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I believe that to constantly harp about our sinful state is more harmful than anything it might accomplish.
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I believe that we should teach our children that they were made by God and God does not make junk.
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I believe that God means for each of us to accomplish certain distinct things while we are here on his earth.
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I believe that God is very displeased with the way we have trashed his kingdom on earth.
Harping on our sinful nature is totally self-focused. Jesus took care of our salvation over two thousand years ago so we could focus outward and help others. Yes, we need to repent of our sins in our private moments with God but then we are confident that He is faithful and they are dumped into the deep, blue ocean. This frees us up to go and help others.
No one is attracted to Christianity when we act like “sad sacks”. We need to be real and sincere – genuine in our faith.
Thoughtful post again. Thank you for your positive presentation of your beliefs.
You said: “I believe that to constantly harp about our sinful state is more harmful than anything it might accomplish.”
I say: Read Romans 7:7-25 and then tell me you do not have the struggle St. Paul talks about on a daily basis. To “deny yourself and pick up your cross” is to do battle daily with the sinful self and all its lusts and desires. The old Adam is an Olympic class swimmer! Daily we need forgiveness, because daily we sin. Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
You said: “I believe that we should teach our children that they were made by God and God does not make junk.”
I say: I agree. Psalm 139:14. However, God has to use tainted clay, unless you do not believe all people are born with original sin ?? (Ps. 51; Rom. 3:23; Eph. 2:1-2). Would you rather we lied to the children and told them they were perfect little angels, and thus, didn’t need Jesus?
You said: “I believe that God means for each of us to accomplish certain distinct things while we are here on his earth.”
I say: While I can agree with that, it might cause great distress if we are unable to discover the specific things. Suffice it to say good works naturally flow from genuine faith and all good works, no matter how small or great, are pleasing to God.
You said: “I believe that God is very displeased with the way we have trashed his kingdom on earth.”
I say: Did you expect anything less, seeing as how the Kingdom is made up of fallible, fallen people? I believe that to constantly trash the church on earth is causing more harm than anything it might accomplish. How about we focus on the good things the church in the world is doing for the glory of God and the extension of His Kingdom, and encourage and praise individual Christians for their works done in grateful response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
What a sad way to go through life thinking that man is capable of nothing good. Instead, I choose to believe that through faith and God’s help we can move mountains and make his kingdom come to earth.
Psalm 37 always comforts me and gives me direction. It tells me to do what I can, help others, and God will take care of the rest. He promises us He alone is in control, and we are to do good in His name. Pretty positive and worry-free life if we heed His words. He must think a lot of us to offer us such love and promises.