Sparks from the Fire

If you missed Part I of this discussion, go here: Tread Lightly Beth Lightle -  Part I

“Wow…I had no idea my comment would get this kind of attention! I agree that everyone has a right to their own opinions and belief systems. God designed us to have a free will and choose what we would believe. But, he DID (sorry if you don’t like my use of caps) give us the TRUTH in His word and gave us the choice whether to believe the truth or not. In the old testament He told us that Death and Life is before us… Choose Life.

To me, Jesus is LIFE. Since you’ve studied all the other religions and reformers then you should agree with me that of all that have died, Jesus is the ONLY one who is NOT still in the grave. HE is RISEN and alive today.

I agree with all of the above, but actually, Beth, if you read your Bible a bit more carefully, you’ll see that there were 4 people who ascended, not just Jesus. They are: Enoch, Elisha, Elijah and Jesus.

You asked why I believe what I believe. I believe in Jesus as the only means by which one can be saved, because after searching for years, He is the ONLY one who saved me from myself. Mohammed didn’t rescue me, Confucious didn’t rescue me, Buddha didn’t rescue me, etc. JESUS RESCUED ME and saved my life! I choose to believe in His word because it’s never lied to me…and it’s always proven to work when I put it to use.

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Not so long ago I wrote a posting called “He’s One Of Mine” and in it, I played with the idea that God is the same God of all religions. I received the following reprimand soon after the posting:

“Jesus said, ‘I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father, except through Me.’ So… the god of Buddha (or Mohammed, or Confucious (sic), or any other religion) is NOT the same as the GOD of JESUS. They are completely different, and all religions do NOT lead to God. The only way to get to heaven is through a RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Christ who died for our sins. HE IS THE ONLY WAY. ~God Bless ! — Beth Lightle”

Posted by Beth on Tuesday, April 07, 2009 – 7:27 PM

First of all, Beth Lightle, thanks for taking the time to write in. A little controversy is always good for the soul. It keeps us alive and thinking. Though I doubt that you think your thoughts are controversial judging by the number of caps in your missive. You’ve made it clear here that you’re absolutely sure of yourself.

I too am a huge fan and follower of this man Jesus. I’ve spent my life studying the Bible and especially his words and teachings, and have used these teachings to better my life, to heal and be healed. I do not in any way discount his statement, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father, except through Me.” I only slightly interpret the words in a different light than you do. When he says, “…except by me.” I take that to mean, ‘by my teachings, or by the truths that I teach.”

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