Positivity Why Come to Christ?

[Ishmael]

This world is full of awful noise across every facet, especially religion. Too often do religious systems promise salvation through fear or formulas, drip-feeding salvation in a feeble attempt to gain more material on this earth. Therein those systems lie cultural twists that turn truths into power to be grasped and wielded. What if the way to the God was simpler, more relational, and more intellectually honest than we've been told?

Christ isn't a gatekeeper blocking the path to God, declaring "I am the only way to salvation."; He's the one who shows you how to meet the Father clearly and plainly without confusing doctrinal and mystical layers, or by fearful force. As He said,

"If you remain in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
(John 8:31–32).

I wish to share the Gospel with those of you who have felt insulted, unheard, lied to or otherwise abused under the guise of religion or salvation. I wish to also share it with those who have been shown an incomplete, inaccurate or completely incorrect view of Christ and his Father.

"Beware of false prophets who come to you in the clothing of sheep, but from within they are ravening wolves."
(Matthew 7:15)

I wish to provide answers to those with questions or doubts. I also wish to explore why aligning with Him leads to not only a better life for yourself, but happiness outside of heaven or any rewards. You will never hear me preach about all the things God can provide for you. I may quote Jesus or a scripture or allure to the concepts therein; but...

"For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of you; it is the gift of God: not of works, that no man should glory."
(Ephesians 2:8-9)

And I always stand by this. Heaven is an afterthought for me, as well as any 'reward' God may send my way. I do things because there's moral objectivity in this world, shown through the objective good that comes from inflicting not pain, but joy and almsgiving onto one another. I've said it multiple times in my life that I still retain the 'dead inside' feeling I had when I was majorly depressed and suicidal, but not from the same perspective. I have allowed that part of me to die. It has killed itself, and moved on from my soul. I was reborn in Jesus Christ when I asked him to forgive me of my sins.

The truth and the 'why' lie in nuances. It's not always easy to explain or share, and sometimes God is waiting for you to initiate that dialogue.
Share your thoughts - let's seek together. No judgment, just honest dialogue.

 

[johnvee]

Someone gave me some good advice once...

Focus on yourself and if that doesn't work focus on other people.

 

[OgreLTN]

Christ is saving nobody.

 

[Ishmael]

Someone gave me some good advice once...

Focus on yourself and if that doesn't work focus on other people.

Focusing on yourself through the lense of personal selfishness is self destructive. Focusing on yourself to deepen your relationship with Christ is biblical. On the other side of the coin however, Christ also teaches us to go the extra mile for our brethren and love our neighbors and enemies. I think a dual focus with an anchor on God is the balance needed.

 

[Ishmael]

Christ is saving nobody.

I'm sorry you feel that way. Has something happened in your life to draw you to this conclusion?

 

[OgreLTN]

I'm sorry you feel that way. Has something happened in your life to draw you to this conclusion?

Yeah. I'm fully over religion at this point, if it's not for some type of pragmatic reason, or it benefits me personally to fake it.

 

[Ishmael]

Yeah. I'm fully over religion at this point, if it's not for some type of pragmatic reason, or it benefits me personally to fake it.

I very much felt this way and do understand how you feel. I had Christ as just a little tradition from my family in the back of my mind that really only guided some loose morality until God revealed to me the reasons why we're told to do certain things. From that, I began to ask Him to guide my eyes and mind as I read through MANY texts and only had more affirmations again and again. I think it goes beyond religion as a whole. I don't view it as a personal religion. It's just a fact of my life that has been growing constantly.

 

[Ishmael]

I was always under the impression that God and faith was for those of lesser wills, ones that could simply believe in something that doesn't hold logical weight.

I struggled very hard with the concept of believing in a God who I couldn't even recount what He had done for me, let alone tell you how I was touched or any other fact. As far as I was concerned He did not exist.

I opened my heart and willingly searched and He flooded my mind first. He met me where I was and enticed my logic and intelligence first. He showed me truths and patterns in ancient texts and showed me the same line many others see in the Bible. I have a slew of my own problems with the Bible, but many of other people's problems I also found being solved. God was telling me to share a God that doesn't rely on blind faith and ridiculous statements. One that can show you a tangible spiritual reality. I legitimately thought I was completely closed off from anything spiritual until recently. The touch of the Lord I experienced recently was the best feeling I've ever felt in my body.

I pray for you all, and love you all.

 

[Asgard]

We are in the Tribulation already. Now keep coping.

 

[Asgard]

Someone hang this MFer @newsincerity he's a damn traitor, hang him already! MAGA

 

[Ishmael]

A very difficult constant that I deal with is retaining the positive state of mind towards God when live goes awry. It's not always sunshine and roses once you've dedicated your life to Christ, if anything from an objective standpoint even he says it gets worse.

I have noticed that I myself WANT to maintain the negative emotions once I get past the initial reaction. The feedback loop is - for some reason - necessary and the echo chamber must get louder. Having a block between the loop and the reaction is the key. If I sit in my negativity I'm not only more inclined to bea negative person, but also justify bad behaviour or sin simply because I am willingly pushing God out of my mind. The more this goes on, the easier it is to continue. Feedback loops are destructive.