by hillary_step 21 Replies latest jw friends
I also went through the little ritual of asking jesus into my heart, and accepting that it is so on faith. That didn't do a thing for me. As far as speaking in tongues, it was only toward the end of my christian phase that i started to be desirous of it. Before that, i thought it was a bit wierd. When i wanted it, and worked at recieving it, i couldn't get it.
SS
Wow, nice essay Sixofnine, thanks! Very good reading!
I have read the comments on this thread with interest.
I was especially interested by the post made by Six and Outlaw where intuition seems to play a significant part in the 'God' experience. Intuition I can ascribe to, as like Outlaw it has saved my life on more than one occasion.
It would be as interesting to read the 'witness' or 'testimony' of those who are still commited to their mystical experience, those who feel that Christ is in their hearts today and directs their paths. It seems to be, and as I admitted I am a trifle cynical about this whole matter, that many of these experiences resemble the same compulsion and certainty of schizophrenics who have bypassed their medicine.
When I read the experiences of those who have been 'born again' there is no room for doubt as to their spiritual birth or rebirth. Can these experiences be quantified, discussed and analysed, or are they best left in the realm where intellect gets stopped at the door for lack of cash? If that is the case do those who are Born Again of Holy Spirit have a right to evangelize on the basis of an unexplainable feeling? Is this a matter of Master or a matter of mind?
Hs
I have always been puzzled at the experiences of those who seem to pray and ask Jesus to enter their hearts and report a great event taking place.
Me too! I just don't get it...perhaps I am too cynical as well.
I once had a Jesus Lover ask me if I had "asked Jesus into my heart"
I had to ponder this. I mean he seems a nice enough guy, but into my heart? How do you do that?
I think he was in my heart once, when I was little. He just showed up because my parents told me he was coming. Rather like when your parents announce your creepy uncle is coming to visit and your parents then throw you out of your room so he can have it. It doesn't set right with you, but he is family. So you deal.
Religion never sat right with me, but it was a big deal to my family (obviously). So I had to deal.
How do you accept someone into your heart? I mean anyone, not just angelic figures?
I have trouble letting any man into my heart let alone some dusty savior in bed sheets and Bethlahem Birkenstocks.
*croons to Jo* People , people who need people, are the luckiest people in the world .
*whispers into the mike* "let Him into your heart now Jo.. let us into your heart"
Excuse me sir...are you looking at my heart or my boobs?
From their testimony, it seems that those who have "accepted Jesus" and felt this wonderful warm tide of God's love wash over them....are sincere.
But when they try to convince the not-yet-saved among us, the logic is "It is unexplainable. You MUST experience it to understand what it feels like. And once you feel it, you KNOW that it's true."
So by an abject submission to Jesus, and "inviting him in to your heart", then and only then will he suddenly rush in and give you the mystical experience that only a born-again Christian can understand.
Or something like that.
I believe God talks to everyone, it's just that most people either don't want to listen, or aren't interested in what he has to say. How? I think it depends on the person, their life experiences and how they understand God.
I also believe that there will never be any absolute 100% concrete scientific proof of God. I think the secret lies in the definition of faith. "things hoped for". I believe God wants us to make the choice.
But then it's late and my brain hurts, so what do I know?
So by an abject submission to Jesus, and "inviting him in to your heart", then and only then will he suddenly rush in and give you the mystical experience that only a born-again Christian can understand.
Nobody's rushing into me, thank you VERY much!
| Hillary dear Hillary, Have you read this? http://www.exjws.net/pioneers/briancole.htm If you chose so to do would you please give us a comment thereon. | |
| This got posted on another thread please, please do not ask me how. I have no idea. yesidid | |
