re: The Christ within?

I don't think God = religion, but I don't think He's a little of this and a little of that. I don't believe in different paths leading to Him. I think He made Himself incredibly clear in the Bible of just who He was (The I Am) and the same goes with Christ. I think Christ is the only way to Heaven, and God is the creator of all things. If any of that makes sense... 

Quoting Madi's*Mama:" <blockquote><b>Quoting Boots+3:</b>" I don't know...I don't think God is necessarily ... [snip!] ... saved. Not by religion. "</blockquote> I just meant that if you accept God as your God then God is your religion, right?"

Except that Christianity is the one faith that isn't based on religion. It isn't based on how you need to act or how many people you need to save to be saved yourself. Religion requires you to do something in order to acquire salvation. Going back to the Pharisees, that was their philosophy.

Religion doesn't require faith...not in my mind at least. It requires action. But if we're saved by grace alone, then we don't need to not eat bacon or offer up sacrifices to be saved. We simply accept the grace, and go forward in faith.

I don't know, I've always seperated religion and faith in my mind. It could be jsut me.

Quoting WhY bOtHeR:" <blockquote><b>Quoting Madi's*Mama:</b>" <blockquote><b>Quoting WhY bOtHeR:</b>" ... [snip!] ... yes, looks like she is falling into temptation of evil. She is doubting God and is getting mislead."

Am I being mislead because I believe different than you? And how is this falling into temptation evil? People of all walks of life have their own concepts about God and it really does not matter. God loves everyone for who they are and not what they believe. As for evil it is nothing more than the misuse of free will. There are positive and negative energies in this physical reality but it is all for a higher purpose such as spiritual growth.

Quoting Boots+3:" Except that Christianity is the one faith that isn't based on religion. It isn't based on how you need ... [snip!] ... the grace, and go forward in faith. I don't know, I've always seperated religion and faith in my mind. It could be jsut me."

I think it's normal for people to categorize things. Christianity = organized religion. It's just a more clear-cut way to put it into some category. But a real, living breathing relationship with Christ? That goes much further than what could ever be called religion. It certainly has nothing to do with us though, but very very few Christians actually live like that. What is it? Less than 2% of Christians actually read their Bible and tell others about their faith...I mean, that has to tell us something!

<blockquote><b>Quoting Lucid Dreamer:</b>" Am I being mislead because I believe different than you? And how is this falling into temptation evil? ... [snip!] ... There are positive and negative energies in this physical reality but it is all for a higher purpose such as spiritual growth."</blockquote>


  you seemed confused. Sorry but I dont understand why you made such a topic just to see people debate over something that you have no knowledge about. I am done. Take over ladies!

Quoting Lucid Dreamer:" Am I being mislead because I believe different than you? And how is this falling into temptation evil? ... [snip!] ... There are positive and negative energies in this physical reality but it is all for a higher purpose such as spiritual growth."

I think God is very clear on who He is. And I, meaning no disrespect to you, think that we believe in two very different gods.

Quoting sassy chef:" I think God is very clear on who He is. And I, meaning no disrespect to you, think that we believe in two very different gods. "

I believe there is only one God but is not associated with any one particular belief system. I also believe the higher self is a part of God. I believe many will be surprised that there won't only be Christians in heaven

Quoting Lucid Dreamer:" I believe there is only one God but is not associated with any one particular belief system. I also believe ... [snip!] ... I also believe the higher self is a part of God. I believe many will be surprised that there won't only be Christians in heaven"

We have to agree to disagree. I think it was pretty clear, "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 4:6.

Quoting sassy chef:" I think it's normal for people to categorize things. Christianity = organized religion. It's just a ... [snip!] ... than 2% of Christians actually read their Bible and tell others about their faith...I mean, that has to tell us something! "

Dang. If that's the statistic, I mean, what's that say to us about how the world must see us?

And that's exactly what I was trying to say. A relationship with Christ blasts away any ideas about religion you have. It just can't be compared.

Bang on with John 4:6...There is only one way to God, and that is through Christ.

Quoting WhY bOtHeR:" <blockquote><b>Quoting Lucid Dreamer:</b>" Am I being mislead because I believe different ... [snip!] ... you made such a topic just to see people debate over something that you have no knowledge about. I am done. Take over ladies!"

I know about these things. I was raised Christian but I felt it was too much of a fear based theology and reading the bible especially the old testament and revelations horrified me. It does not make a bad or confused person. I simply took on another journey and have grown much more from it. Also people who have had near death experiences and journeyed to heaven can testify that God is not interested in religion and the judgement process is not like at all what has been taught. Over there one's creed or lack of means nothing.

Quoting Boots+3:" Dang. If that's the statistic, I mean, what's that say to us about how the world must see us? And ... [snip!] ... you have. It just can't be compared. Bang on with John 4:6...There is only one way to God, and that is through Christ."

It is a very sad statistic, but I'd believe it. I mean, look within your own church...the same people are the ones who are continually serving. It is what it is. It is said many times that God has no desire for those who are lukewarm, but that is what we are all too often (myself included in this.) We don't put Christ first, not really....at least not often enough.

Quoting sassy chef:" We have to agree to disagree. I think it was pretty clear, "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 4:6."

I don't believe he meant that literally refering to himself as the man Jesus being the only way. Who is the "I Am"he is refing to? I believe it is the higher self. When Hindu's die they are not going too see Jesus blocking the gates of heaven. It is all about the inner self

Quoting sassy chef:" It is a very sad statistic, but I'd believe it. I mean, look within your own church...the same people ... [snip!] ... is what we are all too often (myself included in this.) We don't put Christ first, not really....at least not often enough. "

I agree, the same people are doing the work, the volunteering, stepping up when help is needed. I see it all the time.

What amazes me is how quick to judge a person we "Christians" are. I mean, I just think of what Jesus did to the sinners and the outcasts...He didn't snub them or point fingers, He just loved them. Drew them to Him. And if we're supposed to be like Jesus...I struggle with how easily we cut people down in the name of Jesus, when we're supposed to follow His example. The only thing people seem to know about Christianity is what we're against, rather than knowing the important part, and that's what we stand for.

Quoting Lucid Dreamer:" I don't believe he meant that literally refering to himself as the man Jesus being the only way. Who ... [snip!] ... the higher self. When Hindu's die they are not going too see Jesus blocking the gates of heaven. It is all about the inner self"

I Am....That is who both Christ and God told us they were. God in the OT to Moses and Abraham (I believe, I'll go dig around.) And Jesus while talking to a pharisee. I can go dig around, happily.

Quoting Lucid Dreamer:" I don't believe he meant that literally refering to himself as the man Jesus being the only way. Who ... [snip!] ... the higher self. When Hindu's die they are not going too see Jesus blocking the gates of heaven. It is all about the inner self"

Not quite sure what you mean here....Can you expand? So that I can provide an educated argument in return?