[2nd amendment mama]

Sorry, accidentally hit enter. To finish: I questioned how a loving God could condemn people to Hell when they believed in another religion. They told my parents that I wasn’t welcome back the next year. When my marriage went bad, the Priest I went to for help told me that if I was a better wife my husband wouldn’t beat me.

I’m now going to a non-denominational Church that talks about a loving God and is grace-based! We believe in a relationship with God/Jesus, NOT religion. Big difference.

[boatbums]

Amen! I agree completely. I also questioned the teachings of the church as a cradle Catholic. Even at a young age, I remember knowing in my heart that something was missing.

The Lord seeks an ongoing relationship with all those who surrender to Christ in faith. It is NOT the fellowship with other believers (going to "church") that makes us God's own but we have fellowship with one another BECAUSE of our relationship with the Savior. Together we are heirs and joint heirs with each other and with Christ. It comes to us by the grace of God through faith and not of ourselves - not of works, lest any should boast.