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Originally posted by gentledissident
I would be ecstatic. I would know that all I have to do is believe Jesus is my savior and I’ll spend an eternity in Heaven. I know there are a bunch of other rules about stoning, genocide, and stuff I should follow, but it seems all I have to do is worship Jesus and believe that through this worship, I can get one of the spots in Heaven that he secured for us. The best I can tell is that Jesus wants me to be understanding, protective, and helpful. I’m not sure why this is necessary if all I have to do is believe that Jesus died for my sins so God would let me into Heaven. However, there seems to be something about doing no harm that Jesus is saying. He seems to be enforcing caring but nullifying stoning and genocide. It seems vague to me. So, to be sure I’m doing the right thing, I would take up a skill like medicine or carpentry and give away my services so that all may benefit. I would of course accept food and shelter. To not survive would be suicide. I know that I can’t kill myself and get into Heaven. I have to wait for God to kill me. I would spend every moment beaming with joy knowing of my eternal Heavenly reward. I would happily and enthusiastically tell all about Jesus, because salvation would be helping them. My life would consist of helping, preaching, and asking for forgiveness just in case I’ve offended God. I would suffer no pain, as pain would mean nothing to me. This life would be nothing to me but a door to my eternal bliss. I would have only a roof over my head and a Bible. I would know that any pleasure this life has to offer is a lie compared to the joyous truth of Heaven.
Is this how Christians act?
Originally posted by WarminIndy
what makes you think Christians do not believe in pleasure in this life?
Originally posted by WarminIndy Pain has no meaning? Show me where Christians have never suffered pain in their lives.
Originally posted by WarminIndy
Christianity is about faith in a better tomorrow, looking with hope beyond today from a world surrounded by pain.
Originally posted by WarminIndy
Jesus is not merely offering a happy place, He is offering a better place and escape from those things that cause pain, physical, spiritual or mental. He is also offering us a way to understand how to stop doing things that cause us or others harm. His first message was "repent and believe the Gospel for the kingdom of God is at hand".
Originally posted by WarminIndy
Jesus wept. That shows His care for His friends and the pain they were in following the death of their brother that they loved.
Originally posted by WarminIndy
Heaven is not just a happy place, it is a better place.
Originally posted by charles1952
May I suggest that you become one, learn and come back in oh, six months or a year, and report back?
You could go Catholic or Protestant. My suggestion would be Catholic as it is older and doesn't have all the denominations that Protestantism has, but it's up to you.
Originally posted by gentledissidentI would happily and enthusiastically tell all about Jesus, because salvation would be helping them. My life would consist of helping, preaching, and asking for forgiveness just in case I’ve offended God. I would suffer no pain, as pain would mean nothing to me. This life would be nothing to me but a door to my eternal bliss. I would have only a roof over my head and a Bible. I would know that any pleasure this life has to offer is a lie compared to the joyous truth of Heaven.
Is this how Christians act?
Originally posted by gentledissident
I would be ecstatic. I would know that all I have to do is believe Jesus is my savior and I’ll spend an eternity in Heaven. I know there are a bunch of other rules about stoning, genocide, and stuff I should follow, but it seems all I have to do is worship Jesus and believe that through this worship, I can get one of the spots in Heaven that he secured for us. The best I can tell is that Jesus wants me to be understanding, protective, and helpful. I’m not sure why this is necessary if all I have to do is believe that Jesus died for my sins so God would let me into Heaven. However, there seems to be something about doing no harm that Jesus is saying. He seems to be enforcing caring but nullifying stoning and genocide. It seems vague to me. So, to be sure I’m doing the right thing, I would take up a skill like medicine or carpentry and give away my services so that all may benefit. I would of course accept food and shelter. To not survive would be suicide. I know that I can’t kill myself and get into Heaven. I have to wait for God to kill me. I would spend every moment beaming with joy knowing of my eternal Heavenly reward. I would happily and enthusiastically tell all about Jesus, because salvation would be helping them. My life would consist of helping, preaching, and asking for forgiveness just in case I’ve offended God. I would suffer no pain, as pain would mean nothing to me. This life would be nothing to me but a door to my eternal bliss. I would have only a roof over my head and a Bible. I would know that any pleasure this life has to offer is a lie compared to the joyous truth of Heaven.
Is this how Christians act?
Originally posted by dakota1s2
reply to post by gentledissident
Not Exactly.....
Works are not what it takes. Head knowledge is not what it takes.... doing good is okay but no guarantee of a seat at the table...
How about it's all about what is in your heart.. His forgiveness is based on true repentance and faith and belief. Not many people could live like you imagined. good try but it doesn't take what you have detailed.
John.5
[24] Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Originally posted by gentledissident
reply to post by WhisperingWinds
Well, I don't know much about what Jews are supposed to do. I think I'm supposed to spend my time with a certain portion of the OT trying to determine its real meaning. That's what I've gathered from the little exposure I've had.
Originally posted by WhisperingWinds
reply to post by gentledissident
oh..I see..you don't believe in God, but you are certainly willing to step up on a soap box and tell us all the great and wonderful things you would do if you did.
If I were an atheist, I would not concern myself about what I would do if I believed in God, and I certainly would NOT try to preach to those that do, using such subtle underhanded methods such as this thread.
Why do I seem frustrated to you about the Jesus character?
Originally posted by solongandgoodnight
reply to post by gentledissident
you seem obviously frustrated. do you mind telling the biggest thing that frustrates you about jesus? not religion mind you, just jesus.