, my parents took me to church as a child, and I remember no interest what so ever, little more than boredom, and it meant little or nothing to me. Parents were good, mildly religious people....

About 26 years ago, after 5 worsening years of marriage, my wife was looking for God... Those she began to listen to were great entertainment for me, for I did not care one bit. I did not deny that there might be a god, and the little I thought about it, I figured that I as being, could not end. That's about as far as it went, and I really did not care.

Then my wife announced one night that she'd given her life to Jesus and had been born again.... I was certainly not thrilled, and that was certainly no reason to wake me up! Two nights later, while at my usual low level of intoxication, and being entertained by "the big hair people", the message that I needed a savior came through to me, quite suddenly and quite strongly.... and I received that Savior.

Ok, here I am, I know little to nothing, I trust no one and am skeptical of most everything..... but I am certainly a believer in Jesus. I of course know people who are into all sorts of wierdness and I don't want to get sucked into any of that! In short, I got a Bible, sat down and read it, cover to cover, in part, to know something about what it said so that I would have an idea about what any others might be saying, as well as to know this One in whom I have now believed. Then I went to church, which was still a BIG step for me! (and a fairly amuseing story in and of itself)

Sure, I stumbled around a bit... a big bit, but following Him though His Word, He led me where I should be, and out of where I should not be. In my early days as a follower of Christ, He did bring me to a very good church, second one I went to, though the first one was ok too. As for books, TV and the radio, He directed me to toss what was not right or of worth (and that was and is much), and into what was of worth, through His Word... and yes, that took a year or two at the first, and of course still goes on today. Niether my wife or I have ever turned back after 26 years, and no, life has not been all sweet and perfect! It's been real life, and good, in His love.

As far as candy coated Bible characters..... God did not and does not candy coat in the Bible, they are all presented as they were, with warts, flaws and sins exposed for all of us to read about years later, along side of what He did in thier lives. The Bible "heros" were just as real as me and you!

God bless,
Doug

[Gypsy]

THanks for your inspirational words. I meant with manage , deal with non-believers. Dealing with them everyday can be quite difficult. Nice people dont get me wrong but the subjects, the way they think about the world. I am one to always respect others but i guess the more i understand the will of god it becomes quite difficult.

Hi again

I think that I kinda get where you're coming from. I've only been saved for a couple of years. I live in rural SC now on 210 acres, but when I was first saved I worked and literally lived in my parent's bar. I was enveloped with non-Christian minded folks. They liked to poke fun and test me allot. Drugs, Alcohol, promiscuity, gluttony - virtually any sin that I wanted held up to my nose on a nightly basis. I can remember it being kind of a sport to them - temp the Christian. Free alcohol, girls acting promiscuously, using God's name in vain - these were my friends, my family and it had not been so long since I was behaving exactly like them. Who was I now to try and act Christian? Who did I think I was? Right?

People thought that I was in a cult! They wanted me to fail? They made every effort to facilitate me doing so and eventually I realized; it wasn't me that they were testing - it was Him. It wasn't our friendship those guys were preserving by constantly filling my glass and offering weed and what not, it was the status quo. It wasn't truth spoken in their profane words it was anger. It wasn't me that those girls were throwing themselves at, not me that they wanted, but rather to fill that empty place inside of them that should have been filled with His love. They wanted me to fail, but not because of anything having to do with me - they wanted Him to fail. To be able to say "oh, you see, it's just a bunch of nonsense! It doesn't really work. Why should I have to look at myself, at my own behavior? Why not just have one more drink, one more joint, one more night in bed with whosoever willing? It will make me feel better for now and that's all there is in life. I can stop hating myself for just a little while longer" I loved those people and still do, but they were wrong, not me. I started to witness to them. It was horrifying at first, but for whatever reason I just found myself doing it. I had no idea what I was doing. Didn't know much about scripture. I certainly couldn't quote books and versus. I just knew in my heart that God loved these people as much as he loved me. Most laughed, but some listened. My wife came out of that group and a few others with whom I am still very close. I still don't know much, but I know that He loves me, He loves you, and if you let Him to Holy Spirit will work through you to let others know it.

I think it's cool that you are setting aside time each day to spend with His word, but may I suggest that you remain open to him at other times as well? I read in another post that if you ever felt like you were not enjoying prayer that you would stop doing it and honestly if any Christian ever told you that it was never hard for them to pray, I'd say that for whatever reason they were probably trying to fool you. Sometimes prayer is hard. I can pray real good when things are bad but sometimes forget to give praise about what I have been given. Sometimes your anger gets in the way. Sometimes your pride. I wouldn't gauge my walk by how much time a day I spend in devotion to the Lord, but rather by how much I allow Him into my life, my decisions and my actions. Prayer doesn't always have to be this formal thing - on your knees - in a church - beautiful prose. It can be ugly, spur of the moment, even dumb. Talk to Him whenever you want and remember, in your car or in the shower. Tell him whatever you want. Tell Him your scarred or confused or week. Tell him you can't decide what to have for lunch if you want. He doesn't get sick of hearing it. He doesn't mind. Really. He's just cool like that!

Talk to Him as you would a friend - a best friend, but like when you talk to your best friend don't forget to listen as well and not just with your ears. Listen with your eyes and your nose and your heart. Maybe he'll speak to you through the wind or a tree or a duck billed platypus. Listen with that place inside of you that doesn't ever try to fool you - that accepts nothing but the truth. Ask Jesus to help you. Tell Him that you can't do it by yourself and that even though you don't deserve it you long for his love, His comfort and His guidance. He'll bring you there. I promise He will. Really that's what being a christian is really about - having a relationship with Jesus. Christian books and church and message boards are awesome, enriching and a great source of info and fellowship, which it sounds like you crave, but honest you can do it with a bible in the parking lot at Wal-mart if you want.


God Bless you and be with you in your walk brendathebee. I'll keep you in my prayers and ask that you may come to know His love as we do.

[Gulah Papyrus]

Halley's Bible Handbook is a good 'companion' when you are first getting into the Word. Not much 'opinion' if any, and it's nice to get a little background on each book before you start in...things like who probably penned it, who it was written to and why, where the author was when he wrote it etc. ya know, the basics.

I also liked reading apologetics along side The Bible, especially at the beginning when my faith was more fragile and I needed some solid defense against some stories or passages that I found pretty unbelievable at the time. Apologists don't usually delve to far into their opinions on doctrine, but more the philosophy behind faith and the facts surrounding the Bible.

If you are interested in some good apologetics you can search this board for recs and get all sorts of wonderful direction.

My personal favorite is still Ravi Zacharias...but there are many excellent Christian Apologists to choose from.

[brendathebee]

Hi all,
Again, I am so pleased that my questions are being answered and all of you solely devote time to answer and give me advice on all my little questions. I could not get on the internet last night , I believe it was this morning, but I guess the timezone. I live in the Netherlands.
I believe the walk is difficult but can be easy. As a child, I do not think we quite understand the concept of living and we still dont grasp it.
We spend most of our entire lives surrounded with people. Making it all the more difficult to follow god. I call it the walk with physical gods that the invisible god, our god, the creator, his voice is so far away.
I hope you all understand why we sometimes cant hear his voice. The static around us is at a very high level. I love people but sometimes I just wish the static could go away.
I think if all of us grew up in homes where christianity made headlines and being good christians were on the priority list, it would have made it easier. But then again, it would have been like a marathon, a competition.
I dont like to view christianity as a marathon. I believe it is, but one where we can all reach there.

Gypsy, I do agree with you, most humans spend their time trying to mock god, because they cant understand the concept. They believe it is all about following someone they have never met. Our fascination with worldy things people. I could never quite understand what is meant by that but the more i start to pray, the more i understand it means. we spend so much time with our own occupations. people, people, work, etc. that god is so far away. I do have a question that bothers me now, how do u know which voice is god?? I sometimes feel like i am talking to demons, I am praying but i have so much static...and it drives me crazy. I am not crazy;-) by the way but i am just trying to fine tune it.

Gypsy, yes friends can influence our walk, and sometimes for the better we have to let them go, at least that is what i believe or pray that they will understand the journey that we have to make.

Dustmaker, you had it very tough, but you pulled through.

Regina, aka run2god, i do love ur icon, how have u been keeping..? thanks for wise words and inspiration. everyday my walk continues in search for a deeper meaning.

I do have another question and i hope that you all can help me, what is your takes on celibacy. Do you think it is possible or difficult. I am asking because I sometimes feel like i was not cut out for a relationship with another human being but for a higher level relationship with god. I think and have observed that the majority of you are senior observers and are also married christians. So.... I believe making the walk even more difficult because you have to deal with a walk with christ but also with your spouse... I am curious

[Bible2]

brendathebee posted in message #1 of this thread:

why do christians start by reading books from other christians. Is it
not important to read the bible first and then if the need arise start
acquaint myself with how others feel.

Greetings.

Christians do start by reading the Bible, or at least hearing someone
else speak what it says, for Christian faith comes by hearing what
the Bible says (Romans 10:17). But parts of the Bible can be hard to
understand at first (2 Peter 3:16), so God has placed pastors and
teachers in the church (Ephesians 4:11) to help everyone know and
understand the Bible better (2 Timothy 3:15-4:2).

brendathebee posted in message #1 of this thread:

I sometimes am confused about the differences in christian living
and following.

It's okay to be confused by all of the different church denominations
and all the different things they teach about the Bible. But as long
as one has the Bible, and has received the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians
2:11-14, Acts 19:2,6), one can test everything one hears taught by
people, against what the Bible itself says (Acts 17:11b).

brendathebee posted in message #1 of this thread:

I just want to read the bible, i started reading other books such as
Joyce Meyers and a very nice read it was but it still never completes
me like the bible.

It's wonderful that one wants to read the Bible, for that means that
one is of God; those who are not of God don't like the Bible (John 8:47).
It's also wonderful that one feels completed by the Bible, for that is
why it was given to us, to live by its every word (Matthew 4:4). But
living by it means actually doing what it says to do (James 1:22,
Matthew 7:24-25), for if we just read it and don't do what it says,
it won't do us much good (Matthew 7:26-27).

brendathebee posted in message #1 of this thread:

how did any of you manage at first.

A wonderful way to manage reading the Bible is to think of it as
seven volumes:

1. Genesis to Deuteronomy
2. Joshua to Esther
3. Job to Song of Songs
4. Isaiah to Malachi
5. Matthew to Acts
6. Romans to Philemon
7. Hebrews to Revelation

One can read at least one chapter in each volume every day.
When one reaches the end of a volume, one can simply start over
at the first chapter of that volume, so that one is constantly cycling
through every volume at the same time. This keeps every part of the
Bible fresh in one's mind, and helps one more readily see all of the
amazing connections between them. The variety of volumes also
helps one to read more chapters of the Bible each day without
getting "stuffed" from trying to read too many chapters of just one
part of the Bible at one time. The Bible is like an amazing buffet from
which we can "eat" a little bit from all of its different parts every day.

Another great way to manage to get to know the whole Bible and
keep it always fresh in one's mind is to listen to someone reading it
out loud on a Bible CD. One can sit and listen intently for at least an
hour a day, and also have it on in the background while one is doing
other things, and playing softly while one is going to sleep. This
constantly hearing the Word will help it to sink deep into one's mind
and heart, to become a part of who one is, a part of all of one's
thoughts and actions.

We should never think that we're done reading the Bible, like "Oh,
yeah, I read the Bible, every word of it. What's next?" No, reading
the Bible isn't like reading the latest novel, where one reads it from
cover to cover and then sets it aside and looks for another novel to
read. Reading the Bible is like eating (Matthew 4:4). We don't just
eat once in our lifetime and say "Oh, yeah, I ate food, filled my
tummy up completely. What's next?" No, we need to eat at least a
little bit every day, just as we need to read or hear at least a little
bit of the Bible every day. Over our lifetime, this could mean that we
end up reading or hearing every word in the Bible a hundred times, or
even more. There's really no reason to ever stop reading the Bible
over and over again. One will always discover some new truth,
realize some new connection, that one had never seen before. We
will never get to the bottom of all of the meaning contained in the
Bible; as God's Word its meaning is infinite. Thank God he offers us
eternal life through Jesus (Romans 6:23) so that we might have
forever to know Him and His Word more and more deeply.

[Bible2]

brendathebee posted in message #21 of this thread:

I believe the walk is difficult but can be easy.

That's a great insight; that's what the Bible teaches. Our walk with
Jesus is difficult in that the walkway is narrow and few find it
(Matthew 7:14); and it requires that every day we deny ourselves,
take up our cross, and actively follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). And yet,
at the same time our walk with Jesus is so easy; he makes it easy.
He never wants us all burdened down and tired out, but wants us
always to be resting in him even as we are serving him (Matthew
11:28-30).

brendathebee posted in message #21 of this thread:

I do have a question that bothers me now, how do u know which
voice is god??

One way to know if a thought that comes to one's mind isn't from
God, is that a thought not from God will try to get one to believe or
do something against what the Bible says. And the thought can do
this even while quoting something else that the Bible says (Matthew
4:6-7). That is, an evil thought can quote a scripture, but only to
try to get one to apply it in a way which is contrary to the context
of all the rest of the Bible, to try to get one to believe or do
something wrong while thinking that one is believing or doing what
the Bible says. This is why it is so crucial to know every word of the
Bible (Matthew 4:4). And the only way to keep every word of the
Bible fresh in one's mind at all times is to read or hear the whole
Bible over and over again.

brendathebee posted in message #21 of this thread:

I do have another question and i hope that you all can help me,
what is your takes on celibacy. Do you think it is possible or difficult.

The Bible endorses celibacy as a good thing (1 Corinthians 7:1,
Revelation 14:4), so long as God has given one that gift (Matthew
19:10-12, 1 Corinthians 7:9). One can pray for the gift of celibacy,
just as one can pray for the gift of any other good thing (1 John 3:22).
Celibacy can help Christians serve the Lord without distraction
(1 Corinthians 7:32-35). But getting married is in no way a sin
(1 Corinthians 7:28); and Peter the apostle was married (Mark 1:30).

[mcgyver]

Hi Brendathebee, it is so good to have you here with us!

I've been following along, and you've asked some really good questions...

I noted that you have displayed that you are seeking Christ (always a good thing ).

So let me ask you a question if I may: What do you understand is the requirement for one to become a Christian?

It might be better to phrase it: What do you have to do to be a Christian?

[Gypsy]

I do have a question that bothers me now, how do u know which voice is god?? I sometimes feel like i am talking to demons, I am praying but i have so much static...and it drives me crazy. I am not crazy;-)

Well that's the million dollar question isn't it? You know it's funny that most doctors say that a newborn baby is capable of recognizing it's mother's voice seconds after being born, but for some (myself included) it took almost 40 years to recognize His call to me. I think it has to do with trust. A newborn has no choice but to trust. He/she does so implicitly, because it has not yet learned not to trust. By the time most of us get around to making choices about God, we've been beaten up by worldly disappointments so badly that we've forgotten how to trust. We assume, when were asked to trust that it is a scam, that there is something ulterior to the asker's motive. We want proof so as to believe that we're not being taken advantage of. For some this, in and of itself, prevents us from ever truly trusting in anything or anyone.

I can tell you that there are demons, and they are whispering in your ear. Especially now that you've consciously made the decision to seek Jesus - they're desperate! They say that once you're saved the Holy Spirit sets up camp inside of you and a demon can no longer posses you, but they'll always be buzzing around trying to lead you astray. Tell them to get behind you! Ask Jesus to help you do it! They can buzz away all they want but they can not drown out a single word of the truth. I had similar questions about His voice in the beginning and still do sometimes. I used to joke that when I had trouble deciding which one was His voice, it was usually the one that I didn't want to hear - the answer I didn't want to accept - the harder thing to do. The static wasn't from outside, it was from inside myself, because I listened, not with that part of myself that would only accept the truth, but rather with the part of myself that wanted to make things easy on myself - "oh a little white lie is not gonna hurt anyone!", "oh, a couple more beers aren't gonna kill me", "oh, the bible isn't always right", blah, blah, blah - Get behind me devil! Eventually, I learned that His voice was always there, whispering in the wind, singing with the birds and hollering in the thunder, I just wasn't trying to hear it.

Do you think it is possible or difficult. I am asking because I sometimes feel like i was not cut out for a relationship with another human being but for a higher level relationship with god. I think and have observed that the majority of you are senior observers and are also married Christians. So.... I believe making the walk even more difficult because you have to deal with a walk with Christ but also with your spouse... I am curious

I believe that for each of us the choice of being in a loving relationship with another person is God's. That being said I'm not sure that I agree with this:

I believe making the walk even more difficult because you have to deal with a walk with Christ but also with your spouse...

because, to a large extent I believe it's the same walk. Think of it like this; two people trying to find each other in this world are like to blind ships trying to find each other at sea in the night. Without direction there is an infinite number of directions in which they both can head hoping that they correctly guess the location of the other (I don't think you can post pictures in CA so below are links to my photo bucket account):

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c138/Gypsy8691/svIQR55muNanrskOGum8Cyga.jpg

What the ships need to travel in the same direction is a common reference like a lighthouse - a beacon of light:

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c138/Gypsy8691/svIQR55muNanrskOGum8Cyg.jpg

notice that the closer each come to God, the closer they become to each other? Really all we need to know is how to get to the lighthouse, so God has given us directions.

I can't tell you how many times my wife has reminded me that as a Christian, my priority is to Jesus. I usually grumble for a bit, before realizing that she is right, but we keep each other on track, reminding each other what is truly important. As long as were both on the path to God, were moving closer to one and other. Is why Christians are instructed to be with other Christians:

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?

so that the sort of confusion that you are talking about doesn't happen, but I think thay you shoud take care that these things be secondary to walk with Christ however, because oftentimes I think that that want/need/longing to find another in this life is really just the misidentified longing for God's love. Make that your priority and everything else just kinda falls into place.

It occurs to me that your really asking the same question twice here, which is "How can I learn to trust His direction for me?" No? It's thought, I know. I don't know why always that God's will is this or that for me. I also don't know why the GPS tells me to turn left or right. I just know that it gets me there, unless I do a fool think like turn it off. I think you're doing amazingly. I hope you know that. Keep seeking. Keep listening. Keep leaving yourself open to him. I promise you'll hear him.

You'll continue to be in my prayers. God's Love.

[brendathebee]

hi everyone and thanks for replying. i was away because of my internet issues, cant wait it is solve but i guess it is also patience.
I have a question ; how do you forgive people who have hurt you tremendously and my second question; why is it so difficult to forgive some people.
I ask myself many times why are some people bless with familes and others not. Why do people that just dont care about anyone else still manage to receive kindness and love from others. I went true a terrible experience and i still do suffer from it because it bothers me.. i am praying about it but i have days when i just struggle to understand why me. and why did this person get on with his life when i was hurt......but i guess that is life... or is it because i did not something and did not even realise it.
I really am trying to forgive but to forgive this person is so difficult....and i know it is the right way because how can i love god if i dislike this person. Could anyone give me some advice and guidance on this matter...
sincerly brenda

[Bible2]

brendathebee posted in message #25 of this thread:

I have a question ; how do you forgive people who have hurt you
tremendously and my second question; why is it so difficult to
forgive some people.

Greetings.

It can be hard to forgive others who have hurt us when we think
that we would never do the same thing to someone else. But if we
want God to forgive us for our sins, then we have to forgive others
(Mark 11:26).

brendathebee posted in message #25 of this thread:

I ask myself many times why are some people bless with familes and
others not.

If God doesn't bless us with a spouse, he will still bless us in other
ways. We can forego the blessing of a spouse so that we might
receive the blessing of being able to serve God without distraction
(1 Corinthians 7:33-35).

brendathebee posted in message #25 of this thread:

Why do people that just dont care about anyone else still manage
to receive kindness and love from others.

We managed to receive kindness and love from God even while we
were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). So we can show the same kindness
toward others (1 John 4:11), even when they may not be so kind.
If we gladly receive God's undeserved kindness to us, yet then turn
around and are harsh to others who don't deserve kindness from us,
then God may stop being so kind to us (Matthew 18:21-35).

brendathebee posted in message #25 of this thread:

I went true a terrible experience and i still do suffer from it because
it bothers me.. i am praying about it but i have days when i just
struggle to understand why me. and why did this person get on with
his life when i was hurt......but i guess that is life... or is it because
i did not something and did not even realise it.

It's always best to place our past hurts completely in God's hands
and ask him to help us forgive all others from our hearts (Matthew
18:35), so we can then forget about the past and start focusing on
serving God now and in the future (Philippians 3:13-14). We also
need to make every effort to be reconciled to all those whom we
have hurt in the past (Matthew 5:23-26).

brendathebee posted in message #25 of this thread:

I really am trying to forgive but to forgive this person is so
difficult....and i know it is the right way because how can i love
god if i dislike this person. Could anyone give me some advice and
guidance on this matter...

It seems that one already knows what to do and why (1 John 4:20).
One may need to fast and pray that God would miraculously break
one free from obsession over one's past hurt, that Jesus would come
and dwell within one's heart (Ephesians 3:17) and heal its brokenness
(Luke 4:18).

[brendathebee]

thank you bible 2, i know what your saying is correct and the right way.but the reality is , god will help but i have to be sincere about forgiveness, right now i dont. all my life i was raised to treat others with respect love others. at least remebering myself, i have never hurt anyone intentionally and if i did believe i got a preaching and a lecture. But yes, you are right, i have to forgive so i can receive my healing.
What about denominations?? I am praying deeply for better understanding. I think that is where the confusion starts. Where to go, and how to approach attending services or gatherings with fellow christians. I think it would be easy if we all just agree and stop disagreeing on so many issues.
The reason for the different denominations. We are all praising the same god but we allow satan to cloud our judgement. I try not to be judgemental concerning other denominations and respect others and their beliefs. I was raised as a catholic but i just cant seem to understand why the catholic church is so ritualistic and repetitive.
I am starting up a research on all the denominations and trying to find the right church for me, or the right people. People that believe in the same thing that I believe in, god comes first. I want god in my life and i want him to walk side of me and not behind me.
I just struggle with so much things in my life that it is so easy to lose my way and to stay on the right track. but thanks bible 2 and i hope you can give me more advise.

Run2 god, i hope all is well with you.

Gypsy, you have a good wife and she is only preventing you from falling behind, it is easy to become distracted with wordly things, you would be amaze with how far and developed the world is becoming. Walking over and polluting the mind ever more. So if i had someone helping me and not walking alone , and i dont mean that god is not there but a physical hand to help, i would appreciate and thank god for someone like that.

[brendathebee]

mcguyver, answering your question...what is a christian?? A christian is a person with a soul, mind and a body. A person who will follow christ and believe in the father, son and the spirit for guidance. christianity is not just a name but it requires great action. sometimes being christian means u wont be able to fit in the world or enjoy certain activities that non-christians enjoy. Non-christians have not realised that living sinful lives is like taking a fish out of the sea or fish tank, your killing it.
God is the water, and losing faith in his words , is like stifling yourself or setting yourself up for failure. I feel so alone at times because i realise that the world is developing human robots that if following the robots your cool and if i am not, i am a loser.
I have been down that road and i dont want to follow another human being. Material objects, riches and other worldly things dont bother me, they dont have no value, even before searching for christ again, i never felt bonded to worldly things. I believe somehow secretly i am just sitting and waiting for the arrival of god. at least now, i am preparing for jesus and gods arrival.
I am not using terminology to describe what christianity is because what christianity means to me might be something totally different for you. I just believe that christianity means that i have to pick up myself with all my burdens and pain and jump on the train of christ and he will guide me and form me into the person that i was suppose to be or intended to be before sin came into the world. I might stumble and fall but i guess coming to terms with my downfalls will only draw me closer.

[RUN2GOD]

Sorry, I'm just catching up. Thank you, though, your thoughtfulness brightened my day!

I've been reading your posts, and you sound more Christian than some of the Christians I know. You have the same questions and feelings that I have sometimes myself. As a matter of fact, what you were saying about forgiveness, it's something I have struggled with this whole year. I've finally realized that forgiveness doesn't mean you're saying what they did to you was right. My biggest question was how do you forgive someone who hasn't asked for it? It's something I had to just do for myself, whether they wanted it or not.

About denominations, I don't consider myself any particular denomination, myself. For me that isn't necessary. I'm not an official member of a church, but I like to visit different evangelists that come through the area, or just where ever God leads me. Whenever I want to know something for sure, though, my source is the Bible.

your friend,
regina