Religious Thoughts

New Bible Studies Group

By Valiusvalius324. Tuesday, April 15, 2008 5:45:16 AM

I hate it when ever anyone forces their will on me or intrudes into my privacy. Recently on a bus a man got on and immediately decided that the entire bus was going to be his undevided audience. I tend to react badly in this situation. When he said something and looked at me for confirmation by saying, "Right"? I simply said, "didn't your mother tell you not to talk to strangers? He got the hint and excluded me.

Others tend to intrude this way also. Recently on the phone a young man who was soliciting couldn't understand what I don't have time right now meant. I was still at the polite stage when he said the magic words, "aw com on help me out here" I started with, "I don't know you to help you out and beside you are the rudest...." He got quiet before bidding me goodnight.

People that want to swamp you with the word of God also annoy me to no end. When I want to study the word of God, I know where I keep my bible. I don't go to church because most churches are selling something other than God's word. Even on TV I had the channel on a station when a pastor started. I couldn't help but think, he was not teaching the word of God. He was in show business.

Many people want to buy swamp land in Florida for many reasons; Some just to know they own property, others because they like to be the victim. Whatever the reason doesn't matter. Just let them seek you when they have the need.

I like reading the bible for a variety of reasons. I know some that just like the stories. I know others that like to compare what they believe with what the bible says. There are thousands of reasons to be interested in the bible but no one needs bible crusaders pushing a bible in their face. They also don't need bible thumpers telling them what to think.

That's the reason I got so excited when I saw a bible study forum started by TogaOga. I happen to be aquainted with her here on Opera. I knew if she was the moderator it was going to be a forum where people could come and share at whatever level they choose. I thought what a wonderful opportunity for a young mother to let her children ask questions or read verses and participate without worrying that some son of the devil was going to attack.

I had so many thoughts but most of them were about the opportunity for honest people to get in on the ground floor of this forum and help shape it. TogaOga is a young mother herself and is also a warm honest person who seeks answers through her faith.

If you love God, if you are just curious about Jesus or even if you want to learn about Solomon as a king, you can be sure that this forum will be the most enjoyable place to spend time. You don't have to go through any ritual of bowing or sacrificing your first born. Just go when you want and be as comfortable as you would in your own home.

Here is the address:
http://my.opera.com/superArlin2/blog/

What if Jesus was here Today

Comments

Lynwildtazzmaa # Friday, September 12, 2008 9:20:53 AM

I totally agree with you Val, I do not attend church either for some of the same reasons as you mentioned and more. 1 church I went to yes spoke about: Their schedule, their classes, daycare, introduced each "Prominant member" Who each in turn spoke of themselves and what they do, oh; they did have a few children sing a song or two and inbetween all this they passed the collection plate *FIVE TIMES* Without sharing not *ONE* Word of Scripture! Simply appauling, and that was just *1* Experience! I much prefer "sharing and hearing the word" here on Opera and next on your and Toga's new site. By the way I had no idea you had this group, if I did I would have joined long ago. I came upon it when I hit the Explore then Groups buttons as you instructed me on Poetry In Motion {Which brainless me never even hit the "Explore" button before} And there I saw all the Groups I was subscribed to, then I saw a list of all the Groups my friends were subscribed to. I gather I need to open my eyes and pay attention sometimes

Many Blessings my friend, Lyn

Valiusvalius324 # Friday, September 12, 2008 8:48:46 PM

This was my first attempt to start a group...then I decided that i needed more space. After talking to Toga we opened the "Bible Studies" and again decided to get more space. That's when we decided on whitestones.us and our own web site that could be shared with everyone that had an interest.

I feel bad that I have neglected this Group. I think I will in the future put a little more time here since i have a new member. I do however love the Whitestones site and spend hour after hour trying to make it something that everyone can enjoy.

I want to do even more "stuff' for kids on it in the future.

Lynwildtazzmaa # Friday, September 12, 2008 10:28:03 PM

Valiusvalius324 # Thursday, June 18, 2009 4:37:53 PM

The line is drawn by the individual, themself.

For example; I draw my line to where I get tired and don't feel like talking anymore. I'd be very interested in knowing where you might draw yours.

I also would love to share what you believed and now don't seem to have that same faith in anymore...and why?

You also say "for whatever reason". I think you know the reason but may not want to share that. Am I wrong? You can only resolve the conflict by sharing it all in all honesty and I can only discuss that in all honesty by letting you know my feelings without reservations and without finding fault with your beliefs. (That's really the difference "to me" of discussion and debate).