To the Christian who thinks only those who accept Christ will go to heaven....

[walksalone11]

Anyone can author a book and make any claims they wish and call it non-fiction and find a publisher.

Anyone, or any group can adopt any catchy slogan or motto.

Has anyone ever heard of "propaganda"?

As far as translations, reminds me of the person who wanted the tatoos with the Japanese writing that says love or peace or some such fluufy thing and comes out proud and bragging about their new tat that actually translates to dip *bleep* or some other derogatory phrase.

Always verify what you have verified, please.

I'm not sure if you're addressing this to me walks but since it came right after my post I'll assume so.

The bible is in harmony with recorded historical events. http://www.bible-history.com/
The bible is in harmony with archaeological findings. http://www.uhcg.org/news/is-bible-true.html
Historians and writers outside of biblical writings such as: Tacitus, Suetonius, Flavius Josephus, Thallus, Pliny the Younger all mention Jesus.

The Babylonian Talmud (Sanhedrin 43a) confirms Jesus' crucifixion on the eve of Passover and the accusations against Christ of practicing sorcery and encouraging Jewish apostasy.

Lucian of Samosata was a second-century Greek writer who admits that Jesus was worshiped by Christians, introduced new teachings, and was crucified for them. He said that Jesus' teachings included the brotherhood of believers, the importance of conversion, and the importance of denying other gods. Christians lived according to Jesus’ laws, believed themselves to be immortal, and were characterized by contempt for death, voluntary self-devotion, and renunciation of material goods.

Mara Bar-Serapion confirms that Jesus was thought to be a wise and virtuous man, was considered by many to be the king of Israel, was put to death by the Jews, and lived on in the teachings of His followers.
http://www.gotquestions.org/did-Jesus-exist.html

I think there is enough evidence for me to conclude that bible is not fiction.

As for the motto of the Army. You are right anyone can adopt any motto and the military has carried out actions issued from the government that are no doubt wrong. However, my point being that the motive of the military a whole is to defend. Some individuals within the military may have ahboreous ideas about wiping out people they don't like. Some leaders within the military may have those same ideas. But the point and purpose for the military is defensive in nature. And no one should be excommunicated, shamed, disfellowshipped, shunned, or protested because they choose to join the military.

You mentioned translations. I assume you are referring to my statement that my interpretation of the bible doesn't contradict itself.

I have verified countless times in this forum alone, where a supposed contradiction is not a contradiction. I have referenced original Hebrew and Greek writings to show what a word actually interprets to. I have given explanations to show that supposed passages proving God's evil nature, are not proving any such thing.

I'm not here to proselytize anyone. I have given ample explanations with references and reliable historical facts to defend my position as a Christian. When I'm addressing another Christian I don't try to defend the bible because they believe it the same as me, whether we disagree on interpretation or not. And in this post I was addressing a person who believes the bible (albeit from a wrong interpretation IMO)

Perhaps......

"Secret Origins of the Bible" Tim Callahan

[shernajwine]

Perhaps......

"Secret Origins of the Bible" Tim Callahan

Secret Origins of the Bible Book Review
http://www.tektonics.org/books/callahan02.html

[walksalone11]

Perhaps......

"Secret Origins of the Bible" Tim Callahan

Secret Origins of the Bible Book Review
http://www.tektonics.org/books/callahan02.html

Thank you Mrs. Sherna. That proves my point very well. I have no need to be right here, and we could go back and forth all day find this "authority" or that to dispute the last, but basically all that does is awards one of us the latest "nenner nenner nenner". I know you get what my point is. Where do we draw the line and say that this "man" or that "man" is the finally authority on the subject.

Wisdom is your friend and we should all never cease to seek it out, where ever it leads.

[jordandog]

Dianna37: "and what about the story about the Tower of Babble, If God wanted all of us to be one in religion, he would never have destroyed the Tower to Heaven."

Here again is an atheist (me) clarifying another incorrect point made by a religious (of some type?) person.

The Tower of Babel (NOT Babble, that is where the word BABBLE derived from due to the confusion of language caused by God) was NOT destroyed because of the reason YOU stated. The people who built it all spoke one language and they used manmade materials to build the tower instead of what God had already provided them. He took the tower down and caused them to speak languages NONE could understand because they were building a monument to themselves, to call attention to their own abilities and achievements, instead of giving glory to God. It was to be only their way to get to heaven and not for everyone.
Perhaps you should be opening your Bible up and learning what it actually says. I have apparently remembered more from it than you have known.

Okay, I'm done picking at this one. I need to go get some sleep now so I can function at work tonight. Can't wait to see what happens with this mess, lol.

[shernajwine]

Perhaps......

"Secret Origins of the Bible" Tim Callahan

Secret Origins of the Bible Book Review
http://www.tektonics.org/books/callahan02.html

Thank you Mrs. Sherna. That proves my point very well. I have no need to be right here, and we could go back and forth all day find this "authority" or that to dispute the last, but basically all that does is awards one of us the latest "nenner nenner nenner". I know you get what my point is. Where do we draw the line and say that this "man" or that "man" is the finally authority on the subject.

Wisdom is your friend and we should all never cease to seek it out, where ever it leads.

I agree walks, completely. And that's why my belief in God and my trust in the bible is based on more than just what so and so says. But when I'm speaking to a person who isn't Christian, the only thing I can give them is, essays, reports, books, records....ect. I can't give them my perspective, I can't give them my affection for God, I can't give them my faith.

[walksalone11]

Perhaps......

"Secret Origins of the Bible" Tim Callahan

Secret Origins of the Bible Book Review
http://www.tektonics.org/books/callahan02.html

Thank you Mrs. Sherna. That proves my point very well. I have no need to be right here, and we could go back and forth all day find this "authority" or that to dispute the last, but basically all that does is awards one of us the latest "nenner nenner nenner". I know you get what my point is. Where do we draw the line and say that this "man" or that "man" is the finally authority on the subject.

Wisdom is your friend and we should all never cease to seek it out, where ever it leads.

I agree walks, completely. And that's why my belief in God and my trust in the bible is based on more than just what so and so says. But when I'm speaking to a person who isn't Christian, the only thing I can give them is, essays, reports, books, records....ect. I can't give them my perspective, I can't give them my affection for God, I can't give them my faith.

Grandmother once told me "Be careful of giving your "medicine" away, lest it loses it's power."

I think some gifts are meant for just the recipient, and would not be fully appreciated by another, with the possibility of neglect or mis-use IE disrespect. You find great comfort in what has been gifted to you and should cling to that as long as you do. We can not make others honor our own gifts. Just a little something to ponder.....

[shernajwine]

Here again is an atheist (me) clarifying another incorrect point made by a religious (of some type?) person.

I wasn't even going to go there lol. Sometimes you just have to pick and choose your battles and I was more than happy to leave that one alone. Thanks for stepping up Ms. Atheist  

[teflonfanatic]

The bible says nothing about defending yourself but says not to kill your fellowman

The bible says not to murder, it doesn't say not to kill. If the original Hebrew really translated "Thou shalt not kill" that would constitute a contradiction in God's character since he specifically told people to go to war in the OT.

Not only is a proper and responsible policy of self-defense taught by Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, but there were occasions when God even commissioned His people to carry out judgment on corrupt and degenerate heathen nations and the complete extermination of cities like Jericho (Joshua 6:21). The rules of war laid down in Deuteronomy 20 represented a control of justice, fairness, and kindness in the use of the sword, and, as such, they truly did reflect the goodness of God.

You say fighting wars to protect the wronged is not in the same category as this situation yet the disciple attacked the man for wrongly arresting Jesus. The motives of say the CIA or the Navy or Army is to kill first, protect second.

Jesus was wrongly arrested. Which is exactly what had to happen. To have fought to protect him was to fight AGAINST God. That is why it is different.

And how can you know the motives of the CIA, the Navy or Army as a whole?? One of the Army's mottos is "This we'll defend"

And again, like Falconer said. Without wars having been fought, you wouldn't have the right to be a JW.

Bottom line is people who love their neighbor(no matter how evil they are) don't kill. It's hard, it's pretty much unfair if not impossible but true christians love not kill their neighbor.

That is quite a noble statement. People who love their neighbor don't kill. I love my neighbor and I don't want anyone to get killed. But if my neighbor came to my house and tried to slaughter my family I would not just stand idly by without fighting back. And if my fighting back resulted in that persons death....well I'm sorry they died but I'm not sorry I defended my family. And that does not go against scripture no matter what you try to pull out to prove otherwise.

And I'm sorry but if you believe that self defense is not scriptural then you believe in a bible that contradicts itself. Does you being a "true" Christian mean that you accept these contradictions and have faith in a God that lies?

The bible says nothing about defending yourself but says not to kill your fellowman. Yes there was killing in the OT and there's even killing in the NT(Revelation), but it's God who decides not man, both those acts of killing came from God himself

So according to you, the bible says don't kill. Unless God tells you to. And somehow that makes breaking that rule okay. If that's the case, anyone can say "God told me to kill em" and who are you to say he didn't??

That sounds like a bunch of nonsense to me and not the God that I love and serve. My bible doesn't contradict itself from my interpretation. So you can think I'm a false Christian if you want but if I really believed what you say I probably wouldn't be a Christian at all.

Your comments are in bold...

The bible says not to murder, it doesn't say not to kill. If the original Hebrew really translated "Thou shalt not kill" that would constitute a contradiction in God's character since he specifically told people to go to war in the OT.

Not only is a proper and responsible policy of self-defense taught by Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, but there were occasions when God even commissioned His people to carry out judgment on corrupt and degenerate heathen nations and the complete extermination of cities like Jericho (Joshua 6:21). The rules of war laid down in Deuteronomy 20 represented a control of justice, fairness, and kindness in the use of the sword, and, as such, they truly did reflect the goodness of God.

This wasn't mere self-defense(stopping a person from attacking without killing them) but was actual killing, Those people were able to talk to God through a real prophet and that land was promised by God at least decades in advance So it was God ordained. Atheists and others of the like will say cop out but that's what happened in scripture.

1 And it came about after the death of Moses the servant of Jehovah that Jehovah proceeded to say to Joshua the son of Nun, the minister of Moses: 2 “Moses my servant is dead; and now get up, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. 3 Every place upon which the sole of YOUR foot will tread, to YOU people I shall certainly give it, just as I promised to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Leb′a·non to the great river, the river Eu·phra′tes, that is, all the land of the Hit′tites, and to the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun YOUR territory will prove to be. 5 Nobody will take a firm stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I proved to be with Moses I shall prove to be with you. I shall neither desert you nor leave you entirely. 6 Be courageous and strong, for you are the one who will cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their forefathers to give to them.(Joshua 1:1-6)

Jesus was wrongly arrested. Which is exactly what had to happen. To have fought to protect him was to fight AGAINST God. That is why it is different.


I think I understand now God will only let us kill for people who are less then Jesus?

And how can you know the motives of the CIA, the Navy or Army as a whole?? One of the Army's mottos is "This we'll defend"

My aunt's husband used to be in the military, and i've heard from others. My cousin wanted to be in the military and her father said "they aren't going to waste anytime sending you off to Iraq to kill people" as a result she changed her mine. My aunt and my cousin and her Husband are not JW's. The army's version of defense is kill first period, All the technology they have and they can't subdue people without killing them? Do you think it's just to torture people?(waterboarding etc) if you do I feel sorry for you. The defend and properly serve and protect are lies because the system is made for the elect.

"Do you really think a system that's made for the elect can possibly serve and protect?"
Lyrics from Lauren Hill's mystery of iniquity

And again, like Falconer said. Without wars having been fought, you wouldn't have the right to be a JW.

A JW? More like if there was no wars we could of had the bible sooner. The JW's would have likely appealed to the U.K. Government if they hadn't broken off and got permission(eventually), the same thing is happening all over the planet and in some countries THERE ARE JW'S WHO WORSHIP FREELY OUTSIDE THE U.S., some Governments are moist clay(meaning not as stern or hard as say Stalin or Hitler's reign and can be shaped by people), while others are iron(Not shaped by people and is ruled by one person). The latter is obviously less favorable and people like the U.S. Government because they honestly believe they shape it. Either way it's a refuge that's a lie.

That is quite a noble statement. People who love their neighbor don't kill. I love my neighbor and I don't want anyone to get killed. But if my neighbor came to my house and tried to slaughter my family I would not just stand idly by without fighting back. And if my fighting back resulted in that persons death....well I'm sorry they died but I'm not sorry I defended my family. And that does not go against scripture no matter what you try to pull out to prove otherwise.

I treat defending myself like it's the same as defending myself from a woman, I will do anything in my power to not kill the person or even seriously harm them, but I will restain them to the best of my ability. If it actually came down to killing them, I will seriously harm them but only if it came down to killing them. People don't realize the vicious cycle your committing when you do this, someone finds out you killed their family member(especially if it's a gang member and his members find out), then they kill your family member, then you kill his. The cycle won't end.


And I'm sorry but if you believe that self defense is not scriptural then you believe in a bible that contradicts itself. Does you being a "true" Christian mean that you accept these contradictions and have faith in a God that lies?So according to you, the bible says don't kill. Unless God tells you to. And somehow that makes breaking that rule okay. If that's the case, anyone can say "God told me to kill em" and who are you to say he didn't??

That sounds like a bunch of nonsense to me and not the God that I love and serve. My bible doesn't contradict itself from my interpretation. So you can think I'm a false Christian if you want but if I really believed what you say I probably wouldn't be a Christian at all.


I should have clairifed what I meant when I said "the bible doesn't say anything about defending yourself", I thought it was clear when I said the JW's are not pacifists(people who don't defend themselves in any way shape or from). The bible only talks about killing when it's granted BY HIM from a prophet or when it's to "protect his nation". Israel is not under the Israelites anymore but under the U.N. and other political governments that God is going to destroy(Daniel 2:44). So since the Bible never talks about knocking someone out, hitting them over the head with a rock to defend yourself etc. But only not to kill I take it as to do everything in your power not to kill the person but defend yourself. Killing breeds a cycle that never stops and for some people sending people to the hospital will also continue the cycle. But who knows one day that person will be grateful for sparing him and maybe his family.

While I personally feel it's impossible for God to tell them to kill someone directly because there's no prophet between them(unless they make themselves a prophet which is false) and with the reasons for killing I discussed above. I can't judge people actions only God can, I can say I feel Hitler is not coming back or suicide bombers like Islam terrorists who are actually false Islamists to begin with is not coming back it's not my place to decide.

That sounds like a bunch of nonsense to me and not the God that I love and serve. My bible doesn't contradict itself from my interpretation. So you can think I'm a false Christian if you want but if I really believed what you say I probably wouldn't be a Christian at all.

There are many things in the bible that seems like a contradiction on the surface especially with doctrines, but there's always a reason for the differences on the surface. Also the rules God laid down is for humans, there are no rules for God, who are you to Judge the "most high"

P.S. I bolded myself by accident and I don't know how to take it off sorry.

[shernajwine]

I think I understand now God will only let us kill for people who are less then Jesus?

No. Jesus' sole purpose for being here was to die. I don't know how I can make it anymore clear that fighting to defend him was actually fighting against him.

There are many things in the bible that seems like a contradiction on the surface especially with doctrines, but there's always a reason for the differences on the surface. Also the rules God laid down is for humans, there are no rules for God, who are you to Judge the "most high"

Mmmm, I'm not judging God. But I don't see any contradiction in the bible and therefore my belief is not defended by making such statements as "There are no rules for God" and leaving it at that. Maybe that's good enough for you. But if there "appears" to be a contradiction then I'm going to find out whether it really is a contradiction. I'm not going to blindly look away and say "Oh well, God has his own rules" and be okay with that.

Being that you seem to be okay with this blaring contradiction of God in your doctrinal beliefs, then I don't see any point in trying to debate this issue further.

But I would say to anyone else reading that not ALL Christians will begrudge you the right to join the military. Every church I have been in respect, pray for, and honor people willing to fight for their country.

[walksalone11]

anticipation...anticipa aa aa shun......c'mon Amy, type faster lmiao

[amyrouse]

In addition to the rest of the inane, ignorant, uneducated, and ridiculous things posted by this person, this one really took the cake! Walks already addressed the NDN writings and it's HIS place, not mine to do that, but they also offended me greatly for him.

Dianna37:

Why do the Jews of today still stone their own kind to death even their own children when they do wrong?

What?! Really?! Just where DID you get this little BS tidbit of incredibly wrong info from?
Hey, AmyRouse - tell me honestly. When and who did you and your family last stone to death? Just in case you are also ignorant of this, which IS fact, AmyRouse just happens to be Jewish. I can't wait to see what she has to say about this.....

Dude, I don't know what you're talking about...I stone people on a daily basis.  That is the only way to get the dishes done around my house.  Besides, Bob Dylan condones it.   

People have all kinds of ignorant and/or misled beliefs.  Its my place to share my knowledge with someone badly misinformed.  If Jews really do stone people to death, including our families, I would much like to know, because I can think of a few related to me that may badly need it.  As far as I have been taught and as far as I have studied, this is not a common practice...although, if you have a room with four Jews sitting in it, you have five different Judaisms.  I hope in the case of this statement, though, that it was a simple typo, because if it wasn't, it is a clear case of how ingrained and subconsciously antisemitism runs still in today's society.  I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt.

As for attending a worship service or ceremony...they are not there for entertainment but for worship.  I would gladly invite anyone to Shabbos or to a seder with me who was genuinely interested.  That someone, though, would be expected to show the service/ceremony the proper respect it deserves. 

anticipation...anticipa aa aa shun......c'mon Amy, type faster lmiao

LOL, silly, Walks... rocks are for Jews... 

[walksalone11]

In addition to the rest of the inane, ignorant, uneducated, and ridiculous things posted by this person, this one really took the cake! Walks already addressed the NDN writings and it's HIS place, not mine to do that, but they also offended me greatly for him.

Dianna37:

Why do the Jews of today still stone their own kind to death even their own children when they do wrong?

What?! Really?! Just where DID you get this little BS tidbit of incredibly wrong info from?
Hey, AmyRouse - tell me honestly. When and who did you and your family last stone to death? Just in case you are also ignorant of this, which IS fact, AmyRouse just happens to be Jewish. I can't wait to see what she has to say about this.....

Dude, I don't know what you're talking about...I stone people on a daily basis.  That is the only way to get the dishes done around my house.  Besides, Bob Dylan condones it.   

People have all kinds of ignorant and/or misled beliefs.  Its my place to share my knowledge with someone badly misinformed.  If Jews really do stone people to death, including our families, I would much like to know, because I can think of a few related to me that may badly need it.  As far as I have been taught and as far as I have studied, this is not a common practice...although, if you have a room with four Jews sitting in it, you have five different Judaisms.  I hope in the case of this statement, though, that it was a simple typo, because if it wasn't, it is a clear case of how ingrained and subconsciously antisemitism runs still in today's society.  I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt.

As for attending a worship service or ceremony...they are not there for entertainment but for worship.  I would gladly invite anyone to Shabbos or to a seder with me who was genuinely interested.  That someone, though, would be expected to show the service/ceremony the proper respect it deserves. 

anticipation...anticipa aa aa shun......c'mon Amy, type faster lmiao

LOL, silly, Walks... rocks are for Jews... 

Wha...whaa...well.....wel....ummmm....o...k....how bout RAWKS!!!! ;o)

[amyrouse]

In addition to the rest of the inane, ignorant, uneducated, and ridiculous things posted by this person, this one really took the cake! Walks already addressed the NDN writings and it's HIS place, not mine to do that, but they also offended me greatly for him.

Dianna37:

Why do the Jews of today still stone their own kind to death even their own children when they do wrong?

What?! Really?! Just where DID you get this little BS tidbit of incredibly wrong info from?
Hey, AmyRouse - tell me honestly. When and who did you and your family last stone to death? Just in case you are also ignorant of this, which IS fact, AmyRouse just happens to be Jewish. I can't wait to see what she has to say about this.....

Dude, I don't know what you're talking about...I stone people on a daily basis.  That is the only way to get the dishes done around my house.  Besides, Bob Dylan condones it.   

People have all kinds of ignorant and/or misled beliefs.  Its my place to share my knowledge with someone badly misinformed.  If Jews really do stone people to death, including our families, I would much like to know, because I can think of a few related to me that may badly need it.  As far as I have been taught and as far as I have studied, this is not a common practice...although, if you have a room with four Jews sitting in it, you have five different Judaisms.  I hope in the case of this statement, though, that it was a simple typo, because if it wasn't, it is a clear case of how ingrained and subconsciously antisemitism runs still in today's society.  I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt.

As for attending a worship service or ceremony...they are not there for entertainment but for worship.  I would gladly invite anyone to Shabbos or to a seder with me who was genuinely interested.  That someone, though, would be expected to show the service/ceremony the proper respect it deserves. 

anticipation...anticipa aa aa shun......c'mon Amy, type faster lmiao

LOL, silly, Walks... rocks are for Jews... 

Wha...whaa...well.....wel....ummmm....o...k....how bout RAWKS!!!! ;o)

Toadally.

[teflonfanatic]

I think I understand now God will only let us kill for people who are less then Jesus?

No. Jesus' sole purpose for being here was to die. I don't know how I can make it anymore clear that fighting to defend him was actually fighting against him.

There are many things in the bible that seems like a contradiction on the surface especially with doctrines, but there's always a reason for the differences on the surface. Also the rules God laid down is for humans, there are no rules for God, who are you to Judge the "most high"

Mmmm, I'm not judging God. But I don't see any contradiction in the bible and therefore my belief is not defended by making such statements as "There are no rules for God" and leaving it at that. Maybe that's good enough for you. But if there "appears" to be a contradiction then I'm going to find out whether it really is a contradiction. I'm not going to blindly look away and say "Oh well, God has his own rules" and be okay with that.

Being that you seem to be okay with this blaring contradiction of God in your doctrinal beliefs, then I don't see any point in trying to debate this issue further.

But I would say to anyone else reading that not ALL Christians will begrudge you the right to join the military. Every church I have been in respect, pray for, and honor people willing to fight for their country.

Your comments are in bold

No. Jesus' sole purpose for being here was to die. I don't know how I can make it anymore clear that fighting to defend him was actually fighting against him.

Jesus sole purpose was also providing a model for you to follow closely(1 Peter 2:21). Jesus in his human form never killed anyone, yet defended his God and father and even threw tables at a place of worship because of money-making business and he also made a whip to do God knows what!!!!!(John 2:13-16). If he is God like you say he is I don't think there could have been a better time to execute Judgment. However in Revelation Angels not only fight for him, but actually kill people. Again no killing from humans but instead Jesus acting out his father's behalf (Revelation 19:11-21).

Actually if you can find a verse that has Christ's disciples killing people I'll leave the JW's.

Being that you seem to be okay with this blaring contradiction of God in your doctrinal beliefs, then I don't see any point in trying to debate this issue further.

I'm more level headed now and less heated then I was before, can you please elaborate on what you feel is the contradiction(i'm genuinely interested), I showed from scripture God commanded those to kill to gain a land that he promised and to "protect his nation"(Joshua 1:1-6).

I also showed that the Kingdoms or Governments belong to Satan

8 Again the Devil took him along to an unusually high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, 9 and he said to him: “All these things I will give you if you fall down and do an act of worship to me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him: “Go away, Satan! For it is written, ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’” (Matthew 4:8-10)

God will destory all these kingdoms

44 “And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite;(Daniel 2:44)

And that's all I have to say, I can't force people to be neutral. Oh one more thing your comment below.

But I would say to anyone else reading that not ALL Christians will begrudge you the right to join the military. Every church I have been in respect, pray for, and honor people willing to fight for their country.
[/quote]


With all due respect almost every church is praying for those to kill other people sometimes they pray(practically during World War 1 and 2) to kill other christians or people who believe in the same lord. The church has a tremendous history of supporting Nationalistic interests which is in many respects a religion itself. I'll leave one last scripture.

4 Adulteresses, do YOU not know that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is constituting himself an enemy of God.( James 4:4)

[mahall333]

Yes, unfortunetly you are not judged by your "works" alone.  All things we do on this earth in goodness towards those in need, like u specified, are actually most wonderful acts of kindness and concern for society, but unfortunely do not bring any type of reward without the guidance and leading of The Holy Spirit.  This leading is a consistant awesome communion with The Lord, and He is always with us.  Faith without works is dead, and works without faith are dead.  I have never understood the mind of the athiest, how could u not see the awesome world we live in and not recognize it's Creator?  His grace and beauty is in every sunrise and sunset you see.  Just how someone could not believe is beyond me.  It's such a simple process to become saved.  Just believe in your heart that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, that He alone is the very son of God, and that he resurected after 3 days,and ask for forgiveness of your sin.  Confessing your sin is not as difficult as you think,  it's not like you have to account for every sin that you committed and hope u covered them all in your profession, it's just, Jesus forgive me of my many sins.  He knows what they are and it is done.  How simple is that.  I pray everday that God will renew me, strengthen me, give me peace and joy and walk with me all throughout my day.  His love is endless, as far as the east is from the west, which is an infinite circle, you will never regret your admission of faith in The Lord God, but instead you will walk in a light and love that you have never known before, one that makes u wonder how you made it through each day without Him.....Trust me, God is sooooo  awesome.  I will pray for u daily.  God Bless and keep you safe through your admission of faith.