Greetings, aMorePerfectUnion -
I’m not sure if we have ever conversed with each other. If we have, it has not been recently and I do not remember. So I’m not sure how you would have any idea what I do or do not understand about Christ. In trying to understand Christ, I do so with a great deal of humility, keeping in mind the words of the prophet Isaiah that as high as the heavens are above the earth, so high is the mind of God and the ways of God. I also remember the words of Paul that, at present, we know partially and we see indistinctly, as in a mirror.
As far as why Jesus came to earth, I believe it starts with love. His love for us and His desire for us to love Him. Of course we all know the point was to sacrifice Himself on the cross to redeem us from our sins so that we may have eternal salvation.
I have no idea why you refuse to share the manner in which you practice your faith. I don’t mind sharing how I worship God. I think it helps us get to know each other better. But if you are reluctant to do so, that’s fine. Whether it be at a church, or a gospel hall, or in your home, as long as you gather with other(s) in the name of Jesus with love for God and for your neighbor in your heart, it is pleasing to God.
May the Peace of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you.
Rich
I'll take a stab at it.
My faith is in Jesus, not a church, or denomination or system of beliefs.
How I practice my faith is by prayer, reading God's word, worshiping with music, going to a Bible study, attending church on Sundays, and LIVING it out.
But I don't see how where I go for an hour or two once a week on Sunday mornings is relevant.
My church attendance is a small part of living my faith out because two hours a week is a small amount of time to spend on anything.
I don't eat once a week and think that sustains me. I will waste away and die on one meal a week.
Likewise my faith is the sum of my life, not the sum of my church attendance or membership.
But if you are reluctant to do so, that’s fine. Whether it be at a church, or a gospel hall, or in your home, as long as you gather with other(s) in the name of Jesus with love for God and for your neighbor in your heart, it is pleasing to God.
Then why the insistence of knowing where someone goes for worship on Sunday mornings?
And why do so many Catholics complain when that information is not forthcoming? It's not their business, nobody answers to them, they are not in authority over anyone else that they can demand that kind of accountability to themselves from others.
I answer to God and Him alone. The opinion of others of the church I choose to attend is irrelevant to me, and I'm not going to give it out so someone can slap a label on me, hold me accountable for everything some person who once affiliated said or did, and for them to condemn me over something that does not affect them but that they simply don't like.
I do not refuse to share the manner in which I practice my faith.
I share the manner I practice my faith here on every thread I participate on and with each of my posts.
I am very pleased, though, to help you identify me
by my real identity and the many names of my church!I am a believer in Jesus Christ,
a sinner saved by His grace and sacrifice,
having no merit of my own,
made a saint by His holiness,
a member of His eternal church,
part of the Body of Christ and a member of His Bride,
given a new nature and His very own life,
indwelt by His Holy Spirit,
able to approach the Father in boldness,
and awaiting the day the life of Adam in me is
left behind on this globe and
I only share His inheritance and glory.
God has given my church many names in the pages of Scripture:
Body of Christ - Eph 1:22,23; Col 1:24
Bride of Christ - Re 21:9
Church of God - Ac 20:28
Church of the Living God - 1Ti 3:15
Church of the first-born - Heb 12:23
City of the Living God - Heb 12:22
Family in heaven and earth - Eph 3:15
Flock of God - 1Pe 5:2
Fold of Christ - John 10:16
General assembly of the first-born - Heb 12:23
Golden candlestick - Re 1:20
God's building - 1Co 3:9
God's husbandry - 1Co 3:9
God's heritage - 1Pe 5:3
Habitation of God - Eph 2:22
House of God - 1Ti 3:15; Heb 10:21
House of Christ - Heb 3:6
Household of God - Eph 2:19
Israel of God - Ga 6:16
Lamb's wife - Re 19:7; 21:9
Pillar and ground of the truth - 1Ti 3:15
Spiritual house - 1Pe 2:5
Temple of God - 1Co 3:16,17
Temple of the Living God - 2Co 6:16
I hope that helps you understand who I am and the manner in which I worship.
All glory to Him alone.
May the Peace of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you.
And also with you!