It would appear that a Christian group has made a very bold statement that states that they have predicted the end of the world. According to this group, the rapture will happen this Saturday, and the end of the world will happen on October 11.
I have been trying to approach this biblically, and have tried to NOT "point and laugh," but it would appear that this has been introduced to my children as well. While I am all up for a good witnessing session (I love to spread God's word as much as the next person), when my child comes to me upset and worried that she's going to be "left behind" when the rapture happens . . . Well, that's when I have to step in with my own doctrine - steeped in truth.
There are many out there that are worried about the rapture - when will it happen? Will I be taken? Will I be "left behind". But in my reading and research on the subject there are a few things that I've noticed. So, today I will share them with you dear readers - this is why you should not worry about the rapture.
1. (This is going to be an unpopular statement) The rapture is NOT biblical. Many rapturists will quote scripture to back up their claims. The problem with this tactic is that you have to be using scripture in context for it to be valid. For example: Matthew 24:30-31 is often used to prove the rapture is biblical. If however we look at this verse in its complete context, we will find that there is an whole other series of events that is to take place before Christs followers are taken into heaven. Essentially, the Earth will not be a pleasant place for Christians. Other scriptures that should be looked at in context are 1 Thessalonians 4:16-7; Matthew 24:40-41; and Revelation 3:10-11.
2. The rapture was not taught as a doctrine until the 1830's. According to the Biblical Eschatology Blog, the revelation was a concept brought about by delusional "visions" of an ill woman involved in a religious cult. Rather than looking at things biblically, some ministers decided to take this idea and run with it, taking scripture out of context and twisting it to fit their needs. Weather the rapture was meant as a comfort (don't worry, we won't be here when all the bad stuff is going to happen) or a scare tactic (you'd better be good or you'll be left behind) is hard to say. But it certainly was (and still is) an effective method for keeping parishioners in line.
3. If there IS going to be a rapture, if you are a true believer in Christ, you don't need to worry anyway. The fact is, weather or not there's a rapture is of little consequence. If there IS - Christs followers will be the ones taken. That includes those that don't believe in the rapture.
4. When we get into heaven, chances are, we will remember none of our earthy tribulations, and if we do, it will only make us appreciate Heaven more. In the coming times, Christians will be oppressed, tormented, mocked. The end days for Christians will be similar to the Holocaust for the Jews, according to Matthew 24. The good thing for us is, when we get to heaven, we will be surrounded by all the glory and majesty of God.
5. Chances are good that the second coming will not happen until many, many years from now. In fact, it is quite plausible that it won't happen for hundreds or thousands of years from now. The bottom line is, weather it happens on Saturday or in 378 years, no one knows (Matthew 24:36).
Jesus tells us in the Bible to not worry (Matthew 6:34). Rather, we should spend each day as though the Second Coming were tomorrow - Our focus should always be on God and teaching other's about Christ's love and God's amazing grace through our actions and words. Believe. Let Christ shine through you. Don't worry.
By the way, I am sure that the people spreading the Gospel about the prediction of the rapture are good, wonderful, and devout in their beliefs. I in no way believe them to be false prophets and in no way do I make the judgement that they are foolish and/or delusional. I feel that their love for Christ is so strong and they long so deeply for His return that they really and truly want this to be true. My heart and prayers goes out to them and I pray that they continue their ministry, even after May 22 and October 12 have come and gone.
Blessings to you all.
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Resentment . . .
One thing that I have realized about myself is my tendency to hold grudges and to be resentful to people.
I could list names, but as this is the internet, I don't want to air my "dirty laundry".
But I've also realized that these resentments are unhealthy for my relationships.
We become resentful for many reasons.
Perhaps our husbands have wronged us in some way.
Maybe we have a child with special needs.
Perhaps a psycho-ex that's hovering in your life for one reason or another.
Maybe we were abused by someone we cared about and trusted.
Whatever the reason for our resentment, it's important for us to learn to let it go.
The bible tells us in Hebrews 12:14-15:
"Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord; looking diligently lest any man fall from the Grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby made defiled" (KJV)
Letting go of our bitterness and our resentments will bring us closer to God.
We cannot possibly fill ourselves with the beautiful light and love of God if we are filled with the ugly darkness of hatred.
This fact is something that I struggle with daily.
Jesus tells us that we we are wronged we should
"turn the other cheek"
(Matthew 5:39)
and that we should forgive others
"seventy times seven"
times over
(Matthew 18:22).
And he also tells us to
"love one another as I have loved you"
(John 13:34).
It's hard to let go.
It's hard to forgive.
It's hard to forget.
But there is one thing to think about when we feel the ugly green bitterness rising up within us to consume our hearts:
Jesus loved us so much that he died for us.
God loves us so much that he will forgive ANY sin of us.
Now I know, we're not Christ. And we're not God. But it's good to remember these things as we struggle so that we can remember just how insignificant our "issues" are in the larger scheme of things.
One day, not one iota of these problems will remain.
They won't matter.
They won't even exist.
If God can forgive us our sins,
Shouldn't we take a moment to try to forgive others?
Blessings,
Sunday, April 24, 2011
He's Alive!
Easter Story.
Adapted from Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24 and John 20-21.
© Copyright Jennifer June DeMoss, 2011
Mary, still aching from the loss of her friend, went to the tomb with some other women to anoint Jesus' body. It was a custom then to do so, and to pray over it and wrap it. As they walked to the simple hole in the side of the mountain they were all surprised to see the stone that had covered it to keep the animals and bugs out had been removed. Mary was a little petered at this - it was a sign of disrespect to leave a tomb unopened. She saw the gardener standing with his back turned, so she walked up to him, with the full intent of griping at him for such a mistake.
"Why is this tomb open?" She demanded. She then turned to look inside to check on Jesus' body, but it was empty. Angry and upset she returned outside to find her companions staring in awe at something behind her. She turned and shock filled her body. There, atop the stone, sat a man all in white. He was smiling joyously and had an ethereal glow about him. "Why are you looking for someone that's not there! Jesus isn't in that tomb, HE HAS RISEN!"
Mary and the others turned to return to the base camp. Faster than she, the other women went ahead. Mary weakened and collapsed to the ground, sobbing.
"Woman," sad a voice with a familiar kindness and love, "Why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"
Mary looked up and her heart soared with joy and love as she saw the man standing before her. How was it possible? Through some wonderful miracle of the Lord, Jesus was standing right in front of her. He gently touched her cheek, and wiped away the tears that were streaming down her face in rivers. "Mary . . ." he whispered.
"Rabboni . . ." Mary managed to choke out.
"Mary, let me go. I still have to return to the Father. Go tell our brothers that you have seen me and that I am returning to God."
Mary kissed the ground at his feet. She didn't want to leave, she wanted to hold on for dear life. But she knew that He was right. She turned to return to the inn where they were staying.
"I have seen Him," She said breathlessly as she ran into the meeting room. "He's alive. He's risen again!" The men stared at her - she obviously had had a little too much wine.
"Who are you talking about, Mary?" Peter asked.
"Jesus!!"
Then men all stared at her, mouths open. Thomas' face betrayed his thoughts - he thought she was a loon.
But Peter got up, placed his hands on her shoulders.
"Mary, are you sure?" Mary nodded. Without hesitating, Peter ran out the door.
Thomas got tired of waiting, and left the room. A while later,Peter returned, holding some of the burial cloth in his hand. "He wasn't there . . ." he said, sadly. "He just . . . wasn't there."
Then a voice sudden said, "Peace be with you!" The room fell silent. All eyes were on the man that had just appeared in the room. "The father has sent me, now I am sending you." He touched each of their heads and breathed on them. "Receive the Holy Spirit. Forgive others of their sins" he commanded. Then he left.
Soon after, Thomas returned. They told him what had happened. He thought everyone must have gotten into whatever wine Mary'd been drinking. "Unless he appears to me right now and shows me the marks in his hands and the wound in his side, I will not believe it."
A week later, the men were sitting down to dinner. Then, as before, a familiar voice said, "Peace be with you!" He looked at Thomas. "Hello Thomas." Thomas could barely stammer out a "hello". "Here," Jesus said. "Touch the wounds. Put your fingers here, in the hole. Here, put your hand in my side." He took Thomas' head in his hands and turned it up to face him. "Stop doubting, Thomas. BELIEVE."
Thomas wrapped his arms around his friend in a sobbing embrace. He was embarrassed to have doubted the truth. "My Lord and my God" he exclaimed.
Jesus stayed with the men for some time, teaching them how to run the church now that he was no longer going to be able to. He told them to go and tell the world what they had witnessed. Then, one day, he turned to them all. He blessed them. And then the men witnessed Jesus being taken into heaven by the Lord.
"His return is very soon, and so you better be believin' that our God is an AWESOME God . . ."
- Rich Mullins
Adapted from Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24 and John 20-21.
© Copyright Jennifer June DeMoss, 2011
Mary, still aching from the loss of her friend, went to the tomb with some other women to anoint Jesus' body. It was a custom then to do so, and to pray over it and wrap it. As they walked to the simple hole in the side of the mountain they were all surprised to see the stone that had covered it to keep the animals and bugs out had been removed. Mary was a little petered at this - it was a sign of disrespect to leave a tomb unopened. She saw the gardener standing with his back turned, so she walked up to him, with the full intent of griping at him for such a mistake.
"Why is this tomb open?" She demanded. She then turned to look inside to check on Jesus' body, but it was empty. Angry and upset she returned outside to find her companions staring in awe at something behind her. She turned and shock filled her body. There, atop the stone, sat a man all in white. He was smiling joyously and had an ethereal glow about him. "Why are you looking for someone that's not there! Jesus isn't in that tomb, HE HAS RISEN!"
Mary and the others turned to return to the base camp. Faster than she, the other women went ahead. Mary weakened and collapsed to the ground, sobbing.
"Woman," sad a voice with a familiar kindness and love, "Why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"
Mary looked up and her heart soared with joy and love as she saw the man standing before her. How was it possible? Through some wonderful miracle of the Lord, Jesus was standing right in front of her. He gently touched her cheek, and wiped away the tears that were streaming down her face in rivers. "Mary . . ." he whispered.
"Rabboni . . ." Mary managed to choke out.
"Mary, let me go. I still have to return to the Father. Go tell our brothers that you have seen me and that I am returning to God."
Mary kissed the ground at his feet. She didn't want to leave, she wanted to hold on for dear life. But she knew that He was right. She turned to return to the inn where they were staying.
"I have seen Him," She said breathlessly as she ran into the meeting room. "He's alive. He's risen again!" The men stared at her - she obviously had had a little too much wine.
"Who are you talking about, Mary?" Peter asked.
"Jesus!!"
Then men all stared at her, mouths open. Thomas' face betrayed his thoughts - he thought she was a loon.
But Peter got up, placed his hands on her shoulders.
"Mary, are you sure?" Mary nodded. Without hesitating, Peter ran out the door.
Thomas got tired of waiting, and left the room. A while later,Peter returned, holding some of the burial cloth in his hand. "He wasn't there . . ." he said, sadly. "He just . . . wasn't there."
Then a voice sudden said, "Peace be with you!" The room fell silent. All eyes were on the man that had just appeared in the room. "The father has sent me, now I am sending you." He touched each of their heads and breathed on them. "Receive the Holy Spirit. Forgive others of their sins" he commanded. Then he left.
Soon after, Thomas returned. They told him what had happened. He thought everyone must have gotten into whatever wine Mary'd been drinking. "Unless he appears to me right now and shows me the marks in his hands and the wound in his side, I will not believe it."
A week later, the men were sitting down to dinner. Then, as before, a familiar voice said, "Peace be with you!" He looked at Thomas. "Hello Thomas." Thomas could barely stammer out a "hello". "Here," Jesus said. "Touch the wounds. Put your fingers here, in the hole. Here, put your hand in my side." He took Thomas' head in his hands and turned it up to face him. "Stop doubting, Thomas. BELIEVE."
Thomas wrapped his arms around his friend in a sobbing embrace. He was embarrassed to have doubted the truth. "My Lord and my God" he exclaimed.
Jesus stayed with the men for some time, teaching them how to run the church now that he was no longer going to be able to. He told them to go and tell the world what they had witnessed. Then, one day, he turned to them all. He blessed them. And then the men witnessed Jesus being taken into heaven by the Lord.
"His return is very soon, and so you better be believin' that our God is an AWESOME God . . ."
- Rich Mullins
Friday, April 22, 2011
Good Friday . . .
Today is the day that our Savior took away our sins.
A friend posted on Facebook that he recently watched The Passion of the Christ again, a movie that I would actually like to watch again myself.
But it reminds me of something that breaks my heart and lifts my soul with joy all at once.
HE died for ME.
ME - who is completely unworthy of salvation.
ME - who spent much of my early adulthood denying His existance
ME - who is a sinner through and through
A few years ago I went with my church's youth group to church camp. At the end of camp we had a walk through, where I'd lead the kids through a maze of dark rooms. In each of the rooms, there are sounds, smells, flooring, even tactile items to make it seem that you are there listening and experiencing the last few days of Christ's life on Earth. You experience the last supper, the arrest, and the trial. But the one thing that got every child in that entire camp, the one thing that affected ME more than anything, was the death. In a dark room you only hear three things. First, the crack of a whip, over and over. Then, the sound of nails being driven into a piece of wood. Finally a man cries out in Aramaic: "Eloi Eloi lama sabachthani? My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
Even now this simple scene gives me chills.
Jesus knew what he was on Earth for. It wasn't as though he WANTED this to happen to him - on the contrary, he asked God many times to save him from this deed. But he knew that God's will must be fulfilled, and HE was God's will.
So he took it. Every lash of the whip. Every drop of saliva that the soldiers spit on him. Every drop of sour wine they shoved into his face to drink. Every pound of the hammer. And every. single. nail.
He didn't see our faults. He didn't see our sin. All He saw was God's will and His love for us. For ALL of us. He wanted us to have salvation, weather we wanted it or not. His undying love and grace and mercy saved us all from an eternity without Him.
We are filthy. All He sees is clean. We are ugly. All He sees is beauty. We are unworthy. All He sees is worth.
There is a song that I am reminded of right now by Nichole Nordeman called "Anyway". There is a line that goes:
"You called me beautiful when you saw my shame, and you placed me on the wall anyway . . ."
God sees our beauty and our worth. He knows our needs and fulfills them.
Almost 1000 years ago He fulfilled our need for salvation by sacrificing His own.
God Bless you all.
A friend posted on Facebook that he recently watched The Passion of the Christ again, a movie that I would actually like to watch again myself.
But it reminds me of something that breaks my heart and lifts my soul with joy all at once.
HE died for ME.
ME - who is completely unworthy of salvation.
ME - who spent much of my early adulthood denying His existance
ME - who is a sinner through and through
A few years ago I went with my church's youth group to church camp. At the end of camp we had a walk through, where I'd lead the kids through a maze of dark rooms. In each of the rooms, there are sounds, smells, flooring, even tactile items to make it seem that you are there listening and experiencing the last few days of Christ's life on Earth. You experience the last supper, the arrest, and the trial. But the one thing that got every child in that entire camp, the one thing that affected ME more than anything, was the death. In a dark room you only hear three things. First, the crack of a whip, over and over. Then, the sound of nails being driven into a piece of wood. Finally a man cries out in Aramaic: "Eloi Eloi lama sabachthani? My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
Even now this simple scene gives me chills.
Jesus knew what he was on Earth for. It wasn't as though he WANTED this to happen to him - on the contrary, he asked God many times to save him from this deed. But he knew that God's will must be fulfilled, and HE was God's will.
So he took it. Every lash of the whip. Every drop of saliva that the soldiers spit on him. Every drop of sour wine they shoved into his face to drink. Every pound of the hammer. And every. single. nail.
He didn't see our faults. He didn't see our sin. All He saw was God's will and His love for us. For ALL of us. He wanted us to have salvation, weather we wanted it or not. His undying love and grace and mercy saved us all from an eternity without Him.
We are filthy. All He sees is clean. We are ugly. All He sees is beauty. We are unworthy. All He sees is worth.
There is a song that I am reminded of right now by Nichole Nordeman called "Anyway". There is a line that goes:
"You called me beautiful when you saw my shame, and you placed me on the wall anyway . . ."
God sees our beauty and our worth. He knows our needs and fulfills them.
Almost 1000 years ago He fulfilled our need for salvation by sacrificing His own.
God Bless you all.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Witnessing . . . And Me
I am a terrible witness.
I just had to get that out first thing.
I don't minister to ANYONE face to face.
I may say something on my blog or facebook or twitter.
But never directly TO anyone, and NEVER face to face.
Maybe I'm scared of losing their friendship?
(I have many non-Christian friends)
Maybe I'm scared of being judged?
Whatever the reason, I know it's attributed to fear.
What kind of friend doesn't share the love of her Christ with those she cares about?
The Lord commands us to in Matthew 28:19-20:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
How displeasing is it to God that I don't - that I CAN'T - bring myself to do this?
Yesterday I read this devotion from Proverbs 31 Ministries. It talks about these feelings of self-doubt and fear. Doubting myself is, essentially, doubting what God can do for me.
It led me to make a commitment to myself and to my God to be a better Christian and to be a better minister.
Christ has led us ALL into His ministry, and calls for each of us to do so.
But in order to do this, I have to "check myself" first.
I have to release my fear and self-doubt.
Some people don't like Christians filled with Fire.
I have to be willing to take that risk and remember that teaching other's about Christ is right, and good, and pleasing to God.
I also have to stop whining and complaining so much in my life.
How can I tell others about the love of Christ and the Peace and the Joy He brings, when I'm complaining all the time?
God wants us to find comfort in Him at all times.
I also need to watch my actions and what I say.
Gossip is hurtful to others. Harsh words are hurtful to others. Raised voices are hurtful to others.
God wants us to be kind, and tolerant, and loving.
So there you have it.
It's going to be hard for me.
really. really. hard.
Please pray for me.
Have a blessed day!
I just had to get that out first thing.
I don't minister to ANYONE face to face.
I may say something on my blog or facebook or twitter.
But never directly TO anyone, and NEVER face to face.
Maybe I'm scared of losing their friendship?
(I have many non-Christian friends)
Maybe I'm scared of being judged?
Whatever the reason, I know it's attributed to fear.
What kind of friend doesn't share the love of her Christ with those she cares about?
The Lord commands us to in Matthew 28:19-20:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
How displeasing is it to God that I don't - that I CAN'T - bring myself to do this?
Yesterday I read this devotion from Proverbs 31 Ministries. It talks about these feelings of self-doubt and fear. Doubting myself is, essentially, doubting what God can do for me.
It led me to make a commitment to myself and to my God to be a better Christian and to be a better minister.
Christ has led us ALL into His ministry, and calls for each of us to do so.
But in order to do this, I have to "check myself" first.
I have to release my fear and self-doubt.
Some people don't like Christians filled with Fire.
I have to be willing to take that risk and remember that teaching other's about Christ is right, and good, and pleasing to God.
I also have to stop whining and complaining so much in my life.
How can I tell others about the love of Christ and the Peace and the Joy He brings, when I'm complaining all the time?
God wants us to find comfort in Him at all times.
I also need to watch my actions and what I say.
Gossip is hurtful to others. Harsh words are hurtful to others. Raised voices are hurtful to others.
God wants us to be kind, and tolerant, and loving.
So there you have it.
It's going to be hard for me.
really. really. hard.
Please pray for me.
Have a blessed day!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
She's Baaaaa-aaaack!! Back with a message!
Wow, it seems like forever since I've been writing. I've missed it tremendously. Between schoolwork, moving, cleaning, family raising, etc, it just seems I didn't have the time anymore! But I have made a vow that I will MAKE the time - at least once a week - to sit down and blog. Why? Because I miss it, and I miss my followers (most of whom I follow back!).
We've moved! We left our rent house (which we pretty much hated) and moved into a nice 120 (almost) year old home. There is a lot of history in this house, from a lot of families. Most recently, my husband's family. His grandparents bought this house in the 70's and it's been in the family ever since. We are blessed to be here - rent-free - and we believe the utilities will be a lot lower as well. Those two blessings will enable us to repair our credit and save up some money. It will be nice to be debt free.
Christmas is coming - YEA! I love this time of year. I'll love it even more when we get the Christmas decorations up. The music, the decor, the movies . . . the COOKIES! I have made a promise to myself (and my kids) that I will try MANY different cookie recipes this year. Of course I've already made a batch of my I-wish-they-were-famous chocolate chip cookies. Next - snickerdoodles. Then gingerbread, sugar cookies, candy cane cookies, and Kissy-Thumbprints (thumb prints with a Hershey's kiss instead of jam). Yes, 'tis the season for sweets in the DeMoss house!
Speaking of Christmas, this brings me to a very important message - What is Christmas about?
For many people this year, Christmas is going to be hard. They will scramble and go into debt to make sure their kids get a "good Christmas". But what makes a good Christmas? Is it the gifts? Is it the mountains of food piled up on the table? Is it the decorations, the music, the movies, the cookies?
No. Christmas is about three things - memories, family, and a tiny little baby that was brought into the world to atone for man's sin.
We, as a society, teach our children that Christmas is about how many toys Santa brought, or how many candy canes Billy can fit into his mouth, or how many cookies did mommy bake (yes, I am guilty of this as well). But we should be stepping up to teach our children "in the way they should go". This year, for example, my kids will get one or two okay gifts - nothing overly special or fancy - from "Santa". The rest of the gifts (three gifts to represent the Magi that visited Christ) will be used items from a thrift store or from yard sales. We want our focus this year to be on the REASON for Christmas. They'll get tons of other stuff from their grandparents, aunts, and uncles. It's our job, as parents, to teach them.
I urge you to this year focus on the Christ Child this season. Teach your children about the blessing of grace and salvation, teach them about charity and giving.
This is what the Lord commands of us.
We've moved! We left our rent house (which we pretty much hated) and moved into a nice 120 (almost) year old home. There is a lot of history in this house, from a lot of families. Most recently, my husband's family. His grandparents bought this house in the 70's and it's been in the family ever since. We are blessed to be here - rent-free - and we believe the utilities will be a lot lower as well. Those two blessings will enable us to repair our credit and save up some money. It will be nice to be debt free.
Christmas is coming - YEA! I love this time of year. I'll love it even more when we get the Christmas decorations up. The music, the decor, the movies . . . the COOKIES! I have made a promise to myself (and my kids) that I will try MANY different cookie recipes this year. Of course I've already made a batch of my I-wish-they-were-famous chocolate chip cookies. Next - snickerdoodles. Then gingerbread, sugar cookies, candy cane cookies, and Kissy-Thumbprints (thumb prints with a Hershey's kiss instead of jam). Yes, 'tis the season for sweets in the DeMoss house!
Speaking of Christmas, this brings me to a very important message - What is Christmas about?
For many people this year, Christmas is going to be hard. They will scramble and go into debt to make sure their kids get a "good Christmas". But what makes a good Christmas? Is it the gifts? Is it the mountains of food piled up on the table? Is it the decorations, the music, the movies, the cookies?
No. Christmas is about three things - memories, family, and a tiny little baby that was brought into the world to atone for man's sin.
We, as a society, teach our children that Christmas is about how many toys Santa brought, or how many candy canes Billy can fit into his mouth, or how many cookies did mommy bake (yes, I am guilty of this as well). But we should be stepping up to teach our children "in the way they should go". This year, for example, my kids will get one or two okay gifts - nothing overly special or fancy - from "Santa". The rest of the gifts (three gifts to represent the Magi that visited Christ) will be used items from a thrift store or from yard sales. We want our focus this year to be on the REASON for Christmas. They'll get tons of other stuff from their grandparents, aunts, and uncles. It's our job, as parents, to teach them.
I urge you to this year focus on the Christ Child this season. Teach your children about the blessing of grace and salvation, teach them about charity and giving.
This is what the Lord commands of us.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Atheism Revisited
There have been a few things weighing on my heart recently, and atheism is one of those things. About two years ago I wrote this post on atheism and Christianity. In the post I stated my beliefs that Christians are a leading cause of atheism. I still stand by that statement - let me explain.
I have a very good friend that is a non-believer. I'm not sure WHAT his beliefs are, to tell you the truth, but he says that he doesn't believe in "any of it". By that, I take it to mean that he doesn't believe in ANY religion (he sports a few pagan tattoos and has a few books on druidism, so I thought that was what he was into, but I could be wrong). Now, here's the kicker. His brother is an out-and-out atheist. He believes in NOTHING - not any religion, nothing paranormal, nothing spiritual, NOTHING. As far as he's concerned, there is no point to man's existance on this earth. Now, on the other hand, their father is a devout Christian. He is a believer through and through. Quite often this family gets into . . . debate over religion, because one person will make a comment about the other's beliefs.
Here's my thoughts on this:
As Christians, it is our DUTY and our CALLING to teach others about Christ. That being said, there's a way to go about things and there's a time and a place for things as well.
For example:
Telling someone that they are going to hell because they're Muslim while you're in the middle of a shopping mall is not going about things the right way, nor is it the proper time and place.
On the other hand:
You have a friend notice a cross you're wearing and asks you about your beliefs. They make an offhanded comment about how "every Christian" believes a certain way. This is an opportunity given to you by God to teach the facts about your beliefs, thus opening up a dialogue where you can share your personal faith.
Shoving your beliefs down ANYONE'S throat - NO MATTER WHAT THAT BELIEF - is NOT the right way to go about it.
As I said in the previous post, people didn't come to Christ because he was shouting at them from the street calling them names and telling them they were going to hell. On the contrary, Christ sat and spoke softly to those that were surrounding him and wanted to listen. They may not have agreed with what he was saying, but they were listening because they WANTED to, not because he was forcing them to.
So . . . those are my two cents (again). It's just something I had been thinking about lately, that I wanted to share with you all. What are your thoughts on religion? I would love to hear YOUR two cents . . .
I have a very good friend that is a non-believer. I'm not sure WHAT his beliefs are, to tell you the truth, but he says that he doesn't believe in "any of it". By that, I take it to mean that he doesn't believe in ANY religion (he sports a few pagan tattoos and has a few books on druidism, so I thought that was what he was into, but I could be wrong). Now, here's the kicker. His brother is an out-and-out atheist. He believes in NOTHING - not any religion, nothing paranormal, nothing spiritual, NOTHING. As far as he's concerned, there is no point to man's existance on this earth. Now, on the other hand, their father is a devout Christian. He is a believer through and through. Quite often this family gets into . . . debate over religion, because one person will make a comment about the other's beliefs.
Here's my thoughts on this:
As Christians, it is our DUTY and our CALLING to teach others about Christ. That being said, there's a way to go about things and there's a time and a place for things as well.
For example:
Telling someone that they are going to hell because they're Muslim while you're in the middle of a shopping mall is not going about things the right way, nor is it the proper time and place.
On the other hand:
You have a friend notice a cross you're wearing and asks you about your beliefs. They make an offhanded comment about how "every Christian" believes a certain way. This is an opportunity given to you by God to teach the facts about your beliefs, thus opening up a dialogue where you can share your personal faith.
Shoving your beliefs down ANYONE'S throat - NO MATTER WHAT THAT BELIEF - is NOT the right way to go about it.
As I said in the previous post, people didn't come to Christ because he was shouting at them from the street calling them names and telling them they were going to hell. On the contrary, Christ sat and spoke softly to those that were surrounding him and wanted to listen. They may not have agreed with what he was saying, but they were listening because they WANTED to, not because he was forcing them to.
So . . . those are my two cents (again). It's just something I had been thinking about lately, that I wanted to share with you all. What are your thoughts on religion? I would love to hear YOUR two cents . . .
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Making Your Home Sing Monday!
Making Your Home Sing Monday:
This is something new for me, but to learn more about it, go to MomsTheWord
I am a day late this week.
What better way to make your home sing then by SINGING!
The Bible tells us to "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High" Psalm 92:1. In fact, throughout the book of Psalms, David talks about praising God with music throughout.
God loves to hear us proclaim his name in song. It doesn't matter weather or not you think you can sing, it is all pleasing to God.
So as you go about your daily chores today, try singing a song that you love that reminds you of your relationship with God. Remember everything we do we do in His name, even housework. He sees what we do every day for our families, and it makes him happy to see us diligently working to make our homes a better place.
This is something new for me, but to learn more about it, go to MomsTheWord
I am a day late this week.
What better way to make your home sing then by SINGING!
The Bible tells us to "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High" Psalm 92:1. In fact, throughout the book of Psalms, David talks about praising God with music throughout.
God loves to hear us proclaim his name in song. It doesn't matter weather or not you think you can sing, it is all pleasing to God.
So as you go about your daily chores today, try singing a song that you love that reminds you of your relationship with God. Remember everything we do we do in His name, even housework. He sees what we do every day for our families, and it makes him happy to see us diligently working to make our homes a better place.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Christmas soapbox . . .
I love the holidays. I love everything about the Christmas season. The lights, the carols, the colors, the smells, the joy, the giving, the weather (even though right now it's not really Christmas weather . . . grr), the food, EVERYTHING! Well, there is ONE little EEENSY WEENSY thing that gets to me.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Now, if I say "Merry Christmas" I expect one of a few answers: "Merry Christmas" from someone that celebrates Christmas, "Happy Hanukkah" from some of my Jewish friends, "Happy Kwanzaa" from someone who celebrates that, but NOT "HAPPY HOLIDAYS". I'm sorry, but "MERRY CHRISTMAS" does NOT warrent "HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!"
Want another rant?
Nativity scenes/Christmas trees are not being allowed in some town squares. Why? It might offend someone. A star of David, a Menorah, Kinara (Kwanzaa candle holder), or other non-Christian symbol couldn't possibly be offensive, but a CHRISTMAS TREE COULD BE??? HUH?? Soooo . . . let's get this straight . . . It's okay to take Jesus out of the season, because, heaven forbid we might piss off the atheists, but we can include EVERY OTHER RELIGIOUS ICON THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH CHRIST????
Is it me . . . ? Or is this lacking some shred of equality?
Don't misunderstand, I'm GLAD that everyone else gets to have thier symbols displayed. I LIKE diversity!! I would just like for MY beliefs to be included in the diversity!
Okay, I'm done now.
Maybe tomorrow I'll have a much more cheerful CHRISTMAS posting.
If I'm over this, that is . . .
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Now, if I say "Merry Christmas" I expect one of a few answers: "Merry Christmas" from someone that celebrates Christmas, "Happy Hanukkah" from some of my Jewish friends, "Happy Kwanzaa" from someone who celebrates that, but NOT "HAPPY HOLIDAYS". I'm sorry, but "MERRY CHRISTMAS" does NOT warrent "HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!"
Want another rant?
Nativity scenes/Christmas trees are not being allowed in some town squares. Why? It might offend someone. A star of David, a Menorah, Kinara (Kwanzaa candle holder), or other non-Christian symbol couldn't possibly be offensive, but a CHRISTMAS TREE COULD BE??? HUH?? Soooo . . . let's get this straight . . . It's okay to take Jesus out of the season, because, heaven forbid we might piss off the atheists, but we can include EVERY OTHER RELIGIOUS ICON THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH CHRIST????
Is it me . . . ? Or is this lacking some shred of equality?
Don't misunderstand, I'm GLAD that everyone else gets to have thier symbols displayed. I LIKE diversity!! I would just like for MY beliefs to be included in the diversity!
Okay, I'm done now.
Maybe tomorrow I'll have a much more cheerful CHRISTMAS posting.
If I'm over this, that is . . .
Friday, October 10, 2008
God is so good!
Well after this heck of a week, we get a phone call from our landlord telling us that she has a plumber coming out RIGHT THEN. We rush out to meet them at our house. The plumber (Keith's Plumbing from Nocona, to give him a plug) found where the pipeline went, did a little digging, and found out that we have another (hidden) cleanout close to the house. He runs his rooter through, and pulls out a wad of roots the size of my arm!!
With our pipes clear, we run out to check the mail.
Ronnie has recieved a check for an overpayment of child support - $152 worth!!
THEN I notice ANOTHER check in the mail - for me, from my OB/GYN - this was from a credit I had from Jake's birth.
It was, get this, $1094!!!!
ALL our prayers have been answered!!!
We will be able to 1) Pay off all our bills, 2) go to TRF with room to breathe, and 3) have enough left over to put up in savings for the next unforseen emergency.
He is SOO GOOD!!!
With our pipes clear, we run out to check the mail.
Ronnie has recieved a check for an overpayment of child support - $152 worth!!
THEN I notice ANOTHER check in the mail - for me, from my OB/GYN - this was from a credit I had from Jake's birth.
It was, get this, $1094!!!!
ALL our prayers have been answered!!!
We will be able to 1) Pay off all our bills, 2) go to TRF with room to breathe, and 3) have enough left over to put up in savings for the next unforseen emergency.
He is SOO GOOD!!!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Being Thankful . . .
Have you ever spent a single day of your life not being able to take a shower, wash dishes or clothes, or even go to the bathroom or brush your teeth?
We are so there.
Our sewer is messed up. REALLY messed up.
I am looking at this and saying, Okay God, what are you trying to teach me THIS week . . . then it hit me. THANKFULNESS. I have been so set on the things that I DON'T have lately that I forgot to take a step back and remember the things I DO have.
For example, Ronnie's company went to three day work weeks. He was offered a position that will give him a larger salary during this time. That, and the partial unemployment check he will be getting, puts us back where we need to be in order to pay our bills and stay on track. THEN, the ENTIRE plant went to a two week furlow (temp layoff) EXCEPT his section and one other. If that's not God, I don't know what it.
And yet, instead of being thankful for what God has granted us, I have been whiney about "oh, we don't have a second car" or "oh we only have one bathroom" or something else silly and insignificant.
So now, instead of ONE bathroom, we have NO bathroom.
God is chastizing me . . . And you know what? I'm THANKFUL for it. See out of this, I have learned a very valuable lesson. Life is not about the HAVE-NOT's. It's about seeing the little things God gives us on a daily basis, and counting those blessings. It's about saying thank you every once in a while for that little butterfly or that shooting star . . .
I am looking at what we're going through right now, with the job situation and the sewar situation, and seeing it in a whole new light. Now, I am THANKFUL because Ronnie and I are going through this TOGETHER - as a team. I have the man I love beside me, loving me and supporting me through it all. I have him to hold on to in the midst of a nervous breakdown (of which I have had at lest three this week). I am also thankful because we have God on our side. And like my husband, I have Him to lean on and talk to.
So, as I stare at the unflushable toilet today and pack our bags to stay at my mother's until we have a usable bathroom, I am still THANKFUL.
We are so there.
Our sewer is messed up. REALLY messed up.
I am looking at this and saying, Okay God, what are you trying to teach me THIS week . . . then it hit me. THANKFULNESS. I have been so set on the things that I DON'T have lately that I forgot to take a step back and remember the things I DO have.
For example, Ronnie's company went to three day work weeks. He was offered a position that will give him a larger salary during this time. That, and the partial unemployment check he will be getting, puts us back where we need to be in order to pay our bills and stay on track. THEN, the ENTIRE plant went to a two week furlow (temp layoff) EXCEPT his section and one other. If that's not God, I don't know what it.
And yet, instead of being thankful for what God has granted us, I have been whiney about "oh, we don't have a second car" or "oh we only have one bathroom" or something else silly and insignificant.
So now, instead of ONE bathroom, we have NO bathroom.
God is chastizing me . . . And you know what? I'm THANKFUL for it. See out of this, I have learned a very valuable lesson. Life is not about the HAVE-NOT's. It's about seeing the little things God gives us on a daily basis, and counting those blessings. It's about saying thank you every once in a while for that little butterfly or that shooting star . . .
I am looking at what we're going through right now, with the job situation and the sewar situation, and seeing it in a whole new light. Now, I am THANKFUL because Ronnie and I are going through this TOGETHER - as a team. I have the man I love beside me, loving me and supporting me through it all. I have him to hold on to in the midst of a nervous breakdown (of which I have had at lest three this week). I am also thankful because we have God on our side. And like my husband, I have Him to lean on and talk to.
So, as I stare at the unflushable toilet today and pack our bags to stay at my mother's until we have a usable bathroom, I am still THANKFUL.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
WOW.
Thank you Mary, for sending this.
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year.
It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period.
I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'
In light of recent events... Terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school . The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
I knew I loved Ben Stien for a reason.
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are: Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year.
It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period.
I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'
In light of recent events... Terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school . The Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
I knew I loved Ben Stien for a reason.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
10 years . . .
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/081208dnmetdorsey.43a6cf8.html
This is a link to an article about a man who impacted my life and the lives of others 10 years ago in Dallas.
He is a brutal madman.
He is a killer and a taker of innocence.
He knows what he has done to dozens, and does not care.
One of the victims they speak of in the article was a dear friend to me. I dated him off and on for years in high school, and even when we weren't together he was one of my very best friends. I mourned for him for several years before getting on with my life, and I have close friends that still have a hard time letting go.
Brad was an amazing person. He had this uncanny ability to make you feel better when you were down. I remember when he passed, my first thought was, "who's going to make me laugh now?".
Leon Dorsey stole that from me. He stole that from a lot of people.
I remember the funeral clearly. Brad's mom was in the front row, she looked numb. When they began to lower his casket into the ground, Aimee (a dear childhood friend) collapesed. They played his favorite music - we all sat together and sang with it.
The thing that impacted me the most then, and still does now, is the fact that the last time Brad and I spoke on the phone, we had an argument. A week later, I called to talk to him, and his girlfriend at the time answered. She wouldn't let me speak to him. Two weeks later, I was devastated.
This brings to mind an interesting thought. If you are not a supporter of the death penalty, you should probably stop reading now.
Leon Dorsey is getting his final judgement. He was an evil man - the article clearly states that through his actions and his own words. He felt no remorse. He didn't kill for money, or for need. He killed for the sheer sick enjoyment of the kill. When he reaches heaven, he will be turned away. He never allowed Christ to touch his heart. I pray that he finds Christ today. That some epiphany washes over him and he realizes the people he hurt were innocent. I pray that he asks for forgiveness for his sins. I pray that he finds the error in his ways and repents. I don't think any of these prayers will be answered.
Does he deserve to die? That's really not my judgement call. The Bible says "an eye for an eye". Well, by that law, God's will is being fulfilled. I am glad he is being executed. That is so horrible for me to say, I know, but if you felt what I felt. If you went throught what the families have gone through . . . I am glad he will never be allowed to hurt another person again. I wish I felt differently. I wish I could say "oh life in prison is enough. That way he can sit and think about it until he dies an old man". But you see, he won't sit and think about it. He truly doesn't care. So for that reason, I am glad.
It's been 10 years coming.
This is a link to an article about a man who impacted my life and the lives of others 10 years ago in Dallas.
He is a brutal madman.
He is a killer and a taker of innocence.
He knows what he has done to dozens, and does not care.
One of the victims they speak of in the article was a dear friend to me. I dated him off and on for years in high school, and even when we weren't together he was one of my very best friends. I mourned for him for several years before getting on with my life, and I have close friends that still have a hard time letting go.
Brad was an amazing person. He had this uncanny ability to make you feel better when you were down. I remember when he passed, my first thought was, "who's going to make me laugh now?".
Leon Dorsey stole that from me. He stole that from a lot of people.
I remember the funeral clearly. Brad's mom was in the front row, she looked numb. When they began to lower his casket into the ground, Aimee (a dear childhood friend) collapesed. They played his favorite music - we all sat together and sang with it.
The thing that impacted me the most then, and still does now, is the fact that the last time Brad and I spoke on the phone, we had an argument. A week later, I called to talk to him, and his girlfriend at the time answered. She wouldn't let me speak to him. Two weeks later, I was devastated.
This brings to mind an interesting thought. If you are not a supporter of the death penalty, you should probably stop reading now.
Leon Dorsey is getting his final judgement. He was an evil man - the article clearly states that through his actions and his own words. He felt no remorse. He didn't kill for money, or for need. He killed for the sheer sick enjoyment of the kill. When he reaches heaven, he will be turned away. He never allowed Christ to touch his heart. I pray that he finds Christ today. That some epiphany washes over him and he realizes the people he hurt were innocent. I pray that he asks for forgiveness for his sins. I pray that he finds the error in his ways and repents. I don't think any of these prayers will be answered.
Does he deserve to die? That's really not my judgement call. The Bible says "an eye for an eye". Well, by that law, God's will is being fulfilled. I am glad he is being executed. That is so horrible for me to say, I know, but if you felt what I felt. If you went throught what the families have gone through . . . I am glad he will never be allowed to hurt another person again. I wish I felt differently. I wish I could say "oh life in prison is enough. That way he can sit and think about it until he dies an old man". But you see, he won't sit and think about it. He truly doesn't care. So for that reason, I am glad.
It's been 10 years coming.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Why I Don't Go To Church
Anyone that knows me will tell you that I love my Jesus. We have a very special relationship that I cannot put into words. Every day, I talk to him more than a few times. Sometimes, he gives me what I ask, sometimes he doesn't. But every prayer is heard and every prayer is answered.
It has been said to me (on a web group I am a part of) that I am not a REAL christian. "A REAL christian has to be baptized in the holy spirit and go to church."
Hmph. On a side note, did you know the leading cause of atheism is christians?
John 3:16:
" . . . He who believeth in him shall not perish . . ."
NOT
"Only he that were baptized and go to church every sunday . . ."
I don't believe this crap about "you have to go to church" or "you have to be baptized".
I read the bible. I pray. I have GREAT conversations with Christ. I have GREAT conversations ABOUT Christ! I have fellowship with fellow Christians on an almost daily basis. I have no fear regarding my salvation.
So what do I need church for?
I have found, in my personal experience, that 75% of churchgoers are hypocrites, and 9 times out of ten the PASTORS are hypocrites. I don't feel like I have to sit in a room surrounded by hypocrites and be preached to by a hypocrite in order for my soul to go to heaven.
Let me elaborate:
Exapmle one:
Recently (in the past year) I attended an area church. The pastor and his wife preach about gossip and how it is unGodly and how we shouldn't do it b/c it's a road to Hell, yadda yadda yadda.
Recently (in the past week) I saw said pastor and his wife at the local wal-mart. Mrs. Pastor had no problem telling me all the goings on in the church recently - I should say all the goings on of the congregation of the church. "so-and-so is pregnant, did you know she's not married yet?" "so-and-so just went into AA, i didn't even know he drank!" "so and so just got arrested for beating his wife - what's going on in the world today?" and so on so on so forth.
See? The one thing they preach out about the most and they are doing it right in the middle of WAL MART for God's sake!!
Example Two:
A church in Dallas that a friend attended for a long time had a retreat a few years ago in regards to keeping your marriage in tact. One of the seminars, led by the pastor, was about staying faithful to your spouse.
Less than a month later, the pastor's wife kicked him out b/c he was caught in bed with another woman.
Get my point?
Who are YOU to tell me that God doesn't want me to do something, when you are out doing it yourself??
Example 3:
I worked for a church for six years. I found out I was pregnant (I wasn't married) and the church decided to go ahead and keep me on even though it was a "public sin" as long as I didn't tell anyone I was pregnant. (oohh-kaaay). Then 9/11 hit. This church made a decision that would long affect it - even today, five years later. It decided it would hold a layoff.
The four people that were considered the biggest liabilities were laid off.
These people were:
A single mom with a special needs teenage boy.
A single unwed mother 8 months pregnant.
An older woman that had just been in a car accident and was still trying to cope with chronic pain.
A married mother of two small children who's husband had just been laid off.
I ask you, were these people LIABILIIES or the ones in the most NEED?
And this was a church, people!!!
Fact is, I love my Jesus, and I really don't want our relationship tainted, thank you very much, so I will continue to worship in the manner that I have been and fully enjoy that relationship.
By the way, for those "gung ho" in witnessing (I mean FORCEFUL witnessing) -
TELLING PEOPLE THEY'RE GOING TO HELL DOESN'T WORK!!
SHOWING Christ through YOUR actions DOES.
It has been said to me (on a web group I am a part of) that I am not a REAL christian. "A REAL christian has to be baptized in the holy spirit and go to church."
Hmph. On a side note, did you know the leading cause of atheism is christians?
John 3:16:
" . . . He who believeth in him shall not perish . . ."
NOT
"Only he that were baptized and go to church every sunday . . ."
I don't believe this crap about "you have to go to church" or "you have to be baptized".
I read the bible. I pray. I have GREAT conversations with Christ. I have GREAT conversations ABOUT Christ! I have fellowship with fellow Christians on an almost daily basis. I have no fear regarding my salvation.
So what do I need church for?
I have found, in my personal experience, that 75% of churchgoers are hypocrites, and 9 times out of ten the PASTORS are hypocrites. I don't feel like I have to sit in a room surrounded by hypocrites and be preached to by a hypocrite in order for my soul to go to heaven.
Let me elaborate:
Exapmle one:
Recently (in the past year) I attended an area church. The pastor and his wife preach about gossip and how it is unGodly and how we shouldn't do it b/c it's a road to Hell, yadda yadda yadda.
Recently (in the past week) I saw said pastor and his wife at the local wal-mart. Mrs. Pastor had no problem telling me all the goings on in the church recently - I should say all the goings on of the congregation of the church. "so-and-so is pregnant, did you know she's not married yet?" "so-and-so just went into AA, i didn't even know he drank!" "so and so just got arrested for beating his wife - what's going on in the world today?" and so on so on so forth.
See? The one thing they preach out about the most and they are doing it right in the middle of WAL MART for God's sake!!
Example Two:
A church in Dallas that a friend attended for a long time had a retreat a few years ago in regards to keeping your marriage in tact. One of the seminars, led by the pastor, was about staying faithful to your spouse.
Less than a month later, the pastor's wife kicked him out b/c he was caught in bed with another woman.
Get my point?
Who are YOU to tell me that God doesn't want me to do something, when you are out doing it yourself??
Example 3:
I worked for a church for six years. I found out I was pregnant (I wasn't married) and the church decided to go ahead and keep me on even though it was a "public sin" as long as I didn't tell anyone I was pregnant. (oohh-kaaay). Then 9/11 hit. This church made a decision that would long affect it - even today, five years later. It decided it would hold a layoff.
The four people that were considered the biggest liabilities were laid off.
These people were:
A single mom with a special needs teenage boy.
A single unwed mother 8 months pregnant.
An older woman that had just been in a car accident and was still trying to cope with chronic pain.
A married mother of two small children who's husband had just been laid off.
I ask you, were these people LIABILIIES or the ones in the most NEED?
And this was a church, people!!!
Fact is, I love my Jesus, and I really don't want our relationship tainted, thank you very much, so I will continue to worship in the manner that I have been and fully enjoy that relationship.
By the way, for those "gung ho" in witnessing (I mean FORCEFUL witnessing) -
TELLING PEOPLE THEY'RE GOING TO HELL DOESN'T WORK!!
SHOWING Christ through YOUR actions DOES.
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