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Thanks! And that also seems true. We also teach that God doesn’t forgive you until you have prayer with him, after confession. So there is that too!
I hope you have fun!!!!!!!
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ha!… Nope. Thank you, but I didn’t…. I almost died 😀 I am not joking.
Sorry for taking so LONNNGGGG to reply!
Yeah that’s awesome! Some mega churches can be great! I guess only the bad ones made it onto the media 😅 And what I meant by getting people in, is seeing how big they can make their church, instead of actually discipling people and helping them grow in Christ. Like, they’re more focused on getting five thousand people on Sunday just to look good, than maybe a thousand who actually love Jesus or want to know more about Him.
Also, what do you mean by “give them a good church experience to make them care about church?” I wanted to say something about that, but I want to be sure I’m understanding you correctly. : )
Oh, yeah I should’ve mentioned that! About how mega churches are almost always portrayed badly. (Ofc there are some awful mega churches.) But what I mean about “giving them a good church experience” is truly bringing the gospel to them. Truly showing them that they are loved and God loves them! Because tons of people have had horrible experiences with churches. Especially with some of the modern problems 😬
Lol, sorry! What I meant, is that if someone is mocking the church or Christianity to my face, I’d probably just do my best to shrug it off. Like, Whatever bro. Jesus told His followers that they would be hated, not because of who they were necessarily, but because the world already hates Him. Mockery shouldn’t come as a surprise.
That makes sense. I guess I am more like Simon Peter… “punch” first and ask questions later XD
I might try to defend Christianity or God if they’re mocking them, but I don’t want to get into a fight. They might be mocking just to try to get on my nerves, or just to run their mouth and make their opinion heard. People do that all the time on social media. If my effort to defend will make God or Christianity look bad because I’m getting in a heated argument, then I’m not going to do it. It’s just not worth it. God will defend Himself. (Now don’t get me wrong, I believe we should stand up for what we believe in, but we aren’t on this earth to argue with people who hate Him. We’re there to bring those people closer to Him. And some of those people are just going to reject that over and over again.)
Yup! And I should probably act out the way you see the world! I just don’t like when people talk rudely about the one true God!
What do you mean by “kinda”?
what was the question again? was it about the artist?
If you reach for the stars, you get the stars. But if you reach for heaven you get the stars with it
… ; (
If you reach for the stars, you get the stars. But if you reach for heaven you get the stars with it
Y’ALL!!! Don’t you love it when the Bible quotes the Bible. LOL (Also really cool, Look up the word translated salvation. Does it sound familiar? Psalm 118 is so cool when it comes to prophesies!!!)
[Exo 15:2 KJV] 2 The LORD [is] my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he [is] my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
[Psa 118:14 KJV] 14 The LORD [is] my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
[Isa 12:2 KJV] 2 Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.
You will love what you spend time with.
This is awesome, and so deep!
[Psa 118:21-29 ESV] 21 I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. 22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 23 This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success! 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD. 27 The LORD is God, and he has made his light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar! 28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. 29 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
You will love what you spend time with.
I DO LOVE THAT : D do you like potato news?
If you reach for the stars, you get the stars. But if you reach for heaven you get the stars with it
Sorry for taking so LONNNGGGG to reply!
Well now we’re even because I took FOREVER to reply as well!! 🤣 So sorry!!! 😭
Oh, yeah I should’ve mentioned that! About how mega churches are almost always portrayed badly. (Ofc there are some awful mega churches.) But what I mean about “giving them a good church experience” is truly bringing the gospel to them. Truly showing them that they are loved and God loves them! Because tons of people have had horrible experiences with churches. Especially with some of the modern problems 😬
Ok awesome! Yeah, I totally get that.
That makes sense. I guess I am more like Simon Peter… “punch” first and ask questions later XD
Yup! And I should probably act out the way you see the world! I just don’t like when people talk rudely about the one true God!
Haha, that’s fair, lol! XD It’s good to be zealous for the Lord, but I believe there is a limit to how that plays out in our words and actions.
Thankfully I’ve never actually personally encountered it before, so I pray I would respond in love, but I can’t say for certain I would! 🤷🏻♀️
what was the question again? was it about the artist?
Idek 😭🤣
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
Lol, you’re fine! And you are lucky that has never happened for you!
If you reach for the stars, you get the stars. But if you reach for heaven you get the stars with it
Yeah, it’s super cool when the bible does that! Jesus quoted scripture all the time:
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1060&context=second_person
Jews placed a lot of emphasis on memorizing Torah and passing down traditions orally. They would have known a lot of passages off by heart.
And a lot (33%) of the Bible is poetry. When read in its original language, that would have been both beautiful and easy to commit to memory.
My dad has a friend who has memorized a lot of the Bible. You’ll be discussing theology and stuff with him, and he’ll just rattle off a few verses and say where they’re found. It’s crazy lol
Pray, thou shalt simply add ketchup unto the mac'n'cheese.
@keilah-h @rae @ellette-giselle @theducktator @grcr @linus-smallprint @hybridlore @raxforge @whalekeeper @loopylin @arcticanimals @esther-c @jonas and @liberty @savannah_grace2009 @highscribeofaetherium @koshka @power @freed_and_redeemed @stephie @MineralizedWritings
Hello AGAIN!!!!!!
We haven’t talked in a while, correct? Well I have some NEW questions for THHHEEEE DENOMINATION Q AND A!!!!!!!!
- What are your thoughts on Jesus having siblings?
- If you could visit one of the holy sights from around the world, where would you go? And why?
- If you could go back in time and change something you said to someone else, that wasn’t very christ like, what would you say instead?
- Why do you believe in christ? What is your proof?
- Why do you believe in your denomination?
- Try to name as many virtues a christian should have off of the top of your head! (please don’t look up anything) and why do you think these are the needed virtues?
- Is there one person/group of people that you wish you could go up to and preach freely to without out fear of judgment or criticism from them?
- Do you get nervous or scared whenever you try to talk about your faith to others?
- Do you believe that you can deserve God’s love? Or do you think you need to earn it? Can anyone amount to God’s love?
- Why do you doubt?
- If you could go back to one point in the Old Testament, and one point in the New Testament, where would you go?
- Do you pray before every meal, before bed, when you get up in the morning, and whenever you get an excuse to?
- What is the main thing you pray about every time you pray?
- Have you ever intentionally harmed someone?
- Why did Jesus die for you?
(Final side note, does anyone have any questions that they want to ask me or others?)
(And I am sorry for all of the *cough cough* arguments… *cough cough* we have had on here! I will be less judgmental!)
If you reach for the stars, you get the stars. But if you reach for heaven you get the stars with it
Yes! I was wondering when this topic would revive!
What are your thoughts on Jesus having siblings?
The Bible says he does; therefore he does.
If you could visit one of the holy sights from around the world, where would you go? And why?
I would love to visit Israel someday and walk where Jesus walked. That would be amazing.
If you could go back in time and change something you said to someone else, that wasn’t very christ like, what would you say instead?
There are multiple times, and I probably should have just shut up and said nothing.
Why do you believe in christ? What is your proof?
Long list. First off, the Bible. Second, the fact that the world exists. Stuff doesn’t just appear; it has to be created. See the book Defeating Darwinism. Third, historical proof. There is more written evidence for Jesus Christ than Julius Caeser. Facts in the Bible check out with other historical evidence. Regarding the Resurrection, see the book The Case for Christ, because it has a lot of reasons. And without God, life would be meaningless. The fact that we are created in the image of God, who loves us, is what gives life purpose and makes each individual, no matter their contributions to society, valuable. Hopefully my late night thoughts are coherent. XD
Why do you believe in your denomination?
I disagree with a lot of Catholic and Orthodox beliefs, and I’m decidedly Protestant. However, many Protestant denominations have lost any sense of the sacred. We are to worship God with reverence and awe, and there is precious little of either in many modern churches. Most of them have also thrown out centuries of tradition started by church fathers. Anglicanism keeps the traditional beliefs, liturgy, and reverence, but also the Reformation.
Try to name as many virtues a christian should have off of the top of your head! (please don’t look up anything) and why do you think these are the needed virtues?
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Also courage. Why? The Bible and C. S. Lewis say so.
Is there one person/group of people that you wish you could go up to and preach freely to without out fear of judgment or criticism from them?
I only have one friend who isn’t a Christian, and yes.
Do you get nervous or scared whenever you try to talk about your faith to others?
Depends on the person. Other Christians, not so much. Talking to a non Christian would terrify me.
Do you believe that you can deserve God’s love? Or do you think you need to earn it? Can anyone amount to God’s love?
I don’t deserve God’s love and can never earn it, because I have sinned and the wages of sin is death. But because God is love, he loves me anyway, and sent his Son Jesus to die for the whole sinful world. There is nothing we can do to separate ourselves from God because he will always love us.
Why do you doubt?
I’m slightly confused by this phrasing. Do you mean what do I doubt? It depends on the day. Sometimes I just can’t comprehend that a being like an all powerful all loving God exists, but I can usually talk sense into myself when that happens, because crazy as it may sound, its the most plausible explanation. Other days I doubt that I’m actually a likeable person. I know that God loves me, but I’m just dissatisfied with my personality. Not enough to change it but annoyed that I don’t have many close friends. Did that answer the question?
If you could go back to one point in the Old Testament, and one point in the New Testament, where would you go?
I’m not sure. I feel like there is a very high likelihood of me dying either way. I think for the OT, I’d want to see Eden, and in the NT I’d want to meet Jesus face to face.
Do you pray before every meal, before bed, when you get up in the morning, and whenever you get an excuse to?
Usually before bed and before every meal. Other than that, when I need something, or when I feel especially thankful.
What is the main thing you pray about every time you pray?
I have a list of people.
Have you ever intentionally harmed someone?
I think everyone, especially with siblings, has at some point. So, yes.
Why did Jesus die for you?
So that whoever believed in Him would not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son to condemn the world, but to save it.
(Final side note, does anyone have any questions that they want to ask me or others?)
Sure! I have several. I’ll probably post them tomorrow because it’s almost midnight and I’m weary. Should I tag everyone, or just post them, or what?
MARCIE! YOU MADE EGG SOUP!
What are your thoughts on Jesus having siblings?
I think it’s quite plausible that they were his cousins, since we know that Mary had a sister, who was also named Mary, and was the wife of Clopas. We also see what seems to be this Mary called “Mary, the mother of James and Joseph.” But Jesus’ mother is not referenced that way throughout the rest of the Bible; she is always referred to as Jesus’ mother. I would also point out that it was very important both in the general culture and in Jewish culture to take care of parents who are in need. Did Christ, then, not have any brothers who could take care of Mary? Were all four of them (James, Joseph, Simon and Judas) unavailable, or unwilling? Remember, also, that he is mentioned having sisters. What is the probability that none of Mary’s supposed offspring had any means to take care of her? (I’m referring to the part of the Bible where Jesus, nearing His death, tells John “this is your mother” and from then on John takes her home with him.)
If I were just reading the verses where it says that He has “brothers,” I might think He did. But given broader context and the challenges of translation, I think it’s arguable. And since I’ve come to believe that the Catholic Church is divinely instituted and that “the gates of Hell will not overcome it,” and the Church teaches that these were not His brothers (that’s not a doctrine or dogma, it’s just logical since the Church teaches that Mary was always a virgin) I am willing to believe it.
If you could visit one of the holy sights from around the world, where would you go? And why?
Oh, I don’t know – I’m not a huge travelling person. Not that I don’t want to or don’t like to, I just don’t have much experience which makes it stressful. Maybe St. Peter’s Basilica, since it’s in Rome and I could stay at some relatives’ house?
If you could go back in time and change something you said to someone else, that wasn’t very christ like, what would you say instead?
Oh dear. *Glances at my conscience* what do you think? *chokes*
All the jokes I maybe kind of made about Christianity with atheist friends and relatives at various points in my spiritual journey? Calling the Host a piece of–*chokes*–cardboard? (That was before my baptism. Thank the Lord God for the grace of baptism — I’m not really the person who said that, right? That was old me.)
Why do you believe in Christ? What is your proof?
Well, a lot of historians agree that Jesus was a real person. Therefore, I have found three options.
1. He was a madman.
2. He was a liar.
3. He was the son of God.
The first option – that He was a madman – is easily disproven. Even as a child (when He affirmed that He was the son of God – didn’t you know I’d be in my father’s house?) Jesus was admired by intellectuals at the temple because he was so wise. Madmen aren’t wise. I’ve been around some people experiencing psychotic episodes, and they are NOT okay and NOT impressive.
What liar have you ever heard of who would die the most painful death you can think of for the sake of a lie? Nobody. Crucifixion is HORRIBLE. It is among the craziest torturous ways to die. Even breathing on the cross was agony. I’ve lied as a child, and I can tell you that I was not willing to endure most consequences just to maintain my cover. I’m talking “go to your room” or “no TV tonight.”
The third option is the He is the son of the living God. The Messiah. The Christ. The Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. The lion of Judah.
Why do you believe in your denomination?
There are so many reasons I’m Catholic! I could talk about them all, but I’m running out of time to answer all of these questions. So I guess I’ll just answer in one way.
Ever since I converted to Catholicism (I was convinced logically, intellectually, etc.) and have been living according to what the Church teaches – or trying to? – I’ve noticed that my relationships have improved with my family. It’s easier, in a way, to resist temptation when I am strengthened by Christ in the Eucharist. I’ve been more filled with joy. Before, I was bordering on depression. Now, if there is one day where I’m more straight-faced, people – sometimes teachers who don’t even teach any of my classes – will ask what’s wrong because they’re so used to seeing me smile. I’m not saying that suffering isn’t a part of my life anymore. That hasn’t changed. What’s changed is my relationship with Christ.
Oh look, some cheese! That was kind of cheesy XD XD XD
Try to name as many virtues a christian should have off of the top of your head! (please don’t look up anything) and why do you think these are the needed virtues?
Okay. I’m just gonna name a bunch ’cause I don’t have time to explain them – sorry! Honesty, piety, courage, faith, hope, charity, joy, etc.
Is there one person/group of people that you wish you could go up to and preach freely to without out fear of judgment or criticism from them?
My family. Definitely my extended family.
Do you get nervous or scared whenever you try to talk about your faith to others?
Yes, I’ve had to fight nerves and fear. One great prayer for this is the litany of humility, which I think my Protestant brothers and sisters could recite as well if they wanted to, even though it’s a Catholic prayer:
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
Hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being loved,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being honored,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being praised,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being approved,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being despised,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected,
Deliver me, O Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I go unnoticed,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
Do you believe that you can deserve God’s love? Or do you think you need to earn it? Can anyone amount to God’s love?
Ha. Ha. Ha. No. God’s love is so great and beautiful and unfathomable that no creature can deserve it, and certainly not me. The number of times I’ve sinned, and still He loves me without limits, giving everything for me! I can’t even imagine that love. It’s beyond human understanding.
Why do you doubt?
I doubt sometimes because I ask myself questions I can’t answer, and then I don’t think of going to Christ about it, and then I struggle. Other times, it’s family members or friends who tell me something or ask something that I don’t know or don’t understand. In any case, I’ve grown to like doubts, because they ultimately bring me closer to Jesus when I research them. If they help me to learn more about Him and to love Him more, I’ll take them any day (provided that I don’t give in to them or lose hope because of them – that wouldn’t be good).
If you could go back to one point in the Old Testament, and one point in the New Testament, where would you go?
Hmm. Depends if I’ll really be there and if I can die or not during this trip XD
I’d want to see Creation. That first verse: “In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void, with darkness covering the face of the deep, and a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.” It’s primordial. It’s the beginning.
I’d also like to see all the people talking in different languages at Pentecost. Any other point in the New Testament, and I wouldn’t understand a thing!
Do you pray before every meal, before bed, when you get up in the morning, and whenever you get an excuse to?
Yes. I won’t detail my whole prayer life, but I pray when I get up, I *try* to get it in before every meal (the only meal where it’s coming consistently is supper…he…he…), and I pray before I sleep. I’ve also been praying the rosary at lunch with some kids. That’s been really cool. We have about seven to fifteen people in the chapel every lunch during Lent.
What is the main thing you pray about every time you pray?
My family.
Have you ever intentionally harmed someone?
Oh, look at that! The same answer for two consecutive questions. My family?
…I’ve been something of a menace as a child. Not anymore.
Why did Jesus die for you?
Many reasons, the main one being the He loves me and He wanted to redeem me and rescue me from My sins. He paid the price, satisfying both God’s mercy and love and God’s justice.
Pray, thou shalt simply add ketchup unto the mac'n'cheese.
1. What are your thoughts on Jesus having siblings? I believe that Mary and Joseph were blessed with kids (three sons and daughters, if I remember correctly.) They would technically be Jesus’s half-siblings.
2. If you could visit one of the holy sights from around the world, where would you go? And why? Holy sites? The Western Wall in Jerusalem, also known as the Wailing Wall.
3. If you could go back in time and change something you said to someone else, that wasn’t very christ like, what would you say instead? idk. That’s under the Blood.
4. Why do you believe in christ? What is your proof? I trust Jesus. I know He’s real, because I’ve felt God, I’ve seen Him move and do miracles I can’t explain, in my life as well as others. I wouldn’t be here without God’s love, and I mean that.
5. Why do you believe in your denomination? Ultimately because I searched the Scriptures and choose to ground my faith in Jesus.
6. Try to name as many virtues a christian should have off of the top of your head! (please don’t look up anything) and why do you think these are the needed virtues? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness goodness, gentleness, and selfcontrol (and I think I’m missing one….ugh). The Bible called these the Fruit of the Spirit. That when we become more like Jesus, we will bear His fruit. Paul also said (and the Gospels certainly agree) that Love/Compassion is the greatest of all, because through love all the others come, and without love, none of the others matter.
7. Is there one person/group of people that you wish you could go up to and preach freely to without out fear of judgment or criticism from them? Um, yes.
8. Do you get nervous or scared whenever you try to talk about your faith to others? Nervous yes, but not scared. Very excited.
9. Do you believe that you can deserve God’s love? Or do you think you need to earn it? Can anyone amount to God’s love? No, no, and no. 1) We have all fallen short of the Glory of God; He certainly doesn’t love us because we deserve it. 2) You can’t earn what’s already been given. 3) No. We’re faulted mortals. He’s faultless Divine, immortal. We can, however, pray His love shines through us, that we get so full of Him we can’t help but love people.
10. Why do you doubt? Because I’m human. Of course doubts try to creep in. But if I go back to prayer and Scripture, the ugly little creeps melt away in the light of Him.
11. If you could go back to one point in the Old Testament, and one point in the New Testament, where would you go? Eh. Idk. Maybe Cornelius’s house, because that’s when the door opened to the Gentiles.
12. Do you pray before every meal, before bed, when you get up in the morning, and whenever you get an excuse to? I do pray before each meal, I try to remember to pray and read my Bible when I get up and when I go to bed, and I try to remember to just talk to God all day long. Other than that, I’m trying to set time aside for deeper prayer.
13. What is the main thing you pray about every time you pray? There’s a lot of things I pray about. I don’t think I could list them here.
14. Have you ever intentionally harmed someone? Am I human?
15. Why did Jesus die for you? Love. That God took on flesh, lived my troubled life, and died for me, taking my place on the cross; that was the act of Love Himself.
A cup of tea is cheaper than therapy.
Ah! Faithfulness. That’s the one I was trying to remember. XD
A cup of tea is cheaper than therapy.
Oh? You were? You guys actually like this topic? COOL! YAY!
The Bible says he does; therefore he does.
Hm, interesting! I can’t really argue with your logic, but I believe he doesn’t! I think it is just a translating thing, and he didn’t ACTUALLY have siblings.
I would love to visit Israel someday and walk where Jesus walked. That would be amazing.
I Isn’t it possible for you to replicate the different locations Jesus went in the easter story?! That would be fun, do you do the stations of the cross?
There are multiple times, and I probably should have just shut up and said nothing.
And that is probably the smartest thing to do. Bu yup, same here!
Long list. First off, the Bible. Second, the fact that the world exists. Stuff doesn’t just appear; it has to be created. See the book Defeating Darwinism. Third, historical proof. There is more written evidence for Jesus Christ than Julius Caeser. Facts in the Bible check out with other historical evidence. Regarding the Resurrection, see the book The Case for Christ, because it has a lot of reasons. And without God, life would be meaningless. The fact that we are created in the image of God, who loves us, is what gives life purpose and makes each individual, no matter their contributions to society, valuable. Hopefully my late night thoughts are coherent. XD
Hm, I agree! How can you not believe in God, when all you have to do is look around! And I think it is pretty good for a human! (Your logic XD)
I disagree with a lot of Catholic and Orthodox beliefs, and I’m decidedly Protestant. However, many Protestant denominations have lost any sense of the sacred. We are to worship God with reverence and awe, and there is precious little of either in many modern churches. Most of them have also thrown out centuries of tradition started by church fathers. Anglicanism keeps the traditional beliefs, liturgy, and reverence, but also the Reformation.
I wonder, what do you disagree with in Catholic and Orthodox teachings?
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Also courage. Why? The Bible and C. S. Lewis say so.
Okay, but don’t you think it is a little… robotic…? to just say: “the Bible and C.S. Lewis told me so!” Or a little childish? Well, of course if the Bible tells you something you should probably listen to it (obviously) but don’t have your own opinion on the matter? Like WHY does the Bible and Lewis say that?
I only have one friend who isn’t a Christian, and yes.
Well, I pray and hope God gives you the courage!
Depends on the person. Other Christians, not so much. Talking to a non Christian would terrify me.
Yes. That is all I need to say.
I don’t deserve God’s love and can never earn it, because I have sinned and the wages of sin is death. But because God is love, he loves me anyway, and sent his Son Jesus to die for the whole sinful world. There is nothing we can do to separate ourselves from God because he will always love us.
Amen! 😁 You cannot earn God’s love! No matter what you do! And you can’t be perfect either! Only Jesus was perfect!
I’m slightly confused by this phrasing. Do you mean what do I doubt? It depends on the day. Sometimes I just can’t comprehend that a being like an all powerful all loving God exists, but I can usually talk sense into myself when that happens, because crazy as it may sound, its the most plausible explanation. Other days I doubt that I’m actually a likeable person. I know that God loves me, but I’m just dissatisfied with my personality. Not enough to change it but annoyed that I don’t have many close friends. Did that answer the question?
Yeah… sorry… worded that weird! Uhm, that is a perfect answer! And those are all things that I doubt to.
I’m not sure. I feel like there is a very high likelihood of me dying either way. I think for the OT, I’d want to see Eden, and in the NT I’d want to meet Jesus face to face.
That is true… with lions, soldiers, thieves, and a bunch of other dangers, I would say you’re more likely to die than.. idk.. have a fun time?
Usually before bed and before every meal. Other than that, when I need something, or when I feel especially thankful.
Cool! I usually pray before bed and every meal, or when I get an excuse! Not too much in the morning…
I have a list of people.
I kinda just… wing it. I usually just keep people in mind, but I don’t have a list.
I think everyone, especially with siblings, has at some point. So, yes.
Same…
So that whoever believed in Him would not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son to condemn the world, but to save it.
Yeah! but not just for people who believe in him (tho that is the only to be saved, to believe in him) but also for everyone!
Sure! I have several. I’ll probably post them tomorrow because it’s almost midnight and I’m weary. Should I tag everyone, or just post them, or what?
If you want people to respond, then I suggest tags! But either way is fine!
If you reach for the stars, you get the stars. But if you reach for heaven you get the stars with it
I think it’s quite plausible that they were his cousins, since we know that Mary had a sister, who was also named Mary, and was the wife of Clopas. We also see what seems to be this Mary called “Mary, the mother of James and Joseph.” But Jesus’ mother is not referenced that way throughout the rest of the Bible; she is always referred to as Jesus’ mother. I would also point out that it was very important both in the general culture and in Jewish culture to take care of parents who are in need. Did Christ, then, not have any brothers who could take care of Mary? Were all four of them (James, Joseph, Simon and Judas) unavailable, or unwilling? Remember, also, that he is mentioned having sisters. What is the probability that none of Mary’s supposed offspring had any means to take care of her? (I’m referring to the part of the Bible where Jesus, nearing His death, tells John “this is your mother” and from then on John takes her home with him.)
If I were just reading the verses where it says that He has “brothers,” I might think He did. But given broader context and the challenges of translation, I think it’s arguable. And since I’ve come to believe that the Catholic Church is divinely instituted and that “the gates of Hell will not overcome it,” and the Church teaches that these were not His brothers (that’s not a doctrine or dogma, it’s just logical since the Church teaches that Mary was always a virgin) I am willing to believe it.
I find this answer interesting, because you are a Catholic! And the Catholic church teaches that Jesus did not have ANY siblings. So the fact that you believe he did having siblings is interesting! But thank you for replying!
Oh, I don’t know – I’m not a huge travelling person. Not that I don’t want to or don’t like to, I just don’t have much experience which makes it stressful. Maybe St. Peter’s Basilica, since it’s in Rome and I could stay at some relatives’ house?
Uhm, okay? I guess that would be pretty cool!
Oh dear. *Glances at my conscience* what do you think? *chokes*
All the jokes I maybe kind of made about Christianity with atheist friends and relatives at various points in my spiritual journey? Calling the Host a piece of–*chokes*–cardboard? (That was before my baptism. Thank the Lord God for the grace of baptism — I’m not really the person who said that, right? That was old me.)
I know what you mean! I have made jokes discouraging the church, and I wish I could punt old me! *smiles brightly*
Well, a lot of historians agree that Jesus was a real person. Therefore, I have found three options.
1. He was a madman.
2. He was a liar.
3. He was the son of God.
Yup! The three “L”s!!! He was either a Liar, a Lunatic, or the Lord!
There are so many reasons I’m Catholic! I could talk about them all, but I’m running out of time to answer all of these questions. So I guess I’ll just answer in one way.
Wait! Do you have a gun pointed to your head?! Is your LIFE ON THE LINE?!?!?! I DIDN’T KNOW MY QUESTIONS WERE THIS HIGH STAKES!!!!! OKAY! OKAY! I ANSWER QUICKLY!!!!
Ever since I converted to Catholicism (I was convinced logically, intellectually, etc.) and have been living according to what the Church teaches – or trying to? – I’ve noticed that my relationships have improved with my family. It’s easier, in a way, to resist temptation when I am strengthened by Christ in the Eucharist. I’ve been more filled with joy. Before, I was bordering on depression. Now, if there is one day where I’m more straight-faced, people – sometimes teachers who don’t even teach any of my classes – will ask what’s wrong because they’re so used to seeing me smile. I’m not saying that suffering isn’t a part of my life anymore. That hasn’t changed. What’s changed is my relationship with Christ.
That is really cool! I find it so cool that you converted to christianity and left your old sinful life behind! (Not to say that you aren’t still sinful 😅) but your story is a little like Mary Magdalene’s!
Okay. I’m just gonna name a bunch ’cause I don’t have time to explain them – sorry! Honesty, piety, courage, faith, hope, charity, joy, etc.
COOOL! THAT ISN’T THAT AMANY BUT STILL REALY COOL! Oh soot I forgot to turn of caps Wel! No time! I gotta hurry before your time runs out!@!!!!
My family. Definitely my extended family.
XD XD XD!!! IKR!
Yes, I’ve had to fight nerves and fear. One great prayer for this is the litany of humility, which I think my Protestant brothers and sisters could recite as well if they wanted to, even though it’s a Catholic prayer:
Oh, I have never heard of that prayer before! But I’ll save it and use it for later times!
Ha. Ha. Ha. No.
You could have just ended it there XD
I doubt sometimes because I ask myself questions I can’t answer, and then I don’t think of going to Christ about it, and then I struggle. Other times, it’s family members or friends who tell me something or ask something that I don’t know or don’t understand. In any case, I’ve grown to like doubts, because they ultimately bring me closer to Jesus when I research them. If they help me to learn more about Him and to love Him more, I’ll take them any day (provided that I don’t give in to them or lose hope because of them – that wouldn’t be good).
Yeah… I usually doubt whenever I am left alone in bed… in the quiet… as the ringing in my ear grows louder… I usually stare at nothing… and then I question everything… and then I get nightmares….
I’d want to see Creation. That first verse: “In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void, with darkness covering the face of the deep, and a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.” It’s primordial. It’s the beginning.
I’d also like to see all the people talking in different languages at Pentecost. Any other point in the New Testament, and I wouldn’t understand a thing!
Oh yeah! Creation would be cool! I just don’t know how that would work.
Funny story …. I used to think that Pentecost… and Holocaust… were the same event…. uhm…. NO FURTHER QUESTIONS!!!!!
Yes. I won’t detail my whole prayer life, but I pray when I get up, I *try* to get it in before every meal (the only meal where it’s coming consistently is supper…he…he…), and I pray before I sleep. I’ve also been praying the rosary at lunch with some kids. That’s been really cool. We have about seven to fifteen people in the chapel every lunch during Lent.
The TRY thing is honest, I forget to pray before meals! And it has become a habit :[
Oh, look at that! The same answer for two consecutive questions. My family?
…I’ve been something of a menace as a child. Not anymore.
Yes…………….. I was a dictator….. who destroyed life….. 😁
Many reasons, the main one being the He loves me and He wanted to redeem me and rescue me from My sins. He paid the price, satisfying both God’s mercy and love and God’s justice.
YES!
AS THAT QUICK ENOUGH FOR YOU>! ARE U STILL ALIVE.”?!??!?!?!?! AHHHHHHJHĦ!!!!!
If you reach for the stars, you get the stars. But if you reach for heaven you get the stars with it
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