I've spoken to several of you about my faith (and your faith) from time to time over the years. I remember a few of you (Eric, Ryan, Chris, and others) heard exactly how I feel, including the parts about how Jesus died for us to give us new life. Others of you only know about my faith because of the debates we get into or the viewpoint I hold on random issues (Scott, Jamie, Kevin, and others).
Some of you have been ok with my claims regarding spiritual things, even if you didn't agree with them. A very few of you were actually combative when I brought the issue of Christ up. I appreciate the respect you've given me and I hope I've given you the same.
And let me be clear: This blog entry in no way absolves me of the actual need to tell you face to face about Jesus Christ and what he means to me. What this entry does is allow me to articulate (hopefully) better and for you to consider how both you and I feel about the issue.
Yes, I believe that Jesus was the promised one from centuries ago. I believe he was born by a virgin, that he was crucified in the manner consistent with Roman styles of his day. I believe that he died so that you and I wouldn't have to. I believe he righted the spiritual wrong that had been since Adam. I believe that he was dead for 3 days. I believe he rose again after that and appeared to several people. And finally, I believe that because of what the Bible teaches, which means I also believe the Bible.
So what does that mean for you? On one hand, it means that (if I'm right and you're wrong) that you'll unfortunately go to hell when you die and I will go to heaven. It doesn't matter if you're a good person or not. I know you're a good person. I wish that was enough, but by the same token I'm glad it's not because we're never going to be good enough.
On the other hand, it means I live with more peace about life than some of you. Not all of you. A few of you have found a very peaceful place in life. But some of you could use some more peace.
Mostly though, this post is to let you know that I'm sorry I haven't talked to you yet about Jesus and what he means for us and mankind in general. I don't really have an excuse. I can make some up, but the fact is they don't hold much water. I will try to get around to you folks as soon as I can. Please bear with me as I struggle with fear that you might turn your back on me, and I like you all too much to risk that some days.
But if I like you that much, I also like you enough to want you to meet the Savior. So I'll do my best from now on.
Some of you have been ok with my claims regarding spiritual things, even if you didn't agree with them. A very few of you were actually combative when I brought the issue of Christ up. I appreciate the respect you've given me and I hope I've given you the same.
And let me be clear: This blog entry in no way absolves me of the actual need to tell you face to face about Jesus Christ and what he means to me. What this entry does is allow me to articulate (hopefully) better and for you to consider how both you and I feel about the issue.
Yes, I believe that Jesus was the promised one from centuries ago. I believe he was born by a virgin, that he was crucified in the manner consistent with Roman styles of his day. I believe that he died so that you and I wouldn't have to. I believe he righted the spiritual wrong that had been since Adam. I believe that he was dead for 3 days. I believe he rose again after that and appeared to several people. And finally, I believe that because of what the Bible teaches, which means I also believe the Bible.
So what does that mean for you? On one hand, it means that (if I'm right and you're wrong) that you'll unfortunately go to hell when you die and I will go to heaven. It doesn't matter if you're a good person or not. I know you're a good person. I wish that was enough, but by the same token I'm glad it's not because we're never going to be good enough.
On the other hand, it means I live with more peace about life than some of you. Not all of you. A few of you have found a very peaceful place in life. But some of you could use some more peace.
Mostly though, this post is to let you know that I'm sorry I haven't talked to you yet about Jesus and what he means for us and mankind in general. I don't really have an excuse. I can make some up, but the fact is they don't hold much water. I will try to get around to you folks as soon as I can. Please bear with me as I struggle with fear that you might turn your back on me, and I like you all too much to risk that some days.
But if I like you that much, I also like you enough to want you to meet the Savior. So I'll do my best from now on.
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