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Hi y'all, I will be sharing monthly conversation starters here (which will also be found in the Group messages as well!). I would love to hear your thoughts! After all, as the servants of God we are called to "think on these things!"

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

*) Why do you believe in Jesus?
*) Is there a purpose to everything that happens in life?
*) Is there an afterlife?

Hi M.K.

Some very thought provoking questions. It is very late, and I just dropped by on my way to bed. I plan to think about these questions and get back to you...

God bless and keep you dear sister!
C. Read

Hi C. Read!! How are you? It's been too long. �� I look forward to hearing your answers, my friend. Thank you for joining in! :)

Time to answer my own questions, eh? ;)
I believe in Jesus, because I have been convinced through life, death, and everything I see that there is a God, and through the Word of God I know that is Jesus, God come in the flesh to die for me.
John 20:28 - And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

There is a purpose to everything in life! Even in pain, God uses it. Even the wicked, God uses. The Word of God tells us so, and life experience has taught me that while things might hurt in the moment, God can use those same things to heal in the next moment.
Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

There is an afterlife! This life is short, fraught with pain, terror, and trouble. The next life will either be spent in heaven with God, or hell with the enemies of God. Knowing Jesus is the way to heaven and eternal peace there!
Matthew 25:46 - And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

These thoughts were some thoughts I faced when 7 years old, after my Grandmother--after whom I'm named--passed away. These questions led me to an unwavering faith in Jesus. Every question I had, God had answers for in the Word of God, and because of that, I found freedom and truth!

M.K. wrote: "*) Why do you believe in Jesus?
*) Is there a purpose to everything that happens in life?
*) Is there an afterlife?"


Why Do I believe in Jesus?

Because I have met the Saviour of the world! Praise God! And to help you understand why I love Jesus so much, I would like to share my testimony of when I first committed my heart to the LORD.

It was the fall of 1979, while I was in the US Marine Corps. I was stationed in Hawaii, but while I was on a temporary assignment to Yuma, Arizona the Iranian students seized the American Embassy in Tehran, and had taken several American hostages.

A very special friend of mine (who was to be my Husband) was on a six-month deployment to Japan, and he was preparing to go to Iran at a moment’s notice. I felt so helpless to do anything about it, and it was such an uncertain time in my life.

As unbelievable as it may sound, I was actually thankful for the Iranian Crisis, because it was that momentous event that caused me to see my great need for the Saviour.

About that same time, a young Marine, whom I had never met, came up to me as I was leaving my barracks in Yuma, and handed me a Bible, and said, “Here, I think you need to read this.�� He just walked away, and I never saw him again, but I will never forget him!

That brief encounter was a major turning point in my life. I did take his advice and I started reading the Bible, but that was just the beginning of my walk with God. I have been walking with the LORD for over forty-two years, and my love and devotion to my dear Saviour remains stronger than ever!

Is there a purpose to everything that happens in life?

Yes, I believe there is a purpose for everything that happens in our lives, and only through a true relationship with God, can we know what His purpose is for us. And what is so wonderful and amazing about God, is that He can use everything—the good and the bad, the heartaches and the joys--to us bring closer to Him.

“Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.��

And yes, there is definitely an afterlife!

I absolutely believe the Word of God, and His Holy Spirit bears witness to everything He inspired men to write down about God, the Saviour, and His Kingdom. Sadly, there are many who do not believe, but ONE DAY, they will know the Truth! Let's hope it will be this side of Heaven!

1 Corinthians 2:6 "Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

1 Corinthians 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.

1 Corinthians 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.��

God bless you MK and my Fellow Real Christians!
C. Read

P.S. MK, I am in a rush, but I wanted to share this link to tell a little about how I have been doing��

C. Read-- you never cease to amaze me with your answers and insight! Your testimony is profound! �� How God works through the hardest and craziest encounters in our lives is simply astounding. It truly shows how God can use anything-- nothing is wasted.

Have you ever thought about the young Marine who handed you the Word of God? Was he a preacher, simply a new Christian sharing his faith, or even an angel that we were entertaining unawares?
Hebrews 13:2 - Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
What do you think?

Girl, I was so touched by your thoughts here. I cannot agree more--and you wrote it quite perfectly!! Thank you so much for sharing, my friend. I look forward to chatting further. I'm off to read that link. ;)

Oh, and my friend: Do you remember how we ever got to chatting here?

Hi MK,

Actually, I have always thought he was an angel! :) But nonetheless, that brief encounter changed my life. And I know I will see him again one Day in that glorious place God has prepared for US!

Interestingly, just days before that visitation, another Marine had knocked on my barracks door and wanted to give me a Bible track. I told him I didn't want it, and he tried to force his way into my room. He stopped dead in his "tracks" (no pun intended) when he saw my friend--another fellow Marine, and then he just threw the track at me!

I would say he had evil intentions--just like so many To-day who use the name of Jesus Christ for personal, political, and financial purposes! And one Day they are going to deeply regret that! I just thank God for my little angel!

I would have to look back, but I am not sure how we got connected. But I know I love the name of your Blog, "Real Christians." (As my Testimony reveals, there are some very dangerous fake ones out there!)

Soon after I joined your group you had left for an undetermined time. But I am so glad you are back, and I hope to spend more time visiting here at Good Reads, the LORD willing.

God bless and keep you and your loved ones my dear sister in the LORD! You are in my prayers, and I truly thank you for yours!

With the love of Christ,
C. Read

Aw, that is amazing!! I am intrigued by your life stories so much--thank you for sharing with me. God surely uses everything for His will in our lives! ��

Oh my goodness, that is scary! He surely had bad intentions--and I'm thankful you were protected in that situation. I am also glad that your heart was not hardened and you had so great an understanding to know that he was not of the Lord. Some people would blame the Lord for his actions, when he was not a servant of the Lord at all. It was as if the enemy knew you'd be receiving the Good News soon and wanted attempt to steer you from it before it came. Thank the Lord that didn't occur!

Aw, it blesses my heart to hear that!! How true it is!! Just like the Word says--we can tell a tree by the fruit it bears. Those who use the Word of God to endanger others are certainly bearing rotten fruits.

Yes!! I can't recall if you found this group first, or my blog (as I do believe you followed it too!). Either way, I am thankful for it! :)

Thank you so much, my friend! I'm working on getting this group back in order, and a group message sent out this weekend, and maybe get more interaction in these forums. It's certainly been a while! I feel bad you joined as the group got quieter with less interaction. We used to read Bible books together, share devotions daily, and interact with all kinds of topic threads! It was awesome! Thank you for sharing your insight and time with us, C. Read! You are much appreciated here. ��

Hello M.K. and my Dearest Friend C.Read !
It is most pleasant to hear from you both!
I also missed the discussions here! :) And I am so delighted to see both of you as I open this thread! Praise the Lord!
I also would like to share a brief answer to M.K.'s questions, but first of all, I would like to say that I agree with everything what C. has written and I encourage you to read her Testimony "Walking with the Enemy" that will further open your eyes to the True Light in Jesus.
1.Why do i believe in Jesus?
Because the bible say so, and I believe the bible to be the Word of God for us! 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:20-21. The entire Bible has prophesied of His coming; described His life, death, resurrection and His ascension; and further prophesied His coming back again for The Real Christians. And most importantly as well is John 20:28-31: "...That ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye might have life through His name." To God be the glory!
2.Is there a purpose in everything that happens in life?
Yes, indeed! Revelations 4:11 tells us that God created everything for His glory! from day one of His creation, they were good, until the 6th day when God said, "...Behold it was very good." Then it was ruined by sin, but only temporarily. And here comes my life verse that both of you sighted, Romans 8:28! I am so happy that we belong with those who "love God; who are the called according to His purpose" because in His right time, we will see each other face to face to give glory, honor, worship, and praise to Him Who hath chosen us with the few, among the many that are called! To God be the glory!
3. Is there an afterlife?
Yes! I believe that Luke 16:19-31 is true. i also believe that John 11:25-26 is sure. Lazarus, though poor in this life, was comforted in the afterlife; while the rich man who take no thought of his afterlife, suffered the consequence... and it was too late when he found out! In this life, God has given everyone a chance to believe in HIM, and in the Lord Jesus Christ to prepare for the afterlife. Praise the Lord because we are on the right, straight and narrow way leading to life with the few that find it! Matthew 7:13-14. To God be the glory!

Thank you M.K. for asking these very important questions in life!
Thank you so much my Dearest Friend C. for being here to share these spiritual insights that shed light to these questions through the guidance and witness of the Holy Spirit within us!
I really missed you and I keep you in my heart and Prayers as always!
In the love of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior;
Prayer partner and brother in the Lord;
arnie

Hi Arnie, it is so great to hear from you, my friend! It has been so long now, have we spoken before on the group threads?

How WONDERFULLY written!! Thank you so much for sharing. Your life verse, Romans 8:28, is also my Dad's! He has quoted it so often in my childhood that it's etched on my memory word for word. I'm every thankful for God's Words to us, that show up right when we need them! Praise God, indeed! We are blessed to have you here at Real Christian, my friend! :)