Search results

As long as you put your faith in Christ it doesn't really matter if cowardice is a sin - you're still saved. You're still going to Heaven. Jesus brought us freedom not more persecution. As Romans 8:1 says, "there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus." I used to view myself as a...

I think its pretty apparent by the behavior of some church "leaders" that they aren't called by God. I do, however, believe that God uses authority to help teach us. And that each true church leader does have some authority over us. This is why I tend to be (although not always) against...

That's what I've seen too. I tend to be stubborn and prideful and it often takes suffering to "wake me up" and actually learn what God wants to teach me. I don't believe God causes most of my suffering - I think I do well enough on my own with that. But I do believe, if I allow God to work...

I agree. I think Jesus was addressing the fact that we can go around looking the part of a believer, but on the inside we are just as corrupt and guilty as the adulterer or murderer. Jesus had a habit of upping the ante by showing that no matter what you did the Law would never be enough to...

I don't think believers need to go to church every week - however I think the more you miss out on regular disciplines of a relationship with God, the weaker that relationship becomes. (If we don't talk to our best friend every week, how long until that relationship weakens?). That said if...

Sunday Child - I can't comment on your anxiety. There are many reasons why anxiety occurs. Most of them have perfectly natural explanations. Research shows that the best approach in dealing with anxiety is through "Cognitive behavioral Therapy". Essentially changing the way you think and...

I'm not really surprised if this is true. And I wouldn't be surprised if it's not true. There's a lot of things I believe God intentionally left silent. We have a tendency to worship a thing instead of God - so if we knew exactly where Jesus died, how tempting would it be to worship that...

I think it's unlikely that many (if anyone) would still worship God. The biggest hope that God promises is spending eternity with him. To remove that would be devastating. We don't do a very good job of following him when we HAVE that promise. I can't see us doing a better job without it.

I wouldn't start quoting Bible verses to the pastor. Odds are he knows them already (or at least should!), so it's not a lack of knowledge. This isn't going to be a flashy answer, but I think it's how Jesus responded to "holier than thou" types - he showed them a contrasting way to live. Jesus...

I'm not sure that's how I would define "compassion." As ~Karin~ pointed out, God loves us all as his children. Yet what if your child grows up to be a homicidal killer? Just because you love him / her doesn't mean there are no consequences for their actions. Yes you still love him / her...

I would encourage you to find a church that doesn't just match your preferences - but one where you can actually sense God and see him in action. There are many churches that fit what you're looking for, but that doesn't mean that's where you should be. In fact I'd say it's probably healthy...

I don't know. I think I've seen that bumper sticker before. ;)

Well that's true. But I'd argue those differences, when you boil it down, are more intramural in nature. Baptists and Catholics may disagree on the role of a priest, but they don't (or shouldn't disagree) on the divinity of Jesus. Calvinists and Arminians disagree on the nature of man's role...

To be honest I think you should find a church that believes in the Bible, emphasizes prayer, and encourages community. It also needs to be one you'll go to regularly. The most theologically sound church that you don't go to will never do you any good. :) Outside of that, I don't think it...

I've been reading a book called, Welcome to the Revolution by Brian Tome, and in it he says, "When we become broken over our sin and repent, we actually become stronger than we were before." I think this is very true. You look at many of the people who did the most for the Kingdom, and many...

It's not exactly a "church" - but when I get together with my Small Group (i.e., Bible Study) we have meet outside before. Those meetings are often great because they are outside of the usual "context" of meeting. I think doing new and different things is often a way that allows God to break...

Brian - I don't know what to say. It's hard for anyone to be able to accurately give you advice that isn't personally involved in your life. I know that I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through. But I at least want to offer something I have found beneficial.... Often following...

For me it took a miraculous intervention by God at a time in my life when I couldn't see any hope. I think God used that moment, that answered, desperate prayer, to "take ground" so to speak in my heart. From there it took months of wrestling with tough questions before I could...

It depends. If you've been diagnosed by a licensed psychologist (or psychiatrist) then you may very well have a mental illness. But many forms of anxiety fall outside of a clinical definition of generalized anxiety. If you haven't seen a psychologist all you may need to do is learn to handle...

I think we all fall short before God. And we all display hypocrisy towards him. But there's nothing wrong with fasting. In fact, I agree with Dies3l. Fasting can be a great way to build into your relationship with God. Now if you're complaining because your fasting is causing an...