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 Purveyor of unconventional wisdom
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Location: CA | It's not that it MAKES me believe, it is more that it LETS me believe. :) | |
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 Googly Goo
Posts: 7053
| Just Plain Lucky - 2013-12-17 5:13 PM TXBO - 2013-12-17 5:55 PM Just Plain Lucky - 2013-12-17 1:45 PM .....There are many things in the Bible that have been proven false by science. ....
What has been proven wrong by science?
For me, science has proven that the Earth is much, much older than the Bible says it to be. It has proven that the animals that walk the Earth now did not just appear, they changed and grew over time. That includes human kind.
You might be interested to know that science has disproven evolution. Specifically, it conflicts with the law of biogenisis.
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 Husband Spoiler
Posts: 4151
Location: North Dakota | Bigfoot - 2013-12-17 4:54 PM The bible is the inspired word of God. There are no mistakes in it. I would question anyone's faith that believed other wise.
Which Bible? There are many different versions of the Bible. Which one is the correct one? Since they are all the Bible and the "word of God" are they all right? The Bible may have been the inspired word of God but humans were also given free will. Who is to say that the Bible has not been translated incorrectly over the years or things left out by those that don't believe in certain parts?
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Husband Spoiler
Posts: 4151
Location: North Dakota | DLV - 2013-12-17 2:47 PM Well... I'm not really sure.. I guess it is within me to believe... I tried NOT believing for a period in my life and kept finding myself drawn back to God and have since become MUCH stronger in my faith.... I can feel God and see his works everyday. The more I tried to run the more I came back to him!! Very crazy.
I also went through a stage where I tried not to believe. But I found myself always talking to someone when I was out riding alone. I was telling someone of my troubles or thanking someone for certain things but who was I talking to if I didn't believe in Him? I decided it wasn't God I had a problem with it was religion. It was during a time I was being forced to believe certain things I didn't believe in and I had questions that people would not answer so I took it out on Him and said I didn't believe. The fact is that religion is man made. It was not God's intention for us to all be separated by different beliefs. Too many people follow religions but not the actual Bible itself. Many religions do not teach much from the Bible but just what "they" believe. | |
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 The Bling Princess
Posts: 3411
Location: North Dakota | Della&bubba - 2013-12-17 4:25 PM barrelracr131 - 2013-12-17 2:33 PM hammer_time - 2013-12-17 1:13 PM Della&bubba - 2013-12-17 8:31 AM That's one of the things we discussed. If religion is completely taken out of the world and atheism strengthened, would their still be morals? I think there would be because I'm an atheist and I believe in the golden rule of do unto others that you would do unto you. But then I'd start to think and I feel on the other hand there are people who really need that looming idea of a greater punishment to stay fairly well on the straight and narrow (not implying you do but the general population as a whole). I don't know. This topic interests me a lot. Religion fascinates me, which is weird because I don't believe in it haha. I'm kind of the same way.....I'm agnostic. I believe there is a God who plans out fate and has a reason for what happens....but I have yet to be SAVED or have a relationship.....I just don't know how. I feel like a fraud whenever I think about getting serious. I DO believe in the idea of a positive attitude, which God/religion seems to bring to people.
BTW, not all scientists are athiests or agnostics. In fact, the founder of the Human Genome Project is some sort of Christian religion.
Science is an extremely interesting subject. So is religion. Our understanding of both subjects is limited by our intelligence as a species. I think I am more of a spiritual atheist. I believe that everything is connected in some way but not in a specific higher being. That's the definition of atheism is not believing in God or gods. Thank you to all who have replied by the way! I have been enjoying reading them all. I just wanted to talk about it because what's the point in taking a class without talking about it outside of the classroom? I read a really cool book for a report in this one called Atom and Eve it is a just a collection of interviews by prominent scientists, religious people, etc. that discuss there faith. A lot of scientists are devout Christians. Some Christians are strongly against science while others talk about how good a relationship between the two could be. It was fascinating. ETA: I wish I could have a conversation with all you personally. I'm really not trying to disprove religion or anything like that I'm just honestly fascinated as to what draws people to certain things. Its really the only thing in college that has really captured my attention so far and I like having discussions about religion and faith and everything. I just wish it wasn't so much of a taboo in our culture. For those who believe wholeheartedly, I am envious of your conviction in believing so much in something. I hope none of you think this is an attack or anything on what you believe. I feel like a few people above who have said they feel like frauds sometimes.
I think this very thread is the work of our LORD. He wants us to talk about him, to spread his word and his love for us.
Have you ever sat back and pondered why you felt compelled to put this thread here? Or why you find discussion of faith facinating? I think it is GOD's work to bring you back to him.
Ever read the book "What happens when I die?" | |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | Della&bubba - 2013-12-17 4:25 PM barrelracr131 - 2013-12-17 2:33 PM hammer_time - 2013-12-17 1:13 PM Della&bubba - 2013-12-17 8:31 AM That's one of the things we discussed. If religion is completely taken out of the world and atheism strengthened, would their still be morals? I think there would be because I'm an atheist and I believe in the golden rule of do unto others that you would do unto you. But then I'd start to think and I feel on the other hand there are people who really need that looming idea of a greater punishment to stay fairly well on the straight and narrow (not implying you do but the general population as a whole). I don't know. This topic interests me a lot. Religion fascinates me, which is weird because I don't believe in it haha. I'm kind of the same way.....I'm agnostic. I believe there is a God who plans out fate and has a reason for what happens....but I have yet to be SAVED or have a relationship.....I just don't know how. I feel like a fraud whenever I think about getting serious. I DO believe in the idea of a positive attitude, which God/religion seems to bring to people.
BTW, not all scientists are athiests or agnostics. In fact, the founder of the Human Genome Project is some sort of Christian religion.
Science is an extremely interesting subject. So is religion. Our understanding of both subjects is limited by our intelligence as a species. I think I am more of a spiritual atheist. I believe that everything is connected in some way but not in a specific higher being. That's the definition of atheism is not believing in God or gods. Thank you to all who have replied by the way! I have been enjoying reading them all. I just wanted to talk about it because what's the point in taking a class without talking about it outside of the classroom? I read a really cool book for a report in this one called Atom and Eve it is a just a collection of interviews by prominent scientists, religious people, etc. that discuss there faith. A lot of scientists are devout Christians. Some Christians are strongly against science while others talk about how good a relationship between the two could be. It was fascinating. ETA: I wish I could have a conversation with all you personally. I'm really not trying to disprove religion or anything like that I'm just honestly fascinated as to what draws people to certain things. Its really the only thing in college that has really captured my attention so far and I like having discussions about religion and faith and everything. I just wish it wasn't so much of a taboo in our culture. For those who believe wholeheartedly, I am envious of your conviction in believing so much in something. I hope none of you think this is an attack or anything on what you believe. I feel like a few people above who have said they feel like frauds sometimes.
Those who are secure in their beliefs will not feel attacked by someone asking questions.  | |
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Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | Bigfoot - 2013-12-17 4:54 PM The bible is the inspired word of God. There are no mistakes in it. I would question anyone's faith that believed other wise.
Question away. I'm secure in my Faith and beliefs.  | |
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Googly Goo
Posts: 7053
| Just Bring It - 2013-12-17 5:43 PM Bigfoot - 2013-12-17 4:54 PM The bible is the inspired word of God. There are no mistakes in it. I would question anyone's faith that believed other wise. Which Bible? There are many different versions of the Bible. Which one is the correct one? Since they are all the Bible and the "word of God" are they all right? The Bible may have been the inspired word of God but humans were also given free will. Who is to say that the Bible has not been translated incorrectly over the years or things left out by those that don't believe in certain parts?
Edited by TXBO 2013-12-17 6:00 PM
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Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | Just Plain Lucky - 2013-12-17 5:13 PM TXBO - 2013-12-17 5:55 PM Just Plain Lucky - 2013-12-17 1:45 PM .....There are many things in the Bible that have been proven false by science. ....
What has been proven wrong by science?
For me, science has proven that the Earth is much, much older than the Bible says it to be. It has proven that the animals that walk the Earth now did not just appear, they changed and grew over time. That includes human kind.
That one is easy. God's time is not the same as ours. A breath to him is 1,000 years to us. | |
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Husband Spoiler
Posts: 4151
Location: North Dakota | Della&bubba - 2013-12-17 4:25 PM barrelracr131 - 2013-12-17 2:33 PM hammer_time - 2013-12-17 1:13 PM Della&bubba - 2013-12-17 8:31 AM That's one of the things we discussed. If religion is completely taken out of the world and atheism strengthened, would their still be morals? I think there would be because I'm an atheist and I believe in the golden rule of do unto others that you would do unto you. But then I'd start to think and I feel on the other hand there are people who really need that looming idea of a greater punishment to stay fairly well on the straight and narrow (not implying you do but the general population as a whole). I don't know. This topic interests me a lot. Religion fascinates me, which is weird because I don't believe in it haha. I'm kind of the same way.....I'm agnostic. I believe there is a God who plans out fate and has a reason for what happens....but I have yet to be SAVED or have a relationship.....I just don't know how. I feel like a fraud whenever I think about getting serious. I DO believe in the idea of a positive attitude, which God/religion seems to bring to people.
BTW, not all scientists are athiests or agnostics. In fact, the founder of the Human Genome Project is some sort of Christian religion.
Science is an extremely interesting subject. So is religion. Our understanding of both subjects is limited by our intelligence as a species. I think I am more of a spiritual atheist. I believe that everything is connected in some way but not in a specific higher being. That's the definition of atheism is not believing in God or gods. Thank you to all who have replied by the way! I have been enjoying reading them all. I just wanted to talk about it because what's the point in taking a class without talking about it outside of the classroom? I read a really cool book for a report in this one called Atom and Eve it is a just a collection of interviews by prominent scientists, religious people, etc. that discuss there faith. A lot of scientists are devout Christians. Some Christians are strongly against science while others talk about how good a relationship between the two could be. It was fascinating. ETA: I wish I could have a conversation with all you personally. I'm really not trying to disprove religion or anything like that I'm just honestly fascinated as to what draws people to certain things. Its really the only thing in college that has really captured my attention so far and I like having discussions about religion and faith and everything. I just wish it wasn't so much of a taboo in our culture. For those who believe wholeheartedly, I am envious of your conviction in believing so much in something. I hope none of you think this is an attack or anything on what you believe. I feel like a few people above who have said they feel like frauds sometimes.
I also love to talk about this topic. It fascinates me as well. I was raised a Catholic but have married a Adventist. To me Adventist know the Bible! I did not feel that way about Catholics. I went to Sunday school from preschool until I think 10th grade (or whenever Sunday school ended) and got confirmed. It was during the time of working on getting confirmed when I went through the stage of not believing. I did not like the Catholic church and did not want to say that I believed in it. I did end up going through with it for my mother's sake. I then got away from the church and started to believe on my own and then I met my now husband and he was very knowledgeable of the Bible and was raised in a very religious home. We had a lot of talks and I got to learn more about the Adventist church and their beliefs and it makes sense to me! I feel Adventist are pure and true believers and beautiful Christians. I never felt that way around Catholics. Now I am not trying to bash Catholics in any way shape or form (remember I was raised Catholic and most of my family and friends are Catholic)! I am just speaking of my experiences. There are a few beliefs that some Adventist believe in that I do not (such as their profit Ellen White) but there are so many other beliefs that I completely agree with. Plus the shady pasts of many religions is another reason why I have been turned off of religions.
Anyways I love to talk about the Bible, different religions, and beliefs. I love to learn as much as I can and maybe share something that will make someone else question their beliefs and put them on a better path. | |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 597
| Just Bring It - 2013-12-17 4:48 PM
DLV - 2013-12-17 2:47 PM Well... I'm not really sure.. I guess it is within me to believe... I tried NOT believing for a period in my life and kept finding myself drawn back to God and have since become MUCH stronger in my faith.... I can feel God and see his works everyday. The more I tried to run the more I came back to him!! Very crazy.
I also went through a stage where I tried not to believe. But I found myself always talking to someone when I was out riding alone. I was telling someone of my troubles or thanking someone for certain things but who was I talking to if I didn't believe in Him? I decided it wasn't God I had a problem with it was religion. It was during a time I was being forced to believe certain things I didn't believe in and I had questions that people would not answer so I took it out on Him and said I didn't believe. The fact is that religion is man made. It was not God's intention for us to all be separated by different beliefs. Too many people follow religions but not the actual Bible itself. Many religions do not teach much from the Bible but just what "they" believe.
Could not agree more JustBringIt, it's religion that turns people off to God, not God!
I was going through an extremely tough time in my life, my marriage wasn't working because of the stress that was being brought on by outside factors, I felt like everything was falling apart, I was trying so, so hard to do it all on my own, but I had forgotten one really important thing. We are NEVER alone. I was thumbing through my Bible one day and it literally flopped open to page 744 Psalms, and as I read through that page a verse jumped out to me, it honestly seemed highlighted, Psalm 31.24 " Be brave. Be strong. Expect God to get there soon." I decided then and there to do exactly that, I was brave and I was strong and I EXPECTED Him to come. He did and we made it through, the troubles we were going through financially, business wise, with the ranch, with animals EVERYTHING that I couldn't do on my own finally leveled out and we could breath again. I KNOW he's there or I would not be where I am right now! | |
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 Veteran
Posts: 142
| Just Bring It - 2013-12-17 5:43 PM Bigfoot - 2013-12-17 4:54 PM The bible is the inspired word of God. There are no mistakes in it. I would question anyone's faith that believed other wise. Which Bible? There are many different versions of the Bible. Which one is the correct one? Since they are all the Bible and the "word of God" are they all right? The Bible may have been the inspired word of God but humans were also given free will. Who is to say that the Bible has not been translated incorrectly over the years or things left out by those that don't believe in certain parts?
This is very true and one reason why sola scriptura doesnt really work because the "bible" needs interpretation. It is a book written within a LIVING tradition and needs to be understood within that tradition, though there is a LOT just any person can get from reading it of course. I think for me what had made me a stronger believer (because I am a more logical person) is coming to a true ancient orthodox understanding of the scripture and the Church as the body of Christ. The Bible is not a science book and it isnt a history book either and shouldnt be approached as one. Its a book of spiritual truth and the the entire whole old testament should be read through the lense of the risen Christ.
This is a great podcast on approaching the scriptures -
http://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/aftoday/the_eastern_orthodox_approach_to_the_bible
I also have had issues and questions in the past about problems with God vs science but the more I have learned about the deep mystical theology of the Church I actually think the Saints are quite far ahead of science when it comes to the understanding of the universe. They just dont have the language to even express the realities they experience because it doesnt even exist in human words yet lol.
For instance the belief of creation out of nothing - God was not in need of any "matter" to create the world, but his energies fill all of creation, yet are not locatable in space and time, in fact they even seem to be dependant somehow on the observer.
“Uncreated energy,” writes the Orthodox theologian, Vladimir Lasky, “is the manifestation of the essence of God, in which everything that exists partakes, thus making God known. This energy is inseparable from God’s essence, in which He goes forth from Himself, manifests, communicates and gives Himself. As for the manifestation, itself, it is eternal, for it is the glory of God.”
"Father Seraphim Rose once wrote that nothingness, is the point of convergence, or axis, of the universe. If nothingness, or self-emptying, is the axis of the universe, then the cross of Christ, the greatest sign of man of the self-emptying of God, now becomes that axis. Christ stands at the axis, and there in the space where there is nothing, we find not an impersonal void, but the personal heart of the selfless, self-forgetting God."
"Because because the Word is self-existent, self-sufficient, and conscious of no wants, it can create, give and sustain life, and at the same time, seek nothing of its own......God is totally spontaneous and selfless."
Scientist have theories that the world is spontaneous and self generated but cannot and will not ever find the origin of the wisdom, and laws of creation because they dont exist in our measurable realm. | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1092
Location: OK | My best suggestion is this. Go to church and just sit and listen. Go a few times. If you are so sure there is no God, then nothing said in that room will move you to tears, but I promise if you go, it will happen. Then your entire life and outlook will change. I love cowboy church. Jeans, t-shirt, nobody singles you out. It's just hearing the word. I believe in God. Now the past and how it happened, I'm not sure about. Maybe it was all created in a certain # of days, or maybe days are a relative term, and it happened over 1000s of years.... My mom is an atheist, and from seeing both sides of that, I think that is a sadder life. You die. You are dirt. The end. Not much to look forward to... I would never choose to believe that way if for nothing else, to make death less dismal. I believe because there are things that have happened in my life that could not just be coincidence. | |
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 Dancing in my Mind
Posts: 3062
Location: Eastern OH but my heart is in WV | runs4fun - 2013-12-17 2:32 PM
The FACT that I have ALWAYS felt the presence of God in my life. And as I've gotten older I feel the Holy Spirit in me. There are some things that cannot be explained but only felt. The unexplainable power of love (you can't see love you can only feel it), an abiding feeling so down deep inside of me that I cannot put it into words. People say things of the bible have been disproved...not to me they have not. The words of the prophets of years ago, from the Old Testament that have, in fact, been proven to pan out just as they were told. The FACT that generations come and go through this world in a revolving-door fashion and my belief that there is a heaven and a hell, as scripture tell us there is, one of which that everyone ends up at as their final destination. And if all that were not enough, I can look at the grandeur,beauty and power of nature and KNOW there is a God that created it all. Men try to use human/worldly/of the flesh reasoning to explain things that we are not capable of completely comprehending in our little minds (compared to HIM). Why? Because in mortalness we are trying to "understand" something of a divine nature. But we can "choose" to believe it or not. We are asked to simply believe but that seems to be so very hard for some and so very easy for others. He is our Father, we are His children and just like we don't tell the details of everything to our children he doesn't completely explain everything to us. He has;however, given us enough information that we should take Him at his word.
Beautifully said
Just as some have a hard time believing in God, I have an equally hard time trying to understand how one does not believe in the power and glory of God. I have never had a "grand" moment of "awaking" but an ongoing acknowledgement of God's presence. Periods in my life, I feel God's spirit moving and changing me more than other times but I have never questioned God's existence or Jesus walked the Earth . I FULLY acknowledge though that God comes to people in different ways and through different experiences in life, so everyone's journey is unique. Some have grand moments of awaking, others he comes to them slowly and over years, yet some never open their hearts to his callings.
As for the Bible, I have attend church since birth and have attended numerous Bible studies. I still feel very limited in my knowledge and understanding of the Bible. I lead an adult Sunday School class and it is interesting how each of us can take something totally different from a passage or Chapter. To be honest, if I based my "belief" COMPLETLY on my full UNDERSTANDING of the Bible, I would still be questioning God's love for me. He is not seeking our total understanding of the Bible but OUR acceptance of Jesus Christ. Yes, it is a VERY important tool/teacher in learning God's word but I am sure there are people that could be "scholars" in the word/meanings of the Bible but still not be true believers because they never accept Jesus Christ into their lives.
I will never be a person that can debate the Bible or even quote several verses but from experience, many times after praying about something I have just RANDOMLY opened my Bible and I am brought to tears that God led me to a specific Chapter/encouragement/answers. Talk about a humbling experience.
I see the Bible more as an important teaching tool, prayer keeps me personally connected to God, and the Holy Spirit filling my life is what "makes me believe."
Edited by Rolling J 2013-12-17 6:36 PM
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Blessed 
Location: Here | T turning 3 - 2013-12-17 10:30 AM Many years ago I was on here in a debate with a few folks about the reality of reincarnation, pyschics and such. For every thing I brought up De had an answer. For every question I asked, she had an answer, for every fear i brought up, she had an answer. She got all those answers from the Bible. I am not a big bible reader, I will admit that first off, but I am strong in Jesus. I could tell you stories you would not beleive, but if not for my Lord and Savior, I wouldn't be here right now. My coming out party was quite ummmm exciting. lol Never did she push me, or tell me I was wrong, she would just have the answer. She takes no credit, and gives the glory to the Holy Spirit and God, but I think because of her heart and love of Christ she took me on, and saved my ass. :)
To understand the bible you have to be a history scholar and speak either latin or greek. Our versions aren't quite translated right and the more modern translations aren't even close. Do I believe in the miracles.... :) **** straight I do. I see them here once in a while.
Yeehaw is amazing in her faith
And something to remember nothing MAKES YOU no one MAKES YOU
it is by Faith and Grace and the Holy Spirit that helps you find Jesus. | |
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Googly Goo
Posts: 7053
| angel123 - 2013-12-17 6:19 PM This is very true and one reason why sola scriptura doesnt really work because the "bible" needs interpretation. It is a book written within a LIVING tradition and needs to be understood within that tradition, though there is a LOT just any person can get from reading it of course. ....
What's your understanding of Sola Scriptura? I don't want to derail her thread by turning this into a theological discussion but it's very fundamental to my faith and I find that most Orthodox misunderstand it. | |
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 Hawty & Nawty
Posts: 20424
| You don't need faith to watch nature. If a tree is cut down there are seeds in the dirt to grow a new tree. A replica of the one before it.
If a catapillar goes into a cacoon, there is still the hope for wings. In a random world there would be no need to continue life. It would just end. But all around us we are being shown that there is a cycle to everything, including the seasons, your period, your very own family. It's not hard to see.
Where were you before you were born? You can build a clock but it wont run unless it's plugged into a power source. You have a soul. You have a soul and when you die it goes back to its "source."
Everything in nature is already pointing you to the fact that you will be reborn in some way or the other. You may not remember your name was Katie in your last physical life, but you will know you exsist.
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 Veteran
Posts: 224
Location: La Belle, Mo | For me to not belive in God would be like trying to STOP breathing! I am not like others who were raised with him in their mist, I didnt find him til my later teens, when some new friends introduced me to him. I just know when I accepted him as my saviour my life was different, there was something more, I had HOPE again!!
We got in to some different chruchs, what with being in the military and traveling around alot, ended up in one that was all about rules and not about the love. Drove us away from God, we wondered like Egypt in the wilderness for MANY yrs, I always felt him pulling on my heart but would resist him, til I found a church that FED me, had been to others and just left empty!
I rededicated my life to the Lord again and this time it was even different then before, Most of the time before, I KNEW he was God and my saviour and he was "out" there looking over me. THIS time he was there BESIDE me every step of the way, I could turn to him, I could FEEL him, I felt like he was holding me and comforting me and walking beside me at all times!! Am I perfect now, HECK NO, I still sin, I still fail him DAILY but I beg for forgiveness and he picks me back up brushes me off and helps me back to where I need to be!
I find I MUST tell others about him, people I have known my whole life, who knew me "BEFORE" and also ones I just am getting to know, I am scared spitless most of the time to talk to them about him, for fear of rejection to ME, but I pray and turn myself over to him and he uses me to give them HIS message! Are they ALL saved, NO but I have done my part I have planted the seed he asked me to. With this I also have to say I have missed opertunites to witness to people also as I have allowed Satan to use my fears against me!
I also look around me see all the beauty and wonder how ANYONE can say there is no God, How they can even begin to think that ALL the different types, of trees, grasses, birds, fish, mammals, all living things came from ONE cell that just HAPPENED to split and say oh lets be this today, tomorrow I will be this thing over here and then next week I want to be that!! It just boggles my mind!
I personally feel that unless people have Jesus in there hearts they are really living in a world without hope. Until you have felt the LOVE he has for us, a love you can search til your dying breath and never feel with anything or anyone else, you are empty inside, there is something missing, until you experience that you are NOT whole! | |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 448
Location: lone star state | Faith and my life experiences is why I know Jesus is my savior. As stated earlier nothing is random or coincidence.
I encourage you to study C S Lewis... | |
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| Rolling J - 2013-12-17 7:31 PM runs4fun - 2013-12-17 2:32 PM The FACT that I have ALWAYS felt the presence of God in my life. And as I've gotten older I feel the Holy Spirit in me. There are some things that cannot be explained but only felt. The unexplainable power of love (you can't see love you can only feel it), an abiding feeling so down deep inside of me that I cannot put it into words. People say things of the bible have been disproved...not to me they have not. The words of the prophets of years ago, from the Old Testament that have, in fact, been proven to pan out just as they were told. The FACT that generations come and go through this world in a revolving-door fashion and my belief that there is a heaven and a hell, as scripture tell us there is, one of which that everyone ends up at as their final destination. And if all that were not enough, I can look at the grandeur,beauty and power of nature and KNOW there is a God that created it all. Men try to use human/worldly/of the flesh reasoning to explain things that we are not capable of completely comprehending in our little minds (compared to HIM). Why? Because in mortalness we are trying to "understand" something of a divine nature. But we can "choose" to believe it or not. We are asked to simply believe but that seems to be so very hard for some and so very easy for others. He is our Father, we are His children and just like we don't tell the details of everything to our children he doesn't completely explain everything to us. He has;however, given us enough information that we should take Him at his word. Beautifully said Just as some have a hard time believing in God, I have an equally hard time trying to understand how one does not believe in the power and glory of God. I have never had a "grand" moment of "awaking" but an ongoing acknowledgement of God's presence. Periods in my life, I feel God's spirit moving and changing me more than other times but I have never questioned God's existence or Jesus walked the Earth . I FULLY acknowledge though that God comes to people in different ways and through different experiences in life, so everyone's journey is unique. Some have grand moments of awaking, others he comes to them slowly and over years, yet some never open their hearts to his callings. As for the Bible, I have attend church since birth and have attended numerous Bible studies. I still feel very limited in my knowledge and understanding of the Bible. I lead an adult Sunday School class and it is interesting how each of us can take something totally different from a passage or Chapter. To be honest, if I based my "belief" COMPLETLY on my full UNDERSTANDING of the Bible, I would still be questioning God's love for me. He is not seeking our total understanding of the Bible but OUR acceptance of Jesus Christ. Yes, it is a VERY important tool/teacher in learning God's word but I am sure there are people that could be "scholars" in the word/meanings of the Bible but still not be true believers because they never accept Jesus Christ into their lives. I will never be a person that can debate the Bible or even quote several verses but from experience, many times after praying about something I have just RANDOMLY opened my Bible and I am brought to tears that God led me to a specific Chapter/encouragement/answers. Talk about a humbling experience. I see the Bible more as an important teaching tool, prayer keeps me personally connected to God, and the Holy Spirit filling my life is what "makes me believe."
Edited by runs4fun 2013-12-17 7:12 PM
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Folks on-line