Cyoder

I had those thoughts myself my first time through the Bible. Was his contribution needed? Jesus said everything he needed to say. He made things very clear, then Paul was all about the church which is corrupted by man. The church that has veered away from what the Bible originally taught. What I keep going back to is I don't believe God would allow that deception in the Bible. He couldn't possibly allow people to trust in Paul if he was going against God. Then there were all of the sacrifices Paul made to spread the Gospel. Being beaten, jailed, shipwrecked. I don't doubt it anymore.

Some news I've seen lately that is promising: Around 2,000 people were baptized in Jacksonville in the Atlantic Ocean the other week. There is also a 22% increase in the sale of Bibles since October of 2024. Many are younger first-time buyers. I also notice so many more famous and powerful people talking about being Christian. Even Joe Rogan has made some recent comments about Jesus. He used to be more of a higher power kind of guy. Things have changed quite a bit since January, and I think towards God. At least in the USA.

Your sobriety is the most important thing in your life. Don't risk it for anything. Explain this to your friend, she will understand.

Organized religion was the biggest reason I stayed away from God my entire adult life. I grew up seeing all the shady preachers begging for our cash on tv. Jim Baker comes to mind. Then what the Catholic church did was an abomination. I don't know how anyone could be Catholic after seeing how the church protected thousands of pedophiles. How many are still preaching to this day and never served a day in prison? I can't imagine how they will suffer in hell for what they did. I guess you have to separate the word from the people. People will always be flawed, but the word is what matters. When I finally started going to church recently, I wanted to be part of a fellowship, and I wanted to learn the scripture. I went to a few local churches and then I found a Cavalry Chapel Church. The pastor is a retired NYC police officer. All he does is teach the Bible. We go through it line by line and he explains it. He refers to other parts of the Bible and shows how it all ties together. It was exactly what I was looking for. They never ask for donations. They have different Bible studies and do a men's breakfast once a month. I enjoy going there.

There are several other Biblical quotes that suggest works are at least part of the equation. "Faith without works is dead" comes to mind. There are so many Christians that think they can do whatever they want, live like a heathen and be saved just for "believing". I put believing in quotes because I don't think that people acting like this truly believe. I think if belief was the only key, Jesus wouldn't have spent so much time telling us how to live properly and warning us of hell so much. I doubt myself as I think everyone should, I don't doubt the promise Jesus made. Questions I ask myself, how do I know I believe completely? That I believe enough? His own disciples didn't believe until they saw Jesus standing in front of them, risen from the dead. Nobody knows for sure that they are saved, that's up to God. All we can do is try our best. Learn, develop our relationship with God, repent and most of all believe as much as we are able.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. It's been helpful to me.

I wondered what Halal meant. I kind of figured it was similar to Kosher for the Muslims.

I don't know anything about that. I'm just talking about a standard meat packing plant. I went to work with my dad for about a week when I was 12. Three generations of my family were all butchers. Blood was just blood. We didn't think anything of it. I've always known you shouldn't drink it and that was somehow evil from the tiny knowledge I had of the Bible when I was young. There is no conspiracy to put blood into things other than to save money and utilize the animal completely as far as I know.

I think I doubt myself so much that it makes me question everything. I am constantly worried do I believe in Jesus enough? Some people are so sure they are saved, I desperately want that feeling. I think you are right, that I need to trust in him completely. I still think I need to do something. I need to let that go and just spend more time learning and praying. What's confusing is you do have to work at being a better person. God will give us the power to conquer any sin, but we also have to do our part. For example, God helped me quit drinking. He made it something I could handle. I still have to not buy it or turn it down when someone offers. Together, I haven't drank since 2014.

Ever been to a meat packing plant? I have. I can assure you they are not in league with satan. They aren't thinking about scripture, only profit. They use every part of the animal possible. I also think the Bible is talking about deliberately drinking blood. The biggest plants kill around 20k animals a day. Where are you burying all of that blood? there would be thousands of gallons. It might be wrong or disturbing, but I don't believe it's satanic.

I'm in the I hope I'm saved category. I almost think it shows some level of arrogance to know you are going to heaven. I have confidence that God is just, and I also know I deserve death. I just hope my belief is strong enough and I have repented enough. Nobody actually knows.

I made it? Really?

Thank you for the response. Last year was when I finally took an interest in the Bible. I am the person who goes to church a few times a month and tries to follow God's laws. I pray daily, several times a day. I'm constantly asking God's forgiveness, to be a better person, to love and believe in Jesus. I pray for family, friends ect. I also ask God, how do I use the skills he gave me to help others and bring glory to his name. I haven't figured that out yet. I am a better person than I ever was but I truly believe I fall short on the repentance expected of us. I still do things I know I shouldn't. I pray for help with these things but keep doing some of them. Tomorrow, I'll stop tomorrow. It scares me. I always worry I don't truly believe. Does that make sense? I logically think it's true. The thought of Christ on the cross brings me to tears every time I think about it. Why would I care if I didn't believe? I think it's my own self loathing makes me think I couldn't possibly be saved. (I actually started crying when I thought about that. My dog immediately came over, jumped up on me and looked me in the eye. I felt so loved. To me, that was God intervening, not just my dog. I need to give myself a break.) I do feel a difference in myself. My conscience is a lot louder and speaks to me more often. This has to be the Holy Spirit. I try more than ever to be less judgemental and more forgiving, kind and generous. All we can do is believe and try our best.

If this is someone you believe you have a genuine connection with, I don't see the problem. I think your intentions are the key.

When I read this, it immediately made me think of Revelation. Justice will be served: 21 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. 8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” You will be so full of happiness and joy being in the presence of God that none of the past will matter. "In light of heaven, the worst suffering on earth, a life full of the most atrocious tortures on earth, will be seen to be no more serious than one night in an inconvenient hotel." St Teresa of Avila I hope this helps.