Trying to believe

[NJC82]

Hi,
Firstly, I am sorry if my contemplation accidentally offends someone, I just ask that you see the sincerity in my questioning. I am not trying to unseat your beliefs. I am trying to find God, but my heart and mind have so many questions and concerns.

I am trying really hard to believe in your God. I don't want to go to hell and I would love to find some peace and consistent satisfaction in my life. But I really have never felt an undeniable experience of God's existence. Maybe I am too blind or stubborn. I totally admit I have done wrong and committed sin. I ask God to forgive me, but I don't know how to know that I have come to know the trinity (God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit) or whatever it is exactly I am supposed to experience when I ask for forgiveness. It sounds like most Christians say that if I ask for forgiveness in a sincere manner that God will guide me. I keep trying to have an experience of God or to feel\hear\understand\experience this guidance, but I am still not getting it in a way that I understand. I am unconvinced.

I also am totally confused by the following passages from the "Save yourself some pain" section of a Christian website:

"When cults tell you that you must acknowledge God's name to be saved, that you must worship on a certain day that you must be baptized by an elder of their church, don't panic. Merely go back to the Instruction Manual. The Bible has all the answers, and searching them out, will make you grow."


I thought Christians did believe that you had to acknowledge God's name in order to be saved, that you had to worship on a Sunday etc. This is one of the most confusing things I am finding as I try to find God. Denominations! How do I know which one is the true path??? They all claim basically they same thing with a few minor changes here and there and they all claim that THEY are the only true path.

I also hear the claim, Just read the bible. It is gods recipe for you. BUT! which bible! there are hundreds of translations, which one is the true one?

Also heretics! Every time I find myself relating to a Christian and thinking to myself; "Yeah! their explanation of God or Jesus really resonates with me." I find some other Christian express a view that the former Christian is a heretic for this or that reason.

In short, I don't seem to be able to hear from God for certain so far. I have a conscience and a heart to find truth. I admit I am a sinner and I ask Jesus to forgive me. But I am still lost in a sea of not knowing which is the true advice/religious path from God in the world. I just don't get it. All the orthodox Christian stuff seems so unappealing to me. I am worried that I have committed a sin against the Holy Spirit and that maybe I can't hear God because I am already eternally damned. That scares me, but the multitudes denominations and orthodoxy and incompatibility with my own life experience makes it so hard to find God.

Thanks for listening to my rambling.

 

[Hidden In Him]

In short, I don't seem to be able to hear from God for certain so far. I have a conscience and a heart to find truth. I admit I am a sinner and I ask Jesus to forgive me. But I am still lost in a sea of not knowing which is the true advice/religious path from God in the world.

Hi, NJC. Thanks for your post.

Listen, I was smiling a little bit in reading your post because this is the wonderful world that Satan has arranged so people will doubt the word and not receive it. It's no accident things are so messed up the way they are, which is why I have to bring the Evil one up (though I know you may not believe in him).

But do this: What you need is an experience of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and to be led and taught by the Holy Spirit Himself. So I suggest you do these two things:

1. Pray to the Lord Jesus Christ that He make Himself REAL to you. Pray this with your heart over and over again, and I promise you that He will. He will prove to you that He exists, in one way or another.

2. Then pray that He begin teaching you through the Holy Spirit. Again, keep praying this prayer over and over again. You will find in time that He indeed answers this prayer as well.

Let me know if you have any other questions, and God bless.

 

[NJC82]

I've been trying that for weeks. This is why I am now worried that the weird paths that my mind has walked has resulted in me committing the unforgivable sin. I feel like God doesn't want to know me. Thanks for the support. I will just keep trying. I hope at some point I am convinced. But at this stage Non-duality as taught in eastern beliefs still makes more sense than Christianity. I just hope somehow Jesus appears. I am sick of being in limbo.

 

[Hidden In Him]

I've been trying that for weeks. This is why I am now worried that the weird paths that my mind has walked has resulted in me committing the unforgivable sin. I feel like God doesn't want to know me.

Sorry, just noticing you had posted. PLEASE do not worry about this unpardonable sin business, I beg you. We get more people posting about this in paranoia than you would believe, and it's almost like a theological epidemic of sorts. NONE of them have ever committed the unpardonable sin, and probably never will. So please don't worry about it. Just keep seeking God. I promise you He is real because He confirms Himself to me every day. You just need to pray with all your heart to Him that He confirms it to you.

God bless you, and I hope you come to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Your friend,
Hidden

 

[NJC82]

Another thing I don't get is how do you know it is God talking to you and guiding you and not just your own inner cognition?

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Hi,
Firstly, I am sorry if my contemplation accidentally offends someone, I just ask that you see the sincerity in my questioning. I am not trying to unseat your beliefs. I am trying to find God, but my heart and mind have so many questions and concerns.

I am trying really hard to believe in your God. I don't want to go to hell and I would love to find some peace and consistent satisfaction in my life. But I really have never felt an undeniable experience of God's existence. Maybe I am too blind or stubborn. I totally admit I have done wrong and committed sin. I ask God to forgive me, but I don't know how to know that I have come to know the trinity (God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit) or whatever it is exactly I am supposed to experience when I ask for forgiveness. It sounds like most Christians say that if I ask for forgiveness in a sincere manner that God will guide me. I keep trying to have an experience of God or to feel\hear\understand\experience this guidance, but I am still not getting it in a way that I understand. I am unconvinced.

I also am totally confused by the following passages from the "Save yourself some pain" section of a Christian website:

"When cults tell you that you must acknowledge God's name to be saved, that you must worship on a certain day that you must be baptized by an elder of their church, don't panic. Merely go back to the Instruction Manual. The Bible has all the answers, and searching them out, will make you grow."


I thought Christians did believe that you had to acknowledge God's name in order to be saved, that you had to worship on a Sunday etc. This is one of the most confusing things I am finding as I try to find God. Denominations! How do I know which one is the true path??? They all claim basically they same thing with a few minor changes here and there and they all claim that THEY are the only true path.

I also hear the claim, Just read the bible. It is gods recipe for you. BUT! which bible! there are hundreds of translations, which one is the true one?

Also heretics! Every time I find myself relating to a Christian and thinking to myself; "Yeah! their explanation of God or Jesus really resonates with me." I find some other Christian express a view that the former Christian is a heretic for this or that reason.

In short, I don't seem to be able to hear from God for certain so far. I have a conscience and a heart to find truth. I admit I am a sinner and I ask Jesus to forgive me. But I am still lost in a sea of not knowing which is the true advice/religious path from God in the world. I just don't get it. All the orthodox Christian stuff seems so unappealing to me. I am worried that I have committed a sin against the Holy Spirit and that maybe I can't hear God because I am already eternally damned. That scares me, but the multitudes denominations and orthodoxy and incompatibility with my own life experience makes it so hard to find God.

Thanks for listening to my rambling.

It sounds like you're already on the right road, or at least on a path with your nose in the right direction.

Make this simpler for yourself; try seeing all of Christianity (i.e. those who generally accept Trinitarian belief) as ONE CHURCH but in many interpretive expressions.

Also, try seeing the Bible as ONE BIBLE, but again as something that is expressed in many interpretive translations and paraphrases (and yes, the Orthodox Versions and the Catholic versions also accept several additional books or portions thereof, but those books don't make or break the overall meaning of the New Testament).

So, if your conscience is 'feeling' the need for God, don't be afraid to look into as much of the entirety of the Christian faith as you think you can. But don't wait for some special, metaphysical feeling to come along that you hope will substantiate everything for you. That's not really how it works...

Peace,
2PhiloVoid

 

[Hidden In Him]

Another thing I don't get is how do you know it is God talking to you and guiding you and not just your own inner cognition?

You start to learn His voice (John 10:27). If you do this simply to prove Him on whether He exists or not, I'm not sure what response you would get. There is a scripture that says it is impossible to please God without faith. But if you are truly seeking to know Him, I can promise you He will make Himself known to you.

 

[NJC82]

I think maybe I just am not that interested by the writing of the bible or the ideas of Christianity. If it gave this divine guidance like it says then I'd totally follow, but so far my sincere attempt to ask for forgiveness has not resulted in a knowledge of God

 

[xianghua]

Hi,
Firstly, I am sorry if my contemplation accidentally offends someone, I just ask that you see the sincerity in my questioning. I am not trying to unseat your beliefs. I am trying to find God, but my heart and mind have so many questions and concerns.

I am trying really hard to believe in your God. I don't want to go to hell and I would love to find some peace and consistent satisfaction in my life. But I really have never felt an undeniable experience of God's existence. Maybe I am too blind or stubborn. I totally admit I have done wrong and committed sin. I ask God to forgive me, but I don't know how to know that I have come to know the trinity (God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit) or whatever it is exactly I am supposed to experience when I ask for forgiveness. It sounds like most Christians say that if I ask for forgiveness in a sincere manner that God will guide me. I keep trying to have an experience of God or to feel\hear\understand\experience this guidance, but I am still not getting it in a way that I understand. I am unconvinced.

I also am totally confused by the following passages from the "Save yourself some pain" section of a Christian website:

"When cults tell you that you must acknowledge God's name to be saved, that you must worship on a certain day that you must be baptized by an elder of their church, don't panic. Merely go back to the Instruction Manual. The Bible has all the answers, and searching them out, will make you grow."


I thought Christians did believe that you had to acknowledge God's name in order to be saved, that you had to worship on a Sunday etc. This is one of the most confusing things I am finding as I try to find God. Denominations! How do I know which one is the true path??? They all claim basically they same thing with a few minor changes here and there and they all claim that THEY are the only true path.

I also hear the claim, Just read the bible. It is gods recipe for you. BUT! which bible! there are hundreds of translations, which one is the true one?

Also heretics! Every time I find myself relating to a Christian and thinking to myself; "Yeah! their explanation of God or Jesus really resonates with me." I find some other Christian express a view that the former Christian is a heretic for this or that reason.

In short, I don't seem to be able to hear from God for certain so far. I have a conscience and a heart to find truth. I admit I am a sinner and I ask Jesus to forgive me. But I am still lost in a sea of not knowing which is the true advice/religious path from God in the world. I just don't get it. All the orthodox Christian stuff seems so unappealing to me. I am worried that I have committed a sin against the Holy Spirit and that maybe I can't hear God because I am already eternally damned. That scares me, but the multitudes denominations and orthodoxy and incompatibility with my own life experience makes it so hard to find God.

Thanks for listening to my rambling.

first, you need to check the evidence that god exist. you can check my argument here:

My favorite argument for the existence of God

if you have any questions about the scientific evidence that god exist i will be happy to hear.

 

[NJC82]

Your "argument" actually does a disservice to your religion. It lacks logic but tries to argue from a logical point of view. Was it your intention to do this as a way to turn people off religion?

 

[xianghua]

Your "argument" actually does a disservice to your religion. It lacks logic but tries to argue from a logical point of view. Was it your intention to do this as a way to turn people off religion?

are you refering to my comment?

 

[NJC82]

Nothe post you directed me to. Many people calmly and rationally pointed out why your ideas were not coherent and yet you continue to push them. Why not pause and let go of your agenda?

 

[DreamerOfTheHeart]

Hi,
Firstly, I am sorry if my contemplation accidentally offends someone, I just ask that you see the sincerity in my questioning. I am not trying to unseat your beliefs. I am trying to find God, but my heart and mind have so many questions and concerns.

I am trying really hard to believe in your God. I don't want to go to hell and I would love to find some peace and consistent satisfaction in my life. But I really have never felt an undeniable experience of God's existence. Maybe I am too blind or stubborn. I totally admit I have done wrong and committed sin. I ask God to forgive me, but I don't know how to know that I have come to know the trinity (God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit) or whatever it is exactly I am supposed to experience when I ask for forgiveness. It sounds like most Christians say that if I ask for forgiveness in a sincere manner that God will guide me. I keep trying to have an experience of God or to feel\hear\understand\experience this guidance, but I am still not getting it in a way that I understand. I am unconvinced.

I also am totally confused by the following passages from the "Save yourself some pain" section of a Christian website:

"When cults tell you that you must acknowledge God's name to be saved, that you must worship on a certain day that you must be baptized by an elder of their church, don't panic. Merely go back to the Instruction Manual. The Bible has all the answers, and searching them out, will make you grow."


I thought Christians did believe that you had to acknowledge God's name in order to be saved, that you had to worship on a Sunday etc. This is one of the most confusing things I am finding as I try to find God. Denominations! How do I know which one is the true path??? They all claim basically they same thing with a few minor changes here and there and they all claim that THEY are the only true path.

I also hear the claim, Just read the bible. It is gods recipe for you. BUT! which bible! there are hundreds of translations, which one is the true one?

Also heretics! Every time I find myself relating to a Christian and thinking to myself; "Yeah! their explanation of God or Jesus really resonates with me." I find some other Christian express a view that the former Christian is a heretic for this or that reason.

In short, I don't seem to be able to hear from God for certain so far. I have a conscience and a heart to find truth. I admit I am a sinner and I ask Jesus to forgive me. But I am still lost in a sea of not knowing which is the true advice/religious path from God in the world. I just don't get it. All the orthodox Christian stuff seems so unappealing to me. I am worried that I have committed a sin against the Holy Spirit and that maybe I can't hear God because I am already eternally damned. That scares me, but the multitudes denominations and orthodoxy and incompatibility with my own life experience makes it so hard to find God.

Thanks for listening to my rambling.

My first impression is that you are not getting your information from the Bible, but from this or that group. This is ordinary for people. They are close to this or that group, and they consider them authoritative.

My second impression here is that you seem to think that God is just really jonesing to want you to become a Christian, but you are a highly selective person and are not sure if you really will ever find God cool enough to be buddies with.

The reality is, if someone has success in anything, it is God's doing. God gives plenty, comparatively, wealth. He has even made not a few billionaires. If someone is in authority, God put them there.

The end game for them, generally, is a bad joke and a sour grave.

If you do not believe in Jesus, it is because you have been 'called, but not chosen'.

We are talking about immortality here. We are talking about becoming friends with the One who makes success and disaster for every person in history and on the planet.

Jesus pointed out 'no one can come to me but those whom the Father sends'. I have found this to be painfully true. In my observations of others.

I am not trying to shy you away from the faith, but you should understand this: from my perspective, as someone who has had a life of strong evidence from God... I am acutely aware that unbelievers (and countless "believers") have no evidence. I can certainly argue this from Scripture, but from my perspective, it is always painfully obvious.

Yes, people can argue evidence is all around... but, the world saps evidence of Heaven away. Every evil deed says "there is no God", because if there is a God, He must be good. So, how can we hope to believe.

But, from my perspective of having decades of supernatural experience, it is always "of course you do not know and do not believe".

Advantages? Knowing the truth about reality? Immortality. Joy beyond comprehension. Having God and the angels on your side is a good thing, for just about everything, as well.

But, that is not just blind and meaningless immortality.

You have to have it given to you by God to want something more then the "dog's life" mortals have.

Otherwise, at best, I can point out, "throw out everything groups have told you about Christ", and read Scripture without it being removed from context as "believers" (in quotes) and unbelievers alike do it.

Believe me, I would love even for the most hard hearted cynic to believe, though I am always perplexed, as who said more and greater then what Jesus said -- from what few words we even have of him. For whatever reason, it just does not process. It is beyond people's mortal comprehension to comprehend the simple teachings of Jesus.

I know this is true, so I also know it is true, you need to actually have God intervene and whisper in your heart the truth.

Otherwise, billionaire or pauper, history maker or nobody, well, in the end, a dog is more then a nobody, and that is the only road ahead.

These things said, even those who die will be brought back to be corrected.

But, that is their place. They could never seek because they never were shown evidence that requires them to do so.

If you are ever given evidence of any manner (which means God allows your heart to see it and recognize it as such), then... do not go and look for people to tell you what Scripture says. Go and read it for your self.

If you are meant for more then a lesson learned and a tombstone, then you will see.

If not, there are a lot of tombstones.

Some are remembered, some are not. When one has died, nothing matters. It was all just biological processing. Win some praise from peers, and the peers die along with the praise.

 

[NJC82]

My first impression is that you are not getting your information from the Bible, but from this or that group. This is ordinary for people. They are close to this or that group, and they consider them authoritative.

My second impression here is that you seem to think that God is just really jonesing to want you to become a Christian, but you are a highly selective person and are not sure if you really will ever find God cool enough to be buddies with.

The reality is, if someone has success in anything, it is God's doing. God gives plenty, comparatively, wealth. He has even made not a few billionaires. If someone is in authority, God put them there.

The end game for them, generally, is a bad joke and a sour grave.

If you do not believe in Jesus, it is because you have been 'called, but not chosen'.

We are talking about immortality here. We are talking about becoming friends with the One who makes success and disaster for every person in history and on the planet.

Jesus pointed out 'no one can come to me but those whom the Father sends'. I have found this to be painfully true. In my observations of others.

I am not trying to shy you away from the faith, but you should understand this: from my perspective, as someone who has had a life of strong evidence from God... I am acutely aware that unbelievers (and countless "believers") have no evidence. I can certainly argue this from Scripture, but from my perspective, it is always painfully obvious.

Yes, people can argue evidence is all around... but, the world saps evidence of Heaven away. Every evil deed says "there is no God", because if there is a God, He must be good. So, how can we hope to believe.

But, from my perspective of having decades of supernatural experience, it is always "of course you do not know and do not believe".

Advantages? Knowing the truth about reality? Immortality. Joy beyond comprehension. Having God and the angels on your side is a good thing, for just about everything, as well.

But, that is not just blind and meaningless immortality.

You have to have it given to you by God to want something more then the "dog's life" mortals have.

Otherwise, at best, I can point out, "throw out everything groups have told you about Christ", and read Scripture without it being removed from context as "believers" (in quotes) and unbelievers alike do it.

Believe me, I would love even for the most hard hearted cynic to believe, though I am always perplexed, as who said more and greater then what Jesus said -- from what few words we even have of him. For whatever reason, it just does not process. It is beyond people's mortal comprehension to comprehend the simple teachings of Jesus.

I know this is true, so I also know it is true, you need to actually have God intervene and whisper in your heart the truth.

Otherwise, billionaire or pauper, history maker or nobody, well, in the end, a dog is more then a nobody, and that is the only road ahead.

These things said, even those who die will be brought back to be corrected.

But, that is their place. They could never seek because they never were shown evidence that requires them to do so.

If you are ever given evidence of any manner (which means God allows your heart to see it and recognize it as such), then... do not go and look for people to tell you what Scripture says. Go and read it for your self.

If you are meant for more then a lesson learned and a tombstone, then you will see.

If not, there are a lot of tombstones.

Some are remembered, some are not. When one has died, nothing matters. It was all just biological processing. Win some praise from peers, and the peers die along with the praise.

Ok so I have some questions. Firstly, regarding the Bible. There are so many versions how do I know that the version I read is accurate. And how were the books in the Bible chosen? By people right? So how can I know they were doing what god wanted? And why aren't non-scripture pieces of advice not viable? Does god no longer give people things to say in the real world? It confuses me that somehow things that happened a few thousand years ago were legitimate but now it is all just heresy. Thrn onto the topic if choosing and free will. maybe I misunderstand what you wrote but if it is God that guides everyone's actions then how can I be held responsible for choosing or not choosing? Who even is the "I"? if god directs it then that means "I" am either a puppet that god controls and my version of "i" as a person with free will is merely a delusion and god directs my life in which case "I" essentially am god and I just don't know it yet.

 

[DreamerOfTheHeart]

Ok so I have some questions. Firstly, regarding the Bible. There are so many versions how do I know that the version I read is accurate. And how were the books in the Bible chosen? By people right? So how can I know they were doing what god wanted? And why aren't non-scripture pieces of advice not viable? Does god no longer give people things to say in the real world? It confuses me that somehow things that happened a few thousand years ago were legitimate but now it is all just heresy. Thrn onto the topic if choosing and free will. maybe I misunderstand what you wrote but if it is God that guides everyone's actions then how can I be held responsible for choosing or not choosing? Who even is the "I"? if god directs it then that means "I" am either a puppet that god controls and my version of "i" as a person with free will is merely a delusion and god directs my life in which case "I" essentially am god and I just don't know it yet.

1. <<Firstly, regarding the Bible. There are so many versions how do I know that the version I read is accurate. >>

Basic intelligence. Which are regarded by the least foolish "experts" as "good"?

You also know these are ancient languages and will so have translation difficulties. If you are focused on a specific statement, look it up in a "lexicon". Get to the original language (and realize the limitations of trying to by doing research)... if so needed.

NIV is fine.

But, even some far more loose versions are fine.

<<And how were the books in the Bible chosen? By people right? >>

So, for whatever reason, people all know this, but God is in control of Everything. Everything happens in God. This is as God's dream. All of it.

For whatever reason, people do not seem to get that so well, but note that as you dream at night, so is the whole of creation... including you.

This means while people chose it, God guided it.

Why? Because it is a critical area of God's focus in everything.

<<So how can I know they were doing what god wanted?>>

So, God is omnipowerful and omnipresent, as I was imply.... which means, God gets what God wants.

Is this an area God is likely to want? Yes.

<<Does god no longer give people things to say in the real world? It confuses me that somehow things that happened a few thousand years ago were legitimate but now it is all just heresy. >>

Okay, this is weird and making me wonder if I am wasting my time.

(On the later, not possible, but...)

You bring up the word "heresy", but this can mean almost literally countless different things.

Also, you speak of agreements of condemnation by Heaven, but I am with Heaven, and am aware of no such condemnations. Maybe be more specific? I mean, otherwise, there is a lot of ignorance. But, this is seen as ignorance. Where Heaven allows it to be ignorance.

If you wish to be specific, I am here, and looking for replies.

(Just be sure to quote me.)

Otherwise, heresies... I studied Christian history in my twenties. Still do, but not much new. Heresies was a "Catholic" term. It means "pull away from".

We do not think in this way.

People who leave us never were with us to begin with.

It is quite simple.

Groups who speak ignorance (all), speak ignorance because Heaven does not inform them. Speaking their ignorance louder or more often does not change anyone's mind there.

You can tell when Heaven's mind is changed, to such a group, because they cease talking ignorance and start talking truth with power. Because Heaven gave them evidence which before they were lacking.

Evidence is persuasion.

Usually, until the Time comes, Heaven never responds.

So "heretics" remain in their "heresy".

<<Who even is the "I"? if god directs it then that means "I" am either a puppet that god controls and my version of "i" as a person with free will is merely a delusion and god directs my life in which case "I" essentially am god and I just don't know it yet.>>

Asking such a deep question as "who even is I", continues to pretty well persuade me God is talking to you. Very much unlike the previous OP who I just responded to. :/

(To emphasize that if I felt your questions were bad, I would say it as clearly as I am writing here.)

Who are you? What is "I"? These are big questions people who probably seeing they will live forever already (have hope, are saved, chosen) believe.

I mean they start to ask these questions because they believe they are critical.

 

[AservantofGodandthelordJC]

Hi,
Firstly, I am sorry if my contemplation accidentally offends someone, I just ask that you see the sincerity in my questioning. I am not trying to unseat your beliefs. I am trying to find God, but my heart and mind have so many questions and concerns.

I am trying really hard to believe in your God. I don't want to go to hell and I would love to find some peace and consistent satisfaction in my life. But I really have never felt an undeniable experience of God's existence. Maybe I am too blind or stubborn. I totally admit I have done wrong and committed sin. I ask God to forgive me, but I don't know how to know that I have come to know the trinity (God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit) or whatever it is exactly I am supposed to experience when I ask for forgiveness. It sounds like most Christians say that if I ask for forgiveness in a sincere manner that God will guide me. I keep trying to have an experience of God or to feel\hear\understand\experience this guidance, but I am still not getting it in a way that I understand. I am unconvinced.

I also am totally confused by the following passages from the "Save yourself some pain" section of a Christian website:

"When cults tell you that you must acknowledge God's name to be saved, that you must worship on a certain day that you must be baptized by an elder of their church, don't panic. Merely go back to the Instruction Manual. The Bible has all the answers, and searching them out, will make you grow."


I thought Christians did believe that you had to acknowledge God's name in order to be saved, that you had to worship on a Sunday etc. This is one of the most confusing things I am finding as I try to find God. Denominations! How do I know which one is the true path??? They all claim basically they same thing with a few minor changes here and there and they all claim that THEY are the only true path.

I also hear the claim, Just read the bible. It is gods recipe for you. BUT! which bible! there are hundreds of translations, which one is the true one?

Also heretics! Every time I find myself relating to a Christian and thinking to myself; "Yeah! their explanation of God or Jesus really resonates with me." I find some other Christian express a view that the former Christian is a heretic for this or that reason.

In short, I don't seem to be able to hear from God for certain so far. I have a conscience and a heart to find truth. I admit I am a sinner and I ask Jesus to forgive me. But I am still lost in a sea of not knowing which is the true advice/religious path from God in the world. I just don't get it. All the orthodox Christian stuff seems so unappealing to me. I am worried that I have committed a sin against the Holy Spirit and that maybe I can't hear God because I am already eternally damned. That scares me, but the multitudes denominations and orthodoxy and incompatibility with my own life experience makes it so hard to find God.

Thanks for listening to my rambling.

When you say 'your God' please be aware that there is only one God it does not change from religion to religion, only the religions themselves vary. God is real, in fact it is reality. What you now perceive as reality is delusional, only God is real nothing else exists (eternally). Think about it like this. You built a sand castle on the beach, the castle itself is all you know. It has been formed on top of the rest of the sand. What you are looking for is the entire beach, but you choose to only look at is your own tiny castle. You need only do what God requires, practice forgiveness in every situation possible. Your judgements are the castle, forgiveness is the beach. It is inevitable that one day the castle will be merged with the rest of the sand, it is entirely up to you when that day comes, we have been given free will after all.

 

[Instrument150]

Hi,
Firstly, I am sorry if my contemplation accidentally offends someone, I just ask that you see the sincerity in my questioning. I am not trying to unseat your beliefs. I am trying to find God, but my heart and mind have so many questions and concerns.

I am trying really hard to believe in your God. I don't want to go to hell and I would love to find some peace and consistent satisfaction in my life. But I really have never felt an undeniable experience of God's existence. Maybe I am too blind or stubborn. I totally admit I have done wrong and committed sin. I ask God to forgive me, but I don't know how to know that I have come to know the trinity (God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit) or whatever it is exactly I am supposed to experience when I ask for forgiveness. It sounds like most Christians say that if I ask for forgiveness in a sincere manner that God will guide me. I keep trying to have an experience of God or to feel\hear\understand\experience this guidance, but I am still not getting it in a way that I understand. I am unconvinced.

I also am totally confused by the following passages from the "Save yourself some pain" section of a Christian website:

"When cults tell you that you must acknowledge God's name to be saved, that you must worship on a certain day that you must be baptized by an elder of their church, don't panic. Merely go back to the Instruction Manual. The Bible has all the answers, and searching them out, will make you grow."


I thought Christians did believe that you had to acknowledge God's name in order to be saved, that you had to worship on a Sunday etc. This is one of the most confusing things I am finding as I try to find God. Denominations! How do I know which one is the true path??? They all claim basically they same thing with a few minor changes here and there and they all claim that THEY are the only true path.

I also hear the claim, Just read the bible. It is gods recipe for you. BUT! which bible! there are hundreds of translations, which one is the true one?

Also heretics! Every time I find myself relating to a Christian and thinking to myself; "Yeah! their explanation of God or Jesus really resonates with me." I find some other Christian express a view that the former Christian is a heretic for this or that reason.

In short, I don't seem to be able to hear from God for certain so far. I have a conscience and a heart to find truth. I admit I am a sinner and I ask Jesus to forgive me. But I am still lost in a sea of not knowing which is the true advice/religious path from God in the world. I just don't get it. All the orthodox Christian stuff seems so unappealing to me. I am worried that I have committed a sin against the Holy Spirit and that maybe I can't hear God because I am already eternally damned. That scares me, but the multitudes denominations and orthodoxy and incompatibility with my own life experience makes it so hard to find God.

Thanks for listening to my rambling.

Thank you so much for asking these questions.

The fear that you are feeling is the judgement of the Law of Moses. It was first written on every man's heart, and then on Tablet form just to bring the idea home.

It is the curse of every man. Born into sin, and bound to live out eternity in the only place made for such a thing: Hell.

What you are doing now, asking and waiting on Jesus to forgive you of your sins.... is why you have not yet FELT the forgiveness. You have already been forgiven of your sins, when Jesus shed his blood two thousand years ago. It was done. Finished. No more judgement for any man, HE REFUSED judgement and instead subjected HIMSELF to the Law. He passed with flying colors. That's what made Him the only sacrifice. Your fear is based in waiting. The deed is done my friend.

say and believe,

" Jesus Christ died for my sins, so that I could live eternally with Him in heaven! He was resurrect from death, so that He could resurrect me from death too! I repent of my sin, and place myself under no judgement, in good faith that you have already done the work. I accept the gift of the Holy Spirit, and allow Him to renew my mind! I will walk with you forever."

 

[theoneinsidethezero]

The aim in all of this should be to know not to believe. Notice the lie in this word be lie ve. Jesus said you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. Free from what? The lie is the answer spoken of in Romans 2 and 2 Thessalians 2:11. The reason the truth is so hard to find is because it is veiled in a lie. Truth follows a pattern after that which is made. Just take light and darkness for a second. The dark can scare us. But what is darkness but lesser and lesser degrees of light. But it is not the absense of light. For there is no such thing as the absense of light. Just as there is no such thing as a negative power.

The Bible says God is light and in him there is no dakness at all. It also says God is omni present or everywhere all at once. Since that is the case where can darkness dwell but nowhere. Darkness is a powerful delusion we perceive with our eyes. Both the darkness and the light come from the same source. According to the Psalms darkness is as light to God. And Isaiah even says I form the light and create darkness...I the lord do all these things.

So I know its all scary but just know if you keep after the truth you will find it. "I love those who love me and those who seek me find me" Out of darkness shines the light. Out of the lie comes the truth. One day soon we will all know the truth from the least of us to the greatest.

Best,
Paul