Let's pray for one another

[ChessieCat]

I don't have a direct response to johnson at this time, but when searching for something to post to this member I found a series on suffering which is well worth listening to and I pray that SA members might find it as helpful and edifying as I have:

 

making-sense-of-suffering-natural-disasters-part-1

making-sense-of-suffering-natural-disasters-part-2

making-sense-of-suffering-natural-disasters-part-3

[johnson]

Thanks Chessiecat. I’m not trying to insult anyone or their beliefs or start a conflict. I’m just trying to make sense of things. And am hoping for something constructive and positive. Thanks. 

[ChessieCat]

Hi johnson,

 

I could tell by the way you worded your original post that you are asking in a genuine way.  I do want to respond to you but want to compile it so as to give you a complete response.

[ChessieCat]

Hi Johnson, this is a link to an explanation:  https://bible.org/article/why-there-suffering

 

And this is how to become a Christian.  It's as simple as repenting, which is acknowledging that we are a sinner (born with a sin nature), and believing/having faith that Jesus, who was sinless, paid the penalty for our sin, the penalty which we rightly deserved.

 

On 11/13/2017 at 2:36 PM, ChessieCat said:

We have to remember that we live by faith, not feelings.  In withdrawal our feelings can be non existent or all over the place.

 

I searched for how do I know that I am saved on YouTube last night and found some bridge diagram videos.  I considered this one the best of what I watched because it includes lots of Biblical references and includes them on the screen.  I found that pausing to read them was better than not knowing how long it would remain on the screen and trying to read it too quickly but not thoroughly.

 

 

 

Edited August 19, 2018 by ChessieCat

[manymoretodays]

http://actionallianceforsuicideprevention.org/national-day-prayer-faith-hope-life

 

^  On going prayer/meditation this weekend.  September 7-9.  Prayer-faith-hope- life.  Many different faith communities involved.

I like this.

Edited September 9, 2018 by manymoretodays

[johnson]

Thanks for your reply chessiecat. But here is my problem with religion. I’ll use Christianity as an example to help you understand what I’m saying.  But all religions are at fault for the same flaw. So I am not Christian. I was not born into a Christian family. I had no choice what or who I was born into. Neither do the other 5 billion non Christians in this world. According to Christianity if I and the other 5 billion non Christians on this earth want to be ‘saved’ and go to heaven we all must be baptized in a church. Otherwise we won’t be ‘saved’ and won’t go to heaven. Does that make sense? Does that sound fair? Would a loving God do that to his people who were born non Christian and had no choice what religion they were born into? Does that mean we will go to hell for an eternity? Why would a loving God do that?

[johnson]

Chessie I just want to make it clear I’m not attacking you in anyway. These are just questions/thoughts I have. And they’ve gone unanswered. Thanks. 

[ChessieCat]

7 hours ago, johnson said:

Chessie I just want to make it clear I’m not attacking you in anyway. These are just questions/thoughts I have. And they’ve gone unanswered. Thanks. 

 

I am quite happy for you to ask questions. ☺️

 

On 9/13/2018 at 1:53 PM, johnson said:

According to Christianity if I and the other 5 billion non Christians on this earth want to be ‘saved’ and go to heaven we all must be baptized in a church. Otherwise we won’t be ‘saved’ and won’t go to heaven.

 

I think this is where your confusion is coming from.

 

This video will explain it much better than me trying to put it into words.  And this booklet may help:  

http://media.wretchedradio.com/downloads/Dont_Stub_Your_Toe.pdf

 

And if you still have questions, please feel free to ask them.

 

 

 

[johnson]

Thanks for your reply Chessie.

[SummerRain]

This provides another perspective:

 

https://cac.org/universal-restoration-2018-09-13/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2018-09-15%20DM&utm_content=2018-09-15%20DM+CID_abbc00ce78604a6a4e58617111af0a16&utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor%20Google%20Analytics&utm_term=Thursday

 

I believe God does love everyone regardless of faith or background. We each have our own individual journey to take and have something to offer others in their journey. I believe ultimately we will all find ourselves in the embrace of God, who loves unconditionally and eternally, to a degree that we cannot even (as humans) imagine. x

[SummerRain]

imagine the greatest love you could have for someone and multiply by infinity - that is God's love for all of us. If we would always want the best for those we truly love and be ready to forgive and protect them, imagine how much God wants the best for us and forgives and protects us.

[ChessieCat]

6 hours ago, SummerRain said:

I believe ultimately we will all find ourselves in the embrace of God, who loves unconditionally and eternally

 

If this is what you believe then your eternal life is at stake.  Please take a moment to read the following:

 

God is love, but he is also a just God.

 

Q:  Why should we think God has a less sense of justice than mankind?

 

God is loving, but that’s not all He is; He’s also a good judge.

 

Q:  Should a loving human judge allow criminals to go free?

 

Of course not.  If we, with our finite justice system, think it’s necessary to punish criminals in civil court, how much more should an infinite God judge our crimes, our sins against Him?

 

Ask yourself the million dollar question:

 

Q:  Will you go to Heaven when you die?

 

Here’s a quick test:

 

Q:  Have you ever told a lie, stolen anything, or used God’s name in vain (eg OMG)?

 

Q:  Have you looked with lust?  (Which is adultery of the heart in God’s eyes)

 

THE BAD NEWS:

 

If you’ve done these things you will stand before God as a lying, thieving, blasphemous, adulterer at heart.  And no amount of good works can make up for past crimes.  The Bible warns that your punishment will be in a place called Hell.

 

THE GOOD NEWS:

 

However God is not willing that any should perish, which is why He sent His Son to suffer and die on the cross.  Sinners broke God’s Law, but Jesus paid their fine.  That means He can legally forgive your sins: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  Then He rose from the dead and defeated death.

 

Tomorrow is not guaranteed.  Repent from sin today and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, and God will forgive you and grant you the free gift of everlasting life.

 

Text thanks to:  https://www.livingwaters.com/

 

AND this video:  

 

 

 

 

[SummerRain]

Hi ChessieCat, I do believe we need to repent from our sins and that we are saved by faith. However, I also believe that God will help all of us to do this - some in a more roundabout way than others. God us just but also merciful.

[SummerRain]

https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-unconditional-love/

[TreeElf]

From experience I too believe deeply that everyone will come to the direct experience of God, whether in this life or another. Our sense of time and space is only relative, we can't see beyond it but in reality we just need to realise we're already saved. There is nothing ultimately separate from God, all else is illusion. So he appears to everybody in different ways and through different gateways. 

 

I will pray for those here in meditation today. May I ask that you pray for me also, that I will have the strength, courage and wisdom to survive future waves. That my spirit guide me to my purpose in this life and move through me in the best possible way. And that I find the right people and conditions for healing, so that I can be of most service to others. Thank you x

[Rezten]

Hi,

I am a firm believer in the healing power of prayer.  I pray for everyone on this site daily.  I pray for healing, comfort and peace.  God Bless Everyone 

[ChessieCat]

I've just watched the new documentary called "American Gospel".  It is well worth watching.  It is available on Vimeo for a small rental fee (US $5, I think and $7 AUS) for 48 hour access.  They are hoping to make more documentaries.  There are some trailers on YouTube

[Rezten]

Thank you! God Bless you.

[Jill28]

I love all of this. 

Thank you all sharing His love. I pray everyday for courage to get through these very difficult days. I pray nightly for all of us going through this ordeal. 🙏

[Rezten]

11 minutes ago, Jill28 said:

I love all of this. 

Thank you all sharing His love. I pray everyday for courage to get through these very difficult days. I pray nightly for all of us going through this ordeal. 🙏

I do the same everyday

 

[Martina23]

I also prayed for us. I hope it helps.

[LostInMarshes]

I don't know how to pray, anymore?

[Rezten]

7 hours ago, Stormstrong said:

I don't know how to pray, anymore?

I think that is something a lot of struggle with. I have had my moments, yet I still cling to God's faithfulness.   Sometimes I can only say "Lord Please help me, thank you Jesus" 

 

Trust that you are healing and through Gods grace you get through the day.

[Molder]

Hi there, I am doing really good. I am completely cured from antidepressants and the withdrawals. God cured me. One night I was at the end of my rope crying and in complete torture I just dropped on my knees with my hands in the air reaching to the ceiling and yelled out to God to just give me one more chance and that I would do right in the world. A few days later I woke up and started crying because I could feel that the awful torture was gone. It has never come back. If your going through the torture of these horrible drugs turn to God and he will help. Turn to him for EVERYTHING!!! I had EVERY horrific symptom from these poisonous antidepressants  Wanted to kill my self. I just couldn’t take it anymore. I couldn’t sleep or eat. I had severe anxiety and depression. Couldn’t leave my house and was really paranoid. I had muscle spasms that were so bad it looked like something was trying to come out of my skin. I went to countless doctors that told me it was all in my head. They all acted like they never heard of this. Dropped on my knees and yelled out to God in agony one night woke up a few days later COMPLETELY HEALED!! Can you explain that? Now I was not a godly person then but I am trying to be now!

[Rezten]

11 hours ago, Molder said:

Hi there, I am doing really good. I am completely cured from antidepressants and the withdrawals. God cured me. One night I was at the end of my rope crying and in complete torture I just dropped on my knees with my hands in the air reaching to the ceiling and yelled out to God to just give me one more chance and that I would do right in the world. A few days later I woke up and started crying because I could feel that the awful torture was gone. It has never come back. If your going through the torture of these horrible drugs turn to God and he will help. Turn to him for EVERYTHING!!! I had EVERY horrific symptom from these poisonous antidepressants  Wanted to kill my self. I just couldn’t take it anymore. I couldn’t sleep or eat. I had severe anxiety and depression. Couldn’t leave my house and was really paranoid. I had muscle spasms that were so bad it looked like something was trying to come out of my skin. I went to countless doctors that told me it was all in my head. They all acted like they never heard of this. Dropped on my knees and yelled out to God in agony one night woke up a few days later COMPLETELY HEALED!! Can you explain that? Now I was not a godly person then but I am trying to be now!

You are very blessed.  And God does work miracles.  I pray and beg God everyday to heal me completely.  

[CharlieBrown]

Hi everyone! It's great to see "Living Waters" videos... I think they explain the fundamentals of Christianity clearly.

I know that faith, repentance and submission to Jesus are the keys to heaven and the path is narrow. Salvation lies in Christ alone.

 

But I would like to remind people that God did not promise to solve all problems. In fact, remember what Jesus said in Matthew 10:22.

Other scriptures include John 16:33, 1st Peter 4:12-13.

 

Strength to overcome any troubles can be found through true faith and repentance. 2nd Corinthians 4:14-18, Galatians 5:16-18 Strength to endure is different from having no problems.

Some may claim that accepting Christ is a sudden and life changing experience. But I know God works in mysterious ways and many stumble and fall on their path. Like myself.

Romans 3:23!

 

If you feel you aren't "Born again" in Christ, let us pray you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus said we all need to be born again.

I was agnostic, I studied and attempted to practice many religions of Asia (Hindu religions, Buddhism of various types.) Judaism, Islam. I have found more peace and truth, through prayer and reading the Bible. Than any meditation or other religious practices. I have found flaws in the other Abrahamic religions. (Jews cannot have their blood sacrifice, their priesthood was murdered in 70AD. Islam proclaims that Jesus. "Isa" was immaculately conceived in Surah 66 At-Tahrim 12. While requiring jihad against infidels in the previous chapter. Islam also talks of Jesus' resurrection in Surah Al-Jinn 72:16-20) In my eyes these things affirm Jesus Christ's promise and resurrection. Though I know many "Christians" are very far from Christ.

 

The fact that the New Testament is filled with prophecy from the Old Testament... 600 years passed between the prophecies of Jeremiah and Jesus. But Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophets of old... I would say they were divinely inspired.

 

Be aware of creating your own god! That is Idolatry and breaking the first commandment.

 

God Bless you all, You are loved and have value in the eyes of the Lord!

[ChessieCat]

1 hour ago, CharlieBrown said:

Salvation lies in Christ alone.

 

And it's a free gift.  No works needed.

[CharlieBrown]

3 hours ago, ChessieCat said:

 

And it's a free gift.  No works needed.

Absolutely! The gift Jesus offers is free, without works. For everyone regardless of past behavior.

 

But the Bible also says in James 2:14-25 that faith without works is dead.

Once we accept Jesus Christ into our hearts we must turn away from our sins and "the works" come to us more naturally, through Christ's grace. Amen.

[ChessieCat]

10 hours ago, CharlieBrown said:

Once we accept Jesus Christ into our hearts

 

I prefer to rephrase that as "once we accept the work that Jesus Christ did to reconcile us (bring us back into a right relationship with) to God".

 

God is a god of love, but He is also a just God (God of justice) who cannot let sin go unpunished.  But because of what Jesus did, and if we accept what He did, our punishment/fine/debt has already been paid.

[CharlieBrown]

On 7/23/2019 at 8:08 PM, ChessieCat said:

 

I prefer to rephrase that as "once we accept the work that Jesus Christ did to reconcile us (bring us back into a right relationship with) to God".

 

God is a god of love, but He is also a just God (God of justice) who cannot let sin go unpunished.  But because of what Jesus did, and if we accept what He did, our punishment/fine/debt has already been paid.

 

I am in total agreement. But I still feel that "Faith without works is dead." Just as works without faith are dead. Once we accept the sacrifice of Jesus, and that our debt is paid in earnest.

Though we may stumble or backslide there is always redemption for us if we repent, and turn from our sins. (Turning from our sins, leads to good fruit) Ray Comfort is spot on. God is a loving, forgiving, all-powerful but just God.

Edited July 25, 2019 by CharlieBrown
I goofed.

[CharlieBrown]

1 hour ago, CharlieBrown said:

 

 there is always redemption for us if we repent, and turn from our sins. (Turning from our sins, leads to good fruit)

 

So let us pray everyday! Maybe I should also say: to look for the fruit that comes from turning from sin.

Edited July 25, 2019 by CharlieBrown
My comment was in my quote, and I had a P.S. thought when I saw the error.

[composter]

I was raised as a Christian and have absolutely seen the power of prayer during my withdrawal journey. I have been sharing my testimonies with close family members and church friends. When I go thru waves, my mother and I pray over the dosage that I take just before I take it. Truly, this experience has brought my closer to my faith and knowledge that God our Creator is infinitely more intelligent, creative, and gracious in his design of us all.

[SouthernFreeze]

I have a lot of trouble believing all the radical story's in the bible, I also have trouble believing that we are born with sins and that there is a hell. I have found that Zen Buddhism makes a lot more sense and the ethics much more helpful in life. But there isn't really any higher power. 

 

I'm not sure if it's just because I grew up in a Christian dominated western society, but I feel as though there has to be something more to life or something out there. 

 

Like in AA, I'm wondering if some sort of belief in a higher power would help me out. 

 

 

[mstimc]

There is one thing I firmly believe because I've found it to be true time and again in my own life:

 

God gives us exactly what we need at exactly the time we need it.  Not a second before nor a second after.

 

It's my prayer all us receive what we need on our recovery journey.

[CharlieBrown]

 

On 1/2/2020 at 6:51 AM, mstimc said:

There is one thing I firmly believe because I've found it to be true time and again in my own life:

 

God gives us exactly what we need at exactly the time we need it.  Not a second before nor a second after.

 

It's my prayer all us receive what we need on our recovery journey.

Amen.

I see now, the difficulties I experienced earlier in life. Have only strengthened and refined my faith in Christ.

Edited January 7, 2020 by CharlieBrown
Hyperlink was broken!

[mstimc]

18 hours ago, CharlieBrown said:

 

Amen.

I see now, the difficulties I experienced earlier in life. Have only strengthened and refined my faith in Christ.

 

And Amen to that!