ALL CHRISTIANS: How do you answer: "It doesn't matter which religion you 'pick'"

[whatisthetruth]

Indeed. But remember the nature of their gifts of the Spirit vs. ours.

I believe we all have different God given gifts we can use to glorify Him.

Praise God

 

[whatisthetruth]

Hi philthy

I forgot to add on to my comment to you.

I also addressed your concern to me in my post #106 this thread to jmcrae

here is a little bit,

Thank you Lord

jmcrae,
The Protestant doctrine of “Assurance of Salvation” is also known as “Once Saved, Always Saved,”

I said

I believe there is a correct way and a wrong way to make this statement
However, I believe I know what you mean and I agree with you 100%

jmcrae,

and means that if you recite the “Sinner’s Prayer” one time in your life, then you can sin your little brains out for the rest of your life, and still expect to go to Heaven.

I said,

A total disrespect of God and as Paul Washer said, to which I agree,

I believe the greatest heresy in the american evangelical protestant church is that if you prayed that Jesus Christ would come into your heart, He will definitely come in.

jmcrae,

This is why they go about in public, accost strangers, get them to pray the Sinner’s Prayer, and then notch their belt to signify that “another soul has been saved for Christ.”

I said

you took the words right out of Paul Washer’s mouth or something very similiar in his video. Oh my, what a coincidence. Dang did I say that?? Sorry God.

jmcrae, I believe souls can be saved for Jesus Christ, but with the truthful understanding on not what but Who saves souls and He is God.

Only God saves, agree??

NO prayer, NO man, No church recital…nothing but God

When God saves a soul is is a wonderful thing
but…

jmcrae

They do no follow-up with the people, nor do they make sure that the person makes it to Church, nor help them with their questions about the Bible - because it doesn’t matter what that person does or believes; all that matters is that they prayed the Sinner’s Prayer - everything else is considered a “work of man,” and thus, of no value

I said

I agree with you 100%
jmcrae, I was waiting for someone to “spell” out the picture “you can sin your little brains out for the rest of your life” that many non Roman Catholics are sending in regard to salvation.

No wonder salvation, which is such a wonderful gift God promised, is not looked at all the times as wonderful because I have to believe there are people who take God’s promise of salvation absolutely the wrong way for which God intended.

 

[Rocky]

Whatisthetruth wrote: I am just wondering as to what is the reason for Roman Catholics not declaring what I believe is God’s promise to all His children, "the inheritance which I believe is waiting for all the faithful, which is the kingdom prepared for all the faithful since the creation of the world.

I believe, by faith, Jesus died for our sins, and by living my faith in Him and "after carrying my cross day after day after day,** I look forward to the end of the road when I can claim my inheritance** which is waiting for me as God had promised in,

Hi Whatisthetruth,

Where in the bible does it say that an individual can claim his inheritance? Actually Proverbs 20 tells us that “an inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.”

 

[Philthy]

I believe all God asks is that we believe by faith.

He actually never says that the ONLY thing he asks is that we believe - that is certainly important - but he never says that is the only thing. In fact, the only time that “faith alone” is mentioned in the bible, we are told that it will NOT save us (James 2)
When asked point blank by the rich young man, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ says, “If you wish to enter into life keep the commandments.” I told you this before, but you ignore those things which contradict your preconcieved notions. Christ goes on further to describe the judgement (sheep and goats) and guess who are the sheep? Those who believed? Thats not the way he expresses it - it is those who DID GOOD. And who is condemned? Those who didnt “believe”? Again, not the way he words it - he even goes out of his way to show that some of those who are condemned know him as “Lord” but they failed to DO GOOD. Again, not my words, but Christ’s.
I also pointed out that Christ said that IF we dont forgive others their trespasses THEN God wont forgive us ours. These are conditionals, and to my way of looking at it, they are all acts of faith in Christ. They encompass what it means to “believe” and to “have faith in” Jesus Christ. And they are not finished until we leave this world. The statement “All God asks is that we believe in Him” is simply an error. He never says that and He says much which contradicts it in the way you mean it.

Eternal life, I believe is a most generous gift from God.

On this we agree totally!

I do not receive His gift lightly but with fearful respect of the true wrath of God, should I sin at any time in my walk of faith in Him.

Is your perception of sin perfect, do you think? I mean, do you always know when you have sinned?

 

[whatisthetruth]

Whatisthetruth wrote: I am just wondering as to what is the reason for Roman Catholics not declaring what I believe is God’s promise to all His children, "the inheritance which I believe is waiting for all the faithful, which is the kingdom prepared for all the faithful since the creation of the world.

I believe, by faith, Jesus died for our sins, and by living my faith in Him and "after carrying my cross day after day after day,** I look forward to the end of the road when I can claim my inheritance** which is waiting for me as God had promised in,

Hi Whatisthetruth,

Where in the bible does it say that an individual can claim his inheritance? Actually Proverbs 20 tells us that “an inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.”

Matthew 25:34
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world

 

[jmcrae]

Matthew 25:34
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world

You realize that that is taking place after the end of the world, right? It’s not referring to anyone alive right now. We have to wait until the very end, and then we can claim our inheritance.

 

[whatisthetruth]

bump

Hi all, I have some bad news.
Then again it might be good news for some.

Just to let you know CalmDownWisWins stated on another thread after quoting one of my statements,

I would not accept anything this person has to say as meaningful.

And here is how I responded. thank you all for your time we had.

Why CalmDownWisWins, is attacking easier than trying to understand.

Lets attack and start a false rumor about another one of those “Protestants” than try to understand him.

Oops I am sorry CalmDownWisWins, please forgive me. I just called you, a Christian, a liar and falsely accused you.

CalmDownWisWins it is totally against my nature to judge anyone as a liar and I did just that.

Please forgive me.

So let me comment on what you said because you always tell the truth especially about “protestants”

Hi all, since CalmDownWisWins has suggested from his heart

"not to

accept anything I have to say as meaningful" I have regretably made a decision that I wish I did not have to make.

Since, I can not be sure CalmDownWisWins has you second guessing anything I post from this point forward, I have decided to post anything more on any thread at CAF.

I will not waste my time expressing my heart, if you are not going to believe what I write anyway.

**So, why should I post? **

Congratulations, CalmDownWisWins, you have you wish.

**I AM DONE.

PERIOD!!!**

Are you happy CalmDownWisWins?
How are you feeling right now?

** ?

?

?

?

:clapping: ?

:banghead: ? **

If I sound a little hurt, you dang right I am.
I am so sorry it came down to this.

BTW CalmDownWisWins, no need to apologize to me, I forgive you for hurting me.

But I got bad news, I can not clear the pain you caused against God by hurting me. I pray that He accepts your sincere confession.

I really **do not care **at this point if you believe I mean it.

I am so wrong in venting but maybe this is what it will take to get my message across.

Then again,

I am just a “protestant”
Why should you care?.

Maybe by seeing the hurt first hand, might be cause for some to start caring about this nonsense between the Catholics and the “protestants”.

As some are welcoming me home to Christ’s one true church,
others are like CalmDownWisWins.

Why should I come back if what I say has no meaning to you?
Is that thaught about me going to change overnight should I walk through your door tomorrow?

Who believes in thier heart of hearts I feel God’s love right now?

Oh God, please forgive me. Of all I said above,
I am so sorry God, but you know my hurt.
I ask forgiveness of you all at CAF for lashing out.
I am sorry. For any pain I just caused by anything I said here or anywhere else.
In no way do I set out to hurt anyone.

I feel guilty in asking this but,

If by chance you are one who valued our conversation and you have any question of me or thaught you like to share I invite you to PM.

I will gladly communicate with you in PM if you are sincere.

If you do nothing else, may I ask you to read the following.
“My Signature Letter”

Even though CalmDownWisWins does not believe it, it would mean a lot to me if just one of you believes anything I wrote and let me know, please…thank you.

I ask of you as a Christian brother/sister just that one small favor.

To most of you, thank you again for sharing your thaughts, beliefs and most important love with me while I was here on the threads.

For the most part It has been a wonderful visit.
I may come back to the threads, but for now,
thanks to CalmDownWisWins, (BTW may God bless you too),
it is not a good idea to post again for a while.

One day I might understand, why you were compelled to do that CalmDownWisWins, God only knows.

God bless you all

truth

 

[theresa1967]

Ok, this thread is more geared toward how you would respond to a particular type of non-Christian. Typically, they call themselves “Spiritual”. They believe the main reason people are in any particular religion is because they were raised that way. They also believe one’s religion should be like picking out something on a menu…it doesn’t really matter cuz it’s an individual choice. Yet when you hear them talk more and more, it is clear they are anti-Christian.

I’m not looking for an argument for choosing Catholicism vs. a Protestant denom. (so let the ecumenism fly! :grouphug: ) I’m asking all of us “Christians” to address how you respond to this:

It doesn’t matter which religion you pick.

Seems like it is a common thing. Most people have been hurt by their experience with RELIGION “Organized Religion” or influence by information that was not correct. So in response, always with love and focus on them. As you are very praying inside for words of wisdom. Truth really is Simple. In reality we need guidance in some way from within or others and the opposite of Organized Religion is “UNORGANIZED” and very the word religion simply means believing in a higher power. Most people have taken the word religion and combined it with negative thoughts. The best confidence is your example of showing them just that. God came to unite not divide. That is why we believe in ONE Church. Not to put down others that start their own churches. But to be faithful to God and the Church he built. All the rules are not to burden us but for the common good of all of us. Simple example in their world is a speed limit sign on the freeway. All laws are for the greater good. Having a pick and choose speed limit would be like a “spiritural” speed limit. Doesn’t sound safe for us to guess on the freeway or in our Spiritual life eigther. It is worth the time to pray for understanding and maybe a time to grow for both you and the person you are speaking with.

 

[Roy5]

IT DOES MATTER, UP TO A POINT

Hm! I am not a dogmatist. I stayed with a Hindu family in India sometime ago and decided that if they didn't get to heaven, few others would make it. And they had an image of the 'elephant god' on their front door, a symbol of welcome and good luck.

 It does matter which religion one picks, up to a point. It may have more to do with the spirit in which you practice your religion. If you are a Christian bigot, who uses one's faith to undergird your bigotry, I suggest changing your religion - well, to a more kind and gentle version of Christianity. I know Muslims who seem to 'be better Christians" than some Christians. After all, when Jesus was asked how to enter eternal life, he said nothing about a church or a doctrine or a creed. He said (1) love God and (2) love one another. 

  I am longing for the day when all religions agree on what essentially are the teachings of Christ, that we must dwell together in peace and mutual respect. Quakerism always has had a special appeal to me, frankly, because it is so tolerant and emphasizes the 'inner light' in every human being - plus its focus on peace. But, alas, Quaker worship can be a bit boring, especially without music. Still, they are called Friends and I honor them as such.

  In the eyes of God, all people of faith who seek to "do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with thy God" (Hosea 6:8) will be blessed. God's mercy will overlook any deviations we may have when it comes to such matters as doctrine. We do live in a huge and mysterious universe and none of us has a monopoly on all truth. Who was it who said: "God is too big to be contained in only one religion"?

  I'm sure this offends many narrow-minded folks who seem to dominate in these threads, but so be it. God bless the whole world - no exceptions! That, I believe, is the essential message of Christ, far more important than sacraments, hierarchies, and creeds. Then again, God bless you, too!

 

[theresa1967]

IT DOES MATTER, UP TO A POINT

Hm! I am not a dogmatist. I stayed with a Hindu family in India sometime ago and decided that if they didn't get to heaven, few others would make it. And they had an image of the 'elephant god' on their front door, a symbol of welcome and good luck.

 It does matter which religion one picks, up to a point. It may have more to do with the spirit in which you practice your religion. If you are a Christian bigot, who uses one's faith to undergird your bigotry, I suggest changing your religion - well, to a more kind and gentle version of Christianity. I know Muslims who seem to 'be better Christians" than some Christians. After all, when Jesus was asked how to enter eternal life, he said nothing about a church or a doctrine or a creed. He said (1) love God and (2) love one another. 

  I am longing for the day when all religions agree on what essentially are the teachings of Christ, that we must dwell together in peace and mutual respect. Quakerism always has had a special appeal to me, frankly, because it is so tolerant and emphasizes the 'inner light' in every human being - plus its focus on peace. But, alas, Quaker worship can be a bit boring, especially without music. Still, they are called Friends and I honor them as such.

  In the eyes of God, all people of faith who seek to "do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with thy God" (Hosea 6:8) will be blessed. God's mercy will overlook any deviations we may have when it comes to such matters as doctrine. We do live in a huge and mysterious universe and none of us has a monopoly on all truth. Who was it who said: "God is too big to be contained in only one religion"?

  I'm sure this offends many narrow-minded folks who seem to dominate in these threads, but so be it. God bless the whole world - no exceptions! That, I believe, is the essential message of Christ, far more important than sacraments, hierarchies, and creeds. Then again, God bless you, too!

With all respect…

There is nothing more important than the Sacrament of Holy Communion, look up the word transubstantiation (sp?)

and God built ONE Church, the teachings of the Church when understood, embrace EVERY RELIGION on the earth. We who are truly Catholic, defend but not divide, inform, and leave conversion up to God. You are right…its all about LOVE. The Pope’s message is to embrace all religions for the greater good, Mother Teresa, was famous for saying, I am not here to convert, I am here to bring others closer to God.

Most important, its using the intelligence God gave us so seeking truth, many need information, with the internet and books, we should encourage ALL to STUDY!! with prayer and learn about the sacraments…they are amazing GRACE. In this world the best preaching is in silence!! SMILE>>>>MORE>>>

Remember Catholic means: UNIVERSAL. and religion means: believing in a higher power, well, with study and prayer my Higher power is Jesus our Lord and He gave us a Home and a family, His Mom, Joseph…Saints are followers of Him. Study them the Bible and the proper interpretation, that would be the Catechism book…its so worth your time…guessing isn’t fun…truth is…

with love…

 

[onaquest]

I have answered " It matters to me. I believe God has a vested interest in my understanding of him. The mystery of God is such that in his Incarnation I can know his greatness in his littleness. He has reached out to humanity in truth and understanding and that is a love affair I can’t resist though I have the choice to."

 

[theresa1967]

I have answered " It matters to me. I believe God has a vested interest in my understanding of him. The mystery of God is such that in his Incarnation I can know his greatness in his littleness. He has reached out to humanity in truth and understanding and that is a love affair I can’t resist though I have the choice to."

Can I just reply…AMEN!!! what a gift of Grace just to have read your response to this subject…so TRUE!!!

Thank you…

 

[Tracy10]

What’s your definition of Christianity? Mine is simply trying to follow the teachings of Christ. The reason we have so many religions today is because each one believe it’s the only one that understands the bible and the others are all definitely mistaken.

Try to be led not so much words, but by your heart. If you concentrate on showing goodness, love, understanding, and caring, and respect for others, you need not worry about whether certain phrases in the bible have been misinterpreted by others. The more you yourself personally try to live in the ways you believe Jesus lived, and show understanding and love for others the way he did, the better person you will be and the more you will recognize Christianity and spirituality in others.

When people approach others with arms, ready to attack them for not being Christian, it’s almost impossible to recognize that they indeed are very Christian.

Ok, this thread is more geared toward how you would respond to a particular type of non-Christian. Typically, they call themselves “Spiritual”. They believe the main reason people are in any particular religion is because they were raised that way. They also believe one’s religion should be like picking out something on a menu…it doesn’t really matter cuz it’s an individual choice. Yet when you hear them talk more and more, it is clear they are anti-Christian.

I’m not looking for an argument for choosing Catholicism vs. a Protestant denom. (so let the ecumenism fly! :grouphug: ) I’m asking all of us “Christians” to address how you respond to this:

It doesn’t matter which religion you pick.