Christians Unite!

[Ronin]

This scripture really spoke to me, it's when Paul was a prisoner and writing from prison.

Or the whole Israelites in Egypt, thing.
Surviving the unsurvivable, without losing the drive to go on.

Or Job, on abandonment.
Others did this before, so not alone. Whole generations gotten through... not hated, doomed, or left to rot forever.

 

[OpenForSuggestions]

Thank you for the kind thoughts and words. I've had God do wonderfully kind and healing things that rebuilt my trust, showed He cared. Some people did come to know the Lord on our trip, probably in spite of us, so that was good.

It's because of Him that different areas are healed in me, now. No therapist, drug, medical procedure could've done what He did to heal those areas, one or two quite miraculously...speaking as one who has tried all the above. And He preserved me in various other situations while still vulnerable and trying to heal. I still have just one area left where still feels like knife in chest, but I have hope it will be gone. Finding things to thank Him for and praise helps me.

 

[Lionheart]

Surprisingly, I am finding that the religion of Christianity complicates things for me.

I fair better when I simply proclaim love as my religion.

Still, I try to live in a Christ-like way....it is just that interpretations of the bible seem to confuse me and get me further away from God rather than closer. I haven't really had any deep thoughts about this yet but I thought perhaps I should try to process it a bit here with like-minded folk.

 

[Changing4Best]

I have a friend that does not go to church. She simply listens to and sings with Praise music and reads her Bible. She is about the most closest person to Jesus that I know of. @Lionheart777

 

[Justmehere]

I have become hooked on Bible Project videos... anyone else?

I especially have liked the ones about Hebrew poetry and literature and how to read the Bible. They animations are really cool and it brings alive for me some themes about Christ and how to follow Him and His own distain for empty religion but passion and love for us... I don’t know how to explain. but the videos have been helping me grow my tiny amount of faith through some really difficult days.

Tonight isn’t a good night and I decided to start watching the New Testament series and it’s calming and comforting my weary heart.

 

[Lionheart]

I have had to simplify my beliefs.

I have decided that I believe in these basic things...

1.) Diety/Source/Spirit/The Creator/God/Jesus/Holy Spirit = Love.
2.) The power of prayer.
3.) Angels.
4.) "The golden rule."

My religion is Love (which includes respect and kindness). Beyond that I am undecided.

I do not necessarily believe the "turn the other cheek" philosophy. If we lay down and put our paws up when people mistreat us, our children will not be better for it!!! I believe decisive and positive action is sometimes necessary and that some things only God can forgive.

Perhaps I can no longer call myself a Christain...I don't necessarily believe the bible and I do not attend church. I am not even sure God is all-powerful, but I do believe The Creator is a loving God.

Do you think this disqualifies me as Christain?

 

[Changing4Best]

The Bible says that the only unforgivable sin is to BLASPHEME the Holy Spirit. So I think you are one of us!
Luke 12:10.

 

[Lionheart]

the only unforgivable sin is to BLASPHEME the Holy Spirit. So I think you are one of us! Luke 12:10.

*sigh of relief...

Oh good, that works for me.

*smiles ?

 

[Changing4Best]

Re-read John 3:16 -17 too. That should help as well. @Lionheart777

 

[Lionheart]

Amen to that verse.

:hug:'s,
Lion

 

[VioletButterfly]

@Lionheart777 - Please don't conflate religion with your relationship with God. I've met many fellow travelers who have been confused in this regard and throw the baby out with the bathwater. Religion is man-made, your relationship with God is not. I have found a great deal of peace and strength in separating the two and I hope you will also find peace in doing so.

 

[Lionheart]

@Lionheart777 I have found a great deal of peace and strength in separating the two and I hope you will also find peace in doing so.

I also believe I will find strength and peace by separating the two. Thank you for your reply, I was getting quite confused and frustrated.