I have studied the scriptures for hours on end for years. My previous work and my retirement have made this possible. I realize it "conflicts" with some of your religious beliefs and some church traditions you were taught and thus to you they are error and I understand that part in you.
How do you know that I was taught what I believe from some Church traditions or teachings? This is an assumption on your part and is
not the truth. But if you are interested in why I believe what I do I am happy to share my experience with you so you know why I believe for future comments.
Many years ago I was lost and alone mixed up in a world of sin that does not know God. I believe Jesus brought me to a place in my life where I needed to pray to God for help as I was desperate for help and had no one in my life to help me. I was mixed up in all sorts of worldly sins and vice. I prayed and asked God for His help in my life at that time although not really knowing God. One thing led to another and I believe God answered my prayer of desperation at that time in my life. I decided at that time that I wanted to learn about God and follow Him but I was confused about Christianity.
I saw so many different Christian religions of Church’s in the world. To me they were all professing the same thing. That is …”We are the chosen ones all you other Churches are wrong, we have the truth.” I thought to myself at that time. How am I ever going to find who God's true Church is? I do not even know God myself.
Then as I was reading the Bible trying to learn about God one day and I came across some Bible verses saying talking about the end days saying. "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect." (Matt 24:24) sometimes I look at the Greek and Hebrew meaning and other bible verses in God's Word so to me this verse beside the literal meaning God. I saw that a false prophet can mean a false messenger of God and a false Christ could also mean a false religious system (e.g. Christ is the head of the Church, false Christ is the head of a false religion).
Anyhow I thought this was not encouraging for me how am I going to know God’s truth and His Words? “As the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa 55:8-9).
Anyhow because of this I decided not to join any Church at that time in my life. I continued to read the Bible and not long after learning the above I believe God showed me the following Bible verses (not all at the same time)……
“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” (Isa 55:6-7)
It was like God was telling me I need to Seek Him and give up my old life… more encouraging verses from God as I was reading His Word.. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you and
ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” (Isa 29:11-13) I knew that was my part God wanted me to find him through His Word. That was my part to seek him then he promised me I would find Him…
Not long after God showed me these wonderful verses in His Word…….
“I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (John 16:13).
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:26-27).
Then as I was reading these verses stressed out from thinking how will I ever find God’s truth and with all the false Christianity in the world it was like Jesus was talking to me saying don’t be afraid, don’t worry, if you ask me for my Holy Spirit and you Seek me through my Word you will find me.
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him,
If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and
ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)
It was like God was telling me I need to pray for His Spirit to teach me and I needed to seek for His truth like hidden treasure. But He promised me I will know His truth and His Truth shall make me free. So there you have it. Now you know why I believe the way that I believe. It’s because I ask God every day that I may know His truth so He may set me free from my sins and so I may follow Him. I believe his Words do you my friends? His sheep hear His Voice… I believe Gods true people are in all the Churches but the time is coming when He will call His followers out to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.
God bless you all.