Quote (Valhalls_Sun @ Sep 26 2014 11:57am)
Before I lost my faith in religion/Gods I was a minister of a Methodist church, not a big one,about 50ish attending members.
I think there have been some misconceptions about the Grace message, which was one of my favorite yet most troubling sermons
Through the Blood of the new covenant brought by Jesus's death and rising. Grace has been given to everyone freely He (Jesus, God incarnate) has taken our burden of sin.
and all one needs to to is accept that gift to be washed clean. No amount of work, or good deeds, or tithing will get you in. Just accept the gift; Jesus, repent your sins, and love God.
now here was my problem we were told time and again how unworthy of the gift of grace we were, sinners one and all and how lucky we were to have Grace.
I had several people in my church that felt unworthy of that grace, and felt unable to overcome the sins they had lived with some for many years.
Sermon after sermon I would preach on how we sinners were so lucky to have Christ die for us, and these poor people felt as though He had died in vain for them.
what was I doing to them but torment? there was no comfort, no peace..
I thought about my own children and the unconditional love I have for them,
and how messed up they would be if I told them day after day; " I love you,..you don't deserve it but I love you anyway"
...what you failed to do was impart to them the understanding of forgiveness and it is for the best you are no longer teaching .