my bible-reading progress.

[Annella]

Why would God make us experience death? Why not make us like the angels from the get go? I know, because since we are here not because of God but natural causes, you try to explain it. Fail.

Why are you so afraid of death?  Why do you think it is such a bad thing?  Without the prospect of death, are you really going to enjoy your life...knowing that one day, it will end?  Death is change...its not some horrible thing brought forth by the devil (who I do not believe exists anyway).  The ones who suffer from death are not the ones who die but the ones who outlive those who die.  This is probably pure speculation here, but are you so afraid of death because of the hell concept?  

Not afraid of death but I would rather not go through it, just like I would rather not have to get shots or cavities fixed among a lot of other things. It seems God could of done everything a lot better but chose not to...that is why I know he can't be there.

Then believe that...know it even.  Find something and stick with it.

How rude.

Marieelissa, Amy was not being rude.  In fact she was trying to tell you to make a choice, instead of waffling all over the place.  You owe her an apology.  People who try to help you find your way, or to help you understand what your actually saying, or doing, don't deserve that kind of response.

I see marie is channeling the spirit of queen in her responses today lol.  

[amyrouse]

Why would God make us experience death? Why not make us like the angels from the get go? I know, because since we are here not because of God but natural causes, you try to explain it. Fail.

Why are you so afraid of death?  Why do you think it is such a bad thing?  Without the prospect of death, are you really going to enjoy your life...knowing that one day, it will end?  Death is change...its not some horrible thing brought forth by the devil (who I do not believe exists anyway).  The ones who suffer from death are not the ones who die but the ones who outlive those who die.  This is probably pure speculation here, but are you so afraid of death because of the hell concept?  

Not afraid of death but I would rather not go through it, just like I would rather not have to get shots or cavities fixed among a lot of other things. It seems God could of done everything a lot better but chose not to...that is why I know he can't be there.

Then believe that...know it even.  Find something and stick with it.

How rude.

Marieelissa, Amy was not being rude.  In fact she was trying to tell you to make a choice, instead of waffling all over the place.  You owe her an apology.  People who try to help you find your way, or to help you understand what your actually saying, or doing, don't deserve that kind of response.

I see marie is channeling the spirit of queen in her responses today lol.  

Thank you, Annella. 

[amyrouse]

I found it rude, sorry amy! I said that because the religious thing has been a constant battle all my life, not wanting to believe and scared into believing out of fear of going to hell. That is why I would bounce back and forth but deep down inside I was always an atheist when it came to the bible God because of the hell thing and some other things too.

No worries.  Its not up to me to choose a religion for you.  I just think that you are in so much turmoil over religion and you're not sure what to believe that if you found your answer you'd find peace.  I would never try to tell you which one is best for you.  I've even said that once my daughter is old enough to make her own choice that I would not hold it against her...and I'm infinitely closer to her than I am you.

I just hate it, though, when I see someone as conflicted as you appear, and I want to help them.  If there is anything within my power I can do to help you, I will.  No one deserves torture or turmoil or confusion.  If atheism is what suits you, that's fine.  If its agnosticism, then that's fine.  If its Christianity, Islam, Taoism, Wicca...whatever fits, then embrace it...because your religion is yours.   

[amyrouse]

I found it rude, sorry amy! I said that because the religious thing has been a constant battle all my life, not wanting to believe and scared into believing out of fear of going to hell. That is why I would bounce back and forth but deep down inside I was always an atheist when it came to the bible God because of the hell thing and some other things too.

No worries.  Its not up to me to choose a religion for you.  I just think that you are in so much turmoil over religion and you're not sure what to believe that if you found your answer you'd find peace.  I would never try to tell you which one is best for you.  I've even said that once my daughter is old enough to make her own choice that I would not hold it against her...and I'm infinitely closer to her than I am you.

I just hate it, though, when I see someone as conflicted as you appear, and I want to help them.  If there is anything within my power I can do to help you, I will.  No one deserves torture or turmoil or confusion.  If atheism is what suits you, that's fine.  If its agnosticism, then that's fine.  If its Christianity, Islam, Taoism, Wicca...whatever fits, then embrace it...because your religion is yours.   

I would like to find a religion that doesn't believe in hell or the devil. And a religion that if even people are atheist to it will not be punished by the deity of it.

Sounds like mine, but its a hard one to live by.  I generally don't recommend it to anyone.  If someone goes to services and likes it, I recommend them to a rabbi.  I must clarify, though, that I am a Reform Jew.  Conservative and Orthodox Jews are stricter than Reform are.

You also might want to look into Wicca...they are nature loving.  Its a common misconception that all who study Wicca are witches.  You may want to read about them...a good place to start, no joke, is Wicca for Dummies or Paganism for Dummies.  Even doing a search online may help.  Plus, Amazon has a free kindle reader for computers and they have excellent prices for their books...many are free.

[Annella]

You know what Marieelissa?  I think maybe for now just finding a support group around your age just to talk and hang with, would be great.  Maybe you could take a fun class at the community college.  Take some art classes or sewing classes.  Is there something you have always wanted to learn how to do? No matter how far fetched it may be....go for it!!  Do you like to bowl? Skate? Hike? Go to your local visitor's center and see your area like a tourist would see it.

I think if you got out, and had some outside interests, it would help you tremendously. I'm thinking about picking up some tailoring classes myself, as I'd love to make some nice suits, and some tailored coats.  Sometime in the not to distant future I'm going to pick up some Archery lessons.  My son loves it, and it looks extremely interesting to me.  I've also wanted to learn how to make my own shoes.  The possibilities are endless.

I think if you just got out and pursued some sort of fun activity, it would occupy your mind a lot, and it would help you to put some things in better perspective.  Even I find myself on this forum more than necessary.  It's addictive.  It's good to just walk away for awhile.

I've said this before.....I wish we lived closer together because we could do some things together.  I would love to  have some girl shopping trips, etc......that's the truth.

[amyrouse]

You know what Marieelissa?  I think maybe for now just finding a support group around your age just to talk and hang with, would be great.  Maybe you could take a fun class at the community college.  Take some art classes or sewing classes.  Is there something you have always wanted to learn how to do? No matter how far fetched it may be....go for it!!  Do you like to bowl? Skate? Hike? Go to your local visitor's center and see your area like a tourist would see it.

I think if you got out, and had some outside interests, it would help you tremendously. I'm thinking about picking up some tailoring classes myself, as I'd love to make some nice suits, and some tailored coats.  Sometime in the not to distant future I'm going to pick up some Archery lessons.  My son loves it, and it looks extremely interesting to me.  I've also wanted to learn how to make my own shoes.  The possibilities are endless.

I think if you just got out and pursued some sort of fun activity, it would occupy your mind a lot, and it would help you to put some things in better perspective.  Even I find myself on this forum more than necessary.  It's addictive.  It's good to just walk away for awhile.

I've said this before.....I wish we lived closer together because we could do some things together.  I would love to  have some girl shopping trips, etc......that's the truth.

I do have outside interests but I am not like a lot of people. I also don't have money to just blow on silly things. I don't need a support group, I am fine.

There are free things to do, though...plus you could always take up a hobby.  I'm actually thinking about starting to make pillowcase clothes for toddlers and seeing if I can sell any...and if I can't, I've got a little girl that can wear them.  There is always something like that you could find to do...a hobby using materials you already have at home...    I also play with pictures using Luna and Paint on my computer, and I make slideshow videos for my family...I post them on facebook...you're more than welcome to look me up. 

[alivinggem]

If God is all knowing why did he create the Devil period? Makes no logical sense.

Everything God does is right whether we understand it or not! God created satan as a blameless angel but pride jacked him up and he wanted to be above God so he was degraded to a fallen angel (lucifer) while persuading a third of the angelic host to follow him but God brought Jesus to this world to deliver anyone born into this world who will receive His Son so they wont end up like satan or his followers.

Ezekiel 28:
14You were the anointed cherub that covers with overshadowing [wings], and I set you so. You were upon the holy mountain of God; you walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire [like the paved work of gleaming sapphire stone upon which the God of Israel walked on Mount Sinai].

15You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created until iniquity and guilt were found in you.

[shernajwine]

Didn't God know what the Devil was going to do? Why on Earth and Heaven did he create him?

marie, the links I posted earlier answer that question; if you care to take a look.

[amyrouse]

You know what Marieelissa?  I think maybe for now just finding a support group around your age just to talk and hang with, would be great.  Maybe you could take a fun class at the community college.  Take some art classes or sewing classes.  Is there something you have always wanted to learn how to do? No matter how far fetched it may be....go for it!!  Do you like to bowl? Skate? Hike? Go to your local visitor's center and see your area like a tourist would see it.

I think if you got out, and had some outside interests, it would help you tremendously. I'm thinking about picking up some tailoring classes myself, as I'd love to make some nice suits, and some tailored coats.  Sometime in the not to distant future I'm going to pick up some Archery lessons.  My son loves it, and it looks extremely interesting to me.  I've also wanted to learn how to make my own shoes.  The possibilities are endless.

I think if you just got out and pursued some sort of fun activity, it would occupy your mind a lot, and it would help you to put some things in better perspective.  Even I find myself on this forum more than necessary.  It's addictive.  It's good to just walk away for awhile.

I've said this before.....I wish we lived closer together because we could do some things together.  I would love to  have some girl shopping trips, etc......that's the truth.

I do have outside interests but I am not like a lot of people. I also don't have money to just blow on silly things. I don't need a support group, I am fine.

There are free things to do, though...plus you could always take up a hobby.  I'm actually thinking about starting to make pillowcase clothes for toddlers and seeing if I can sell any...and if I can't, I've got a little girl that can wear them.  There is always something like that you could find to do...a hobby using materials you already have at home...    I also play with pictures using Luna and Paint on my computer, and I make slideshow videos for my family...I post them on facebook...you're more than welcome to look me up. 

Well one thing, I have a lap top that I can take with me anywhere, I could be sitting in a park just chatting it up. I have only been a member of Fusion Cash for a little over a year. This was like my hobby, after my boyfriend told me you could take surveys for cash.

I also live in a rural area and there is nothing to do here, honestly. The nearest city is like 45 minutes away and all it has there is a shopping mall. So I spend most of my time watching Tv, on the internet (doing lots of things) and working...I am self employed and work at home.

If I lived where I used to live 8 years ago, then I wouldn't be on here at all other than meeting a min post requirement for 3.00$

It is just cause I live in the country and no joke the only thing to do around here is go to church. And there is a little park up the road but it is for kids unless you want to walk around the park on the trail.

I'm with ya there, I live in a rural area as well.  But I can take a walk up main street and back with my little one.  Plus, I love to go hiking out by this place called Sky Bridge...its one of those natural rock bridges.  My favorite place is called Chimney Rock, and its an hour away from me...gorgeous at sunset.  I hit up yard sales on the weekend in the sunny weather, and there is a Peddler's Mall close by that I like to walk through...but I won't buy anything. Malls don't do much for me...everything is overpriced.

[jcribb16]

   We moved to a rural area recently (after living my life in a big city.)  That was quite a change for this city girl.  But I've adjusted pretty good now.
Amy, where you live, sounds very interesting! I would love to be around some of those places!
Marie, have you always lived in the country?  Duh, I take that back.  I re-read your post about the "8 years ago" part.   

[Annella]

If God is all knowing why did he create the Devil period? Makes no logical sense.

Everything God does is right whether we understand it or not! God created satan as a blameless angel but pride jacked him up and he wanted to be above God so he was degraded to a fallen angel (lucifer) while persuading a third of the angelic host to follow him but God brought Jesus to this world to deliver anyone born into this world who will receive His Son so they wont end up like satan or his followers.

Ezekiel 28:
14You were the anointed cherub that covers with overshadowing [wings], and I set you so. You were upon the holy mountain of God; you walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire [like the paved work of gleaming sapphire stone upon which the God of Israel walked on Mount Sinai].

15You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created until iniquity and guilt were found in you.

Your right on the main points.  However, the name of Lucifer is only used once in the Bible, as the name God gave to him only.  

His identity changed after his fall.  Now his names are devil, satan, unclean, dragon, etc.  Studying this out makes me believe that Lucifer was one of the Arcangels.  There were 3....Gabriel (Messenger), Michael (Warrior), and Lucifer (Covering Cherub).  Lucifer was made with precious jewels and pipes for "manifesting" the "Glory" of God as God is invisible (Spirit) with no visible form (Now He is manifested in Jesus as the son "declares" Him).  Lucifer was responsible for leading the heavenly host in praise, and worship unto God with music (hence the pipes). Walking in the midst of the stones of fire was something God did, so that tells me that the Spirit of God would "inhabit" Lucifer during these times of praise and worship.

He was extremely beautiful, and got lifted up with pride as he thought he should be in God's place because he was the "manifestation" of Glory in heaven during these times of praise and worship in Heaven.  This tells me that even Angels have some semblance of free will as 1/3 of the angels followed the devil to earth in the fall.  These were choices made by them.  Lucifer was created blameless until he made a choice to be prideful and sin.

Have you ever wondered why the devil hates humanity so much?  Well.....he lost his place to us.  We now worship God in Spirit and in Truth.  There is no more covering cherub in heaven leading the Heavenly Host in praise and Glory unto God.  Oh the Angels still minister, and praise God in Heaven, but we as converts have taken the devils place of high and willful praise unto God from free will of our thankful hearts.  God realized the downfall of beauty and pride, and how it can pervert, so in His wisdom, He Himself took on the form of lowly man (us). When you realize just how this all works together, you begin to understand the amazing  Love he has for humanity.

I've Know of people seeing Angels during a worship service standing right next to the people with their arms raised and worshipping right along with the people of God.  The Spirit of God has been poured out upon ALL flesh, and the Angels are here, as well as in Heaven.  A woman said there were as many Angels or more as there were people in a church service she was in, when God opened her eyes to let her see.  She said that when it was time for the Word of God to come forth (preaching), the Angels all went to the back of the building and stood at attention as honor and reverence to God's Word.

This is for edification to my brothers and sisters.  No one else needs to comment on this as it's aimed strictly at them.

[jordandog]

No comment on your story, but this is only the second thing I have had time to read and am going off again in a minute. I was not aware you had the authority to control this Forum, Annella. If you wanted this not commented on, then why didn't you just put it on your Facebook where only your 'allowed' visitors can see it. This is absolute rubbish:

This is for edification to my brothers and sisters.  No one else needs to comment on this as it's aimed strictly at them.

Right now I am glad I won't be back on FC until later, if at all, because this has me ticked big time. Are you in control mode or what?

[Annella]

No comment on your story, but this is only the second thing I have had time to read and am going off again in a minute. I was not aware you had the authority to control this Forum, Annella. If you wanted this not commented on, then why didn't you just put it on your Facebook where only your 'allowed' visitors can see it. This is absolute rubbish:

This is for edification to my brothers and sisters.  No one else needs to comment on this as it's aimed strictly at them.

Right now I am glad I won't be back on FC until later, if at all, because this has me ticked big time. Are you in control mode or what?

Wow, your ticked off because I wrote this to my brothers and sisters?   lol   I said that so there would be no mocking or such.....or at least cut down on it.  I can't write anything this big on Facebook, but will be able to put writings like this on my website when it gets up and going.

Your being oversensitive for no reason.  Since it's something unbelievers would not believe anyway, they can pass it on by.  I think you just like to gripe about stuff, especially if it's me writing it, so realize your reaction is overreaction.  Maybe it's the subject that has you bent?

[madeara]

God told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit from the Tree Of Knowledge.

[Annella]

Madeara....ignore Marieelissa, last week she was a devout Christian, then an Atheist, back and forth, and sometimes she doesn't know what she believes or wants.