Advice Please and Thank You!!!

The common thread in your post seems to be how other people might react to you, and God. So now it is not many things. Also confessing your sins to God is a way to get to know God by allowing Him to get to know you. As far as stage fright that is pretty much natural..

You're welcome.

I'll give you some good words from God's instruction manual for righteousness. It's a little long, but these scriptures give you a good perspective of the difference between us and non-Christians. I'll answer your question about confession in the next message.

The extent of this may come as a surprise to you, but when we enter into covenant with God, He calls us out of the world's system, which is run by the god of this world, Satan.

"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness."
Eph 4:17-19

When Jesus became our Lord and the Holy Spirit entered into us, we became temples of God Himself. We were set apart by Him to know and love and serve Him. We become partakers of the divine nature and like branches grafted into a vine, we partake of His life as we yield to His Spirit. We had our nature reborn as a new creature, now capable of fellowship with God. Our goal in this world, is to allow Him to flow within us in love and overcome the sin nature which is in the flesh. Doing this will bring the abundant life within us and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. He is the treasure in the field, of which we have sold everything to buy that field and partake of that treasure.

Those who have not been reborn, are literally in bondage to sin. All of their thoughts are estranged from God. No matter how "good" of a person they are, their lives are alientated from the life of God within.

“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in His sight:”
Col 1:21-22

“Consecrate yourselves to day to the Lord, even every man upon his son, and upon his brother; that He may bestow upon you a blessing this day.”
Ex 32:29

“And now come I to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Thy Word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”
John 17:13-16

The people we "hook up with" are in essence scripturally, we people we yoke to. A "yoke" was something used to harness animals together to work together in the fields.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
2 Cor 6:14-18 (KJV)

"For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be."
Romans 8:5-7

“Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee: But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:”
Ex 34:12-14

If we're walking in the light, we wont' be able to flow with each other because we're not partaking of the same spirit. They'll be put off by your behavior which should convict them that they are sinners. Their choice based on that knowledge will be either to repent or to despise the very truths you base your life by.

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.”
Eph 5:11-13

"Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.”
Prov 4:14-15

"Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them."
Prov 22:5

"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not;"
1 Cor 15:33-34

"An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked."
Prov 29:27

"For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them."
Eph 5:5-7

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."
Prov 13:20

"Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of Him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump."
Gal 5:7-9

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?”
James 4:4-5

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."
1 John 2:15-17

"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
James 1:27

"If the world hates you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the Word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also."
John 15:18-20

Who we hang out with influences us. That is why believers should fellowship with believers. It's a race and only the winners who abide by the rules win the prize. Although our lives are a witness to the world, their is a difference between bearing witness and fellowshipping. The spirits that unsaved people carry will try to quench the Spirit within you. Use wisdom in who you are spending your time with.

As to your first issue, I would ask, "Can any human actually forgive our sins?" I say no way. Christ laid His life down on the cross and shed His blood for the forgiveness of all sins. Forgiveness has been initiated and has never been cancelled. So when you ask God for forgiveness it is instantly performed, since it's on the ON mode all the time.

Now as for your witness. It seems like you are being called to worship God through music. Keep on and someone will notice. Christ is with you wherever you go and at all times. You might study the Bible intently, and start with Psalm 139.

SweetAvenue said:

I was raised catholic, and I still go to a catholic church, but this semester I enrolled at a nondenominational Christian college. Personally, I feel like the nondenominational thing creates a stronger sense of community, because we're all just Christians.

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1. I find it amazing that a Roman Catholic isn't correctly capitalizing her own church.
2. I find it ironic that you think that Non-denominationalist Christianitry is a stronger sense of community when there is no unity in them yet in your current church, there is defined and absolute understanding, implying unity in the highest sense.

My question is, is it true that only Catholics beleive you're supposed to go to confession with a priest? I've heard that other denominations believe you can just confess your sins to God.

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I gotta say, why aren't you asking this question to your fellow Roman Catholics? Why are you allowing people the chance (and many will do this) to take the chance to misinform you?

To answer your question: orthodox, Apostolic Christianity, which includes your Roman Catholic church, teaches what the Bible teaches: to confess your sins to one another (St. James 5:16). Furthermore, Jesus blesses and sanctifies the Apostles after His Resurrection, charging them to forgive sins on His behalf (St. John 20:21-23).

A confession to a priest, who by his or her Holy Orders (and Apostolic Succession) and by his or her office of the presbyteriate, has the authority to not only hear confessions but pronounce God's Absolution. The priest by himself or herself alone cannot forgive, but as God is always present and by God's calling and granting of special grace to the priest (as it is a specific ministry within the Church), He is hearing the confession alongside the priest anyway. He vests all priests with the power to pronounce Absolution on His behalf to those who make an honest confession: they must be truly sorry (contrition), have turned their minds away from future sin (repentance), admit what they've done or haven't done (the actual confession), and be willing to rectify their sin (penance - if they lied, they must tell the truth, etc). A priest or bishop is bound to offer spiritual counseling, guidance, suggestion, and hope to all who come to him or her for such aid.

That's just a curiosity thing.

My other question is, HOW DO YOU DO IT!?!?
The thing is, I know I'm not perfect, and I know I need help, but I still have this stupid pride thing going on, and I really need to cut the crap and I don't know how. Sometimes when I try to confess my sins to God I just feel insencere about it.

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Follow these simple steps:

1. Take the time to list all the sins that you can honestly remember having committed, by word, thought, and deed; things done that you shouldn't have, and also things not done which you should have done.
2. Ask yourself if you are truly sorry for these sins (you probably will be). If not, then it won't be an honest confession: it would be as if you had your fingers crossed behind your back. If you aren't sorry, then take the time to imagine the results of your action or inaction and also take the time to study the Holy Writ on the subject.
3. Once you know that you feel truly terrible and sorry, resolve firmly to amend your ways. This is what repentance is: to change your mind from committing sin to avoiding it by cooperating with God the Holy Spirit and making the right choices; to be more conscious about what you do or don't do.
4. Call your priest or, the next time you attend Mass, after Mass ask the priest for a moment of his time and schedule a time for him to participate in the Sacrament of Holy Reconciliation (Penance; Confession).
5. When the time comes, there is a standard rite used. The priest will be very happy in helping you with the rite.

The other thig is, I'm pretty quiet about my faith, because none of my friends are Christian, and for some reason I'm always sort of afraid of being laughed at or that people would think I'm weird or something.

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I gotta ask: how do you know none of your friends are Christian?

Otherwise, I've participated in the Sacrament of Holy Reconciliation several times and each time, I leave refreshed with a relieved conscience and renewed hope and sense of God's eternal love and care, even for a terrible sinner like myself.

I know my friends probably wouldn't laugh at me, becasue they're all great people, but I just flat out don't talk about it except for occasionally with one friend who is agnostic, but she's super crazy awesome. I would probably consider this less of a problem if I hadn't made a promise to God that I would be noisy about my faith and how awesome he is if he helped me out with something. Well, he's helped me and then some, and I haven't exactly recipricated. I love performing (singing and playing guitar) and I've written a couple worship songs, but I'm afraid of being laughed at or something if I play them in front of people. I haven't got a chance to perform since I've written them, and I will definitely play them at an open mic I do, but I'm not going to like it at first, but I want to keep my promise.

Yeah, I got all sorts of troubles.

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If this is what is bothering you, I don't see any sins here personally.

If you are nervous in expressing your faith, I would encourage you to learn about it first. Ask your priest for media or literature and I am absolutely certain he will be more than happy to help. I'd also encourage you to go to the Roman Catholic board here on CF to ask questions. The more you know, the easier it will be.

PaladinValer said:

Furthermore, Jesus blesses and sanctifies the Apostles after His Resurrection, charging them to forgive sins on His behalf (St. John 20:24).
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Not to be argumentative, but I believe it is verse 21.

elahmine said:

Not to be argumentative, but I believe it is verse 21.

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21-23 together. Typo on my part.

I was also raised Catholic, but at the age of 14 after making my confirmation I left the church. Even then I wondered why I had to confess to a man with a white band around his neck instead of just talking to God. But, I did feel that was the only way. The only one between us and the Father is the Son, Jesus Christ and He is the ONE and ONLY way to reach the Father. Jesus Christ wants to have a relationship with us and no matter what we have done he is there to forgive us and bring us peace. If you want to speak to GOD speak directly to Him, he already knows your heart so you do not need a third party that is also sinful in nature (no disrespect intended). If you want to speak of the faith you have when the Holy Spirit moves inside of you there will be a joy to spread the Word and you will have the peace and strength of Jesus Christ. As far as your music, why not try first singing it to the one that it is intended...our Savior. You can do this in the privacy of your room or just go out to the park or woods among God's creation. When God has blessed you with his approval (because you are giving praise and worshipping him) then maybe you will find the peace to share with others, maybe start with youtube.

SweetAvenue said:

My other question is, HOW DO YOU DO IT!?!?

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Some unofficial opinions from another catholic here, just food for thoughts...

- Also for catholics to confess to God is the most important thing: after all, in a case where there would be no catholic priest around to confess you, it's not reasonable to think you wouldn't be saved if you "only" repented internally. However to confess to a priest is also a way to confess before the rest of humanity, to show that you don't only feel sorry for having offended God, but that you're sorry for having hurt you neighbors.

- If it bothers you to tell another man about your sins, maybe it helps if instead of seeing it as "I have to tell this man my sins, when instead I could just tell God privately and avoid shame", you try to see it as "I should really confess my sins before everyone, but the Church is making it easier to me by making it enough for me to tell just one man".

- On the other hand, shame can work wonder to help you resist the temptation doing the same sins again. If you are ashamed of confessing a particular sin, once you have succeeded at doing that but also taken the humiliation that comes with it, you will have a very strong "block" against repeating the same sin, because you'll remember how hard and painful it will be to confess it again.

- If it helps, remember that the rules are there to serve the people, and not viceversa ("Saturday is made for men, not men for Saturday"). Confession is not an arbitrary rule made up by a capricious God, although many people treat it like that, maybe because they love rules more than people. The practice of confession is there to help you not doing bad things again.

- The problem I see in generically confess to God, even if done openly in public during a celebration in the form of a generic formula together with other believers (like the "Mea Culpa" recitation we also have in the catholic Mass), is that it waters down the effort a lot, and as such it doesn't feel enough to me. It's way to easy to just say "I confess I am a sinner" even if you say that out loud with others, compared to explicitly naming each and every single sin you have recognized.

- Repentance is clearly necessary. If you don't feel guilty about something that doctrine tells you it's a sin, you should not confess it "just because". You can still confess everything else*, then abstain from eucharist, and keep meditating on the sin(s) you have so far not managed to repent for. If you confess without repentance, there are more chances that you'll still be doing the same thing over and over again, and that you'll turn confession into just an empty rite or habit.

*you can also tell the priest that you've done that sin but haven't succeeded at repenting, maybe you're sorry for having broken a rule but haven't yet agreed that the rule is right; you won't be absolved for that sin of course

SweetAvenue said:

I was raised catholic, and I still go to a catholic church, but this semester I enrolled at a nondenominational Christian college. Personally, I feel like the nondenominational thing creates a stronger sense of community, because we're all just Christians.

My question is, is it rue that only Catholics beleive you're supposed to go to confession with a priest? I've heard that other denominations believe you can just confess your sins to God.

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That's correct. Only Catholics (and Eastern Orthodox) believe this kind of confession to a priest is obligatory. As for HOW?...you mean you've never done it?? If you are going to be a Catholic and take it seriously, I'd think you need to get comfortable with it. Just enter the box when no one else is in there, kneel down and talk when talked to. He'll lead you. There's a formula for all of this, but don't worry about that.

Hi: I felt a lot of the same things you did when I began going to an evangelical church. I was raised catholic and became an evangelical christian @ age 21.

The move from the Catholic Church to a non denominational church can be very frustrating and scary. Catholics are brought up to believe in an "incessor" - your priest. The idea is that they speak to God on your behalf.

When you enter a church other than that, often times there is no formal incessor. You confess your sins directly to God. So..to answer your questions, just say would you would say to your priest to God - in prayer. Wherever you are, just talk.

I won't bombard you with the Bible. It seems that that has been done enought in these posts. Talk to a pastor in your new denomination, they can help you further.

Always here
Metis!

metisjen said:

Hi: I felt a lot of the same things you did when I began going to an evangelical church. I was raised catholic and became an evangelical christian @ age 21.

The move from the Catholic Church to a non denominational church can be very frustrating and scary. Catholics are brought up to believe in an "incessor" - your priest. The idea is that they speak to God on your behalf.

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Sorry, but that is not the Vatican Catholic teaching. If you looked in the CCC, you'd see that.

Furthermore, the OP isn't converting.

On the OP:

Catholics and Eastern Orthodox place the most emphasis on confession to a priest. Ideally it can help. From what Catholic friends say the reality isn't always so good. But there's certainly nothing wrong in it. Among Protestants, Lutherans and the Anglican tradition also have the practice, but it's optional and possibly not so common. But in all denominations people who have specific concerns often speak to a minister.

In the evangelical tradition people are encouraged to have at least one other person to whom they are accountable. A common term is "accountability partner." This is particularly the case if they have some habitual sin they're trying to break.

People who don't confess to another person should be reviewing their life regularly during prayer. Typically you'd expect people to have some kind of prayer or "quiet time" once a day. Generic confessions during worship are not likely to be enough for most people.

I don't set out to "witness" to people. But at one time or another I end up talking about it with everyone I'm with regularly. I haven't found any hostility, although some people don't understand how one could believe. I understand that in some groups it's harder. You might want to reconsider the promise to be "noisy." You may have committed to something that's unnecessarily hard. I get the impression that most conversions happen (and have always happened, back to the early church) though people seeing friends who are living an attractive Christian life, but not necessarily doing preaching or anything like that. Of course they still have to know that you're Christian, and your life has to reflect that.

How's it going now, SweetAvenue? Any improvement?

Good words, Opengate, I appreciated reading them.
How many time we just stop by a forum and see what others are asking about, or the situations they are dealing with. And the fellowship they are given blesses the rest of us too.