Sunday, 10 August 2008
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Christian or Christlike Can You Be One and Not the Other?
As a child , I was taught in Sunday School that if I would ask Jesus into my heart that I would be saved . I asked him , but I didn't feel saved .
I was taught that only those who believed that Jesus Christ was the son of God would go to heaven , all the rest would go to hell. For some reason I just could never understand how this could be true and no matter how hard I prayed , I could not change the way I felt in my heart .
"The wise man universalizes his heart. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Those who aspire to greatness must learn to humble themselves
I had a few friends of different faiths who are always humble and loving to those they meet. They unselfishly helped all different types of people , never judging them worthy or deserving of aid , just seeing a need in some one and responding to it . Putting their own desires aside and never expecting repayment from those they helped .
" True goodness is like water in that it blesses everything and harms nothing. " True goodness seeks the lowest places, even those levels which others avoid "
Meanwhile I had a few Christians friends , who were active members of the church , professed their faith in Christ , and were loving to those they were close to , their charity was in reality personal networking for personal status in the church and community , and only when someone was looking . They considered themselves better than non Christians and arrogant in their belief that those they judged sinners would burn in hell . Often getting angry and insulting those who disagree or questioned them
I would like to make a point of saying that I am not suggesting Christians are evil or implying that the examples I used are true all non Christians or all Christians.
"Demons believe and they shudder . I will show you my faith by what I do"
The point is I do not believe a person has to be a Christian to be Christlike. or confess Christ as the son of God for that matter . The scripture has been taken literally and the Spirit of the message has been lost .
It wasn't until recently that I understood for the first time , that salvation could only come only through Jesus Christ although not the literal sense I was taught as a child.
God is spirit , God is love , Jesus Christ (son) personified the Spirit.( Father) by choosing selfless love (the will of the Father) over his own desires , He was selfless love in the flesh . The only way to the Father is through selfless love .
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Comments (15)
Good Morning, I really enjoyed your post today. You have said it so well---God is love. That is so hidden in places where it should the the strongest point. I am still very weak in the love area---having it and showing it. I wish I was a more loving person.
RYC thanks for your visit today. I reallly appreciated it. I am an old guy of 75, married 52 years, and retired 13. I love Xanga and meet so many perople from all over the world.
My site is not really a Christian site. I like to share my life, inner feelings in an open, honest way with a dash of humor. My humor takes a while for some people, and a few actually take all I write seriously. You caught on very quickly. I like that a lot.
Anyway. I was so pleased to see you visit and comment. I love your Xanga image. It is so wonderfully feninine and beautiful.
Have a nice Sunday
Blessings
frank
What a very sad (but true!) statement that many see Christianity as some kind of exclusive club, and look down their nose at nonmembers. SIGH.... certainly not what Christ intended. He said that others should know we belong to Him by the love that we have.
Christ is oneness in spirit. That is how Christ is in all of us. I don't think Christ is a literal person. Jesus' last name was not Christ. It is the idea that we are all One in God. Christ is the light that leads us back to that Oneness with each other.
Sorry this is short. You are one of the first comments of the morning and I am just getting warmed up. If you want to talk about it ask me a question.
Good Post!
--Lisa
@NVRSAD_DAY - Yea Frank I was at a lecture onetime and the guy said "God plays with loaded dice and he throws them in the bushes where we can't find them" I trust though that all that was hidden will be revealed - patience is not always one of my virtues but I am learning.
Your sense of humor is a delight and I am glad to meet you.
I was so excited to see that we are Xanga Friends this morning. Thank you.
I only have a few mintues in the morning. I have to leave Xanga when my wife gets up. I guess it would be wrong to put sleeping pills in her coffee.
See you later.
frank
@ultravioletrobin - I get nervous sometimes when I read everything is going to be revealed. Gads, being put on a universal stage and everyone sees everything i did and did not do. Ouch. llol I know that is not what you meant.
I get my jollys reading the 'Message' Bible at Starbucks at night alone with loud music blaring and interessting people walking in and out. At my age, I only watch and sigh.
So nice to see we are Xanga Friends.
hugs
frank
I like your Christ, but I do not like your christians. They are so unlike your Christ.
-- Mohatma Ghandi@whitefang999 - Super great quote!
@whitefang999 - So true in many cases . I always say i consider myself a christian but I am not sure if the other christians do lol.
This is a terrible thing to say, but my 95 year old MIL is more Christ-like since her stroke. She is recovering nicely but is sweeter.
frank
Hello Ms. Robin,
You worked hard to make your site simple yet elegant. The music player and pictures are a nice touch. I see that you would like to draw closer to God. Now is a good time! I recommend the one true God, Jehovah.
I want to help people to really get to know God, especially in these troubled times. Here is an important message for all of us from the Bible: 17 You make God tired with all your talk. "How do we tire him out?" you ask. By saying, "God loves sinners and sin alike. God loves all." And also by saying, "Judgment? God's too nice to judge." (Malachi 2:17) (Message Bible)
Thank you for reading. It doesn't matter what you call him - all Gods are one in my humble opinion.
@NVRSAD_DAY - There is always a positive even in the worst of situations. Someone told me along time ago that you when you pray - always goes to the Lord on your knees. Sometimes our experiences serve to humble us . I am so glad she is doing well.
@ultravioletrobin - I am becoming an expert in being humbled. I hope it does not lead to humiliation.
I love your visits and wise sayings
blessings
frank
I really like your post, my mind thinks about two specific things of Christ's life. He carried a message of love and peace. When He rose from the dead Christ was found among His disciples and He said, "Peace be unto you" I don't believe there is any greater force in anyone's life than love, Psalms says, God is love. I have seen the arrogance in nominal Christians myself, their perspective is always one of uniqueness rather than messengers of peace and love as Christ personally demonstrated while He was alive. I try not to look to other people to see authentic Christianity, but rather look to Christ Himself. I read a sign in front of a church yesterday that said, God never promised our journey would be easy, but He did promise never to leave us.
David
@lonestarpriv - Thanks for your comment. I have to agree - Love is always the answer.