I don’t know why, but I feel like I have to say what I believe, because I am not the typical Christian author.
I was born into a Christian family and baptized as a baby. Dedicated my life to Christ as a child. Read through The Bible from cover to cover. Baptized as an adult. And I continue to trust God when others say that I shouldn’t.
I believe and follow the words of God the Father, and his son Jesus Christ.
Paraphrased:
Jesus said, “he who is innocent, cast the first stone”. Jesus loved the sinner who repented. Jesus did not judge the sinner, neither do I (John 8:10-11). Jesus said, do not judge, for you will be judged accordingly (Matthew 7:1-2). I do my best not to judge anyone for any reason.
Like many, I used to think that I had no sin, and prayed that if I did, God would reveal it. My eyes were open, and I saw that wanting things I did not have (new clothes, new car, etc.), was wrong, and who among you can say that you don’t? But that’s not a big deal, right? I’m not like those other sinners (Luke 18:11). Oh, how Satan has you fooled.
If you think that you have no sin or are better than others, you deceive yourself and the truth is not in you (1 John 1:8). You need to pray that God will open your eyes, as there is only one who was sinless.
I believe God intends my stories to be an outreach. So, I respect those who have different beliefs and believe in love. For “whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:40)
A friend once told me that he didn’t want to become a Christian, because he didn’t want to be judgmental, like a popular Christian radio host (at the time). I don’t believe in religious labels; they start arguments and even wars.
I don’t like calling myself a Christian, as many misguided Christians have done bad things in His name. Another friend told me that we can’t leave His name to be used by those who are misled, who use His name in vain.
Jesus taught love, not hate. So, if you hate people for any reason, especially because of their race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender, or identity, how can you call yourself a Christian (Mathew 5:21-22)?
I believe God is love, and therefore, anyone who has true love knows Jesus. (1 John 4:8,16)
Did the disciples/apostles pray Jesus into their lives? Are they saved? Of course they didn’t pray for Him, they lived with Him. They had Him in their lives, they followed His examples and teaching, and they received the holy spirit through Him, so are they are saved?
I believe if you listen to the love in your heart, then you are listening to Jesus.
I believe if you obey the laws in your mind (conscience), then you are obeying God.
I believe if you have gut instincts, then you have the Holy Spirit in you.
Jeremiah 31:33-34, 32:38-41; Hebrews 8:6-13, 10:12-17, 10:16; Ezekiel 36:25-27
Even if you belong to a different religion (or none), but you listen to Jesus in your heart, God in your conscience, and the Holy Spirit with your gut, then I believe you have a relationship with the Holy Trinity.
Note, that doesn’t mean that if you don’t have these things, that you don’t have Jesus. Different people have different relationships with the Holy Trinity, and those who are not against us are for us (Mark 9:40).
But if you have not love, you are nothing (1 Corinthians 13).