I like it Laurice.
that is perfectly well articulated.
I could not agree more.
comments ?
Love it.
So many people think that it's a religion, but going to church, reading the bible, and quoting scripture will not make you a Christian; if you don't develop a personal, intimate relationship with God you have missed the mark.
I used to be a New Member Helper at my church and I used to try to stress those who were new to Christ and most of them did not hear a word I was saying. I would be telling them to communicate with God just like you would a stranger you had just met and wanted to get to know, so they could understand that you had to take it out of the religious sphere and and make it more personal.
All they wanted was to get into a ministry as soon as possible. They wanted to be an usher, a praise dancer, or be in the choir. God was the last thing on their mind.
Some did get it and for that I was truly grateful.
The definition of Religion in the Merriam Webster Dictionary states:
re·li·gion noun \ri-ˈli-jən\
: the belief in a god or in a group of gods
: an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods
: an interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group
Does this mean that religion itself is a bad thing? You'll find the answer varies to those you ask whose beliefs differs from your own.
Religion (in a Christian aspect) becomes a stumbling block when it takes detour from the word of God and when churches adheres to church doctrines that are not Bible based, simply for the need of control, self glorification and self righteousness. I am not saying that all church doctrines are bad, as I know that they can also help keep things in order, but if it differs from the Word of God, then there is a big problem.
As you stated, Sir TheTruth, many are too anxious to gain positions, when they have only touched the surface of the water (in this case knowing who God is, His laws and His plan of salvation for mankind). Their need to feel self importance makes them fail in truly establishing a relationship with God and it is why you find many brethren that have members in churches for many years, some born and raised in their church, lacking in spiritual growth.
I say, "keep your eyes upon Jesus, never mind the storms brewing around you and the clashing of wind and thunder. Stay focus on your path and your journey, as it may differ from your brother, and should you fall, reach out and take hold of the hands that will never lead you astray, the hands of Jesus, the Christ".
Awesome post, Carmen...
I'm a woman. People always think I am a man and I cannot figure out why.
Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed your post. You nailed it. Many people confuse church and religion with being a Christian, but often, nothing could be further from the truth.
I know lots of people who don't go to organized religious institutions and they have more love in their hearts than many who do.
It is important not to take hold of a title and then think you know what it entails. You can't, only God knows the heart and its motivations.
There are many self-serving people in all denominations; that's to be expected, because people, as a rule want to be esteemed by men which gets them in trouble every time.
Being a Christian doesn't mean that we're supposed to be perfect. It means we have recognized our frailties and are depending on a higher power to lead and guide us.
It's a simple premise, but it escapes many people.
I agree with all the comments , never once did Jesus mention a building when he spoke of His Church !! We are to be the church , Jesus said go and be fishers of men . These mega churches lose focus , religions the same , the only focus we are to have in our life is Jesus Christ and what we can do to be more like Him and how much Glory we can bring Him
hey folks check this out.
I don't know much about this movie yet but I know I want to see it:
and here is another one that I am interested in:
the movies I have not heard anything about the first one but Noah they say isn''t close to being biblical I want to see the first one too !!!!
these kind of epic movies are quite inspirational.
I agree with all the comments , never once did Jesus mention a building when he spoke of His Church !! We are to be the church , Jesus said go and be fishers of men . These mega churches lose focus , religions the same , the only focus we are to have in our life is Jesus Christ and what we can do to be more like Him and how much Glory we can bring Him
I love that, Laurice. The part about Jesus not mentioning a building as being the church. It's the way that I try to live my life. The most important status that I want as a person is to have helped to make a difference in the lives of others. This world is temporal, but if you do your part to make the world a little better by extending kindness to our brethren then we have lived a life worth living.
It isn't the riches we amass here on earth, because those things have little value. I always think about how loved ones clear out your house upon your death and have little to no sentimental value over the things that many people have loved, lived for, sacrificed for,etc.
Things will never replace human kindness and compassion. If each of us treat others the way we want to be treated, many social ills would disappear.
