A million and one questions

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Hello, everyone. I am new here and very very thankful that I found this place.

I'm not sure when it was that I first believed. It feels like something that has always been in my heart, been a part of me until it came to the surface full force. I believe fully and without doubt.

However I do worry/struggle pretty much daily. I worry about my husband, as his faith is not as strong. I worry about my children, will I raise them right and to believe. I worry everyday whether I am doing right, whether the Lord knows that my heart is trying, I am trying.

I try not to pray to much for things for myself, usually I just ask for guidance and to help me watch over my children. I have trouble reading the bible, I bought the NKJV because I thought that the more modern use of language would be easier for me. I have found that I pick it up even less because when I put it down I feel more confused.

I guess my question is, is it enough for me to just believe and try? I run into so many people who say I have to do this or that to be a true christian. I feel like that isn't true, that the Lord knows whats in my heart and that is what matters. Am I right?
 

Blackhawk

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Harmony,


Welcome! I hope you find this place as much as a blessing as I have. God is a God of grace. I have been learning that so much lately. I can understand that sometimes you feel that the Bible is just something you will not be able to understand. I have been there myself at times. Just know that the Holy Spirit is with you and wants to help explain the scriptures to you. Pray to God and He will help you know His will and understand the Bible more clearly. The Lord knows if you want to truly seek after Him and if you are then you will find HIm. (Jer 29 and MAtt 6:33)

Just do not give up. Also if get involved in a church. Maybe you are now but if not do that. God uses others to help us understand His word also. Go to the church services, get involved in a Bible study there and talk to your friends more about it.

But do not be discouraged. God said that "He will never leave you nor forsake you." And He meant it. He will not leave you out on your own trying to figure out His word. He wants you to know what it says and wants to have fellowship with you more and more.

BH6
 
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StogusMaximus

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You sound all right to me.

The important thing is you love Jesus with all your heart and you are willing to give control of your life over to Him. When God is in control of your life, there is no need to worry.


"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:25-34
 
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ZiSunka

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Sounds okay to me, too.

But don't be afraid to pray for yourself. God loves you and wants you to talk about yourself, your day, your worries, just like in any other loving relationship. He cares about all your other prayers, too, but he wants to be in close relationship with you foremost.

It's amazing how he can take care of our struggles when we talk to him about them!
 
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Originally posted by Harmony


I guess my question is, is it enough for me to just believe and try? I run into so many people who say I have to do this or that to be a true christian. I feel like that isn't true, that the Lord knows whats in my heart and that is what matters. Am I right?

You know what? I used to feel the same way when I was a new Christian. I constantly felt like perhaps I wasn't doing enough, or doing it right. Here is the analogy that helped me: When we become "born again" (receive Christ), we are babies. And like all babies, we first must learn to crawl, then walk, then run. Its the same way with our spiritual life. Christ will teach you the basics first, and He in no way expects you to know how to do everything, or to do it all well. He is patient and loving toward us, always. So relax, trust Him, and enjoy the growing process!
 
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Thank you for your replies. Regarding the worrying. I have noticed that when I worry things become much more complicated and tend to get the better of me. When I don't worry and I give it over to the Lord it always works out. I have seen it time and again and am trying hard to not worry so often, it's been one of my constant downfalls.

I am a member of a church. I say member because at the moment I am not actively involved, I haven't been since our church burned down in August of 2000. Current services take place between a high school auditorium and another church. Both situations feel so cluttered? to me. I can't seem to feel the way I felt before in the church. I can't seem to relax and just listen. I would love to go to bible study but our church doesn't offer one, or at least the type I feel I need. I really like this board, I have read a lot of the posts and am definately looking foward to being a part of it.

Thank you
 
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Blackhawk

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Harmony,

I really am glad that you like the board. And I am glad that you have your heart and head in the right place. Like Redeemed1 said, After you become more mature in the faith things will come easier. Also enjoy the process because we are always growing. That is until we get to heaven we will be.

I have one word of caution though. I do not know for sure if you are in danger of doing this but do not replace your local church with this board. This board is great but it is not a body of believers that can physically help you and that you can walk and talk with on a daily basis. Again come to this board often and have fun speaking and being encouraged by believers. It is a good thing. But the local church is what is really going to help.

I can't help you move. Also I am not going to go to the hospital with you when a family member is in trouble. I would if I caould but I just can't.

So I urge you to get involved in a local Bible believing church. if not the one you are in then another one.

BH6
 
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Mandy

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Welcome Harmony.

I can relate to the issue of worry. Often I have to remind myself that God is in control of my life because I gave it to him.

A good verse is Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.

and,


Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

By all means pray for yourself!

Philippians 4:6
Be careful(or anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.


God bless you.
 
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Blackhaw,
Don't worry. I am in no danger of replacing anything with this board. I can say though that no one from my church would help me move either so one isn't much different from the other. I hate to say that but it is true. My husbands parents go to the same church and the only time we are spoken to by other members is when they stop to ask how my husband has been. I usually just get a polite smile. However I do not go there to seek friends, I go to learn (when I go). I'm going tonight with a friend for a special service. She is like me in that she hasn't found her niche yet. I'm really looking foward to it.
The option of going to another church isn't a possibility for me right now. I am struggling with social anxiety disorder and somedays it is hard enough for me to go to the grocery store, let alone a new church. I like this forum because it gives me the oppurtunity to ask questions and to talk with other people. I understand your concern though and will keep it in mind. Thank you.
 
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LouisBooth

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"I would love to go to bible study but our church doesn't offer one, or at least the type I feel I need. I really like this board, I have read a lot of the posts and am definately looking foward to being a part of it. "

Umm..sounds like you need to start one...nudge nudge.
 
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yashualover

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Blackhaw,
Don't worry. I am in no danger of replacing anything with this board. I can say though that no one from my church would help me move either so one isn't much different from the other. I hate to say that but it is true. My husbands parents go to the same church and the only time we are spoken to by other members is when they stop to ask how my husband has been. I usually just get a polite smile. However I do not go there to seek friends, I go to learn (when I go). I'm going tonight with a friend for a special service. She is like me in that she hasn't found her niche yet. I'm really looking foward to it.
The option of going to another church isn't a possibility for me right now. I am struggling with social anxiety disorder and somedays it is hard enough for me to go to the grocery store, let alone a new church. I like this forum because it gives me the oppurtunity to ask questions and to talk with other people. I understand your concern though and will keep it in mind. Thank you.
Welcome to the forums Harmony, I've read all the encouragement given to you, and it sounds like sound advise.
God bless you with wisdom and understanding to use for His glory.

My wife and I have been learning from the link below for about two years now, it's been a great blessing to us.

http://www.desiringgod.org/
 
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heymikey80

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I try not to pray to much for things for myself, usually I just ask for guidance and to help me watch over my children. I have trouble reading the bible, I bought the NKJV because I thought that the more modern use of language would be easier for me. I have found that I pick it up even less because when I put it down I feel more confused.
Can I suggest you get involved with a small group or core group fellowship? It seems many churches have them now.
I guess my question is, is it enough for me to just believe and try? I run into so many people who say I have to do this or that to be a true christian. I feel like that isn't true, that the Lord knows whats in my heart and that is what matters. Am I right?
Um, it's more than enough for your salvation. I think the question is more, "Will things go well if you just believe and try?" And the answer to that? No. Not really. In fact it won't go well just because you researched it well, either. But God does affirm honest and deeply considered efforts. Pray. Be honest about when you have slacked off as well as when you don't think you can do anything about a problem.

My theology has a whole series of backgrounders on how to deal with people in different areas of authority. That goes for your kids too. Will everything be perfect if you teach them completely and faithfully? No. But the rates of success are way better than doing nothing.

A famous evangelist was once criticized by another church member for not doing evangelism properly. He asked the person, "How do you do evangelism?" The person admitted that he didn't. "Well, I like the way I do it better than the way you don't." If you clearly admit your weakness or laxity in an area, then yes, you will need to own that weakness and make an effort honestly to turn away from it.

That's because your sin affects those you love -- including yourself. Plus it disappoints God and when recognized, it dishonors Him. But it's not because God won't save you without it. He's the Hands you put your life into, right? He won't turn you away for some failing in works.
 
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rocklife

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Hello, everyone. I am new here and very very thankful that I found this place.

I'm not sure when it was that I first believed. It feels like something that has always been in my heart, been a part of me until it came to the surface full force. I believe fully and without doubt.

However I do worry/struggle pretty much daily. I worry about my husband, as his faith is not as strong. I worry about my children, will I raise them right and to believe. I worry everyday whether I am doing right, whether the Lord knows that my heart is trying, I am trying.

I try not to pray to much for things for myself, usually I just ask for guidance and to help me watch over my children. I have trouble reading the bible, I bought the NKJV because I thought that the more modern use of language would be easier for me. I have found that I pick it up even less because when I put it down I feel more confused.

I guess my question is, is it enough for me to just believe and try? I run into so many people who say I have to do this or that to be a true christian. I feel like that isn't true, that the Lord knows whats in my heart and that is what matters. Am I right?

I believe the Bible is a great way to learn God's ways. I found Bible movies, even Bible cartoons and comic books were helpful for me personally. Since I have a young son, that was easy to get children's material. There is a Comic Book Bible, also The Picture Bible, if you look at Amazon, or Christian Book Distributors, you can find these books. Also there are many cartoon shows out there. These kind of things can help you get a bigger-picture of Bible stories, and then you can go back and read the Bible more closely after you can see a background from movie-type shows.

I really believe the Bible is important, you should really try to keep studying it. I did not enjoy Bible reading when I was a new christian, but I kept doing it anyway just like forcing myself to eat vegetables, I did it because I knew it was good for me. I also kept praying for God to give me enjoyment about it, after a year, He answered that prayer abundantly. It is still an uphill battle some days, but there is always something new to learn from the bible if we ask Him.

Also I recommend watching the Jesus film, it is free at their website http://www.jesusfilm.org/languages/index.html, you should also keep studying Jesus' teachings, they are full of real-life warnings we need to know, wisdom for every day living and even warnings I was very surprised to learn.
 
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merry07

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When I first became Christian all other Christians kept telling me that as long as I accepted Christ as my Savoir and believed that he died for my sins, that was enough. I don't beleive that anymore. We have the Bible for a reason, as a Christian we should read the Bible and try our hardest to dictate our lives according to Jesus' words. It's impossible for any human being to live 100% according to the Bible, but as long as you have a good heart and try your hardest to love one another I think you're on the right track. Try the NIV or even the Good News Bible. Those are the only 2 versions I've read and they seem straightforward and simple to understand
 
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When I first became Christian all other Christians kept telling me that as long as I accepted Christ as my Savoir and believed that he died for my sins, that was enough. I don't beleive that anymore. We have the Bible for a reason, as a Christian we should read the Bible and try our hardest to dictate our lives according to Jesus' words. It's impossible for any human being to live 100% according to the Bible, but as long as you have a good heart and try your hardest to love one another I think you're on the right track. Try the NIV or even the Good News Bible. Those are the only 2 versions I've read and they seem straightforward and simple to understand
If you were on a plane that was about to crash, and there was a parachute under your seat.

Would you just believe in the parachute and jump, or would you put it on trust in the parachute and then jump.

We must trust in Jesus to be our righteousness, since we do NOT have any.
 
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heymikey80

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When I first became Christian all other Christians kept telling me that as long as I accepted Christ as my Savoir and believed that he died for my sins, that was enough. I don't beleive that anymore. We have the Bible for a reason, as a Christian we should read the Bible and try our hardest to dictate our lives according to Jesus' words. It's impossible for any human being to live 100% according to the Bible, but as long as you have a good heart and try your hardest to love one another I think you're on the right track. Try the NIV or even the Good News Bible. Those are the only 2 versions I've read and they seem straightforward and simple to understand
Just in confirmation, I find things can only be "enough" only when you ask "What's the purpose?" Relying on Jesus is enough for one purpose: to save you. But it's not enough to grow you to make sense of life in His love and favor. It's not enough to do what God now wants to do in your life. It is enough to save you. But salvation doesn't strip itself of everything that's good.

It's the foundation for everything that follows: growth in faith, works, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and ... growing faith itself.

So I really appreciate your bringing this up.
 
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