Christian bronies: meet, greet, and mingle!

[Kel_Grym 1,917]

I went through the exact same thing you are going through now. Happened in 2013... Don't get carried away please.

http://www.thecommonsenseshow.com/2016/10/09/emergency-announcement-where-you-are-at-is-where-you-will-soon-stay-ww3-is-here/

 

 

Sorry. I'm overzealous.

 

Though the mark of the beast is already here and some really bad stuff is gonna drop on everyone's heads.

 

Yom Kippur is today at sundown

 

I'm scared for people.

 

I think this is that hour.

 

I shouldn't have come that way at you though. There was a reason for it but a misplaced one.

 

The only reason I'm here is because I'm really trying to warn ppl that IT is coming.

 

And all this pluralistic transhumanism going around?

 

It's a trap.

Edited October 12, 2016 by Kel_Grym

[Steel Accord 6,660]

So here's a question for you guys, what's your favorite myth or story from the faith? The Tower of Babel, Jesus and the Ten Lepers, the Last Temptation of Christ, the Garden of Eden?

[Kel_Grym 1,917]

So here's a question for you guys, what's your favorite myth or story from the faith? The Tower of Babel, Jesus and the Ten Lepers, the Last Temptation of Christ, the Garden of Eden?

When King David was running from Saul and wound up at the gates of the Philistine king. He had second thoughts about being there and acted like a Jibbering madman which led to the funniest verses of the Bible.

 

"Look! You can see the man is crazy," Achish said to his servants. "Why did you bring him to me?

 

Do I have such a shortage of crazy people that you brought this one to act crazy around me? Is this one going to come into my house?"

 

1 Kings 21:14-15

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Let's all pray for Sunwalker who's in surgery at the time of this typing. For those who don't know it's corrective so he should actually be better when he comes out of it but he was pretty nervous going in so he could use our support.

[DeadAccount111 63]

How do you join this? Do you say "Hi" and introduce yourself? I'll try that,  Hi I am Peri/Ginger, I am a christian, how do you do?

[Steel Accord 6,660]

How do you join this? Do you say "Hi" and introduce yourself? I'll try that,  Hi I am Peri/Ginger, I am a christian, how do you do?

 

Nice to meet you Peri/Ginger. I'm doing all right, myself. Welcome to the thread.

[ChB 18,550]

So here's a question for you guys, what's your favorite myth or story from the faith? The Tower of Babel, Jesus and the Ten Lepers, the Last Temptation of Christ, the Garden of Eden?

Jesus and the Woman of Samaria in John 4. 

Edited October 12, 2016 by ChB

[DeadAccount111 63]

Nice to meet you Peri/Ginger. I'm doing all right, myself. Welcome to the thread.

 

Thanks I am glad to be here

[LittleMac 3,085]

How do you join this? Do you say "Hi" and introduce yourself? I'll try that, Hi I am Peri/Ginger, I am a christian, how do you do?

 

Hiya, welcome! Lovely to meet you

 

Hope you enjoy yourself on the thread

[Sunwalker 981]

Funny thing happened a couple days ago. I was talking to my Dad, feeling a little down on myself, and he reminded me of the story where Jesus cured the lepers and only one came back. Guess what was the reading from the gospel that very next mass I went to?

 

I was so filled with God I was almost crying in the pews but happy tears because I felt like I needed some reassurance from God and He gave it to me.

This was the reading that was read on last Subway's mass to me

 

What stuck on me was that Jesus didn't heal them instantly. Instead, he asked lepers to walk to the temple to present themselves to the high priest. And the 10 lepers were healed on their way to there. The message that I got there is that Jesus didn't want them to have a passive hole and handle this cure on a silver plate, instead he wanted them to make an effort that was within their capabilities, and have faith that they would be healed.

 

There is one more thing, though. Among the 10 lepers, only one returned to thank Jesus for it. It is not mentioned what happened with the other 9, personally I don't think that Jesus would revoke the cure. But the difference on the 1 who returned and the other nine, is that the 1 who returned got both his soul and body healed, while the other 9 got only their bodies healed.

 

The other message I got from this was that the closer you remain from God, the more he can act in your life. He respects your free will to the utmost. If you don't want to be fully healed, you won't be, even if he really wants to do that.

 

P.S.: Steel Accord, I saw you made another question afterwards. I will get to it at a later date. Now I am recovering from the surgery which I asked for prayers earlier. I will also tell about it in more details. By Sunday I should be 100% fine.

 

By the way, thanks to everyone for the prayers! I really appreciate that. Even to the non-believers there, I also really appreciate your good thoughts. God bless you all

 

Edit (October 13th): , I have also saw your questions right below and I shall also address them in a later date. I am mentioning your name so you get notified of this note of mine.

Edited October 14, 2016 by Sunwalker

[PonyMage 228]

Hello! I have been raised as a Christian my whole life and have not changed my beliefs. I've lurked this thread before and wanted to post some questions/thoughts I had. Beware that they are long, and they may be considered slightly blasphemous, hence why I don't want to discuss them with my family (who are very strong believers).

1. On The Concept Of Heaven

I've personally often had doubts about how "pleasant" an eternal paradise would truly be. Firstly the concept is difficult to grasp. Living without any problems or sadness. But, for me, I ask myself, how can one truly feel happy if joy is all they feel? I think the happiness we feel in our lives is born from the fact that we know things aren't always good or glad. We can't always be happy, so we feel good in the present moment, knowing that for now we are content. That makes the happy moments, well, special. Can endless happiness be dull? Would it lose meaning? The thought troubles me.

On the subject of dull... what is there to do in heaven? It is a perfect place. What does that leave one to do? Our day to day lives operate on the basis of making the world a better place to some degree such as trying to cheer a friend up (or to satisfy our own desires, like playing a video game, reading a book). But how can these things be necessary in heaven? It's a perfect place. And I really doubt God has gaming systems in His paradise. They're a manmade thing. But I love video games. I would be sad losing them forever. Is that wrong? Perhaps that desire would vanish in death, simply because it is not possible to want for things in paradise. And books? What would their plots be? Stories are founded on conflict, violence, sadness, hardship, just like video games. How can that negativity and sin be tolerated in heaven? How can it exist? What does exist in heaven? Just talking or enjoying the scenery may get old, especially after thousands of years. What of our professions? Our loves and interests we pursued in life, like science, astrology, performing for others... I don't see how most of these things would exist. We do know there is music in heaven... but is it only hymns? What about more fast-paced music? What about rock, metal, dance, pop? Is it sinful to think that only playing hymns might... well, get repetitive? I feel guilty just for considering that thought.

My last point is, what if that paradise is not to one's taste? As far as my family (and every other depiction of heaven I can remember) goes, heaven is pictured as summer/spring like, warm, sunny, green. Also, there's no ocean, it says as much in Revelations. But what about people that like colder weather? I prefer weather cooler even than in the 70s. I like the cold winds, bare trees, and autumn leaves, even the cloudy skies of winter and autumn. But those leaves are indicative of death; the trees' growth dying and shriveling away. Winter is hard and cruel, born of the sinful, imperfect nature of this world; that everything is in a flawed cycle of life. So how can any of those things from winter be in heaven? Just to start with, there can't be clouds, because there is no ocean. There can be no rain, unfortunately for people who like rainstorms. Unless, of course, heaven doesn't follow science - I guess it probably doesn't.

Now all these questions may be answered in the Bible, because I haven't been able to read very much of the Book at all in my life so far. Perhaps it states that our fondness for all these earthly things fade upon death; that eternal happiness and perfection does not wear upon the immortal soul, only our earthly bodies. If any one can tell me what they think of all this, I'd be most appreciative. Personally, I've contemplated if heaven isn't different to some degree for each person; their own preferred reality. Because what pleases one person doesn't please another? I don't know. I'm probably rambling at this point.

2. On The Subject Of Human Worth

I should open this up by saying I am a huge believer in the power of the human mind. It is amazing what untapped potential we have, what the brains God made for us can do without us even being aware of it (like memorization, incredibly fast reflexes, formulating strategies at high speed). We humans are capable of incredible things - we ARE in God's image, after all.

Even the story of Babel shows this. When the men wanted to build a tower to the heavens to escape potential subsequent Great Floods, God had to stop them, because of their ego and flawed basis for building the tower. But while reaching the literal heavens may have been physically impossible, nowhere does it say we could not build a incredibly high tower, even back in those ancient times. God had to divide them up through language scrambling because, frankly, when united man's power and potential was too great for his own ego to control. And that, I think, shows what we are capable of - so long as we stay humble.

Because of this, I find the story of Job disturbing. From my understanding, Job was a smart, God-following, successful man. He followed God well and was rewarded accordingly. However, he had a flaw, and thus God allowed Satan to test him. That flaw was, apparently, he was not humble. He thought he was above others because of his achievements, and his wisdom, which he attributed to himself, not God. And when he learned this, God rewarded him more than ever before.

What bothers me about this is, does this mean we can NEVER be proud of ourselves? Of course we should not loft ourselves above others. But should we never attribute anything we do to ourselves as well, even a little bit? Can we not be pleased with any degree of wisdom, kindness, good acts, or righteousness that we have achieved? Should we only say, "It was God's will", or "God helped me," or "I only beat temptation with His help"? Are we in fact incapable of anything without God handing it to us?

I was raised on the basis of "do hard work and God will reward you." And I agree to that; God DOES have a hand in our success, I think. But does that mean no accomplishment is are own to any degree? Is any great story we write, any song we construct, any machine we build only possible because God handed that to us? Did none of it really come from our own mind? Are we truly that helpless?

I believe it to be a middleground; God helps us, yes, but not every moment, all the time. We can be satisfied with our achievements, but not arrogant about them. We can do great things. We can cheer someone up, we can create a beautiful piece of art, of our own free will and power; God just gives us His blessing, not explicit aid. But what do you think? Is the thought of us being capable of anything holy without His help in fact blasphemous? I really don't know. So I'd like to know your thoughts. I'm thinking the right outlook is in between the stories of Job and Babel.

Sorry for such a huge text dump. This has all been on my mind for a while now, and I tried to get all my thoughts out at once. I didn't really mean for this to get so long, but thank you for reading and possibly replying.

[DeadAccount111 63]

Hello! I have been raised as a Christian my whole life and have not changed my beliefs. I've lurked this thread before and wanted to post some questions/thoughts I had. Beware that they are long, and they may be considered slightly blasphemous, hence why I don't want to discuss them with my family (who are very strong believers).

1. On The Concept Of Heaven

 

 

I've personally often had doubts about how "pleasant" an eternal paradise would truly be. Firstly the concept is difficult to grasp. Living without any problems or sadness. But, for me, I ask myself, how can one truly feel happy if joy is all they feel? I think the happiness we feel in our lives is born from the fact that we know things aren't always good or glad. We can't always be happy, so we feel good in the present moment, knowing that for now we are content. That makes the happy moments, well, special. Can endless happiness be dull? Would it lose meaning? The thought troubles me.

On the subject of dull... what is there to do in heaven? It is a perfect place. What does that leave one to do? Our day to day lives operate on the basis of making the world a better place to some degree such as trying to cheer a friend up (or to satisfy our own desires, like playing a video game, reading a book). But how can these things be necessary in heaven? It's a perfect place. And I really doubt God has gaming systems in His paradise. They're a manmade thing. But I love video games. I would be sad losing them forever. Is that wrong? Perhaps that desire would vanish in death, simply because it is not possible to want for things in paradise. And books? What would their plots be? Stories are founded on conflict, violence, sadness, hardship, just like video games. How can that negativity and sin be tolerated in heaven? How can it exist? What does exist in heaven? Just talking or enjoying the scenery may get old, especially after thousands of years. What of our professions? Our loves and interests we pursued in life, like science, astrology, performing for others... I don't see how most of these things would exist. We do know there is music in heaven... but is it only hymns? What about more fast-paced music? What about rock, metal, dance, pop? Is it sinful to think that only playing hymns might... well, get repetitive? I feel guilty just for considering that thought.

My last point is, what if that paradise is not to one's taste? As far as my family (and every other depiction of heaven I can remember) goes, heaven is pictured as summer/spring like, warm, sunny, green. Also, there's no ocean, it says as much in Revelations. But what about people that like colder weather? I prefer weather cooler even than in the 70s. I like the cold winds, bare trees, and autumn leaves, even the cloudy skies of winter and autumn. But those leaves are indicative of death; the trees' growth dying and shriveling away. Winter is hard and cruel, born of the sinful, imperfect nature of this world; that everything is in a flawed cycle of life. So how can any of those things from winter be in heaven? Just to start with, there can't be clouds, because there is no ocean. There can be no rain, unfortunately for people who like rainstorms. Unless, of course, heaven doesn't follow science - I guess it probably doesn't.

Now all these questions may be answered in the Bible, because I haven't been able to read very much of the Book at all in my life so far. Perhaps it states that our fondness for all these earthly things fade upon death; that eternal happiness and perfection does not wear upon the immortal soul, only our earthly bodies. If any one can tell me what they think of all this, I'd be most appreciative. Personally, I've contemplated if heaven isn't different to some degree for each person; their own preferred reality. Because what pleases one person doesn't please another? I don't know. I'm probably rambling at this point.

 

 

2. On The Subject Of Human Worth

 

 

I should open this up by saying I am a huge believer in the power of the human mind. It is amazing what untapped potential we have, what the brains God made for us can do without us even being aware of it (like memorization, incredibly fast reflexes, formulating strategies at high speed). We humans are capable of incredible things - we ARE in God's image, after all.

Even the story of Babel shows this. When the men wanted to build a tower to the heavens to escape potential subsequent Great Floods, God had to stop them, because of their ego and flawed basis for building the tower. But while reaching the literal heavens may have been physically impossible, nowhere does it say we could not build a incredibly high tower, even back in those ancient times. God had to divide them up through language scrambling because, frankly, when united man's power and potential was too great for his own ego to control. And that, I think, shows what we are capable of - so long as we stay humble.

Because of this, I find the story of Job disturbing. From my understanding, Job was a smart, God-following, successful man. He followed God well and was rewarded accordingly. However, he had a flaw, and thus God allowed Satan to test him. That flaw was, apparently, he was not humble. He thought he was above others because of his achievements, and his wisdom, which he attributed to himself, not God. And when he learned this, God rewarded him more than ever before.

What bothers me about this is, does this mean we can NEVER be proud of ourselves? Of course we should not loft ourselves above others. But should we never attribute anything we do to ourselves as well, even a little bit? Can we not be pleased with any degree of wisdom, kindness, good acts, or righteousness that we have achieved? Should we only say, "It was God's will", or "God helped me," or "I only beat temptation with His help"? Are we in fact incapable of anything without God handing it to us?

I was raised on the basis of "do hard work and God will reward you." And I agree to that; God DOES have a hand in our success, I think. But does that mean no accomplishment is are own to any degree? Is any great story we write, any song we construct, any machine we build only possible because God handed that to us? Did none of it really come from our own mind? Are we truly that helpless?

I believe it to be a middleground; God helps us, yes, but not every moment, all the time. We can be satisfied with our achievements, but not arrogant about them. We can do great things. We can cheer someone up, we can create a beautiful piece of art, of our own free will and power; God just gives us His blessing, not explicit aid. But what do you think? Is the thought of us being capable of anything holy without His help in fact blasphemous? I really don't know. So I'd like to know your thoughts. I'm thinking the right outlook is in between the stories of Job and Babel.

 

 

Sorry for such a huge text dump. This has all been on my mind for a while now, and I tried to get all my thoughts out at once. I didn't really mean for this to get so long, but thank you for reading and possibly replying.

The only bad questions are the ones that remain unasked, but I'll just answer them with my own thoughts if that's okay. I believe that if heaven were just floating on a cloud playing a harp, I would very bored. I believe that heaven is a place where we can continue to learn, grow, and become more like god/heavenly father. After all, the first thing in the bible is when god created the earth, and I wouldn't be surprised if we might do something like that, or at least continue to learn.

 

The same with your second question, I think we are here to learn and grow, so god will help us reach places to do so, and guide us just like a father would. He can give us advice, but we are in control of our lives, and can choose our paths, but he is there to help if we ask.

 

Now, this is mainly my view, and partially my religious upbringing. But it what I truly believe. I hope this helped, at least a little

[ChB 18,550]

Hello! I have been raised as a Christian my whole life and have not changed my beliefs. I've lurked this thread before and wanted to post some questions/thoughts I had. Beware that they are long, and they may be considered slightly blasphemous, hence why I don't want to discuss them with my family (who are very strong believers).

 

1. On The Concept Of Heaven

 

 

I've personally often had doubts about how "pleasant" an eternal paradise would truly be. Firstly the concept is difficult to grasp. Living without any problems or sadness. But, for me, I ask myself, how can one truly feel happy if joy is all they feel? I think the happiness we feel in our lives is born from the fact that we know things aren't always good or glad. We can't always be happy, so we feel good in the present moment, knowing that for now we are content. That makes the happy moments, well, special. Can endless happiness be dull? Would it lose meaning? The thought troubles me.

 

On the subject of dull... what is there to do in heaven? It is a perfect place. What does that leave one to do? Our day to day lives operate on the basis of making the world a better place to some degree such as trying to cheer a friend up (or to satisfy our own desires, like playing a video game, reading a book). But how can these things be necessary in heaven? It's a perfect place. And I really doubt God has gaming systems in His paradise. They're a manmade thing. But I love video games. I would be sad losing them forever. Is that wrong? Perhaps that desire would vanish in death, simply because it is not possible to want for things in paradise. And books? What would their plots be? Stories are founded on conflict, violence, sadness, hardship, just like video games. How can that negativity and sin be tolerated in heaven? How can it exist? What does exist in heaven? Just talking or enjoying the scenery may get old, especially after thousands of years. What of our professions? Our loves and interests we pursued in life, like science, astrology, performing for others... I don't see how most of these things would exist. We do know there is music in heaven... but is it only hymns? What about more fast-paced music? What about rock, metal, dance, pop? Is it sinful to think that only playing hymns might... well, get repetitive? I feel guilty just for considering that thought.

 

My last point is, what if that paradise is not to one's taste? As far as my family (and every other depiction of heaven I can remember) goes, heaven is pictured as summer/spring like, warm, sunny, green. Also, there's no ocean, it says as much in Revelations. But what about people that like colder weather? I prefer weather cooler even than in the 70s. I like the cold winds, bare trees, and autumn leaves, even the cloudy skies of winter and autumn. But those leaves are indicative of death; the trees' growth dying and shriveling away. Winter is hard and cruel, born of the sinful, imperfect nature of this world; that everything is in a flawed cycle of life. So how can any of those things from winter be in heaven? Just to start with, there can't be clouds, because there is no ocean. There can be no rain, unfortunately for people who like rainstorms. Unless, of course, heaven doesn't follow science - I guess it probably doesn't.

 

Now all these questions may be answered in the Bible, because I haven't been able to read very much of the Book at all in my life so far. Perhaps it states that our fondness for all these earthly things fade upon death; that eternal happiness and perfection does not wear upon the immortal soul, only our earthly bodies. If any one can tell me what they think of all this, I'd be most appreciative. Personally, I've contemplated if heaven isn't different to some degree for each person; their own preferred reality. Because what pleases one person doesn't please another? I don't know. I'm probably rambling at this point.

 

 

 

2. On The Subject Of Human Worth

 

 

I should open this up by saying I am a huge believer in the power of the human mind. It is amazing what untapped potential we have, what the brains God made for us can do without us even being aware of it (like memorization, incredibly fast reflexes, formulating strategies at high speed). We humans are capable of incredible things - we ARE in God's image, after all.

 

Even the story of Babel shows this. When the men wanted to build a tower to the heavens to escape potential subsequent Great Floods, God had to stop them, because of their ego and flawed basis for building the tower. But while reaching the literal heavens may have been physically impossible, nowhere does it say we could not build a incredibly high tower, even back in those ancient times. God had to divide them up through language scrambling because, frankly, when united man's power and potential was too great for his own ego to control. And that, I think, shows what we are capable of - so long as we stay humble.

 

Because of this, I find the story of Job disturbing. From my understanding, Job was a smart, God-following, successful man. He followed God well and was rewarded accordingly. However, he had a flaw, and thus God allowed Satan to test him. That flaw was, apparently, he was not humble. He thought he was above others because of his achievements, and his wisdom, which he attributed to himself, not God. And when he learned this, God rewarded him more than ever before.

 

What bothers me about this is, does this mean we can NEVER be proud of ourselves? Of course we should not loft ourselves above others. But should we never attribute anything we do to ourselves as well, even a little bit? Can we not be pleased with any degree of wisdom, kindness, good acts, or righteousness that we have achieved? Should we only say, "It was God's will", or "God helped me," or "I only beat temptation with His help"? Are we in fact incapable of anything without God handing it to us?

 

I was raised on the basis of "do hard work and God will reward you." And I agree to that; God DOES have a hand in our success, I think. But does that mean no accomplishment is are own to any degree? Is any great story we write, any song we construct, any machine we build only possible because God handed that to us? Did none of it really come from our own mind? Are we truly that helpless?

 

I believe it to be a middleground; God helps us, yes, but not every moment, all the time. We can be satisfied with our achievements, but not arrogant about them. We can do great things. We can cheer someone up, we can create a beautiful piece of art, of our own free will and power; God just gives us His blessing, not explicit aid. But what do you think? Is the thought of us being capable of anything holy without His help in fact blasphemous? I really don't know. So I'd like to know your thoughts. I'm thinking the right outlook is in between the stories of Job and Babel.

 

 

Sorry for such a huge text dump. This has all been on my mind for a while now, and I tried to get all my thoughts out at once. I didn't really mean for this to get so long, but thank you for reading and possibly replying.

These are great questions! Firstly, heaven is not just an eternal vacation. Joy and Paradise may be a part of it, but it's not the end-all, be-all of it. Our ultimate purpose in life, both here and in the world to come, is to be one with God, in perfect union with Him. For the Scripture says:

 

"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire." (2 Peter 1:3-4; ESV)

 

As stated, we will partake in His divine nature, not that we will literally be God per say, but that we would be in a perfect relationship with Him, sharing in His glory and wonder and becoming the light of Christ.* This is what Orthodox and Catholic Christians like to call "Theosis" or "Divinization," and what many if not most Protestant Christians like to call "Sanctification" and "Glorification." We would not only be sinless, but we would be glorified so much, that we would be a reflection of His glory.

 

As C.S. Lewis once put it in his book "Mere Christianity":

 

"The command “Be ye perfect” is not idealistic gas. Nor is it a command to do the impossible. He is going to make us into creatures that can obey that command. He said (in the Bible) that we were “gods” and He is going to make good His words. If we let Him—for we can prevent Him, if we choose—He will make the feeblest and filthiest of us into a god or goddess, dazzling, radiant, immortal creatures, pulsating all through with such energy and joy and wisdom and love as we cannot now imagine, a bright stainless mirror which reflects back to Him perfectly (though, of course, on a smaller scale) His own boundless power and delight and goodness. The process will be long and in parts very painful; but that is what we are in for. Nothing less. He meant what he said." (Macmillan, 1952, p. 174)" 

 

Think of a good family. A relaxing vacation by youself is one thing; spending quality time with your family and friends can be even more fun. Or perhaps, think of becoming great friends with your favorite celebrity. Sounds really fun, right? How much more if we spend time with all our deceased relatives and friends?  How much more, if we have a perfect relationship with Paul, Peter, Mary, Moses, and all of the great Saints, Apostles, Prophets, and Teachers? How much more if we have a perfect relationship with the One infinite in glory and splendor, who created all things and designed us in His image? We are children of God, as the Scriptures say:

 

"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." (Romans 8:14-17; ESV).       

 

Once we see the glory of His boundless power, mercy, and love...once we see all that He has purposed for us, the earthly things we have in this world, however great, will be miniscule to us, compared to what is to be revealed to us. I love video games and dramatic books, too, but I trust that God has planned something even greater for me. 

 

That said, I don't deny the possibility that there might be games in heaven, video or otherwise. As for music genre besides hymns, I don't see why there wouldn't be, as long as we're not talking about songs with blasphemous or sinful lyrics. As for cool weather, again, I don't see why there shouldn't be. Perhaps God can create beautiful snow and deciduous trees, without it being about death. I wouldn't say that it's wrong to feel that you might miss the earthly things in life, as long as it doesn't stop you from pursuing godliness.  

 

For your second question, I think you are more or less correct. The truth is in the middle. Our holiness and righteousness comes from the grace of God, but we have the freedom and ability to either embrace it or reject it. We are in a synergistic relationship with God, where He gives us His holiness through His Holy Spirit, and we partake in it through loving our neighbors and following His commands.

 

Hope that helps. Let me know if I missed any of your questions, or if you have more.  

 

 

*I know that Mormons have a different perspective on this, and I respect that, too.

Edited October 14, 2016 by ChB

[PonyMage 228]

Firstly I want to say that typing up my thoughts here helped clear my head on things. As far as my second question went, I feel like in writing out my thoughts I kind of found I knew the answer, which was reinforced by your own reassurances.

<snip>

 

<snip>

I really appreciate both of your thoughts and they honestly did answer my concerns. I never really thought of heaven as simply being "the next step" in the journey towards being closer to God. I guess I just thought we would suddenly become angels upon death, but both of your posts made me realize it will be a journey that will continue in the next life. That notion comforts me, because it means we will still have something left to strive to achieve after all.

 

Also ChB, I want to say that I never considered the possibility that what will be in heaven is so new, exciting, and better than our life here that our worldly desires would become overridden and unappealing rather than forcibly removed or suppressed. That also sets my mind more at ease.

 

Thanks guys. You really cleared my mind and gave me a better and more optimistic outlook.

[I used to be a stranger 7,993]

This post has been redacted by the author.

Edited May 10, 2021 by Blue

[Whirlwind 1,055]

Ahoyhoy fellow carbon-based humans!

 

Haven't posted in five months. What'd I miss?

welcome back! nothing much, but just great connectivity with Christ 

[I used to be a stranger 7,993]

This post has been redacted by the author.

Edited May 10, 2021 by Blue

[ChB 18,550]

Me too. 'Cept I've got a girlfriend and half an engineering diploma by now. Things change fast...

 

Oh and I haven't seen anything of Season 6 yet. I miss anything good?

I liked Season 6, yeah. Personally, much more than Season 5. My favorites, listed in chronological order, are:

1. Gauntlet of Fire

2. No Second Prances

3. A Hearth's Warming Tail

4. The Saddle Row Review

5. The Times they are a Changeling

6. Dungeons and Discord

7. To Where and Back Again (Season Finale)

 

The only ones you should see before the Season Finale are #2 and #5.  

Edited October 16, 2016 by ChB

[Sunwalker 981]

Thank you very much for all the prayers about my surgery! It worked great, and I am mostly recovered by now.

 

I had chronic sinusitis, my nasal septum was almost closed and it was difficult for me to breathe. This also gave me headaches sometimes, and the breathing made difficult for me to sleep. Since I couldn’t breathe well during sleep, I could not rest well during night. That made me to feel very tired at morning.

 

I used to think that this tiredness was because of stress, but it happened regardless of how I was emotionally. I prayed for quite a bit so the cause of my morning tiredness could be found, and it looks like my prayers were answered when I found out that I needed the surgery.

 

Early in last August, a little over two months ago, I got an appointment at an otorhinolaryngologist (the doctor that takes care of ears, nose, and throat). The reason was that I had too many wax in my ears and they were closed, so I went to get the wax washed away from my nose. She (my doctor) did that, but she also took the opportunity to look in my throat and nose.

 

She noticed that there was something wrong in my nose, and then requested a couple of exams: an nasoendoscopy, and computed tomography of the sinuses. With the results of the exams, she diagnosed what she already suspected: my chronic sinusitis. Apparently it had been building up for years, and no other doctor I went to noticed it.

 

She concluded that I needed a surgery. The procedures are called septoplasty and turbinectomy (it is not unusual for those to be made together). They are for reshaping my nasal septum, and reducing my nasal turbinate (which grew too big and was obstructing the air passage). The doctor requested some blood tests and a heart exam for the day of the surgery, all of which showed that my blood and heart are fine.

 

We agreed on a date, we picked up October 11^th because it was in the day before a national holiday here in Brazil, the Feast of Our Lady Aparecida. The choice of day was meant so I wouldn’t lose too many days in the college, but I think that the date was really providential. When I mentioned this, in private, to @Steel Accord he mentioned that I would be a new man after the surgery

 

I should admit that I felt a bit anxious and nervous in the days until the surgery. My mom kept asking if my heart said that I needed to get this surgery, my answer was yes. It was the Divine Providence who guided me to that specific doctor, at that specific place, and that specific time. I had been praying for that, plus during all this process of finding a doctor and going to her, I felt a peace and assurance that only God can give, it is not something human.

 

My mother also suggested for me to see with my priest if I could get the Anointing of the Sick. Initially I declined because I thought that this sacrament (we are Catholics) was meant only for the terminally ill or for those who would go through a risky surgery. My mother replied that every surgery is risky, and I decided to talk with my priest. He explained that I could get the Anointing of the Sick, and he gave me it on the Sunday two days before the surgery.

 

The Anointing really helped me to feel calmer and not anxious. In Catholicism, this sacrament has two of purposes: (1) to help the ill person to recover or, if he is already going to die, so he can pass away peacefully; and (2) to help the soul when meting God (the Anointing cleanses one from his sins). I also made a Confession, because I felt that it would be “cheating” to just get cleansed of sins considering I am perfectly capable of doing a Confession. The Anointing of the Sick is useful to cleanse the sins of those too ill to make a Confession, but for those who are perfectly capable of going to a priest and talking, I think that they should also confess.

 

I got the Anointing on the Sunday, I confessed on the Monday, and my surgery was Tuesday. My mother went with me to the hospital, as my patient companion. We got the paperwork done, and we were moved to a private hospital room so we could wait for me to be called for the surgery. It is the doctor on her criterion who decides the order she is going to call up the patients, so we needed to wait as little or as much she deemed necessary.

 

I arrived at the hospital 10 AM (my official arrival time was 11 AM, but I got earlier just in case). The doctor called me up at around 2 PM, so I was moved to the surgery center while my mother kept waiting in the room. On the elevator until there, there was also with me a little boy who would get his left eyelid operated, he looked so calm, I am not sure whether he even knew what it was happening. His mother assured him that she would be there waiting for him once he was done, this really touched me (his surgery also went fine, by the way).

 

At the surgery center, before the surgery, I was still feeling a tad nervous. I was trembling a bit. I still waited for some minutes at the corridor of the surgery center. During this time, I could talk with a patient next to me, who assured me. Seeing the people there moved something inside me. I felt like crying and I then asked the Lord for forgiveness as I had never before. I don’t cry easily, so when I cry it means that it is something else.

 

I was moved to the surgery room. The anesthesiologist noticed that I was nervous. He talked to me in order to calm me down, he joked by saying that while I sleep they work, hehe. The anesthesia took effect very quickly, just a couple of seconds after it was injected in my vein. I had the surgery under general anesthesia, I was sleeping. I had a tube on my mouth to help me breathing.

 

During my surgery, I had high blood pressure. The doctor could control it with medication. She has also found in my nose more stuff than what she could see in the tomography, so the surgery was harder than what she expected. But she managed to do everything that she needed to do in my nose. The surgery was a success, it lasted for around two hours.

 

Because of my high blood pressure during the surgery, the doctor has decided that I should remain in the hospital for the night (I was supposed to return home on the same day). Then I could get further medication and be under observation. I returned to my private hospital room, where I and my mother would stay until the next day. There I would also get medical care and food.

 

I got a pair of nasal tampons inside my nose. I had a cannula in my right arm, in order to get medication. I also could not move much, and I could not eat solid food. My nose was aching, which is normal after the surgery, and the tampons were really bothersome. I had a bit of fever too. Since I am right handed, and I could not use my right hand, my mother needed to spoon-fed soup for me. She also was patient, comforted me, and said me to offer to God my tribulations, which I did. Wise words!

 

By that point, I was annoyed by my condition and I felt a bit humiliated. I couldn’t resist, and I cried a bit. I apologized to my mom for saying I felt humiliated, and I thanked her for her efforts. She was if great help there. She made me company, feed me, and helped me to lift up when I needed to go the bathroom. I needed to pee quite a few times because of the saline I was getting in my vein.

 

We found on the TV a channel that plays relaxing classical music 24/7, while showing relaxing images. We let the TV on this channel most of the time, even during the night. In the middle of night, this channel went off air. My mother felt this was a pity, the channel was really calming. I quietly prayed God so it would return, and not too long after it has returned on air. God takes care of us in both small and big things

 

The nurses were really nice, and every now and then they came to give some medicine and measure my blood pressure, which had already normalized. While I was in the hospital, I also talked with many family and friends through phone or internet. The service of the hospital was excellent; I have nothing to complain about them.

 

Next morning (Wednesday), I was feeling better, so I was discharged from the hospital to return home. The cannula was removed, so I could use my right arm again. I had still to keep my nasal tampons until Saturday, when the doctor would remove them. Back home, I still could not get solid food for a while, and I also had to lay up while resting, with the head lifted by a couple of pillows.

 

In the first couple of days I coughed quite a bit and my nose bleed a few times, all of which are normal in this stage. My doctor also prescribed a custom made antibiotic, which needed to be made at a compounding pharmacy. I have to take it each 12 hours during 15 days, in order to prevent infections.

 

Each day that passed I felt better than in the previous one. Right after the surgery I was a bit upset on my condition, but I could also calm down. Only the nasal tampons remained annoying, they didn’t hurt, they were just a tad bothersome. But they were necessary so my nasal septum could keep its proper shape while healing.

 

Last Saturday, I got an appointment with my doctor in order to get the tampons removed. I got them removed, which was really freeing. My appointment was supposed to be 12 PM, but some other patient cancelled his appointment, so I was rescheduled to 9 AM, earlier! Even here God’s providence showed up, He knew how annoyed I was by the tampons.

 

My doctor prescribed a medicine against bleeding, for my nose. And she said me to wash my nose for two weeks with saline solution and a nasal gel that she had prescribed. This gel was also custom made at a compounding pharmacy, the regular nasal gel that is sold already made is too acidic and makes the nose to ache. The gel which she ordered doesn’t ache the nose. This nasal gel is for hydrating the nasal membrane and dissolving the blood clots.

 

My doctor got surprised on how quick I was recovering, she expected me to look worse. Usually after such type of surgery the region around the nose gets a bit purple and inflamed, but my nose looks great on both the outside and the inside. I can breathe much more easily now, and even my sense of smell is working better. Doctor Vanessa Fernandes, otorhinolaryngologist. A very nice and competent woman, I am really glad and thankful for her work. I should return to her next October 29^th in order to get my nose checked after my full recovery.

 

I still should remain home, resting, this week. I should return to college on the week afterwards. I am feeling mostly fine. It no longer aches, I don’t feel ill. There is still some blood-colored snot once in a while and some small fever occasionally, but I am getting better as time passes. And right now I am almost 100% fine. I am really glad for all the support, God be praised!

 

Now a shot-out (in alphabetical order) to the friends here which I kept in touch in private about the surgery. Thanks to @Blue, @ChB, @LittleMac, @Once In A Blue Moon, , @Scootalove, @skysweep, @Steel Accord, @Sterling Crimson, @weesh, @Znex!

[Jon the VGNerd 885]

I may be Christian, but not everyone where I live in wish to mingle nor share interest with me. They'd rather be away from others than to mingle around with them.

[Whirlwind 1,055]

I was recently touched with my recent small group topic.

We were talking about the darker side of life and how turning away from faith will probably be the cause..

I found it interesting to me

[Sunwalker 981]

Hello! I would like to respond to a couple of questions, that I meant to respond much earlier.

 

So here's a question for you guys, what's your favorite myth or story from the faith? The Tower of Babel, Jesus and the Ten Lepers, the Last Temptation of Christ, the Garden of Eden?

My favorite is the same one as ChB above, the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well.

There are so many layers on this story, that one could meditate for a while. That woman was already put aside on that society. It despised Samaritans, saw women as inferior, and on top of that she “had many husbands”. The time in which she went to the well, noon, is revealing: it is the hottest time of the day, when it isn’t expected for her to find anyone else. She could not go there at any other time, because of the hatred she would get if she found other people.

When Jesus talked to her, he didn’t judge, and also didn’t start by giving help. He asked for help, he asked for a drink. This completely disarmed the woman, she never expected someone to need her. Even her thought that she was unworthy. Perhaps she expected people to either show hatred or pity. Instead of accusing her, Jesus got her to trust him and open herself up. Her life was changed without being forced into anything, and other people also converted thanks to her testimony.

 

1. On The Concept Of Heaven

ChB above already gave you a thorough reply, but I would like to add some stuff.

The difficulty here is that Heaven is something completely different from anything we are used to. Any description or comparison would fall short somehow, it is unlikely anything else. It is normal to be insecure over the unknown, which might make people to hold onto what they know.

But we can still look at it this way: Heaven isn’t to live less, but rather to live more. Much more. If you can enjoy this life in spite of all its shortcomings, there is no reason that you won’t enjoy Heaven as well.

Personally, I think that it is a completely different kind of reality that works on totally different rules. Concepts like time and space work in our physical world, but in Heaven I don’t think that such things exist, and it operates completely different. No way of getting “bored”, since “boredom” would imply in some imperfection. Heaven has no imperfections.

The upside of the shortcomings of this world is not the shortcomings themselves. Suffering only by itself is the most useless things ever. What matters is the opportunity of growth and learning, the sufferings when offered to God help to redeem you. He can turn them into something useful. And in Heaven we will be closer to God.

 

2. On The Subject Of Human Worth

Here, again, the issue is that we don’t know nothing beyond this life and don’t have anything else to compare to. The things of this world, as dear and important we consider them, will all come to pass and are smaller than the spiritual treasures we have in Heaven. Enough to make you forget all the sufferings at the first instant.

It is not wrong per see to value the things of this world. Anything that comes from God is good, and so it would be wrong to say that the material things are bad by themselves. The problem is when we put something above God. The human worth doesn’t come from the material side of things, but from the spiritual one.

If God has allowed something bad to happen, it is because he can bring a greater good from it. Sometimes we might get too attached to the things of this world, and this gets in the way of God. It might be preferable to lose them, even if just temporarily, than risking to lose the salvation. A greater personal growth comes from it.

[Twiggy 2,966]

So here's a question for you guys, what's your favorite myth or story from the faith? The Tower of Babel, Jesus and the Ten Lepers, the Last Temptation of Christ, the Garden of Eden?

I would have to say the entire book of Revelations. I've been having a good time trying to figure out what it means. That part with the trumpets sure sounds like how a guy from 2000 years ago would describe a massive world conflagration.

 

Then there's the Biblical Apocrypha. The people who decided the canon of the Bible made a huge mistake. Jesus Christ the Dragon Slayer should have remained in there.

[ChB 18,550]

Verse of the week: Galatians 2:20 (ESV)

"20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

[weesh 690]

There was a Christian bronies panel at Nightmare Nights con.

I didn't go because I was mesmerized by a panel on completely kickass animatronic wings which extended to 8'!

Edited October 24, 2016 by weesh