Universalists: Please Explain Why You Believe Like You Do

[legoman]

Originally Posted by Ilene Wright

I'd like to take a moment and clarify my beliefs. It's been a long, hard road to come to the belief of Universalism and as I type I cry. Universalism is not the enemy here, we are our own enemies. Satan is not the enemy, we are. How in the world could anyone think something as wonderful as the good news of universal reconciliation is bad news? Really think about it people, what exactly are you holding onto? Is it truth? Or is it the worst lie ever told? Really think before you react.

Now and then, when it's convenient, people express love on this board. That's what it's all about, LOVE. I don't care if you call me a hippie because I say that.....then you're calling God Himself a hippie because Jesus Christ said it, not me. He said to love God and each other. People who are steeped in religious garbage, bogged down by years of wrong teaching, can't see it. They can't feel it. They can't touch it. They can't smell it. They can't hear it. It eludes them. I know, I've been where they are. Can I make a suggestion?

Please, please, please go to a place where you can be close to God and nature, with no people around. Sit there and meditate, meditate on God and your surroundings. There's nothing wrong with meditating either. Don't try to hand me that it's some kind of new age stuff. It's been around for centuries and it's called being still and knowing that He is God...directly from the pages of the Bible. I don't think enough people actually do this, they're so caught up in their everyday lives and afraid to be alone and go anywhere by themselves. Just hop in the car and go. Don't tell anyone where you're going, you've got a cell phone don't you?

Look, the little trip I took to a mountaintop all by myself is what started me on the journey to the truth. It's out there, but you'll never find it clinging to ancient beliefs that bruise the mind and soul. It's truly a good thing to clear your mind and sit in silence in the presence of God's beauty. It will do wonders for anyone spiritually and you might come away with a clear and open mind. At least open enough to stop all this condemning of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

That was a blessing to read Ilene! You are right it is all about love. We are all learning patience right now - Love is patient.

[Bright Hope for Tomorrow]

Originally Posted by legoman

That was a blessing to read Ilene! You are right it is all about love. We are all learning patience right now - Love is patient.

I agree. Ilene, you're so right. It really takes spending time alone seeking God, to really get to know Him and His true character.

[.sparrow.]

Originally Posted by Ilene Wright

I'd like to take a moment and clarify my beliefs. It's been a long, hard road to come to the belief of Universalism and as I type I cry. Universalism is not the enemy here, we are our own enemies. Satan is not the enemy, we are. How in the world could anyone think something as wonderful as the good news of universal reconciliation is bad news? Really think about it people, what exactly are you holding onto? Is it truth? Or is it the worst lie ever told? Really think before you react.

Now and then, when it's convenient, people express love on this board. That's what it's all about, LOVE. I don't care if you call me a hippie because I say that.....then you're calling God Himself a hippie because Jesus Christ said it, not me. He said to love God and each other. People who are steeped in religious garbage, bogged down by years of wrong teaching, can't see it. They can't feel it. They can't touch it. They can't smell it. They can't hear it. It eludes them. I know, I've been where they are. Can I make a suggestion?

Please, please, please go to a place where you can be close to God and nature, with no people around. Sit there and meditate, meditate on God and your surroundings. There's nothing wrong with meditating either. Don't try to hand me that it's some kind of new age stuff. It's been around for centuries and it's called being still and knowing that He is God...directly from the pages of the Bible. I don't think enough people actually do this, they're so caught up in their everyday lives and afraid to be alone and go anywhere by themselves. Just hop in the car and go. Don't tell anyone where you're going, you've got a cell phone don't you?

Look, the little trip I took to a mountaintop all by myself is what started me on the journey to the truth. It's out there, but you'll never find it clinging to ancient beliefs that bruise the mind and soul. It's truly a good thing to clear your mind and sit in silence in the presence of God's beauty. It will do wonders for anyone spiritually and you might come away with a clear and open mind. At least open enough to stop all this condemning of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Wow... This was SUCH an outpouring of your heart, Ilene. I am certain that someone out there was touched by what you wrote and I hope with all of my heart that they quiet themselves long enough to hear the gentle sweet voice of our Creator directing their steps onto the path of truth. The truth of His character. Thank you Ilene for sharing that. It was totally from the heart with love and I could feel that.
peace sis,
sparrow

[Ilene Wright]

Originally Posted by .sparrow.

Wow... This was SUCH an outpouring of your heart, Ilene. I am certain that someone out there was touched by what you wrote and I hope with all of my heart that they quiet themselves long enough to hear the gentle sweet voice of our Creator directing their steps onto the path of truth. The truth of His character. Thank you Ilene for sharing that. It was totally from the heart with love and I could feel that.
peace sis,
sparrow

Thanks Sparrow, it came straight from the heart, it is something that I've been feeling all day and I prayed while I was typing to be lead with my words. That ought to tell somebody something, don't you think?

[Jerwade]

Originally Posted by Ilene Wright

I'd like to take a moment and clarify my beliefs. It's been a long, hard road to come to the belief of Universalism and as I type I cry. Universalism is not the enemy here, we are our own enemies. Satan is not the enemy, we are. How in the world could anyone think something as wonderful as the good news of universal reconciliation is bad news? Really think about it people, what exactly are you holding onto? Is it truth? Or is it the worst lie ever told? Really think before you react.

Now and then, when it's convenient, people express love on this board. That's what it's all about, LOVE. I don't care if you call me a hippie because I say that.....then you're calling God Himself a hippie because Jesus Christ said it, not me. He said to love God and each other. People who are steeped in religious garbage, bogged down by years of wrong teaching, can't see it. They can't feel it. They can't touch it. They can't smell it. They can't hear it. It eludes them. I know, I've been where they are. Can I make a suggestion?

Please, please, please go to a place where you can be close to God and nature, with no people around. Sit there and meditate, meditate on God and your surroundings. There's nothing wrong with meditating either. Don't try to hand me that it's some kind of new age stuff. It's been around for centuries and it's called being still and knowing that He is God...directly from the pages of the Bible. I don't think enough people actually do this, they're so caught up in their everyday lives and afraid to be alone and go anywhere by themselves. Just hop in the car and go. Don't tell anyone where you're going, you've got a cell phone don't you?

Look, the little trip I took to a mountaintop all by myself is what started me on the journey to the truth. It's out there, but you'll never find it clinging to ancient beliefs that bruise the mind and soul. It's truly a good thing to clear your mind and sit in silence in the presence of God's beauty. It will do wonders for anyone spiritually and you might come away with a clear and open mind. At least open enough to stop all this condemning of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

That's what this hippie does, while smoking a big fat one (Now that was funny!)
However, I did appreciate the loving-kindness, and truthfulness within your words.

Truly, a peacemaker.

[Ilene Wright]

Originally Posted by Jerwade

That's what this hippie does, while smoking a big fat one (Now that was funny!)
However, I did appreciate the loving-kindness, and truthfulness within your words.

Truly, a peacemaker.

LOL, now that IS funny!! ROFLMAO!! Thanks Jerwade, you're the best!!

[Miss Blue]

Guys, this is the topic of this thread, please stay on topic

Originally Posted by Ilene Wright

I don't necessarily want this to turn into a huge debate, I'm just curious......can you pinpoint exactly what changed your belief? I've seen most of you say you used to be ETer's so I'm really interested to know how that could get so turned around to a totally different belief?

Was it just studying the Word, someone training you in the ways of UR or just an "A-Ha" moment? And please be kind and try to help this confused brain by speaking in layman's terms.

Your answers would be greatly appreciated. I may not be able to participate in the thread after today because I'm going on vacation (woo-hoo!!) but I'll be interested to see where this has gone when I come back.

[Miss Blue]

closed temporarily for moderation consideration

[Ilene Wright]

Thank you for reopening this thread Miss Blue.