As someone said: I don't try to be good to be loved by God, I am good because God loved me when I was still bad"

I have two general rules for movies and new churches I visit: 1. Don't turn the TV off (or walk out) before the end as you never know how it can turn out at the end -benefit of the doubt; and 2. Even if i didn't like the overall thing, It is possible that I missed or misunderstood something; a second chance is usually a good idea to make things clear.
On the same topic, I've heard that you need to visit a church at least 4 times to get a good idea of whether it fits you or not.

If Heavy distorted guitars, fast paced drums and a cough-like voice is what it takes for people to scream in worship, I AM ALL FOR IT.

I am a rock/heavey/metal fun. Although I chose at some point to mostly listen to music that would edify me and put "good thoughts" in my mind, I still feel a "tingly"when I hear certain secular bands; great music, horrible lyrics.

Good stuff!. We often get into the "I have to obey the commandments to please God" mode.

What we forget is that part of 'obeying the commandments' is obeying ALL of the commandments, including the ones that say that He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse our unrighteousness when we sin -if we confess (Agree with God and turn away from sin). We forget commandments like "There is therefore NOW no condemnation.. to those in Christ"; "...We've been forgiven, cleaned, justified...", "...we are a chosen generation, priesthood..".

The best of all, all by grace so that no one can boast.

Just so that understand, are you saying you are a Christian bu not an avid church goer? and are you saying some of your friends are Christians with just some measure of belief in faith?

Engraved in my memory: 9/11... I was watching CNN and drinking coffee as the event developed.... then to the ofice adn everyone paying attention, crying and being nervous...

Throughout the day, and for the second time in my life I seriously thought: "this is the end, I'm going home..."

well, I couldn't resist to write a related blog:
http://thoughtswithaccent.wordpress.com/2010/10/3...

well, I couldn't resist to write a related blog:
http://thoughtswithaccent.wordpress.com/2010/10/3...

Excellent!

Furthermore: (I hope I'm not pushing it here.).. "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." Col 2:8