"You can observe a lot by seeing."
Please pass this to those you LOVE
Let's get the real for once!
Christianity VS Religion
Religion
Religion is a form of rules and rituals with the thought of pleasing or appeasing an unapproachable god and in some way through acts or actions earning his favor. Religion believes that "the best you can do is good enough." Religion can't seem to believe in a sovereign God who has already done all that is needed for the individual to be reconciled to Himself. Has provided for the power to meet the demands of His loving ways and blueprints for life that He guarantees will produce the fruits of righteousness, love, joy and peace.
Christianity
Christianity is not a religion, it is a way of life. Christianity is not a set of rules to obey, it is a relationship to nourish. The very name identifies its followers as "Christ's Ones."
The true followers of Jesus have not just joined a church, they have made a thoughtful, conscious, life-changing decision to give up their normal, God-given life for the life of a slave, a servant of the most-high God. They have chosen, by faith to be children of God rather than to remain children of the world and the devil. Many have forsaken their earthly family to join the family of God. The true believer has experienced the pangs of worldliness and has felt the hot breath of the enemy on his neck. He has run for refuge into the arms of the One who has overcome those dangers.
The true believer has been captured by divine love only to be freed from worldly passion. He has been transferred from the domain of darkness into the Kingdom of God's beloved Son.
Conclusion
True Christians are not better than others, they are just forgiven. The true Christian doesn't gloat over his victories, he groans for those he has left behind. The true Christian is ever mindful of his past estate, and gloriously thankful for his present condition, often willing to express his gratitude to anyone at any time.
True Christians are motivated by the love of God and energized by the power of His Spirit. They would never consciously do anything to bring disrespect to the name of God, but rather seek to glorify Him in all their endeavors.
The true Christian lives by FAITH, trusting implicitly in the written word of God and continually seeks wisdom for discerning truth from error. The true Christian's HOPE is not in his ability, his talents, or his resources, but in the exacting promises of a trustworthy God. Ever mindful of God's unconditional LOVE, the truly redeemed one still strives to please Him in all that he does.
Top
If you are mad at God or disappointed in your past church experience, perhaps it was because you weren't exposed to true Christianity, but to a counterfeit "churchianity" which is prevailing in the modern world today. I would urge you to give God another chance with your life. Cast your past, your present and your future onto Him who is willing and "able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy!" If you do, one day you will joyfully shout with the redeemed of all ages, " Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing."
Amen & Amen!.
O but No!
God's not finish yet....
Spiritual food for thought:
Categories: Bible Studies, Biblical Research, Christ, Christian Living, Christianity and religion
A common misconception among believers is that once born again, there are no more trials and tribulations in life. Over the years, I have talked to countless people who turned away from the faith because they were led to believe salvation was a magic carpet ride to eternal bliss. Of course these people found out very quickly there are no magic carpets when it comes to the true Christian faith.
Where and how the troubling concept that one becomes a Christian to enjoy prosperity, live a life of worldly bliss, never have to deal with problems, have ten thousand friends and enjoy a “Leave it to Beaver” family is beyond me. Christianity is not a self-help psychological program. Christianity is not the stairway to financial success. Christianity is not a dating service or a social club. Christianity is not an automatic “get out of jail free” card that allows its holders to live in the lap of luxury and sit around swimming pools all day drinking martinis.
The outrageous claims made by many who profess to be Christians cause me great consternation. I am a Christian. I know what it means to be a Christian. I know what many people mistakenly call Christianity is nothing but a convenient religion that promotes selfishness and error. This “pseudo-Christianity” is not limited to any particular denomination. It is a malicious cancer that afflicts people throughout the Christian faith.
The term Christian originally was used by unbelievers in reference to those who spoke of having “Christ in them”. Christians are supposed to be those people who manifest Christ within. Christians are supposed to be representative of how and what Christ would be if he were on this earth today. To be a Christian has nothing to do with going to church, singing in the choir, paying tithes, wearing nice clothes on Sunday, serving on various boards, volunteering to paint the church or fixing the church van.
Religion runs rampant in this world. Religion has nothing to do with Christianity. To call Christianity a religion is an insult to true Christians. Religion and tradition are twin brothers. Traditions form the very backbone of most religions. Religion never saved anyone, and just because a person is religious, does not mean they are going to heaven. People brush their teeth religiously. Does that mean every “religious” tooth brusher is heaven bound?
People do many things in life religiously. In this sense of the word, all it means is to do something over and over again. That is also what tradition means. When something is religiously done in the same way over and over again; it becomes a tradition and in time a religion. This is why Jesus railed on those religious leaders steeped in their traditions. The religion they invented had nothing to do with the truth. True religion NEVER has anything to do with the truth.
Almighty God looks on the heart of man and not on his outward appearance. All God asks of a person is to stay honest in their heart toward Him. He is not interested in elaborate traditions which supposedly, in and of themselves, absolve a person of sin and bring reconciliation to God. Offering a sacrifice did not automatically resolve a situation in the Old Testament. More than once, God says in the Old Testament that He is not interested in the offerings and sacrifices; He is interested in true repentance from the heart.
Jesus Christ did not come to this earth to start a new “religion”. If anything, he came to tear down the religious traditions that were keeping people from salvation. Jesus Christ is not a “religious leader”. He is the Son of God and Head of the Body of Christ. Buddha was a religious leader. Mohammad was a religious leader. Pope John Paul II was a religious leader. Martin Luther was a religious leader. There have been innumerable religious leaders who have lived on this earth; Jesus Christ was and is not one of them.
True Christianity is not a religion it is a Faith. The book of James speaks of true religion being the service to orphans and widows. Those who insist on calling Christianity a religion throw open the door to the very things that drove Judaism to the horrific state it was in when Jesus Christ confronted it in Matthew 23. What started as faith, through the traditions of man, became a religion. Religion is not able to save anyone. True Christianity is the only way to eternal life.
There used to be a time when Christians were not ashamed of their faith. There was a time when Christians were willing to face persecution, harassment and even death as a reward instead of a plague to be avoided at all costs. There was a time when Christians would rather face a hungry lion than an angry God disappointed in their compromise. There was a time when Christians were universally hated and hunted as animals because they were considered religious heretics and enemies of the state. There was a time when Christians were not afraid to be Christians; no matter what it cost them.
There once was a time in this country where those who did evil in the sight of the Lord were relegated to “closets” where they hid their wicked ways. Now they have all come out of their closets and it is the Christians who practice “closet Christianity”. Oh my, people say, I cannot afford to let people know I am a Christian, for they might not like me or take their business elsewhere.
I am not a political activist and I would never “endorse” any candidate; but I am thrilled there is at least one politician running for President who is not afraid to tell the nation he is a Christian and believes Jesus Christ is the answer to this nation’s woes. Of course he will never get elected, but at least it is refreshing to have a politician talking about good old fashioned conservative Christian themes instead of the progressive junk promulgated by most.
I am appalled at the venom so many “progressives” have for the “religious right” in this country. Millions upon millions of people absolutely hate Christians. To them, everyone who says they are a Christian is automatically labeled an “evangelical”. The degree of that hate was just manifest a few days ago when an “ex” evangelical violently shot and killed numerous Christians. In his pre-killing internet posts, these murderers vented his extreme hatred toward Christians and desire to kill as many as he could.
What are we, as Christians (not evangelicals or any other designation) to do in response to this hatred? Are we to ignore it, confront it or hide from it? What did Jesus do when Judas betrayed him? Jesus simply said, “That which you do, do quickly”. If people hate us and want to kill us, so be it. If someone stands up in a classroom and demands that all Christians step forward to be shot, I would hope and pray the real Christians would boldly step up just as Stephen did in Acts 7.
Jesus never promised His road would be an easy one to tread. In fact, time and again He let it be known that any true follower of Him faced untold persecution, tribulation and martyrdom. Those that followed Him 2000 years ago did, for the most part, pay the ultimate price for their faith and yet they never complained. They counted it all joy to be able to suffer with him. Jesus even stated "the world hated me so it shall hate you also" not in those words yet said it He did.
Friends these are the end times and things are not getting any better... God said "you will either be hot or cold there is no in between, luke warm He will spew you out of His mouth". This mean if you just sit idolly by you will miss your place in heaven...
Friends, there are people all over the world that are making it so easy for you to get the Word of God "Jesus" at every turn.
So what is wrong with us????
Do you think this is a joke???
Or do you even care???
The plan is unity with each other through Christ Jesus the real and living word of God the great I Am
So til next time T.T.T.F. and remember if Unity is the plan then haterisum is our DISEASE... Remember this if you remember nothing you've just read.
Proverbs 1:27-33
"When your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind,
When distress and anguish come upon you.
Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
They would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke.
Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way,
And be filled to the full with their own fancies.
For the turning away of the simple will slay them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them;
But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
And will be secure, without fear of evil." Proverbs 1:27-33
Amen & Amen!
now what are you going to do????????
Love you all in Jesus mighty name Amen & Amen!
just a vessel
for my Fathers
use!
Christianity VS Religion
Religion
Religion is a form of rules and rituals with the thought of pleasing or appeasing an unapproachable god and in some way through acts or actions earning his favor. Religion believes that "the best you can do is good enough." Religion can't seem to believe in a sovereign God who has already done all that is needed for the individual to be reconciled to Himself. Has provided for the power to meet the demands of His loving ways and blueprints for life that He guarantees will produce the fruits of righteousness, love, joy and peace.
Christianity
Christianity is not a religion, it is a way of life. Christianity is not a set of rules to obey, it is a relationship to nourish. The very name identifies its followers as "Christ's Ones."
The true followers of Jesus have not just joined a church, they have made a thoughtful, conscious, life-changing decision to give up their normal, God-given life for the life of a slave, a servant of the most-high God. They have chosen, by faith to be children of God rather than to remain children of the world and the devil. Many have forsaken their earthly family to join the family of God. The true believer has experienced the pangs of worldliness and has felt the hot breath of the enemy on his neck. He has run for refuge into the arms of the One who has overcome those dangers.
The true believer has been captured by divine love only to be freed from worldly passion. He has been transferred from the domain of darkness into the Kingdom of God's beloved Son.
Conclusion
True Christians are not better than others, they are just forgiven. The true Christian doesn't gloat over his victories, he groans for those he has left behind. The true Christian is ever mindful of his past estate, and gloriously thankful for his present condition, often willing to express his gratitude to anyone at any time.
True Christians are motivated by the love of God and energized by the power of His Spirit. They would never consciously do anything to bring disrespect to the name of God, but rather seek to glorify Him in all their endeavors.
The true Christian lives by FAITH, trusting implicitly in the written word of God and continually seeks wisdom for discerning truth from error. The true Christian's HOPE is not in his ability, his talents, or his resources, but in the exacting promises of a trustworthy God. Ever mindful of God's unconditional LOVE, the truly redeemed one still strives to please Him in all that he does.
Top
If you are mad at God or disappointed in your past church experience, perhaps it was because you weren't exposed to true Christianity, but to a counterfeit "churchianity" which is prevailing in the modern world today. I would urge you to give God another chance with your life. Cast your past, your present and your future onto Him who is willing and "able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy!" If you do, one day you will joyfully shout with the redeemed of all ages, " Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing."
Amen & Amen!.
O but No!
God's not finish yet....
Spiritual food for thought:
Categories: Bible Studies, Biblical Research, Christ, Christian Living, Christianity and religion
A common misconception among believers is that once born again, there are no more trials and tribulations in life. Over the years, I have talked to countless people who turned away from the faith because they were led to believe salvation was a magic carpet ride to eternal bliss. Of course these people found out very quickly there are no magic carpets when it comes to the true Christian faith.
Where and how the troubling concept that one becomes a Christian to enjoy prosperity, live a life of worldly bliss, never have to deal with problems, have ten thousand friends and enjoy a “Leave it to Beaver” family is beyond me. Christianity is not a self-help psychological program. Christianity is not the stairway to financial success. Christianity is not a dating service or a social club. Christianity is not an automatic “get out of jail free” card that allows its holders to live in the lap of luxury and sit around swimming pools all day drinking martinis.
The outrageous claims made by many who profess to be Christians cause me great consternation. I am a Christian. I know what it means to be a Christian. I know what many people mistakenly call Christianity is nothing but a convenient religion that promotes selfishness and error. This “pseudo-Christianity” is not limited to any particular denomination. It is a malicious cancer that afflicts people throughout the Christian faith.
The term Christian originally was used by unbelievers in reference to those who spoke of having “Christ in them”. Christians are supposed to be those people who manifest Christ within. Christians are supposed to be representative of how and what Christ would be if he were on this earth today. To be a Christian has nothing to do with going to church, singing in the choir, paying tithes, wearing nice clothes on Sunday, serving on various boards, volunteering to paint the church or fixing the church van.
Religion runs rampant in this world. Religion has nothing to do with Christianity. To call Christianity a religion is an insult to true Christians. Religion and tradition are twin brothers. Traditions form the very backbone of most religions. Religion never saved anyone, and just because a person is religious, does not mean they are going to heaven. People brush their teeth religiously. Does that mean every “religious” tooth brusher is heaven bound?
People do many things in life religiously. In this sense of the word, all it means is to do something over and over again. That is also what tradition means. When something is religiously done in the same way over and over again; it becomes a tradition and in time a religion. This is why Jesus railed on those religious leaders steeped in their traditions. The religion they invented had nothing to do with the truth. True religion NEVER has anything to do with the truth.
Almighty God looks on the heart of man and not on his outward appearance. All God asks of a person is to stay honest in their heart toward Him. He is not interested in elaborate traditions which supposedly, in and of themselves, absolve a person of sin and bring reconciliation to God. Offering a sacrifice did not automatically resolve a situation in the Old Testament. More than once, God says in the Old Testament that He is not interested in the offerings and sacrifices; He is interested in true repentance from the heart.
Jesus Christ did not come to this earth to start a new “religion”. If anything, he came to tear down the religious traditions that were keeping people from salvation. Jesus Christ is not a “religious leader”. He is the Son of God and Head of the Body of Christ. Buddha was a religious leader. Mohammad was a religious leader. Pope John Paul II was a religious leader. Martin Luther was a religious leader. There have been innumerable religious leaders who have lived on this earth; Jesus Christ was and is not one of them.
True Christianity is not a religion it is a Faith. The book of James speaks of true religion being the service to orphans and widows. Those who insist on calling Christianity a religion throw open the door to the very things that drove Judaism to the horrific state it was in when Jesus Christ confronted it in Matthew 23. What started as faith, through the traditions of man, became a religion. Religion is not able to save anyone. True Christianity is the only way to eternal life.
There used to be a time when Christians were not ashamed of their faith. There was a time when Christians were willing to face persecution, harassment and even death as a reward instead of a plague to be avoided at all costs. There was a time when Christians would rather face a hungry lion than an angry God disappointed in their compromise. There was a time when Christians were universally hated and hunted as animals because they were considered religious heretics and enemies of the state. There was a time when Christians were not afraid to be Christians; no matter what it cost them.
There once was a time in this country where those who did evil in the sight of the Lord were relegated to “closets” where they hid their wicked ways. Now they have all come out of their closets and it is the Christians who practice “closet Christianity”. Oh my, people say, I cannot afford to let people know I am a Christian, for they might not like me or take their business elsewhere.
I am not a political activist and I would never “endorse” any candidate; but I am thrilled there is at least one politician running for President who is not afraid to tell the nation he is a Christian and believes Jesus Christ is the answer to this nation’s woes. Of course he will never get elected, but at least it is refreshing to have a politician talking about good old fashioned conservative Christian themes instead of the progressive junk promulgated by most.
I am appalled at the venom so many “progressives” have for the “religious right” in this country. Millions upon millions of people absolutely hate Christians. To them, everyone who says they are a Christian is automatically labeled an “evangelical”. The degree of that hate was just manifest a few days ago when an “ex” evangelical violently shot and killed numerous Christians. In his pre-killing internet posts, these murderers vented his extreme hatred toward Christians and desire to kill as many as he could.
What are we, as Christians (not evangelicals or any other designation) to do in response to this hatred? Are we to ignore it, confront it or hide from it? What did Jesus do when Judas betrayed him? Jesus simply said, “That which you do, do quickly”. If people hate us and want to kill us, so be it. If someone stands up in a classroom and demands that all Christians step forward to be shot, I would hope and pray the real Christians would boldly step up just as Stephen did in Acts 7.
Jesus never promised His road would be an easy one to tread. In fact, time and again He let it be known that any true follower of Him faced untold persecution, tribulation and martyrdom. Those that followed Him 2000 years ago did, for the most part, pay the ultimate price for their faith and yet they never complained. They counted it all joy to be able to suffer with him. Jesus even stated "the world hated me so it shall hate you also" not in those words yet said it He did.
Friends these are the end times and things are not getting any better... God said "you will either be hot or cold there is no in between, luke warm He will spew you out of His mouth". This mean if you just sit idolly by you will miss your place in heaven...
Friends, there are people all over the world that are making it so easy for you to get the Word of God "Jesus" at every turn.
So what is wrong with us????
Do you think this is a joke???
Or do you even care???
The plan is unity with each other through Christ Jesus the real and living word of God the great I Am
So til next time T.T.T.F. and remember if Unity is the plan then haterisum is our DISEASE... Remember this if you remember nothing you've just read.
Proverbs 1:27-33
"When your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind,
When distress and anguish come upon you.
Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
They would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke.
Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way,
And be filled to the full with their own fancies.
For the turning away of the simple will slay them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them;
But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
And will be secure, without fear of evil." Proverbs 1:27-33
Amen & Amen!
now what are you going to do????????
Love you all in Jesus mighty name Amen & Amen!
just a vessel
for my Fathers
use!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dorin Scott Lee on -
Yup this may step on some bodies toes. SO WHAT! I'd rather step on your toes now than your soul in Hell...
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Permalink Reply by Dorin Scott Lee on
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Please repost and send to all you know. Thus saith the Lord "My people die for a lack of knowlege" Let's not let any more Go. We have the power of the word for He lives in us. So please share.
Jane Dickson said:WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW, Great Post! Hallelujah!
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Permalink Reply by Debbie Hasty on -
Latin root word for religion is bondage, following tradition and the doctrine of a mans church, not Gods true church. Religion tells you what you can and cannot do and becomes socially acceptable by mans interpretations, traditions and doctrines. Religion is what nailed Christ to the cross because this Bible is not socially acceptable to society, if it were then Christ would have died in vain. God is not about mans religion, nor does he recognize religion. God is about a personal relationship with you and His son Jesus Christ. John 1:1-5; Romans 10:9, 10; John 3:3.
1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles, (wisdom) of God, if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever, Amen. Revelation 22:18, 19 for I testify (say) unto every man that hearth the words of the prophecy (message) of this book. If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life and out of his holy city and from the things that are written in this book.
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Permalink Reply by PROPHETESS CAROL on -
OH DORIN MY BROTHER!
THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN TWO DIFFERENT POSTS...I HAVE BEEN WITNESSING TO A YOUNG MAN FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS ON THE INTERNET BECAUSE HE BELIEVES IN A SCIENTIFIC GOD...HE BELIEVES THAT IF GOD EXISTS...WE SHOULD HAVE PHYSICAL EVIDENCE TO PROVE IT...I CANNOT GO INTO EVERYTHING THAT I DISCUSSED WITH HIM...THIS GENTLEMAN HAS CURSED ME ON ALMOST EVERY RESPONSE...HE CALLED ME EVERYTHING BUT A CHILD OF GOD BUT YET MY HEART ACHES FOR HIM...HE KNOWS THE WORD BUT HE HIS HUNG UP ON SCIENTIFIC PROOF...I HAD TO CHANGE SOME OF ITS CONTENT B/C OF ITS VULGARITY...DORIN...MY HEART STILL GOES OUT TO HIM B/C GOD DOES NOT WANT TO SEE ANYONE PERISH AND THIS IS WHAT TRUE CHRISTIANITY IS ALL ABOUT...LAYING DOWN YOUR WILL...YOUR OWN SELFISH DESIRES FOR THE GOOD OF SOMEONE ELSE B/C TO MANY WHO PROFESS TO BE CHRISTIANS WON'T... I AM NOT BOASTING IN MYSELF OR WHAT I HAVE DONE BUT WHAT CHRIST ATTEMPTED TO DO THROUGH ME....I HURT FOR THIS YOUNG MAN DESPITE HOW HE TALKED TO ME...THIS WAS ONE OF MY LAST RESPONSES TO HIM B/C I REALIZED THAT I MAY HAVE PLANTED THE SEEDS BUT SOMEONE ELSE WILL HAVE TO WATER THEM...
JACKSON SAID...that statement just disproved the ability to communicate with "god"
everyone on this earth is a "natural" being.
that only god can judge is WRONG, WHAT THE HECK are you doing right now? judging me for who i am, assuming my life needs a void to be filled and saying that i need some fake god in my life?! FORGET YOU, and FORGET all religions.
they are absolutely ridiculous, and so are you.
your views are so absurdly skewed you can never change back
CAROL SAID...
JACKSON...I AM NOT JUDGING YOU MY FRIEND...ITS JUST THAT I HAVE BEEN WHERE YOU ARE...THERE IS A PHYSICAL PAIN WHEN SOMEONE HITS YOU OR PINCHES YOU...BUT THEN THERE IS A PAIN THAT GOES BEYOND THE PHYSICAL ...IT CAN BE SO BAD THAT YOU ACHE ON THE INSIDE BUT YET NOONE HAS LAID A HAND UPON YOU...EVEN YOU CAN'T TOUCH IT OR GET TO IT BUT YOU KNOW THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG...THIS IS WHERE GOD WANTS TO DWELL...SO THE NEXT TIME THAT YOU ARE CRYING AND NOONE CAN MAKE IT RIGHT...THINK ABOUT GOD B/C HE WANTS TO COME IN AND MAKE IT RIGHT BUT HE WON'T KICK THE DOOR DOWN AND FORCE HIS WAY IN ...GOD IS A GENTLEMAN AND HE WANTS YOU TO INVITE HIM IN...SO MUCH FOR THE "EXALTED GOD" AS YOU CALL HIM." GOD IS LIKE US IN MANY RESPECTS...HE CAN BE AS HUMBLE AS WE LET HIM OR HE CAN BECOME OUR WORSE NIGHTMARE...YOU ARE NICE SOMETIMES JUST LIKE YOU GET ANGRY SOMETIMES...YOU ARE NOT A ROBOT AND NEITHER IS GOD...SO DON'T EXPECT ANYTHING FROM GOD THAT YOU DON'T WANT OTHERS TO EXPECT FROM YOU...HERE IS A DIFFERENT SIDE OF GOD...
MATTHEW 11:28-30
28] COME UNTO ME, ALL YE THAT LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST...
29] TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU, AND LEARN OF ME; FOR I AM MEEK AND LOWLY IN HEART: AND YE SHALL FIND REST UNTO YOUR SOULS...
30] FOR MY YOKE IS EASY AND MY BURDEN IS LIGHT.
GIVE IT TO JESUS
LOVING ON YOU
CAROL =0)
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Permalink Reply by Steve Cook on -
Christianity and loving Jesus will give you life eternal with God. Religion will send you to hell. thanks for sharing
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