webolog's posterous http://webolog.posterous.com Most recent posts at webolog's posterous posterous.com Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:48:57 -0700 Does Religion Ever Define a Person? - Response http://webolog.posterous.com/does-religion-ever-define-a-person-response http://webolog.posterous.com/does-religion-ever-define-a-person-response

As a daily Twitter user, I try to catch up on the blogs written by the people that I follow wherever I can. One such person Sarah C Robinson writes great sports blogs, with a witty and inciteful take on a vast variety of sports, that I very much enjoy reading.

Last month I came across a blog written by Sarah entitled - Does Religion Ever Define a Person?  which was not the usual musing I'd been used to from Sarah, yet as a Christian it certainly grabbed my attention.

So much so, after a few weeks of procrastination about 'should I, shouldn't I?', I am now here writing my response to the questions posed.

The first point I'd like to make is a distinction between the religious and the faithful. Many people say they are Christians but their lives are no different in anyway to a devout atheist. Nothing of what I am about to say is talking about those people. I am referring to Christians, who love Jesus and live their life in a way that shows they are what they say they are.

The second point is that this is not a preach. I took the blog questions as genuine, so I am replying in the same way.

 

Let's start with the big question of the blog - What defines a person?

I define myself by my faith and belief in God. I believe that we are all eternal beings and our temporary existence here is not to be the focus of my life. Therefore I put all earthly definitions after what I believe is my ultimate purpose - though my family and sports do get a mention in my profile as well.

Sarah says I feel like I have no right to discuss religion as she doesn't have a faith in one. I think everyone has the right to discuss what they're doing here, where they came from and where they're going.

On faith I would say that believers and non believers have it in equal measure. It takes a pretty big faith to say "when I die my life is just over".

 

Does displaying a world view on a Twitter make a difference?

I believe it does. Not to say anyone defining themselves as anything makes them someone to follow or not, but it does give an insight to what you might expect.

As a Christian, I love to be encouraged by the bible. If someone is a believer then you may or may not get outwardly Christian posts, but what I hope you could be sure of, is an assurance that the content is suitable for other Christians.

Like with anyone on Twitter not advertising a world view on the profile, it doesn't mean you will enjoy their posts anymore than anyone else's ramblings.

 

We all define ourselves by our goals and the things we focus our time and energy on. It may get us Twitter followers and it may offend people. That's all I've got to say about that.

 

Any thoughts or comments will be replied to. Thanks for reading.

 

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/911412/honeymoon_2_007.JPG http://posterous.com/users/1kLzyWFStdJL Ian Ballinger w'Ebo'log Ian Ballinger
Sun, 01 May 2011 05:51:00 -0700 Trust in God http://webolog.posterous.com/trust-in-god http://webolog.posterous.com/trust-in-god Ephesians 3:20

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.


What does that mean?

Basically, trusting in him and receiving him in your life and in your heart, opens the door to a partnership with him, full of blessings that are beyond what you are able to think of.


I'm not a Christian, what do I need to do?

Anyone can receive God's free gift of salvation, by acknowledging that Jesus came to die for you on the cross and that he alone can forgive you of your sins that separate you from God.

If you truly believe that and haven't done anything about it, you can pray this simple prayer -
My heavenly Father, I come before you now to acknowledge you in my life. I have lived apart from you and your ways and for that I am sorry. I now turn away from my old ways. Please forgive me of my sins.
I thank you Jesus for dying on the cross to save me. I welcome you into my life and I offer my life to you.
Please help me, by the power of your spirit, to live according to your will and your ways forever more.
Amen


Then what?

Get a bible and get into the living word of God. Start by reading the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Tell someone - preferably someone who will be pleased. The sooner you can be encouraged in your faith, the quicker you will grow and the more your trust in God and faith can develop.

Find a church - one you can connect with and understand the teaching. It doesn't have to be the first church you go to, or the closest one. Talk to the pastor, reverend or vicar about their plans and vision, and the roll of their church for the community. Then ask God to help you to discern the right place for you.

Be aware - making a step towards God and away from the world will make you a prime target for the enemy. Understanding how the enemy want to steal, kill and destroy by sowing seeds of doubt and lies concerning the eternal promises of God, will help you repel attacks. This in turn will help you to sink your roots deeper into God's word and help you grow stronger.
Do not think that faith in God will keep your from danger. It won't. It will however give you all the tools needed to overcome adversity.

Run a good race - the transforming of a life into the likeness of Christ takes a lifetime. There will be times of weakness and failure, that is a certainty. But believing in God doesn't mean being perfect. You have been saved by God's grace, not by your conduct or anything you have done. God's grace and loving forgiveness will be required your whole life.


Please don't let a lack of Christians around you be an excuse to stop you from talking about God or faith. If you have any questions, please ask.

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/911412/honeymoon_2_007.JPG http://posterous.com/users/1kLzyWFStdJL Ian Ballinger w'Ebo'log Ian Ballinger