The Big Questions--Pt 1

During my three questions fun. I met a man named Gene who had some big questions for me.

1) Do you think suffering is a necessary part of everyone's life? In other words, do you feel your own experience has made you a 'better' person?

2) Do you believe in God or a higher being?

It's funny how when you ponder these kinds of things, often events will occur that really bring them into focus. Or maybe it's not so much funny, as designed. No sooner did I begin to think on these things then I was thrown into a whirlwind of hurt and pain and suffering by some of my own sistahs. Sometimes it's difficult to write on things when they are so close, but a little time, and a little fun with my own mom have given me the space and perspective needed to answer. I don't think, however, that I can answer them in the order they were asked. My answer to the question of suffering hinges too much on what I believe. So without further ado, I am going to attempt to answer question #2, and follow it up with my "treatise" on suffering.

What I believe:
* I believe in God, the one and only Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth.
* I believe in the triune nature of God. That He manifests Himself as God the father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
* I believe that the Bible is the absolute, inerrant, perfect word of God. I believe every word from beginning to end. I believe that if any part of the Bible is not Truth, then God Himself is a liar and a fraud. God is Truth, and therefore is not able to contradict Himself by having untruth in any part of His word.
* I believe that mankind was created to exist in a perfect union with God.
*I believe in a 6-day creation.
* I believe in Satan. I believe that he was an angel whose pride caused him to believe he could do it better than God. I believe that in his beautiful corruption he doomed 1/3 of the angels and that they were swept from Heaven to roam the earth in wrath, pride, hate and destruction.
*I believe that Satan cannot touch God's people without the express consent of God (see Job for proof of this). I believe that the big picture of God's design includes God's consent to some of Satan's requests, but I also believe that God's ultimate plan for us is to prosper us, not to harm us.
* I believe that Satan entered the garden, tempted Eve and thus destroyed the perfect union that was God's original design. I believe that this is when sickness, death and corruption entered the world.
* I believe that because of our fallen nature, we need a redeemer, to pay the price for our sin (death) and restore us to a right relationship with God.
*I believe the plan for our redemption was in place before the time of our creation. I do not believe that anyone but the triune God was privy to the fullness of the plan.
*I believe the Jesus Christ is the perfect Son of God, who manifested Himself in human form, lived a sinless life, and died a horrible death. I believe that if I were the only person in history to ever accept Him and His sacrifice, He still would have done this.
* I believe Christ was born of a virgin, lived a normal (sinless) childhood, grew in stature, wisdom, and favor with God and man, stumped the temple priests at 12 years old, turned water into wine, caused the blind to see, the lame to walk, cast out demons and raised from the dead. I believe He undelibly touched all who came in contact with Him, but their response to Him was freely determined by them. I believe He wept in the garden, stood before Pilot, was beaten beyond recognition, hung on a cross, forgave a dying sinner, was buried in a tomb.
* I believe the tomb is empty.
*I believe Christ conquered death, broke down the gates of Hell, rose again, appeared to hundreds, and ascended to Heaven to sit in victory at the right hand of God.
*I believe He's coming back, and this time as the king the Jews expected.
* I believe that I will not be here in coporate form when He does.
* I believe in Heaven and Hell. I believe that Christ Jesus is the one and only way to heaven.
* I believe Salvation is a heart issue, but that Baptism is an act of obedience. I believe that if Jesus did it, I should imitate it, and thus baptism is a necessary step of obediance, but not necessarily the moment of salvation. I believe that some people get baptized and just get wet.
*I believe faith is a walk, that we will never be perfected on this earth, that the church is filled with sinners, that judgement is reserved for God, but that accountability is necessary.
*I believe that no church is perfect because it is made up of people, but that we are called to gather together as a body to teach, minister, encourage and uplift.
*I believe that if all you do is warm the pew, then you are missing out on the all the great gifts God has waiting for those who do His work.
*I believe God's word is alive, relevent and an imperative tool for the true believer.
*I believe that many cry "Lord, Lord" but they do not know Him.
*I believe that miracles still happen, that God answers prayer, that prayer has power, and that I may not like God's answer.
*I believe it's not about me.
*I believe if I keep silent, the rocks will sing His praise.

Comments

[Jenster]

I found you through "A Wandering Heart's Musings". I can't argue with one single little thing you said. You stated it all so perfectly and succinctly. I'm off to read more!

[Maurice]

I have to say that I deeply admire your boldness! I wish more people were as confident in God. Blessings to you! :-) Oh, I found you through Sara's journal (http://www.xanga.com/clothedinjoy). Take care and stay safe!

[Janice]

Amen - so well said, it could be a creed.

[Andrea]

I just had to say a big 'hello' and 'amen' to that post! I found you on Cheri's blog and I'm looking forward to coming back again :-)

[meomy]

bravo!!!!!!!

[NasaNut]

You are a true daughter of God. Bless you and have a great day.

[Kelly]

preach it sistah!!

[Di]

That was great!

[Gene]

I stand in awe of the One true God. I'm also awed by the eloquence with which you describe Him. Awesome post, Dana.

[Nattie-dahling]

Wow! I don't know that I could coherently say all that even though it is what I believe. Bravo!

[Stacey]

AMEN!!! :-D

[naomi]

That's one big awesome God we believe in and to think, He, the King of all Kings loves us and wants relationship with us. I am so in awe of Him.

[sparrow]

*standing ovation*