[TheRealThing]

This is my problem with the Baptist viewpoint. You should not live your life in a Christian manner because you are afraid of what might happen to you if you don't but because it is the right thing to do. I was raised in the Southern Baptist Church and I remember the fear I felt because of preachers telling me I'd go to hell if I did this or didn't do that. Then one day I finally reached the age of enlightenment when I realized that a God that really cared about me would not have to threaten me with eternal torture in order for me to be a good man. This is not a knock on Baptists at all, it's just the way I feel. I do consider myself a Christian saved by the grace of God, but not the jealous, vengeful God that I was raised to believe in.

Your location says you are overseas. If that is still true or if you're back home I'd like you to know that I served and I REALLY appreciate your sacrifice.

If all one must do to please Him is to ask forgiveness and be reconciled to Him through the gift of His Son's intermediary gift on the cross, I don't see that as being vengeful. The cost of your life eternal, was paid in full by Christ (His sacrifice). All anyone has to do is accept that by faith.