Satanic or superb?  Wow – those of you really against are REALLY against.  
A4C: “I am really appalled by people who call themselves Christians and read satanic books like Harry Potter.”
Hmmm.
I faced it a long time ago – the world is ruled by the fallen angel himself.  Trying to avoid everything that may have satanic influence is like trying to stay dry when walking in a rainstorm.  That’s why we have the armor of Christ; to keep us "dry in the storm".  
I haven’t read any Potter books – it’s just not my genre – but I have read everything Dean Koontz has written so I suppose A4C would be “appalled” at me also.  
I look at it this way – if it makes you sweat stay out of the kitchen, but don’t condemn those who can take the heat.  For instance – I am extremely uncomfortable reading books or watching movies with strong sexual context.  Sorry – I’m just very weak in that area and am uncomfortable with the temptation.  But occult “stuff” doesn’t tempt me in the least – I feel no wish/want/need to do ‘magic’ – and it doesn’t scare me in the least.
A4C; do you turn the TV every time an old rerun of ‘I Dream of Jeanie” comes on?  (I do – but it’s not because of the magic!)  
I think all of us have weaknesses in our armor – and those weaknesses vary from person to person.  Like my late Aunt Rosie used to tell me – “If it makes you feel guilty DON’T DO IT”.
I guess there is another side to being familiar with the "occult";  "Know thy enemy"(?)

I read one Ted Dekker book "Blink" and was immediately hooked - I've now read all of his Christian novels and am anxiously awaiting his next.

For those of you unfamiliar with Mr. Dekker – he grew up the son of missionaries in the jungles of Indonesia – he has a couple of degrees – and REALLY know how to “spin a yarn”.  For action and suspense, his work rivals most all popular secular writers.  It is SO wonderful to be kept at the “edge of my seat” without having to put up with all the sex and profanity that goes with most popular novels.  
And ladies – don’t be put off by the action/suspense – his novels also have a “love story” connection!

Forgive me - I’m a newbie – but I must interject.
You guys argue WAY too much, and you make this WAY too hard.  Jesus said His yoke is easy!  If you really (really, really REALLY) believe that Jesus is who He says he is – that he was born of a virgin, that He is God incarnate, and if you believe in Him and have invited Him into your heart, - then you are saved!  Salvation is a GIFT.  If God gives us something – Is he going to take it back?  
Jesus died for ALL sins – including ours – us – who are by man’s calendar WAY in the future of His incarnate being and His crucifixion.  He died for sins that were in the future as well as in the past.  ALL is ALL.  He died for ALL of our sins.
Boys and girls (I can say that - I'm old) – I don’t care if you are Baptist, Methodist, Catholic or “decline to state” – if Jesus is REALLY in your heart, then you ARE saved.  HE says so!  That is His promise!  How wonderful is that???!  Do I have to list scores of Bible verses?  NO!  If you believe, you know it is true!
Period.  The end.  Amen.  Praise be to the Lord!

Praise you Jesus – for You said whoever believes you are Lord and publicly acknowledges You, they will not die but receive everlasting life…

paquita, You say
“I believe that we will not be snatched from the Father's hand, but if we speak blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, the Bible says that we will not be forgiven, which ultimately means no salvation.”

Paquita – please study more closely who Jesus was speaking to.  In context, that is a burden impossible for sinful man (you and me and Billy Graham and the pope) to endure!  That was spoken by Jesus in an entirely different context!  Jesus was speaking to and about the Pharisees who spoke against Him while He was in their midst and REFUSED to believe.  They saw the Lord, they saw his miracles, they heard Him teach and they still had a cold heart – THAT was the blasphemy about which Jesus spoke – not the person who, in a drunken or angry stupor curses the spirit of the Lord!  

Hey - Even Thomas didn’t believe until he felt the holes in the Lord’s hands!

Bottom line?  The Lord will judge who is and isn’t saved – we can debate it until He comes for us – it is still His call.

I love all of you – each and every one.  Happy New Year!  

I'm a REAL newbie here - I hope this hasn't been discussed anywhere - I did a search that came up empty - if it has been discussed you could direct me to the thread...

OK - here goes...

I know that many Christian churches consider cremation an abomination.  I can't find specific Bible verses to back up that consideration.  I would REALLY welcome your thoughts and advice on the subject!

Thanks in advance.  

Hi all –
I guess I’m your newest newbie.  God bless you all for having a friendly site.  I’ve been looking around for a while.  I actually tried another site that didn’t work out.  A lot of people there claimed Christ but didn’t really act as if they walked the walk (a lot of rude posts).  Reading through your postings – I think this could be the place!

Me?  A 48-year old male, living in Northern California.  I accepted Jesus in 1972 – strayed and finally found my way home to Him.  I attend a wonderful, spirit-filled, evangelical church where we make lots of noise during worship and receive great teaching from a great pastor.  I joined up here so I could ask a few questions and possibly get some advice from fellow believers.  Some things are just too hard to ask your pastor – has anyone else ever experienced that?

Anyway; thanks for having me!