Without using the Bible: Tell me why I should follow Jesus, be specific?
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I would start with the origins of the universe ... if God created everything we see (and He did), then what is God like? What is our responibility to Him? What is His responsibility to us? Is it possible that we have offended God? If we have offended, what needs to happen to make it right? Has God communicated to His creation? How? Is it possible to know the absolute truth? What would God look like if He was in a Human body? How would God in human flesh treat people? What would he say? Why would a supreme God submit Himself to the ignomity of humanity? How would I relate to this God? What would this God require of me? Is there an afterlife? what is it like? \nJesus provides the answers to all these questions (and more).
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I have waited to answer this question to see what others would say. It is interesting. Unless you have a personal relationship with me, you really do not know me, just "about me", which is the same thing with Jesus. \nI genuinely thank those who spoke such kind and gracious words, I am humbled and grateful. \nOK, to answer, we will start at the beginning. I have always assumed there was a God. I was raised initially in the Catholic church, but I did not like the repetitive rituals or the standing when the priest walks in. My mother did not force me to continue the Catechism classes, and I continued my search for God into my teens. \nOn Thanksgiving evening, 1970, I was cruising in my friend Steve's 1955 T-bird around the towns surrounding Eglin AFB, Florida. We walked around an old cemetary and we got to talking about the spirit world. It sort of gave me the shivers. Steve asked me if I had ever been "saved". What is that? It is asking Jesus Christ into your heart. Something inside me said, "Isn't that what you have been looking for all your life?" That night, I asked Jesus into my heart and to be my Lord and Savior.\n\nMy approach to the Bible changed over the years. Before I met Jesus, it was a confusing array of religious writings and myths. \nAfter I met Jesus, it became a curious array of religious writings that may be true. \nAfter receiving the Holy Spirit a year later, it became personal love letters to me. \nDuring my high school years, it became a book of do's and don'ts that I could not quite live up to. \nDuring my college years, I came upon my mentor Chuck Smith, of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, who guided me through the Bible, verse by verse. The Bible became my life and foundation for living.\nDuring my single working years, I graduated to my next mentor Chuck Missler, who showed me the importance of types, how the old relates to the new, how the Bible is an intrigate message by One author. The Bible WAS and proved to be the Word of God! \nFive years under him and other great teachers, and I married Julie (Juliart). I was have been blessed to pass on all I have learned her and to my children and also to people stuck in cults, those confused by manipulative religions, and see the freedom the Word of God brings. \nThirty five years since that night in Florida, I have decided to pass all I have learned on to you. But in all things, be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11. Receive everything I have to give with joy, but check the scriptures daily to see if these things are true. I consider what I impart here as "Handfuls Dropped on Purpose" (see study below).\n\nSo to answer this question once and for all. I am just like my other fellow Christians who just love the Bible and have a personal walk with its Author. An old Jesus Freak from the 70s who's life's motto is...\n\n"Have Bible, Will Babble."\n\npregowtwins-Julie cracked up at your post. I could hear her across the house!\nmikeiam20-Your post reminded me of a line in Close Encounters. "Einstein was probably one of them." (looking at the alien mothership) ;)
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Jesus did a lot just to fulfill the prophecy's of the old testament. It's good to question things. If the book can't stand up to our questions it's not worth the paper its printed on.
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Most of Christianity is borrowed form other religions. I don't know about Jesus though. I guess you have to ask yourself what would someone gain from making up the story of Jesus? WHO would benefit. Then you have to take all of the information you can gather and make the decision for yourself whether you think it is true of not.
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Hi, I am Rational Spirituality,\n\nI have totally given up sin.  But I did not need the bible for that.  My own conscience and the support by My Divine Spirit Guide, Lysseus, were more than enough.\n\nI know far too many people who wave around the bible in all directions, and have their minds and hearts filled with hate.\n\nWhat does make you to believe that bible may be the only way to giving up sin?
895339
St. Paul preached the NT-----this is not part of the Bible (the Holy Scriptures). I will stick to those writings in the Holy Scriptures, thank you.
277737
I've never heard of the The Jesus bible before, where did you hear about it?
976114
I don't, but that sounds like a great idea.  Hmmm, one that I like, that comes to mind right now is 1 John 4: 7-19.  Another one I like that emphasises being non-judgemental, is the one about Jesus talking to Mary of Samaria? at the well, the woman with the 5 husbands... not sure where it is.  Good luck and God Bless
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The answer to your question *must* be prefaced by a question:  Do you want to follow the Bible, to obey what is written in the Bible for our admonition?\n\nIf so, then you must seriously consider, as was pointed out above, 2 Corinthians 6:14\n\n(2 Corinthians 6:14 KJV)  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?\n\nJust yesterday, I think, I was speaking with my unmarried, almost 26-year-old son.  He is considering taking master's work at a college/university.  He suggested some private, Christian colleges, and he also suggested a public college.\n\nI cautioned him that even though right now he has decided to remain unmarried, that attending a public college may bring him into a situation where he is attracted to a woman who does not have the same belief system, is not a Christian.\n\nThis I also, since you asked for advice, or an "answer," ask you consider.  Linking up with a person who does not have the same belief system as you, especially of that belief system is important to you, can be very problematic.\n\nCase in point:  My mother was a Christian, my father was not.  Whereas he was tolerant, there were situations where she did not feel she could fellowship with other believers.  It was a very unhappy situation at times.\n\nSo, marriage is tough enough without this added burden of being unequally yoked....and I think that with nearly 30 years of marriage to the same woman, I *may* be in the place to make that determination.  :)\n\nLawrence\nhttp://www.truebiblesermons.com
1095929
All believers in Jesus Christ should certainly study the Bible for themselves. Those who do study know that salvation is through grace alone. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Of course, if they don't diligently study, they could fall into thinking that their salvation has something to do with "good works"--which the Bible is clear cannot happen. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ.
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How about the example that Jesus gave.  If you do it because you believe His words, then why not follow His example.\n"9At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. " Mark 1:9-10 from the New International Version\n1-Jesus Came up out of the water.  To come up out, you must first go down in.\n2-Baptism comes from the greek word "Baptizo" which means to immerse.  So Jesus was immersed in the water.  Why wouldn't we want to follow His example if we believe Him?
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There are so many controversies regarding the actual life of Jesus, or lack thereof, because no one really knows what happened.  There is an extreme lack of physical evidence regarding his life.  The Bible wasn't written during his life, so even that's not a direct source.  You could set your life's work to prove any given controversy about Jesus and perhaps make some headway.  So in answer to your question, no one knows.
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I am sorry, but those words you just said were descriptions of Jesus.  I am no Jesus.  The Bible says that a Chrstian is a follower and believer of Jesus Christ who STRIVES to be like the almighty.  The Bible makes it clear that you will fail.  No one is perfect.  I am a Christian because I try to have the best relationship with God that I can, I have and will see people delivered and set free from sin, I try to worship God as much as I can, and I strive to be part of my local church.  The one think that makes you and I human, not God, is the fact that we will never always succeed.  God knew this, so he sent us a way to not have to pay for our sins, he sent his son jesus to lift the burden off our backs and to sacrifice himself for every person on earth.  All you need to do is believe and ask for forgiveness.  That is a REAL Christian.
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Once I was asked “Have you found Jesus?” I replied “Damn? You guys just keeping losing him” (and probably your faith as well). And while I appreciate your thought and intent the answer is “No Thanks”.  I am pleased that you have found a path but with all due respect, do not try to drag others along! (Usually kicking and screaming).  Make you a deal! I’ll attend a service with you if you attend one with me! Neither will probably convert but I’ve seen yours before. You attending mine may uplift you and at least give you a different perspective.
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Why would you want to? Let me guess--to argue wtih him about the life of Jesus acording to the Bible?\n\nHe made $70 million dollars so far off that book so his purpose for writing it is accomplished. He does not want to hear from you, trust me.
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There would be no need for Jesus to have his mother give prophecies, the Bible is complete.\n\nRevelation is inspired of God. Who would dare change a word of what God himself has spoken and transmitted through the one who is now the reigning King, Jesus Christ? Certainly, such a person would deserve to lose out in the quest for life and suffer the plagues that must come upon Babylon the Great which is false religion  and upon the whole world.
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If your Christian you don't need to do anything but believe Jesus is G-d. Ten Commandments Jesus fulfilled them, Sabbath observance Jesus fulfilled, 613 laws Jesus fulfilled.\n\nIt was actually brilliant on Paul's part make a religion that all you have to do is believe. The perfect marketing plan. Want eternal salvation Just believe want eternal damnation don't believe