I was confirmed in the catholic church. Now, let me start by saying I don't know a lot of Catholic theology. I'll just be writing from my point of view that I developed through my confirmation classes which, let's face it, was many many years ago.
It seemed to me in the Catholic faith that you were suppose to follow certain rules and guidelines in order to please God. (If you're Catholic, and I'm way off base, please let me know!) It seemed to me that what you do in this life determined your place in the afterlife.
I'm a Lutheran now and they have a different approach. They believe that there is nothing you can do to earn a place in Heaven. It is by the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus that we are able to spend eternity with God. In other words, it's our faith.
So when I was embarking on my religious journey ten years ago, I greatly struggled between these two concepts. Which is it? What gets you into heaven? Is it your works on this Earth or is it your faith?
Here is what I believe. I know that anyone who believes in Jesus with their whole hearts is forgiven for their sins and you can not enter heaven with sins. God is perfect. He hates sin. Therefore, if you don't accept Jesus then you haven't accepted that your sins are forgiven therefore you must pay the price for all your wrong doings rather than accepting that they have already been paid.
I don't know about you, but that concept took me a decade to understand. It didn't really seem fair that I wouldn't be punished for the things I did wrong, plus does that mean that all the people in the world who do great things are doomed simply because they don't believe in Jesus? That also didn't seem fair.
I'm getting slightly off track. Let me quote from the source:
James 2:14-17
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill," and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.
James is making it clear that if you truly love Jesus, you won't just pray. You'll go out and live the word. Faith and works go together, but not because doing good things get you into heaven. It's because our love for Jesus makes us want to help others.
Think of someone in your own life you love. Maybe it's a spouse, or parent, or friend. What do you do to show that person your love? What do you do that shows other people you love that spouse, parent or friend?
It's the same sort of idea. I love Jesus and I want to do things for him and show others my love for him.
So what about the people in the world who don't believe in Jesus but do great works? If someone finds the cure for all cancer, but isn't a Christian, will they go to hell? I really don't know. But I do believe that sin needs to be erased before going to heaven and I know that Jesus' sacrifice erases sin. It's a gift that needs to be accepted. I also know that God is merciful.
I will say this...without giving God glory, we tend to take the glory ourselves. So let's say I give a donation to a charity and they reward me and give me praise. Without the understanding and love of God, I will take that praise for myself which will feed my ego. However, if I know that all things come through God, then I know that the praise belongs to God and not to me. That creates humility.
I don't have all the answers. I'm still working through a lot of things, but I wanted to share my beliefs on this topic. Please feel free to leave your respectful comments on the issue!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
How to Live as a Christian : Three Easy Steps to Get You Going
If you've ever lost weight, I'm sure you've stumbled across articles telling you to start slow then work your way up to a more strenuous diet and exercise program. It may say to take the steps once a day instead of an escalator. Maybe it tells you to cut down on soda. When you start exercising, it may say to start with only 10 minutes of activity until you're ready to add another five minutes and then another five minutes and then another.
The point is that when you're faced with a long journey, no matter what type of journey it is, it's sometimes a good idea to start small.
This is the approach I took when I wanted to start living a more Christian life. Now before I go on, I want to make something perfectly clear. There is nothing you can do to get into heaven. The only way is to accept Jesus as your savior and acknowledged that he died so that your sins are forgiven. This is a HUGE concept and one that I struggled with for a good ten years so please know that if you don't readily accept it, that's ok. We'll talk more about it in later blogs. In my experience, even before I understood this concept, I still wanted to "walk to walk" of Christianity. So if you're interested in getting started and showing actions that model a Christian lifestyle, here are three simple ones to get you going.
1. Stop using the Lord's name in vain. This is a commandment and it's a really simple change to make in your life. Just take a second and think before you shout God's name at the driver who cut you off in traffic, or yell out the name of Jesus Christ when you stub your toe on the sofa. (I used to do these things.) Once you stop using the Lord's name in vain, you'll probably start to feel a little bit more respectful towards God and his Holy name.
2. Rest on Sundays. Again, this is a commandment but my family has noticed what a gift it is to have an entire day off. Also, it makes us work harder during the week since laundry, vacuuming, school work and preparation, ect., ect,. all has to be done by Saturday night. So decide what you consider work, then take a break! It's a gift! Enjoy it!
3. Occasionally, listen to some Christian music. Ok, so this was tough for me. I love driving because I love cranking my music loud and singing along. Let's face it. Music evokes a certain feeling within you and I really didn't want to mess with it. Besides, I didn't know any of the words to any Christian songs, and I love singing along. Oh, and all Christian music is just hymns right? Nope. Here is what I suggest. Just start small. Tune into a Christian station every now and then and start paying attention to the artists. Find some you like and listen to them more.
Now you certainly don't have to listen to Christian music to be a Christian. But listening to that type of music evokes a deep spiritual awakening. I know it sounds cheesy, but give it a try. Here are some songs to get you started. The Skillet song is Christian rock:
Chris Tomlin is contemporary Christian:
Natalie Grant is contempory Christian but this song is more rock:
There's a lot out there and there's something for everyone so have some fun looking around!
So like I said, there is nothing you can do to get into heaven. That's a gift from Jesus that we'll go into more at another time. In the meantime, you can still get started on your path! I hope these three steps are a good starting point! I know they helped me in the beginning.
The point is that when you're faced with a long journey, no matter what type of journey it is, it's sometimes a good idea to start small.
This is the approach I took when I wanted to start living a more Christian life. Now before I go on, I want to make something perfectly clear. There is nothing you can do to get into heaven. The only way is to accept Jesus as your savior and acknowledged that he died so that your sins are forgiven. This is a HUGE concept and one that I struggled with for a good ten years so please know that if you don't readily accept it, that's ok. We'll talk more about it in later blogs. In my experience, even before I understood this concept, I still wanted to "walk to walk" of Christianity. So if you're interested in getting started and showing actions that model a Christian lifestyle, here are three simple ones to get you going.
1. Stop using the Lord's name in vain. This is a commandment and it's a really simple change to make in your life. Just take a second and think before you shout God's name at the driver who cut you off in traffic, or yell out the name of Jesus Christ when you stub your toe on the sofa. (I used to do these things.) Once you stop using the Lord's name in vain, you'll probably start to feel a little bit more respectful towards God and his Holy name.
2. Rest on Sundays. Again, this is a commandment but my family has noticed what a gift it is to have an entire day off. Also, it makes us work harder during the week since laundry, vacuuming, school work and preparation, ect., ect,. all has to be done by Saturday night. So decide what you consider work, then take a break! It's a gift! Enjoy it!
3. Occasionally, listen to some Christian music. Ok, so this was tough for me. I love driving because I love cranking my music loud and singing along. Let's face it. Music evokes a certain feeling within you and I really didn't want to mess with it. Besides, I didn't know any of the words to any Christian songs, and I love singing along. Oh, and all Christian music is just hymns right? Nope. Here is what I suggest. Just start small. Tune into a Christian station every now and then and start paying attention to the artists. Find some you like and listen to them more.
Now you certainly don't have to listen to Christian music to be a Christian. But listening to that type of music evokes a deep spiritual awakening. I know it sounds cheesy, but give it a try. Here are some songs to get you started. The Skillet song is Christian rock:
Chris Tomlin is contemporary Christian:
So like I said, there is nothing you can do to get into heaven. That's a gift from Jesus that we'll go into more at another time. In the meantime, you can still get started on your path! I hope these three steps are a good starting point! I know they helped me in the beginning.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Do I need to go to church?
Ok....it's Sunday morning in our home. My son has already woken up my husband demanding breakfast but because they are awesome they let me sleep. Unfortunately, the alarm clock goes off at 8am. I didn't get much sleep the night before, I'm grumpy and all I want to do is shut off the alarm and get back under the covers.
But it's Sunday. Church day.
I feel guilty that I'm not more excited. I mean, this is the day the Lord gave us to rest and worship. It's a gift and yet I'm already coming up with excuses to try and get out of attending. I think about how boring it is or how long it could go....but then I tell myself to get up because at least I get to wear my new dress and go out for lunch afterwards.
So is it wrong that on this particular Sunday the only thing motivating me to go to church is the promise of Chipotle after? Well, maybe. But then again...getting to church is the most important thing, right? There have been times when I went to church dragging my feet and actually really enjoyed the sermon. So what does it matter if I need an extra motivation to get into the building?
Come to think of it....do I really need to go at all? Can't I worship on my own? I read my Bible...well, sometimes...and I try to lead a pretty good life. Oh, and I pray everynight no matter what, so isn't that good enough? Why sit in a building with a bunch of hypocrites who show up Sunday morning then immediantly leave the building and sin?
These were my old thoughts. Perhaps you've had a few. But as I've gotten older and continued to learn more about religion and faith, I've come to firmly believe in the church and it's importance.
So yes, you do really need to go to church.
Let me put it another way....let's say you're taking a class on astrophysics. Hearing the subject title alone makes you cringe. You think it's going to be boring or too hard, but you decide it's worth the effort to learn so you get a text book and start researching online. You take it slow and learn a good about. You may even gain some confidence. Now imagine that you do all of this but also take a class. You're sitting in a room with other students who are also interested in astrophysics. Some know a lot and are willing to help you out, others are futher behind than you and are asking questions you didn't even consider. The teacher is skilled because he's been teaching it for years and can give you tons of examples and help.
So which one do you think would help you learn astrophysics the most? Doing it on your own or doing it in a class?
Ok, so maybe you're still saying that doing it alone is the way to go. Maybe you've had bad church experiences...I get that. As a child attending Christmas mass, our Priest fell asleep while someone was doing the readings. Not very inspiring. But here's the thing....not all churches are like that. Not all church leaders are like that. If a bad experience is keeping you from going to church, I highly recommend doing some church shopping. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you find.
I do think that going to church and spending time with a community led by an expert is more advantageous than doing it alone. When I became a Christian, I didn't go to church. I was afraid of being judged, plus I simply didn't know the prayers or even the routine. When do I sit? What songs do we sing? How does communion work?
If this is the reason you don't go to church, here is what I recommend and have done in the past. Call the church ahead of time and ask for information. When we moved to a new state, I called several churches and simply asked all sorts of questions, some as simple as "what is the dress code". Since it was over the phone, it added a bit of anonymity and I wasn't embarrassed.
Still, you may have a sour taste in your mouth because you think the people who go to church are hypocrites. I've thought that too and frankly, some are. Some go just to show up. But to be fair, there have been times I've gone out of habit and spent the time daydreaming. Hey...we aren't perfect beings. Sometimes we get board. But there are people who go to church on a regular basis not because they feel like they have to but because they really want to. Yes, there are times I go to church out of obligation but a lot of times I really want to spend some time learning about God from the Pastor. I really want to feel God's presence in a way I can't by myself at home. I really want be a part of that community.
So what is your reason for not attending? Fell free to comment.
I would urge you to try to find a church and start going consistently. Give it a try. You may find that the rewards are greater than your reasons for not attending.
But it's Sunday. Church day.
I feel guilty that I'm not more excited. I mean, this is the day the Lord gave us to rest and worship. It's a gift and yet I'm already coming up with excuses to try and get out of attending. I think about how boring it is or how long it could go....but then I tell myself to get up because at least I get to wear my new dress and go out for lunch afterwards.
So is it wrong that on this particular Sunday the only thing motivating me to go to church is the promise of Chipotle after? Well, maybe. But then again...getting to church is the most important thing, right? There have been times when I went to church dragging my feet and actually really enjoyed the sermon. So what does it matter if I need an extra motivation to get into the building?
Come to think of it....do I really need to go at all? Can't I worship on my own? I read my Bible...well, sometimes...and I try to lead a pretty good life. Oh, and I pray everynight no matter what, so isn't that good enough? Why sit in a building with a bunch of hypocrites who show up Sunday morning then immediantly leave the building and sin?
These were my old thoughts. Perhaps you've had a few. But as I've gotten older and continued to learn more about religion and faith, I've come to firmly believe in the church and it's importance.
So yes, you do really need to go to church.
Let me put it another way....let's say you're taking a class on astrophysics. Hearing the subject title alone makes you cringe. You think it's going to be boring or too hard, but you decide it's worth the effort to learn so you get a text book and start researching online. You take it slow and learn a good about. You may even gain some confidence. Now imagine that you do all of this but also take a class. You're sitting in a room with other students who are also interested in astrophysics. Some know a lot and are willing to help you out, others are futher behind than you and are asking questions you didn't even consider. The teacher is skilled because he's been teaching it for years and can give you tons of examples and help.
So which one do you think would help you learn astrophysics the most? Doing it on your own or doing it in a class?
Ok, so maybe you're still saying that doing it alone is the way to go. Maybe you've had bad church experiences...I get that. As a child attending Christmas mass, our Priest fell asleep while someone was doing the readings. Not very inspiring. But here's the thing....not all churches are like that. Not all church leaders are like that. If a bad experience is keeping you from going to church, I highly recommend doing some church shopping. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you find.
I do think that going to church and spending time with a community led by an expert is more advantageous than doing it alone. When I became a Christian, I didn't go to church. I was afraid of being judged, plus I simply didn't know the prayers or even the routine. When do I sit? What songs do we sing? How does communion work?
If this is the reason you don't go to church, here is what I recommend and have done in the past. Call the church ahead of time and ask for information. When we moved to a new state, I called several churches and simply asked all sorts of questions, some as simple as "what is the dress code". Since it was over the phone, it added a bit of anonymity and I wasn't embarrassed.
Still, you may have a sour taste in your mouth because you think the people who go to church are hypocrites. I've thought that too and frankly, some are. Some go just to show up. But to be fair, there have been times I've gone out of habit and spent the time daydreaming. Hey...we aren't perfect beings. Sometimes we get board. But there are people who go to church on a regular basis not because they feel like they have to but because they really want to. Yes, there are times I go to church out of obligation but a lot of times I really want to spend some time learning about God from the Pastor. I really want to feel God's presence in a way I can't by myself at home. I really want be a part of that community.
So what is your reason for not attending? Fell free to comment.
I would urge you to try to find a church and start going consistently. Give it a try. You may find that the rewards are greater than your reasons for not attending.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Top 5 : Why I Love God
Here is the top five reasons I love God:
1. He doesn't hold a grudge. Seriously, I'm talking complete and total forgiveness of sin without ever bringing it up at a later time. That's pretty awesome.
2. He created me, my husband, my son and the whole world. I'm pretty pumped about being created and I owe it all to Him. Plus, I'm majorly in love with my husband and son...again, it's because of Him they are in my life.
3. His love is boundless. Ever love someone conditionally? Well, He loves unconditionally all the time. Again, pretty awesome.
4. He's perfect. Everything He makes and does is for a reason because He's perfect. That means His plan is perfect too.
5. He's with me always, even when I don't think He is....even when I don't want Him around....even when....
Ok, so I want you all to know that I take writing a blog about God seriously, even if my tone is conversational. In fact, I've had this blog for quite some time, wrote consistently, then deleted all the posts and started over because I wasn't sure if what I wrote was good enough to convey anything about God. I didn't want to turn people off to God because of something I wrote.
But I feel the topic of God is too important to go without discussion. I hope you'll leave your comments (please keep them respectful or I'll delete them) so we can get to know one another! Oh, and let me know what you're top five reasons for loving God...or just your number one!
So for a really quick intro on me...I'm a mom, wife and aspiring writer. I was born into a family with an atheist Dad and catholic mother, who made sure I was baptized and confirmed in the catholic church. We went to church, on average, twice a year and by high school I labeled myself agnostic. Then a change started in me that took about ten years to fully develop into a deep love of Christ. I'm a Lutheran now, as is my husband and son.
I'm not perfect. I have ideals that fall outside the realm of a traditional Christian while others lie strictly with the Bible's teachings. I'm not out to offend anyone. I've been a nonbeliever or passive believer in God more of my life than I've been a Christian so I understand how frustrating it is to have religion shooved down ones throat. I'm not out to do that. I'm just here to share what I've learned, work through some doubt and questions, study some scripture and continuing on my path.
1. He doesn't hold a grudge. Seriously, I'm talking complete and total forgiveness of sin without ever bringing it up at a later time. That's pretty awesome.
2. He created me, my husband, my son and the whole world. I'm pretty pumped about being created and I owe it all to Him. Plus, I'm majorly in love with my husband and son...again, it's because of Him they are in my life.
3. His love is boundless. Ever love someone conditionally? Well, He loves unconditionally all the time. Again, pretty awesome.
4. He's perfect. Everything He makes and does is for a reason because He's perfect. That means His plan is perfect too.
5. He's with me always, even when I don't think He is....even when I don't want Him around....even when....
Ok, so I want you all to know that I take writing a blog about God seriously, even if my tone is conversational. In fact, I've had this blog for quite some time, wrote consistently, then deleted all the posts and started over because I wasn't sure if what I wrote was good enough to convey anything about God. I didn't want to turn people off to God because of something I wrote.
But I feel the topic of God is too important to go without discussion. I hope you'll leave your comments (please keep them respectful or I'll delete them) so we can get to know one another! Oh, and let me know what you're top five reasons for loving God...or just your number one!
So for a really quick intro on me...I'm a mom, wife and aspiring writer. I was born into a family with an atheist Dad and catholic mother, who made sure I was baptized and confirmed in the catholic church. We went to church, on average, twice a year and by high school I labeled myself agnostic. Then a change started in me that took about ten years to fully develop into a deep love of Christ. I'm a Lutheran now, as is my husband and son.
I'm not perfect. I have ideals that fall outside the realm of a traditional Christian while others lie strictly with the Bible's teachings. I'm not out to offend anyone. I've been a nonbeliever or passive believer in God more of my life than I've been a Christian so I understand how frustrating it is to have religion shooved down ones throat. I'm not out to do that. I'm just here to share what I've learned, work through some doubt and questions, study some scripture and continuing on my path.
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