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
Well Jesus did have some harsh things to say to those who didn't think like him. In fact, he threw a major tamtrum in a temple throwing things, screaming at the merchants "stop making my father's temple a marketplace".
That's right. I do remember that story, even with my limited biblical knowledge, now that you mention it. I am sure Jesus could be a pain in the butt, too, but like steph says, most think of him hanging out with lambs and babies. So that's why some christians think it's OK tpo push this stuff, because jesus did it too. Argh. I bet Jesus would admit the error of his ways if he could see how annoying it really can be. :)
That's right. I do remember that story, even with my limited biblical knowledge, now that you mention it. I am sure Jesus could be a pain in the butt, too, but like steph says, most think of him hanging out with lambs and babies. So that's why some christians think it's OK tpo push this stuff, because jesus did it too. Argh. I bet Jesus would admit the error of his ways if he could see how annoying it really can be. :)
Actually he hung out with the Ragamuffins . . . the tax collectors and other "sinners" and the Pharisees couldn't figure out why he wanted to be seen or eat meals with "those people". Today He would hang out with corporate executives, street people, superstars, farmers, hookers, addicts, IRS agents, AIDS victims and even used car salesmen. Jesus has invited sinners and not the self-righteous to his table. He didn't hang with the Pharisees.
Actually he hung out with the Ragamuffins . . . the tax collectors and other "sinners" and the Pharisees couldn't figure out why he wanted to be seen or eat meals with "those people". Today He would hang out with corporate executives, street people, superstars, farmers, hookers, addicts, IRS agents, AIDS victims and even used car salesmen. Jesus has invited sinners and not the self-righteous to his table. He didn't hang with the Pharisees.
steph
No doubt Jesus was a very cool and accepting dude. I hope no one here thinks I don't know that. (And yes, I jest and minimize his greatness.) He very well could be more important than I give him credit for and if he is, I feel safe with his understanding of why my ignorance of that might be, as he is, well, he is Jesus, for cryin' out loud! Actually, I think I have more positive regard for his goodness than many who call themselves christians do.
Faith is not fear based. Some people are looking for logic in their acceptance of Christ. I am simply providing a logical path since the truth has eluded them.
An interesting way to find peace of mind. But obviously it works for some.
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
I'm not sure how to respond to all these posts. It saddens me. I'm not going to start a debate only because as a Christian, I don't like to argue about religion. 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.
Some people truly don't get it.
I have a wonderful life and it is quite peaceful - without Jesus. And it working quite well, Thank You.
The poster asks us to try Jesus. As someone that has a fulfilling life, believes in a loving G-d, I have no need for a vengeful one. Therefore I must thank her for the information and decline the offer as unnecessary. What is there to be sad about?????
I would encourage whoever is an atheist out there to check info on this guy and read his book. Josh McDowell, if you have never heard of him he is now passionately involved in ministry but it all started, I think it was in college, when he set out to do a thesis on proving that Christianity is false and that it "couldn't stand up to the test of truth". What he found was an overwhelming amount of facts that to him led to one conclusion, that Jesus was the Son of God. Josh had been a staunt atheist his whole life till that time. Do a quick search and look him up. But please do so with an open mind because if you are determined that what he has to say is false you will not believe a word of it even if it is true. I think his book based off of that thesis is called "Evidence That Demands a Verdict"
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. :)
Tweety, I'm sad that you feel this way about Christians. I guess I shouldn't take it personally, but I do consider myself a "Christian," although, my belief system is much more in depth and spiritual than what you might consider a typical Christian as I'm sure are many others. A few years back in college I studied Eastern religions and have always been fascinated by world religions! I loved learning about them and incorporate some of those belief systems into my own. I also believe in chakras, reiki, meditation, NDE's, "ghosts", astrology, and many "new age" things that you might not consider a typical "Christian" to believe in. I don't believe that it's only my way or the highway! I guess what I'm trying to say is, you seem like a very sweet guy :) but don't judge Christians and say that they are all the same because they aren't. I consider myself to be VERY open minded and yet labeled Christian/Catholic at the same time. I just happen to like the meditative ritual of the Catholic mass and do believe in Jesus, but I DO NOT get involved in church politics. I just think if we can all realize that no matter what religion we are, belief in something good and loving one another to the best of our ability can never be a bad thing. Love to you all, Louisepug
VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN
49 Articles; 5,349 Posts
:)
One of my favorite quotes: "Don't say it, just pray it."