[MENTION=2710]jimtaylor[/MENTION]
Well, i didnt give up free will when i went back to church. I excercised free will by choosing to go back.
I still have my free will and because i have it i still make many mistakes. I actually would prefer if God would
take my free will away from because then i wouldnt sin anymore and i see that as a good thing. Also i believe
that the Bible was written by God. By that i mean that God guided the people who wrote it.
Why cant i do that on my own ? Because i am a sinner. I was born in sin and i will die in sin. And as long as
i am a sinner i am never truly free and i will always do bad things. Because that is the nature of sin.
http://www.humanrestore.com/physical-health/how-to-live-to-101/ I suggest that you watch this video.
It was done by the BBC and it looks at the 3 longest living communities on Earth. One of witch is the Seventh
Day Adventist communitie in Loma Linda. There are scientist also talking about the observations they have made in
connection to peoples faith and healthy living and longetivity.
I would like to say that i am part of the SDA church myself. But what defines me is not my religion, it is my faith in Jesus Christ
and my personal connection to him. That is what makes me thrive to be a better person. That was the thing that made me
to give up smoking and drinking.
Why do i read the Bible and follow it's teachings ? Because the Bible is like a TomTom. It guides you to your destination.
And while guiding you it pots up warning signs on where the was an accident and where there is a camera waiting for you.
I do connect to God through my desire to do good and be better. But like i said before, i can not do it on my own. I am week
and i make mistakes, my God is the dreator of the universe and nothing is too hard for him. And he shows me the better way
of living. Also, my convictions are from the Bible. "37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40) Those are my convictions and i do my best to live by them with God's help.
Those convictions are rooted deep in me.
When i stopped going to church i stoppe wanting to do good things as well actually. I got drunk with my friends and then beat up one of the guys i was drinking with. I got into fights and i stole some things as well. On my own i didnt want to do the good things out of the goodness of my heart.
With God by my side it has become me nature to do good and to help others.
Also, just wanted to ask what is wrong with looking for my life to have a meaning ? Isnt the question: What is the meaning of life ? one of the most sought after questions in the world ? With God i know what my purpose is. And that gives me peace. And if it does that then what is wrong with that ?