First off, sorry for not posting yesterday. I had both time and opportunity, but I didn't feel like anything that happened was really neccesary to post...however today I have two things worth sharing, so it all balances out.
The first thing is that, on the spur of the moment yesterday, I decided to join a Christian-Muslim discussion group that had it's first session this afternoon. It was definitely an awesome experience. The first thing we did, after introducing ourselves, was talk about our faith. The main thing I shared was that I feel that there is a difference between faith and belief. Dictionary.com defines faith as "belief that is not based on proof" and belief as "confidence in the truth or existence of something not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof". For me belief is more what your religion of choice teaches. As a Christian my belief is that God came to Earth in human form, was born of a virgin, taught us how to live a godly life, died for our sins on the cross, came back to life three days later, and returned to His Father in Heaven. My faith is more how I express those beliefs in my daily life, who I am as a follower of Christ, and what my relationship is with God. For me, integrating God into my daily life is not just necessary, it is enjoyable. My day is incomplete without spending a significant amount of time talking to God. Admittedly, I am still in the toddler phase of faith...talking more than I listen, but God is working on convincing my heart of that. The fascinating thing to me was that not only did other Christians share that view, I hoped for that, but so did Muslims. As a stereotypical American my focus is very much turned inward. I really know nothing, or very little at least, about the Muslim beliefs. Today I learned that they view God the same was I do, and worship Him in similar ways. The main difference is that they don't belief in Jesus' divinity. One of the biggest things I struggle with as a Christian is the "concept" of Hell. I find it very hard to accept that God will let any Christian into Heaven, even if they ignore, or even don't embrace, their faith...yet other religions, who worship the same God in different ways, wont get in. I know a lot of Christians to treat their faith as a burden, and I now know Muslims to treat their faith as a blessing. Granted, I was looking at a very small group, and they were all in the discussion because their faith meant a lot to them, but I'm really praying right now that God will explain this to my heart...maybe through one of you (hint hint nudge nudge...please people, comment! Now people without a blogging account should be able to post). Just listening to all the experiences, which were surprisingly similar for both Christians and Muslims, gave me a much deeper understanding of God and my own faith.
The next topic is an aspect of my relationship with God, my faith. I am a very...um, I'm not really sure what word should go here...but basically I love being in a relationship. I love the connection, the intimacy, the feeling that there's someone who thinks about me before bed, yada yada. One of the things God has been impressing upon my heart is that my relationship with Him is really new...obviously. The major consequence of this is that my focus is not always where is should be. I don't know God anywhere near as well as I want to. God has lately been really impressing upon my heart that if I were to try and start a romantic relationship right now, it would really detract from my relationship with Him. This is something I really don't like accepting, because of my love of guys and being in a relationship. Throughout my burgeoning relationship with God friends have been referring to Him as the "Lover of my soul", or "Lover of my heart". I don't know if this phrase has any biblical basis, but it's an idea I'm now trying to explore. The more I think about it the more I realize that except for the cuddling, anything I can get from a guy I can get ten times better from God (think PG here people). Today I was feeling really lonely, and lazy, so when my playlist reached Let's Stay Together by Al Green, I didn't change it, which after listening to it I'm glad I didn't. If you think of yourself singing it to God, it can really speak to your heart. You may all think I'm completely loony, but I'll go through the lyrics and maybe you'll understand.
I, I'm so in love with you (this is the reason I'm a Christian, who wouldn't love God if they really understood all He does for us?)
Whatever you want to do
Is all right with me (ok...this part doesn't fit so well right now, but I'm working on following God's plan for my life)
'Cause you make me feel so brand new (literally through Baptism)
And I want to spend my life with you (worshiping God with all my heart for an eternity)
They say since, since we've been together
Loving you forever
Is what I need (with God's love anything is possible)
Let me be the one you come running to (ok, God certainly doesn't need us, but He loves us anyway)
I'll never be untrue (I still sin a lot against God and man, but I'm working on it...it's unfortunately part of my human nature)
Let's, let's stay together (I try to keep God with me in everything I do)
Lovin' you whether, whether
Times are good or bad, happy or sad
Whether times are good or bad, happy or sad (again, slightly harder in the bad times, but God sticks with us, we should be willing to do the same, and He more than makes up for it in the good time...trials are necessary to our growth)
Why, why some people break up
Then turn around and make up
I just can't see
You'd never do that to me (would you, baby)
Staying around you is all I see (God never abandons us, no matter what we do He always forgives)
Let's, we oughta stay together
Loving you whether, whether
Times are good or bad, happy or sad (already explained)
2 comments:
Loony, probably.
Also, you know how all those people we talked to with the surveys said they were Christian, but when asked why they're getting into heaven they said it was because they try to be good? You'll never get in on that basis (why? because all sin and the price of sin is death... which Christ paid). Likewise you can't have true faith and do nothing, because true faith produces action/love. Check James 2:14-26
A bit from my own experience... whenever I find that I cannot walk as God has called me I also find some false belief about myself or God or others. Much of following God is asking for the grace and understanding to know yourself without stumbling (which you will invariably do many times).
Also, Christ did not come to teach us how to walk in godly ways. He came to show us that we were slaves to sin and that in our own right we cannot follow his laws (loving people as he loved them). The moment we accepted his sacrifice we received his spirit, which gives us all we need to follow him and obey his commands (So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. ~Galatians 5:16). So Christ as the pure sinless Messiah is absolutely foundational to what we believe (1John 2:22-23 Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.)
From the little I know of Muslims their view of God is a bit more judgmental one (heaven = works/maybe). Also I don't think they believe that you can have a personal relationship with God... its wrong to even suppose the character of God. Another thing that I heard on the history channel was they included in the Q'uran a number of texts that are very similar to some of the non-canonical scriptures (writtings of very questionable origins and purpose). Ask them who Jesus was and what he taught... they believe the disciples got it wrong/manipulated the teachings... so I would be interested in what they say.
And as for the intimacy thing... I like to think of it as God is cultivating our hearts so that we will have the most enjoyment/fulfillment out of life. Ohh and I'll cry if you start calling Jesus your boyfriend.
~Steve O
The thing about salvation and actions comes down to this question, "Can any person earn his/her salvation?"
The message that seems to be conveyed by the Bible is "No." No matter how good a person, no matter how much worship, no matter how accurate the worship, no person can do what is necessary for salvation. The reason is not because our deeds are impropper or bad, but because we have committed sin, and no amout of works can repay the debt of sin. Since all have sinned, all deserve death.
The only reason that any are saved from Hell is God's mercy. He has provided a way through Christ to have your sins forgiven by the payment of Christ's death. So, that's why even those with appropriate actions will not be saved, while even some whose actions are inappropriate will be saved. It's all about what they're using to pay for their sins (where their trust lies).
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