Question

Which would you prefer an intimate relationship with Christ where you speak with Him and vice versa or religion(going to church)?

Answer 1

intimate relationship!

Answer 2

Amen brother!

Answer 3

Definitely an intimate relationship! Jesus died so that we could do just that!

Answer 4

It would be better to have an intimate relationship with him. I can go to church and be a unbeliever. I can play church and pretend that I do believe. Anyone can do that. Having a real intimate relationship with the Messiah is something that you can't fake.

Answer 5

Praise the Living God for you brothers and sister.
@ericanoel912: Precisely the reason.
@Jumperman: That's right.

Let's continue in growing in our relationship with the LORD.
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, I know them and they follow me.

Answer 6

I like you bro.

Answer 7

Nice to meet you! God bless you.

Answer 8

Amen! I don't really know many believers so this is like a breath of fresh air

Answer 9

I've experience telepathy, its actually akin to communion except it's not just an emotional tie. Telepathy has information flow involved not just an ecstatic, manic, rapture high which some correspond with a religious experience. This can be dangerous with highly sensitive people such as such as schizophrenic's. In their confusion they hear many voices and some not very nice. When the voice in one's head corresponds to a person reality there is no problem , when it doesn't that's when a person faith is really tested.

Answer 10

I've been under attack all my life by nightmares, and demons telling me lies in my nightmares, trying to kill me, me killing people. The moment I play an AudioBible all through the night. I don't have nightmares that night, as well as the next night and next night, all with paying the audiobible. God is powerful.

Answer 11

Amen @Jumperman I have struggled through the past year with depression and stuff like that and now I can see that God was and is there through it all. He never promised us easy, but He will never give you more than you can take.

Answer 12

Yeah, I actually saw a demon when I was just walking around the city. People think that demons are fake and all that, and some want to see demons, but when you see one, you wish you hadn't.

Answer 13

The demonic is real, but there's a God we serve who is ALL POWERFUL and satan can do nothing to stop Him! God has delivered me from om pretty impossible things. Things that this world thinks that there's no hope!

Answer 14

:)

Answer 15

Paul describe in condition "abound or abase", most don't understand it and consider it economic. Actually its a bipolar, manic-depressive, condition giving a person feeling of a high or low which in itself is not dangerous, but when a person experience it with lack of any world view such as religion can be very devastating. My positions is the prophets of old, having a fairly set religious view, were bipolar and very well been able to be in contact with a being outside of time or in the far future. This may occur due to hereditary and environment, generally prophet ran in families, or it may be one chosen as one in old testament. These gifted people still exist today but they have a different world view and build on science and philosophe, and sadly I find theologian doing the same thing.

Answer 16

I am not convinced Jesus is God, however I would love a personal intimate relationship with God. Science and religion together seem to give me, a rather beautiful outlook on understanding God's mind.

It really is a no brainier question as any sane person would go for the primary source rather than any secondary source.

Answer 17

In the New Testament it say's "Christ would save many", not all. In the end of revelations a temple is build for "God and the Lamb" insinuating a distinct difference between God the Father and the Son. I put no limits on the Father and what will or wont happen, hence my personal faith in my Lords. Whether one is able to go to a primary source is entirely dependent on the primary source, and generally that individual would be called a prophet.

Answer 18

???

Answer 19

Sorry, but I consider both kind of the same, you know. Jesus said to serve him in his house (church). And all of it is a religion in the first place so....... good day! Shana Tova! :)

Answer 20

No both are not the same. Due to the fact that you can't have a relationship with a church building/religion/bible, but you can have a relationship with the ONE who created you because that's what He wants. God walked with Adam and Eve in the beginning according to the Book of Genesis! He talked with them. He spoke to the people of Israel out of the midst of the fire, He talked to the prophets of old. All pointing to having a one-on-one relationship with Him. If Christianity was just a "religion" I would merely walk away. There would be no point of being a Christian.

Answer 21

It is religion. What about Hindus, Jews and Muslims? Are they are false? And are they all religions but you are the one true one? Christianity is a religion. It came from mainly Rome. It is a religion just like the rest. You can't change that.

Answer 22

Jesus is a concept of Christianity just like Muhammad is for Islam. It is all religion.

Answer 23

What is religion, well according to Google, it's a particular system of faith and worship. Jesus stated in Luke 9:23,"If anyone desires to come after me they must first deny themselves, take up their cross daily and then FOLLOW me." Christianity is summed up in that! It's following Him! It's knowing Him, not an established system made up on rules made by MEN on how to serve God!

Answer 24

@JoshuaKNM thank you for posting this!!!! AMEN!!!

Answer 25

@PRAETORIAN.10

Answer 26

It's not a religion, my God is the reason I'm alive, the purpose of my life, the source of my happiness, my best friend, my Father, my confidant

Answer 27

Religion, regardless if it is false or true, right or wrong, correct or deluded; has the ability to make people better humans. And even if it is 110% wrong and no gods exist then our faith that they did exist and the laws we lived by believing in them made our lives better. And we may have wasted 1 hour a week at church all our lives when we could have been sleeping in but that 1 hour a week gave us strength, hope and fulfillment and even if our belief is wrong isn't that worth it because it made us a kinder human being in the end?

Answer 28

To me, God is the realest thing. More real than gravity and the Earth being round. And even if God never existed, the fairy-tale I believe in makes me happier each day. And in that case I would rather spend my entire life deluded and incorrect and happy.

Answer 29

@arabpride @mathgeek27

Answer 30

And something I find really interesting is that even though we and God were ENEMIES bc of sin,he loved us still and sent HIS SON to die for us. He never withholds his love from us, he is always loving, always there. Before I became a Christian I struggled with acceptance issues and being loved bc I didn't have a loving family. But he accepts and loves me

Answer 31

with open arms

Answer 32

no matter how many times you fail him

Answer 33

right, no matter how many times I mess up and feel horrible about it, he's NEVER gonna leave me,like previous friends and lovers have

Answer 34

and everyday I die to my old self, the girl who was so miserable and unhappy but looked so happy on the outside that tried over and over again to end her life, and become a new person in HIM WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH
@PRAETORIAN.10 can i get an AMEN!

Answer 35

yiu got it sis, Amen!

Answer 36

you*

Answer 37

@PRAETORIAN.10 aww thanks :D

Answer 38

anytime

Answer 39

@grray7

Answer 40

I believe this is a good question, but I do view it differently. It's not that hey can necessarily be compared, let me explain. What you all have said is true, I would of course much rather have an intimate relationship with my heavenly Father, being filled daily with his holy spirit and living my life according to his laws, instead of just sitting in church counting the minutes until I leave. As a believer in Christ, I do think I have a strong relationship with God, and I use the church as a vessel to strengthen my faith. The church is nothing without believers, it would simply be a building just like any other, The church is a place for fellow believers to congregate and worship as it says in the bible not to forsake the coming together of your neighbors. The church for me is a place to grow closer to God, spend time in is word (which should be done daily) and enjoy his presence as I walk in faith with my friends, siblings parents and whoever else I may be around. I would much rather as Praetorian said, live my life according to how he calls me to do, then not do so and regret. A common argument I have with Atheists is this matter. I would rather try a little harder to be good and possibly go to Heaven when I die, vs. just saying there is no God, and finding out on Judgement day when it's to late, that I'm now eternally thrown into the fiery abyss of Hell. All in all, as all ya'll well know, there is nothing better than having a relationship with God, and experiencing his blessings flow upon you. Remember to thank God constantly for what he did by sacrificing his son Jesus, and wiping our slates clean, it is by grace alone we are saved, and there is no way to the Father except through Jesus (Jesus said it himself). I hope you all have a Blessed day.

Answer 41

@mathgeek27 @PRAETORIAN.10 @JoshuaKNM @RabbiMordcha @KenLJW @Algorithmic @ericanoel912 @Jumperman

Answer 42

Yes, AMEN @grray7 read Revelation 21:15-21,23-27

Answer 43

I once stated no one can be forced worship God with a gun to his head, This was done to the Jews in the middle ages as well as present day with certain sects of Islam. Adoration of a Deity is a very personal manner and to threaten someone with hell fire is no different the putting a gun to their head. Extortion and intimidation is against the law both legally and morally and the statement "fear the lord thy God" has been lost by man. Initially feat meant conscious or aware not flight or fight. The statement the man is created in God image means as a person comes into this world their creating an image of God in their head with their experience, Christ said it a little differently "I could only do the Father shows me first". This becomes the responsibility of any individual practicing a religion to do and say faithfully according to it because what they say and do becomes a part of someone else's experience. It's better to demonstrate one's religion then try to force someone else to practice it. In the Prophet's God say's "I'll conquer by spirit not by power and might" and Governments and certain Religions try to conquer with power and might.

Answer 44

Well, I'm not forcefully threatening anybody with the undeniable fact of Hell, I'm rather presenting them with the truth and it is their personal choice, 100%, to respond or not, I can't force people to say or do anything. I have a preferred response, but that's not my choice, it's in God's power to determine a man's fate, not mine.

Answer 45

Before you try to accuse others, you may want to read their posts more than once, dismissing half of what they say. I did the same thing as you have in your responses, revealing truth to people and that's it. I also present my opinions on these truths, but as an American citizen, I completely have the right to do so, I'm not breaking any laws, and even if it was "illegal" You aren't going to do anything about it, and my opinions aren't forcing people to believe how I do, as they also have their own minds to differentiate right from wrong. I admit I am a closed minded person, because I stand strong in my beliefs, and am not a blow with the wind kind of guy. @KenLJW

Answer 46

@KenLJW

Answer 47

As for freedom of speech I suggest you read KJB Psalm 12. As for freedom of religion it doesn't mean God will accept them all. To me it's not a matter of opinion but may depend on what realm on chooses in, have you experienced miracles, telepathy, or even observed teleportation I have but not as much as I would like. In Timothy it warns of those who believe in God and yet deny His efficacy.

Answer 48

I've read Psalm 12, and you took it's message out of context, the psalm does not address people who talk a lot, but people who speak pridefully, and with high regard for themselves. I have only exalted God in responses, and spoke of things for his kingdom. I know God won't except all religions, God didn't lay down what he believes in, so that others wouldn't follow it, he wants people to be Christ like, Christians meaning little Christs. I haven't had to experience Syfy things to believe, for I have true faith, and know that his miracles spoke of in the bible are true, I also know that the spirit of someone's testimony is far greater than any other emotional event in this world, and nobody can change somebody else's testimony. And I don't see your point in your last sentence?!? For being 62 years old, you lack quite a bit of wisdom, what Religion/denomination, do u belong to?

Answer 49

@KenLJW

Answer 50

My point on Psalm 12, is SPECIFICALLY stated in verse 3,The Lord shall cut off all FLATTERING lips and the tongue that speaketh PROUD things.

Answer 51

It's apparently not now as those who deny climate change in the media an try to persuade voters in our democracy. People still created rumors about others to discredit them in all realms. Satan is the father of lies and don't be fooled that he's not around and I feel this is his most prevalent period of time.

Answer 52

I acknowledge that he is, and it's my biggest fear, this is my motive for evangelizing and spreading the Gospel as often as I can.

Answer 53

You appear to young yet, to really evangelize in our modern world you must become aware of many things in order to communicate to others. The KJB was the national book up to about 1920, stated by prior presidents, but today few read it let alone read it believing in it's truth. There's a gospel that say's "If salt loses its flavor how do you salt it" after which Christ say's to his followers "be salt"

Answer 54

@mathgeek27 @PRAETORIAN.10 @JoshuaKNM @RabbiMordcha @KenLJW @Algorithmic @ericanoel912 @Jumperman

Answer 55

It's an ignorant response to say I'm to young. I am 14 years old, however that changes nothing of the truths of the Bible that I speak from. Since you love the KJB version so much, here is it's take on evangelism, from Matthew 28:19 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost", So the great commission addresses all believers, not just those of a certain age. Your ignorant statements and random pieces of truth taken out of context are getting on my nerves.

Answer 56

@mathgeek27

Answer 57

This is an example of how we must be strong in our faith bc you never know when Satan may try to come and twist the truth and try to mess with us

Answer 58

@KenLJW no one is forcing you to do anything. We are simply stating our opinions and have been polite about it. So don't try to come here and pick a fight

Answer 59

A fight you are losing sir.

Answer 60

And you are NEVER TOO YOUNG to tell others about Christ and lead others to Him

Answer 61

Your response was very offensive and ignorant, but still I'm gonna turn the other cheek and tell you to HAVE A BLESSED DAY.

Answer 62

I meant no offence by saying your young yet, all I was implying was there certain knowledge that exist in the world your not aware of yet. For example read the US constitution which initially had 7 articles, heading-head, and the bill of right, 10 amendments-powers or horns. Then read Revelations chapter 13, the leopard is the federal government and the spots are the states, the head that was mortally wounded was the articles dealing with slavery and it was healed with amendment, 600,000 died during the civil war a number associated with the Old Testament. All through this chapter there's correlations to present day as well as chapters following.

Answer 63

You ask me what "Religion I belong to" that's more easily asked then done. I first start reading the KJB in 1971, 20 years old, and recognized all the things I had done wrong in my life at that point, I trusted in it's truths but yet was still caught up in certain areas as I would later find out. In my life I've had many hospitalization for mental illness, bipolar schizo-affective is present diagnosis, I take medication because my biology is different the normal people, I also get flu shots each year and a pneumonia shot every 5 years. If you wonder why I have certain experience its because my Lords knows if its not real to me its not real. My religious beliefs are a function of my life experience so far along with all my studies, religion is not only what you maybe spoon fed as a child, honor your father and mother, but a life long endeavor being able to understand what your Lords are trying to say to you and how to practice it.

Answer 64

It is a religion. Just like Judaism, Islam or Hinduism. You only say it isn't because the "Bible says so." Whell guess what..... that is a RELIGIOUS book. You have been brainwashed just like every other religious person who believes so.

Answer 65

I am not "brainwashed" I chose to become a Christian on my own terms, and God wants it to be that way. He could force us, but he gives us a choice to come to Him.

Answer 66

and it's *well

Answer 67

fyi

Answer 68

Are Jews, Muslims, etc. all false? And Christianity is the ONE correct religion?

Answer 69

@grray7 @PRAETORIAN.10 @dejmccray @Devilwolf3000

Answer 70

http://www.pursuingthetruth.org/sermons/files/IsChristianityRight.htm

Answer 71

I would say intimate relationship

Answer 72

The website is all nonsense. Christianity teachings contradicts itself. Christianity is based on pagan ideals.

Answer 73

The definition of Christianity is; the religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, or its beliefs and practices. Do you see any words that would make you think of pagan ideals?

Answer 74

I'm not atheist. I'm Jewish. I have studied Christian history. It is VERY loosely based on pagan ideals: http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/biblianazar/esp_biblianazar_33.htm

Answer 75

There is no truth to any of that. What is your point; do continuously keep asking questions until you annoy me? (which you already have seceded with)

Answer 76

The only reason you say there is no truth to it is because you've been brainwashed to believe otherwise. Those are facts whether you like it or not. I just get sick of religious fanatics like you strutting around thinking you know everything trying to convert everyone. Learn that your religion isn't the only one on this planet. Good day.

Answer 77

I'm not trying to convert you into believing anything,@ any point I never tried to persuade you into becoming a Christian. I know mine isn't the only religion and I respect other people's religions. I never "strut" around like I'm "all that" I try to have a servant's heart and be humble bc I want to serve others as Christ did before me. You are being ignorant by insulting others religions. There is a difference between making a point and just being plain rude. I'm not a "fanatic" I love the Lord my God because he's never given up on me or failed me and he always loves me. I don't mean to be offensive or come off like I'm attacking you, I'm just stating my opinion

Answer 78

I was actually atheist b4 I became a Christian, and it was a decision of my own will. We have a Bill of Rights to protect our freedoms and religious freedom is one of them. I realize there are other religions beside mine, and I respect their beliefs and them as a person

Answer 79

You're the one who came here and started this hun, and I'm finishing it RIGHT NOW. HAVE A BLESSED DAY

Answer 80

I swear I was trying to stay out of this mess of a thread, however seeing a link to 'bibliotecapleyades' was the last straw which made me chuckle to myself, at the state of most of the arguments here are plain lame.

First to address paganism and Christianity, if you have every actually studied Christian history from a secular view point, yes you do find pagan influences, however it is far from being based on pagan ideals. Secular historians are in disagreement over whether Jesus actually exist or not, however the consensus rules that Jesus most likely did exist. (Now, as described by the Bible is a different story. However there are Jewish Rabbi writings about Jesus, which do verify a man named Jesus actually existing.) Christianity is based on Jesus' supposed teachings hence, Christianity is based on Jesus not pagan ideals. Meanwhile, yes Christianity has been influenced by paganism, Judaism has been shown over and over again to based (yes based) loosely on myths from Mesopotamia and Sumerian civilizations.

Also yes one religion has to be correct in the present, over the others if that religion is to argue that their religion is the truth. However this does not mean people from one religion should or will not care or respect people from another religion.

Now to the less part of this post, 'bibliotecapleyades' is a website that hosts webpages to conspiracy theories, not actual history. It holds no merit nor does it source its information in a academic style. The site is a joke, and has been named by many to be simply a propagator of conspiracy theories. The site you linked to is biased only showing what supports their conspiracy of Christianity based on pagan ideals, as well as it completely ignores the scrutiny via secular history brings against it.

Peace and blessings to all.

Answer 81

Well, having started this question. I feel I must state something. More of a statement, but my testimony. Two and a half years ago,. I was living a lifestyle of homosexuality. Having gone to church when I was little and a few times when I was older, I didn't know God because I never knew I could have a relationship with Him. Well, I was living my life the way I wanted to, but one night in August I went to God at a park in my city, and I asked Him if homosexuality was a sin, I wanted to know, I wanted Him to speak to me or show me a sign, do something. Well needless to say I didn't, I may have walked away feeling it was, but that didn't do anything for me. Well four days after that night, I ended up in a mental hospital diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder, and put on anti-psychotic drugs, and later lithium. I never had an episode or whatever you want to call it, but I knew it had to do with God and my homosexuality. Every time I said within myself that I was gay, BAM, right back into the hospital with my mind snapping.

I never read the bible or really prayed until that night with the Lord in the park. I read the Bible on homosexuality both the Old and The New Testaments. There was internal struggle within me for four months. However, God is good, and awesome!!! And a few days before Thanksgiving 2012 I gave my life to JESUS. That same day I was in a little church with my dad, and this other brother who is now disciplining me in the LORD. Anyways a youth pastor walks into the church who left the church a while back, and he showed up that day, and shared his testimony of God's deliverance from all kinds of drugs, and living in crack houses and how God took him out of all of it. MY MIND WAS BLOWN! He asked if they could pray for me, and I said yes. Well after that prayer, something broke and I have NOT been on medication or in another hospital ever since. It's been nearly two years now.

It's that intimate relationship with God that has kept me. Jesus delivered me out of much! And He wants to do the same. He changed my life, others and I pray even yours.

Answer 82

It wasn't the Bible that change me or delivered me it was Jesus!

Answer 83

I do love reading and studying the Bible.