So I have been reading the Bible a lot recently among other things and so at a Christian Bookstore they had this series. It is a good fiction book but based on the book of Revelations. Just FYI, it scared the crap out of me! Me and my girlfriend figure we are half-assing this whole Christian love thing. I am forgiving, I am giving, but I make sooooooooo many mistakes, I know I would be left.behind. Mostly because my thoughts are bad while my actions may seem ok.
Anyone else read this book and change how they approached their behavior?
The thing thats great is its not based on your works/behavior. Its based on Jesus and him dying on the cross for you and raising three days later. All anyone has to do is believe that Jesus is God, Know your a sinner and you cant get to heaven on your own, Believe he died and rose again to pay for your sins and call on him.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He sent his only begotten son, that whosoever believes on him should not perish and have everlasting life.
This verse is a great condensed version of the gospel. Its salvation by faith through grace NOT of works. Thats another verse thats good for this but I cant think of the reference at the moment.
The thing thats great is its not based on your works/behavior. Its based on Jesus and him dying on the cross for you and raising three days later. All anyone has to do is believe that Jesus is God, Know your a sinner and you cant get to heaven on your own, Believe he died and rose again to pay for your sins and call on him.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He sent his only begotten son, that whosoever believes on him should not perish and have everlasting life.
This verse is a great condensed version of the gospel. Its salvation by faith through grace NOT of works. Thats another verse thats good for this but I cant think of the reference at the moment.
Anyway just wanted to chime in.
ditto and I'll also add Romans 10:9 "That if you confesswithyourmouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved"
The thing though about being saved, is that once you are truly saved, you're a changed person. Your thoughts, actions, everything you did before are no longer desired. You don't WANT to act the way you did before. Which is one of the reasons I don't cuss anymore, and used to cuss like a sailor. My whole entire way of thinking changed when I truly was saved and quit "playing Chrisitian" Not that I still don't have bad thoughts or whatever from time to time, I am still a sinner. But I'm a *saved* sinner, and that's the difference I do try to live as Christ-like as I can, but that also means that the devil is constantly after me. That's his job, to try and get as many "saved" people as he can. He doesn't have to try with those that are un-saved, he already has them. Stupid devil
And Tracy, I think the scripture you're talking about is Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast."
-- Edited by Juanita on Wednesday 9th of September 2009 03:10:22 PM
The thing thats great is its not based on your works/behavior. Its based on Jesus and him dying on the cross for you and raising three days later. All anyone has to do is believe that Jesus is God, Know your a sinner and you cant get to heaven on your own, Believe he died and rose again to pay for your sins and call on him.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He sent his only begotten son, that whosoever believes on him should not perish and have everlasting life.
This verse is a great condensed version of the gospel. Its salvation by faith through grace NOT of works. Thats another verse thats good for this but I cant think of the reference at the moment.
Anyway just wanted to chime in.
Be careful. That statement alone has the potential to start a hot topic thread.
(I do understand that is your belief but there are many people/faiths/religions that disagree.) :)
About the behavior thing, in it is a pastor who is left behind. He believes in Christ but served two masters, which you can't do, so I sort of felt like his Christian faith mirrored my own. As in, I believe in Jesus as my savior but I most definately find myself thinking more of this world and fleshy thoughts than spiritually.
So while I am in such an infant stage of spirituality I am worried!
Ok, and Jen, what has me particularly worried is when you talk about the devil really liking the saved. I was doing so good on my journey and veered so.far.off.it.is.not.funny. I honestly prayed to God about how the devil was tempting me and to protect me. I don't want to go too far into it, but I honestly was freaked.
Anyway, it is an interesting read for sure and actually answers a lot of questions I have/had. I recommend it. Only 4 more books to go.
About the behavior thing, in it is a pastor who is left behind. He believes in Christ but served two masters, which you can't do, so I sort of felt like his Christian faith mirrored my own. As in, I believe in Jesus as my savior but I most definately find myself thinking more of this world and fleshy thoughts than spiritually.
So while I am in such an infant stage of spirituality I am worried!
Ok, and Jen, what has me particularly worried is when you talk about the devil really liking the saved. I was doing so good on my journey and veered so.far.off.it.is.not.funny. I honestly prayed to God about how the devil was tempting me and to protect me. I don't want to go too far into it, but I honestly was freaked.
Anyway, it is an interesting read for sure and actually answers a lot of questions I have/had. I recommend it. Only 4 more books to go.
I totally understand Kate, and it's okay that you veered off. He'll welcome you back anytime
It sounds interesting. Some people don't even realize they are trying to serve two masters when they serve the "worldy" things, so see, it got you thinking about that...I find myself serving this computer sometimes more than I'm serving Christ, and I have to re-direct myself right back again. It's a CONSTANT struggle..
And Jen, I aplogize too. I should've said that according to MY beliefs, that's what I think. I realize everyone doesn't believe that, and I do respect that. I disagree, but I respect it
-- Edited by Juanita on Wednesday 9th of September 2009 06:39:47 PM
About the behavior thing, in it is a pastor who is left behind. He believes in Christ but served two masters, which you can't do, so I sort of felt like his Christian faith mirrored my own. As in, I believe in Jesus as my savior but I most definately find myself thinking more of this world and fleshy thoughts than spiritually.
So while I am in such an infant stage of spirituality I am worried!
Ok, and Jen, what has me particularly worried is when you talk about the devil really liking the saved. I was doing so good on my journey and veered so.far.off.it.is.not.funny. I honestly prayed to God about how the devil was tempting me and to protect me. I don't want to go too far into it, but I honestly was freaked.
Anyway, it is an interesting read for sure and actually answers a lot of questions I have/had. I recommend it. Only 4 more books to go.
I totally understand Kate, and it's okay that you veered off. He'll welcome you back anytime
And Jen, I aplogize too. I should've said that according to MY beliefs, that's what I think. I realize everyone doesn't believe that, and I do respect that. I disagree, but I respect it
Oh no, not at all Jenn. I didn't mean it in the sense that I think you need to apologize.
About the behavior thing, in it is a pastor who is left behind. He believes in Christ but served two masters, which you can't do, so I sort of felt like his Christian faith mirrored my own. As in, I believe in Jesus as my savior but I most definately find myself thinking more of this world and fleshy thoughts than spiritually.
So while I am in such an infant stage of spirituality I am worried!
Ok, and Jen, what has me particularly worried is when you talk about the devil really liking the saved. I was doing so good on my journey and veered so.far.off.it.is.not.funny. I honestly prayed to God about how the devil was tempting me and to protect me. I don't want to go too far into it, but I honestly was freaked.
Anyway, it is an interesting read for sure and actually answers a lot of questions I have/had. I recommend it. Only 4 more books to go.
I totally understand Kate, and it's okay that you veered off. He'll welcome you back anytime
And Jen, I aplogize too. I should've said that according to MY beliefs, that's what I think. I realize everyone doesn't believe that, and I do respect that. I disagree, but I respect it
Oh no, not at all Jenn. I didn't mean it in the sense that I think you need to apologize.
Just an observation.
I know you didn't, and thank you for pointing it out. Sometimes when I get in the "preacher" mode, I lose all focus,
-- Edited by Juanita on Wednesday 9th of September 2009 06:43:37 PM
About the behavior thing, in it is a pastor who is left behind. He believes in Christ but served two masters, which you can't do, so I sort of felt like his Christian faith mirrored my own. As in, I believe in Jesus as my savior but I most definately find myself thinking more of this world and fleshy thoughts than spiritually.
So while I am in such an infant stage of spirituality I am worried!
Ok, and Jen, what has me particularly worried is when you talk about the devil really liking the saved. I was doing so good on my journey and veered so.far.off.it.is.not.funny. I honestly prayed to God about how the devil was tempting me and to protect me. I don't want to go too far into it, but I honestly was freaked.
Anyway, it is an interesting read for sure and actually answers a lot of questions I have/had. I recommend it. Only 4 more books to go.
I totally understand Kate, and it's okay that you veered off. He'll welcome you back anytime
It sounds interesting. Some people don't even realize they are trying to serve two masters when they serve the "worldy" things, so see, it got you thinking about that...I find myself serving this computer sometimes more than I'm serving Christ, and I have to re-direct myself right back again. It's a CONSTANT struggle..
And Jen, I aplogize too. I should've said that according to MY beliefs, that's what I think. I realize everyone doesn't believe that, and I do respect that. I disagree, but I respect it
-- Edited by Juanita on Wednesday 9th of September 2009 06:39:47 PM
This is a struggle for me too!
I really have to make myself aware of what I'm spending my time doing RE: the computer. There have been computer related issues come up here in my house that I don't really want to get into but in the end it felt like it was a message from God affirming what I already knew - I was not being a good steward of my time and this computer and the Internet was taking away from the things in life that REALLY need my time and attention.
I read this book several years ago and honestly totally forgot what it was about. Maybe I should pick it back up . . .
About the behavior thing, in it is a pastor who is left behind. He believes in Christ but served two masters, which you can't do, so I sort of felt like his Christian faith mirrored my own. As in, I believe in Jesus as my savior but I most definately find myself thinking more of this world and fleshy thoughts than spiritually.
So while I am in such an infant stage of spirituality I am worried!
Ok, and Jen, what has me particularly worried is when you talk about the devil really liking the saved. I was doing so good on my journey and veered so.far.off.it.is.not.funny. I honestly prayed to God about how the devil was tempting me and to protect me. I don't want to go too far into it, but I honestly was freaked.
Anyway, it is an interesting read for sure and actually answers a lot of questions I have/had. I recommend it. Only 4 more books to go.
I totally understand Kate, and it's okay that you veered off. He'll welcome you back anytime
It sounds interesting. Some people don't even realize they are trying to serve two masters when they serve the "worldy" things, so see, it got you thinking about that...I find myself serving this computer sometimes more than I'm serving Christ, and I have to re-direct myself right back again. It's a CONSTANT struggle..
And Jen, I aplogize too. I should've said that according to MY beliefs, that's what I think. I realize everyone doesn't believe that, and I do respect that. I disagree, but I respect it
-- Edited by Juanita on Wednesday 9th of September 2009 06:39:47 PM
This is a struggle for me too!
I really have to make myself aware of what I'm spending my time doing RE: the computer. There have been computer related issues come up here in my house that I don't really want to get into but in the end it felt like it was a message from God affirming what I already knew - I was not being a good steward of my time and this computer and the Internet was taking away from the things in life that REALLY need my time and attention.
I read this book several years ago and honestly totally forgot what it was about. Maybe I should pick it back up . . .
This book sounds very interesting. I'll add it to my read list.
I think the challenge that I have personally when it comes to deciding the most appropriate use of my time is that sometimes, it's hard to see what is service and what's not.
For example, Jenn, when you've grabbed me to chat here and there on Facebook and when you were always finding me to harvest your crops on Farm Town, it might have felt like a waste of time to you. However, to me, it was a reminder of a friendship with a good Christian woman strong in her faith that didn't write me off as <fill-in-the-blank> like so many others have that has helped me strengthen my own relationship with Christ. So... waste of time, or service to Christ -- KWIM?
I'm not suggesting that there aren't things that we do that we shouldn't, I just know that I sometimes struggle in that I don't think that any one of us can fully appreciate the extent of the impact of our actions, given that we are limited to only our perspective. Not that I want to use this as a crutch to say "everything is fine" or that we don't need to be concerned about being idle, but it does give me reason to at least on a base level trust my intuition as being a part of God's plan.
-- Edited by mctex on Thursday 10th of September 2009 07:47:17 AM
About the behavior thing, in it is a pastor who is left behind. He believes in Christ but served two masters, which you can't do, so I sort of felt like his Christian faith mirrored my own. As in, I believe in Jesus as my savior but I most definately find myself thinking more of this world and fleshy thoughts than spiritually.
So while I am in such an infant stage of spirituality I am worried!
Ok, and Jen, what has me particularly worried is when you talk about the devil really liking the saved. I was doing so good on my journey and veered so.far.off.it.is.not.funny. I honestly prayed to God about how the devil was tempting me and to protect me. I don't want to go too far into it, but I honestly was freaked.
Anyway, it is an interesting read for sure and actually answers a lot of questions I have/had. I recommend it. Only 4 more books to go.
I totally understand Kate, and it's okay that you veered off. He'll welcome you back anytime
It sounds interesting. Some people don't even realize they are trying to serve two masters when they serve the "worldy" things, so see, it got you thinking about that...I find myself serving this computer sometimes more than I'm serving Christ, and I have to re-direct myself right back again. It's a CONSTANT struggle..
And Jen, I aplogize too. I should've said that according to MY beliefs, that's what I think. I realize everyone doesn't believe that, and I do respect that. I disagree, but I respect it
-- Edited by Juanita on Wednesday 9th of September 2009 06:39:47 PM
This is a struggle for me too!
I really have to make myself aware of what I'm spending my time doing RE: the computer. There have been computer related issues come up here in my house that I don't really want to get into but in the end it felt like it was a message from God affirming what I already knew - I was not being a good steward of my time and this computer and the Internet was taking away from the things in life that REALLY need my time and attention.
I read this book several years ago and honestly totally forgot what it was about. Maybe I should pick it back up . . .
This book sounds very interesting. I'll add it to my read list.
I think the challenge that I have personally when it comes to deciding the most appropriate use of my time is that sometimes, it's hard to see what is service and what's not.
For example, Jenn, when you've grabbed me to chat here and there on Facebook and when you were always finding me to harvest your crops on Farm Town, it might have felt like a waste of time to you. However, to me, it was a reminder of a friendship with a good Christian woman strong in her faith that didn't write me off as <fill-in-the-blank> like so many others have that has helped me strengthen my own relationship with Christ. So... waste of time, or service to Christ -- KWIM?
I'm not suggesting that there aren't things that we do that we shouldn't, I just know that I sometimes struggle in that I don't think that any one of us can fully appreciate the extent of the impact of our actions, given that we are limited to only our perspective. Not that I want to use this as a crutch to say "everything is fine" or that we don't need to be concerned about being idle, but it does give me reason to at least on a base level trust my intuition as being a part of God's plan.
-- Edited by mctex on Thursday 10th of September 2009 07:47:17 AM
I'm glad you shared that, because I've wondered many, MANY times if I'm showing the love of Christ via the computer. I mean, I know when I post and talk about him, I'm showing it, but when I'm doing everyday stuff, like you mentioned above, if you and others still felt it...
About the behavior thing, in it is a pastor who is left behind. He believes in Christ but served two masters, which you can't do, so I sort of felt like his Christian faith mirrored my own. As in, I believe in Jesus as my savior but I most definately find myself thinking more of this world and fleshy thoughts than spiritually.
So while I am in such an infant stage of spirituality I am worried!
Ok, and Jen, what has me particularly worried is when you talk about the devil really liking the saved. I was doing so good on my journey and veered so.far.off.it.is.not.funny. I honestly prayed to God about how the devil was tempting me and to protect me. I don't want to go too far into it, but I honestly was freaked.
Anyway, it is an interesting read for sure and actually answers a lot of questions I have/had. I recommend it. Only 4 more books to go.
I totally understand Kate, and it's okay that you veered off. He'll welcome you back anytime
It sounds interesting. Some people don't even realize they are trying to serve two masters when they serve the "worldy" things, so see, it got you thinking about that...I find myself serving this computer sometimes more than I'm serving Christ, and I have to re-direct myself right back again. It's a CONSTANT struggle..
And Jen, I aplogize too. I should've said that according to MY beliefs, that's what I think. I realize everyone doesn't believe that, and I do respect that. I disagree, but I respect it
-- Edited by Juanita on Wednesday 9th of September 2009 06:39:47 PM
This is a struggle for me too!
I really have to make myself aware of what I'm spending my time doing RE: the computer. There have been computer related issues come up here in my house that I don't really want to get into but in the end it felt like it was a message from God affirming what I already knew - I was not being a good steward of my time and this computer and the Internet was taking away from the things in life that REALLY need my time and attention.
I read this book several years ago and honestly totally forgot what it was about. Maybe I should pick it back up . . .
This book sounds very interesting. I'll add it to my read list.
I think the challenge that I have personally when it comes to deciding the most appropriate use of my time is that sometimes, it's hard to see what is service and what's not.
For example, Jenn, when you've grabbed me to chat here and there on Facebook and when you were always finding me to harvest your crops on Farm Town, it might have felt like a waste of time to you. However, to me, it was a reminder of a friendship with a good Christian woman strong in her faith that didn't write me off as <fill-in-the-blank> like so many others have that has helped me strengthen my own relationship with Christ. So... waste of time, or service to Christ -- KWIM?
I'm not suggesting that there aren't things that we do that we shouldn't, I just know that I sometimes struggle in that I don't think that any one of us can fully appreciate the extent of the impact of our actions, given that we are limited to only our perspective. Not that I want to use this as a crutch to say "everything is fine" or that we don't need to be concerned about being idle, but it does give me reason to at least on a base level trust my intuition as being a part of God's plan.
-- Edited by mctex on Thursday 10th of September 2009 07:47:17 AM
I'm glad you shared that, because I've wondered many, MANY times if I'm showing the love of Christ via the computer. I mean, I know when I post and talk about him, I'm showing it, but when I'm doing everyday stuff, like you mentioned above, if you and others still felt it...
That is totally possible as it is a work of interesting fiction. If you don't believe, you can read it as a "what if" sort of science fiction novel. It is pretty well written as a suspenseful book.
Of course, if I was back to my atheist/agnostic self I would take issue and throw the book against the wall. It takes more of a passive "eh" attitude if you aren't a believer.
I do try to live as Christ-like as I can, but that also means that the devil is constantly after me. That's his job, to try and get as many "saved" people as he can. He doesn't have to try with those that are un-saved, he already has them. Stupid devil 
