I think you're absolutely correct.It appears as if you being sound in your faith is not being considered, by some of the comments made to you
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I think you're absolutely correct.It appears as if you being sound in your faith is not being considered, by some of the comments made to you
For some reason, the way you worded this made something come to my mind. You're right......ironically it's my friendships with my Muslim and Jewish friends that has caused me to cling even tighter to my faith (and to have confidence in God). These two have experienced what distorted religion--hungry for power--can do. I think I mentioned earlier that they grew up together (met in elementary school....and have remained close friends since then)....and both experienced having to flee a country that was overtaken by "religious" persecution. It's their love and dedication to one another (and to me) that's given me a perspective that above all.....God is love... and love is the highest law (without love we are nothing~1st Corinthians 13).It is however specifically taught, to sever such a relationship, if they should attempt to influence you to depart from your faith. (which I am just noting, but saw no evidence of you claiming that was the case)
For some reason, the way you worded this made something come to my mind. You're right......ironically it's my friendships with my Muslim and Jewish friends that has caused me to cling even tighter to my faith (and to have confidence in God).
For some reason, the way you worded this made something come to my mind. You're right......ironically it's my friendships with my Muslim and Jewish friends that has caused me to cling even tighter to my faith (and to have confidence in God). These two have experienced what distorted religion--hungry for power--can do. I think I mentioned earlier that they grew up together (met in elementary school....and have remained close friends since then)....and both experienced having to flee a country that was overtaken by "religious" persecution. It's their love and dedication to one another (and to me) that's given me a perspective that above all.....God is love... and love is the highest law (without love we are nothing~1st Corinthians 13).
If I hadn't been friends with these two, my faith may have been shattered years ago....and parts of it actually were (the false beliefs). About 15 years ago.....when several of our friends from church were going through difficult times (one I mentioned already....with the church turning their back on the needs of one friend)....I began meeting with pastors and church staff to get a more clear understanding of their response to the suffering of others---especially those suffering IN their marriages. There was so much discussion at the time--both in sermons and on Christian radio and literature--about the "sanctity of marriage" and that was the same time that James Dobson had written the federal defense of marriage act. After having several meetings (we were having these meetings because my husband and I were involved in the leadership of a home church group focused on encouraging others our age that were raising families).....it was pretty clear to me that "protecting marriage" or the people within marriages wasn't really what a lot of churches were about. This is another story that came out around the same time: Rick Warren's Church and Domestic Violence | What's News??
It is witnessing the hypocrisy in how a church responds to genuine need that will drive people *away* from God if that's all they know. Thank God I wasn't isolated, but instead, had friends with a different perspective of God. Unfortunately.....not everyone has that diversity in friends.....this gal became an Atheist because of her experience in the church: Vyckie Garrison - Wikipedia
So....if a person's version of God is driving people away....(not directed towards you, SBC)....I believe they ought to take a close look at that. "It's His kindness that leads us to repentance".
The Holy Spirit, it is she that gives wisdom, and allows your wisdom to prevail when you need it. Your friends are your friends physically. But it is the spirit that we leave all others for, even mother and father.
I agree with most of your post--besides the idea that my friends and I are *only* friends in the physical sense. I believe we actually follow after the same Spirit---just that we have different religious language for it.The true Christian mind see's the difference between the two. Physical/spiritual.
Interesting perspective.For some reason, the way you worded this made something come to my mind. You're right......ironically it's my friendships with my Muslim and Jewish friends that has caused me to cling even tighter to my faith (and to have confidence in God). These two have experienced what distorted religion--hungry for power--can do. I think I mentioned earlier that they grew up together (met in elementary school....and have remained close friends since then)....and both experienced having to flee a country that was overtaken by "religious" persecution. It's their love and dedication to one another (and to me) that's given me a perspective that above all.....God is love... and love is the highest law (without love we are nothing~1st Corinthians 13).
If I hadn't been friends with these two, my faith may have been shattered years ago....and parts of it actually were (the false beliefs). About 15 years ago.....when several of our friends from church were going through difficult times (one I mentioned already....with the church turning their back on the needs of one friend)....I began meeting with pastors and church staff to get a more clear understanding of their response to the suffering of others---especially those suffering IN their marriages. There was so much discussion at the time--both in sermons and on Christian radio and literature--about the "sanctity of marriage" and that was the same time that James Dobson had written the federal defense of marriage act. After having several meetings (we were having these meetings because my husband and I were involved in the leadership of a home church group focused on encouraging others our age that were raising families).....it was pretty clear to me that "protecting marriage" or the people within marriages wasn't really what a lot of churches were about. This is another story that came out around the same time: Rick Warren's Church and Domestic Violence | What's News??
It is witnessing the hypocrisy in how a church responds to genuine need that will drive people *away* from God if that's all they know. Thank God I wasn't isolated, but instead, had friends with a different perspective of God. Unfortunately.....not everyone has that diversity in friends.....this gal became an Atheist because of her experience in the church: Vyckie Garrison - Wikipedia
So....if a person's version of God is driving people away....(not directed towards you, SBC)....I believe they ought to take a close look at that. "It's His kindness that leads us to repentance".
@Phantasman ....I am sort of a bit confused by your post. When I began reading it, it seemed to me you were saying that I have spiritual understanding through the Holy Spirit---but when I read it after reading the last part--it now seems like it may be more of a rebuke? It's sort of ambiguous. Can you clarify a bit?