What makes you believe?

[ScienceAndFaith]

I was with a very legalistic church and spent all of my time trying to convert people to that church. And that was the problem. My goal was converting people to the church and not to Jesus. I suspect that you are having the same thoughts that I did, and hence the same cure might apply. My faith soared once I realized that there is a difference between "religion" and Christianity. I've found that people tend to reject "religion" but are very open to Christianity. Time does not permit a full discussion on this, but the bottom line is that Christianity is how we live our lives on a daily basis. It has nothing to do with "rules and regulations" or with fancy buildings, or with special Sunday assemblies. Christianity is just being Jesus 24/7, and encouraging others to do likewise. Romans 12:1,2 says that our worship is our lifestyle. The Sunday thing is fine in that it brings us together with likeminded people, and thereby provides a nice break from our real worship, that of being Christlike out in the world. But when the Sunday assembly becomes the sum total of our faith problems arise. We can have the greatest programs ever devised, but we might find ourselves ignoring that tapping noise on the outside of the windows. That noise just might be Jesus asking to be invited in.

I know that doesn't answer your question as to why I believe, but I think it answers a more fundamental question you are asking.

[jenna]

There are some good points in these posts. On my point of view, all I have to do is walk outside, feel the wind in my face, hear the birds singing, watch a sunrise or sunset, etc. To me that's proof enough that God exists.

[IRQ Conflict]

Amen Jenna. I am of like mind. I oft feel the Spirit as I enjoy and praise God for the things He has given me.

The Peace that surpasses all understanding no?

[jenna]

How did you know my name was Jenna? Is it posted somewhere? I guess it doesn't really matter, I was just wondering though.

[Swamper]

How did you know my name was Jenna? Is it posted somewhere? I guess it doesn't really matter, I was just wondering though.

You did post it somewhere on here a couple of weeks ago, yes.

[FFC]

How did you know my name was Jenna? Is it posted somewhere? I guess it doesn't really matter, I was just wondering though.

You did post it somewhere on here a couple of weeks ago, yes.

Ah, mystery solved, Jenna. It was either that or IRQ has the gift of prophecy...

[jenna]

A psychic? On this forum? Heaven help us all.

[JCSx2]

I did leave Christianity for most of my adult life. I was Wiccan.

Prior to that I was Baptized Methodist, confirmed Lutheran then I turned away when I was 19 years old. At the Age of 39 (Easter Sunday 07) I reconfirmed my belief in Jesus Christ as my savior and Re dedicated myself to God the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit.

I burned all my pagan books in a bonfire on Easter Sunday Morning due to the fact that I did not want to recalculate false doctrine.

I am a believer in books and am generally against book burnings but this I felt I had to do.

I have closeness with God that I never have had before in my life.

Thank God he takes in lost sheep and forgives us of our sins.

Praise the Lord

I choose once on the vote because that is all it took for me to actually do it.

Also I will never do it again even if it means my death, I feel this strongly about my faith.