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What are your thoughts on Jesus having siblings?
I think He had siblings. Joseph did take Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:24-25), so it’s natural to assume they had children together. Matthew 12:46-47 talks about Jesus’ mother and brothers wanting to talk to Him. Matthew 13:55 also indicates that He has at least three brothers and several sisters.
If you could visit one of the holy sights from around the world, where would you go? And why?
Israel. Several people I’ve talked with who have gone have said that it has made the Bible come alive to them in new ways, being in the places where Jesus walked and talked, and where the Biblical events took place.
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?
Of course I have. But they’re in the past, and as Koshka said, brought under the blood of Jesus. That’s not to say that I shouldn’t do what I can to bring reconciliation, but I’m not gonna go digging up the past unless the Holy Spirit brings it to light.
Why do you believe in christ? What is your proof?
The others have already said what I was gonna say, but I do like this quote from Ronald Reagan that’s fitting: “Either He was who He said He was, or He was the greatest faker and charlatan who ever lived. But would a liar and faker suffer the death He did when all He had to do to save Himself was admit that He’d been lying?”
Why do you believe in your denomination?
Well, I’m non-denominational, so I can’t really give a good answer to that question. I’m not against denominations, and there are things in every denomination that I value, so I guess I’m just a mixture of all the denominations lol.
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?
Oh goodness… I would also say the fruits of the Spirit. This isn’t really a direct answer to the first part of your question, but I think any virtues we have will flow from our relationship with God, and not from our own effort to grow them in our lives. We may be able to maintain one or two of them for a time on our own, but eventually we’ll burn out and realize we can’t do it on our own. Our biggest need is not for the virtues themselves but for connection to Christ- the virtues are the fruit of our connection to Him and evidence that we are attached to the Source of Life.
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?
Yeah… but I think that even if there is judgment or criticism we can still speak to them without fear of their reaction. However, if we want to be effective, we have to be sensitive to where they’re coming from and the ways they’ve been hurt by Christianity in the past, so we may need to change our approach depending on the person. Meet them where they are, not where we think they should be. The beautiful work of Jesus is that He meets us where we are and loves us out of it.
Do you get nervous or scared whenever you try to talk about your faith to others?
Yes, I think it’s a natural human response… but I think my answer above is a sufficient answer for this question as well. If we can remember that it’s not about us- ultimately it’s not up to us to convert someone, that’s the job of Holy Spirit, we just need to be obedient to what He wants to do in the moment- then it takes the pressure off. It’s definitely something I’m still learning and growing in as I try to be bolder and step out in starting conversations with people, but that’s been a big game-changer for 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?
Everyone else has said it. I do not deserve His love, after all I’ve done. I can’t earn it, either. It’s a free gift He has given, and all I have to do is receive it. There’s no amount of things I could do that could earn more of His love; He’s already lavished it on me. There’s also no amount of things I could do wrong that could take away His love.
Why do you doubt?
I’m also not sure how to answer this question, but I will say I don’t think doubts are a bad thing, as long as you allow them to lead you closer to God rather than farther away. He’s not afraid of our questions, and He’s the One who has the answers.
If you could go back to one point in the Old Testament, and one point in the New Testament, where would you go?
There are so many ways I could answer this question, but I’ll just give the first things that pop into my mind: for the OT, I think I’d like to see when the Israelites cross into the Promised Land. In the NT, it would be pretty cool to see Pentecost, but I’d also love to be in the shoes of one of Jesus’ disciples and observe the way He lived.
Do you pray before every meal, before bed, when you get up in the morning, and whenever you get an excuse to?
I try to make it a habit to pray before every meal, and I have time with Him every morning when I get up. I also try to take some time to reflect on my day and pray about it at the end of the day, but for me, prayer looks a lot like dialogue throughout the day.
What is the main thing you pray about every time you pray?
Life lol. There isn’t really one thing that dominates my prayers, other than asking to be more sensitive to what Jesus wants to do in different situations and discerning how He wants me to act or what He wants me to say.
Have you ever intentionally harmed someone?
When I was little, I probably did. I usually do everything I can to avoid hurting someone’s feelings (I’m really sensitive to how other people feel), but I’m sure there was a time in my life when I was little and had moments of anger where I lashed out. Now, I would never intentionally harm anyone, but I’m sure it happens unintentionally.
Why did Jesus die for you?
Out of love. He couldn’t bear the separation of sin, because He created us for intimate relationship with Him. It was love that drove Him to the cross.
"Real love is for your good, not for your comfort." -Justin Whitmel Earley
@the-lost-journal
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 would be careful with that. It doesn’t matter what our “opinions” are. We are human. Some people have the opinion that God doesn’t exist. I think @theducktator had the best answer one could give for this. She chose to answer you with what God said. To say that doing so is childish is not a good idea. Jesus himself quotes scripture when questioned or challenged. She doesn’t need an opinion, she needs to do what God says, and God is the one who outlined those attributes.
We don’t need to know why. We need to obey.
And back to the childish thing, Jesus told us that unless we become as little children we shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.
No half-heartedness and no worldly fear must turn us aside from following the light unflinchingly.
AS THAT QUICK ENOUGH FOR YOU>! ARE U STILL ALIVE.”?!??!?!?!?! AHHHHHHJHĦ!!!!!
I am–
*dies*
Jk I’m fine, I was trying to answer that before I had to go to school. It was like fifteen minutes before I had to catch the bus but I was NOT willing to leave it be. I started it and I was GOING to FINISH it.
Anyway.
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, oops, maybe I should have made that clearer. I do NOT think Jesus had any siblings. I’m simply looking at it from a well-rounded point of view, saying oh, if I wasn’t looking at the bigger picture, or if I didn’t have the Church to help me out, I might think He had brothers and sisters, but as it is, I’m willing to believe that He was an only child. I think His “brothers and sisters” are His cousins, the children of Mary the wife of Clopas.
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!
Have you seen The Chosen? It’s not completely biblical and takes some artistic liberties, but it gives Mary Magdalene such a delightful character arc.
Oh, I have never heard of that prayer before! But I’ll save it and use it for later times!
I hadn’t either until I actually took a better look at my Pieta Prayer Book. And then I was like what? There’s this cool poetic prayer specifically addressing the five false needs of humans? (control, perfection, having the answer, being there for others, approval.)
Funny story …. I used to think that Pentecost… and Holocaust… were the same event…. uhm…. NO FURTHER QUESTIONS!!!!!
Oh.
Oh.
For me it was dollar and hour.
Escalator and elevator.
Yes…………….. I was a dictator….. who destroyed life….. 😁
Pray, thou shalt simply add ketchup unto the mac'n'cheese.
@the_lost-journal (Will answer the rest of your response later) @stephie
Funny story …. I used to think that Pentecost… and Holocaust… were the same event…. uhm…. NO FURTHER QUESTIONS!!!!!
For me it was dollar and hour.
Escalator and elevator.
We have a piece of furniture called a secretary, and my siblings and I thought it meant cemetery, so we would shut our stuffies in there and pretend they died.
To err is human; to arr is pirate.
Alright so I have questions for everyone or for @the_lost-journal
1. What do you get out of church or Sunday service? (If anything? I don’t know)
2. How important is your denomination or lack thereof to you?
3. Do you think people can make mistakes interpreting the Bible? What would a solution to this be, if there is one?
4. Is there anything which your church or denomination teaches which you disagree with, and why or why not?
5. Ok, this one’s not really related to denominational stuff, but what kind of music, if any, do you like to listen to while in prayer?
6. What are some common misconceptions or misunderstandings about your specific denomination? What do you think could make a difference if people knew about it?
7. Okay, fiery question here. *takes a sip of water* What do you think other denominations get wrong? Why?
Note for question seven: Sorry.
8. What do you think of fasting? Feasting? Ascetism?
9. And finally, what do you think of baptizing infants?
In all seriousness… please… I don’t have an online fire extinguisher…
Pray, thou shalt simply add ketchup unto the mac'n'cheese.
Wyoh ate all my answers to my own questions.
Pray, thou shalt simply add ketchup unto the mac'n'cheese.
What do you get out of church or Sunday service? (If anything? I don’t know)
Time spent with God. Knowledge from sermons. Community. Holy Eucharist.
How important is your denomination or lack thereof to you?
Very. I can’t ever see myself in another denomination.
Do you think people can make mistakes interpreting the Bible? What would a solution to this be, if there is one?
Yes. People used it to justify slavery in the 1800s. I don’t think there is a solution. Jesus warned about false teachers, so just be aware.
Is there anything which your church or denomination teaches which you disagree with, and why or why not?
I don’t think so.
Ok, this one’s not really related to denominational stuff, but what kind of music, if any, do you like to listen to while in prayer?
I love hymns and
don’t murder meI can’t stand most contemporary worship songs.What are some common misconceptions or misunderstandings about your specific denomination? What do you think could make a difference if people knew about it?
A common misunderstanding about traditional church structure in general is that we worship tradition, liturgy, and bishops over God. We worship God above all, but we think tradition and liturgy are important and beautiful. And yes, we have to obey our Bishop, but we think of him as God’s representative, and if he ever tried to make us do something unbiblical, (which he wouldn’t because he’s awesome), we would leave the diocese.
Okay, fiery question here. *takes a sip of water* What do you think other denominations get wrong? Why?
CAN WE STOP THROWING BEAUTIFUL HYMNS AND FEASTS AND TRADITIONS OUT OF THE WINDOW. PLEASE. I AM BEGGING YOU. *calms down* Seriously. So many modern services never sing any hymns, or say traditional collects or prayers. There are gorgeous prayers in our prayerbook, and beautiful collects for every occasion and no one cares anymore! We are now entering Holy Week, and my Christian dance studio has rehearsals on Good Friday. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are just as important as Easter! Lent is important, even though I hate it! Stop cheapening Advent! It’s a penitential season about the Second Coming, not a bunch of parties. Christmas is sweeter when preceded by a season of penitance! Epiphany and Ascension and Pentecost are ALL very important holidays that no one remembers! *sobbing* They are significant! Why are feasts so SHORT. Easter is 50 days! Christmas is 12! Epiphany is 8! All are AFTER the main holiday! *cries* Halloween is not evil; it is in fact a Christian holiday that I’m not going to relinquish to the Devil! Bring back the traditions! The beauty of a sacred service! Sorry for the rant…also I don’t believe in the rapture.
What do you think of fasting? Feasting? Ascetism?
Fasting and feasting are both good things for different occasions. I’m not sure what that last word is.
And finally, what do you think of baptizing infants?
You stole my question. XD Yes! Babies should be baptized to bring them into the family of God. (Is this really less controversial than 7?) I have more thorough reasoning, but I have to practice the piano now.
To err is human; to arr is pirate.
I will also add to 7 that women shouldn’t be able to hold a position in the church higher than that of deacon.
To err is human; to arr is pirate.
Hello! We have not talked in a while! how are things?!
I think He had siblings. Joseph did take Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:24-25), so it’s natural to assume they had children together. Matthew 12:46-47 talks about Jesus’ mother and brothers wanting to talk to Him. Matthew 13:55 also indicates that He has at least three brothers and several sisters.
Okay! Cool! I know that’s a common belief! But I doubt it!
Israel. Several people I’ve talked with who have gone have said that it has made the Bible come alive to them in new ways, being in the places where Jesus walked and talked, and where the Biblical events took place.
Ikr!?! I would love to walk the way that Jesus did!
Of course I have. But they’re in the past, and as Koshka said, brought under the blood of Jesus. That’s not to say that I shouldn’t do what I can to bring reconciliation, but I’m not gonna go digging up the past unless the Holy Spirit brings it to light.
Okay! I understand! So you are saying not to dwell on it? I wish I could take that advice… :[
ALSO SHOOT! I ACCIDENTALLY SKIPPED @Koshka’s REPLY!!!!!!!!! SORRY! I WILL GET TO IT AFTERWARD!
The others have already said what I was gonna say, but I do like this quote from Ronald Reagan that’s fitting: “Either He was who He said He was, or He was the greatest faker and charlatan who ever lived. But would a liar and faker suffer the death He did when all He had to do to save Himself was admit that He’d been lying?”
YEAH! That is perfect! I didn’t know that Ronald Reagan said that!
Well, I’m non-denominational, so I can’t really give a good answer to that question. I’m not against denominations, and there are things in every denomination that I value, so I guess I’m just a mixture of all the denominations lol.
lol! I understand! I think that is my second favorite (non) denomination XD if that makes sense???? My first is VERY guessable ( ∙_∙) ( ∙_∙)>⌐■-■ (⌐■_■) (😂)
Oh goodness… I would also say the fruits of the Spirit. This isn’t really a direct answer to the first part of your question, but I think any virtues we have will flow from our relationship with God, and not from our own effort to grow them in our lives. We may be able to maintain one or two of them for a time on our own, but eventually we’ll burn out and realize we can’t do it on our own. Our biggest need is not for the virtues themselves but for connection to Christ- the virtues are the fruit of our connection to Him and evidence that we are attached to the Source of Life.
That is a good answer! And yeah… it is okay! Every answer you say is correct! This is just for fun!
Yeah… but I think that even if there is judgment or criticism we can still speak to them without fear of their reaction. However, if we want to be effective, we have to be sensitive to where they’re coming from and the ways they’ve been hurt by Christianity in the past, so we may need to change our approach depending on the person. Meet them where they are, not where we think they should be. The beautiful work of Jesus is that He meets us where we are and loves us out of it.
I guess so! I wish I had the courage of John the Baptist though! Anyway, the best I can do is pray for them!
Yes, I think it’s a natural human response… but I think my answer above is a sufficient answer for this question as well. If we can remember that it’s not about us- ultimately it’s not up to us to convert someone, that’s the job of Holy Spirit, we just need to be obedient to what He wants to do in the moment- then it takes the pressure off. It’s definitely something I’m still learning and growing in as I try to be bolder and step out in starting conversations with people, but that’s been a big game-changer for me.
*Nods head*
Everyone else has said it. I do not deserve His love, after all I’ve done. I can’t earn it, either. It’s a free gift He has given, and all I have to do is receive it. There’s no amount of things I could do that could earn more of His love; He’s already lavished it on me. There’s also no amount of things I could do wrong that could take away His love.
That is why ya gotta be on time… (JK XD) but yeah, I am glad to see that most of us (if not, all) have the same answer! I take it as a good sign!
I’m also not sure how to answer this question, but I will say I don’t think doubts are a bad thing, as long as you allow them to lead you closer to God rather than farther away. He’s not afraid of our questions, and He’s the One who has the answers.
Sorry, I meant: What* do you doubt?… 😅 I also wrote this at 11 o’clock or around then, idk!
There are so many ways I could answer this question, but I’ll just give the first things that pop into my mind: for the OT, I think I’d like to see when the Israelites cross into the Promised Land. In the NT, it would be pretty cool to see Pentecost, but I’d also love to be in the shoes of one of Jesus’ disciples and observe the way He lived.
Man, I wonder what their reactions were when they stepped into the promise land! That is cool to think about! And yeah, I wish I could have seen Jesus’ suffering, so that I can know how much he TRULY gave up for us…
I try to make it a habit to pray before every meal, and I have time with Him every morning when I get up. I also try to take some time to reflect on my day and pray about it at the end of the day, but for me, prayer looks a lot like dialogue throughout the day.
It’s easy to slip up on habits…
(gosh why do I sound so much like an AI?! I hate…. never mind)I do that a lot.. lol…Life lol. There isn’t really one thing that dominates my prayers, other than asking to be more sensitive to what Jesus wants to do in different situations and discerning how He wants me to act or what He wants me to say.
Yeah… I don’t think there really is an excuse to not pray… was that the question? Anyway! I feel like you can just stop and pray whenever and wherever!
When I was little, I probably did. I usually do everything I can to avoid hurting someone’s feelings (I’m really sensitive to how other people feel), but I’m sure there was a time in my life when I was little and had moments of anger where I lashed out. Now, I would never intentionally harm anyone, but I’m sure it happens unintentionally.
I still have moments of anger… and I am still little… 😥 (14 yo)
Out of love. He couldn’t bear the separation of sin, because He created us for intimate relationship with Him. It was love that drove Him to the cross.
I love that answer!!! I truly wish I could have seen his suffering…
If you reach for the stars, you get the stars. But if you reach for heaven you get the stars with it
I will also add to 7 that women shouldn’t be able to hold a position in the church higher than that of deacon.
In the Catholic Church, it would be a possibility to have Deaconesses but not woman deacons. They have, however, been found unnecessary since we no longer baptize people naked.
(It would be weird to have a man baptize a woman naked. Really weird. So deaconesses were a necessity for a long time. Technically, though, a layperson can baptize someone if it’s a really, really tight situation. And any baptism in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit is a valid baptism. I just Catechism Dumped. Sorry.)
As a female, I was having a hard time accepting the Catholic teaching about women. But then I read the theology of the body, which changed EVERYTHING. I finally understood the beauty of being a woman. Our value isn’t found in what we can and can’t do or what positions we can and can’t hold! We represent the Church, the bride of Christ, and that is a great honor and a beautiful vocation.
Pray, thou shalt simply add ketchup unto the mac'n'cheese.
And any baptism in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit is a valid baptism.
What is the name of the Son? 😉
You will love what you spend time with.
Hello! We have not talked in a while! how are things?!
Things are going really well! (Aside from being a little busy!)
Okay! I understand! So you are saying not to dwell on it? I wish I could take that advice… :[
Yeah, I mean once you’ve repented and been forgiven, the Bible says that as far as the east is from the west, so far has God removed our transgressions from us. If He’s not thinking about it anymore, why should I?
"Real love is for your good, not for your comfort." -Justin Whitmel Earley
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