I'm not sure what to do with my life

Welcome!
You were raised in the faith... so you must "know" so much of what that belief encompasses.

I have yet to find someone who earnestly asks God to show Himself to them, say that He did not... He will! But also please be open to seeing Him in your life, acting on your behalf...

I think your icon might better be "seeker" since humanism is so against God and you shared you don't wish to do that...in case (((hugs)))

Perfect Love removes fear... and while horrible times are coming soon for the world, you don't have to be a part of that... find a forum where you can share and hear what others have to say for you... and you can always PM with one of us Ambassadors.

May you find what you truly seek.

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Very inspiring talk by The Most Rev'd Benjamin Kwashi

hi Chelsea, your question raises an interesting point, in that, why would Jesus tell his followers repeatedly to pray and that he would answer if it is as you say and that God does not intervene? Seems kinda silly to tell people to do that if he isn't going to answer anyway

Welcome to the forums, Chelsea! I hope that some event occurs in your life that will help you continue in your faith journey. Best wishes!

Hi Chelsea

You're in luck because "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom!" Psalm 111:10

Hi Chelsea, as you know this is a material world. Our bodies and everything around us has a physical quality, it can be seen, heard, tasted or touched. Our spiritual life is internal and has no obvious physical aspects but once we begin to connect to its loving power we then express our growing spiritual life in this physical world with what time god has granted each of us. So I suggest you have a read through the gospels. Some of the parables you may already be familiar with like the Good Samaritan and they will remind you of the direction to take as a Christian in this world, how to act, talk, think,etc. Also there is a very good dvd called The Gospel of John by the visual Bible group which only uses the dialogue from the gospel no extra Hollywood stuff. It helps you imagine the human aspect of Our Lord while hearing the teachings.
No need to fear the end of this world or the state it is in, it is an imperfect world. Instead the best thing we can do to help ourselves and the world is to travel inside ourselves with a guide like Jesus and find that unending love that is connected to God's unending love for us. If you have the courage to trust in Our Lord's teachings and give yourself to practicing them each day, you will slowly gain confidence and peace of mind.
Then as you progress as a believer in heaven and life after death etc. joy will begin to replace any anxiety. Of course find a good Christian congregation that you feel connected to as we all need to support each other in this material world of suffering. There is a lot of rubbish around now that can damage our spirit.I am sure you will find a purpose in life through the teachings that will make your life a great success in Our Lord's eyes. May the Holy Spirit send you the signs you need to guide you, God bless christopher Australia

Dear theniceiceman. In Matthew 22: 35-40: Jesus gives good advice.
" The first and great Commandment is: Love God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. The second is like it: love thy neighbour as thyself." Jesus also points out: " On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." God is Love and God wants loving sons and daughters.
In Matthew 7: 7-10: we are told: " ask and you shall receive," we ask for Love and Joy, then thank God and share all Love and Joy with our neighbour.
Keep asking and receiving, then thank God and share all Love and Joy with your neighbour. God sees our loving efforts, and God approves and blesses us.
The Holy Spirit will help and guide us, and Jesus our Saviour will lead us all the way: JESUS IS THE WAY. The Bible tells us: " Repent and be Born Again,"
we stop being selfish and unloving, and be loving and caring. We might stumble and forget at times, but then we ask God to forgive us, and carry on loving and caring, always be friendly and smile rather than ignore.
A Christian`s weapon is Love, with love we can overcome all enmity and wrongs. Love is very catching, and Love will overcome a multitude of sins.
Just keep loving and caring, and being nice and friendly, and God will draw near you, Satan and all followers will run away from all love and compassion.
I say this with love, niceiceman. Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ.

Welcome to CF Chelsea

theniceiceman said:

My name's Chelsea. 25, American. Nice to meet you all If you could offer me some advice, I'd greatly appreciate it!

*Welcome to the forum!


I want to get back into religion. I was raised a Christian, but as I've gotten older I just haven't really 'bought into' it. I still believe that God created the world, and I still believe that Jesus came and died on the cross for us...but it kind of stops there. I'm more of a Deist, in that I believe God created the world and pretty much wound it up like a watch and just let it go, leaving people accountable and responsible for their own lives without too much interference from Him.

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theniceiceman said:

Anyway, I've recently joined Overeaters Anonymous, and the second step has to do with turning your life over to a Higher Power. Part of me wants to just have that HP be 'the Universe', but then there's a fear in me that says, by not putting God as my HP, I'm denouncing him. This is kind of embarrassing to admit, but going to Hell is one of my biggest fears. I have panic attacks thinking about God/Jesus returning to Earth and the Apocalypse starting.

So, I guess my question is, how does one get 'into' religion when they don't actually feel it? How does one pray when they don't actually believe God will do anything about it? Is doing things out of fear even a good reason to do them? I don't know.

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*There's nothing in the Bible that states one must "feel" saved, or that our feelings are to be trusted or relied upon.
There's lots in there about trusting/relying upon the Lord and The Word of God.

The scriptures do reveal that we are to practice self control, renewing
our minds on The Word of God/believing The Word and applying it in our lives
each day.

How to be saved:
Admit that you are a sinner.
The Bible says, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” --Romans 3:23.

Know that God has already provided for your salvation.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son [Jesus Christ] that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life” --John 3:16.

Know that you cannot save yourself.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to his
mercy he saved us”--Titus 3:5.

Repent of your sins.
“Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish”--Luke 13:3.

Ask Jesus Christ to save you.
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”--
Romans 10:13 and “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt
be saved”--Acts 16:31.

Proclaim Jesus before others.
“If thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness: and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation”--Romans 10:9, 10.

theniceiceman said:

My name's Chelsea. 25, American. Nice to meet you all If you could offer me some advice, I'd greatly appreciate it!

I want to get back into religion. I was raised a Christian, but as I've gotten older I just haven't really 'bought into' it. I still believe that God created the world, and I still believe that Jesus came and died on the cross for us...but it kind of stops there. I'm more of a Deist, in that I believe God created the world and pretty much wound it up like a watch and just let it go, leaving people accountable and responsible for their own lives without too much interference from Him.

Anyway, I've recently joined Overeaters Anonymous, and the second step has to do with turning your life over to a Higher Power. Part of me wants to just have that HP be 'the Universe', but then there's a fear in me that says, by not putting God as my HP, I'm denouncing him. This is kind of embarrassing to admit, but going to Hell is one of my biggest fears. I have panic attacks thinking about God/Jesus returning to Earth and the Apocalypse starting.

So, I guess my question is, how does one get 'into' religion when they don't actually feel it? How does one pray when they don't actually believe God will do anything about it? Is doing things out of fear even a good reason to do them? I don't know.

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There is no reason to "fear" anything or anyone other then God, I have had panic attacks from similar things too i would advise just praying to God for help surrendering to Him, Surrendering your life to Jesus Christ and welcoming him in. You don't "get" into religion because religion is a man made concept, Being a Christian is not about "religion" it's about a relationship with Jesus Christ, Doing things out of fear is not a good reason at all you must do them through faith, To people that don't believe in God i would tell them, Think about there life is it going good or bad then think about everyone you could gain by following Jesus Christ, Think what do you have to lose if you dont? your soul is what you would lose, then i would tell them to try Surrendering to Jesus Christ and pray to him.

You can start anywhere, in talking to God. Tell Him that you're afraid. Even if you aren't sure you want to make a commitment, He will work with you from there.

Think about it -- out of all the people who made that decision, most didn't suddenly go from disbelief to belief. Decisions take time. God works in our hearts, and through the people surrounding us, to bring us to an understanding and deeper appreciation for Him.
Eventually love.

It reminds me of how we have our eyes on an attractive person, but don't know how they'd respond to us yet. We test the waters. Talk a little, get feedback, talk some more. Spend time getting to know who they are, before we admit any head-over-heels things.

In any decision, it's worth testing the waters and doing the research. With God being a living entity, you can expect some living interaction. (Not scary.)

But when it comes to answering to the group, I don't think they will hold you to anything -- that's not the nature of the organization. Even if someone did pressure you to commit, you don't owe them, and shouldn't make a life-changing decision under obligation like that. They just know it's very helpful, and they want to encourage faith in the process, because it does help people get through things.

More than that, God actively helps. So talk to Him --direct your thoughts toward a conversation with Him. If you want help knowing what to say, dig up the Lord's Prayer and the Psalms, or a prayer book or hymnal...listen to Christian songs that express what people tend to say to God.

http://www.studylight.org/cgi-bin/audio-bible.cgi?l=en&t1=nas&ref=18001001

Select from our ten Daily Devotionals - StudyLight.org -- daily things to read!

theniceiceman said:

My name's Chelsea. 25, American. Nice to meet you all If you could offer me some advice, I'd greatly appreciate it!

I want to get back into religion. I was raised a Christian, but as I've gotten older I just haven't really 'bought into' it. I still believe that God created the world, and I still believe that Jesus came and died on the cross for us...but it kind of stops there. I'm more of a Deist, in that I believe God created the world and pretty much wound it up like a watch and just let it go, leaving people accountable and responsible for their own lives without too much interference from Him.

Anyway, I've recently joined Overeaters Anonymous, and the second step has to do with turning your life over to a Higher Power. Part of me wants to just have that HP be 'the Universe', but then there's a fear in me that says, by not putting God as my HP, I'm denouncing him. This is kind of embarrassing to admit, but going to Hell is one of my biggest fears. I have panic attacks thinking about God/Jesus returning to Earth and the Apocalypse starting.

So, I guess my question is, how does one get 'into' religion when they don't actually feel it? How does one pray when they don't actually believe God will do anything about it? Is doing things out of fear even a good reason to do them? I don't know.

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You dont need "religion".
Religion is the last thing you need.
Rules, regulations, guilt trips, condemnation, trying to save yourself,......all of that is "religion".
Christianity is different.
Christianity is God loving you and wanting you to be a part of his Family.
He sent Christ to invite you.
He DID !! , and he wants you to be a part of all that God is, all that God has, and all that God can do......for you.

Well just try it, what have you got to lose?

Here's a prayer you can pray. (note a suggestion, doesn't have to be these exact words) You can also pray the Lords prayer if you don't know what to say.

God, I'm scared about going to hell. I grew up a christian but I have fears. I believe you DID create the universe, yet I'm not sure what my place is in this universe you created. Help me to understand who you are. I'm also hoping you can help me with my problem that I can't seem to control so I'm putting my life in your hands. In Jesus name, Amen.

also, you can start reading the gospels to find out what Jesus did..just keep reading the Bible.

theniceiceman said:

My name's Chelsea. 25, American. Nice to meet you all If you could offer me some advice, I'd greatly appreciate it!

I want to get back into religion. I was raised a Christian, but as I've gotten older I just haven't really 'bought into' it. I still believe that God created the world, and I still believe that Jesus came and died on the cross for us...but it kind of stops there. I'm more of a Deist, in that I believe God created the world and pretty much wound it up like a watch and just let it go, leaving people accountable and responsible for their own lives without too much interference from Him.

Anyway, I've recently joined Overeaters Anonymous, and the second step has to do with turning your life over to a Higher Power. Part of me wants to just have that HP be 'the Universe', but then there's a fear in me that says, by not putting God as my HP, I'm denouncing him. This is kind of embarrassing to admit, but going to Hell is one of my biggest fears. I have panic attacks thinking about God/Jesus returning to Earth and the Apocalypse starting.

So, I guess my question is, how does one get 'into' religion when they don't actually feel it? How does one pray when they don't actually believe God will do anything about it? Is doing things out of fear even a good reason to do them? I don't know.

Click to expand...

The bible says that the fear of God, is the beginning of wisdom. It also says that with wisdom comes understanding, and with understanding comes love.
From what I read of your post, it sounds like you have a pretty good comprehension of the truth. The only thing that I don't get, is that you don't see the Lord as interactive, and yet you believe that He came and died for us. Is that not interactive?
I am pretty sure that you are on the right road, and you just don't know it yet.. God Bless you brother.

I grew up in a Christian home and went to a Christian school, but then went away from the Lord for several years after that. The reason I came back to Him was because I was afraid of going to hell. I was afraid of Jesus coming back because I knew that I was not currently on His side, so to speak. I started going to church, but I went reluctantly. I asked people questions, did an Alpha course, and started reading the Bible. In His Word, God promises that if we seek Him we will find Him. That's exactly what happened to me. God overcame my doubts and drew me into a relationship with Him. He wants to do the same for you.

tammylouise said:

I grew up in a Christian home and went to a Christian school, but then went away from the Lord for several years after that. The reason I came back to Him was because I was afraid of going to hell. I was afraid of Jesus coming back because I knew that I was not currently on His side, so to speak. I started going to church, but I went reluctantly. I asked people questions, did an Alpha course, and started reading the Bible. In His Word, God promises that if we seek Him we will find Him. That's exactly what happened to me. God overcame my doubts and drew me into a relationship with Him. He wants to do the same for you.

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Nice.. That is awesome tammylouise. Thank you for posting this good news. Every time I hear that same news, it reassures me that God isn't ever going to leave me, no matter what.
I love you sister

You definitely don't want to get into religion. The only answer is to seek the Living Person of Jesus Christ. Forget denomination, forget anything other than the Holy Spirit to guide you and the Word of God that is Living. No book on Earth is alive but the Bible. Don't even worry too much about translation, just stick with something like the NIV if you are new to the Bible, then maybe the ESV for personal study; maybe the NASB if you get into deeper study on specific passages.

Religion is man-made and worthless. Christians worship a Person, not a set of traditions. A non-Christian cannot comprehend this.

Ask God for wisdom. Read something like "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper or youtube some Chan or Paul Washer video's.

Ask God to take the fear away; He will. How many minutes or hours a day have you been asking? It can take months, even years. But all happens at God's appointed time. He is calling you; and you need to fear. I can't say anything to remove any fear from you. If you have fear then God wants you to. But he does these things to draw you closer to Him. It's a life-long process

I've been a Christian 17 years and I'm an autistic bi-polar mess FILLED with fear (when I don't abide in Christ, that's the secret )

God sends persecution to draw you to Him. To be a Christian is a life filled with pain and risk. To follow Christ is to suffer along with Him. Following Christ isn't going to make your life any better, it will make it worse. But this is not even an inch of rope of eternity. This life will be gone so quick and eternity awaits.

Don't focus on yourself, focus on Him and the fears will go away and the peace and joy only His Spirit can give will fall upon you.

I reckon you were given a far too reduced gospel. Kisten to thi stalk and you may see what I am suggesting.
https://www.gci.org/YI131

John
NZ