@chaney3 saidI disagree. Faith can be a very powerful force in one's life. I've met plenty of people whose lives - and the ways they lived them - were transformed by their Christian beliefs.
I don't think it's possible for someone to change who they truly are just to satisfy what Jesus may want.
Paul said it best, when he said he cannot do what he wants to do.
This quote rings true:
"To thine own self be true".
@chaney3 saidI know plenty of Christians who have not - and probably will not - lose their faith, and not lose the effect it has on them. I know ex-Christians who still live their lives according to Christian principles. Your OP may well apply to you, but I think it is a sweeping generalisation that doesn't seem particularly valid.
Until faith crumbles.
@fmf saidYou lost your faith.
I know plenty of Christians who have not - and probably will not - lose their faith, and not lose the effect it has on them. I know ex-Christians who still live their lives according to Christian principles. Your OP may well apply to you, but I think it is a sweeping generalisation that doesn't seem particularly valid.
@chaney3 saidSome people can be changed by threats, certainly. And I have seen ample evidence of people being changed by their religious faith, and not just Christianity. The sweeping assertion that "people cannot change who they are" ~ in terms of their beliefs and their behaviour ~ simply is not true.
My point is that people cannot change who they are.
Even with 'threats' from the bible
@chaney3 saidDon't think. Do.
I don't think it's possible for someone to change who they truly are just to satisfy what Jesus may want.
Paul said it best, when he said he cannot do what he wants to do.
This quote rings true:
"To thine own self be true".
I don't think it's possible for someone to change who they truly are just to satisfy what Jesus may want.
Paul said it best, when he said he cannot do what he wants to do.
This quote rings true:
"To thine own self be true".
Yes chaney, in Romans 7 he made the case from his own experience that he could not fully do the good he wished, nor fully resist the evil that he did not wish. And he could not change.
Because he could not change he felt self condemned and wretch. That is most of chapter 7. But in chapter 8 He says the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has FREED him.
He knew how to switch on this "law of the Spirit of life".
He knew how to activate that liberating and life changing power in the life of Jesus who had come to dwell in him.
He does not stay in that wretched condition of self condemnation and failure because he found a STRONGER PERSON - Christ Jesus - could live in him and save him from the body of death.
He learned how to tap into this stronger Person with a stronger law of the Spirit of [divine] life. And he found liberation and transformation.
That is Romans 8.
@sonship saidHallelujah.
@chaney3I don't think it's possible for someone to change who they truly are just to satisfy what Jesus may want.
Paul said it best, when he said he cannot do what he wants to do.
This quote rings true:
"To thine own self be true".
Yes chaney, in Romans 7 he made the case from his own experience that he could not fully do the good he ...[text shortened]... irit of [divine] life[/b]. And he found liberation and transformation.
That is Romans 8.
What Chaney3 doesn't understand is the profound power of change, of transformation, that Jesus brings in being reborn of the Spirit. Those who make light of it have not experienced it for themselves.
@fmf saidGreat comment.....
I disagree. Faith can be a very powerful force in one's life. I've met plenty of people whose lives - and the ways they lived them - were transformed by their Christian beliefs.