aprilfortner
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@shawmutt I can't answer for the angry woman columnist - as I've said before, Christians sin too, and they will sometimes say things that are not justified by the Bible. I would like you to attempt to re-read all of the accusations that you wrote the other day, that mostly amounted to name-calling. It sounds quite angry and hateful to me. Most of the Christians that I have known have been well-educated, helpful individuals who examine their lives thoroughly (physicists, medical doctors, engineers, etc.). If you have legitimate questions about how we came to our faith, there are several apologetic resources that I could recommend. I'm afraid this blog is too limited (and so is my time) to argue with someone without genuine interest.
@shawmutt I can see that you are very angry at God right now. I would respond to your post, and even perhaps give you some educated, worthwhile answers, but I don't think you would seriously consider anything that I said. I hope things go well for you.
God's main message is that he loves you - he wants a relationship with you - and that even though he can't stand sin, he has sent his Son to take your punishment - but only if you want him too and agree that your sin is wrong. The Bible tells us Christians to share our faith in gentleness. I apologize for those who have acted in anger when they have told you about Jesus. It should never be that way - it is sinful and ugly when people hurt you to get their way. Here are a few verses to get you started, since you asked for some. There are only three passages, but I think it should be enough to get started.
John 3:16-21 ESV
16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God."
Ephesians 2:1 (a letter to the Christians at Ephesus) "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Romans 10:9 "because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
:) It's a good thing there's room for all of that! Forgiveness is offered to anyone who repents, asks God for forgiveness, and believes that Jesus is his/her Lord (master). It is important to note that Christians still sin - and need forgiveness - after salvation. There are verses for that too, if you are interested. God knows we're not perfect (yet)!
Hi Dan! Do you read these comments? (Just curious, since there are so many!)
You inspire good dialogue in your blog, which is why people enjoy it so much (I think).
You have a lot to say in this post about the church, which is understandable, since Mormons spend so much time discussing that. But, to me, there is nothing sweeter than having a real relationship with God who loves me and died in my place on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins. Other believers have a place in my life, but it's really all about Jesus. People are flawed - you are right about that - they will usually disappoint you if you make them your god. Even what God allows to happen can be surprising or painful at times, but at least with Him I know he sees the big picture and wants what is really, truly best for me.