I am very confused

Gerbil God does know your heart and what you will choose in life, but you still have to choose yourself.

Your in my prayers

Moved to the Workshop.

all my christian life I have struggled with these kind of big questions that you ask, I'm one of those people who has to know why something is the way it is, I find it difficult to 'accept things on faith'. The only thing that keeps me going is that I love Jesus and want to know him better even if I can't figure everything out. You don't have to go to church every sunday to be a christian, although it's helpful and you need people around you to help you out.

>>I find it difficult to 'accept things on faith'.

To many people have been deceived into thinking that "faith" is positive thinking. Postitive thinking is a work of our own flesh. Faith is a work of the Holy Spirit of God in us. It is a knowing that we know that we know, with no doubt and no unbelief mixed in.

That is why when we pray, we need to pray 'tell God give us a peace about our request, 'tell we know that He is going to cause all things to work out for the best for us. Faith means that we believe that God is not a liar, and that He is going to do what He tells us He is going to do.

Doubt and unbelief is a work of the devil or the flesh. It means that we do not trust God that He loves us, and that He wants the very best for us. Our choice is to live by faith and count God as being trustworthy and true, or if we want, we can die and perish in doubt and unbelief.

>>I use to attend church every sunday and often prayed

What did you pray for? Did you pray for the righteousness of God? Did you pray for God to make you a more loving person? Did you pray for God to reveal Himself and more of His nature and ways to you?

The Bible says to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and He will provide for all we need. To many people spend far to much time seeking after their needs, when Jesus clearly teaches we are to seek after the God who supplys those needs.

What we need to seek after is to be full or filled with the Holy Spirit of God. We need to seek to seperate outselves from all ungodlyness. The Holy Spirit will be our guide, or teacher and our helper. He will guide us, lead us in the way we are to go and He will personally teach us all that we need to do to please God and to become the person that God wants us to be. Thanks, JohnR7

>>this is what i am most afraid of.

Fear does not come from God. The Bible says He does not give us a Spirit of Fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. It's the devil who trys to bring us into the bondage of fear though his "stinking thinking".

Even if God knew all the choices we were going to make in life and what the outcome of all those choices were going to be, we are still the one who makes those choices. He does all He can, to help us to make the right choices.

Deut. 30:19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;

What you need is to become born again so you can put on the mind of Christ and know the divine thoughts of God. You just not going to be able to figure it out using the mind of the flesh. The things of God are spiritual, and so we need to be spiritually minded. We need to have the Holy Spirit of God to guide us and to lead us into all truth.

With God, there is life, apart from God, we will perish. He is the one who works His life in us, if we seek after Him and His love. So as to be made righteous. Thanks, JohnR7

Originally posted by gerbilthemistake
I use to attend church every sunday and often prayed, i slowly began to stray away from those activities. I've lost my faith and it is because i am very confused about certain things in christianity.

If god is the "all-knowing" than that means fate exists and that he already knows whether or not i am going to hell or heaven after i die so there is nothing i can do to alter it.

Am i correct on this statement because this is what i am most afraid of. Please give me some evidence in scripture against it so i can regain my faith gradually.

Click to expand...

God is all knowing. Remember, he doesn't send anyone to hell, they send themselves to all. God says, He isn't willing to let anyone perish. Here an encouraging thought: God won't turn down anyone truely seeking salvation through his Son.

Here's one of the most popular bible verses. I read this often when I feel a bit lost, or scared. Well, here's actually two verses. I hope you find some comfort in them.

Psa 27:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

You question can be answered by I peter 1:2. "we are elect acording to the fore knowledge of God" God knows what you are going to do, but you still have to do it. I would say that at this point, you are looking for some out for not believing. Look, you know that you have done bad, you know from the Bible, which is true, says rellief from that sin is in Christ. If you don't get that forgivness, then you won't be in heaven, and there is only one other option. God loves you, we all love you even though some of us, like me don't know you. We don't want you to die. choose God, it's worth it.

Ahhhhh, Gerbil!

How do we know if our "plans" for life are OURS or God's? One of the hardest realities for an adult to accept is that the wonderful goals we had as teens are gone. Sneak into a 25-year High School reunion. Most the people there are grey, bald, fat, in debt, and certainly not the Senators or Entrepreneurs they forecast for themselves.

Many people become disillusioned because they ask God in prayer for something specific. "Oh, God, let me meet that girl!" "Oh, God, let me get into Medical School!" (and my personal favorite, "Oh, God, let me win the lottery!") God is NOT Santa Claus. If you are a parent yourself, you can better understand that God, as our Heavenly Father, cannot give us everything we ask for. He has the entire balance of the Universe to attend to, and if He were to dish out favors like Halloween candy, the Universe would spin out of control.

We often grow disillusioned with a God who seems to be deaf. We hurt, we despair, we are lonely, we hold broken dreams. Where is the loving God during those times?

Satisfaction, fulfillment, do not come from us forcing our wishes on the Universe. Instead, fulfillment comes from FINDING our place in the Universe. BIG difference. For Scriptural reference, I suggest you read 1 Corinthians, chapter 12. It's about Spiritual Gifts.

We all have a talent, a Spiritual Gift. For some, it's music. For others, it's art. I know people with the Gift of service; they are happiest when they help others. Look within yourself, and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. Find YOUR Spiritual Gift.

Then give it back to God. to use as He sees fit.

Go ahead, give it a try!



Peace be with you,
~VOW

you: "If God is the "all-knowing" then that means fate exists and that He already knows whether or not I am going to hell or heaven after I die so there is nothing I can do to alter it."

me:
Dear Gerbil,

I am so sorry you are struggling with this issue. I know how troubling it is because it used to bother me, too. There are two answers to the question. There is one answer, if you want to remain a Predestinationalist, which I don’t know if it will satisfy you or not. And there’s another answer if you are willing to change your denomination, and not believe in Predestination anymore.

Frankly, it is this very question that turns me off to Predestination, though many godly people believe in it, even my favorite theologian, R.C. Sproul. I cannot believe in it because, like you, it doesn’t compute in my brain and heart, and I just can’t live that way.

The Predestinationalist way of looking at it:
This is an excerpt from Charles Spurgeon’s devotional, "Morning and Evening", the morning reading for July 17th. It’s Public Domain. I suggest you read the whole thing, study it and meditate on it and see if it does not help you. It’s written in that lovely King James English; he was a man who dearly loved God.

"Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God." --1 Thessalonians 1:4

Many persons want to know their election before they look to Christ, but they cannot learn it thus, it is only to be discovered by "looking unto Jesus." If you desire to ascertain your own election;--after the following manner, shall you assure your heart before God. Do you feel yourself to be a lost, guilty sinner? go straightway to the cross of Christ, and tell Jesus so, and tell Him that you have read in the Bible, "Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out." Tell Him that He has said, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." Look to Jesus and believe on Him, and you shall make proof of your election directly, for so surely as thou believest, thou art elect. If you will give yourself wholly up to Christ and trust Him, then you are one of God's chosen ones; but if you stop and say, "I want to know first whether I am elect," you ask you know not what. Go to Jesus, be you never so guilty, just as you are. Leave all curious inquiry about election alone. Go straight to Christ and hide in His wounds, and you shall know your election. The assurance of the Holy Spirit shall be given to you, so that you shall be able to say, "I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to Him." Christ was at the everlasting council: He can tell you whether you were chosen or not; but you cannot find it out in any other way. Go and put your trust in Him, and His answer will be--"I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." There will be no doubt about His having chosen you, when you have chosen Him.

"Sons we are through God's election, Who in Jesus Christ believe."

I’m out of time right now. I will have to post the non-predestination view later.

Dear Gerbil,

There's no way for me to put in a nutshell how to understand it from the other perspective. What you need to do is study the difference between Calvinism (predestination) and Arminianism. I see God as a loving Father who wants everyone to be saved, but who knows most of us, will say no to Him.

A Comparison of Arminianism and Calvinism
http://home.earthlink.net/~andrepar/compare.htm

Calvinism vs. Arminianism
http://calvarychapel.com/cheyenne/Books/Calvinism.html

http://www.dcn.davis.ca.us/~gvcc/theology_notes/Calvin_and_Arminius.html

Well, that should get you started. Let me know how it goes.

Yea, most of us christians are

***quote***Why would god do this to us, its almost as if our plans aren't good enough for him.

naww it's more like He loves us heaps & His plans are the best

mhhhhh I think the whole God knows everything is something very hard to understand he sure knows everything but He loves you and totally wants you saved hey He gave everything for that....but it's not like you couldn't do anything about it at all !! God's perfect & He's for you ask God to help you out there, He will.. ya know... ask and you'll receive.... God Bless you !!

Psalms 119:135 - Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
Psalms 143:10 - Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

Isaiah 2:3 - And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

John 14:26 - But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
--------

1 Timothy 1:1-201 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

1 Timothy 2:1-151 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. 8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.



Prayers.

Hey Gerbil... one verse that should settle this issue

Jeremiah 29:11-13 "'For I know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you a hope and a future."

God loves you... and He is God... if you would just believe that He is the Almighty Infinite Holy God, then you would find it EXTREMELY EASY to do what He wants. God knows what He is doing!!


And also think on this.... what if God knows that in the future you will turn to Him? Shouldn't you do it then? Just because He knows what will happen does NOT mean that He forces the future to happen.

Originally posted by gerbilthemistake
I use to attend church every sunday and often prayed, i slowly began to stray away from those activities. I've lost my faith and it is because i am very confused about certain things in christianity.

If god is the "all-knowing" than that means fate exists and that he already knows whether or not i am going to hell or heaven after i die so there is nothing i can do to alter it.

Am i correct on this statement because this is what i am most afraid of. Please give me some evidence in scripture against it so i can regain my faith gradually.

Click to expand...

Fate does not exist in a biblical world view.
This is what's known as double predestination and I don't see any evidence for it in scripture.
Just because God knows what will happen to someone it does not mean He fatalistically determines it. You are a person with a will to chose Him or reject Him. He promises that you will find Him if you seek Him with all of your heart.