Old Time Views vs New

[johnnyehlers]

Greetings All,
First off, my hats off to you all for pulling off a religious forum! I have been following this forum for awhile and really enjoy seeing views talked out with mutual respect. A little about me, I was raised a Lutheran, went to Lutheran school, but always felt something was not quite right. Being of German decent
I grew up around beer, but at 13 I figured out how to sneak around my small town and hang out with the older cool kids, and for 34 yrs. through deaths and a suicide of loved ones, things really went down hill. In the mid 80's after Dad and I just started to understand each other, I lost him and went down hill fast.
A year later my best friend and I discussed that I was doing better, he told me that when his Dad died, there was nothing that could be said or done to change things, and was glad I was coming out of it before he had to resort to kicking my arse. Two weeks later he hung himself, and there I went again, back to the booze for all the wrong reasons. I hated God for doing this to me, and developed a death wish, (I had promised myself to never put anyone through what my friend put me through). God sent me an angel in the form of a beautiful intelligent black and tan German Shepherd.
I tried my best to run her off for four days, but she would have none of that, and I finally accepted the fact that I was now her human. Things got real good for awhile then the divorce hit, there I went again, but I wasn't alone this time my Angel stayed with me till 2001 when I lost her to cancer. (Mad at God again) I feel like God told me, "Hey you have so much love to give, why not get another dog". I did but lost her at 1& 1/2 yrs to seizures,
undeterred my next dog was a senior rescue whom I had for 3 yrs, he had a great ending to a bad life, and let me know it every day. I currently have the one shown on my avatar. Life had become manageable, but I was stuck in a rut with alcohol and drugs. After a lot of prayer about why am I hear, and what is Gods plan for me, I have put it all in Gods hands, and on May 5th of last year he answered my prayers. After hearing of the struggles of fellow AA members, I know in my heart it was Gods hand. For me it was like the flip of a switch, no cravings and no desire to ever go back to that life which blinded me of all Gods Miracles. Wow that wasn't planed, my intention was to ask for views. One of the problems I have with the churches (Not all) is the church bowing to ceaser for the 501 (c) 3 status, when it don't apply because of the 1st amendment. Also I've been wondering what a sermon might have been like years and years ago. I found this site and wanted to share it, I've read the first one by Alexander Archibald, well worth the time, and look forward to reading more! I will also share a site about the 501 (3) c. Thanks for letting me ramble, and you guy's & gal's are awsome! Great Forum, all of it.


http://www.theoldtimegospel.org/sermons.html#AA



http://hushmoney.org/


No more

Second Chance Birthday May 5th Year of our Lord 2012

[Double D]

Johnny, I used to think those kind of thoughts. What I mean is, I would get mad at God for the bad things gone wrong. After one of the most crazy and turbulent childhoods a person could possibly have, it was hard for me to see where god fit in. But, after understanding that we live in a fallen world caused by man disobeying god in the very beginning, I came to realize that there are two forces at work, good and evil. God does not cause any bad things in your life. Those things are just part of living in a fallen world here on earth where satan still roams to and fro seeking those whom he may devour. Spending alot of time with god can help you understand how to cope with these things and he offers much comfort to those who seek him. I am glad to hear you are winning your addiction problems. He did something similar for me. I dont talk of it much. I dont believe people would even believe my story. So, I just dont share it. But I can assure you, I have seen and done things that should have killed me and killed others and landed me in jail over and over. But, somehow, god had a plan. For while we were yet sinners, christ died for us. That never will really sink in. Would you lay down your life for your enemy? I think not. He did. So, the next time something goes wrong, dont blame god, he didnt do it. Instead, run to him. He is there waiting to help you thru whatever it is you may be going thru.

[rosierita]

welcome aboard johnny!