My Mom's Spiritual Condition
I had a disturbing conversation of a spiritual nature with my mother this evening. She started out by bringing up TV preachers, and trash talking all of them. I encouraged her by saying that there are several who are doctrinally sound, like Dr. Charles Stanley. Then, she said that they are all crooks, and she can't stand any who say that if you are not born again, you are going to Hell. I told her then she must not listen to the Lord Jesus Christ, because HE is the one who started that saying. I then quoted Jesus in saying, Unless a man is born again, He shall not enter the kingdom of God.
Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.
Albert Schweitzer
Albert Schweitzer
Hi, Patricia.
I'm sure that was a very upsetting conversation to have with your mother. It's quite common for those who have a superficial relationship with the Lord (or no relationship at all) to spend time criticizing those of the Christian community, because it gives them "permission" not to look at their own heart. You said the right thing, for sure, and the words of Jesus will penetrate her heart.
I can't comment on the last part of your post, because I couldn't understand it. :)
Have a blessed Christmas.
Blessings,
Mary
I'm sure that was a very upsetting conversation to have with your mother. It's quite common for those who have a superficial relationship with the Lord (or no relationship at all) to spend time criticizing those of the Christian community, because it gives them "permission" not to look at their own heart. You said the right thing, for sure, and the words of Jesus will penetrate her heart.
I can't comment on the last part of your post, because I couldn't understand it. :)
Have a blessed Christmas.
Blessings,
Mary
"Don't tell God how big your storm is; tell your storm how BIG your God is!"
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
Oh Dear, Mary,
It is so pitiful that I wrote the second paragraph when I was half asleep. I was stone cold sober, but half asleep and believe it or not, I sometimes fall asleep at the keyboard when I am as tired as I have been this week. That is so embarassing.
I know that my concern is that Mom thinks it is actually funny that a person would say they know they are going to heaven. She actually laughs at that idea. She says that it is ridiculous that a person would say they know for sure. I told her that if she read the Bible, she would know that it is in there. I always tell her that she is laughing at God's Word.
When my younger brother died, the minister who did the service had been my former pastor. He quoted and referred to Ephesians 2:8-9 at one point. My brother was a believer, though he did not attend church due to his career in the restaurant management business. Mom was livid that the minister said that a person is saved by faith not works, because there were a lot of Catholics in the funeral service, as we were raised Catholic. I told her that she should discuss it with the minister. She kept saying that it should not have been mentioned. I pulled out my Bible and had her read Ephesians 2:8-9. She felt that the service should have been more ecumenical.
I am so sorry for the garbled stuff I wrote last night. It is rather sad that I can make no sense at all, even when I am sober.
Have a blessed Christmas.
Hugs,
Trish
It is so pitiful that I wrote the second paragraph when I was half asleep. I was stone cold sober, but half asleep and believe it or not, I sometimes fall asleep at the keyboard when I am as tired as I have been this week. That is so embarassing.
I know that my concern is that Mom thinks it is actually funny that a person would say they know they are going to heaven. She actually laughs at that idea. She says that it is ridiculous that a person would say they know for sure. I told her that if she read the Bible, she would know that it is in there. I always tell her that she is laughing at God's Word.
When my younger brother died, the minister who did the service had been my former pastor. He quoted and referred to Ephesians 2:8-9 at one point. My brother was a believer, though he did not attend church due to his career in the restaurant management business. Mom was livid that the minister said that a person is saved by faith not works, because there were a lot of Catholics in the funeral service, as we were raised Catholic. I told her that she should discuss it with the minister. She kept saying that it should not have been mentioned. I pulled out my Bible and had her read Ephesians 2:8-9. She felt that the service should have been more ecumenical.
I am so sorry for the garbled stuff I wrote last night. It is rather sad that I can make no sense at all, even when I am sober.
Have a blessed Christmas.
Hugs,
Trish
Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.
Albert Schweitzer
Albert Schweitzer
Dear Trish,
Don't worry one bit about it. I've done similar things. I've even emailed in my sleep! Thank goodness it was to my therapist, who already knows how strange I am! Anyway, please don't be embarrassed. I totally understand, and if you want, click "Edit" below your post and just erase that part.
I'm sure it has upset you, about your mom's beliefs. As you have opportunity, you can show different scriptures to her. In fact, you could take her through the plan of salvation, one scripture at a time. If you need a list, I can provide one for you. I feel God is preparing your mom's heart, and He's using you as His Esther--for such a time as this. Keep praying for your mom's salvation. It is a prayer that God delights in answering. You lift up Jesus, with the promise that He said, "And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men to Me."
Have a precious Christmas. You are loved, and you are perfect in Christ, just the way you are.
Blessings,
Mary
Don't worry one bit about it. I've done similar things. I've even emailed in my sleep! Thank goodness it was to my therapist, who already knows how strange I am! Anyway, please don't be embarrassed. I totally understand, and if you want, click "Edit" below your post and just erase that part.
I'm sure it has upset you, about your mom's beliefs. As you have opportunity, you can show different scriptures to her. In fact, you could take her through the plan of salvation, one scripture at a time. If you need a list, I can provide one for you. I feel God is preparing your mom's heart, and He's using you as His Esther--for such a time as this. Keep praying for your mom's salvation. It is a prayer that God delights in answering. You lift up Jesus, with the promise that He said, "And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men to Me."
Have a precious Christmas. You are loved, and you are perfect in Christ, just the way you are.
Blessings,
Mary
"Don't tell God how big your storm is; tell your storm how BIG your God is!"
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
ObesityHelp Support Group Leader and Support Group Coach
Oh Trish I so understand! Religion and Christianity have torn my family apart because I'm the only one that I know for sure is saved. It's to the point where I have no family anymore because while they are free to believe what they want I am not allowed that same freedom because I believe in the plan of salvation and that you must be born again. This doesn't sit well with my non believer family. Altho I did get a blessing in regard to my mom *****cently had to move from assisted living to a nursing home because of her deteriorating health and mental condition. My DH's pastor went to see her and discussed salvation with her and while she never went to church he said she absolutely knew what salvation was and that he believed she was saved so that is a relief. Don't know for sure if my dad was but He may have been it's just that neither of them ever talked about it or went to church in fact both were very anti church for the same reason as your mom. I think Mary is correct that the Lord may very well be using you to reach her. Best of luck because sharing with family is harder than sharing with strangers I think because there is more emotion involved. You can do it tho girlfriend!
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