Jesus and Religion

Jesus vs. Religion

I'm sure many of you have seen the video that I have posted the link to above. If not, I do encourage you to watch it in its entirety before reading this post.

The topic this man discusses in this video is one that has always confused me and brought much turmoil into my life. When I was younger, I simply chose to ignore it and went to church as my parents told me to, to the church they told me to go to, without question. But as I have gotten older, the weight has become heavier on my heart to attempt to discover the truth behind Jesus Christ and the basis of religion. Now I know that this video is viewed as highly controversial to most people. And I know that many of you will most likely do not agree with what this man says, but personally, I believe I do. Now that certainly does not mean that I am completely against the church and believe that going to church is a bad thing because it supports religion. I go to church regularly to hear God's word and apply it to my life so that I may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior. But what I am saying is that this man makes excellent points. Religion has been the cause of countless wars throughout history. Just look at the Holy Wars throughout the 11th through 13th centuries. I have seen the church cast out people who they believed were lost in sin, such as single mothers or people who were divorced as he says. Most of the examples he gives are things that I have seen firsthand. But the thing that hit me the hardest about this video was when he said that religion is like "a behavior modification with a long list of chores". I am going to be honest, growing up I have often viewed what I thought was being a Christian as a list of rules and regulations that I have to follow or else I am not worthy of God's presence. I felt oppressed by all the things I was doing wrong and all the things I couldn't do. I felt constrained by all the rules and felt like it wasn't giving me joy but anguish and stress. So what he says is something that I believe is true. Having a relationship with Jesus Christ is more than just having a group of people in a fancy building telling you how to live your life. It is knowing down to your very core that Christ has saved us from our sins and He has given us His word that instructs us on how to live and because of that, we can be free to live with Him and feel His love in our lives. With a relationship like that, following all these so-called "rules" doesn't seem so hard after all, because of the love we feel. And that, my friends, is what I feel to be true Christianity.

Agree with me, or don't, it matters not. This is simply my opinion. I could say so much more, but for now, that will remain in my heart. Much love, my friends.

New Year, New Possibilities

Good afternoon everyone. I know it's a few days late, but Happy New Years to all. I myself had an excellent New Years. I barely did a thing. I played Xbox with my good buddy Charles Wells, then saw some old friends. For the first time in over 8 years, I didn't have a bonfire or throw a party or have a ton of people over. And strangely enough, also for the first time in over 8 years, I didn't seem to care. After New Years was over, that made me start thinking.

I, as with all younger people, have always been concerned with having a large amount of friends. I have always wanted to be doing something, always wanted people to like me. And that's why I was always so concerned with the New Years party. So what was it that caused me to not care so much this year? And then it hit me.

I'm growing up.

I used to be afraid to admit the fact that I am indeed aging and growing into the stage of my life that is full of trials and tests and responsibilities. After going through so many trials and tests already, I didn't want to increase it. But after much deliberation, I realized that I couldn't avoid it or stop it so I may as well embrace it. Then I remembered what my parents have been telling me for a while. Growing older and gaining more responsibilities are a natural part of life that God has ordained for us. Lately God has reminded me that it is our duty as humans to serve Him in every aspect of our lives, and this includes growing older and getting a job and buying a house and getting more responsibilities. And besides, God tells us how He sees time. Years to us are gone in an instant for Him. So remember my friends, our time here is short. So do not fret when things here seem terrible or seem like they are simply too much to bare. God gives us the strength that we need to survive. He wouldn't be much of a God if He didn't. And after this short life is over, He gives us the opportunity to exist with Him in paradise, outside the confines of time. And how could such a joy be overcome by the seemingly overwhelming trials of this world? The truth is, it can't.

Hopefully these words will help you in this new year. This truth that I have realized has given me a sense of hope for the future, starting with this year. And I hope it does the same for all of you. Much love my friends, may God be with you this year.