What I've Learned From...

[TinyGiant]

RELIGION is man trying to BRING HIMSELF TO GOD (by human effort, good works, ritualism, traditionalism, sacraments, etc.).

CHRISTIANITY is Christ BRINGING US TO GOD on the basis of what He did for us on the cross (1 Peter 3:18).



I think its completely possible to not be religious and still believe in God. But on the contrary believing in God isnt all that needs to happen. Satan Believes in God. The Bible outlines that salvation is through Christ.

Look at when Jesus was on the cross. There were two theives up there with him. One of them said to Jesus that he knew he was the messaih.. Jesus told him that he would go to heaven that day. Its understanding that Christ saves us from our sins.. not the rest of the religious stuff.. Jesus didn't say to him.. sorry chum.. there is no time today to get baptized.. or well today is a friday.. and you have to go to church at least once.. being nailed there.. i dont think your going to make it. lol he belived and was saved through Christ's sacrifice.

I'm a Christian and have been since i was 5 been studying scripture ever since. its interesting and deeper than anything you'll ever read. But with anything people can twist scripture to fit what they want people to believe.

I had a summer long talk with the jehovah's witnesses last summer and was able to study thier beliefs.. which are nothing short of cultic. they litterally change words in the scriptures and demand that all of the JW are not allowed to study scripture without elders there to guide them. basically they arent allowed to see the truth at all since they have to be spoon fed slop from the JW elders.

God gave us brains for a reason. He wants us to use them. not follow blindly but to search for him with our whole being. :)

Its good that you are using your head when dealing with a new church. Anytime i visit a church that i've never been to i always am on guard a little because you are never sure what you are going to come across.. there are alot of people who , with best intentions, are just a little off.

The fact that you are noticing how off they are proves you are on the right track :) We'll never have the answers and thats the faith that we need to have. But in the same respect we should always be searching and trying to learn as much as we can about God through the scripture :)