Hi Cathym,
The first question I want to ask you is, how are you?
To be honest, I have not read the whole thread. But in the last pages I noticed that you are looking for logical answers regarding the Bible. I think there is also the problem. It is about faith. Faith is not something I can explain. Nor is it something I can just give it to someone. I think, that a real christian isn't the one that overload you with bible verses and so on. A true christian seeks the best for his fellow men. Why, because we believe in Jesus who who said, Love God above all, with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your strength and with whole your soul. And love your neighbor as yourself. Why do I believe in Jesus? Well that is an question where I don't have an answer on. It is my faith, that's why Jesus said: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. it is faith. I find peace and strength in my believe. Because of my faith, I feel a connection to Jesus, why? Don't know, it is my faith in Him... Because of that I oversee all my actions in my live and want to do good as much as possible. I am holy, no, certainly not
I also have my mistakes, but it sorrows me, why, because the person I have faith in said "care for your fellow men, the same as you care for yourself".
Why is Jesus then the person I want to have faith in? Because I believe he saved me from my sins. Is this an excuse for my mistakes? No certainly not.
I just believe that a man is not able to seamlessly life. But I do believe in a creator that such a life requires of us . That is why Jesus came to us , to do the will of His father for us. Again, that does not make me free of my wrong actions. But I want to live for His glory. Love God above all, with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your strength and with whole your soul. And love your neighbor as yourself. But my faith is, that I can appear without fear before God, because Jesus bore the punishment for me.
I hope you do not think that this is an excuse to hide my sins. A true Christian want to live according to the two things mentioned above. Anyone else who does not live like that, but says that Jesus is there their savior, is a hypocrite.
You know, it is faith, faith is not to explain. Anyone who used religion for their own interests ( and believe me , that happens very often! ) Is not a Christian.
I'am not trying to convert you, that's not in my power to do. But I can recommend you to read the Bible again. I also want to share with you some good thing to do. Just take some paper and write in large letters the name Jesus on it. Then, when you read the Bible you try to do it in the light of Jesus. What does this person mean to me on every page.
Can I pray for you? I do not mean this pious
But it is my faith That He will listen to all the programs or pray His children (you see, faith again
.
God bless you Cathym
Ps. I come from the Netherlands, so sorry for my bad English