I suppose what you said about men manipulating scripture is directed at those men who chose a different canon from the one you use? And that the ones who did arrive at the famous 66-book canon that (I'm pretty sure) Oneness Pentecostals and a lot of other Protestants consider to be "The Bible" did not "manipulate scripture for their own purposes"?
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
I cannot answer for anyone else at all, except myself.
I am a Christian today even though I do not remember ever not having been taught that Jesus Christ was our Lord and Savior by my parents as well as many others. I still wandered into some things that nobody should wander into because even thought I was taught these thing, I really had no real reason later in life to believe them. And began a walk of my own regarding spiritual issues, is the best I can describe it.
But then one day, during a time when my Dad was in the hospital, my visiting him there, I saw a miraculous healing take place by another man that was in the next bed to him. That seemed to be in terrible pain one minute, and suddenly after this fellow came in and began ministering to him in Spanish, my not having a clue what they were saying at all. But suddenly this dude jumps out of bed, no longer in pain anymore, beginning to jump up and down saying "I am Healed" over and over again, very loudly. So loud that some nurses came running in finally to find out what all the yelling was about. He telling them the same thing, as well as saying I want to go home. The nurses telling him he will have to wait until tomorrow morning when the doctor comes in, he being the only one that can release him. anyway, the next day when we got to the hospital, he was gone. Of course, that did not cause me to become a believer about who Jesus Christ was. But certainly did have an affect on me, none the less plus finding him indeed gone, no longer laying in the bed moaning and groaning anymore.
Then the next day, while everyone was praying for and with my Dad was the thing that finally convinced me that Jesus Christ was Lord and Savior finally. Because during the time they were all praying, I was watching, even though they told every one to close there eyes then, no way was I going to close my eyes at all. And suddenly in came Jesus Christ into that room, put his hands on my dads shoulders, then left. And that was when I knew for sure who He was. And also was when I began to be determined to find out about all of this, my beginning to follow HIM. As some would say, that was the day I did an about face completely almost. Laying down from then on the cultish beliefs I had been into before. Somehow, and don't ask me how, I knew they were not the truth at all anymore. And this happened somewhere around 40 years ago, and have not turned back to follow another ever since. Didn't become perfect of course. And don't believe I am still finished by a long shot in that department either. Because if I was complete, I just don't beleive I would be here still sharing this with others today at all. But as Paul said in Phil. 3:
14: I PRESS ON TOWARD THE MARK OF THE HIGH CALLING IN CHRIST JESUS.
And about perfection, be sure and read what he said before that scripture I quoted, as well as after with understanding as to how one is not yet perfected yet, but still can be prefect at the same time. And if you don't understand, ask the Lord. And if you do not know Him, but want to, then ask HIM to reveal Himself to you in some way or another so that you can know who he is. Because as I recall back then, that was what I was asking HIM about back then. Well close anyway. Then wait for Him to answer of course. As sometimes we do have to wait, just as Is. said in Is. 40:31.
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"Dear Sandy: About that 'love thy neighbor' thing? I meant it -- Love, Jesus."
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It makes no difference whether you study in the holy language, or in Arabic, or Aramaic [or in Greek or even in English]; it matters only whether it is done with understanding. - Moshe Maimonides.
Utilitarian Christianity, or are you ready to be a martyr?
One of the subject areas I am investigating for possible inclusion in a book I am researching involves the motivation people have for becoming a Christian – and ultimately, why one would want to continue to be identified as a Christian even if it meant total deprivation or even death?
This is a particularly difficult subject to address because it is so hard to get honest answers to the various questions that arise from confronting one’s self, Especially in a serious self examinations concerning what one believes and why – and how well one measures up to the religious standards they use to judge others. Most forks are just not willing to publicly share this level of intimacy. And - that is most likely a good idea. Therefore -
This is meant to be a rhetorical question and not to be answered in an open forum.
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This question does not come up very often and certainly not in an overt confrontation, but how would you answer the question, “Why are you a Christian?”
For example, what do you expect to get out of being identified as a Christian? What is your personal pay-off? Can you give three foundational reasons (justifications) for holding to your form of the Christian religion? Why is your form of Christianity better than someone else’s? And, why is your religion better than every other non-Christian form, or type of religion?
To know (being able to identify and explain) what you believe and why, goes a long way toward establishing one’s testimony and authenticity in the eyes of others.
Being able to mound a credible challenge to what you profess to believe in gives you the ability to effectively meet the challenges (arguments) that others will confront you with. Non-personal responses to challenges such as, “I believe in (this or that) because the Bible says so.”, will not win many converts to Christ. After all, most non-Christians don’t think ‘your Bible’ has much value anyway, and certainly has no authority in their lives.
So, the final question remains: Why are you a Christian?
A follow up question would be, “Are you true to your professed religious beliefs, i.e. do you live up to, and perform all of the duties and responsibilities that your religion requires of you?” If you had to judge yourself as God will judge you, how do you measure up, today?
I think your question is one that we all should ask ourselves and be able to answer without any reservations based on the foundation of Gods holy word; if this is where you place your faith. You will face judgement and "it is coming" and you best be ready with works to back it up. We all "believe in something" so what is our true color? First, I believe the bible to be the absolute truth, no doubts! Second in believing this my reason for being a Christian is that there is an absolute confidence that the power and blessings of God are real and salvation is real. Third, would I die for this doctrine? I feel that if I would waver in this decision then I am unworthy of the reward of my previous statements. According to my understanding of Gods word we can burn now or burn later but we will burn at one time or the other. The burning now would be by the Holy Ghost and fire that purifies the soul. This will only happen when you have not decided but committed your soul to Jesus and not only talk the talk but walk the walk. It's truly a matter of the heart and soul as to what master you will serve!
As I have noted, I have asked this same question across several on-line communities. The responses have been enlightening and also somewhat disturbing - even though I urged folks to take this as a self examination. I should be ready to post my initial findings after the new year.
Should I continue on and actually write a book on modern church doctrines/dogma, this exercise will be included. Of course, no names or identifiable comments or remarks will be used.
__________________
It makes no difference whether you study in the holy language, or in Arabic, or Aramaic [or in Greek or even in English]; it matters only whether it is done with understanding. - Moshe Maimonides.
Last edited by A.W. Bowman; 12-25-2011 at 07:16 PM.
I cannot answer for anyone else at all, except myself.
I am a Christian today even though I do not remember ever not having been taught that Jesus Christ was our Lord and Savior by my parents as well as many others. I still wandered into some things that nobody should wander into because even thought I was taught these thing, I really had no real reason later in life to believe them. And began a walk of my own regarding spiritual issues, is the best I can describe it.
But then one day, during a time when my Dad was in the hospital, my visiting him there, I saw a miraculous healing take place by another man that was in the next bed to him. That seemed to be in terrible pain one minute, and suddenly after this fellow came in and began ministering to him in Spanish, my not having a clue what they were saying at all. But suddenly this dude jumps out of bed, no longer in pain anymore, beginning to jump up and down saying "I am Healed" over and over again, very loudly. So loud that some nurses came running in finally to find out what all the yelling was about. He telling them the same thing, as well as saying I want to go home. The nurses telling him he will have to wait until tomorrow morning when the doctor comes in, he being the only one that can release him. anyway, the next day when we got to the hospital, he was gone. Of course, that did not cause me to become a believer about who Jesus Christ was. But certainly did have an affect on me, none the less plus finding him indeed gone, no longer laying in the bed moaning and groaning anymore.
Then the next day, while everyone was praying for and with my Dad was the thing that finally convinced me that Jesus Christ was Lord and Savior finally. Because during the time they were all praying, I was watching, even though they told every one to close there eyes then, no way was I going to close my eyes at all. And suddenly in came Jesus Christ into that room, put his hands on my dads shoulders, then left. And that was when I knew for sure who He was. And also was when I began to be determined to find out about all of this, my beginning to follow HIM. As some would say, that was the day I did an about face completely almost. Laying down from then on the cultish beliefs I had been into before. Somehow, and don't ask me how, I knew they were not the truth at all anymore. And this happened somewhere around 40 years ago, and have not turned back to follow another ever since. Didn't become perfect of course. And don't believe I am still finished by a long shot in that department either. Because if I was complete, I just don't beleive I would be here still sharing this with others today at all. But as Paul said in Phil. 3:
14: I PRESS ON TOWARD THE MARK OF THE HIGH CALLING IN CHRIST JESUS.
And about perfection, be sure and read what he said before that scripture I quoted, as well as after with understanding as to how one is not yet perfected yet, but still can be prefect at the same time. And if you don't understand, ask the Lord. And if you do not know Him, but want to, then ask HIM to reveal Himself to you in some way or another so that you can know who he is. Because as I recall back then, that was what I was asking HIM about back then. Well close anyway. Then wait for Him to answer of course. As sometimes we do have to wait, just as Is. said in Is. 40:31.
As I have noted, I have asked this same question across several on-line communities. The responses have been enlightening and also somewhat disturbing - even though I urged folks to take this as a self examination. I should be ready to post my initial findings after the new year.
Should I continue on and actually write a book on modern church doctrines/dogma, this exercise will be included. Of course, no names or identifiable comments or remarks will be used.
I don't know if you are still looking for responses to this thread, but thought I would revive it... would be interested in hearing the conclusion of the matter when you finish writing it too ...
As to my answer of this deep question, I have to say this. When you search for God with your mind, all you usually end up with are questions, questions, and more questions. The answers are elusive and the questions get bigger. Just read the book of Job!! There was a man who asked a lot of questions, and got very, very few answers. And the answers he got, he didn't really like.
But in the end, Job said Job 42:1-5 1 Then Job answered the LORD, and said, 2 I know that thou canst do every [thing], and [that] no thought can be withholden from thee.
3 Who [is] he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
4 Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. 5 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 6 Wherefore I abhor [myself], and repent in dust and ashes.
So, you can search for God with your mind, and ask all the questions, read all the books, check into all the different religions, dogmas, and doctrine, but nothing, absolutely nothing can compare, to searching after God with your heart.
Many people come to God at the lowest point in their lives, when they realized they have tried every other option, and turn to God in complete desperation. Why is that? Because it is not man's nature to give up control of his life to anyone or anything, including God, willingly.
But when we, the created ones, come face to face with our Creator,perhaps in our darkest nights... as Job did... we realize all our questions are pointless, because ... He is God. He created me, you, and everyone and everything else. He knows us better than we know ourselves. And God doesn't need me... at all. But I NEED HIM!
Realization of that desperate need in each and every human heart will lead one to God, if one is willing to be honest with themselves. There is a hole, I believe, in every human heart, a huge void, that is aching to be filled with all the fullness God has to offer, but many times it is filled with everything and anything but God.
If anyone were to say to me, Why are you a christian, i would answer Because I need Jesus. He completes me. His work on Calvary through my faith in that work, makes life worth living now. I am not waiting for eternity to live, I am truly alive NOW.
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