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mrvmax wrote:

baldeagle wrote:I am stunned by the graciousness of the families of the victims in Charleston. They are better Christians than I am.

If there could be any good from all of this listen up you who proclaim to be Christians. As Christians we are called to forgive in even the most difficult situations, if the victims families can forgive so quickly it reveals to me that they have a good grasp on what Christianity really is (unlike most people today). Too often today we get the watered down messages and feel good sermons. When the rubber meets the road and we are faced with hardships our true beliefs will show. Shortly after I became one of the redeemed, one whose name was written in the lambs book of life, I began to prepare myself for the greatest hardship I might ever face, the loss of my daughter or my wife, to something similar to the way this guy murdered those people. I knew that if I could trust in God at a time like that there was nothing that I could not overcome with the help of the Lord.
Christianity has no greater enemy than those that go around claiming to be Christians but live like the lost. Christianity is more than going to church once a week - Christianity is an entirely new way of living with the goal to serve Him. Look up what servant is in scripture, look up the Greek word "doulos" and see how Paul, James, Christ and others described themselves as servants to God. Once you understand that you will see what we are called to be and how someone can forgive in such a heart breaking situation. I applaud them for being what we are called to be and pray that I could do the same in a similar situation. I will end with one of my favorite quotes:

"Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me....That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave." - Stonewall Jackson

Stuart Townend wrote:In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light my strength my song
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground; Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace; When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter my All in All - Here in the love of Christ I stand!

In Christ alone! - who took on flesh; Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This Gift of love and righteousness; Scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died; The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid; Here in the death of Christ I live!

There in the ground His body lay; Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day; Up from the grave He rose a-gain!
And as He stands in victory; Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine - Bought with the precious blood of Christ!

No guilt in life no fear in death; This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath; Jesus commands my de-stiny
No power of hell no scheme of man; Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till he returns or calls me home - Here in the power of Christ I'll stand!