Questioning Our Faith.

> 1. Most of people said that reglion just try to persuade people to be good, include christianity ?

Dear One,

The Latin word from which the word "religion" comes, means to hold in regard. Religion is something man does, because men have to regard something highly for it to meet the definition. Religions are man-made, and because of that, they do try to pursuade people to be good.

Christianity is not really a religion, because it is made by God. God does something for our benefit. God became a man and suffered and died. And the reasons for it were that we might have an abundant life, and that does something for our benefit. God became a man and suffered and died. And the reasons for it were that we might have an abundant life, and that we might have joy, and that our joy would be full. As you might understand, if we are full of joy and thankfulness to God, we will probably be better people, but that is a byproduct, and not a purpose, of our faith.

And yes, people do hold it in high regard, so some people call it a "religion," but it is very different from other religions, because it focuses on God, not on man.

> 2. People said that we do have some miracle things nowaday. Certain things can be recogized as miracle, but if people don't have that kinds of talent or skills or background, that things might not happen either. For example, certain people can find good and right job, however, some people couldn't...

This is difficult. I know someone who wants to have a baby, but has not been able to. She sees people all around having babies, even a teenager in the church, who probably didn't want to get married, had a baby. It all seems so unfair. She knows God can do a miracle and she can have a baby, even though she is too old and even though she has other medical problems. So why won't God do the miracle for her?

The only thing I can do is to look at Jesus. God could have done a miracle and kept Jesus from suffering and being put to a cruel death on the cross. But he didn't. He had a purpose that was bigger than what people could see at the time. Suffering and persevering are the ways Jesus earned our salvation. So suffering and persevering are very important things in our lives. They make us to be like Jesus. Paul says in II Corinthians that when we share in His suffering, we will also share in His comfort and glory. That is just part of the christian life. God is treating us like sons and daughters when we go through the same kinds of things Jesus did, and we are becoming like Jesus.

I hope you are comforted and encouraged by these words.