Religious Affiliation

Ponyup.......dont know if this will help but I think that after the original christians came out of the catacombs, Catholicism was the first organised church. Therefore all the protestant churches of today came from catholic originally. Thats not my opinion it is a historical fact. Naturally they had a reason for leaving or they would have stayed. I think most protestant groups have a long history of dislike for catholic and alot of misinformation. The catholics do not have a clean history either. historically they did many evil things. However there isnt a religious group that hasnt. your religion is only as nice as the peole who claim it. if your evil, then the religion you claim becomes evil as well.

[DianaB]

Organized religions are scary because we tend to follow them without checking things out for ourselves. How do I know if what I believe is correct? Go to your Bible. I believe that it is the inspired Word of God and He can speak to me through His word. The "correct church" is the one that lines up with Biblical teachings. You'll find that sometimes religions interpret things a little differently but the basics are still there:

1. Admit that you are a sinner.
"There is no one righteous, not even one......for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:10, 23

Ask God's forgiveness and repent of your sins.
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" Romans 10-13

2. Believe in Jesus (put your trust in Him) as your only hope of salvation. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Become a child of God by receiving Christ.
"To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12

3. Confess that Jesus is your Lord.
"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

So you see, whether you have music in church or don't, if you go to an organized church or a church that is freer in their worship doesn't matter, but what does matter is if I have asked Jesus to forgive my sins and invited Him into my life. That IS what's important!!!!!!

great post Diana!!! can I just add.........(LOL! my pet peeve.) If you claim to be a "christian, at least attempt to act like Jesus! Jesus forgave the people who murdered him, he loved Judas who betrayed him. He hung out with a tax collector, became friends with a prostitute, he died willingly between thieves. I do realise some christians are into charitable works, and maybe go to the shelter to fix a dinner for the homeless, but when was the last time they invited the dirty lice infested homeless person into their home?

[Ponyup]

Originally Posted by CoyoteQueen

great post Diana!!! can I just add.........(LOL! my pet peeve.) If you claim to be a "christian, at least attempt to act like Jesus! Jesus forgave the people who murdered him, he loved Judas who betrayed him. He hung out with a tax collector, became friends with a prostitute, he died willingly between thieves. I do realise some christians are into charitable works, and maybe go to the shelter to fix a dinner for the homeless, but when was the last time they invited the dirty lice infested homeless person into their home?

I could not agree with this more. WE should reach out to the people who are struggling not condemn them. We should love everyone has ourselves so that they may see the love of God radiate through us.

& Coyote that you for the insight on the Catholic faith, my parents main problem is they allow drinking. When I brought up that they drank in the bible she told me they weren't drinking actual wine, now I don't know if she actually believes this or if it was just what she told a questioning child.

Originally Posted by Ponyup

I could not agree with this more. WE should reach out to the people who are struggling not condemn them. We should love everyone has ourselves so that they may see the love of God radiate through us.

& Coyote that you for the insight on the Catholic faith, my parents main problem is they allow drinking. When I brought up that they drank in the bible she told me they weren't drinking actual wine, now I don't know if she actually believes this or if it was just what she told a questioning child.

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..........

[pearl]

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

[DianaB]

Originally Posted by pearl

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.

[katcarasella]

QUOTE=DianaB]Organized religions are scary because we tend to follow them without checking things out for ourselves. How do I know if what I believe is correct? Go to your Bible. I believe that it is the inspired Word of God and He can speak to me through His word. The "correct church" is the one that lines up with Biblical teachings. You'll find that sometimes religions interpret things a little differently but the basics are still there:

1. Admit that you are a sinner.
"There is no one righteous, not even one......for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:10, 23

Ask God's forgiveness and repent of your sins.
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" Romans 10-13

2. Believe in Jesus (put your trust in Him) as your only hope of salvation. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Become a child of God by receiving Christ.
"To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12

3. Confess that Jesus is your Lord.
"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

So you see, whether you have music in church or don't, if you go to an organized church or a church that is freer in their worship doesn't matter, but what does matter is if I have asked Jesus to forgive my sins and invited Him into my life. That IS what's important!!!!!![/QUOTE]

Diana,
I needed that!

[Janet]

Amen, Diana!

[Tiramisu]

I'm the good ole Southern Baptist, married to a Methodist, so we don't go anywhere. I watch TV on Sunday mornings for Houston Second Baptist's preacher and then Joel Olsteen @ Lakewood Church. My Dad always called me a closet worshipper because I read my Bible and worship God in private. I do witness, but don't go out of my way to do so. I do talk alot to my g-kids about having Jesus in my heart!