My faith.

[myakka]

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I am putting this in the off-topic, and hope not to offend, but to explain.

I believe that a lot of times we miss a bigger point when considering Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
Most Christians get caught up in their take on salvation, and I have also. But while in college I heard an really life-changing sermon on free will, and I want to offer this thought.

If God had only intended us to come into fellow-ship with Him, then he would have left the Tree out of the Garden. He would have forbidden the 'snake'. We already were in communion at that time, walking with God daily. So why let the Tree be there, and why allow the snake to tempt?

God has servants plenty. Angels are mentioned in the Bible as being servants of God. But we have a chance to be more than that. We have a chance to be joint heirs, "grafted" into the vine, adopted children of God.

This comes if we CHOSE to accept the free gift. Consider that Jesus says "Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me." These are actions that are in our lap. Our choice, our decision.

So while I want very much for everyone to be saved, I also acknowlede that everyone here is alloted this free will, and if that is how God wanted it, why would I get angry and argue? I should embrace God's plan to let people make their decision. I respect the next person's right to consider creation, read the bible, read anything else they chose, and pick their path.

Over the years this outlook has kept me from "attacking" other people's beliefs, and because of that I have had some great opportunitties to witness to some folks that get defensive when other Christians have tried to talk to them.

It is easy to get worked up because we see dead people. And we know the cure. But let's remember that the choice to take the cure or not is God given to each one. Who am I to second guess that?

Thanks for letting me put this out there. Whew! Ok. Don't expect much more out of me on this topic unless you ask a question or pm me.

[nakadnu]

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I agree with alot of what you are saying. I have personally have had some bad experiences with "tyranical" christians. If they all understood, like you do, there would not be so many anti christians in this world.
I am happy for you and respect you for saying this.

[dalewick]

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Amen.....

and bless you for sharing.

Dale

[Oscar Wilde]

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.... Don't expect much more out of me on this topic ....

What prompted this Myakka? What ya thinking about?

O.W.

[cracker]

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myakka62 very good post I see things almost the same. i would add that once
a person chooses Gods ways; they need to start getting rid of the bad things in their life and they will find the more they get rid of the more God helps them.

[Buggyout]

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Myakka!!! You are absolutely right. What you said in the first part of your statement is very Biblical. I hope that all of you don't misinterpret my passion for standing on the Word of God as being "tyrannical". I cannot - not preach the truth! I hope and pray that the seeds that are planted develop some day!

If I come across harshly, again....it is not. It's passion for the GOOD NEWS!!!!! WOoOoOoOOoOoOOoOoOooOooOooOo!

[Applejack]

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I have also commited my life to God. Without him I don't know where I would be now. I make that choice many, many years ago to take up my cross and follow Christ. And I can say I have never regreted it. My faith in God is what get's me through these hard times that are facing us now and in the future. I am so glad to hear I have another brother in Christ. Great post. I like to hear that there are a lot of christians on this forum that agrees with you. the Holy Bible is the word of God that needs to be carved into our hearts.
AJ

[Morgan101]

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Myakka that is a very heartfelt post. Thank you for sharing. I agree with 99.9%. You make an excellent point. I try to accept others and their beliefs without judgement. The only fly in the ointment is a religion that avows hurting others. I will not tolerate that nor do I look at it as acceptable. I would accept an atheist who does not hurt anybody before that.

I believe in a God that is all-loving; all-forgiving; all-accepting; all-tolerant. That is what we have chosen, and we have built our civilized society on these principles. We need more of God in our lives.

[myakka]

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The only fly in the ointment is a religion that avows hurting others. I will not tolerate that nor do I look at it as acceptable. I would accept an atheist who does not hurt anybody before that.
I believe in a God that is all-loving; all-forgiving; all-accepting; all-tolerant. That is what we have chosen, and we have built our civilized society on these principles. We need more of God in our lives.

I don't want anyone to mistake my reliance on God's plan to give each person choice as tolerance or soft-heartedness when it comes to wrong doing or sin. Much the opposite. Becaue I know it is God's plan that an individual will accept His ways or not, then I don't have any "guilt" if I do what I can to witness or share and the person rejects God. That is their right. My job is to do everything I can to witness and represent, and everything else is up to the Holy Spirit and that person.
It makes me one horrible potential Juror, because I do not have any sympathy or softness for someone who has done wrong.
I would vote on a death penalty as easy as voting for a misdemeaner. Both are simply the follow-through of the person's actions.
I accept that a terrorist has been granted by God the right to reject Him and follow a false path. But that doesn't mean I would hesitate to see him killed, wounded, or tortured for information. He chose his path. (God allowed him to.) But the consequences of those choices still apply.

God is all forgiving when there is repentance, but He is also a God of fierce judgement who will not tolerate sin.
With this wonderful gift of free will comes a complete accountability for our own actions.

[Morgan101]

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As always I am with you shoulder to shoulder, in complete agreement. God Bless.