I often read Billy Graham's column and thought today's was particulary pertinent to our profession. I'm just curious as to your own personal thoughts and feelings on the matter. (Please, no screaming at one another...this is not a debate.)
Dear Dr. Graham,
I'd like to be a Christian, but I have a hard time believing that Jesus rose from the dead. You see, I'm an intensive care nurse, and I know that once a person dies, that's the end. Maybe you can help me get past these doubts. -- Mrs. K.W.
Dear Mrs. K.W.:
The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the most important event in all history -- and yes, incredible as it may seem, it really did happen.
In fact, it might interest you to know that one of the Gospels was written by a medical doctor (Luke). Like you, he knew that death is final and irreversible -- and yet he also gave us one of the most extensive accounts of Jesus' resurrection from the dead. Why? Because he had thoroughly investigated the evidence for Jesus' resurrection for himself and he knew only one conclusion was possible: Jesus had come back from the dead.
Why is the resurrection important? Why did God raise Jesus from the dead? One reason was to prove that Jesus was who He said He was: the divine Son of God, sent from heaven to save us from our sins. The Bible says that He "was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 1:4). The resurrection sets Jesus apart from every other person who has ever lived.
But the resurrection points to an even greater truth: Death has now been conquered! The grave is not the end, but heaven's doors are now open! Jesus is alive, and He wants to come into your life today. Why not discover this great truth for yourself by turning to Christ today?
Edited to remove the dead link that stretched things past the edge of the screen - hope it makes it easier to read :)! - Ratched
QUOTE=docnurse]What saddens me is that somewhere along the line so many people have had dealings with "righteous Christians" that have totally turned them against Christianity.
How can anyone FORCE Christianity on anyone? You either believe in it or not.
Billy G has a track record of intolerance and smallmindedness more than fifty years long.
If you are talking about the way he preached in the 1950's when almost everyone held the same views of abortion and homosexuality, you are right that he preached more black and white. But he has himself acknowledged struggling with those views and while he still believes that abortion kills a human baby and that homosexuality is wrong he definitely does not BASH folks, even though he affirms the fundamentals-the literal truth of the Bible: the virgin birth, atoning death and the bodily resurrection of Christ; the Second Coming; salvation purely through grace by faith and not works. And he has even admitted to being unsure about the afterlife. He is a kindhearted man and doesn't deserve to be mischaracterized.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion of matters of faith. That does not make them intolerant. You may be steadfast in your belief about abortion or homosexuality . .does that make you intolerant of my views? I think using the word "intolerant" is the wrong definition. Steadfast in what he believes may be better. As you are steadfast in whatever you believe.
I think the difference between Billy Graham and Pat Robertson is that Billy reaches out with compassion and love and Pat hits you in the head with the Bible. Hey, you can bash Pat and his ilk all you want . . they don't represent the majority of evangelicals.
Well, i know most people of this age and time do not belief in Jesus Christ.
And it is only through a saved mind that you can understand his resurrction.
I am Saved and i belief in His death and Resurrection.
Actually according to a Gallop Poll in the U.S., 96 percent of us believe in God, 90 percent pray, and 90 percent believe God loves them.
Granted, the definition of God may be different for all of us but still, that is a pretty high percentage of folks who at least believe there is a God.
And I don't think you have to be saved to understand what the resurrection means to Christians.
Billy unwittingly agreed on tape with Nixon that there was a leftist Jewish conspiracy controlling the media who were putting out Mediaography. He suggested that the stranglehold must be broken or the country would go down the drain. He then went on about how all his Jewish "friends" were unaware of his true feelings about their satanic religion, but he would stand up and be counted when the right time came! Of course he denied it at the time of Haldemans revelations in 1994, but then the tapes were released a couple of years ago, so he issued a four-line apology.
If he is such an upstanding citizen, why is he still pulling down a full-time salary for a part-time position with his "not-for-profit" foundation?
I do believe in the ressurection of Christ. I believe because I have faith that it is true. Yes, there are scriptures that prove it, but most atheist work hard to prove that it is not true. The devil will also work hard to win souls through lies. He does not want you to see the truth.
I have been born-again for 5 years. I too spent time pondering what I knew scientifically speaking could not be true. When my minister told me that I must have faith and believe, I found it hard to do. Then I spoke to the Lord and learned that faith is all that I need. I have faith that my telephone will work, although it seems impossible that I could call someone in another country and they could hear my voice exactly. I have faith that airplanes can fly even though we all know they are too heavy to stay in the air. I have faith my computer, looking like a television set, will send this email, although this seems impossible when you think about it. In fact, most of the accomplishments of the 2oth and 21st century seem impossible by the standards of past centuries.
Now, once you get the faith, look at the bible again. Keep in mind, if I am wrong ( I am not), I will simply die one day and never know the difference. If the atheist is wrong, he will simply die one day and Know the difference and spend the rest of eternity regretting it.
it would help your cause, if you could realize that your way is not the only way. your statement shows no respect for others belief systems. there are many paths to peace and enlightenment. you, in effect, say that unless everyone folllows the same faith as you, they are retched souls of no hope. even jesus wouldn't approve of a stance such as you have taken.
jesus has approved of such a stance. he himself said "i am the way, the truth and the life. no one can get to the father except by means of me." john 14:6
Some people just don't get it. If you are seeking peace in your life, then try doing it without Jesus, and let me know how it's working for you.
Seems to be working well for the Bhuddists of the world. Believe it or not it is possible to find peace without Jesus. Definately not for you, but trust me, it works quite well for others. :)
And just a little observation for those of you who don't believe in the resurrection . . .you are taking to task those who do for belittling your beliefs while at the same time belittling those of us who do.
A conversation about the resurrection is fine but lets not bash each other.
steph
Yeah, let a Christian state their truth and watch the flames begin. Let a Christian take to task a non-Christian and let the flames begin. But let a non-Christian state their believes and we expect tolerance. Funny isn't it?
I will simply die one day and never know the difference. If the atheist is wrong, he will simply die one day and Know the difference and spend the rest of eternity regretting it.
It would help your cause, if you could realize that your way is not the only way. Your statement shows no respect for others belief systems. There are many paths to peace and enlightenment. You, in effect, say that unless everyone folllows the same faith as you, they are retched souls of no hope. Even Jesus wouldn't approve of a stance such as you have taken.
sbic56, when are you going to get it through your thick skull that is exactly how Christians feel. They have the TRUTH, end of discussion for them. Most acknowledge that there are others in the world who don't feel as they do, but they are wrong.
I understand that completely about Christians. That's why these types of discussions generally get know where. It's very hard to debate with those who know the truth without a shadow of a doubt. (See Topcat's post for an example).
Why you continue to try thread after thread month after month is amazing. LOL
Said with much love mind you, cause you know I loves you. I certainly appreciate that when a Christian is being unreasonable you call them on it. But getting them to consider anything outside of the Truth is not gonna happen. :)
J Lynn
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