This made me sick.

[genestealerbroodlord]

Those little kids must have felt so scared. These childrens image of christians will be forever tainted by this. I'm not saying these people are christians, But I strongly suspect that this is what they will be taught by their parents.

YouTube - Don't tell me Islamophobia isn't real!

I honestly dont know what to say. Please help me to understand why these people think this is christian.

YouTube - Anti-Muslim Protestor Throws Crosses At Feet Of Man Praying By White House

Thank you.

 

[LovebirdsFlying]

I don't think that's how Jesus would handle the situation.

 

[genestealerbroodlord]

I don't think that's how Jesus would handle the situation.

I think Jesus would be heart broken to see people claiming to be his followers acting this way.

 

[SavedByGrace82]

This really makes me so sad.

 

[A New Dawn]

Those little kids must have felt so scared. These childrens image of christians will be forever tainted by this.

I honestly dont know what to say. Please help me to understand why this is christian.


Thank you.

I don't believe that the first one indicates that it is a Christian organization does it? I watched all but about a minute of it, was something said about it being a Christian organization that arranged the protest in the last minute of it?

The second one was pretty sad.

I would just like to say, which just makes it sadder and doesn't make it right, that just about all ethnic groups which came to the US were treated the same. The Irish, the Italians, the Japanese, etc. All of them were treated like scum. It's a shame we can't learn from history rather than repeating it.

 

[miamited]

Hi all,

You do see that this is just an unrighteous person mocking the faithful, right?

The OP is not a believer! So, in order to defend in themselves the 'righteousness' of what they 'believe', they parade information that allows them to show their utter disgust in the righteous things of God.

First, the OP claims this as their belief:
With or without religion, good people can behave well and bad people can do evil; but for good people to do evil -- that takes religion.

I can't imagine that any born again believer would agree with this statement. The born again realize that there aren't any 'good' people, which immediately dismisses any such claim as is being made in this statement. Wicked and unrighteous people do wicked things because it is our nature. Even the born again sometimes do wicked things as we struggle, as Paul did, with our unrighteous nature. It is surely obvious to any born again believer that the doing of evil by anyone is because of hate, animosity, pride and our own unrighteousness. People who troll around on christian boards with such blatant false statements as these show of themselves that they do not have the Spirit of God as their counselor.

So, here we have someone who is not a believer and is alarmed by the actions of people against people of a false religion and we find that this activity is immediately regarded as the acts of 'christians'. I agree that these demonstrations are not the way that our Lord asks us to display his love, but neither is it our Lord's intention that we welcome those who, in the name of their false religion, are compelled to hurt, destroy, murder and generally cause pain and suffering to others.

Islam is a false religion and the most ardent followers of that religion, especially in the geographic 'cradle' of that religion, are murderous people. Let me challenge the OP to make his way over to some of the stronger nations that practice islam and try to set up a similar venue for the believers of the Lord Jesus to come together in a formal meeting such as the one portrayed here in these videos. I imagine you'll soon be praying that all that happens is that some misguided folks yell at you. and your group of faithful believers.

I stand with even many unbelievers that I don't honor or uphold the tenents of islam and I too, am concernd that in many, many nations where islam has been allowed to gain a foothold there is much strife. It is not a 'religion' of peace. Any practitioner of islam who would attempt to convince anyone that it is, is no different than a christian who would agree that all religions lead to God. It is ignorance on the part of such a person of what their faith teaches.

I stand firm that islamophobia is alive and well and that is a good thing. The response to that phobia is always going to be questionable, especially when that response comes from others who don't know the one true and living God.
Those who have not been born of God's Spirit often cause misunderstanding and, such as this case, blasphemies to be made against God. The Scriptures warn of just such a thing.

God bless you all,
In Christ, Ted

 

[LovebirdsFlying]

Just because someone is not a Christian, doesn't mean that everything they say is wrong, or that all criticism is mocking.

 

[miamited]

hi LBF,

Very true, so far as claims and criticisms that are made about things other than the things of God. The Scriptures are clear, there is no one who seeks God, no one who understands - until the new birth. That is when we begin to seek and to understand the things of God. Therefore, until any poster on any of these boards has received the new birth, they don't understand God. If they don't understand God, then how can they be right, other than by shear chance, about anything they say about God or God's people.

I imagine that we should all be glad that we are not still living in the days of Israel's conquest of their land. In those days, God himself, ordered that every unbeliever and practioner of false religions and faiths be put to the sword. Sadly, that is still what the muslim nations are relying on. They are still trying to live a life mirrored on the Old Testament claims of God, but as with all false religions, they have mixed truth with error and ended up with nothing.

I agree absolutely that no born again believer would practice or participate in either of the demonstrations of these videos, but, because the OP doesn't know what it means to be a born again believer, he is subject to misunderstanding and makes claims that are obviously not true of the people of God.

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

 

[genestealerbroodlord]

I don't believe that the first one indicates that it is a Christian organization does it? I watched all but about a minute of it, was something said about it being a Christian organization that arranged the protest in the last minute of it?

The second one was pretty sad.

I would just like to say, which just makes it sadder and doesn't make it right, that just about all ethnic groups which came to the US were treated the same. The Irish, the Italians, the Japanese, etc. All of them were treated like scum. It's a shame we can't learn from history rather than repeating it.

Yes your correct. The first one just made me sick because there were children involved. I'm a Father and I felt sorry for them. My point still stands. Those childrens image of christians will be poisoned by this. They will most likely be told by their parents that the people were christians, even if they are not.

You do see that this is just an unrighteous person mocking the faithful, right?

You are correct that I am an unrighteous person, But if you took the time to check my post history, instead of assuming I'm mocking, you would see the kind of person I am. A quick check of my profile would also do at a pinch.

The OP is not a believer! So, in order to defend in themselves the 'righteousness' of what they 'believe', they parade information that allows them to show their utter disgust in the righteous things of God.

Firstly, I was a christian, I now am a christian seeker. I hope that by coming to this site, I will meet people who will help me build my faith. I am disgusted by any cruelty, especially against children or animals.

First, the OP claims this as their belief:
With or without religion, good people can behave well and bad people can do evil; but for good people to do evil -- that takes religion.

I believe blindly following a religion is not the same as following Jesus. Religion was made by men, to control other men. The Church of Jesus is not a religion, it is the body of Christ.

I can't imagine that any born again believer would agree with this statement. The born again realize that there aren't any 'good' people, which immediately dismisses any such claim as is being made in this statement. Wicked and unrighteous people do wicked things because it is our nature. Even the born again sometimes do wicked things as we struggle, as Paul did, with our unrighteous nature. It is surely obvious to any born again believer that the doing of evil by anyone is because of hate, animosity, pride and our own unrighteousness. People who troll around on christian boards with such blatant false statements as these show of themselves that they do not have the Spirit of God as their counselor.

I never claimed to be a born again christian. I dont know if I am. I accepted Jesus into my heart when I was around 8, But don't know if that counts. That is why I am seeking him still.

So, here we have someone who is not a believer and is alarmed by the actions of people against people of a false religion and we find that this activity is immediately regarded as the acts of 'christians'. I agree that these demonstrations are not the way that our Lord asks us to display his love, but neither is it our Lord's intention that we welcome those who, in the name of their false religion, are compelled to hurt, destroy, murder and generally cause pain and suffering to others.

I believe all religion is false. Jesus said, "None shall come to the Father except through me". He did not say None shall come to the Father except through me and none shall come to me except through a pastor/priest.

Islam is a false religion and the most ardent followers of that religion, especially in the geographic 'cradle' of that religion, are murderous people. Let me challenge the OP to make his way over to some of the stronger nations that practice islam and try to set up a similar venue for the believers of the Lord Jesus to come together in a formal meeting such as the one portrayed here in these videos. I imagine you'll soon be praying that all that happens is that some misguided folks yell at you. and your group of faithful believers.

I would never go to a muslim country. Pretty much for the reasons you give.

I stand with even many unbelievers that I don't honor or uphold the tenents of islam and I too, am concernd that in many, many nations where islam has been allowed to gain a foothold there is much strife. It is not a 'religion' of peace. Any practitioner of islam who would attempt to convince anyone that it is, is no different than a christian who would agree that all religions lead to God. It is ignorance on the part of such a person of what their faith teaches.

Totally agree.

I stand firm that islamophobia is alive and well and that is a good thing.

I really dont know what to say to that.

The response to that phobia is always going to be questionable, especially when that response comes from others who don't know the one true and living God.
Those who have not been born of God's Spirit often cause misunderstanding and, such as this case, blasphemies to be made against God. The Scriptures warn of just such a thing.

God bless you all,
In Christ, Ted

I think I agree with this part. A person who has not been born of God's Spirit would never act the way these people have.

Just because someone is not a Christian, doesn't mean that everything they say is wrong, or that all criticism is mocking.

Thank you. I was a christian and hope to be again. With help I will get there one day.

 

[genestealerbroodlord]

I agree absolutely that no born again believer would practice or participate in either of the demonstrations of these videos, but, because the OP doesn't know what it means to be a born again believer, he is subject to misunderstanding and makes claims that are obviously not true of the people of God.

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

I have not made any claims, But your right, I dont understand and maybe if I was born again I would. Until then I hope it will be ok to try to learn from those who are further along their journey to God than I am.

If you're judging me only on my sig, thats kinda sad. You could try asking me about it. That way you could judge me better.

Oh! I edited the first post a little as I miss represented the first video and the second line was edited because again, my ignorance. Sorry everyone.

 

[LovebirdsFlying]

Gene, I am praying that the Lord will reveal His true nature to you, and that you will understand and benefit from His grace. God bless you.

 

[genestealerbroodlord]

Gene, I am praying that the Lord will reveal His true nature to you, and that you will understand and benefit from His grace. God bless you.

Thank you. I hope he will too. I also hope he will bless you too.

 

[A New Dawn]

I agree absolutely that no born again believer would practice or participate in either of the demonstrations of these videos, but, because the OP doesn't know what it means to be a born again believer, he is subject to misunderstanding and makes claims that are obviously not true of the people of God.

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

I suggest that you reconsider what you said here, and in your previous post, and review the rules. It is only your assumption that the OP is not a born-again Christian. The OP claims a Christian icon, and it is against the rules to state or imply that someone who identifies himself as a Christian, isn't.

 

[genestealerbroodlord]

I hope Faulty doesn't mind me stealing his post, But felt that anyone who perhaps may have misjudged me on the few words in my sig, could read this and have a better understanding of exactly what I believe. I have quoted Faulty, as he has put it far better than I could ever hope to do. Thank you Faulty and I hope God blesses you.

Paul wrote, "Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted." (1 Tim 1:8-11)

But these laws were applicable to a certain set of people. It was not a sin for an OT gentile to eat pork, for they were not under the law, and the Church, being redeemed from the law is no longer bound to execute people for such sins as homosexuality, adultery, disobedient children, etc, even though these acts remain sins to this day.

(The book of Romans explains in detail why we are no longer under the Law in this manner, particularly in the first half of the book, and even explains why I can eat my bacon with my eggs, chapter 14, without condemnation.)

That said, the OP has a very valid point is that some sins are seemingly more "acceptable" than others, and this is not good. Instead of focusing on telling people what they "should not" be doing, the visible church should rather be focusing on our charge of repentance and the forgiveness of these, and many other sins.

Unfortunately, many who claim to be christians are not really christians. They have a form of godliness, calling themselves 'christian' due to their perceived superiority in realms of morality and politics, but have never truly been born again. It's many of these people the unbelievers look at and rightly think to themselves "I don't want to be like them", but the reality is they are exactly like them in that they are still dead in their sins, and by not truly being forgiven of their sins, ironically, they remain spiritual brethren of those they seek to disassociate with as a result.

Paul again states, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Cor 6:9-11

At that time as in this time, there were those who at one time were practitioners of homosexuality among the church, but as you can see, that wasn't listed as a sin greater than others as it also mentions the immoral, greedy, thieves, drunks, etc as those types of people who had now been forgiven of those activities, through the redemptive work of Jesus, and as such I was also once listed among this group as sexually immoral*, greedy for gain, and just as lost as anyone else who practiced such things.

The real message is not, "don't be a sinner* but rather it's "repent and be forgiven of your sins, because Christ died in your place before God and you can be forgiven of everything you've done, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light".

*I edited these bits to be more on topic.

 

[genestealerbroodlord]

I suggest that you reconsider what you said here, and in your previous post, and review the rules. It is only your assumption that the OP is not a born-again Christian. The OP claims a Christian icon, and it is against the rules to state or imply that someone who identifies himself as a Christian, isn't.

To be fair to miamited, I am a christian seeker rather than a christian. I believed I was born again when I was around 8, But at the moment am having a bit of a bump in the road. I still believe Jesus died for my sins and that through him only can I be saved. I think its more a feeling of not feeling worthy of that gift, rather than an all out not a christian. Your right about the rules though.

 

[miamited]

hi G,

You wrote: Those childrens image of christians will be poisoned by this. They will most likely be told by their parents that the people were christians, even if they are not.

So, what's the point? Are we to feel condemned or aghast that lost people do lost things? What's the point? Are the children better off believing that allah is the true God? I'm encouraged that you changed some of the video identifiers, but I'm still curious why you come here to christian boards with, what certainly appears to me, to be some attitude of 'Look what these christians are doing, I'm sure glad I'm not one of them.'

Then you responded: You are correct that I am an unrighteous person, But if you took the time to check my post history, instead of assuming I'm mocking, you would see the kind of person I am. A quick check of my profile would also do at a pinch.

Now let's be real for just the smallest moment in your life. Do you really expect that everyone who responds on these boards sits back and researches past posts that people make in order to 'fully' understand where they are coming from? Friend, you come from a scottish culture, as did my ancestors, but this request of others to spend a couple hours researching some 5,000 posts to 'fully' understand a person's position is a bit ludicrous.

As I sometimes tell my wife and son when they are being a bit obtuse. Say what you mean and mean what you say.

You then responded: Firstly, I was a christian, I now am a christian seeker.

Then I guess my intuitive responses to you were completely correct.

You also responded: I would never go to a muslim country. Pretty much for the reasons you give.

If you agree with my reasons then the first question I would ask is why you don't go to the muslim sites and post some of the video atrocities of their treatment of those who denounce allah?

You also responded: I have not made any claims, But your right, I dont understand and maybe if I was born again I would. Until then I hope it will be ok to try to learn from those who are further along their journey to God than I am.

Learning is greatly encouraged, but that's not what these videos are doing. They are showing and reinforcing a postion. You mention having once been a 'christian' and now a seeker. Friend, and I honestly say this with all compassion. If that were true, you would surely be the most foolish of men. If you once were born again as Jesus claims his followers must be and you knew the truth and for however many years trusted, believed, glorified and worshiped and praised the Father of our Lord Jesus, and then turned away from all that. Nah!! Friend, you were one who was practicing 'religion'. Jesus made it clear that no one who sets his hand to the plow and then turns back is worthy of him.

However, you can have the relationship that God requires of those who would be called His children, with His Son. You can really be a 'christian' and not just someone who has for years practiced religion. Jesus paid your ransom.

Then you wrote: If you're judging me only on my sig, thats kinda sad. You could try asking me about it. That way you could judge me better.

Really? Let me ask you, when you chose that sig, did you not choose it because you thought to yourself, 'This is who I am. This sounds so right and I think this describes my take on 'religion'? However, in all fairness to you and because you suggest it, tell me about your sig.

Friend, Jesus made two comments about being born again that I think you should seriously consider. First: "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. " Secondly: Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'

Consider very carefully his words: You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'

If Jesus says that we must be born again, don't you think it might be worthwhile to investigate what that actually means? Now, you have an opportunity to learn if that is what you are really here for.

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

 

[miamited]

Hi ND,

Thank you for the warning. You wrote:
I suggest that you reconsider what you said here, and in your previous post, and review the rules. It is only your assumption that the OP is not a born-again Christian. The OP claims a Christian icon, and it is against the rules to state or imply that someone who identifies himself as a Christian, isn't.

No, it is not an assumption. It is what the Scriptures refer to as discernment. I read the person's post, I saw that he described himself as a seeker and I discerned that he was lost. He has now confirmed that. I don't say this with any pride or gloating, but just know that the born again spirit, guided by the indwelling Spirit, can many times discern a persons true nature.

Just as with the videos posted on this thread. The OP makes a claim that these people represent 'christians' and while I can certainly see in the second video that the name of Jesus is being used as a sharp rapier against a man practicing false religion, no born again believer would stand there and make such a foolish and unwise choice as to berate this man and attempt to shout him down in the name of the true Son of God. So, when I see this, I can discern two 'facts'. Neither the people in the video are born again, nor the person making the claim that these people are 'christian'. They don't either one understand what God has asked of them. The folks in the second video, even though they claim to be 'christians' are not following any example that the Christ, hence the name 'christian' to identify his followers, would have approved of.

The only time Jesus railed at anyone was when he was confronted with those who claimed to believe in God, but were deceived. He railed at the Pharisees and the Sadducees and the Scribes and the self-righteous Jews of Israel. For those who were truly lost and ignorant of what to believe, he was always merciful and compassionate, which is the exact instruction that Paul gives us as a teaching when sharing the gospel.

We are to share in love, mercy and compassion with the lost, the love that God has shown us through His Son.

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

 

[genestealerbroodlord]

hi G,


Really? Let me ask you, when you chose that sig, did you not choose it because you thought to yourself, 'This is who I am. This sounds so right and I think this describes my take on 'religion'? However, in all fairness to you and because you suggest it, tell me about your sig.


In Christ, Ted

Hi Ted,

I stole this from another user. Hopefully this will help understand where I come from, But to try to put it simply. I believe that religion is man made and is not the same as the Church of Christ. The Church of Christ are those who follow Jesus and support each other. Religion has this, But also has a ton of man made dogma. In other words. religion puts itself between man and Christ. The Church of Christ supports man as he walks with Christ. Also, I dont argue with people. I'm no good at it. If I still have failed to explain myself and what I believe, I guess I have to give up.

Anyway. Here is the post.

I hope Faulty doesn't mind me stealing his post, But felt that anyone who perhaps may have misjudged me on the few words in my sig, could read this and have a better understanding of exactly what I believe. I have quoted Faulty, as he has put it far better than I could ever hope to do. Thank you Faulty and I hope God blesses you.

Originally Posted by Faulty

Paul wrote, "Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted." (1 Tim 1:8-11)

But these laws were applicable to a certain set of people. It was not a sin for an OT gentile to eat pork, for they were not under the law, and the Church, being redeemed from the law is no longer bound to execute people for such sins as homosexuality, adultery, disobedient children, etc, even though these acts remain sins to this day.

(The book of Romans explains in detail why we are no longer under the Law in this manner, particularly in the first half of the book, and even explains why I can eat my bacon with my eggs, chapter 14, without condemnation.)

That said, the OP has a very valid point is that some sins are seemingly more "acceptable" than others, and this is not good. Instead of focusing on telling people what they "should not" be doing, the visible church should rather be focusing on our charge of repentance and the forgiveness of these, and many other sins.

Unfortunately, many who claim to be christians are not really christians. They have a form of godliness, calling themselves 'christian' due to their perceived superiority in realms of morality and politics, but have never truly been born again. It's many of these people the unbelievers look at and rightly think to themselves "I don't want to be like them", but the reality is they are exactly like them in that they are still dead in their sins, and by not truly being forgiven of their sins, ironically, they remain spiritual brethren of those they seek to disassociate with as a result.

Paul again states, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Cor 6:9-11

At that time as in this time, there were those who at one time were practitioners of homosexuality among the church, but as you can see, that wasn't listed as a sin greater than others as it also mentions the immoral, greedy, thieves, drunks, etc as those types of people who had now been forgiven of those activities, through the redemptive work of Jesus, and as such I was also once listed among this group as sexually immoral*, greedy for gain, and just as lost as anyone else who practiced such things.

The real message is not, "don't be a sinner* but rather it's "repent and be forgiven of your sins, because Christ died in your place before God and you can be forgiven of everything you've done, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light".
​

*I edited these bits to be more on topic.

By the way. Thank you for taking the time to respond to my tread. I have learnt a lot and for that, I'm greatful. This applies to everyone, But especially to you.

 

[miamited]

Hi G,

yea, I read that in the previous post and I must say that I don't see how that relates to the sig. I notice that you have removed it and that's fine, but the issue here is that as born again believers we must be careful about all that we say and do. The Scriptures are clear that we need to have control over our words and we must take, even every thought, and make it submissive to the Christ.

Now, I understand that you are struggling with faith. My take, and feel free to correct me if I am incorrect about any of this, is that you, being from Scotland, may well have been raised in the catholic faith. I have done a considerable amount of study on the beliefs and practices of that faith and I have found that of nearly all the faiths that claim to be of God and His Son Jesus, the catholic faiths are probably the most ritualistic and 'religious' group within that umbrella. I can fully understand, if my 'assumption' here is correct, why you have grown tired of 'religiosity' and have left what you have been taught and feel turmoil now concerning what you should believe.

Friend, I love you with the love of the Lord and it is my only desire in all that I write on these boards to teach what 'true' faith in God, yes, based on my understanding which I believe is given through study and the indwelling Holy Spirit, seems to clearly entail, based on the Scriptures which is God's own revelation of Himself to His created.

I am 55 years old and I only came to be born again about 14 years ago. It has been a joyous journey since then. Let me share a bit of my testimony with you because I think you'll find that we are not all that different in where we came from, but have settled on different paths now. However, as I wrote previously, you can know God. You can have peace with God and be assured of your receiving the reward that He promises to all those who come to Him through faith in His Son.

I was raised 'in the church' as most people who grew up with parents that regularly carried their children to worship services are fond of saying. However, now from the other side of the fence I can 'see' that going to 'church' doesn't make anyone a christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car (LOL, a friend of mine sent that to me in an email a couple of months ago). My parents were pretty regular attenders -- but listen to this very carefully because I fully believe that this is what really makes the difference -- when I sit and recall those days of my youth I can't ever remember seeing the bible laying around the house; I can't ever remember my parents sitting down with me and talking to me about the things of God; I honestly can't see anything, other than attending worship services, that showed my parents to really be godly parents. My father was a drinker and a fairly regular adulterer. My mother was a good mother, as mothers go, but just not particularly godly. My father was a responsible father as far as providing for the family. We were never in financial want, until he left us for his secretary who was my age. We had all that we needed as children for school and lived in a nice clean run of the mill home. Not rich, but neither poor. Always ate good and took family vacations that were usually fun times. They were pretty regular parents as I recall, but not godly in any of the ways the Scriptures describe godly parents.

I too, was baptized at a young age by my grandfather who was a pastor all of his life. If there is anyone in my family tree that I could give any credit to for praying for me and ever talking to me about the things of God, it would be my grandfather. However, we lived a few states away and so I would only see him once or twice a year. Usually Christmas or Thanksgivings would be celebrated at their home. Without the solid teaching and parental examples of a godly life, I turned into quite a troubled young man. Sexual immorality, drugs, cussing, and like-minded friends. I broke every one of God's commands and felt no conscience for doing so. I lived a life of total depravity doing all the things that Paul writes of the lost in the first chapter of the book of Romans. However, if anyone had ever asked me, or I was filling out some questionaire that asked the question of faith, I would always answer that I was a christian. Sure, in those days I thought that being raised in the 'church' made me a christian. Kind of like being a member of the Lion's club makes you a Lion or being a member of the Rotary club makes you a Rotarian.

God bless you and I'll write more if you're interested. Feel free to PM me if you like.
In Christ, Ted

 

[genestealerbroodlord]

Hi Ted,

A brief history of my 'religious' journey.

Joined the Boys Brigade when I was around 8 years old. I then started to attend Sunday school, which I thought was very boring, so would sneak to the doorway of the service instead. I would open the door slightly and listen. The ministers name was John Cook of the Church of Scotland in Easterhouse, Glasgow. He was so full of love and warmth, that I wanted to know why. There was no more than 5 people in the service, yet he still spoke with such love and passion. I wanted to know this Jesus that he spoke of, as the one the Sunday school teacher spoke of wasn't very interesting. So I guess it was that moment when I first stood in the doorway of that rather empty church, listening to Mr. Cook, I accepted Jesus as my Lord. (I was christened the year before at 7 years old. My sister was just born and as they were getting her done, they decided to get me done too. Kinda like a two for one deal. My family only ever go to church for weddings, funerals and christenings.)

I was a sweet and kind young boy. After accepting Jesus at 8, I spent the next 6 years being that sweet and kind boy. At 14 my Uncle killed himself and his 2 year old son. I at 14 years old found the bodies hanging from the roof. This sent my mind off course and I became lost. My parents are Agnostics, so never took me to church. After my Uncle and cousins death I became reclusive and stopped going to church. I was never really a rebelious child. I didn't really understand the whole drugs and alcohol thing. I did however get strongly into pornography.

At 16 I realised that this was not me and started looking for a church to go to. I found one in the next town. There were none in my town. Your correct in that it was a catholic church. I met and married my first wife and became involved in catholic church life. I never fully felt comfortable. Partly due to the catholic faith itself and still not fully dealing with my Uncle. The marriage lasted about 10 years. Due to me not resolving my issues, I treated my first wife very badly, so she divorced me.

Still looking for this 'true religion' I then joined the Mormons. Got into mormon church life. Met my second wife and again it didn't feel right. I had mostly dealt with my issues by now, so knew it was the church itself that I didn't feel comfortable with. I left the Mormon church. My wife chose the church over me and we were divorced about a year ago.

I have been trying to get back to God ever since. So thats you pretty much upto date. Although I accepted Jesus when I was 8, I don't know if I am born again, because I have been stuck in religion for 20 years. I need to have a personal relationship with Jesus, like I had before my Uncle and before religion. I have been christened once (Church of Scotland) Accepted as a member once (Catholic Church) and baptized once (Mormon Church) I believe in full immersion baptism and although the mormons did this for me, I still feel unbaptized.

Hope that made sense and sorry for probably boring you to tears.