Fellow humans,
I was raised Catholic, and then decided to become a non-denominational Christian around 2010. I’ll explain for those who don’t understand. Christian faith is simple — believing in Jesus Christ as our Savior, and the only way to Heaven is through Him. Following His ways, and building a relationship with Him.
According to Wikipedia, six organized religions fall under Christianity:
Catholicism
Protestant
Oriental Orthodoxy
Eastern Orthodoxy
Church of the East
Restorationism
Deciding to leave organized religion was an important step for me. I no longer depend on a building of religious leaders to strengthen my relation with Christ. Rather, I’ve taken more ownership of my faith by self-educating. I believe the most effective way for Christians to learn about Christ is by reading the Bible. After all, the Bible is one of the oldest documented accounts of our Savior, and also one thing all Christians have in common.
I don’t remember exactly when I started, but years ago I began reading the Bible each morning for about twenty minutes. Six pages each morning. I wake up, pray, brush my teeth, and then read. No checking my phone. No checking my computer. No eating. Every morning. No exceptions. Life changing habit.
I’ve learned more about Christ by reading the Bible than I’ve ever learned by going to church. It’s actually kind of sad, because many people are dependent on church, and are missing a lot of good information. Reading a book is such a simple action that can lead to such impactful results.
By the way — after I finish the Bible, I simply start over. I’ve read the Bible three times, and now I’m on number four. I learn something new each time. However, sometimes I don’t consciously learn anything, but I don’t stop reading. Hopefully I read the Bible like a hundred times before I die.
I’m writing about Christianity and the Bible today because the decision to become a non-denominational Christian has lead me to read the Bible, and reading the Bible gives me a great opportunity each day to think about my faith. Going to church is typically once a week for about an hour, and that’s not enough for a sinner like me.
Sitting in a quiet room each day, and reading early history of earth and Christ is very effective for me. I love reading the New Testament, because Jesus does a lot of talking, and I love to learn what he was saying. Many times I wish God would talk to me, and tell me what to do, so reading Jesus’ words is like reading God’s advice.
This morning I was thinking — I’m a devoted Christian, and still sinning on a regular basis. Whether I make a poor judgement call of convincing myself to sin, or simply acting on impulse, I’m always going to be a sinner. I suppose that’s the norm, because the only perfect person was Christ.
Sinning causes me to feel terrible, but other consequences come with sinning. Our relationship with Christ can be compromised. As Christians, we believe that we either go to Heaven or hell after death. The way we live our lives will possibly determine our eternal destiny. Once we meet our end, God will judge us individually. Intimidating, but also within our control while we’re alive.
With the exception of Jesus, every dead human has sinned. I can’t imagine Heaven being empty, which might mean many sinners have possibly been accepted by God. Simple math and logic tells me that forgiveness is real. Also, the Bible tells me forgiveness is real.
Our sins matter, but God is known to forgive and forget sin. I believe Christians can choose an effective formula throughout life. The formula would include repenting for sin, and having faith that avoiding sin and evil will give us a better chance of God’s acceptance. Sin comes in many forms, and I don’t recall many sins being openly discussed in church. Jesus talks about all types of sin in the Bible.
I’m assuming you’re a Christian, or at least interested in what I have to say about faith. Otherwise, I doubt you would have opened a letter with the title of Christianity. I’m encouraging you to spend more time and effort learning about sin. If we don’t learn about sin, how can we avoid sin?
I was lost for most of my life. My lack of knowledge and understanding was a major part of the problem. I’ve found faith through the Bible, and I’ve found Christ through faith. If you’re in a similar situation, I recommend reading your Bible each morning, and building your relationship with Christ.
Until next time,
Salvatore Norge