Yotes, I was watching something the other night about the conflict between Protestants and Catholics. It was about northern Ireland, and how the conflict there has shaped the country. I honestly didn't know anything about it, it was interesting but sad.

I've never been to General Assembly, but our pastor and associate pastor were there. That's cool that your company had a booth there. I also have a friend that sings in the choir but I'm not sure if she was there last year or not.

lmao, they were drinking actual wine. In fact most european countries drink wime as a normal part of daily life. Its just we americans who are so afraid of drinking!
many people say that..........

i found it! this essay that has been in my mind. the minister in my church read this aloud several years ago...i think it has some good thoughts and expresses some of how i feel and believe.

http://www.humankindness.org/godletter.html

I believe that many will be deceived into thinking that they have found the "way" but the Bible tells us in Matthew 7:13-14--

13 "Enter through the narrow gate. The gate is wide and the road is wide that leads to hell, and many people enter through that gate. 14 But the gate is small and the road is narrow that leads to true life. Only a few people find that road.

This letter definitely describes a "broad" way of thinking when it comes to what to accept as far as a religion and this verse definitely says "to enter through the narrow gate".

There is no other decision that is more important than to invite Christ into your heart. Your decision, whether to accept or not to accept, will affect your life, not just your life now but your eternal life. Nothing is more important than this decision.

Pearl, that's cool! I like that :)

yeah, it's the "message" i've gotten through my "spiritual journey."

Ok, Yotes, so I've been a little down lately, so I decided maybe I should go to church. I went last night...boy was that a mistake! Same superficial people. My stomach was in knots the entire bus ride over and the message just brought back the memories of how much god hates me. I tried, I'm done.

So sorry this happened to you. God does not hate you. You just haven't found the true church, yet.

Heather,

God does not hate you. He is always with you and always loves you. Just don't go back to that church. You'll find one when the time is right.

You are absolutely right on this, Diana. However, we have to do a little more than just believe. John 3:16 is not the "escape clause". We have to do the will of our Father and be obedient to Him. We have to buried with him through baptism to walk a new life, "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."Romans 6:3-4

Heather,

God does not hate you. He is always with you and always loves you. Just don't go back to that church. You'll find one when the time is right.

I love that letter Pearl! Thanks for sharing that.

I also have a little bit of lots of religions I believe in, but I was especially blessed with complete faith from the time I was very young. God is my best friend, he is always with me and I try to always remember to let him guide me.

I was born Jewish, so I believe that God is called God. Then I became a Buddhist for about 8 years. I don't care for organized religion so I didn't stick with Judaism. The Buddhist practice that I belonged to was also an organized religion, and they did not believe in God, but in a cosmic consciousness. They also felt that theirs was the only way to worship - something I find I cannot be a part of. There are many ways to worship and many names for God. I love Jesus, I love Mary, I don't question any of my beliefs, nor any one else's.

The only thing that I would like to have would be a community of people who feel as I do. Sometimes I need a place to bring my feelings, fears, joys, etc. to. Sept. 11th was a day like that.

I'll find a group like that some day and I'll be very happy.

As long as they are teaching from the bible and about salvation it really is about finding a church that works for you. I believe that Jesus we lead you to the right church. He is one that has and internet church, as well as 15+ walk in locations.

http://www.lifechurch.tv/

yeah judy i can't be a part of something that thinks it's the only way. it's like "you're not OK till you think exactly like i do."
people have to do what works for them. i think often we make God in our image, whatever we believe doesn't change the reality of whatever really is going on. we have to find our own way.
i think Jesus led a very broad and inclusive life, and that was a big part of his message.
the universe is pretty amazing, there are galaxies upon galaxies out there. who knows what is going on elsewhere.

Wow, I was really bad at spelling in that post!