123crod 170 Posted September 4, 2009 (edited) When I first became a Christian, I used to think that God lived in your 'literal' heart within you. But now I understand that he lives within the very heart of man's whole being. I totally agree. I love Him so. No one could ever convince me He does not exist. I don't think I could convince someone else He does exists, they have to believe, I can only tell them what I know is real to me! I will alway believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God regardless of how many hands it went through in tranlation, I feel it says what He intented it to say. :sneaky: Edited September 4, 2009 by 123crod Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pattygreen 5 Posted September 5, 2009 (edited) Buddism teach that when you realize your purpose, you also realize God. To understand a dream within a dream you must ask yourself, Am I dreaming? So, since you realize your purpose, what is it? And, do you feel that this life you are living is a dream? Edited September 5, 2009 by pattygreen Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pattygreen 5 Posted September 5, 2009 I totally agree. I love Him so. No one could ever convince me He does not exist. I don't think I could convince someone else He does exists, they have to believe, I can only tell them what I know is real to me! I will alway believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God regardless of how many hands it went through in tranlation, I feel it says what He intented it to say. :sneaky: I don't think that God would allow his words to us to be messed with or changed. He protects them from the devil and man. Otherwise if he did, he could not fault us for not hearing him and coming to know the truth. Do you agree? Also, it's not our job to convince anyone if he is real. That is the Holy Spirit's job. It is only our job to spread the news and tell others what he has told us. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
123crod 170 Posted September 5, 2009 I don't think that God would allow his words to us to be messed with or changed. He protects them from the devil and man. Otherwise if he did, he could not fault us for not hearing him and coming to know the truth. Do you agree? Also, it's not our job to convince anyone if he is real. That is the Holy Spirit's job. It is only our job to spread the news and tell others what he has told us. Oh I agree, thats what I mean it does not matter how many hands touch it they are still the “Inspired Words” of God. God inspires people to do things even when they do not know what they are doing. God works through many people for His purpose. Also I agree it is only our job to spread the good news and the Holy Spirit does the rest. I try to do my part but shy away more than I should. I have enjoyed this thread. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
plain 12 Posted September 9, 2009 Just for what it's worth, I don't see why Buddhism and Christianity can't be reconciled (IMO). I'm a evangelical Christian and often agree with many principles of zen buddhism. Remember, buddhism was a philosophy long before it was a religion. The Buddha didn't declare himself to be divine.....it was his followers that later somewhat deitized him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pattygreen 5 Posted September 9, 2009 Just for what it's worth, I don't see why Buddhism and Christianity can't be reconciled (IMO). I'm a evangelical Christian and often agree with many principles of zen buddhism. Remember, buddhism was a philosophy long before it was a religion. The Buddha didn't declare himself to be divine.....it was his followers that later somewhat deitized him. That's interesting. What do you mean by reconciled? Where did Buddah get his philosophies? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
plain 12 Posted September 9, 2009 That's interesting. What do you mean by reconciled? Where did Buddah get his philosophies? Reconcile as in combine. What I get from zen is how to live in the right now, and be aware of everything. It's a very introspective line of thought. Nothing in the precepts of Christ contradicts absorbing a philosophy, per se (IMO). Supposedly, the Buddha develpoed his philosophies observing the suffering of others.....but I've read up on the philosophy, not so much on the man. Maybe any other Buddhists on here could fill in some blanks for Patty? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lana24 10 Posted September 9, 2009 So, since you realize your purpose, what is it? And, do you feel that this life you are living is a dream? Yes, I realized I was living a dream, and now I am awake. My purpose, is a statement a lot more complicated. So in the interest of simplicity I will say. I realized every event in my life has tuned me, every tragedy has fine tuned me, all to be an instrument of God. And for those things I am incredibly grateful. :thumbup: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pattygreen 5 Posted September 9, 2009 Yes, I realized I was living a dream, and now I am awake. My purpose, is a statement a lot more complicated. So in the interest of simplicity I will say. I realized every event in my life has tuned me, every tragedy has fine tuned me, all to be an instrument of God. And for those things I am incredibly grateful. :thumbup: May I ask how God uses you as His instrument? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lana24 10 Posted September 9, 2009 May I ask how God uses you as His instrument? Again with simplicity, to help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pattygreen 5 Posted September 9, 2009 Again with simplicity, to help. to help how? To help who? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lana24 10 Posted September 9, 2009 to help how? To help who? How: It varies with the who. Who: Those who ask. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aimeenichole 0 Posted September 10, 2009 I believe in god as well. But let me ask you a question. What makes you think your god is better than anyone else's? I often ask this question and the usual answer is that according to the bible blah, blah, blah. Because my God sacrificed himself for me so I would not have to burn in hell. And my God has saved me from MANY trials in my life. What has your god done for you? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
123crod 170 Posted September 10, 2009 Because my God sacrificed himself for me so I would not have to burn in hell. And my God has saved me from MANY trials in my life. He also walks beside us when we do go through the trials and tumble into deep valleys He stays with us always. He did not say it would be easy just that He would never leave us. That I believe!!:w00t: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pattygreen 5 Posted September 11, 2009 Because my God sacrificed himself for me so I would not have to burn in hell. And my God has saved me from MANY trials in my life. What has your god done for you? May I ask you a question? Do you believe that if you don't go to heaven that you will 'literally' burn in a fire for all of eternity? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites