₦airaland Forum

4evergod2:
I dont think you realize that Christianity is a life and not a Religion. When you hear anybody being called a Christian it means he or she is like Christ in LIFE. The people of the world coined it into a Religion but not the believer.

I know wer u r coming from I 'was' der

search d scriptures no where in it are GODS People called Christians by GOD Or HIS Apostles asides Peter called believers Christians

gensteejay:
TheSixthSense, I am happy that you now believe in the existence of God and commend your lucid style of writing. It beats my understanding how some folks would deny God's existence. They claim to be 'super intelligent' but chose to turn a blind eye to all the wonderful signs of God in nature. Atheists want to see God instead. They think their sight can withstand the Eternal Light of the Great One. They believe they can use logic to understand God's nature; but human intelligence cannot grasp the workings of God's Infinite Intelligence. We can only accept the things God said about himself through his Holy Books and prophets and messengers.

So the man who truly seeks eternal salvation should seek God with utmost openness, truthfulness; for God is one and too powerful to have partners or die to save anyone. Since God is one, he must have only one way of worship; in essence, there can be only religion. And anyone who is well-versed in the Bible and the doctrines of Christianity (not the attitudes of Christians per se) cannot be an adherent of the religion, unless he is not truthful to himself.

After reading your several posts here, I see you read a lot and seem quite analytical. I would like to recommend that you still continue in your quest to seek God. Study Islam; compare it with Christianity. Do this with openness of mind and you will get answers to the questions bothering your mind now about your religion, about God. I said this because your posts here depict you as a rational man and no rational man would read the Bible in detail and not have many questions.

Islam is the true path to salvation. As a Muslim, I believe in Jesus; but as a great prophet of God not God himself. God is so mighty that he cannot eat, drink, or die to save anybody -- unlike what the Bible states. Every man would earn his own salvation.

Study the Qur'an; the Book discusses the personality of Jesus without any crookedness. However, there are a number of contradictions, ambiguous statements about the divinity of Jesus (sorry to say) in the Bible.

Thanks for the compliment. You write well as well.
If you read my post, you would realise I did not mention anything about doctrine of christianity. It is named 'Atheism to Jesus' for a reason not christianity. I did not set out to look for arguments. I mentioned I sought the Spirit of the living God and by His grace He has been revealed to me. I experience His peace and love and joy. Now, you may have studied doctrines of christianity and well-versed in the Quran so you should have reasons and arguments about which is flawed or not. But guess what? and it's another miracle, I haven't even finished reading the bible. I am even far from it.

You want to tell me about Jesus that I talk to everyday and His Spirit in me that my body is a temple of. I never set out to argue with anyone. I only tell of my journey and how I found the living God.

So you tell me, why should I abandon my God, Yes Jesus is God, that is my Friend, Father, Helper, Teacher, Healer, Provider, Deliverer, Saviour, Defender that even died for me out of His love for me and that also lives in me for yours that is only up there?

Maybe some of you haven't got it yet. I am experiencing the supernatural that only Jesus gives. My life has been transformed totally. It is a miracle. He has set me free. Who would abandon a personal experience for logic or superior arguments?

The message here is that you can experience Him too. In a way you can understand. He knows your name and your heart. Seek Him. Invite Jesus and He will come.

moski5:
I know wer u r coming from I 'was' der

search d scriptures no where in it are GODS People called Christians by GOD Or HIS Apostles asides Peter called believers Christians

Christian is a description and not a title. God does not have to call us Christians before it becomes approved. The bible says BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM.

If you have a son who talks and acts like you wouldnt people call him Junior? It means he took after you. I think you really do not understand any of this so let me stop there.

TheSixthSense:
Your testimony just made my day. You found Jesus without a doubt. Key word you used just 'Seek God' God bless your older brother for that. Just keep following, I've found most times people reject Christ because they're already in bondage to sin but they're unaware. you've also inspired me. God bless you mightily.

About Nigerian churches, read Rom 1:18-19 and also the wheat and tares parable of Jesus. God is just, He knows.
Thanks for your post.

The problem we have is that there are many Christians out there who don't really know christ. I called them Christless Christians, and I implore u not to base ur fate on such people, be it pastors or reverends. Cos if u die without knowing having a personal relationship with christ, it will be a disaster cos u it's a mistake u can neva correct for all eternity. Focus on ur creator and his son Jesus christ, not ur friends or ur pastors or bishops or even pope. Jesus christ is alive and still speak to those who look up to him, He appeared to a brother of mine after 4months steady vigil wit messages of hope, he told him that his sins have been forgiven and left some box for him b4 he woke up from the trance. Seek Him and u shall find him, he is not too far

TheSixthSense:
Thanks for the compliment. You write well as well.
If you read my post, you would realise I did not mention anything about doctrine of christianity. It is named 'Atheism to Jesus' for a reason not christianity. I did not set out to look for arguments. I mentioned I sought the Spirit of the living God and by His grace He has been revealed to me. I experience His peace and love and joy. Now, you may have studied doctrines of christianity and well-versed in the Quran so you should have reasons and arguments about which is flawed or not. But guess what? and it's another miracle, I haven't even finished reading the bible. I am even far from it.

You tell me about Jesus that I have His Spirit in me that my body is a temple of. I never set out to argue with anyone. I only tell of my journey and how I found the living God.

So you tell me, why should I abandon my God, Yes Jesus is God, that is my Friend, Father, Helper, Teacher, Healer, Provider, Deliverer, Saviour, Defender that even died for me out of His love for me and that also lives in me for yours that is only up there?

Maybe some of you haven't got it yet. I am experiencing the supernatural that only Jesus gives. My life has been transformed totally. It is a miracle. He has set me free. Who would abandon a personal experience for logic or superior arguments?

I don't want to discuss some shortcomings I could see in this post of yours to avoid unnecessary arguments. Only God guides; may He God us all. I sincerely hope you give some thoughts to my advice.

youngestland:
pain atheist in the ass why? you sound like a young guy

athiesm is not a religion bros we are not competing for humans we believe everyone should use their head

i always tell people you cant be an athiest because of another person its personal you have to be the one to take that decision after you have carefully taught of it. please e no go pain us because we no they find followers abeg

nice one op I still hope I will get an evidence that there is a god because am seriously searching but till then I they my lane

Religion is sectarianism. We all belong to a sect. If your sect is bothered about God even if it is denying his existence then you are religious sect. In fact, you are more religious than people practising single religions. You use the book of different religions to attack them. USE is the word. This is why I regard atheists as dumb. I am not really a theist nor a free-thinker or libertine. What I am nobody's seen. I still let it fly when I'm regarded as either of the above but to call me an atheist is an insult to me. Y'all are dullards reading too much books.

benjibabs:
He has not only believed in the existence of God, he has also received direction from God to read his Bible. Why did God not direct him to read Quran or any other religious book?



Christianity is not about being religious, keeping rules and laws. It is having a vibrant relationship with the creator of the universe, something that non-christian will never understand until they come to Christ.



Bro, OP has connected with the one and only God one-on-one already, there is absolutely nothing to search for again. He is home!



The last two paragraphs are the main reasons I decided to respond to your post. I cannot but ROFLOL when Muslims claim they "believe" in Jesus. The Jesus in Quran died and rot in the grave, while Jesus in the bible resurrected; how are they the same? You are either not talking about the Jesus in the Bible or you did not get your facts straight. There are several historical proofs that Jesus in the bible resurrected, not to even talk of the proofs recorded in the bible.

Furthermore, you claim that God is so mighty and powerful that he cannot eat, drink, or die to save anybody and yet you said you must earn your salvation; how exactly would you earn your salvation aside from God that you expect to be with at the end of the day?

Rather than coming here to attack Christian believes which you obviously don't know anything about, why don't you tell OP all the good things that Islam offers so that he can make informed decision.

I would write a well-researched article -- in no distant time -- about Islam, its tenets and common misconceptions. But that would be in a new thread and the link will be posted here.

As for your claim on Jesus' death in the Qur'an, nothing is further from the truth. In the Qur'an, it is stated explicitly that Jesus (prophet Isa in Islam) was not crucified and did not resurrect:

Q.4:157 And [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah (God) ." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.
Q.4;158 Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.

I would also discuss Jesus' crucifixion in the thread by God's grace.

Almost all Christians know very little about Islam, Qur'an. They only form their opinions about the religion from the attitudes of Muslims. If Christians were to know about Islam, many of them would love to be Muslims.

benjibabs:
A couple of points as per exclusivity of Christianity:

1.) Christianity is the only religion where God did all that is required for man to be saved and have a relationship with him. In other religions, you have to “work” for your salvation. In other words, God reaches out to man on His own terms in Christianity while in other religions man has to meet up with some standard (unknown in some cases) in order to please Him. I’ll give you a simply analogy: If you offend someone, do you get to say what you have to do to get back to the person’s good book? Or does the person get to tell you what to do to get back with the fellow? Think about it. Yes, most religions if not all have holy books from God, but you have to look inside the book to understand the teaching. Truth be told, I’ve not (neither can I even) research all religions, but I practiced Islam with my parents until my early 20s and also read about some other religions as well.
2.) Only Christianity guarantees salvation 100%. Point one refers, you will agree with me that salvation is not 100% guaranteed in other religions as man struggles to please God through his life and even in certain religions those alive still offer prayers to God to forgive the deceased sin and accept the fellow.

You see most people believe in a supreme being who created all that we can see, but the issue is almost always how to connect with and relate with this being.

Most atheist and generally unbelievers are always asking for proof before they believe. In Christianity, it is actually the other way round – you believe first and then the proof will follow. This may sound like a trap, but it is not. You probably would say that other religions can say the same and you only have just one life time to get it right. Well, when I say believe first, I don’t mean you have to start going to church and become all churchy!!! All I’m saying is simply ask God to prove/reveal Himself to you, and MEAN it. It is not a spooky stuff. I can assure you he will reveal Himself to you in a way that you will not miss it. I have seen this happen before when an agnostic simply asked God if He was truly up there to reveal himself.

[b]Let me point out the “believe before proof” [/b]in OP’s posting to prove my point. OP might not even realized this when he wrote part 2: Road to Redemption.


The bold part part refers: An atheist wrote a letter to who? GOD? I thought atheists do not believe God exists. And, do you write a letter to someone that does not exist? OP believed there was a supreme being. He did not go to church or get churchy etc. Simple believe – tiny faith!! Just in case there is a God – like agnostic thought. And, did God reveal himself and provide OP with proofs? See bold parts below:



Did you pick up those proofs? Do you believe he got a reply to his letter? God reached out to Him! God “told” him he did not read the book by coincidence, He directed him to re-download the bible, He gave him a specific chapter to read and imprinted specific verses in his spirit. Again, did God reveal himself and answer his request? Look at it again, he asked God in his letter to resurrect his spirit and what happened? In OP’s words, “ It was as if a different part of me had come alive.”

Oops! I just uncovered the third exclusivity in Christianity – the Holy Spirit of God. When we believe and receive Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us to empower and guide us to live Godly life. When you really get into a conversational relationship with God, you will never think of leaving Him.

Bro, I encourage you today to either also write a letter to God or simply ask him to reveal himself and He will meet you right where you are.


habebe1
Ranchhoddas
youngestland
TheSixthSense
seun

I only tell my story. I never made any arguments. And once again, this isn't about making any superior arguments. You guys are intelligent and nobody wins an argument. The message here is if you want to experience this living God that is Spirit. Look for Him, I only share how He found me, by His grace. [/b]

Also some questions for you:

1. If you want a job, what would you do?

I guess you would search for one. Would you look for superior arguments about how people find jobs and wait for the job to appear to you even without applying?

Now lets say, you are looking for a type of job that I currently hold. Wouldn't it be of help to you if you ask me how I searched for and secured the job in the first place?

So if you really want Jesus, you would look for Him. I only described my journey to experiencing the living God.

2. Why does God even have to appear to you, when you are just 1 in 7 billion?

If you look for arguments, you will find more arguments. If you seek Jesus, you will find Him. You don't even have to be lead by anyone. It is as basic as this.

And experience is superior to all the arguments or rationality any day. So why settle for arguments that are not forthcoming when you can get a real experience.

One more thing, I notice any time I ask atheists to pray asking Jesus to reveal himself to them, they never do. May I ask why? What are you guys afraid of? or maybe you are only looking for arguments. But I am sorry, I never made any.

TheSixthSense:
Thanks for the compliment. You write well as well.
If you read my post, you would realise I did not mention anything about doctrine of christianity. It is named 'Atheism to Jesus' for a reason not christianity. I did not set out to look for arguments. I mentioned I sought the Spirit of the living God and by His grace He has been revealed to me. I experience His peace and love and joy. Now, you may have studied doctrines of christianity and well-versed in the Quran so you should have reasons and arguments about which is flawed or not. But guess what? and it's another miracle, I haven't even finished reading the bible. I am even far from it.

You tell me about Jesus that I have His Spirit in me that my body is a temple of. I never set out to argue with anyone. I only tell of my journey and how I found the living God.

So you tell me, why should I abandon my God, Yes Jesus is God, that is my Friend, Father, Helper, Teacher, Healer, Provider, Deliverer, Saviour, Defender that even died for me out of His love for me and that also lives in me for yours that is only up there?

Maybe some of you haven't got it yet. I am experiencing the supernatural that only Jesus gives. My life has been transformed totally. It is a miracle. He has set me free. Who would abandon a personal experience for logic or superior arguments?

The message here is that you can experience Him too. In a way you can understand. He knows your name and your heart. Seek Him. Invite Jesus and He will come.

Thank You Jesus for this revealed truth. Christ Jesus said, "for flesh and blood has not revealed it unto you, but my Father who is in heaven" Matt 16:17.

Thanks a lot bro for this revealed truth. I love your testimony.

benjibabs:
Don't mind those religious judgemental fanatics jare, God loves all human being equally. Just because they go to church or mosques or even put on their self-righteous acts does not increase the love God has for them a teeny-tiny bit! In fact, God loved the whole world and gave His son to died for ALL. If only Christians will preach the simple message of salvation of "believe and be saved" without asking folks to put their ducks in a row before coming to Christ, the whole world will probably be Christians by now. A lot of Christians turn people away from Christ instead of attracting them to Him

@bold

Words of wisdom!

Bro, I'll encourage you to hang out with Christians who really understand the message of the cross (the non judgemental fanatics) and you will not be disappointed.

Where do I find them?

gensteejay:
I would write a well-researched article -- in no distant time -- about Islam, its tenets and common misconceptions. But that would be in a new thread and the link will be posted here.

As for your claim on Jesus' death in the Qur'an, nothing is further from the truth. In the Qur'an, it is stated explicitly that Jesus (prophet Isa in Islam) was not crucified and did not resurrect:

Q.4:157 And [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah (God) ." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.
Q.4;158 Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.

I would also discuss Jesus' crucifixion in the thread by God's grace.

Almost all Christians know very little about Islam, Qur'an. They only form their opinions about the religion from the attitudes of Muslims. If Christians were to know about Islam, many of them would love to be Muslims.

I want to ask you a question. Will a man living in a duplex well furnished, beautiful and kept decide to pack his load and move to a pit toilet that is decayed, smelly and bedevilled with worms?

TheSixthSense:
Thanks guys. Your comments are really encouraging. And it's great to see believers out here, not giving up on these atheists. God bless you all. More grace.

Jesus is not a religious leader but a SAVIOUR TO THE SINNERS. Sinners are satan's propeties according to 1 Peter 3 vs 8, Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (sins) and to give us life abundance. Anyone without Jesus is still living in sin and if SUCH dies in his/her sin, the eternal abode is HELL no matter his/her status or position in religion. Jesus has said that many of these so-called highly placed men of God would come to Him on the day reckoning citing their exploits through the name of Jesus but He will tell them to depart from Him because they are workers of iniquities!

May God continue to keep us as His own in Jesus name.

Congrats bro.

Mindfulness:
@bold

Words of wisdom!



Where do I find them?

in fact I m overjoyed, like I said to someone, simple faith in Christ is all we need.
This Sunday I have volunteered myself to preach Christ to the whole church so that people can enjoy this wonderful grace.

You are civil. I respect that. Hope I didn't come off as offensive from my previous post. If so, I apologise. But I only tell of my experience and how I found Jesus. And I say anyone can experience Him if they look for Him. My posts only tell about my experience.

gensteejay:
I don't want to discuss some shortcomings I could see in this post of yours to avoid unnecessary arguments. Only God guides; may He God us all. I sincerely hope you give some thoughts to my advice.

solite3:
in fact I m overjoyed, like I said to someone, simple faith in Christ is all we need.
This Sunday I have volunteered myself to preach Christ to the whole church so that people can enjoy this wonderful grace.

I am sure your joy will spill over onto the people listening to you.
The world needs your light so keep your joy sacred. Good feelings are divine.

God bless you sis. May our Lord strengthen you in faith in Him.

BumbleBee2ice:
@ TheSixthSense to say av bin richly blessed by dis wonderful testimony would be an understatement, God bless u bro.
I confess again Jesus Christ as my Lord nd personal saviour, i forsake d devil, flesh nd wordly whims.
My household nd I shall serve only Christ Jesus.

solite3:
I want to ask you a question. Will a man living in a duplex well furnished, beautiful and kept decide to pack his load and move to a pit toilet that is decayed, smelly and bedevilled with worms?

Your question is totally irrelevant to the discussion at hand. If your intent was to make a parable, then anyone can claim to live in a well-furnished duplex. I don't want to engage in any argument. That's all I have to say to you.

TheSixthSense:
Part 2: Road to Redemption

That I didn’t believe in God anymore didn’t make me a ‘moral' person, it wasn’t even like I was man of good ‘moral’ standing before I became an atheist but I would easily pass as one, probably from my appearance and the way I speak. But I was lonely - I’m still sort of a loner now but I certainly know the difference - an alcoholic - pretty normal in Nigeria now so we don’t see it as a problem, smoked heavily, had a heart filled with darkness but for the sake of anonymity I leave out the rest.

I also opened up to a lot of mystical beliefs, there had to be a bit of truth in everything other than christianity, Zodiac, psychic reading, law of attraction, New age positive thinking, and zen relaxation. Simply put, I was miles from being a good/nice guy, so becoming an atheist didn’t necessarily give me a pass to live as I please because I don’t think I had much of a conscience at that point-, it was for reasons I mentioned in part 1. But it actually created more room, and so I could clear out the remaining bit of conscience left, without premeditation, I would often argue against religion being the basis for morality like Richard Dawkins would, saying that morality isn’t from God/religion rather it’s by living by the ‘golden rule’ ‘do unto others what you would to yourself’

Anyway, my road to redemption started after I watched the movie 'The Conjuring’ not that I am a movie person but what sparked my interest was that it was based on a true story. So I got the book about the protagonists in the movie 'The Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Loraine Warren.’ It describes the preternatural the way it can be understood by non-religious people, because it isn’t a religious book in itself. It explains the phenomena from personal experiences as demonologists (study of spirits), and I found that they keep an occult museum where they display paraphernalia such as photos, recordings, and objects from every case, for exhibition. Some quotes from the book: ‘Some of the objects and amulets stored are so negatively ‘charged’ that just by holding one of the items it is possible to provoke the original spirit to manifest or cause possession to occur instantly’ ‘there is the long black spike a satanic witch used long ago to murder her newborn infant as a sacrifice to the devil' also skulls as chalices for drinking blood etc were being kept in the museum. Now, I didn’t need to go to the museum to find out if they were true or not, I was just utterly disgusted by even reading about them.

In fact, if you get to that point in the book, you would have gotten a vivid picture of the wickedness and darkness people get involved with. How people can in the convenience of their bedroom summon/invoke all the evil in the world by simple rituals or simply attract them in ignorance by their actions. So that when you hear a christian say God said ‘The heart of man is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked’ you cannot help but agree in your unbelief.

Anyway, having read and seen all that, I realised I had no spirit in me and had being in denial all along, without even knowing. And oh how vulnerable I was to the whims of the wicked. It was obvious that living in denial does not disprove anything but rather keeps one uninformed - but I love being informed- and unprepared if/when one encounters the phenomenon being denied and in the case of these demonic spirits, vulnerable. But it also makes you reflect too, because it also explains how people invite these unclean spirits sometimes from seemingly benign habits.

Now, the book doesn’t tell you to accept Jesus or anything like that, it just advises to steer clear of Ouija boards, spell books, necromancers, and objects you don’t understand. But it affirmed the power of the name of Jesus Christ and God, prayer and religious objects as the only things that overcome the most evil of these inhuman spirits.

Excerpts: “...A particularly striking aspect to demoniacal phenomena is that the demonic spirit is actually moved to violence when exposed to religious articles, the recitation of prayers, or reference to God or Jesus Christ…the subject is not religious because I say it is or as I may want to believe, it is religious because that’s the only power that it - the demonic spirit - responds to. People might not believe in God but these spirits do…there is simply no secular - that is, no non-religious - explanation for these spirits' existence.”

Having realised my spiritlessness, even if I did, I certainly wasn’t using it at all. So, I wrote a simple sincere letter to God, funny but I did, asking for my spirit to be resurrected then I shoved it somewhere and forgot about it. I thought, just as conveniently as some people would summon spirits of darkness and control them to do what they want, seeking the more powerful God in your convenience would be better, plus I am sure He wouldn’t ask for blood rituals and the sorts. He is not like that

Now, I have read quite a number of books in my life, but for some reason I kept having a strong gut feeling, for the first time in decades, that it wasn’t a coincidence that I was reading the book at the time. So, I re-downloaded the bible app, I deleted when I became an atheist, on my phone - there has to be immense power in it, it isn’t all fairy tales. However, I didn’t know which book or chapter to open to. But for some reason Psalm 51 crossed my mind. And behold:

“Purge me with Hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, that the bones You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, then sinners would be converted to You. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.”Ps 51:7-14

I read it over and over again. 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me by Your generous Spirit’ resonated so much in me. It was as if a different part of me had come alive. I could feel repentance in my spirit. I felt sorry. And in my heart I said Lord, I knew You as a child, what have I done with my life? what did I get involved in? And if there is anything to go by from the book I read is that I had opened portals from my actions. Oh! hide Your face from my sins and blot out my iniquities.

Then, I went on youtube and saw a video about a man, John Ramires I think, who was so deep in the occult that later got saved by Jesus Christ. You know youtube, so I watched a series of dead-people-coming-back-to-life videos, but one striking one was that of Ian McCormack (a former atheist who repented at the point of death) died went to heaven, saw the glory of Jesus, and returned to life in the morgue.

A common observation about these videos, is that while they may describe hell as a horrible place of eternal torment sorrow, fear and death, when they try describe the glory of Jesus Christ, they cry in awe for lack of words to describe the glory, joy, peace and love associated with it even after many years of their return to life. I don’t know about you, but when I see men especially ones who had perpetrated so much evil cry when trying to describe the glory of Jesus, you know that is no joke. Prior to this, I never knew a lot of people had died and returned (NDEs, you may call it) from many countries. If you doubt someone’s experience in Australia maybe you should try Nigeria. Atheists, muslims, pagans all tell of Jesus, hell and heaven. They are not all crazy I would believe.

So, I prayed with the CBN guys on Youtube, but I thought that wasn’t real enough, I need to have witnesses like in an actual altar call. So I prayed to God asking for a church to go to because the only ones I knew were one of those I earlier described. But at that point I would have gone to one of those anyway, as long as I can get to know Jesus. Then, the next day, on my way to the market to get stuff, I got handed a flyer. It was an invitation for a revival service, so I decided to go. I found it was a small church, hard to find even and in my utmost religiosity, I don’t think I would have found it.

Now, prior to this, I had been a lot of churches from catholic, anglican, methodist, lutheran, baptist, to numerous pentecostals because I had convinced myself that they were simply social gatherings anyway, by the way these ‘christians’ behave. But this one was different, from the moment I stepped in, I was more welcome than any other I had previously been in. But that wasn’t the highlight, it was the sermon. It was as direct as spear, it was a message for me and it was as if the preacher knew I was going be there. Also two verses from scripture I knew as a child kept coming to my mind John 8:32 ’Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’ and John 8:36 ’So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.’ Then there was an altar call, it was my moment, and I answered.

** Note, I am not endorsing my church, saying that it is better than yours, maybe God led me there because of how suitable it would be for my spiritual growth. But I am only saying Jesus is calling those who want an experience with Him. I follow Jesus not my pastor or my church, but my pastor and church provide encouragement and there I listen to the word of God. I remember I always used to pray ‘Lord, I am not interested in religion, I just want to know You'

What do I have to lose if I die and find that there is no God?

Ridiculous, but let’s assume atheists are right for a second. I certainly wouldn't miss out on anything if I don’t drink, smoke, take drugs, become sexually immoral, worship idols, get oppressed or tormented by demons, get a divorce, live in bondage by anything under heaven, live in depression, live in fear, feel alone, look for love in people (Jesus is love, we have so much to share), live without peace or joy or love, live without bitterness, hate, anger or live without fortitude to persevere through trials and temptations for the rest of my life.

But what do you(non-believer) have to lose if I am right about God?

Yup, you guessed right.

The truth is heaven and hell are real and are for eternity - I would say, in a dimension not defined by time or space. Eternal life is one with Jesus and He is the source and giver of it. Like winner01 rightly mentioned, the things you think are enjoyment are actually killing you but you won’t know until God gives you His Spirit when you become born again and as soon as you start walking in the Spirit you will discern these things and probably do more than I am doing right now.

The bible says if you are not for Jesus you are against Him. And how would it feel to know you are not so different from the witch that killed her newborn, other than she probably knew she was anti-Christ, but you atheists and agnostics probably don’t know or refuse to know.

Remember, being in denial does not disprove anything, it only leaves you unprepared, uninformed, and even vulnerable to what is being denied…and no one denies death I would believe.

The answers you seek are on your smart phone. Look all over the internet, you won’t find evidence as theses or journal publications, but you certainly would find many many experiences. We have free will, so you have to choose.

Experience supersedes logic or argument any day. So, just before you dissect and critique my testimony. You may want to first ask yourself why you may be always so quick to rebut someone else’s experience before you ask the question.

Another thing, I have been an atheist, and to be honest, there’s nothing to it other than you look intelligent to other dissidents, but it is hollow, something missing, there is a void, you may not know now until you switch to the Lord’s side. Also, when you get faced with challenges and storms of life it is your spirit that fights, not your intelligence.

A UCB physics professor and former atheist, now in Christ because he saw hell and cried out to Jesus to save him, said there is a part of all of us that appeals to God. I’ve been there, I would have denied it then, but I know it’s true. Very true.

Please invite Jesus today with sincerity in heart. He is the Living God and He is Spirit. He is calling you, He is saying 'Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink and you will thirst no more.'
You may start by saying a sincere prayer like ‘Jesus I do not want to be condemned for eternity after I die, please save me’ and I believe your redemption is already on the way because He knows, like you would when you really mean it. And it is His will that you should not perish but come to repentance(2 Peter 3:9)

For those that do not see reason to continue the routine of religion or being religious and are looking for atheistic reasons to leave, Don’t! please don’t. Don’t give up on God. Did you know that it was the religious people that killed Jesus? although they knew all the letters and prophecies of the law and routines of the synagogue, they still didn’t recognise the Messiah, they even accused Him of working for the devil. It’s worse today, so many religious, but not many have experienced Jesus because they have made god for themselves, the one they can tame, the one that gives them all they want that lets them live how they like in the lusts of their flesh. Isn’t it funny how suddenly, God doesn’t have standards from our brand of christianity? The Holy and Righteous God.

But don’t be discouraged, look beyond the charade, He is calling, He says 'Seek and you will find'. Draw near to God and He will to you...(James 4:3) and your life will never remain the same. Taste and see that the Lord is good(Ps 34:.

Jesus is Lord!

There should be a Part 3: My Jesus Experience: The Difference

I believe you mean James 4:8, but for real sixthsense . I would like to be your friend, I have read the 1st 2 part of your articles and I am really inspired, I would also like to know your church if possible. I can see that you are not the gullible kind of Christian that just swallows whatever their pastor gives them, it would be nice to share and spread God's word with someone like you.

FxDominion:
Jesus is not a religious leader but a SAVIOUR TO THE SINNERS. Sinners are satan's propeties according to 1 Peter 3 vs 8, Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (sins) and to give us life abundance. Anyone without Jesus is still living in sin and if SUCH dies in his/her sin, the eternal abode is HELL no matter his/her status or position in religion. Jesus has said that many of these so-called highly placed men of God would come to Him on the day reckoning citing their exploits through the name of Jesus but He will tell them to depart from Him because they are workers of iniquities!

May God continue to keep us as His own in Jesus name.

Congrats bro.

Oga I checked 1st Peter 3 v 8, it said a different thing. Please lets learn to be accurate when quoting scriptures.

darkenedrebel:
TheSixthSense, you write so well and had me riveted to the spot all through. I read this from top to rock bottom. . . . . . .this is a treasure trove. I suggest you write a book—a semi-autobiography. The title is apt: from atheism to Jesus.

This in particular gave me a beat of nerves because I've had these same thoughts in the past:

"Another thing, I have been an atheist, and to be honest, there’s nothing to it other than you look intelligent to other dissidents, but it is hollow, something missing, there is a void, you may not know now until you switch to the Lord’s side. Also, when you get faced with challenges and storms of life it is your spirit that fights, not your intelligence.


cc: Mindfulness. . . . .you've got to check out this thread.

Thanks a lot for the beautiful compliments. I couldn't stop praising God for my life when I read your comment. You know what you highlighted also give me goosebumps, I ask myself where did that come from? Where do all these come from? and these aren't the only ones I have written. The contrast is so glaring compared with when I thought I was intelligent. Even some answers I give here you would think I've been a christian for years. Indeed 'the Lord gives wisdom, from His mouth come knowledge and understanding'(Prov 2:6) God has given me a purpose, He is doing wonders with me.

About the book, certainly. You have ignited something, God bless you for that and I'm sure you would be of help. You guys are have been a blessing.

hungryboy:
Maybe I no dey see well,.
But after after reading what the Op wrote,
I don't think his experience is convincing enough to turn an atheist to Christ,
It's either dude was never an atheist,
Or he is a Christian, who is just trying to counter Hardmirror's 'From Pastor to Atheist' topic with fake tales

Lol.. Bro.. You read my mind.. Infact I never intended to reply until I saw ur comment. I have always said... One is a function of his experience first amongst other things. And that's what happened to the op... This life can be liken to a system. Where equilibrium is expected.. There will always be conservation of matter... Mass in - mass out = mass accumulated.... The way the op left, and came back.. Same some fellas are doing in reverse to the op... But let me correct a notion here... I realize most of you Christians see non Christians as terrible law breakers and immoral fellas... I out it to u sirs and mas... That's a fallacy..if u doubt it... Just go to the nearest bar, hotel, club, and whatever bad place u know, most of them are chronic religionists.. Enjoy ur new life in Christ op.. I wish u D best...
Yours not in faith

salt1:
I am trying my best. One of the most amazing things is that sometimes I don't even preach to people. They just come to me and say there's something about you that draws me. Something calm and peaceful. You see, God changed me from being quarrelsome, greedy and grasping to being compassionate and humble.
So instead of sacrificing any 'enjoyment ' I am actually enjoying a reputation of high integrity, trust and dependability which I didn't have before.
The hope of heaven is just the icing on the cake! It's already such a fantastic life here

I totally understand you bro. It's all in John 17 when Jesus prayed for us believers. It only shows glimpse of the glory to come. It's only those that haven't experienced Jesus that would be struggling with worldly pleasures they call 'enjoyment' or is it 'flexing'

@ the bolded: God knows your heart that you love Him and you don't even have to say anything they see the fruit of the Spirit manifest and come. I figured it can be quite different for everyone. For me I simply can't contain the joy sometimes, so I start writing, mostly off my head, and sharing the good news. And whenever I tell people about Jesus the peace and unspeakable joy increases. For some they write songs, for others maybe different. But for me, It's almost impossible for me to know these things and not share. and I used to pray that "...I would proclaim that Jesus you are Lord, Jesus you are the way the truth and the life..." so I guess this is only the beginning.

Sacluxpaint:
I believe you mean James 4:8, but for real sixthsense . I would like to be your friend, I have read the 1st 2 part of your articles and I am really inspired, I would also like to know your church if possible. I can see that you are not the gullible kind of Christian that just swallows whatever their pastor gives them, it would be nice to share and spread God's word with someone like you.

Thanks, I will modify that. Glory to God you are inspired. I am still learning and I respect those that have been very long in the faith but I don't have to agree with everything they say during sermons, but it won't make me abandon and it doesn't make them condemned. I now understand and know that I have the Spirit of God in me, we are baptised by one Spirit so if I seek a miracle God would do it where I am through His Spirit, as long as I remain in Him and continue in His will. I don't have to run to another church where the pastor is more 'powerful'. God hears me when I pray and the Holy Spirit is in us and not places. But we all need good teaching, the money money preaching is not for me. The internet has been very useful. I love John Piper articles on desiringgod.org. They have been very helpful to me. He describes the peace and joy I found with words beyond my vocabulary.

I never advertised my church and this is a faceless forum so let's leave it at that for now lol but I am glad you are inspired.

i really don't know to put this more clearly but will try.

reading through your story the second time, watched some NDEs on YouTube, searched on some demonicologist from your story.

i was deciding sending you a pm but will throw this open. i have reasons to believe in God than ever, yes i was inspired but am still very skeptical about the whole Jesus story. am asking this not to raise argument, maybe you can explain something that could edify my soul. my heart is open.

cc thesixthsense

hopsydboi:
i really don't know to put this more clearly but will try.

reading through your story the second time, watched some NDEs on YouTube, searched on some demonicologist from your story.

i was deciding sending you a pm but will throw this open. i have reasons to believe in God than ever, yes i was inspired but am still very skeptical about the whole Jesus story. am asking this not to raise argument, maybe you can explain something that could edify my soul. my heart is open.

cc thesixthsense

Please. I will check my email.

Its funny reading this crap. Well, if this is the path you chose for yourself, I don't see anything wrong with it. You know, it's funny how my instinct can predict that soon enough, u will feel called by god into the ministry and the need for you to become a self - proclaimed pastor who will forever keep narrating his ordeal as a former atheist, boring his followers/members with same old boring story/sermon every Sunday.
Guy, you're weak, that's just the plain truth. You allowed fear which serves as the greatest tools religion ever devices to cajoled you into falling back to what u once denounced. Religion is a scam, and so is every other belief system. I just won't fall for it cis I know better - believe it or not.
So, live your life brov, and don't feel sad about us, cos your holy book make you believe we are damned. Lolz

You just have to come to term with the fact that region or any belief system with indoctrination or even any institutionalized system if worship or faith or whatever you term it "Christ-like" (whatever that means) is just not for everyone. Some of us cannot just remain comfortable under such confines.
I'm a trained manager, at least I study management as an undergraduate, this god the Christian Bible portray is definitely has poor managerial quality about him, he is very bad at strategic planning. He is the prime cause of everything that ever exist both good and bad. So, that makes him responsible for whatever evil we see, the world would have been lots more better if he had foresight or just little managerial skills (judging from Biblical perspective)

joe4christ:
Its funny reading this crap. Well, if this is the path you chose for yourself, I don't see anything wrong with it. You know, it's funny how my instinct can predict that soon enough, u will feel called by god into the ministry and the need for you to become a self - proclaimed pastor who will forever keep narrating his ordeal as a former atheist, boring his followers/members with same old boring story/sermon every Sunday.
Guy, you're weak, that's just the plain truth. You allowed fear which serves as the greatest tools religion ever devices to cajoled you into falling back to what u once denounced. Religion is a scam, and so is every other belief system. I just won't fall for it cis I know better - believe it or not.
So, live your life brov, and don't feel sad about us, cos your holy book make you believe we are damned. Lolz

Strong man, you don't come off as intelligent. But this is how we are different, I am not better than you, but we are simply different because before I make a decision I look for information and can have a civil conversation about it, as an atheist and now as a spiritual person. Why did you become an atheist? How is religion a scam? These are rhetorical questions I don't expect you to answer them. If you do I only predict you would confirm my first statement. Challenge yourself.

****
Your subsequent post is a confirmation. Jesus loves you all the same. He will give you wisdom knowledge and understanding if you ask.

TheSixthSense:
Strong man, you don't come off as intelligent. But this is how we are different, I am not better than you, but we are simply different because before I make a decision I look for information and can have a civil conversation about it, as an atheist and now as a spiritual person. Why did you become an atheist? How is religion a scam? These are rhetorical questions I don't expect you to answer them. If you do I only predict you would confirm my first statement. Challenge yourself.

****
Your subsequent post is a confirmation. Jesus loves you all the same. He will give you wisdom knowledge and understanding if you ask.

I might not sound intelligent to you cos I ain't got much of that leisure of writing epistles just to buttress a point. And why the hasty conclusion that I'm an atheist, so everyone who don't believe in a deity or system of worship must definitely be an atheist.
Expand your thinking process bro, you don't sound intelligent either, guess this is what religion has done to you - talking bout the effect of religion.
I am not arguing with you, what do I even stand to gain? it's your life, your decision, your fear and finally your problem. I conquered this long time ago, I actually killed my worst fear.
I was once where u think u are now, so I most definitely know better, that's why I can't help but laugh at your stance.
Enjoy bro, this is a pit you dug for yourself, you might never be able to come out of it. All the best anyways!

Moisef:
pls can you continue your story and if you dont mind what's the name of your church?... The Prince of peace has used your story to rekindle my love for him today... Even in the midst of my storm I can hear him say "Peace be still"... May God continue to empower you.

God bless you sister. John 14:27

joe4christ:
I might not sound intelligent to you cos I ain't got much of that leisure of writing epistles just to buttress a point. And why the hasty conclusion that I'm an atheist, so everyone who don't believe in a deity or system of worship must definitely be an atheist.
Expand your thinking process bro, you don't sound intelligent either, guess this is what religion has done to you - talking bout the effect of religion.
I am not arguing with you, what do I even stand to gain? it's your life, your decision, your fear and finally your problem. I conquered this long time ago, I actually killed my worst fear.
I was once where u think u are now, so I most definitely know better, that's why I can't help but laugh at your stance.
Enjoy bro, this is a pit you dug for yourself, you might never be able to come out of it. All the best anyways!

And you saw the need to make a snide comment in the first place. You are wiser, you are a strong man, and you are more intelligent I agree. But I don't understand your comments. Tell me are they suppose to convince me to come out of this pit I dug for myself? Read all of them again, If you were in this pit and you read all what you wrote, would it be able to save you from this pit? And why do you seem so annoyed about my experience like it woke you up from sleep?

When you have the time, calm down and read the original posts and the comments here. There is a lot of wisdom shared on this thread. Rather than try to make yourself look stronger, less fearful, killed your worst fear (Death, I only assume), and more enlightened as a manager unlike me the fear fear man.

You are not an atheist, but you are anti-christ. Don't ever forget only Jesus can save. You don't have to believe it now but don't ever forget.

If Saul turned Paul, who killed tens of thousands could be touched, how about you who hasn't done anything wrong? believe me, everyone including you is qualified to get His touch. It left for you to open the doors of your heart because Jesus will never force His way through.