I am in fact a believer. I've been through a few bad times in my life, but everytime something happened, I could feel the Lord's presence. In my early years I was raised in a small Christian Reformed church, loved the music, loved the fellowship, and loved my family. When I graduated from high school, I started to question my beliefs. I say question because I never didn't believe in Jesus, it was just that I wanted to know why I believed what I believe, and also if there is something else out there that is more accurate, then I wanted to know. After doing a LOT of research in other religions as well as non-religion, I came to the conclusion of a few things:

1) I believe in God our Creator. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Gen 1:1)

2) I believe that God became a man. And <SUP class=xref value='(R)'></SUP>the Word <SUP class=xref value='(S)'></SUP>became flesh, and dwelt among us, and <SUP class=xref value='(U)'></SUP>we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of <SUP class=xref value='(V)'></SUP>grace and <SUP class=xref value='(W)'></SUP>truth. (John 1:14)

3) I believe that faith in Jesus is how we can have life in Him: For God so <SUP class=xref value='(A)'></SUP>loved the world, that He <SUP class=xref value='(B)'></SUP>gave His only begotten Son, that whoever <SUP class=xref value='(D)'></SUP>believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

4) I believe that without Jesus, we are already condemned (thus our need for Him): He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of <SUP class=xref value='(AD)'></SUP>the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18)

5) I believe that our Salvation is a free gift and cannot be earned through merit: For <SUP class=xref value='(A)'></SUP>by grace you have been saved <SUP class=xref value='(B)'></SUP>through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is <SUP class=xref value='(C)'></SUP>the gift of God; <SUP class=xref value='(D)'></SUP>not as a result of works, so that <SUP class=xref value='(E)'></SUP>no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, <SUP class=xref value='(F)'></SUP>created in <SUP class=xref value='(G)'></SUP>Christ Jesus for <SUP class=xref value='(H)'></SUP>good works, which God <SUP class=xref value='(I)'></SUP>prepared beforehand so that we would <SUP class=xref value='(J)'></SUP>walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10)

6) This isn't so much a Biblical thing, but I believe in Jesus not because of some fear of Hell or anything like that, but I believe because I want to see Jesus one day. That is my motivation.

There are a lot of things out there, but I do believe that the Bible is true and I am nowadays pretty dogmatic (even though that's not popular these days ). Even though I'm a Bible only guy (Sola Scriptura), I have no problem with reading others opinions on what they think of the Bible or a particular passage from the Bible. One of my favorite non-Biblical sources is the Heidelberg Catechism: The Heidelberg Catechism - Christian Reformed Church The reason I like that Catechism is because it's easy to read and almost states the Bible verbatim.

One thing that kept me from fully embracing Christ was that I really enjoyed listening to hard rock music such as Disturbed, Static X, Korn, etc. But the cool thing was that even though Christianity is full of worship music and hymns (which I always enjoyed, just not my favorite), there are a lot of good Christian rock bands out there. A few of my Favorites are Disciple, Skillet, Red, Kutless, and Brian "Head" Welch (who used to be a member of Korn until 2005). Because of groups like them, I was finally able to give my life to Jesus and I've never looked back since

I know that what I wrote is a lot, but it's a part of my story. I'm always willing to talk to people about beliefs, and I'm totally ready to not agree with everyone. But I believe in being respectful of others feelings and beliefs because we're all struggling in life and we need each other.

 

Hi `Duane & `Amen to the above I've always tried to avoid politic's & religion on the MCF, but now I'm happy that one of our youngest member's (MAW) `Mat made this thread.
It's been very revealing & gives me a better view of our diverse membership (MonteFamily).

I'm happy that our membership has respected other member's belief's or non-belief's.

Thanks `Duane for your thoughts/posts & all your contributions to your Monte Carlo Family 4-Sure..
=====================================
`Zipper, really enjoyed reading your words & your belief.
Thanks for taking your time from your `Life to share your thoughts & beliefs..You have strong convictions & know your bible 4-Sure...I believe ~> that you believe 4-Real...Thank You..
================================================== =====
Click below to watch vid + related vid's (I wonder who created the BLACK HOLE, the Universe ?), Yes, I believe in a greater Power then humans 4-Real-Sure...Take the `Journey & click below Are Aliens...posting on the MCF : )
Are Aliens Sending Messages via Black Holes? <~Click 2 watch vid(s)

 

I'm a devoted Catholic. Went to Catholic school for 9 years & would have gone to Catholic high school but didn't have the money to go. I go to Mass every single weekend. I'm starting to find out that it is very very hard to find a guy that I like who has any belief & goes to Church weekly like I do. I get easily offended if someone makes bad remarks about my religion in front of me. I believe in the Bible & all but I have had problems in the past with clashing events such as Adam & Eve vs Evolution stuff since I was a science major (changed my major). IDK what else to say really

 

Hi `Brittany,
Thanks for sharing your religious experience & belief's.
Did you like Catholic School ?

Quote:

I'm starting to find out that it is very very hard to find a guy that I like who has any belief & goes to Church weekly

Did you ever consider going to the convent & becoming
Sister Mary `Brittany ?

I thought this pic was Super Funny 4-Sure
It looks like the nun's are having fun ^They sure are devoted to
their faith & it's great to see them out & enjoying themselves.
----------------------------------------------
Thanks again `Britt, & it's great to
see you back online...Don't be a stranger OK

 

Woooaaahhhhhh..... that looks like a good way to **** someone off.

 

Hi `Duane, what would p someone off ? My intent is to never do that Let me know why you thought that OK ?
Thanks

 

I think what Duane is getting is that many Roman Catholics get offended if they view that their religion is being mocked. Maybe if you told the story behind that pic it would be okay. Otherwise this might offend a Roman Catholic (I don't know for sure though because I'm not Roman Catholic).

 

I don't know, she said she's devout Catholic and doens't appreciate bad remarks about her religion in front of her... well you're not in front of her, but you're as close as you can get on the internet.



Here's a good picture



See, I can say that, because I am an atheist (which I don't usually go by that title... I usually refer to myself as secular, but what we call ourselves is another thread and story altogether as to why).

There was once a Seinfeld episode like this... this guy was a Catholic, and made Catholic jokes, then he converted to Protestantism, so he could tell Protestant jokes since eh was a Protestant, and Catholic jokes since he was born Catholic. then he marries a Jew, so he can tell Jewish jokes. Well Jerry Seinfeld gets offended as a Comedian because this guy is converting and marrying just so he can tell jokes about everyone.

 

Thanks Zipper for your post & thoughts...One of my senior friends that is Catholic has the nun's from her parish visit her & the one's that I've met have a super sense of humor & had fun at the beach. I'm sure they would laugh @ that pic : )

If anyone is offended, I shall delete my post...Just let me know..Religion can be a very sensitive subject 4-Sure...I do think some member's like to stir things `up and cause trouble...for some unknown reason to me ?
================================================== ==============
`Duane, where are the bad remarks ? I shall wait to see if Brittany PM's me & if she is upset, I shall apologize & ask her 2 4-give me & remove my post ~> 4-Sure

 

I also attended Catholic school and for the same reasons as Brittany didn't go to Catholic high school. I wish I had gone to Catholic high school because I think the education experience would have been better.

Space I found your post humorous and don't think it is offensive.


Brittany is you have questions, study your bible. You will find the answers there as well as more questions and more answers.