Questions to Christians... Options

[Superkid]

i don't really see what's so good about being christian, personally. i'm just as good of a kid as any christian kid. i don't drink, i don't do drugs, i'm a virgin, etc..it's not like i'm a bad kid. the thought that christians are held up higher than others' in some peoples' minds just because of their beliefs is absurd to me.

so, think what you want. if i do end up going to hell, oh well. that will actually prove to me that i was wrong in not believing, cause right now i don't believe it exists. :)

(point i'd like to make: hell is in the center of the earth, correct?..is there a hell on other planets? cause..there's living organisms on mars. bacteria and such. that's the dominating species on mars. does god have a heaven and hell for the bacteria there too?...)

First and foremost I would like to say that if you are a true Christian you would know that it has nothing to do with us. It has everything to do with Jesus. If their were anything good about us then we wouldn't need Jesus right? Jesus even said that it is a sin to hold yourself in high regards above others. That would be prideful. The only thing that separates us from others is the fact that we belive in what Jesus did for us. So through that change comes in our lives.

What is it that you don't belive exists? Jesus exists, the Bible exists, history exists. What is it that you are saying you don't belive exists?

No hell is not the center of the earth. I don't know where you heard that from. Hell is a different dimension. Same for Heaven. They are spiritual places. So their is one Heaven and one hell.

[Spirited Away]

uninspiredfae I will let the Bible speak for itself. In Mark 16:16 Jesus says:

16"He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

This is Jesus speaking after He has been resurected and the New Testament prophecies have been fulfilled.

So it's a sin.

Another question: does God not forgive all sins?

[SkaironFrenzy]

Believing can sometimes be all talk... like the saying goes "actions speak louder than words." so believing doesn’t necessarily mean that your going to heaven... the bible says “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." (Mathew 7:21) but also doing good deeds doesn’t mean that we're going to heaven either... "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)... No matter what we’re all condemned for hell. But God sent his Son, Jesus to died on the cross for us, to bridge the gap between man and God… [“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” (1 timothy 2:5)]…


But that doesn’t mean if we’re saved we can keep on sinning, No, because ““ Everything is permissible”- but not every thing is beneficial. “ Everything is permissible”- but not everything is constrictive.”” (1 Corinthians 10:23)




"For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! " ---Romans 5:10

[Superkid]

Believing can sometimes be all talk... like the saying goes "actions speak louder than words." so believing doesn’t necessarily mean that your going to heaven... the bible says “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." (Mathew 7:21) but also doing good deeds doesn’t mean that we're going to heaven either... "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)... No matter what we’re all condemned for hell. But God sent his Son, Jesus to died on the cross for us, to bridge the gap between man and God… [“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” (1 timothy 2:5)]… 
But that doesn’t mean if we’re saved we can keep on sinning, No, because ““ Everything is permissible”- but not every thing is beneficial. “ Everything is permissible”- but not everything is constrictive.”” (1 Corinthians 10:23)
"For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! " ---Romans 5:10

AMEN!

[pandamonium]

So it's a sin.

Another question: does God not forgive all sins?

can i ask you a question.. what do you believe in fae, whats your religion or belief if you have any or if you would care to share ? i was just wondering.

[Spirited Away]

can i ask you a question.. what do you believe in fae, whats your religion or belief if you have any or if you would care to share ? i was just wondering.

I've shared many times... I'm a free thinker. What does that mean? It means I believe in... whatever makes sense to me. In short, I believe in logic.

[sadolakced acid]

remeber, 2+2= 5 for very large values of 2.

Do you think the bible is the word of god?
you know people wrote it, right? people who heard god?

i can write a book and say i heard god.

but let's say they did hear god.

and then, what language was it in?

after all those rewritings, don't you think the word of god has been tainted to suit whoever rewrote it?

[Spirited Away]

I'm that (___) close to pulling out my "Anti-Christ" book so I can quote from there. All these quotes from the Bible is making me , not because they do not make sense to me, but because they're so redundant.

Anyone can recite the Bible, just like anyone can recite the mutiplication table... well, with it in front of them. However, what does the Bible mean to them? What does the mutiplication mean to the one who must memorize it?

There is a radio talk show on a Viet station where they talk about Christianity/Catholicism. Whenever someone calls in to ask a question, the reply usually is something from the Bible.

Someone called in asking about why God allowed the Tsunami to destroy so many lives, the answer can be translated to something like because God has plans for everyone and the Bible states... such and such...

That makes me wonder, is the Bible the heart of Christians or do Christians have their own heart? Is it not your heart that tells you to believe in God or is it the Bible that wills you so? If it's your own heart, then why not answer with your heart when people ask you something? Questions that needs to be answered from the heart of the individual is answered by something as redudant as "because of the Commandments". Did not God grant free will? Does free will include answering by the Bible instead of the heart?

Eh, I don't care for the answer if it's in the form of a verse or something from the Bible. I get it already.

[*xcaitlinx*]

my friend told me that my dad and i are going to hell because we're atheist and don`t believe in god. I`m certainly no expert, but doesn`t the bible say that christians "shall not force one's beliefs unto others" and be open to other religions/beliefs? many christians say that they do this, but really don`t think this way...

[*salcha*]

God has sent his Son so he could die for our sins, you have no idea what he suffered. (watch Passion of the Christ)
He did this so we could go to heaven, it is basically your choice
and to answer your question, you DO go to hell.

Question: is not beliving in Jesus a sin?

its your choice to believe, GOd cant change your mind. i dont think its necessarily a sin.

Look at it this way:

If I spent all my life believing there is a God and die the next day only to find that there is no god, what have I lost? Nothing. I died happy because I lived an unselfish life devoted to loving those around me.

If you spend all of your life believing there is NO god and die the very next day only to find that God DOES exist, what do you have to lose? Everything

i don't really see what's so good about being christian, personally. i'm just as good of a kid as any christian kid. i don't drink, i don't do drugs, i'm a virgin, etc..it's not like i'm a bad kid. the thought that christians are held up higher than others' in some peoples' minds just because of their beliefs is absurd to me.

so, think what you want. if i do end up going to hell, oh well. that will actually prove to me that i was wrong in not believing, cause right now i don't believe it exists. :)

(point i'd like to make: hell is in the center of the earth, correct?..is there a hell on other planets? cause..there's living organisms on mars. bacteria and such. that's the dominating species on mars. does god have a heaven and hell for the bacteria there too?...)

CHRISTIAN=believes in God
just because: you dont drink/dont smoke/dont have sex/dont get detention/listen to your parents/listen to your teachers/do your chores/go to school/get good grades/you go to church/a good kid/go to sunday school DOES NOT. i reapeat, DOES NOT mean you are a christian.

heaven=perfection. there is no pain/suffeirng/tiredness/bacteria/germs/light/dark. jesus is our light, and we are His people. as for now, we have NO idea where heaven and hell is located.

[pandamonium]

i dont think that people are going to hell because they dont believe in God. Why should there be a hell to people who believe that there is no God. for example someone is afraid of black cats, or afraid to walk under a ladder, and there is another person who isnt then the second person walks under a ladder and buys a black cat, its because he doesnt believe in those things as bad luck... so again i dont think people who believe there is no hell shouldnt be condemned for not believing.

And if you are that second person you shouldnt have to argue with the first person about God or anything like that, just believe in what you believe in. But as imperfect beings none of us know everything so somethings maybe true and somethings may not be but NONE of us has the right to say "your going to hell" we certainly do not judge people and certainly do not judge people going to heaven or hell.

[*salcha*]

i dont think that people are going to hell because they dont believe in God. Why should there be a hell to people who believe that there is no God. for example someone is afraid of black cats, or afraid to walk under a ladder, and there is another person who isnt then the second person walks under a ladder and buys a black cat, its because he doesnt believe in those things as bad luck... so again i dont think people who believe there is no hell shouldnt be condemned for not believing.

And if you are that second person you shouldnt have to argue with the first person about God or anything like that, just believe in what you believe in. But as imperfect beings none of us know everything so somethings maybe true and somethings may not be but NONE of us has the right to say "your going to hell" we certainly do not judge people and certainly do not judge people going to heaven or hell.

yes? we might not be able to judge you, but GOD SURE DOES. and it states in the Bible that if you dont believe, you're going to hell. simple as that...

[Azn Kid from NY]

ok everyone, let me get to the real message i wanted to give...

now...back in ancient times religion was good, a nessecity...it explained natural phenomenons like the sun, rain, and fire...but see now as we progress thorugh history, we learned through science and discovery the REAL reasons behind these natural phenomenons...now we dont need religion

in fact, religion is now a harm to mankind...it hinders our progress in technology and science...see throughtout history, we keep on discovering new things in science and technology that dissprove Christianity more and more..look t them severly opposing stem cell research and other sciences....The Church is scared, and they are trying to stop the people from gaining knowledge, they want to keep us ignorant and stupid...why? because they know that once the people gain knowledge, they will realize that Christianity is false...

its sad....how the great story of Jesus has been twisted and destroyed throughout history by evil men in order to gain power over the people...it worked..look at the results today...

...all these hardcore christians out there, just look at urself...a pawn, controlled by The Church, and helping in this crime against humanity....JUST THINK ABOUT IT...

but ill admit some good done by christianity, like good moralsand values....it has helped many people also find hope and happiness....that is the only good part

[Spirited Away]

God has sent his Son so he could die for our sins, you have no idea what he suffered. (watch Passion of the Christ)
He did this so we could go to heaven, it is basically your choice
and to answer your question, you DO go to hell.
its your choice to believe, GOd cant change your mind. i dont think its necessarily a sin.

Look at it this way:

[b]If I spent all my life believing there is a God and die the next day only to find that there is no god, what have I lost? Nothing. I died happy because I lived an unselfish life devoted to loving those around me.

It's not my choice. Infact, it has nothing to do with choice. Read my previous posts.

[sadolakced acid]

yes? we might not be able to judge you, but GOD SURE DOES. and it states in the Bible that if you dont believe, you're going to hell. simple as that...

did you know that's why i'm not christian? ironic, isn't it? the thing that makes most other people convert repulses me from christianity.

because if god was truley caring, he wouldn't care if you didn't belive in him (actually it's belive that jesus was the son of god, you can belive in god all you want that won't get you anywhere. don't you even know your own religion? )


anyways, i love that these religions are so right and truthful] that they need to advertise the benifits of beliving in that religion...

[HongKongDong]

What happens to the people that don't believe? According to christianity they go to hell correct?

We don't know what its like to be dead... how do we know of this hell or heaven? How do we know of this god? Christianity confuzzles me.

Why would God choose David? WHy would he choose Joesph? How is it that he lets only one man be able to open the sea and make a pathway to safety? Certain people just had godly powers over the millienia? What about people now in this millenia... where are their powers?

Questions like these just makes me not believe in "God"

You dont believe, you go to hell. Dont believe in hell? What happens? Do you still go?

[sadolakced acid]

because the bible tells us.

see, look at this verses:


[i am a parrot 1:1]

it solves all your problems and answers all your questions, because we all know that the bible was written by god, and not written by people who 'heard' god (people who do LTD hear god too...) and then rewritten about 5 or 6 times, maybe more for various political reasons. we Know it is the Direct word of god, because it's the bible and our preist tells us.

[bellpepper]

What happens to the people that don't believe? According to christianity they go to hell correct?

We don't know what its like to be dead... how do we know of this hell or heaven? How do we know of this god? Christianity confuzzles me.

Why would God choose David? WHy would he choose Joesph? How is it that he lets only one man be able to open the sea and make a pathway to safety? Certain people just had godly powers over the millienia? What about people now in this millenia... where are their powers?

Questions like these just makes me not believe in "God"

You dont believe, you go to hell. Dont believe in hell? What happens? Do you still go?

You asked how do we know of this hell or heaven. We know by FAITH. There are many things that we cant see but we still have to believe in. Theres love. You cant see it but you can feel it in your heart. Thats an example of faith. Also I believe that God used those big examples of his powers like spliting the sea for an example for us. He was showing us that in our time of troubles no matter how BIG they are he will be there to help us.

[sadolakced acid]

haha well he wasn't there for the people in south asia was he? or was it because they're not all christians?

[sorry if that offended anyone, which it probably will]

but anyways. yea, i understand the faith thing. but it can't really be described... it's just something you feel or you don't feel.

so how can you help those of us who don't feel faith to understand why exactly should be belived the bible, without using the bible?

that's what we want to know.

and yes, i know faith is a pretty good reason; but not everyone feels it.

[bellpepper]

haha well he wasn't there for the people in south asia was he?  or was it because they're not all christians? 

[sorry if that offended anyone, which it probably will]

but anyways.  yea, i understand the faith thing.  but it can't really be described...  it's just something you feel or you don't feel. 

so how can you help those of us who don't feel faith to understand why exactly should be belived the bible, without using the bible?

that's what we want to know.

and yes, i know faith is a pretty good reason;  but not everyone feels it.

I understand what you are saying about the tsunami. But im sure you know that we all have to die sometime not trying to be blunt or anything but we do. And no I dont think he killed them because they were non Christians. Also there were alot of survival stories also. Even though many people died think about all of the ones that survived. Also I know that not everyone feels faith. There are some Christians who actually have trouble having faith to trust me I know alot of them. I have to admit it is sort of hard to help you understand about the bible without using it. Its like trying to look up a word without using a dictionary. U know what I mean.?

[Spirited Away]

I understand what you are saying about the tsunami. But im sure you know that we all have to die sometime not trying to be blunt or anything but we do. And no I dont think he killed them because they were non Christians. Also there were alot of survival stories also. Even though many people died think about all of the ones that survived. Also I know that not everyone feels faith. There are some Christians who actually have trouble having faith to trust me I know alot of them. I have to admit it is sort of hard to help you understand about the bible without using it. Its like trying to look up a word without using a dictionary. U know what I mean.?

Bellpepper, I am using your response as a question for someone else, okay?

I don't understand what he/she is saying, Angel. I remember the saying "ask and ye shall receive" from you as well as many others Christians I've met, yet what makes me doubt its sincerity are things like these life destroying castastrophes. I believe that statistics showed that there were Christians who died in the Tsunami. I would think they were pleading for the their lives... yet, they were still lost to the destruction.

As Bellpepper said, there are survivor stories, but it would be all unnecessary if the Tsunami never happened in the first place.

Is this some sort of thing to prove God's power? Something that is in His plans?

Someone also told me that this is a test of faith.... But to test faith by taking lives?

[JlIaTMK]

Not to be rude but do you even know what Jesus fought for? I don't think you do. Because if you did then you would know how stupid you just sounded. Jesus did'nt fight for diversity in religion. He followed the Torah (which is the Old Testament) to fulfil prophecy to establish the new testament in His blood so that through Him whoever belives in Him might be saved. John 3:16-17. Since He followed the Torah He belived in the very first commandment which is:'You shall have no other gods before Me.' Since the New Testament revolves around Jesus' life and how to be saved through Him then yes I know that if He were on the earth today that He would want the wold to revolve around Him.

uninspiredfae I will let the Bible speak for itself. In Mark 16:16 Jesus says:

16"He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

This is Jesus speaking after He has been resurected and the New Testament prophecies have been fulfilled.

COME ON KID. ARE YOU SERIOUS? UGH do you know who made the bible. PEOPLE LIKE YOU AND ME! thats who. eh. Jesus didnt make it himself, did he now? Therfore, that is not fullproof that Jesus said that.

If you spend all of your life believing there is NO god and die the very next day only to find that God DOES exist, what do you have to lose? Everything

I'm sorry but all of you hardcore christians seem like pawns in a game of chess. You believe what the church tells you, but you do not know what god himself says.

[Superkid]

I don't understand something. This topic started off with a question. A question to Christians. Which is the reason why I even bothered coming in here hoping to answer some questions to someone who was seeking. It started off with a question asking us Christians whether or not you go to hell if you do not believe in Christianity and what happens to a morally sound non-Christian after they die if they don't belive in it. So we answered the question from what the Bible says. So for ANSWERING A QUESTION we get accused of forcing our religion upon everyone and being wrong for everything we do. Everything just seems to be wrong with Christianity and nothing right. So my question to everyone that is a non-Christian that has posted in this topic is why do you even waste your time posting these accusations and questions to try to disprove Christianity? If you aren't really seeking or care for answers from us then don't even bother clicking on this type of topic. Every single accusation and every single question poed here I have heard through out my life. All of these questions have been answered for the longest time. I assure you there is nothing new under the sun. I don't mean just biblical answers either. They have been answered through science, history, archeological discoveries ect. Judging by almost every post if not not every post by a non-Christian trying to quote the Bible it seems like you have never even read it and just go by what you think you heard or you read a couple of verses from it and never read it again. So you base your whole idea of Christianity by those very few things that you know. Some of the stuff that I have seen isn't even in the Bible. I AM NOT HERE TO PROVE ANYTHING TO ANYONE. God will prove Himself just like He has always done throughout the ages. I am in defense of my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ going to answer some of the posts to the best of my knowledge that has been revealed to me through the revealation of the Holy Spirit.

ok everyone, let me get to the real message i wanted to give...

now...back in ancient times religion was good, a nessecity...it explained natural phenomenons like the sun, rain, and fire...but see now as we progress thorugh history, we learned through science and discovery the REAL reasons behind these natural phenomenons...now we dont need religion

in fact, religion is now a harm to mankind...it hinders our progress in technology and science...see throughtout history, we keep on discovering new things in science and technology that dissprove Christianity more and more..look t them severly opposing stem cell research and other sciences....The Church is scared, and they are trying to stop the people from gaining knowledge, they want to keep us ignorant and stupid...why? because they know that once the people gain knowledge, they will realize that Christianity is false...

its sad....how the great story of Jesus has been twisted and destroyed throughout history by evil men in order to gain power over the people...it worked..look at the results today...

...all these hardcore christians out there, just look at urself...a pawn, controlled by The Church, and helping in this crime against humanity....JUST THINK ABOUT IT...

but ill admit some good done by christianity, like good moralsand values....it has helped many people also find hope and happiness....that is the only good part

"Back then" religion was not a necessity. There were belivers, unbelivers, atheists, cultists etc. just like today. Have you ever read what the Bible has to say about the sun, rain, and fire? I don't think you have. Yes the Bible explains these natural phenomenons. It actually explains them the way they actually happen. Whether you call it scientifically or super natuarlly it explains it both ways. Here is an example: Here is the explanation of the Hydrologic Water Cycle in the Bible.
Job 36:24-33
24 Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold. 25 Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off. 26 Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out. 27 For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof: 28 Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly. 29 Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle? 30 Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea. 31 For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance. 32 With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt. 33 The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.

Throughout history science has not proven Christianity wrong more and more. Actually all science, all mathmatics, all art etc. throughout history has been taken from and inspired from the Bible. What is the church keeping you ignorant from? Science is just a way to study how things in the world work, but that can only go so far. What is behind the things that science cannot see or understand? That is why God exists. He is the author and the finisher of all things created. Not us. We can only understand so much. I dont know why you are calling us pawns. What would I gain if I were to disown my God right now and start following what you believe? What DO you believe in? What knowledge and what purpose would I gain If I were to do that? I already have the free will to study and know the things that you say. So where do I go from there? So I choose to have faith in Jesus. Do you know what is gonna happen to you when you die? No! Don't you think that if God does exist that He would try to clue you in on whats going on? I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. You have everything to lose and nothing to gain. JUST THINK ABOUT IT! It makes more sense mathamatically to. If anything I would say that your the pawn. A pawn to society and to trendy questions. For your last statement, I don't see why you think that these morals that us Christians have are good anyway since you think Christianity is false. What makes them so good? Maybe people find hope and hapiness in Jesus because He is actually real.

Funky Buddha Posted Jan 13 2005, 11:25 PM
  What happens to the people that don't believe? According to christianity they go to hell correct?

We don't know what its like to be dead... how do we know of this hell or heaven? How do we know of this god? Christianity confuzzles me.

Why would God choose David? WHy would he choose Joesph? How is it that he lets only one man be able to open the sea and make a pathway to safety? Certain people just had godly powers over the millienia? What about people now in this millenia... where are their powers?

Questions like these just makes me not believe in "God"

You dont believe, you go to hell. Dont believe in hell? What happens? Do you still go?

No we do not know what it is like to be dead, but like I said before I am not here to prove anything. I will let God prove Himself. God chose David and Joseph because it was a part of prophecy that these particular people of the Bible were to fulfil a specific purpose. If you follow the lineage throughout the Bible Jesus is a part of King David's bloodline. Which was also in prophecy. All of these things were foretold thousands of years before it even happened! God chose Moses to split the Red Sea because he was the only one faithful enough and willing to step up and do anything for God. The rest of the people just murmered and complained about everything. As far as having these "powers" in this millinea would you even notice that is was a miracle from God if you saw it? Would it make you have faith in Jesus if you saw one? I don't think you would even if it was pointed out to you. God does miracle everyday that everyone takes for granted and doesn't even notice. The fact that you wake up the next morning is a miracle in itself. Your life is precious don't ever forget that. God does still confirm His Being with signs and miracles throughout the world today. We don't see many here because why do we need anything? We are the richest country in the word. We have hospitals, medicines, jobs,food,money. We are spoiled if anything. For your last question, yes you will still go if you don't believe their is a hell. Why wouldn't you? example: Just because I don't believe 2+2=4 and believe it equals 22 doesn't negate the fact that it will always equal 4. See what I mean?

sadolakced acid Posted Jan 14 2005, 12:26 AM
  haha well he wasn't there for the people in south asia was he? or was it because they're not all christians?

[sorry if that offended anyone, which it probably will]

but anyways. yea, i understand the faith thing. but it can't really be described... it's just something you feel or you don't feel.

so how can you help those of us who don't feel faith to understand why exactly should be belived the bible, without using the bible?

that's what we want to know.

and yes, i know faith is a pretty good reason; but not everyone feels it.

uninspiredfae Posted Jan 14 2005, 9:48 AM
  QUOTE(bellpepper @ Jan 14 2005, 1:50 AM)
I understand what you are saying about the tsunami. But im sure you know that we all have to die sometime not trying to be blunt or anything but we do. And no I dont think he killed them because they were non Christians. Also there were alot of survival stories also. Even though many people died think about all of the ones that survived. Also I know that not everyone feels faith. There are some Christians who actually have trouble having faith to trust me I know alot of them. I have to admit it is sort of hard to help you understand about the bible without using it. Its like trying to look up a word without using a dictionary. U know what I mean.?






Bellpepper, I am using your response as a question for someone else, okay?

I don't understand what he/she is saying, Angel. I remember the saying "ask and ye shall receive" from you as well as many others Christians I've met, yet what makes me doubt its sincerity are things like these life destroying castastrophes. I believe that statistics showed that there were Christians who died in the Tsunami. I would think they were pleading for the their lives... yet, they were still lost to the destruction.

As Bellpepper said, there are survivor stories, but it would be all unnecessary if the Tsunami never happened in the first place.

Is this some sort of thing to prove God's power? Something that is in His plans?

Someone also told me that this is a test of faith.... But to test faith by taking lives?

Yes the things that we know and believe are all by faith. I will give you a defintion biblical and non. Hebrews 11:1-
1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Faith is an important word in the Bible. Faith is where the Promises and Work of God are made real to His redeemed.
Ephesians 2:8-9, We are saved by faith.
Rom. 1:17, We live by faith.
Rom. 4:13, We receive righteousness by faith.
Rom. 5:1, We are justified in Christ by faith
Rom. 5:2, We have access to God’s grace by faith.
2 Cor. 1:24, We stand firm in our belief by faith.
Gal. 3:14, We receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.
1 Tim. 1:4, We do God’s work is by faith.
Gal. 5:5, We wait for the return of Christ by faith.
Indeed, faith is very important; it is vital to the Christian.
What is Faith?
According to Webster’s Dictionary faith is "an unquestioning belief that does not require proof or evidence."
Though Webster’s Dictionary says we don’t need evidence to have faith, as Christians we do have evidence for our faith.
We have the Bible: 66 books, 40 authors, written in 3 languages, over 1600 years, prophecy, and moral and spiritual truth,
We have the resurrection of Jesus; confidence in His words, and evidence of God’s truth in our lives.
The nearest definition we have in the Bible of what faith is is found right here in Hebrews 11:1
The NIV says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
The KJV and the NKJV say, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
The RSV, NRSV and NASB each says, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Literally the Greek of Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the reality of things being hoped for, the proof of things not being seen."
But the English does not carry the full meaning of the verse. That is why it is good to examine several translations of the verse to try to get a better understanding.
An important point, though, is that faith is only as good as the object in which it is placed.
All the faith in the world in someone false won’t help you.
But how does faith affect your lives?
You get in the car and drive on faith. You don’ know if you’re going to make it to your destination alive or not, but you go.
You have faith that the food you buy that is grown by strangers is not harmful, so you eat it.
You have faith that the doctors you see are competent. So you put yourself in their hands.
If you did not have faith, if you did not trust others you wouldn’t be able to drive, eat, or get help in times of sickness. Your life would be very difficult.
Let’s look at this chapter a bit and see how faith affected the people of God.
Hebrews 11:4 says, "By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead." (NIV)
We do not know many details of Abel’s faith.
We do not know just how much was revealed to him.
But we do know that his faith caused him to worship God.
He picked the best of his flock to sacrifice to God. "and Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, (Genesis 4:4, RSV).
He brought it to the place of sacrifice. It was natural for Abel’s faith in God to manifest itself in a blood sacrifice, a sacrifice that pointed to the Messiah.
It was natural for Abel to worship.
There is something wrong with the Christian who does not worship.
Faith looks for opportunities to worship.
Faith made Enoch walk with God, v. 5
"By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God" (Hebrews 11:5, NIV).
In Genesis it says, "And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years. 24Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away" (Genesis 5:22_24).
Your walk will change if you continue to trust in Christ
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (NIV).
Enoch pleased God. Is God pleased with you?
Is God pleased with the places you choose for recreation?
Is God pleased with the books you read? with what you watch on T.V.?
Is God pleased with the words you use? the conversations you have?
Is God pleased with the plans you’ve made for your future?
Enoch’s walk of faith delivered him from death.
Your walk of faith has already delivered you from death, the death called damnation.
Your faith is in Jesus; therefore, there is no death to come to you.
Faith made Noah work for God, v. 7.
We have in Gen. 6, the tragic story of the decline of humanity into sin.
But God’s grace triumphs: God saves Noah (v. 8).
In Noah, his faith manifested itself in real works. James 2:26 says, "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead."
Noah built an ark because he believed in God
Every swing of his axe said, "faith."
Every felled tree said, "faith."
Every swing of his hammer said, "faith.:
Faith will make you work today
Faith is not something for long ago; for trusting in Jesus for salvation and not trusting Him for anything else. It means you trust Him for everything--even when it is difficult sometimes. It means that every day you continue to trust Him and that you continue to manifest the fruit of your faith.
Caring, sharing, witnessing, forgiving, helping, etc. In these things you please God.
Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (NIV).
Faith connects you to God; it is your admission that you are dependent upon Him; that your hope is in Him. It pleases Him, because it is Him you are trusting and no one and nothing else.
Much more could be said about this chapter. By faith Abraham, by faith Isaac, by faith Jacob, by faith Joseph, by faith Moses, by faith Rehab,
By faith: we understand the universe was formed; people offered sacrifices; humanity was saved; people left their lands and moved; blessings were given; people were freed; death was escaped; and walls fell; and verse 32 "And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets," (NIV).
Conclusion
Faith is vitally important in the life of the Christian. It is by faith that you are saved; you are justified; cleansed, and look forward to the return of Jesus. Faith is where you please God, admit your dependence upon Him, and continually seek to rely upon Him and His grace. I would like to close by asking you these question: "What has faith changed in your life? What are faith’s evidences in your life? Is faith growing in your life.

As for God taking the lives of so many people with the tsunami, who can know these things? God is the creater of life and has a higher purpose. For those of you who keep saying how God is unloving and its not fair. Who are you to say such things? If you care so much then go over there and help some people. I think God cares much more about those people than we do. I think God knows How much more important life is than we do. For our God is just and merciful and I know that my God has given perfect justice to each and every soul that He has claimed whether it be Heaven or hell.

The scripture that I will point you to in this situation is Romans 1:18-32-
18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

19because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.


20For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.


21For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.


22(AP)Professing to be wise, they became fools,


23and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.


24Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them.


25For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.


26For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural,


27and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.


28And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,


29being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,


30slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,


31without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;


32and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.

I thank you for your time in reading this and pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be a part of your lives if He isn't already.

[JlIaTMK]

I don't understand something. This topic started off with a question. A question to Christians. Which is the reason why I even bothered coming in here hoping to answer some questions to someone who was seeking. It started off with a question asking us Christians whether or not you go to hell if you do not believe in Christianity and what happens to a morally sound non-Christian after they die if they don't belive in it. So we answered the question from what the Bible says. So for ANSWERING A QUESTION we get accused of forcing our religion upon everyone and being wrong for everything we do. Everything just seems to be wrong with Christianity and nothing right. So my question to everyone that is a non-Christian that has posted in this topic is why do you even waste your time posting these accusations and questions to try to disprove Christianity? If you aren't really seeking or care for answers from us then don't even bother clicking on this type of topic. Every single accusation and every single question poed here I have heard through out my life. All of these questions have been answered for the longest time. I assure you there is nothing new under the sun. I don't mean just biblical answers either. They have been answered through science, history, archeological discoveries ect. Judging by almost every post if not not every post by a non-Christian trying to quote the Bible it seems like you have never even read it and just go by what you think you heard or you read a couple of verses from it and never read it again. So you base your whole idea of Christianity by those very few things that you know. Some of the stuff that I have seen isn't even in the Bible. I AM NOT HERE TO PROVE ANYTHING TO ANYONE. God will prove Himself just like He has always done throughout the ages. I am in defense of my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ going to answer some of the posts to the best of my knowledge that has been revealed to me through the revealation of the Holy Spirit.
"Back then" religion was not a necessity. There were belivers, unbelivers, atheists, cultists etc. just like today. Have you ever read what the Bible has to say about the sun, rain, and fire? I don't think you have. Yes the Bible explains these natural phenomenons. It actually explains them the way they actually happen. Whether you call it scientifically or super natuarlly it explains it both ways. Here is an example: Here is the explanation of the Hydrologic Water Cycle in the Bible.
Job 36:24-33

Let's start out by saying that it didnt ask CHRISTIANS if you go to hell or not, it asked anyone in particular. And sir, I'm sorry, but thats why its a DEBATE topic. Get it? That's what it was placed for, to debate two different sides, there is no point in getting defensive about it.

So are you saying that now religion is a necesity or what? To tell you the truth, religion was more of a necesity back then then now. You used to get tortured and beat up for not believing what other people believe.

Throughout history science has not proven Christianity wrong more and more. Actually all science, all mathmatics, all art etc. throughout history has been taken from and inspired from the Bible. What is the church keeping you ignorant from? Science is just a way to study how things in the world work, but that can only go so far. What is behind the things that science cannot see or understand? That is why God exists. He is the author and the finisher of all things created. Not us. We can only understand so much. I dont know why you are calling us pawns. What would I gain if I were to disown my God right now and start following what you believe? What DO you believe in? What knowledge and what purpose would I gain If I were to do that? I already have the free will to study and know the things that you say. So where do I go from there? So I choose to have faith in Jesus. Do you know what is gonna happen to you when you die? No! Don't you think that if God does exist that He would try to clue you in on whats going on? I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. You have everything to lose and nothing to gain. JUST THINK ABOUT IT! It makes more sense mathamatically to. If anything I would say that your the pawn. A pawn to society and to trendy questions. For your last statement, I don't see why you think that these morals that us Christians have are good anyway since you think Christianity is false. What makes them so good? Maybe people find hope and hapiness in Jesus because He is actually real.

Let's try replacing science with Christianity in the "non-believers" case and we'll see how thats faught out. :)

I have nothing to lose and everything to gain too. That's why I have "science".

I have no doubt in my mind that Jesus was real. No doubt whatsoever, for I am orthodox. But I do have doubt in "God". Have we ever sighted him? No Have we ever experienced him? No. Therefore, I dont believe in god the image that is portrayed to us. I believe in HISTORY, not people. By people I mean the bible.

No we do not know what it is like to be dead, but like I said before I am not here to prove anything. I will let God prove Himself. God chose David and Joseph because it was a part of prophecy that these particular people of the Bible were to fulfil a specific purpose. If you follow the lineage throughout the Bible Jesus is a part of King David's bloodline. Which was also in prophecy. All of these things were foretold thousands of years before it even happened! God chose Moses to split the Red Sea because he was the only one faithful enough and willing to step up and do anything for God. The rest of the people just murmered and complained about everything. As far as having these "powers" in this millinea would you even notice that is was a miracle from God if you saw it? Would it make you have faith in Jesus if you saw one? I don't think you would even if it was pointed out to you. God does miracle everyday that everyone takes for granted and doesn't even notice. The fact that you wake up the next morning is a miracle in itself. Your life is precious don't ever forget that. God does still confirm His Being with signs and miracles throughout the world today. We don't see many here because why do we need anything? We are the richest country in the word. We have hospitals, medicines, jobs,food,money. We are spoiled if anything. For your last question, yes you will still go if you don't believe their is a hell. Why wouldn't you? example: Just because I don't believe 2+2=4 and believe it equals 22 doesn't negate the fact that it will always equal 4. See what I mean?

Yeah, we're the richest country in the world. That is not from god though. You remind me of the pilgrams that came to this land and stole it. You claim that god made us have this land. In other words, that means that god is evil and deceptive in his own way. Wow, nice fact proven there.
We did get this country how it is now from those pilgrams, but we developed it into what it is now from people.

Also, I dont want to quote all of the last part but I have faith. I have faith in life. I have faith in things of life. Does that mean I cant have faith in life without having faith in God? What in the world?

And for the last sentence

I thank you for your time in reading this and pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will be a part of your lives if He isn't already.

I hope that you learn to be a little more openminded like Jesus was in his day.

Why cant you respect the fact that there is other religions out there. Why do so many christian sects do this? They expect everyone to be the same as them? Wtf.
Why do all these other religions like Buddhism and Taoism not expect this but respect diversity? THATS what i cant stand about christianity today. Christianity has empowered itself over the eras to the point where it doesnt know when to stop empowering. The root of this religion wasnt meant to become like this, but over time, it has infact gone to become what all Christians despise; satanic to the point of killing people for that religion. Its like the old saying. You want and you dont know when to stop.

Period.

[sadolakced acid]

thank you mister bible quoter.


fae, i think it's time for the antichrist book.

meanwhile i will quote harry potter.

"I believe your friends Misters Fred and George Weasley were responsible for trying to send you a toilet seat. No doubt they thought it would amuse you." - albus dumbledore

as you can see, this proves god exists.

"Your mother died to save you. If there is one thing Voldemort cannot understand, it is love." - albus dumbledore.

as you can see, this proves that faith is enough.

"To the well organized mind, death is but the next great adventure." - albus dumbledore

as you can see, this one says that god must exist in the afterlife. and you should give money to the church.

"I don't need a cloak to become invisible." - albus dumbledore

as you can see, this one proves that god is everywhere.

"Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure"- luna lovegood

as you can see, this one proves that jesus was the son of god.

as you can see, all these quotes prove that J.K. Rowling is jesus reincarnated.

if you don't belive you'll burn in... umm... snape's dungeon forever.


[ my point is, quotes mean NOTHING, if out of the bible. The bible isn't research. it's not completely factual. The most common one to use, the King James version, was rewritten to convince the irish and scotts to become christian . Bibles were rewritten MANY TIMES for POLITCAL REASONS, making ALL VERSIONS OF THE BIBLE CORRUPTED by HUMAN WORDS. ]