Saying Hi

[VineBranch]

Hi All:

I loved to study.  I still read a lot but not as much as I did in my younger days.  I find I spend more time in prayer then in discusssion: although I still love to debate issues.  I am fascinated with this thing universal salvation.  There is a lot of stuff to read and I am really looking forward to knowing more about it.

The more I think about it, the less I believe in Hell, but I could be wrong.  Personally I'm more interested in Heaven.  The thing is however, the older I get the more I see that the things I know are shrinking in number.  Reading is fun, pursuing knowledge is fun, study is fun, but at the end of the day I find I am with Paul:  I know Christ and Him crucified, the rest is dross.

[jabcat]

Hey friend, finally got you here :)

I believed in hell all my life.  Would argue for it.  I remember trying to point out to a guy one time who had said he thought everyone would be saved, with all my "scriptural knowledge", how eternal torment was real.

I'm with you, and have said so recently - the older I get, the more I realize how little I know.

When God revealed universal reconciliation to me about 6 years ago, I grasped it with open arms.  For some, it takes a little longer.  At least you're open and searching.  I believe if you go to God with an honest, sincere, open heart and ask Him to show you, He will.  And if He doesn't, then for some reason it just may not be time yet.  God knows and sees all, and I agree, Jesus Christ and Him crucified (and risen!) is the main thing.  All else in God's timing.

Blessings, and welcome.  James.

[reFORMer]

What about this?  Jesus says, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." (Mat 24:35 and Mar 13:31)  God's purpose is not a better place in death, but victory over death as we mature into it. 

There's a topic here on tentmaker Discussion Forum called, "Heaven and Our Near at Hand Hope" that might bless you.

I hope you find this a worthy place to regularly spend some time interacting with our conversations.

[lomarah]

Welcome! May your seeking of Him and His kingdom be blessed. (How could it not be?) :)

[CHB]

Hey friend, finally got you here :)

I believed in hell all my life.  Would argue for it.  I remember trying to point out to a guy one time who had said he thought everyone would be saved, with all my "scriptural knowledge", how eternal torment was real.

I'm with you, and have said so recently - the older I get, the more I realize how little I know.

When God revealed universal reconciliation to me about 6 years ago, I grasped it with open arms.  For some, it takes a little longer.  At least you're open and searching.  I believe if you go to God with an honest, sincere, open heart and ask Him to show you, He will.  And if He doesn't, then for some reason it just may not be time yet.  God knows and sees all, and I agree, Jesus Christ and Him crucified (and risen!) is the main thing.  All else in God's timing.

Blessings, and welcome.  James.

My thoughts exactly.  Welcome, and may God bless you with the truth.

CHB

[Paul L]

Hi All:

I loved to study.  I still read a lot but not as much as I did in my younger days.  I find I spend more time in prayer then in discusssion: although I still love to debate issues.  I am fascinated with this thing universal salvation.  There is a lot of stuff to read and I am really looking forward to knowing more about it.

The more I think about it, the less I believe in Hell, but I could be wrong.  Personally I'm more interested in Heaven.  The thing is however, the older I get the more I see that the things I know are shrinking in number.  Reading is fun, pursuing knowledge is fun, study is fun, but at the end of the day I find I am with Paul:  I know Christ and Him crucified, the rest is dross.

I was in my mid-20's when I came around to Universal Reconciliation, prior to that I had a couple of short excursions into groups teaching that they were as close as you could get to being affiliated to the "one true church". Without going into bringing up the actual names of such organizations, all of them have one trait in common & it is "attitude". Their "attitudes" are grossly despicable & totally unlike what Christ taught us: "do unto others, as you would have others do unto you". Some in these groups go so far as to carry an attitude of consenting to the death of anyone who would criticize their theology, just like Saul of Tarsus, remember him?

Unfortunately almost all the "one true church (organization)" groups believe just like Saul until they have a "Damascus road experience", and that is exactly what UR does for us, after you've had it, you never go back.

[ded2daworld]

Welcome vinebranch!
Look forward to your participation in our friendly discussions.

[Lazarus Short]

Welcome, VineBranch!  :friendstu: Yes, in time, our very existence in the here-and-now will seem to be dross, but it's all we have just now.  We look forward to better, later.