johnf Posted June 21, 2005 Report Share Posted June 21, 2005 Re: Your religion and WHY I am a Christain because I have read and believe the bible. Because of this belief I decided that I must put my faith in Christ. I am a Southern Baptist because after my conversion at 21 I was not a part of any organized religion. I studied the doctorines of several denominations including: Southern Baptist, Freewill Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Lutherine, Apisciple, Church of Christ, Penticostle (United), and Lutherine. Not only did I learn thier teachings, but also what the church members believed and how they viewed the world and thier lifestyles and how their denomination affected thier day to day life. In this part of the country the Southern Baptist church best met what I felt I could be comfortable becoming a part of. I don't agree 100% with everything that they teach, but they best represent what I believe and the way I want to live my life and raise my children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted June 21, 2005 Report Share Posted June 21, 2005 Re: Your religion and WHY [ QUOTE ] Also, how does anybody know that being Jewish isin't the right religion to have to get to heaven [/ QUOTE ] There was a time that it was TSBH, the old testament. Throughout the old testiment there are prohpesies of the coming mesiah and refernces to Christ coming down to Earth in human form before his birth. (Shadrack, Meshak and Abendago in the furnace) Christ himself was a Jew, and the fortold Mesiah of the old testimant. Before Christ came the only way to the father was through sacrifice of animals, but when Christ was crucified willingly, he became the ultimate sacrifice for all who accept him reguardless of where they came from. Jewish people have been and will always be, the chosen people of God since the time of Abraham. Abraham took his son Isaac up to sacrifice him to God. When Isaac asked his father where the sacrifice was, Abraham told his son that God would provide the sacrifice, and he did. If you read Revalations, you will see that after the armageddon (the war, not the movie) 144,000 jews will be saved from death and will once again be in the will of God. If you believe the bible and want to go to heaven it would be a much better bet to become a Christain and be raptured up than to become Jewish and play the odds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TreeWalker Posted June 22, 2005 Report Share Posted June 22, 2005 Re: Your religion and WHY HarvDog....how "on fire" is your Assembly ?? Rejoicing ?? Tongues ?? The reason I ask, is I too, am an Assemblies of God member.....in fact I'm fortunate to be on the Board. Attened Family Camp this past weekend, and what a great experience... I don't condemn other congregations either, but do know that many have lost there way.......I'm excited to say that I see God working in our church every week.......we've got a small congregation of 70-80 people yet we manage to take in enough every week to sustain the church and two pastors !! Senior Pastor and a Youth Pastor......our congregation is growing while others are withering......we've lately discussed building a new church, because we're about at our limits........glory be to God !! But like has been said by many, it is not the denomination that gains you you access to the gates of Heaven, but a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaskMan Posted June 22, 2005 Report Share Posted June 22, 2005 Re: Your religion and WHY After this post I'm going to stay out of this one. I'm an atheist simply b/c I was never steered in any one direction by my parents, they let me decide and to this day I do not know what they believe. I decided atheism was the best choice for me quite simply because organized religion and the Bible's teachings seemd far more like fiction than fact to me. [ QUOTE ] it is not the denomination that gains you you access to the gates of Heaven, but a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ...... [/ QUOTE ] I've stated before that if this is true then I'm not real sure I want to get into Heaven. This may initiate a heated responce but........ if this personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the basis for getting into Heaven then alot of bad people will be getting in. I know alot of people do terrible things but I can't help but wonder about the Priests and Ministers who have been exposed over the years for abusing children, even children of the same gender. Are these not the people who are supposed to have the strongest relationship with God?? Spending time with people like that cannot be worse than ****. I don't want to be generalized as someone who thinks all believers are like this as I surely do not, I'm sure everyone on here who believes is a good guy, just one who believes differently than I. I don't wish to come here and make enemies, i came here b/c this is a place where a whole bunch of guys can talk about what they are nuts about...hunting. We are all humans with the capability to believe in anything we want to, I simply believe differently than alot of you here. Some people believe in ghosts, some in unicorns, everyone had their own mind and their own ability to choose. None of us KNOW we are right, we think we are but have absolutely NO proof. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TreeWalker Posted June 22, 2005 Report Share Posted June 22, 2005 Re: Your religion and WHY YEs, but you see, you are not understanding the truth in these words.........there are many peopl who sit in the pews every Sunday that will not be heading to heaven after the rapture........ Having a persoanl relationship with Jesus, does not mean merely believing in him or even worshipping his existance, death and resurrection........it means spending time one on one with him, through prayer and studying of the word, and striving to attain the ultimate goal of eternity in heaven........many will not fully realize what all that includes, but must strive to achieve it........we must try to be as he....ultimately holy and full of grace.....since we are all sinful by nature, we can not be as Christ, but must strive to be.......and only he can show us the way........... I seriously doubt that heaven will be filled with bad people......their deeds on earth will be held accountable for when the time comes......whether grace and forgiveness will be shown us ultimately up to God...it is not for us to judge, nor understand or comprehend........we must simply run the race and try to win the prize....that means giving it our all, not just walking on the sidelines..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaskMan Posted June 22, 2005 Report Share Posted June 22, 2005 Re: Your religion and WHY [ QUOTE ] Spending time with people like that cannot be worse than ****. [/ QUOTE ] I meant that it cannot be better than ****. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TreeWalker Posted June 22, 2005 Report Share Posted June 22, 2005 Re: Your religion and WHY And something we agree on......I wouldn't want to spend time with people like that either.....and no, they do not have strong relationships with God...quite the opposite......don't let their positions in said churches fool you.....to bad, it has with so many.......people have put to much trust in fellow man when it comes to their faith, when it should be put in God........that is where the trouble lies....... I imagine with all of the troubles we have seen, most notably the Catholic churches (although there have been others) we will see some changes in their structure, such as allowing marriage, etc......but it still does not excuse thier behavior, and like i said they will be held accountable in God's court.... Ministers and Pastors are to be there for direction and support, but to many rely solely on them instead of putting their efforts and trust in God.....I'd sooner rely on the Good Book and Prayer, one on one time is great.......but we also can't go it alone..... And I know several who claim that the woods or the mountains or the outdoors are their church, but even the bravest military man, will tell you "together we stand, divided we fall".....the same is true in the religious playing field.......we are easy targets for Satan when by ourselves.....sure me may be able to hold off and fight for a while, but it will eventually wear us down......that is where tha Pastor and a congregation can lend a hand.....there are strength in numbers....and it is sure reassuring to know that I have friends in Jesus....a little moral support and a shoulder to lean on when the times are tough......and it' s always uplifting knowing I have God in my corner.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted June 22, 2005 Report Share Posted June 22, 2005 Re: Your religion and WHY [ QUOTE ] if this personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the basis for getting into Heaven then alot of bad people will be getting in. [ QUOTE ] Not as many as you think. Sitting in a pew, singing in the choir, giving confession, going through some ritual, or even being the pope does not qualify anyone to go to heaven. The bible says that many will say to God "look what I've done for you" and He will tell them to depart, because He does not know them. There is no person without sin or worthy to enter the gates without having a relationship with Christ. Hitler claimed to be a Christian, but did not exibit any of the signs. Christians are known by their fruits not by what they claim, wear or preach. I don't think anyone who commit the atrosities such as Hitler, or these pedifile priest could possibly have a real relationship with Christ. I think they are just going throgh the motions because that's what's expected of them. [/ QUOTE ] I know alot of people do terrible things but I can't help but wonder about the Priests and Ministers who have been exposed over the years for abusing children, even children of the same gender. Are these not the people who are supposed to have the strongest relationship with God?? Spending time with people like that cannot be worse than ****. [/ QUOTE ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
preacherman Posted June 22, 2005 Report Share Posted June 22, 2005 Re: Your religion and WHY [/ QUOTE ] None of us KNOW we are right, we think we are but have absolutely NO proof. [/ QUOTE ] You are right............you believe what you believe because that is what is in the depths of your heart. I, for one, don't think that you are a bad guy Saskman and I enjoy debating with you and some of the others in here............it gives me an "out" from the rigors of my day. I even had to sit and listen about a man's bowel movements the other day. Trust me, I would rather debate logically with you guys then listen to that. But on the other hand, we believe what we believe, because it is something that is instilled deep within the depths of our heart. We take it as truth by "Faith"..........just as you take your beliefs by "Faith".........I agree with you and some of the others that not all "Christians" are good people....... but just like I can't judge you because of all the bad "athiest" in the world..........no one (and I am not pointing finger, don't think that) can judge us, as believers, by all the bad things that happen in religion. My pastor of 11 years, back in 2000 left our church and his wife for another woman at age 50, got this lady pregnant out of wedlock and then finally married her after living with her for almost a year. For the next two solid years when people asked me where I grew up and went to church, because he was my pastor, it was like they would pour a bucket of cold water all over my head and have nothing to do with me. I said all of that to say this.........we can't judge others harshly just because they believe differently than we do. And to all who read, if I have came across this way, please forgive me...........because that is not what I have intended to do. The reason that I am so dogmatic about my beliefs, is because I have taken by faith that God has saved me out of a devil's h e l l and I don't want anyone else that I know to go there. I pray everyday for God to open doors for me to be able to share my faith and what I believe with someone. And I just thank God for the realtree forums......because He has answered my prayer and allowed me to do this in here the last few days! Sorry for the long post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TreeWalker Posted June 22, 2005 Report Share Posted June 22, 2005 Re: Your religion and WHY Preacherman, that reminds me of a sermon I heard in person by Dobie Weasel this past weekend.....and believe me, if you've never heard him speak, you are truely missing out....believer or not.... He went on to ask.........if you happen to be rafting down a river one day, and ended up taking the wrong fork in the river which sent you over a waterfall causing you much damage and heartache....would it be safe to say that if you happen to be on that rivers banks one day and saw a fellow rafter heading towards that fork in the river......wouldn't you yell out a warning and try to keep them from making the same mistake you did ??!! To me there are Christians, and there are born again Christians.........regular Christians were born and raised that way, and have lived there lives under the "he!!fire-and-brimstone" guidelines......the born again Christian has made the mistakes, has suffered much damage and tons of heartache.......and through those trials has found tribulation..... I'm greatful to be a born again Christian, and want to prevent my friends from making that same mistake if I can....I consider you all my friends, believers or not........I've been over that waterfall, just don't want to see anybody else go over... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted June 23, 2005 Report Share Posted June 23, 2005 Re: Your religion and WHY [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] there is only one way to heaven and it ain't through works [/ QUOTE ] This is where I get confused a bit. Does God forgive all sins? So the believers who commit horrible sins, like rape, murder, chld abuse etc... will get to heaven if they believe?? and people like myself who don't believe yet live a respectable life won't. Sounds a bit fishy to me. [/ QUOTE ] That's pretty much it Saskman. We are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God. Our greatest eccomplishments are like filty rags to the creator. The gift of salvation is one of adoption into the family of God. If your son did something that you didn't want him to do would he still be your son? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted June 23, 2005 Report Share Posted June 23, 2005 Re: Your religion and WHY AMEN Clay and Scott. I was saved by the skin of my teeth too, and certainly have nothing to boost about, accept his Grace in my life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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