I have lost my faith

HopeInJesusOnly said:

Why so many parables? Why not just tell us. Make it clear.
1. Why must some be damned? Why don't the elect know who they are? More anxiety.
2. Why do we eat the blood and the body? Does this sound right? Feels vampire-ish?
3. I lost my faith, and the Bible tells me I wasn't chosen, so I fell away. Not fair.

1. God created us for his pleasure. He wants us to truly love him. If you have children, you want them to listen and do what you ask them. Because you hope they will love you and trust your judgment. Those who love themselves more than God, who have pleasure in unrighteousness, have made themselves into a god and don't have time for the real God of the bible. Those are lost. The elect may not know who they are because it is possible for the elect to be deceived. The elect could stop fighting the spiritual fight and conform to the world as Solomon did later in his life.

2. Eating his flesh and drinking his blood is a parable. To answer another question you had about parables, the bible is written like that so only those who seek him will understand. Seeking means reading you entire bible over and over again. Not picking and choosing the luke warm friendly tickle your ears type of scripture only. We are to be one with each other. we are to be one with Jesus. Jesus is the word (bible). We are to be one with the word. Eating it and drinking it. Or reading it and believing it by doing what it say's to do. Jesus said if you love me, keep my commandments.

3. I lost my faith once too. I think a lot of people went through this. I got mad at God and quit church, reading the bible and praying around 2011 or so. Stayed that way for about two or three years. Why? I was selfish. Still am but not as bad. God wasn't blessing my business and I later had to close it. He wasn't bring a girlfriend into my life. And what offended me the most? Christians all around me kept telling me that they hear God. And I know these Christians and know they hardly ever read the bible or even do what God said. And I read all the time and pray and I never heard anything from him. So I thought. And that pushed me away. I thought I wasn't good enough for him. I thought I was damned so why waste my time. It seams like you still think about God but feeling sorry for yourself. You are posting on a Christian forum. You still believe as in thinking of God. You can't really say you were not chosen. He puts everyone through trials. It rains on the good and bad. Do as I did. I started reading the bible again. I was too proud to pray to God at that time. But reading the bible starting with the new testament again helped me to start having faith again.

HopeInJesusOnly said:

But many around me are experiencing such joy. So I'm either doing things really wrong, or I am like the rich man speaking to Lazarus who is in Abraham's bosom.

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Ive often felt like Lazarus too.

HopeInJesusOnly said:

I find it harder and harder to relate to Christ and the Bible. It didn't help that I was abused growing up, and that those I turned to did nothing.

When a Christian says "I'll pray for you," I think, "Why don't you DO something to help." Praying is fine, but if no one does anything, nothing happens.

Why did there HAVE to be a tree with forbidden fruit? And why did we name our phones and computers after them (Macintosh, Apple, Blackberry...lol).

If this is the fallen world, well then, this is hell. Obviously.

Why so many parables? Why not just tell us. Make it clear.

Why must some be damned? Why don't the elect know who they are? More anxiety.

Why do we eat the blood and the body? Does this sound right? Feels vampire-ish?

Why were books left out of the bible?

I lost my faith, and the Bible tells me I wasn't chosen, so I fell away. Not fair.

Why is there possession, but also the Holy Spirit?

Why are there few miracles, but also magic?

If you could move a mountain, wouldn't that be weird for others?

I could go on....but none of this makes sense to me now.

Pre-Corona world was a better one. Maybe we were sent here because we failed in life, and the Bible was given to us to believe and go quietly.

I could go on....I am so lost and numb.

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This sounded a bit like my Mom last year. Then her doctor found out she was low in salt and minerals. Her condition has now been rectified and she is now back to normal and walking 30 rounds in her backyard a day (she's 93 so she doesn't risk getting out of her property). So, please make sure you are 100% medically and physically ok. Get that out of the way first.

Yes, at first there are a lot of things that doesn't seem to make sense in the bible. But we must start in a place of faith... trust that God knows better than us and there must be an explanation we do not yet understand. Eventually things will be clearer as we continue in our relationship with Him.

Look beyond the inconsistencies at first, those questions can be answered later. Instead read the bible out of hunger, hunger to know your God, hunger to know a person, the person that will give you life, love, joy, forgiveness, and joy. If you start nitpicking at the inconsistencies, you will be stuck joyless, lifeless, questioning the most inconsequential thing. That is what happens when Christianity becomes a religion. Religion is the driest thing, avoid it at all cost. Be like Paul, drop everything you know of religion in favor to know Christ. Be a believer, a follower, a student, a lover of God. When you finally discover who God really is, the revelation of God will be like a river of life that flows from your belly.

Read mostly the books written by John the beloved. Because John knew and deeply loved Jesus and will connect you right straight to Him. Those books are brimming with life right there. I once read only those books for months (almost a year), purely out of hunger to know Him. From the revelation you get of Him, will come insights and explanation to the inconsistencies you see.

HopeInJesusOnly said:

It didn't help that I was abused growing up, and that those I turned to did nothing.

When a Christian says "I'll pray for you," I think, "Why don't you DO something to help." Praying is fine, but if no one does anything, nothing happens.

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Sorry to hear that. I agree that people should help, if they see someone needs help. That means person loves other, which is the main message in the Bible. But, if you can’t relate to Christ and the Bible, it is weird why would you care that people don’t live according the teaching.

HopeInJesusOnly said:

Why did there HAVE to be a tree with forbidden fruit? …

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I think it was there to give possibility to reject God and to know what it means to be without God (good).

HopeInJesusOnly said:

Why so many parables? Why not just tell us. Make it clear.

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I think it will be clear to all who want to understand and don’t hate truth. If it is difficult, you can always do as said in this:

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him.
James 1:5

HopeInJesusOnly said:

Why must some be damned? Why don't the elect know who they are? More anxiety.

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There is no need to know are one elected or not. It is enough to know God. When you know Him, you don’t have any reason for anxiety.

He who doesn't love doesn't know God, for God is love.
1 John 4:8

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18

I know God and I am sure that whatever God does, will be good. And Bible tells that righteous people will have eternal life.

These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.
Mat. 25:46

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23

I think that is good. Righteous people understand what is good and right and want to do it freely. Unrighteous don’t and if they would love eternally, they would make life eternal suffering for all.

In my opinion the end result will be good, even if I will be destroyed, because I want that truth and love wins in the end and I believe it will be so.

HopeInJesusOnly said:

Why do we eat the blood and the body? Does this sound right? Feels vampire-ish?

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I don’t think we eat blood and body. We eat bread and wine, which are the blood and body of the new covenant. It does not mean they are actual human flesh and blood.

HopeInJesusOnly said:

Why were books left out of the bible?

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If that is really true, I think the reason is, they were not necessary. Bible has a purpose and for it, it is not necessary to have everything written in the Book.

HopeInJesusOnly said:

I lost my faith, and the Bible tells me I wasn't chosen, so I fell away. Not fair.

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What does faith mean to you? I think it comes from word faithful, which means loyal. Righteous people are loyal to God, because they think it is good and right. And being loyal means, one remains in God’s words/teachings. I think God’s teachings are good and I want to live accordingly because of that, which means I want to love others as Jesus showed. Is there some good reason not to do so?

HopeInJesusOnly said:

Why is there possession, but also the Holy Spirit?

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Holy Spirit is the spirit of truth in the Bible. And although you may possess (hold) it, it is not something that goes against your will.

However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming.
John 16:13

HopeInJesusOnly said:

Why are there few miracles, but also magic?

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What magic?

HopeInJesusOnly said:

If you could move a mountain, wouldn't that be weird for others?

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My last name means mountain. It is not weird at all to see me moving.

But, if it would be weird, why it is a problem? People may think many things weird, everything they don’t understand, but I think it doesn’t matter really.

HopeInJesusOnly said:

I could go on....but none of this makes sense to me now.

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Did it previously make sense to you?

HopeInJesusOnly said:

When a Christian says "I'll pray for you," I think, "Why don't you DO something to help." Praying is fine, but if no one does anything, nothing happens.

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I agree.

Why did there HAVE to be a tree with forbidden fruit? And why did we name our phones and computers after them (Macintosh, Apple, Blackberry...lol).

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Some of us believe that is metaphorical.

Why so many parables? Why not just tell us. Make it clear.

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Parables are not just in the Bible. All literature has it. Using parables and other figures of speech is just how man communicates to make a point about something.

Why were books left out of the bible?

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Most the timeline they where written and having very little scholarly credibility.

I lost my faith, and the Bible tells me I wasn't chosen, so I fell away. Not fair.

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Maybe take a break from the Bible and focus on what is around you now? God doesn't just communicate through the Bible.

Why is there possession, but also the Holy Spirit?

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Don't know

Why are there few miracles, but also magic?

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Not all miracles and magic are real. I honestly think most miracles are realistic, almost like how Morgan Freeman described it in Bruce Almighty.

If you could move a mountain, wouldn't that be weird for others?

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Yeah, but that may not be something to take literally. Some people interpret that to mean "obstacles".

I think you should just take a break from all these religious questioning. Just focus on you and what is around you. There is no point trying to mentally dissect these things, especially when it's becoming stressful. Sometimes, the best way to get closer to God and have an understanding is just not to chase him.. It's the philosophy behind the Wile e Coyote and the Roadrunner. Man's ever desire to chase and capture God, but will never get it and because of that he just goes in circles pointlessly.

HopeInJesusOnly said:

I could go on....I am so lost and numb.

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I left the Faith in my teens and early twenties only to come back just before entering graduate school back in 1980s. I can actually say it was a positive thing. I think some people need to leave for a time. Sometimes our various authority figures, family members etc. fail us. We pick up bad lessons and leaving at least for a time is actually better than staying.

HopeInJesusOnly said:

I find it harder and harder to relate to Christ and the Bible. It didn't help that I was abused growing up, and that those I turned to did nothing.

When a Christian says "I'll pray for you," I think, "Why don't you DO something to help." Praying is fine, but if no one does anything, nothing happens.

Why did there HAVE to be a tree with forbidden fruit? And why did we name our phones and computers after them (Macintosh, Apple, Blackberry...lol).

If this is the fallen world, well then, this is hell. Obviously.

Why so many parables? Why not just tell us. Make it clear.

Why must some be damned? Why don't the elect know who they are? More anxiety.

Why do we eat the blood and the body? Does this sound right? Feels vampire-ish?

Why were books left out of the bible?

I lost my faith, and the Bible tells me I wasn't chosen, so I fell away. Not fair.

Why is there possession, but also the Holy Spirit?

Why are there few miracles, but also magic?

If you could move a mountain, wouldn't that be weird for others?

I could go on....but none of this makes sense to me now.

Pre-Corona world was a better one. Maybe we were sent here because we failed in life, and the Bible was given to us to believe and go quietly.

I could go on....I am so lost and numb.

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James 1:2-4

Everything that you went through, are going through and will go through is for your own betterment. You say it’s hard to relate to Christ but it seems like you suffered just like he did. Faith also requires us to believe and not second guess God’s will for us. I am a believer and last year I came to a cross roads in my faith, at a time when I was having severe mental and emotional problems.
I prayed to God, asking for his guidance but J wasn’t doing my part in finding a solution to my problems. I was smoking a lot of weed several times a day but one day I felt like God was telling me to stop. I did some research and of course I found that I was sinning by being intoxicated and feeding my worldly desire. I can see how this my be hard for you, I just wanted to share this because we all have things that challenge us but if we look at them as opportunities for God to further strengthen and perfect us, and BELIEVE it will happen if we work on ourselves, we can live better lives. I want to offer myself as someone who you can talk to about any problems you or I have so we can hopefully help each other and increase our faith. I will pray for your faith and that you have help from all different areas of life to get you on the path God has for you.

HopeInJesusOnly said:

Thanks for your response. I really wish God could reverse time for me. Wouldn't that be awesome?

You sound lovely, by the way. I'm happy you've found your way.

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You’re welcome and thank you.

HopeInJesusOnly said:

Thanks for your response. I really wish God could reverse time for me. Wouldn't that be awesome?

You sound lovely, by the way. I'm happy you've found your way.

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Sometimes, God wants to use the pain of our past for good, if we will let him. Corrie Ten Boom was placed in a concentration camp and watched her sister die there, and her father before her in prison. I'm not meaning to be glib here, but some of the greatest testimonies, and some of the people used the most have had painful previous lives, or made many mistakes. I think God often uses the most fallible of us so everyone can see it is Him and not us accomplishing what he would.
I am sincerely sorry for the past you have endured. I hope, that past, and the way you were treated will not ruin the rest of your life

HopeInJesusOnly said:

I find it harder and harder to relate to Christ and the Bible. It didn't help that I was abused growing up, and that those I turned to did nothing.

When a Christian says "I'll pray for you," I think, "Why don't you DO something to help." Praying is fine, but if no one does anything, nothing happens.

Why did there HAVE to be a tree with forbidden fruit? And why did we name our phones and computers after them (Macintosh, Apple, Blackberry...lol).

If this is the fallen world, well then, this is hell. Obviously.

Why so many parables? Why not just tell us. Make it clear.

Why must some be damned? Why don't the elect know who they are? More anxiety.

Why do we eat the blood and the body? Does this sound right? Feels vampire-ish?

Why were books left out of the bible?

I lost my faith, and the Bible tells me I wasn't chosen, so I fell away. Not fair.

Why is there possession, but also the Holy Spirit?

Why are there few miracles, but also magic?

If you could move a mountain, wouldn't that be weird for others?

I could go on....but none of this makes sense to me now.

Pre-Corona world was a better one. Maybe we were sent here because we failed in life, and the Bible was given to us to believe and go quietly.

I could go on....I am so lost and numb.

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Faith is not lost, but abandoned: this is due to Satan stealing the word from your heart; which can only happen if you don't understand.

The Lord did explain His parables:

"Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side." --Matthew 13:18-19

I strongly recommend that you cease from accusing the Lord of not providing for you, for He has done so, and has explained all things.

Many of us hear in this forum have experienced horrible things, and many, like myself, choose not to blame God, but believe that He will keep His word, and redeem us in the end.

Christ is not responsible for your anguish and grief, but the only true source of peace.

--Without hope in His promises, I would've long ago ended my own life.

I long to meet Him one day soon, the Saviour of my life now, and forever. Amen.

HopeInJesusOnly said:

I admit I am jealous of your faith. I am happy you are here, too.

I think there are some things you go through that change you. I would give anything to go back and try again, believing for better outcomes, and faith. But not possible.

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You can start now, right now, for today is the only day promised to us--tomorrow doesn't even exist--it is always today, it is always right now.

God turns the evil at those of us who love Him, into good.

I am now stronger than I ever was, wiser than I ever could have been: this all because of the great evil that He is turning for good.

This is the same for those who do evil to others, for when they repent and realize that Christ has forgiven them, their gratitude causes them to love more than others can, and to try and help more than others do: the Lord says, "He who is forgiven much, loves much."

One of His greatest disciples was formerly a demon possessed prostitute, named Mary Magdalene, who after being delivered by the Lord, loved Him more than most ever could.

Desire to meet Him, and you will, one way or another, you will, so long as it is your will to do His.

PS: Always remember that the Lord was murdered by the very people He came to save. He died innocently, and shamefully, hanging there naked in front of His enemies as they mocked Him, while He died slowly.

He is my Master, thus it is no surprise to me when the world hates me, for it first hated Him.

Reject the world and turn to Christ. --this will all soon pass, but those who are in Christ will remain.

HopeInJesusOnly said:

I find it harder and harder to relate to Christ and the Bible. It didn't help that I was abused growing up, and that those I turned to did nothing.

When a Christian says "I'll pray for you," I think, "Why don't you DO something to help." Praying is fine, but if no one does anything, nothing happens.

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HopeInJesusOnly:

A responsible adult would have intervened. As your experience of being ignored has shown, claiming to be a Christian and being a responsible adult are two entirely different things. Anybody can claim to be a Christian. Claims mean nothing when there are no actions to back up the claims.

Alter2Ego


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"That people may know that you, whose name is JEHOVAH, you alone are the Most High over all the earth." ~ Psalms 83:18

HopeInJesusOnly said:

Why did there HAVE to be a tree with forbidden fruit? And why did we name our phones and computers after them (Macintosh, Apple, Blackberry...lol).

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HopeInJesusOnly:

Your belief, that the Biblical forbidden fruit was an apple or berry, is shared by many people--without evidence in support. The Genesis account does not identify the type of fruit that was forbidden. It simply described what the tree and its fruit represented, as follows:

"{15} Jehovah God took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden to cultivate it and to take care of it. {16} Jehovah God also gave this command to the man: 'From every tree of the garden you may eat to satisfaction. {17} But as for the tree of the knowledge of good and bad, you must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will certainly die.' " (Genesis 2:15-17)

Alter2Ego

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"That people may know that you, whose name is JEHOVAH, you alone are the Most High over all the earth." ~ Psalms 83:18