Your religion and WHY

[TreeStandBowHunter]

You all know I stink at a debate unless it has to do with the Military. I don't know much about religion other than what I see in here. So, in since all I ever see in here are folks defending their religion, tell me this..... What religion are you (baptist, methodist, catholic, etc) and WHY is your religion the right religion to have and why is the next guy wrong for the religion he has.........................................Well.. ...I am waiting http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[fisherguy]

my religion is none, and that is because to me personally none make sense with their explanations of things. This is the right religion(lack of i guess) for me, but may not be for others, and they are free to believe what they want, and are IMO no more or less correct than me.

[Tominator]

Won't get an argument out of me. I'm Catholic because I was raised Catholic. I won't say Catholocism is the "right" religion and you have the "wrong" religion.

I've done a ton of soul searching in the last 2 years, and I'm still sorting things out.

[preacherman]

I was raised Free Will Baptist and now pastor a Southern Baptist Church..........and the reason is simple, because I believe that what we believe is very Biblical!

[popgun]

I am also a Southern Baptist, but I certainly don't think that only Baptist will be spending eternity in Heaven.

A persons "Religion" simply won't get him there.

The Baptist Church is the denomination that I chose, but I would rather be remembered as a "Christian" than as a member of any particular fellowship.

There are some things about the local church polity that I do not agree with, however it is a New Testament Church, (at least until election time for Deacons)
I firmly believe in the Holy Bible, and although I do not fully understand all of it, I try to follow the parts that I do understand.
I believe there is only "one way" to guarantee spending eternity in Heaven, but many denominations teach that "one way".

I am also a Mason, but being a Mason or a Baptist will "not" get you to Heaven.

How can I be so sure that I have a place waiting for me in heaven?
How do I know that my name is written in the "Book of Life?

All I can say is that I followed the instructions.

I look forward to meeting a lot of you there many years from now, and I am glad that I have more to look forward to than a grave and a marker.
.....popgun

[Mathews XT Man]

What Denomination you are is not going to be the qualifier in getting into heaven. With that said, it is of utmost importance that the church you do belong to teaches the Bible in its entirety, and The only way to salvation is thru Jesus Christ, thats it.
God says in order to go to Heaven, you must be born again. In John 3:7, Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again.”
Whosoever therefore shall confess [testify of] Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32).
You should be baptized in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ as a public testimony of your salvation, and then unite with a Bible-believing church without delay. “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord . . . .” (2 Timothy 1:8)

[buckee]

I don't identify myself with any "denomination" because it means nothing to me biblically speaking.
I am a born again Christian as are many other once lost folks who belong to so many different denominations.
WHY ...because when I was down and out, searching for answers, and God , He reveiled himself to me through his word. When I read the New Testimant or heard it preached, it was like Jesus was talking just to me at the time. I accepted Jesus invitation when he said "Come, all ye who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest". I was more than heavy laden and He did as he promised. I trusted him when he said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father, accept through me"
God has proved himself to me through his word over the years since that day, so I have no reason to doubt him now.

If your a born again Christian and in a church or denomination that isn't preaching the gospel and living the gospel, the Holy Spirit will prompt you to leave, unless he wants to use you there to make change.

[wtnhunt]

I am a Christian. Been to many different churches over the years. Cannot tie myself to a denomination.

[DWC]

well i was rasied as a southern baptist but as far as who is right or wrong,that depends on if the church is following christ if they are not then they're wrong. all i know for sure is that jesus gave his life for all of us and we have to choose to accept his salvation are not.

[HarvDog]

Christian! As others have said, it's not about religion or even denomination. It's your faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. Sure I attend an Assemblies of God church but that is just where I fellowship, worship and, hopefully, get fed the word of God.

[VermontHunter]

My religion is Catholic, because my pareants made it so....but when I signed up for the military at 16 with special circumstances, my religion became RED,WHITE and BLUE American, which gave me the best of all worlds..... http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[TreeStandBowHunter]

[ QUOTE ]
but when I signed up for the military at 16 with special circumstances, my religion became RED,WHITE and BLUE American, which gave me the best of all worlds..... http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[VermontHunter]

I'll take the lack of a statement, as you approve Mike... http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[deldeer]

man this is a touchy subject with some people. heck there have been wars fought over religion. im not sure what i believe in...i mean there is so much evil & hate in the world how could there be a god????? what kind of god lets these horrible acts you hear about every day happen to our children & our loved ones???? i don't know if i buy the story about how the devil is running the show now,& one day christ is going to come back & save the holy ones.it all seems crazy to me??? sometimes i wonder that when you die, if it's just like turning a light switch off. blackness... no memory, no nothing, just an empty shell???? i want to believe but it's tough for me, i've lost a few good friends who were cut down to young, & it does'nt seem fair to me.......

[preacherman]

your right deldeer........when you die, you are nothing but an empty shell........but according to the Word of God.......there is a soul in that shell that will spend an eternity somewhere.........that is why that it is important, as they guys have stated, that you believe on Jesus! not a church or a denomination, but Jesus. For He is the only way to heaven (John 14:6)

[dogdoc]

[ QUOTE ]
what kind of god lets these horrible acts you hear about every day happen to our children & our loved ones

[/ QUOTE ]

The God that made us human---The God that gave us a mind to make choices! There is evil in this world because of the choices of human beings. I know there natural disasters that kill people also but if you are talking about truely evil things then IMO these are done by the choices of people. God didn't make us robots to control--he gave us our own minds and unfortunately a lot people do evil things with their choices http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

To me that statement is the same as blaming the gun for murdering someone and not the shooter. Ok--enough of my preaching http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I was raised as a Southern Baptist. I currently go to a Non-Denomination Church but it is very similiar to a Southern Baptist.

"One day the devil decided to go to heaven to see Jesus and do a little braggin'. He approached Jesus and started bragging about all the people down with him. He stated---look at all these people I have down there Jesus--I have baptist, methodist, catholics,--you name the religion and I've got them. He then asked Jesus---Do you have people from this many religions in Heaven--Jesus replied "No, all I have is Christians!"

God Bless
todd

[Steven]

Atheism- because I was raised southern baptist. http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif... and I don't believe in fairy tales. Religion does have it's value, though. Some people have problems accepting the reality of death and if religion gives them some solice that when they die they get to see their grandpa and dog from their youth again, then more power to them.

[dg]

[ QUOTE ]
Atheism- because I was raised southern baptist. http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif... and I don't believe in fairy tales. Religion does have it's value, though. Some people have problems accepting the reality of death and if religion gives them some solice that when they die they get to see their grandpa and dog from their youth again, then more power to them.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well said. And I'll add: it gives people the warm and fuzzy that they are a good person. "Hey there's a crowd to see me!" I'll yell out AMEN so I can be socially accepted. That's what it means to most folks. Whatever turns your crank. Don't push your "the book says" crap to me, and I won't push mine.

[buckee]

[ QUOTE ]
it gives people the warm and fuzzy that they are a good person.

[/ QUOTE ]
exact opposite actually. My faith has showed me that I am not a good person, that's why he sent his son to die in my place.
[ QUOTE ]
"Hey there's a crowd to see me!" I'll yell out AMEN so I can be socially accepted.

[/ QUOTE ]
Is that really how you view Christians? How sad. But I can understand how you feel that way.
[ QUOTE ]
Don't push your "the book says" crap to me, and I won't push mine.

[/ QUOTE ]
You just did....LOL http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[dogdoc]

Guy's---I'm going to take my chances with the Risen Saviour. If you guys are right then I haven't lost a thing---but if I'm right, if the bible is true---I'm living eternity in Heaven with the man that sacrificed his life on a wooden cross for my sins--and you know what---that gives me warm fuzzy feelings down my spine.....WOW!

[dg]

if?

[christsavedme]

[ QUOTE ]
Guy's---I'm going to take my chances with the Risen Saviour. If you guys are right then I haven't lost a thing---but if I'm right, if the bible is true---I'm living eternity in Heaven with the man that sacrificed his life on a wooden cross for my sins--and you know what---that gives me warm fuzzy feelings down my spine.....WOW!

[/ QUOTE ]

Well said....kind of like a bumber sticker I saw the other day, "Give God a chance....the devil will always take you back!" Kind of like that! http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[preacherman]

[ QUOTE ]
if?

[/ QUOTE ]

That would be exactly what you said and what you believe............because according to your beliefs, there is no absolute, there is only speculation, therefore everything in life is nothing but a big "IF" but again, you can live in doubt if you would like, while I choose to live life with a certainty and that certainty is to know that Jesus was and is real......He did die for me.......and one day I am going to meet Him because of what He did for me on the cross...... and to quote Dog Doc (by the way this was very good Todd, if you don't mind, I may use it in church sometime).....I will choose that "Warm fuzzy feeling" deep down inside anyday rather than live my life in a miserable doubt as to not really knowing what is the truth!

[fisherguy]

So anyone who does not believe in god has to live their life in miserable doubt? Hmm guess i missed that day in school. No misery or doubt here. I am quite happy, and quite sure i will die, and then be dead.

[dogdoc]

[ QUOTE ]
if?

[/ QUOTE ]

dq----preacherman pretty much summed it up why I said if! In my mind there is ABSOLUTELY NO doubt that Abraham's God is the creator---he sent his son to earth to set examples for me then let him make the ultimate sacrifice for my sins. There is no IF in my mind.

I apologize that I gave that impression!

take care
todd

[preacherman]

[ QUOTE ]
So anyone who does not believe in god has to live their life in miserable doubt? Hmm guess i missed that day in school. No misery or doubt here. I am quite happy, and quite sure i will die, and then be dead.

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't believe that I said that.........I said that "I" choose to live my life with the absolute know, rather than live miserably in doubt. That was a statement pointed to myself and to no one else. For I, of all people, know what it is like to live in doubt. Wondering if this whole "thing" is really true. But thank God.......that He (God) settled that in my heart by the quite speaking of the Holy Spirit. As far as how you choose to live, that is totally between you and our Maker! Sorry for the misconception in what I said. Didn't mean to ruffle any feathers.

[AaronS]

Currently attend a small non-denominational church and like it a lot. I don't think one religion is right and one is wrong, but like Oneida Man said they need to teach the bible....there is only one way to heaven and it ain't through works. There will be people of all religions in heaven as long as they accepted Christ into their life and asked for his forgiveness.

[SaskMan]

[ 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? http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif 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.

[buckee]

That's right saskman ..He came to save the lost, not the self righteous.

[HarvDog]

Yep! He can and will forgive all sins. "...all our righteous acts are like filthy rags..." (Isaiah 64:6 NIV).

[SaskMan]

Then I'm not sure Heaven sounds like a real great place anyways if all of these people will be there. http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[Andrea]

Raised a Southern Baptist. Don't see anything wrong with Methodists, non-denominational churches or Assemblies of God churches, or Churches of Christ, etc., etc.,

There are many religions that claim to be "Christian" that I believe are NOT.

I like the Baptist way of worship though. My mother now attends a Methodist church, but I find it extremely boring. And I have been to an Assembly of God church before and found it to be too "charismatic" for my taste. Nothing wrong with it, it's just not for me. (I don't speak in tongues and wouldn't rattle a tambourine)
I have a lot of questions as far as the way Catholics believe, but I am not going to say that they aren't going to Heaven.


When I was in college, I signed up for Comparitive Religion thinking that we would be discussing this very topic, but it turned out to be comparing hinduism and buddhism and stuff like that. B-O-R-I-N-G!!!!!!

[dg]

preacherman,

I'm just asking an honest question. Why the sig: Hunt Hard, Laugh Often, Life is to short not to enjoy it!

I understand part a and b. But after the discussion in here, why do you say life is short?

[JimT]

I am a jimt. I believe what I believe on a given day. Thats about it.....

[David_218]

I am a Christian.

[preacherman]

[ QUOTE ]
preacherman,

I'm just asking an honest question. Why the sig: Hunt Hard, Laugh Often, Life is to short not to enjoy it!

I understand part a and b. But after the discussion in here, why do you say life is short?

[/ QUOTE ]

Just quoting from the Bible............James 4:14 to be exact, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow, For what is your life? It is even a vapor (lit. "A mist"), that appeareth for a little while, and then vanisheth away" Life is too short, not to enjoy it. That is the explanation of the signature. http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[HarvDog]

So true...

[dg]

So when you die, you die? Or something about eternity..........something, uh...........

[dg]

[ QUOTE ]
your right deldeer........when you die, you are nothing but an empty shell........but according to the Word of God.......there is a soul in that shell that will spend an eternity somewhere.........that is why that it is important, as they guys have stated, that you believe on Jesus! not a church or a denomination, but Jesus. For He is the only way to heaven (John 14:6)

[/ QUOTE ]

So then what will your soul do? I guess going hunting is out of the question! http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[preacherman]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
your right deldeer........when you die, you are nothing but an empty shell........but according to the Word of God.......there is a soul in that shell that will spend an eternity somewhere.........that is why that it is important, as they guys have stated, that you believe on Jesus! not a church or a denomination, but Jesus. For He is the only way to heaven (John 14:6)

[/ QUOTE ]

So then what will your soul do? I guess going hunting is out of the question! http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

That would be a reasonable response.........definitely not hunting! http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[dogdoc]

[ QUOTE ]
preacherman,

I'm just asking an honest question. Why the sig: Hunt Hard, Laugh Often, Life is to short not to enjoy it!

I understand part a and b. But after the discussion in here, why do you say life is short?

[/ QUOTE ]

Compared to eternity, life on earth is pretty darn short.

[dg]

That's not the point doc. Believe and live eternal life. Eternal life of what? Haaa. Weak humans will grab on to anything if the mind believes in it enough. Look at nature and the answers are there. Simple stuff. Don't humanize it (to me that relates to Buckee's "imagination" term he used in another post) and you will learn.

[TreeStandBowHunter]

There is one question I have though. How comes God let's small helpless children get cancer and suffer or small children get raped and murdered http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Is there a religion that explains that http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Also, how does anybody know that being Jewish isin't the right religion to have to get to heaven http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[dg]

TSBH,

I find it amusing when I hear "christians" say "God will provide". But you never hear them say "unless it's your time to go". What you mentioned, people dying from earthquakes, natural tragedies, etc, isn't in a religion. It's a matter of the wrong place at the wrong time, and they were the unlucky ones. You see it in nature all the time.

[preacherman]

[ QUOTE ]
TSBH,

I find it amusing when I hear "christians" say "God will provide". But you never hear them say "unless it's your time to go". What you mentioned, people dying from earthquakes, natural tragedies, etc, isn't in a religion. It's a matter of the wrong place at the wrong time, and they were the unlucky ones. You see it in nature all the time.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry for being a prude, but you are one disillusioned dude! Because, in my opinion, all that you can do is base your answers and statements upon things that are so far fetched that even the human mind can't fathom them. As far as saying, "God will provide"......I do believe that this is true..........but I also believe that when it is your time to go........it is your time to go and no human force this side of eternity can or will stop that. Back to the book of James.......the Bible says in James 4:15, "For that ye ought to say if the Lord will we shall live and do this or that"........which literally means that everything that happens, is not just a "nature of time".....but rather all according to God's divine plan........and as far as your statement about "nature", yes indeed, just look around......... someone had to do this..........and the one who did was God!

[dg]

That's okay preacher. I think you talk out of both sides of your mouth mentioning eternal life and life is short literally in the same breath. But that's okay!

[preacherman]

[ QUOTE ]
That's okay preacher. I think you talk out of both sides of your mouth mentioning eternal life and life is short literally in the same breath. But that's okay!

[/ QUOTE ]

O.K., that's fine........believe what you want to believe, put words in my mouth to make me say what you want me to say........but trust me, if you believe in trust, there will come a day when you will remember the words of the old preacherman......and wish that you had a different opinion! Because there is coming a day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord(by the way, that is scriptural).......and then you will see that life on this side of eternity has indeed been short........but where you will spend eternity (that is between you and God) will last a little longer than you have ever expected. And of this, I have no doubt! I just pray that God will challenge and convict your heart and that will be in heaven!

[HarvDog]

[ QUOTE ]
every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

[/ QUOTE ]

Amen preacherman!

Just because someone doesn't believe this, doesn't mean that it isn't true!

[buckee]

Amen Scott

[dogdoc]

[ QUOTE ]
Because there is coming a day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord(by the way, that is scriptural).......and then you will see that life on this side of eternity has indeed been short

[/ QUOTE ]

Can I hear an AMEN http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[johnf]

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.

[johnf]

[ QUOTE ]


Also, how does anybody know that being Jewish isin't the right religion to have to get to heaven http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[/ 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. http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[TreeWalker]

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......

[SaskMan]

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?? http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif 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.

[TreeWalker]

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.....

[SaskMan]

[ QUOTE ]
Spending time with people like that cannot be worse than ****.



[/ QUOTE ]

I meant that it cannot be better than ****.

[TreeWalker]

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.... http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[johnf]

[ 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?? http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Spending time with people like that cannot be worse than ****.


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[preacherman]

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None of us KNOW we are right, we think we are but have absolutely NO proof.

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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.

[TreeWalker]

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...

[johnf]

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there is only one way to heaven and it ain't through works

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This is where I get confused a bit. Does God forgive all sins? http://www.realtree.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif 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.

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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?

[buckee]

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.