Is Salvation all there is?

[buck1hunter]

The world we live in can be an incredibly lonely place. I turned away from Christ in my teens because of my abusive parents and the lack of fellowship at my local church. My parents were Catholic and they did a lot of narcotics including methamphetamine. They were on one of their binges during lent and they decided to spend all the money they had including their money from the government on drugs. At the age of 16 I went 4 days without food before I decided to leave home. So I turned to the church for help. They didn't want to help me. Simply put there was nothing they could do and they refused to get involved or help me. All the "friends" and "family" I thought I had at the church turned their backs on me because I showed them all the skeletons in my families closet. I felt betrayed.

Afterwards, I spent 6 months on the streets as a homeless teen. So I know what it's like to have trust issues because you weren't raised right. I never had anyone really help me when I needed it. Which is why I feel lonely at times. I never had any real sense of belonging because of what my family did and how everyone reacted towards me when they found out what was going on. I was treated like a degenerate because I was associated with them. That blew my mind because I was actually a good kid at the time. I went to youth group, was an altar boy and I volunteered all the time at my church. All this stuff hurt me and it continues to hurt me. So I completely understand your situation.

After everything I said I still haven't given up on people though. I know there's decent people out there who care. It's just a matter of finding them or making peace with your current situation. I recently found my way back to God. I was a Satanist for like 13 years. I had everything I wanted at one point but I lost it all. I spent the last three years in the abyss. Occultists call this the dark night of the soul but it was very similar to what I experienced as a kid. I really think all of this happened because I was meant to learn something. Perhaps I was meant to find God again and this time I realized He can bring balance back into my life. Maybe I should've looked to him for help all those years ago. And maybe now he's giving me a second chance by learning this lesson. Honestly I feel like all that mundane stuff like money, friends, a romantic partner, etc. isn't what its cracked up to be. Those things never made me happy. Finding God and deepening my relationship with him is all I ever needed.

 

[Greg J.]

Christianity isn't chiefly about us, it's about Jesus and other people. The message of the Gospel is for us--for everyone--because we need the life-giving mercy and forgiveness of God in Jesus, because it is through Jesus that God is reconciling, redeeming, healing, restoring, and saving the world. But it doesn't end when we have heard the message, baptized, and begin our Christian life. Here is the beginning of our life with God,

I agree completely.

and then the whole Christian life is then grounded in the truth of Jesus' cross--it is here we make our life by losing it. To drown ourselves daily in repentance, to hear the Word, to receive the Sacraments; that we might receive daily the life-giving mercy of God in Jesus which is the medicine for our damaged soul as we look forward to the future hope of eternal life in the age to come. But that's still only one side of the Christian life, what Lutherans call the Coram Deo "Us before God"; there is also the other side, the Coram Hominibus "Us before human beings". It is here in the Coram Hominibus that we sacrifice ourselves to a life of good works and service, to the carrying of our cross as disciples, to live our faith out into the world for the good of others.

These are traditional, but they are not goals—they are consequences of experiencing God's holiness through his Spirit. The first and greatest commandment is all about the person of God, not us. Rather I would say to drown ourselves daily in our loving, kind, and generous God. Drowning ourselves in repentance is a reaction people sometimes have, but only to the degree that we still (incorrectly) believe we are our "old man." This is not a goal God has for us. We are reborn and are as white as snow. Choosing to assert who we are in Christ, our sins having been forgotten, is struggling toward God and the truth—not believing we should drown ourselves in repentance, which has its focus on ourselves, not on Jesus and what he accomplished.

Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. (1 Corinthians 5:7, 1984 NIV)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4, 1984 NIV)

 

[seekingmuch]

Hate to tell you, I've helped a lot of people. I've kept a lot of people from killing themselves over the years. I've talked people out of suicide. The churches in my town don't really offer anything for the mentally ill because they don't want "those people" front and center. It would "offend" their big donors probably. LOL God forbid they accommodate us in any way. Christians, I've found, have such a stigma against the mentally ill it is ridiculous. They say things like, "You're just not letting God heal ya" or "repent and draw closer..." or something other pile of monkey... And, they sure don't want to talk with the mentally ill about their problems (unless they are mentally ill themselves, but, due to the backlash and people ostracizing them, most keep it secret and never talk about it). Look how two pastors treated me. They couldn't wait to get me out of their office. I was one of "those people." LOL

Big shot pastor what's his name of Saddleback Church, you know the one where his kid committed suicide, thinks all mental illness is just "sinning." LOL Maybe his kid blowing his brains out should've told him his approach was the wrong one.

Mental illness is no different than having diabetes.

Buckhunter, I hear ya. And, I'm sorry they did that to you. One thing I've learned is asking the Christian community for almost anything is a waste of time. And, yes, they will stab you in the back faster than you can say, "cheese!" I've been there. You said, "Honestly I feel like all that mundane stuff like money, friends, a romantic partner, etc. isn't what its cracked up to be." It isn't mundane. Money is overrated. But friends and a spouse isn't. You were a Satanist? Wow! Only known one ex-Satanist. He got into it through music I think. He's now one of the only ones who apparently knows what blashphemey of the Holy Spirit is--it's rejecting salvation, nothing more, nothing less. In 20 years, no one till him could tell me what that was and it tormented me for years. The Catholic Church hasn't even figured it out. LOL

Actually, I think God has kept me from romantic partners so my dad never sees grandkids while he's alive. Same with my brother. My mom seems to think that. I just hope one day I look down from heaven and see him roasting. I've told him, "Hell is coming for him" but he keeps living like a pos. He could do the right thing, get right and apologize sincerely for ruining me, my mom and my brother's lives. But, he won't so I hope he fries.

Greg J, repent once a day and forget it. Don't beat your self up over sin. God is not into flagellation. Salvation is a constant not fluid and ever changing. Doing that only leads to perfectionism and you'll end up hating Christianity, which is what flagellation is.

 

[Greg J.]

Hate to tell you, I've helped a lot of people. I've kept a lot of people from killing themselves over the years. I've talked people out of suicide.

This is awesome!

The churches in my town don't really offer anything for the mentally ill because they don't want "those people" front and center. It would "offend" their big donors probably. LOL God forbid they accommodate us in any way. Christians, I've found, have such a stigma against the mentally ill it is ridiculous. They say things like, "You're just not letting God heal ya" or "repent and draw closer..." or something other pile of monkey... And, they sure don't want to talk with the mentally ill about their problems (unless they are mentally ill themselves, but, due to the backlash and people ostracizing them, most keep it secret and never talk about it). Look how two pastors treated me. They couldn't wait to get me out of their office. I was one of "those people." LOL

Big shot pastor what's his name of Saddleback Church, you know the one where his kid committed suicide, thinks all mental illness is just "sinning." LOL Maybe his kid blowing his brains out should've told him his approach was the wrong one.

Mental illness is no different than having diabetes.

I am aware of this mindset and how some of their beliefs contradict Scripture. Such people are as ill or more ill than those they purport to help. Is your town so small there aren't any alternatives? These kinds of people are actually harmful, and I would unplug completely from these people, even if it meant not going to church. (There are some excellent TV pastors.)

Greg J, repent once a day and forget it. ...

Repent for what?

 

[W2L]

Christians, I've found, have such a stigma against the mentally ill it is ridiculous. They say things like, "You're just not letting God heal ya" or "repent and draw closer..."

I been there. People accusing me of denying the power of Christ. They dont understand that such statements do not help in the least but actually make things worse.

 

[Bartek Swierczek]

@seekingmuch >

Even

 

[seekingmuch]

This is awesome!

I am aware of this mindset and how some of their beliefs contradict Scripture. Such people are as ill or more ill than those they purport to help. Is your town so small there aren't any alternatives? These kinds of people are actually harmful, and I would unplug completely from these people, even if it meant not going to church. (There are some excellent TV pastors.)

Repent for what?

Yes, P. C. has a lot of churches but they are all the same. Small town of 100,000 including all of the county.

Repent? I just ask forgiveness here and there. That's it.

W2L,

 

[Greg J.]

Yes, P. C. has a lot of churches but they are all the same. Small town of 100,000 including all of the county.

Repent? I just ask forgiveness here and there. That's it.

W2L,

If you ask God for his forgiveness for something, and are genuinely repentant (intend to never do it again), then God has forgiven you and forgotten your sin. Try not to ask for his forgiveness about the same event again; fight to believe the truth that you are already forgiven. This is very important for people who struggle with their self-worth. I totally know the feeling of needing to seek forgiveness, and I sometimes still do it, but it is almost always the result of self-condemnation.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2, 1984 NIV)

 

[buck1hunter]

Buckhunter, I hear ya. And, I'm sorry they did that to you. One thing I've learned is asking the Christian community for almost anything is a waste of time. And, yes, they will stab you in the back faster than you can say, "cheese!" I've been there. You said, "Honestly I feel like all that mundane stuff like money, friends, a romantic partner, etc. isn't what its cracked up to be." It isn't mundane. Money is overrated. But friends and a spouse isn't. You were a Satanist? Wow! Only known one ex-Satanist. He got into it through music I think. He's now one of the only ones who apparently knows what blashphemey of the Holy Spirit is--it's rejecting salvation, nothing more, nothing less. In 20 years, no one till him could tell me what that was and it tormented me for years. The Catholic Church hasn't even figured it out. LOL

Actually, I think God has kept me from romantic partners so my dad never sees grandkids while he's alive. Same with my brother. My mom seems to think that. I just hope one day I look down from heaven and see him roasting. I've told him, "Hell is coming for him" but he keeps living like a pos. He could do the right thing, get right and apologize sincerely for ruining me, my mom and my brother's lives. But, he won't so I hope he fries.

Yeah, I get where you're coming from on the friends and spouse thing. I'm kind of a lone wolf so it's no big deal to me. I hope you do find someone who makes you happy. Everyone needs someone who'll be there for them. I'm going to make a post on why I left satanism. I think it will be an enlightening read for anyone who wants to understand the adversary that they're up against.

 

[Greg J.]

... I'm going to make a post on why I left satanism. I think it will be an enlightening read for anyone who wants to understand the adversary that they're up against.

You might be surprised how little that kind of information matters for a devoted follower of Christ, but I'll read your post if I come across it. Your testimony is what I hope will be valuable (if stripped of anything that might increase someone's curiosity).

 

[seekingmuch]

One thing is for certain, being ostracized and mostly friendless, I've written 23 novels. I have DID so I am not alone. Ali is always around. I figured out how to have another in my 20s due to loneliness. As a child, I "created" friends using dolls and action figures. It was my escape. I learned dialogue and have always studied people (to figure out who would hurt and who wouldn't).

 

[Bobber]

Hate to tell you, I've helped a lot of people. I've kept a lot of people from killing themselves over the years. I've talked people out of suicide. The churches in my town don't really offer anything for the mentally ill because they don't want "those people" front and center.

That's a big sweeping judgment you're dishing out which I'm not sure you have any right to give...YES regardless of your experiences.

Look how two pastors treated me. They couldn't wait to get me out of their office. I was one of "those people." LOL

Look when are you going to stop whining about people from the past who have upset you? I mean you do this post after post after post. What do you know about what might have been going on in their lives? Nothing! And keep in mind none of us were there to see if it's an absolute truth that they couldn't wait to get you out of their office. Not saying you're wrong but there's always two sides to a story.

Big shot pastor what's his name of Saddleback Church, you know the one where his kid committed suicide, thinks all mental illness is just "sinning."

What are you talking about? You're making this stuff up. I've been in the church world for a great many years and have never even heard tell of people who thought mental illness is just "sinning" And now you're making light of a man who lost his son to suicide? What are you almost gleeful about that?

LOL Maybe his kid blowing his brains out should've told him his approach was the wrong one.

So you're standing back pointing fingers and throwing stones. Sorry but anyone who makes light of another because of the loss of a love one needs a serious attitude adjustment.

Buckhunter, I hear ya. And, I'm sorry they did that to you. One thing I've learned is asking the Christian community for almost anything is a waste of time. And, yes, they will stab you in the back faster than you can say, "cheese!" out. LOL

Well then by gosh get out of your town and find a church or gathering of believers that aren't like you say! And if you're going to fall back and say well there are no such people then I'm going to tell you you're full of it! I've seen good people in churches and bad people...I've seen people at all different levels of spiritual growth but if you're going to say there aren't any good people well stop deceiving yourself and others with such nonsense. You've said asking the Christians community for almost anything is a waste of time....well depends on what you're asking for. I wouldn't give something to someone merely because they're making a request! Nor should you or any one else.

 

[seekingmuch]

Bobber,

Yeah, sadly it is pretty much true. There is a big stigma to mental illness. If I worked days (and not nights and weekends, too), I would definitely approach a big church about having a group for Bipolar. But, I bet I would run into a lot of opposition. If you are an alcoholic or drug addict, you are far more likely to be accepted. They have tons of AA and NA meetings for those in that position--where I live. But, mental illness? None that I've found. As for me, I've found sinners (they'd tell you they are and I mostly have been around those that have a higher education) far more accepting of mental illness than Christians. Too many think it is just a failing. There is a movement for Bipolar Churches, which is a great idea.

Yep, he actually has a video entitled "Mental Illness is Sinning" (or "Sinning is Mental Illness"). 'Nuff said. It is sad his kid committed suicide. Really sad. Hopefully, it changes his thought process. I was making light of his ridiculous stance. His kid was mentally ill, but, in his video, mental illness is just sinning. That is asinine.

Yes, since you must know, two pastors did turn me away. I thought I knew one pretty well. Was faithful and paid tithes, but that wasn't enough. The other I was really shocked at. He was so wildly admired. Both meetings last 1-2 mins. That was it. I don't think there is any justification for turning a person that tells them they are suicidal, do you?

The last thing: I believe that was me and Blackhunter talking about something we've experienced. You probably ought to read the context.

 

[Far Side Of the Moon]

Hello,I understand being the lone wolf even in church. I'm realizing as a shy person, that you'll have to reach out more to people if you want friends you cant wait for others to befriend you. I also know it sucks people not taking an interest in you but you can also show interest in other people, Ask how they're doing..you know treat others the way you'd like to be treated.

As for your relationship with God. I really feel you probably need a lot of healing for the things you've went through... I feel you have walls built up that God cant get through. Also my wak with God isn't all fireworks.. I have dry seasons..alot in fact and maybe that isn't normal either lol but we have to keep going and trying. Don't give up ever.

 

[( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)]

Is there more things that come after salvation? Yes. Hebrews 6:9 and even your own testimony bear this out by some of the things you've experienced (ie: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit) But your definition of salvation somewhat spooked me. I'm not going to comment further on this, but you and all other professing believers need to remember that one mark of genuine salvation is keeping a lifestyle of repentance. I'm not saying this to call you out. But it's critical to remember for someone that's out of touch with the church.

 

[( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)]

You also wrote that Holy Spirit triggered your bi-polar. No, He didn't.

 

[Stone-n-Steel]

1Tim. 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.


Salvation is a great start, but the next step is to seek the truth of the scriptures. It is a life long process that is full of rewards. It is sad, but many fall into the following category.


2Tim. 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.


Don't settle for less. Diligently search and grow.