I've Been To Church Today.

[Theland]

Having been disappointed in the past from unbiblical teaching from the Church Of England and a Gospel Hall, my sins have been weighing heavy on me lately, and I felt the need for Christian community.
So, today I attended a local Evangelical church.
I enjoyed it and was made very welcome.
This could be my spiritual home for the future.
Do any of you have any thoughts on Evangelical churches?

[Atheist]

Theland: 21:05 "Ask away."

I really don't think that many here want to hear your confessions. It's for you to deal with between you and your god. Don't try to get us all involved; we've got our own issues to sort.

But, as I said, I am sure that all here wish you well. Good luck, old pal. You'll possibly find out what it's all about before I do.

[Theland]

Thank you Atheist.
I'm not looking from absolution from Answer bank :-)

[Hazi-Hammenuhoth]

You don't need Church to receive settlement about your sins, Theland. You can turn to Christ, right now, wherever you are and speak to Him. He knows them all in any case, and is simply waiting for you to turn in repentance and faith, and He will fully and freely forgive. He will blot our your sins forever, never to be brought up again. As the Psalmist could say, He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

What blessed and full assurance the Saviour would give to any needy sinner! No need of a Church, to relieve the sinner, He would offer it to you tonight, dear reader, wherever you are.

[jourdain2]

If it suits you and your feelings and spiritual needs - then it's fine for you. I don't really have any feelings one way or the other - except that the Evangelicals are a bit loud and 'upfront' for me. I'm certain that they are sincere and Christian in their beliefs and ways - so go for it!
All I know at the moment is that the C of E seems bent on driving me away - despite all my commitment and endeavours to stay. I suspect that I shall end up running a 'heritage' endeavour to support the ancient church building and be left wandering spiritually. :( Good for you!

[jourdain2]

^^^ Just read Hazzi's comment. Thanks, that helps me clear my head too.

[JimF]

That thought be contact
With all that's clear
Be honest with yourself
There's no doubt, no doubt

[Atheist]

Hazi, what do you think god thinks of a person who doesn't believe that there is a god? Would he be nice to someone like that, or would he be not nice, because that person didn't accept that christ is a god?

[jourdain2]

Thanks Jim F.

[royfromaus]

Hatun Tash is an evangelist.

[royfromaus]

She got stabbed today.

[Atheist]

Who's Hatun Tash?

[royfromaus]

Preacher type, hangs around Speakers Corner.

[Atheist]

Ah, I've just found her, but not read details. What has that got to do with this thread?

[Hazi-Hammenuhoth]

Hello Atheist, I dont have the mind of God, and certainly don't claim to speak for Him! But His word is pretty clear about those who have the stupidity to state they don't believe in Him- "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.". Its not to say doubters can't have their minds changed, see the example of Thomas who refused to believe until he had seen the marks in the Lord's hands and His side- so God doesnt outright condemn those who don't believe, He is appealing to them to turn from their foolish ways, give up their doubts, and find the blessedness in believing- while we're alive, we're still within reach of salvation. The dying thief on the cross got into paradise, despite a life of crime, because he recognised that he was guilty but Christ was blameless, and was suffering for his sins. Hope this helps you to understand, dear friend.

[Theland]

Christians and Jews are the most persecuted people on the planet.
I hope she recovers.

[JimF]

So that's all there is to it, then? Commit a life of "sin" (whatever that is) but make a confession on your death bed and claim to believe.

If god really does exist, how stupid would that make him?

[Atheist]

So god despises fools? He would punish a stupid person? He's not very kind, is he?
What do you really think about someone like that? I mean, if you met him and he laid down the law and said that anyone who was too dumb to undestand would be punished?
So, you either think it over and admit that you are wrong and I might be good to you for eternity, or you continue your stupid ways and I condemn you to eternal punishmont (or banishment, or whatever)?
I'm sure you'll feel I am distorting your post, but I'd be interested to kinow why, especially as you claim not to speak for him.

[royfromaus]

Atheist
Hazi, what do you think god thinks of a person who doesn't believe that there is a god? Would he be nice to someone like that, or would he be not nice, because that person didn't accept that christ is a god?
___________________________-

Well, my answer was evangelist related, Atheist.
Was yours?

[Theland]

His grace is enough for any sinner. No matter how late that accept the free gift of forgiveness.

My problem is that I can't forgive myself.

[Theland]

Atheist, the person who witnesses the created universe, the creation of life, and still maintains there is no Creator is surely a fool?