As a buddhist, why should I convert?

[Helios]

It's a Christian argument for a Buddhist conversion, and I consider it below.

Thank you for the links.
The last helps me understand greatly how an informed christian would view buddhism, though I took issue in a flaw in the documents understanding of "Buddhist sin".

The penultimate document, "I am a buddhist..." Was of the most interest to me. [I am not allowed to post the Link, but it can be found on the greetings thread].

However the document did not persuade me, which didn't surprise me, as the set statements of documents cannot answer a rebuttal or question. I was less interest in the proofs of the accuracy of th bible, as the ways they determined accuracy either failed to Fullfill my personal definitions, or were put into doubt from my previous experience.

This is partially due to my doubt of the accuracy of any old and largly translated document, and not specific to the source. I am much more concerned and curious to the sense and sensibly of the Christian position. And there were portions of The document which addressed this as best they could.

But they still did not persuade me, and I hope not to waste anyone's time by explaining why. As I mentioned earlier, the inability of the document to react to the reader made it certain in my mind that any inability of the document to persuade me is not proof o my inability to be persuaded.

After all, I am still here, and curious.

If it would be helpful to any who are interested in convincing me, here are my reactions to the document.

Where the document said that only Jesus of all teachers has resurrected his literal body, I felt as if the sources for this were contained only in the bible, and can't be traced back to any document that was written at the time of the occurence. Additionally, it is written that both Tammuz (a babylonian god) and Osiris (an egyptian god) also were bodily resurrected, not to mention Attis, Mithra, Ba'al, not to mention the story of Bodhidharma who is said not have bodily resurrected and began the school of buddhism I follow the closest, Zen.

Second, the description of the bible as historically accurate doesn't persuade me either, as they are not the only historical documents with a good pedigree of validity and also containing an outstanding supernatural claim.

More essential, however is that I do not believe that a fact in a book can transfer it's validity to all the other statements in that book. For example, if I were to write a book describing how I signed up for this forum, ending with an assertion that I live on the moon, even if you can proved I did sign up for this forum, it does not also prove that I live on the moon. While I am sure faith in the bible has a deeper reason behind it, this reason I cannot get behind.

When the document asserted that Christian ethics have a stronger foundation than buddhist ethics because they are founded on the personal character of god, I questioned the personal character of god. Please do not be offended, but I cannot take the bible's assertion that god is good on hearsay, and moreover, I cannot discount the number of things the bible describes god doing and saying that I find to be quite the opposite of good. To reply that I must be morally wrong, and trust that god would never do anything bad is circular logic, an assertion to believe that god is good that is based on the same statement (that god is good) that I am testing.

Also the documents assertion that, in buddhism, there is no difference between mistakes and karmic misdeeds I know to be erroneous, as a Buddhist myself.

Fourth, the argument based on desire is merely a philosophic disagreement on the nature of desire. I believe that for the document to convince me it would hae to break down why I belive desire to e as buddha states, and not as the bible states, and then would have to show me how my reasons and seeking are better met by the bibles definition of desire.

The fifth argument, about sin has questions about the buddhist position that I as a believer can answer. It does not convince me of any holes in the buddhist position.

I have not yet entrusted Christ as my savior, as I can't yet find a reason why I would need a savior, outside of the reasons given by the same source that claims I need a savior. In order for me to change my position, I would have to be pushed towards Christianity by an third party desire, need, or event.

 

[Fragrant Grace]

Dear Helios

Since reading your initial 'new member' post yesterday, I have read your response a couple of times today to try to get an understanding of what you are asking.

I couldnt even begin to get into any intellectual dialogue to convince you to become a Christian.

I can tell you that accepting Christ and Christianity needs to come from your heart in a simple child like way. I also know that if you genuinely asked God to lead you to Himself, He would open up your understanding of Him.

I say this kindly but whether you like it or not ...you are seeking something ...and that seeking has led you to this site. Maybe just meditate on asking God for guidance rather than becoming tangled up in needing intellectual answers.

Helios, I pray that your seeking ends with you finding the true Saviour.

Julia

 

[Fellowservant]

I would say God is good, it is written in scripture that God is love. Also says that if any is to come to God, he must first believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder too them who always seek him. I have been blessed by God many times, so i know seeking him has a reward. It all boils down to faith in God, this will lead a man to God, then God will reveal himself too him.

Adam

 

[stephen]

Hello Helios

This web-site is called 'talkjesus' Christianity is all about Jesus. Looking at some Christian Churches today this may not seem to be the case, but you can believe me, this is very much the case. You have to 'know' Jesus to be a Christian

The disciples (those who believed in Jesus) were first called Christians at Antioch. Acts 11 v 26 Years have passed but the truth remains that those alone who follow Jesus, are Christians.

Jesus said "I am the way the truth and the life" John 14 v 6

Without the WAY there is no GOING
Without the TRUTH there is no KNOWING
Without the LIFE there is no LIVING

Christian Religion has sprung up over the years since Jesus spoke those words, and Jesus and the experience of knowing Him, has been lost in the dogma which men have added to such religion.

Knowing Jesus is an experience. Jesus said to a seeker of life that he needed to be born again. The man asked "How can a man be born again when he is old, can he enter a second time into his mothers womb and be born"? Jesus said "THat which is born of the flesh is flesh, that which is born of the spirit is spirit" John ch 3

You need to be 'born again' You need a 'new birth' Only in Jesus can this new birth, this new life be found.

There are no 'idols' on the shelf.......Jesus is a person and he alone can forgive sin. He said "Ask and you shall receive, Seek and you shall find, Knock and it shall be opened.

But I feel that words leave you short.......Indeed. You need to meet the Saviour

 

[AngelFive]

Hi Helios,

I chose Jesus above all others, because I BELIEVE and I KNOW He is ALIVE today. Choosing Him was the best decision I have ever made. My walk with Him has been amazing, beautiful, enlightening, heartwarming and miraculous. He is always here for me.

I think if I could use a word here..it would be FRIEND, my closest friend.


A friend is someone we turn to
when our spirits need a lift,
A friend is someone we treasure
for our friendship is a gift.
A friend is someone who fills our lives
with beauty, joy, and grace
And makes the whole world we live in
a better and happier place.
-Jean Kyler McManus

Keep Seeking HIS FACE, You will find HIM.


"I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. He who has heard my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him. (John14,18-21)"...JESUS

God Bless YOU today.

Love,
Sirena

 

[SpiritLedEd]

For the answers to your questions, I would suggest you contact the website of Christian apologist Josh McDowell. He has a number of books in print that should give you at least some of the answers you seek. The web address is www,josh.org.

SpiritLedEd (SLE)

 

[Br. Bear]

If ?

Greetings Helios,

May you be blessed in your search and enquiry here.

My friend, do you want to be converted, or are you just interested in the subject of conversion?

None can convert you but the small still voice of God, and one must be still to hear His voice, for though He calls, amidst much noise and clutter of thoughts and feelings, we can miss the stillness of His voice. He means you no harm, but only has plans to bless you, and in such blessing, to bless you above all you ask or think.

A conversion is between you and Him. It is your choice, as He will continue to call you, but you must decide to heed that call. No amount of words and reading will persuade you more that the gentle infilling of His Spirit, and power. Be not deceived, though my friend, for we all owe heaven a death, and it is required of us to make a stand in our life while we yet have breath in us.

Could I please put a question to you. Although much reading and comparison may increase our intellectual approach to things pertaining to faith, it is all vanity if the is no Spirit, if the essence of the flower has only silence to proclaim, then like a hybrid rose, will be adorned with splendor, yet remain without the perfume of love. For it is love that is the principal thing, not learning, nor study, not practice, nor ritual, not journeying nor forseeing.. nay, only love is the predominant desire of one's deep and inner true heart..... so, my question, my friend, is this...... if?


If ?


Now we do not need a scholarship in Biblical theory or philosophy, neither a doctorate in esoteric lessons of Karmic procedures... in fact, it is such a tiny little word, as you can see, a word so insignificant in size but a word that will take you further than the many words that you have so far contemplated...... and I ask this most simple question.... if?

If, if what Jesus said IS true, what about you?

If, what is claimed in the Holy Bible is true, then what about you?

If... yes, if, the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who was given to take away the sins of the world, and there is no other name under heaven by which you must be saved, and if, if all have sinned, and the wages of sin is death, eternal and seperated from grace and love, peace and joy, and if, yes, if by acknowledging Jesus Christ as the one who died in your place, you were to be transformed and made new and spottless before the throne of God, and if you were sealed with that promise of life eternal, by merely acknowledging your need for a Saviour, by humbling yourself before His feet, in praise and repentance, with thanksgiving and were to receive a quickening in your spirit, an eternal resonance of His love to keep you and set you free from every deceptive and harmful way, to fill you with joy unspeakable by the Holy Ghost, if this were all true..... would you consider puting all old teachings aside to consider it, and finally and more imperative, if you were to call and He were to answer. if you were to seek and you were to find, to knock and the door be opened... if all this were possible, and so much more..... if all it took was to answer His call to you......

if He is true....... if He is alive... if He is real.... if He loves even you...... if He will give you His joy...... yes, my friend.... I ask you again.... if?

I encourage you to take this question, and consider your ways, before Him, on the possibility that He is listening to you, and even to suggest, "Lord Jesus, if you are real, and alive, and all that is said about you in the Bible is true, please reveal yourself to me, that I may know you, because IF you are all that Christians say you are, then I am sure that I must be missing something of your truth, but Lord Jesus, if you can reveal to me my need of you, then I ask you to do so, and wait for you to answer me... if you are real... thank you Lord"

Go ahead, because IF you are right in what you believe, and if Jesus is nothing and doesn't exist, then what is there to lose? But can I suggest you dig deep, that you really do put out that question to the Lord... knowing as you do that we are more than just flesh and bones, and that there is indeed a spiritual reality, and so, with such conviction, ask.... if?

I pray for you, my friend that as you seek, and look at just who Jesus might be, you will find much more than you ever bargained for and your life is filled with His Peace..... and Joy.

Bless you,

Br. Bear



For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

 

[abigya]

None can convert you but the small still voice of God, and one must be still to hear His voice, for though He calls, amidst much noise and clutter of thoughts and feelings, we can miss the stillness of His voice. He means you no harm, but only has plans to bless you, and in such blessing, to bless you above all you ask or think.

A conversion is between you and Him. It is your choice, as He will continue to call you, but you must decide to heed that call. No amount of words and reading will persuade you more that the gentle infilling of His Spirit, and power. Be not deceived, though my friend, for we all owe heaven a death, and it is required of us to make a stand in our life while we yet have breath in us.

Amen

Brother Br.

I was asked to share the word of God this morning, the Holy Spirit told me to share my testimony, how i came to Christ. (I found it beautiful love story of mine with Jesus)

Dear Brother Helios,

this verses were the reason for my convert


1 Corinthians 4:7
7 What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift?

Mathew 12:20
20 A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench, Till He sends forth justice to victory;

the description of the bible as historically accurate doesn't persuade me either

The bible is a LOVE STORY between God and human being. As Brother Br. Bear said again

None can convert you but the small still voice of God,

don't expect to be convinced by some one, it's in your heart ....search it.

Hebrew 4:12-13
12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two–edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

In order for me to change my position, I would have to be pushed towards Christianity by an third party desire, need, or event.

The third party can pray and help you to understand the word of God, starting relationship with Jesus should be a personal decision you have to make.

would love to hear back from you !

abigya

 

[jari]

I have not yet entrusted Christ as my savior, as I can't yet find a reason why I would need a savior, outside of the reasons given by the same source that claims I need a savior. In order for me to change my position, I would have to be pushed towards Christianity by an third party desire, need, or event.

Hi Helios, we all need Jesus because considering our status, it is written: Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

So at the last day we are all brought to be judged and Bible says positive wont help because all have sinned and come short of the glory of God
Because God doesnt put you again on earth, it's the truth we must all know at this time and then the "after life", which is not physical but spiritual.


What Bible has to say about being good enough to heaven is called righteousness.

And this is what Bible tells you about how to become righteous, or not:

Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.


But what Jesus did is what budhist is striving to do:
I know that budhist is gaining positive karma for the next live, however Jesus lived sinless life, that is only positive and no negative at all.

1Ti 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

So He is the only one good and righteuss.

That's why no one can become righteous unless he is perfect and never sins, never does anything bad and does only what is good and that is the will of God and he should do that at all times like Jesus Christ, did.

Thefore righteous comes from faith to Jesus and what he did on the cross, paid your sin dept:

Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.


So there is for you something to consider..
You can just ask God to save you, we are not left to rely on our understanding, you can just pray, "God save me!"

 

[Chad]

Please look at the sticky threads in these links (the yellow background rows). In order for you to understand, you must be honest and believe the truth and evidence of the Holy Bible and who Jesus Christ is, or else you will never understand.

Get Saved Now! - Talk Jesus

Proof and validity of the Holy Bible:

Evidence, Prophecy, Facts - Talk Jesus

Check this out as well:

I am a Buddhist, why should I consider becoming a Christian?
What is Buddhism and what do Buddhists believe?

 

[iluvjesus]

Dear Helios...

When I read your post, I saw myself in the past...

I was also a devout Buddhist before I received Christ. Growing up in a Chinese background, my parents taught me a lot about who Buddha is, what he did and etc.. and as a child that came from a broken home, I was very curious about the idea of spiritual beings that somehow reign over us. I was hoping for a miracle to happen in my future.. in my family... So I studied deeply about Buddhism, both Theravada and Mahayana, recited the mantras for hundreds of times, fervently "pray" everyday to Buddhas and Goddess of Mercy, do a lot of good deeds... I understand the whole precepts of Buddhism and did my best to gain better karma in order to be reincarnated to be a better person, or a god. All of them I've done for years...

Ironically, there's this unending void in my heart that I don't understand. I have tried to build a relationship with Buddha but somehow I am still not satisfied... I know Buddha teaches us to attain perfection, but somehow.. I know that I am just human and perfection is something that only God is worthy to have.

So, though I prayed a lot and recited every mantra possible, in my early teenage life, I ironically fell into promiscuous relationships because I couldn't find anything good out of my life. I felt unloved, unworthy and alone.. And instead of taking refuge in Buddha, I turned to boys to "satisfy" my lonely feeling. At that moment, I didn't care anymore about gaining good karmas and all that... I figured... If ONE lifetime is hard enough for me, why should I endure thousands and thousands of lifetime in the future? It didn't make any more sense......

So I wonder...

"Where is God?"

"I need... God.."

"I need healing..."

A friend introduced me to Jesus, who He is and what He has done for us all... Jesus has existed since eternity.. Because He is God.. and He created us.... and He went to earth to die on that shameful cross to pay for our sins.... so that we can establish a relationship again with God....

Today, I am happier than ever to know Jesus... I know that out there, the world offers numerous number of religions and gods... But, Helios, no god is as REAL and LIVING as Jesus...

I am speaking to you today, not to offend you.. But I came from the same background as you and I know what you are talking about... I am writing this because I want you to know that there's a life full of love and freedom with Jesus.... I will pray for you, Helios......

Jesus is thinking of you.. and I believe that you stumbling into this forum is not an accident.... Open your heart, Helios...

"You were made by God and for God alone--and until you understand that, life will never make sense."

 

[Property Of God]

I'm going to briefly comment on a few things,

Let me start by saying you are respectful and I'd be glad and try to help you even a little bit, the fact that you seek Christianity means that somewhere inside you, desires it.

Budda never claimed to be God, but I think he knew how to get over this physical existence and live a hard tough life.

You said you're not sure if Jesus didn't rise, but people have witnessed it, not just that, they died for it, who would die for a lie?
I'm an Egyptian myself and I didn't hear about much Osiris rising, after all ancient Egypt is full of millions of legends and myth, trust me. It doesn't prove anything, nobody died for it either.


If the Bible was made up, how can you explain the endless prophecies that came true? I heard about a scientific research about probabilty and it said there's almost no chance that so much prophecies could come true, it's a miracle, things like that never happen.

Here's a brief article about that:
Why the Bible Is the Word of God - Can I Trust the Bible?


If you want to know Him, seek Him, and you will find Him, you don't need to see to believe in Him, He will reveal Himself to you if you search for Him.

I'd suggest you pray about it... Pray and see what happens afterwards.

May the Lord blesses you.

 

[Helios]

Oh My. Thank you all for responding. I have read each response and will try to reply to each of them in a dedicated conversational manner. I anticipate this thread getting very cluttered and such dedicated conversations merging.

 

[Helios]

To those who suggest that the process of conversion will be privately between me and god, I do understand. But the sort of initiation of that relationship is going to take a lot of trust on my part, and I just am not there.
I know that when/if that time comes I can't ask any but god to met me there, but If I were prepared for that, I would not quest here.
I am not asking anyone to steward over my soul and sponsor my rebirth, I am trying to explore Christianity to determine if I cam put my trust in the claims of the bible and of Christians. Once I determine if Christianity is truly what I need, I shall step in with a full heart.
But a person such as I needs exploration before such a decision, and I only hope to do so without causing offense or forgetting my values.
More to come soon.

 

[Helios]

You said you're not sure if Jesus didn't rise, but people have witnessed it, not just that, they died for it, who would die for a lie?

Lot's of people die for things that others doubt. Considering the amount of perspectives, and the number of people who die for their beliefs, not all of them can be correct, so a number of them must die for a lie. From a Christian perspective, did the Muslims who gave their lives in the crusades die for the truth or for a lie?
And even them, who does dying for something add to it's truth?

after all ancient Egypt is full of millions of legends and myth, trust me. It doesn't prove anything, nobody died for it either.

Again, why do people dying for it matter, save the tragedy of their deaths?

If the Bible was made up, how can you explain the endless prophecies that came true?

Are these prophecies that were verified to have come true outside of the bible? Because if the prophecies you speak of were verified in the new testament, and made in the old, that doesn't prove the truth of the bible, at least not to me. The bible is a singular source, it can't prove itself.
Look at it from this way, your quote appeared like this in my mind
"If the Bible was made up, how can you explain the endless prophecies that came true, according to the bible?"
To which I would answer; I would say that the prophecies came true could have been made up, just as the bible they are a part of could also have been based on fiction.
More responses coming, please hang tight.

 

[Helios]

iluvjesus, I find your story very meaningful. I actually started out in a family of Christians, felt it wasn't for me, and moved to Buddhism after years of no religious proffessed belief. Yes, I am thinking of going back, but not to the sect I was in before.
I wonder if the void you felt, is like the void I feel.
You say that Buddha encourages us to strive for perfection, but only god is worthy and you are not. This sounds to me as if Buddha told you that you were worthy, but you didn't feel you were worthy, and then you joined a religion that agreed that you were not worthy, but inferior in comparison to He that is Worthy.
Do I underderstand correctly?

 

[Helios]

It sounds like a big part of the christian faith is built upon the idea that humans are inferior, fallen, and inherently evil.
Is this true?

And, if Jesus lived a life with no negative actions, than none was hurt by him, and he would hold to the highest moral standards.
But when he says
“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” I feel it is wrong to ask that your enemies be killed.

 

[iluvjesus]

iluvjesus, I find your story very meaningful. I actually started out in a family of Christians, felt it wasn't for me, and moved to Buddhism after years of no religious proffessed belief. Yes, I am thinking of going back, but not to the sect I was in before.
I wonder if the void you felt, is like the void I feel.
You say that Buddha encourages us to strive for perfection, but only god is worthy and you are not. This sounds to me as if Buddha told you that you were worthy, but you didn't feel you were worthy, and then you joined a religion that agreed that you were not worthy, but inferior in comparison to He that is Worthy.
Do I underderstand correctly?

Dear Helios,

The kind of worth that I was talking about means just that I am a creation and it is unfit for me to claim for perfection and make myself equal to God, while Buddha taught that everyone can be a god if we let go of any kind of desire. This is something that is impossible to achieve, because the universe would be a total mayhem if ruled by countless different gods. Moreover, the desire to be a god itself is in contrary with what Buddha teach. Though we let go of any kinds of desire, there is still a desire to be perfect.

I wonder what kind of void are you experiencing, Helios.

Best,
Karen

 

[iluvjesus]

It sounds like a big part of the christian faith is built upon the idea that humans are inferior, fallen, and inherently evil.
Is this true?

And, if Jesus lived a life with no negative actions, than none was hurt by him, and he would hold to the highest moral standards.
But when he says
“But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.” I feel it is wrong to ask that your enemies be killed.

Humans are "inferior, fallen, and inherently evil" because we all fell short of the glory of God when the first creation, Adam and Eve, sinned. We are not supposed to be like this today, living in a fallen world. We were blameless and glorious when humans are first created. But after sin entered the world, the relationship between human being and God was disconnected and human is ruled by sin ever since. There is no way to get back to God, except the sacrifice of blood that Jesus Himself can offer (John 14:6). Jesus is not mere human, He is God Himself incarnated as man, thus He is able to offer such gift. Luke 19:27 that you quoted is actually in a parable that He was explaining:

Jesus is telling the parable about being a good steward. The story is about a king who trusts his servants with money, then returns to see what they have done with the money. The first two servants invested the money wisely and got a return. The king was pleased at that and rewarded them with more responsibility. But the third servant put the money away and didn't get any return on it. He thought the king was trying to rip him off, and didn't want the king to have any profit from his (the servant's) work. The king was upset that the third servant didn't get a return. Jesus was quoting what the king in the parable said: "But those enemies of mine, who did not want me to be king over them, bring them here and kill them in front of me." This was to explain how the king reacted to the third servant. This parable is a parallel to the way we spend our lives. If we invest our time and talents wisely, he will be pleased with what we do and reward us for it. If we do not accept his directions because we don't trust him, he will send us to hell as we deserve. Notice the part you left out when you quoted this scripture above- "who did not want me to be king over them." It was their choice whether or not they accepted him as their king, just as it is your choice whether or not you accept him as your king.
Jesus tells us to love our enemies, like God loves us. In fact, because he loves you so much, he allows you the choice and free will to accept him or reject him. Death is not a punishment he gives you because he doesn't like you, but one you freely choose for yourself because you reject him and don't trust his authority.

 

[Br. Bear]

Friend,

you said,

I am not asking anyone to steward over my soul and sponsor my rebirth, I am trying to explore Christianity to determine if I cam put my trust in the claims of the bible and of Christians. Once I determine if Christianity is truly what I need, I shall step in with a full heart.
But a person such as I needs exploration before such a decision, and I only hope to do so without causing offense or forgetting my values

I actually started out in a family of Christians, felt it wasn't for me, and moved to Buddhism after years of no religious professed belief. Yes, I am thinking of going back, but not to the sect I was in before.

and I want you to take note of a few points here. It is your choice.

First, all your exploring is in vain. You have decided already that being a god unto yourself will provide all the necessary means to judge Jesus Christ. Think about it. You are only fooling yourself. 'Once you determine things' is again the totally wrong attitude towards grace. And grace is the entry point for all who desire fulfilment.... you included. I realise that you may consider yourself wiser than wise, and able to outwise the Lord, even though you may not say such things openly, the fact is, if you are the thinker you fancy yourself to be, you can quite clearly see this to be the case.

You also know that the buddism you have so far entertianed so self enlightenment leaves you still empty with no security at all.

I might seem blunt, but no blunter than you... if you read your replies so far. I am being direct, calling a spade a spade, meaning that I know you are able to understand what I am saying, and though you may not like it, nor want to accept it, you know it is true.

On that note, "a person such as I"..... who do you think you are... a unique and special case who is a 'such as I'. Get off your high horse, the making of your own imagination, and remember, you are no different to any other person on this planet.... and all this such is I stuff comes from a rejection of truth, from early years and a resulting exaltation of yourself to be better than the rest. What a person such as your self needs to do is .... repent. Very simple.

You might not like being told this. I understand completely. Who, filled with pride, is willing to be told that 'they' ( a person such as I ) must repent? No-one. But if you really do want to explore Christianity, you can only do it from the inside.... and the only way in, is by repentance and believing. You already know this. You do not need to continue spouting your enlightened nonsense here or anywhere on this planet. You know that you must repent, but like all people of which you are one, it takes guts to do, as this means you have to admit a need to the Lord.

It takes guts.

So I encourage you to put away all your vain babbling, and step up to the Judgement seat.... face up to your sin, and accept the free gift of life that you are offered. Yes, it would appear that it would mean you could not attain to the highest place on your own greatness, but in fact, you will realise that you indeed did enter in... that it was in fact you who made the decision to bow down low enough and humble yourself low enough, which is as low as is humanly possible to go (for all, not just you) and by deciding to do that, you discovered where the door is, and picked up the key, Repentance, and entered in through belief.

Just do it, while you still can. You know that this is the only way, so quit stalling, and tempting fate.

Before I end, here is something you may be brave enough to explore.....


Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.


1Corinthians 1:25-31 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
That no flesh should glory in his presence.
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.


1Corinthians 2:1-16 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

1Corinthians 3:11-20 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.


Bless you,

Br. Bear

"Excuse me sir", said the traveller to the man at the roadhouse, "how do I get to the place I am seeking?"
"And where does that road lead to?"
The man tells the traveller the best and safest route to his destination, without side roads or delays. He also informs the traveller that the other roads are full of potholes, have dead ends and go in the other direction, once you get on them, leading endlessly to nowhere but danger and peril, that ll who go on those roads and did not heed the directions given perished after much suffering and pain.

If you were the traveller, would you follow the man's advice or be like the others who ignored him and went on their way to a dead end?