only universalist in my house

[Cristina100]

Hey everyone! Its seems after visiting tentmaker. I have become the only believer of universalism in my family. I'm feeling so disheartened any advice?

[bushy]

Being the only one believing in UR is pretty normal. I'd say spend your time getting grounded in why you believe what you do. Get real familiar with the scriptures that show God's love and purpose for His creation and the many that plainly say all will be saved in the end.There are lots of questions and objections people have that need good answers and the scriptures are where the answers are. And on this forum there are explanations for some of the difficult ones that mostly need a correct translation to understand.

[marie glen]

hi! my advice, or my own personal strategy, is to simply quote or insert the applicable scriptures when the chance presents itself.

Here's a link to a post that has a good list of some of the clear verses - http://tentmaker.org/forum/rules-and-faq/77-ultimate-reconciliation-and-renewal-scriptures/msg118063/#msg118063

It's funny how the verses get so missed! But more and more pop up and get apparent as our reading and studying continues.. We are very blessed to know these things! :thumbsup: :banana:

God bless!

P.S. - amen bushy!

[GodIsLove]

I'm the only one in my life who is a universalist! It would be lonely without Tentmaker!  :HeartThrob:

My mom is the only one who I may have convinced.

I don't recommend trying to convince anyone though. This revelation comes from God and we just need to plant seeds if moved by the Holy Spirit.

[eaglesway]

A firm grasp of the scriptures and translation issues is important, but the Holy Spirit does bear witness to the truth. It's not all up to us!

The reasons ET makes no sense resonate in every seeking heart. When the heart is not hungry for Him nothing we say matters, but that is not ours to judge! :o)

Paul said it pleased God to make the gospel known by the foolishness of announcing it, and as long as we speak the truth in love and do not get drawn into contentious debates, it is a good thing to speak the truth to people and trust God for the rest.

As the Spirit leads and opens doors of course.

But if we bear witness it breaks the fallow ground. Then when they are in the word on their own God will water the seeds.

In the meantime, we study to show ourselves approved, growing deeper in our understanding of God's aionian plan.

We are not called to "close the deal" so to speak. We are just called to watch and pray, so that we can speak a word when it is appropriate, instant, in season and out.

God will take care of the rest.

The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. Is 50:4

[GodIsLove]

A firm grasp of the scriptures and translation issues is important, but the Holy Spirit does bear witness to the truth. It's not all up to us!

The reasons ET makes no sense resonate in every seeking heart. When the heart is not hungry for Him nothing we say matters, but that is not ours to judge! :o)

Paul said it pleased God to make the gospel known by the foolishness of announcing it, and as long as we speak the truth in love and do not get drawn into contentious debates, it is a good thing to speak the truth to people and trust God for the rest.

As the Spirit leads and opens doors of course.

But if we bear witness it breaks the fallow ground. Then when they are in the word on their own God will water the seeds.

In the meantime, we study to show ourselves approved, growing deeper in our understanding of God's aionian plan.

We are not called to "close the deal" so to speak. We are just called to watch and pray, so that we can speak a word when it is appropriate, instant, in season and out.

God will take care of the rest.

The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. Is 50:4

:thumbsup:

[marie glen]

A firm grasp of the scriptures and translation issues is important, but the Holy Spirit does bear witness to the truth. It's not all up to us!

The reasons ET makes no sense resonate in every seeking heart. When the heart is not hungry for Him nothing we say matters, but that is not ours to judge! :o)

Paul said it pleased God to make the gospel known by the foolishness of announcing it, and as long as we speak the truth in love and do not get drawn into contentious debates, it is a good thing to speak the truth to people and trust God for the rest.

As the Spirit leads and opens doors of course.

But if we bear witness it breaks the fallow ground. Then when they are in the word on their own God will water the seeds.

In the meantime, we study to show ourselves approved, growing deeper in our understanding of God's aionian plan.

We are not called to "close the deal" so to speak. We are just called to watch and pray, so that we can speak a word when it is appropriate, instant, in season and out.

God will take care of the rest.

The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. Is 50:4

Amen! Amen!! ..no need to browbeat.. no need to chase 'em down..  I just inwardly shudder when I see good christian folk acting like that.. Put people on the spot.. try to get them to sign on the dotted line.. I've never seen God's Spirit as being like that.. Patience? He is patience itself..

[RonnyTX]

Hey everyone! Its seems after visiting tentmaker. I have become the only believer of universalism in my family. I'm feeling so disheartened any advice?

Cristina, I'm afraid I won't be of much help on this.  I have one nephew's wife, who also believes in universal restoration; but I seldom get to see her. Not sure how my nephew is about this? Kind of funny; but I got to talk to both of them some, about UR, one time when they both took me to the local emergency room! Well, had a long, long wait there. :-)

And an older brother here, who is also a Sunday School teacher in a Calvinist teaching church. Two older sisters, who are in Arminian/free will churches. I really made one of my sisters mad, when I told her how I now believed and that I know longer believed in hell. Boy, did she ever blow up mad, on that last one!

Then I have a niece, who as far as I can tell, also believes in UR. Had a chance to talk with her onetime and she pretty much saw things, the way I do now. :-)

I also post about UR, in various groups online. That's got me kicked out of, two atheist groups; but not out of two others, that I also like to post in. :-) And now and then,in various groups, I see some other people, who also believe in universal restoration.  And even more who don't quite believe such yet; but are obviously hoping such is true. :-)

[eaglesway]

Thats great Ronny !

[Dandelion]

This is my advice, Christina.

After many years of living, I have come to believe this....Love people with all your heart; be compassionate, caring, giving, forgiving, loyal, honest, trustworthy and every good thing.

But....We are called to be in this world, but not of this world.

Godly people are great to have around, and we so need to be supportive to each other and so on, but God and God alone is our Rock.

In essence, God alone becomes our identity. We belong to Him. He is our Father, our Abba,our 'Daddy'. Then, whatever people say or do, is important, but not in terms of who we are or our way of looking at ourselves. We no longer depend on them or their opinions to make us feel accepted. We just love them. I think it is actually very freeing. And, in this mode, I think we can actually love people more, because we are loving them from a different perspective.....from a godly perspective, in which they no longer have any control over our self-image or our joy.

I think it takes many of us a long time to arrive at this place.....but I believe it is where we should be.

My favorite Bible verse:

...4So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man. 5Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight....Proverbs 3:4 -6

The world will often not be a welcoming place for us, but we are given 'the peace that surpasses all understanding'. And, sometimes, that will have to be enough for us.

The Holy Spirit is a good and faithful companion....He will not let you down or abandon you.

16"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.... John 14:16-17

I personally always find this useful, as well.

Mother Teresa's Anyway Poem

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

Everything is between you and God, first and foremost. So, rather than a single line between you and them, we send all our longings, hopes and prayers to God, and then His grace is sent down to us, to have when we encounter difficulties.

And, as EW said so well, share your faith as the Spirit leads you to. It is not ours to convince them. We are only the catalyst, so to speak, who perhaps bring a spark to them, but the Holy Spirit is the one who will start and keep the fire going in them.

Hey, it could be worse.....at least you still have us.           :Hi5:

D.

[SarahR37]

I only Believe in universal because it make sence and it feel right within. Plus I been looking and looking for the truth and found this and another site that believes what I have believed all along, I am much happier and things seem to fall into place strange never happened much before because I have always got into drama. But lufe is wonderful and my health is improving. I am still deaf tho but happy I can hear enough on the phones to do many things with hearing aids! God bless you!!! Love. You!!!! $ :dsunny:

[marie glen]

           :girlheart: :HeartThrob: Bless you dear!! :gsmile:

[marie glen]

         What an awesome post sister D!!  :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :banana: :cloud9:

And my favorite line was -

The Holy Spirit is a good and faithful companion....He will not let you down or abandon you.

           thanks!       :girlheart:

[RonnyTX]

Thats great Ronny !

Ronny to Eaglesway:
Thank you. :-)  And what I really hated about getting banned from that first atheist group, was that I'd spent some time there and had got to liking posting with some people. But in that and another atheist group, I was told I was trying to proselytise people. (ha) Told them more than once, that I had no power to convert anyone. And that only God/Jesus Christ could and would do that and was going to do that and for everyone. :-)

One thing that really shocked me, was reading about some people, who were just around 5 to 7 years old children, when they were first taught about hell, in church! When some were first taught they were really bad sinners with dark hearts and would go to hell, if they didn't give their heart to Jesus, etc! It just floors me, that anyone could do such as that, to such a young child! 

Just thinking about my own experience and how I was raised up in a church, that taught hell; but I was not taught such as that, in the kids Sunday School class. And don't think I even thought about the subject, until I was maybe 12 years old?

[GodIsLove]

Thats great Ronny !

Ronny to Eaglesway:
Thank you. :-)  And what I really hated about getting banned from that first atheist group, was that I'd spent some time there and had got to liking posting with some people. But in that and another atheist group, I was told I was trying to proselytise people. (ha) Told them more than once, that I had no power to convert anyone. And that only God/Jesus Christ could and would do that and was going to do that and for everyone. :-)

One thing that really shocked me, was reading about some people, who were just around 5 to 7 years old children, when they were first taught about hell, in church! When some were first taught they were really bad sinners with dark hearts and would go to hell, if they didn't give their heart to Jesus, etc! It just floors me, that anyone could do such as that, to such a young child! 

Just thinking about my own experience and how I was raised up in a church, that taught hell; but I was not taught such as that, in the kids Sunday School class. And don't think I even thought about the subject, until I was maybe 12 years old?

Yes it's horrible! I remember fearing hell even though it wasn't outright threatened to me...even as a kid not necessarily fearing I would go to hell but thinking of all the poor people there. It's one reason I'm hesitant to go to church with my family--even if it's not directly threatened kids can still get the idea and internalize it and become fearful. I'm glad my kids don't even know the concept of hell yet.

[eaglesway]

I have seen religious coercion stoop to some really low places. it is a horrifying shame. Some of it is ignorance and fear. Some of it is religious arrogance and pride.

All they see is heaven and hell, therefore life means little, in terms of gentle teaching and the encouragement of kindness.

"We just have to get them through the door before its too late!"

So sad, what hell has wrought in the hearts of the children of men. Almost like causing children to pass through the fire to appease and angry god of iron and clay.

[darryl]

Thats great Ronny !

Ronny to Eaglesway:
Thank you. :-)  And what I really hated about getting banned from that first atheist group, was that I'd spent some time there and had got to liking posting with some people. But in that and another atheist group, I was told I was trying to proselytise people. (ha) Told them more than once, that I had no power to convert anyone. And that only God/Jesus Christ could and would do that and was going to do that and for everyone. :-)

One thing that really shocked me, was reading about some people, who were just around 5 to 7 years old children, when they were first taught about hell, in church! When some were first taught they were really bad sinners with dark hearts and would go to hell, if they didn't give their heart to Jesus, etc! It just floors me, that anyone could do such as that, to such a young child! 

Just thinking about my own experience and how I was raised up in a church, that taught hell; but I was not taught such as that, in the kids Sunday School class. And don't think I even thought about the subject, until I was maybe 12 years old?

even 12 is too young !..hehe

[RonnyTX]

Thats great Ronny !

Ronny to Eaglesway:
Thank you. :-)  And what I really hated about getting banned from that first atheist group, was that I'd spent some time there and had got to liking posting with some people. But in that and another atheist group, I was told I was trying to proselytise people. (ha) Told them more than once, that I had no power to convert anyone. And that only God/Jesus Christ could and would do that and was going to do that and for everyone. :-)

One thing that really shocked me, was reading about some people, who were just around 5 to 7 years old children, when they were first taught about hell, in church! When some were first taught they were really bad sinners with dark hearts and would go to hell, if they didn't give their heart to Jesus, etc! It just floors me, that anyone could do such as that, to such a young child! 

Just thinking about my own experience and how I was raised up in a church, that taught hell; but I was not taught such as that, in the kids Sunday School class. And don't think I even thought about the subject, until I was maybe 12 years old?

Yes it's horrible! I remember fearing hell even though it wasn't outright threatened to me...even as a kid not necessarily fearing I would go to hell but thinking of all the poor people there. It's one reason I'm hesitant to go to church with my family--even if it's not directly threatened kids can still get the idea and internalize it and become fearful. I'm glad my kids don't even know the concept of hell yet.

Ronny:
I'm glad they don't either! :-) 

[RonnyTX]

I have seen religious coercion stoop to some really low places. it is a horrifying shame. Some of it is ignorance and fear. Some of it is religious arrogance and pride.

All they see is heaven and hell, therefore life means little, in terms of gentle teaching and the encouragement of kindness.

"We just have to get them through the door before its too late!"

So sad, what hell has wrought in the hearts of the children of men. Almost like causing children to pass through the fire to appease and angry god of iron and clay.

Ronny:
And after reading some things, I can understand better now, why some people brought up in churches are now atheist. I have no doubt, that is one byproduct of the teaching of hell.

[RonnyTX]

Thats great Ronny !

Ronny to Eaglesway:
Thank you. :-)  And what I really hated about getting banned from that first atheist group, was that I'd spent some time there and had got to liking posting with some people. But in that and another atheist group, I was told I was trying to proselytise people. (ha) Told them more than once, that I had no power to convert anyone. And that only God/Jesus Christ could and would do that and was going to do that and for everyone. :-)

One thing that really shocked me, was reading about some people, who were just around 5 to 7 years old children, when they were first taught about hell, in church! When some were first taught they were really bad sinners with dark hearts and would go to hell, if they didn't give their heart to Jesus, etc! It just floors me, that anyone could do such as that, to such a young child! 

Just thinking about my own experience and how I was raised up in a church, that taught hell; but I was not taught such as that, in the kids Sunday School class. And don't think I even thought about the subject, until I was maybe 12 years old?

even 12 is too young !..hehe

Ronny to Darryl:
True! (ha)  And it was in the 12 to 14 year old age range, that I remember the first two deaths in my family. The first ones back then, that I can remember. It was a much loved cousin first and then a couple of years later, my Granny. But even with the teaching of hell and being sad about their passing, they were Christians, so I was taught they went straight to heaven. But then, at around 17 years old, I had an uncle pass away. He belonged to some group I was taught was cultish and not Christian. So, I was taught to believe that uncle, went to hell. :-(  Now this was one particular uncle, that I was never around that much; but that didn't stop the hurt, of being taught he was being tormented in hell! :-(

[Ross]

2 Tim 1;15 " You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me,"

2 Tim 2;3-7 " Share in suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one serving in the military gets involved in the affairs of every
                    day life, so that he pleases the one who enlisted him. Likewise if anyone competes as an athlete he does not
                    receive a wreath unless he competes lawfully. The hardworking farmer must be the first to receive the fruit.
                    Reflect on what I am saying for the Lord will give you insight in all this."

2 Tim 4;16-19 " At my first defence no one came forward for me, but everyone deserted me; may it not be held against them.
                       But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fulfilled,
                       namely, all the Gentiles might hear, and I was rescued from the mouth of a lion. The Lord will rescue me from EVERY
                       evil deed and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom, to Whom be glory for all time. Amen!"

Acts 7;59,60 " They kept stoning Stephen as he was calling on God and saying,
                       ' Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.'
                      And falling to his knees he cried out in a loud voice,
                      ' Lord, do not hold this sin against them,'
                      And when he said this he fell asleep."

John 18;36 " Jesus answered,
                                          ' My kingdom is not of this world; if My kingdom were of this world My subjects would be fighting to
                                            prevent Me being handed over to the Jews; but as it is My kingdom is not from here."

[trettep]

Hey everyone! Its seems after visiting tentmaker. I have become the only believer of universalism in my family. I'm feeling so disheartened any advice?

I know the feeling.  But the good news is that you got a bigger family now.