Hi. I'm new here at Christian Forums. I came here in the hopes that someone can help me.
I used to be a Christian. I say used to because somewhere around age 15, disgusted with the world and how Christians portrayed portrayed, decided that if i couldn't keep my faith, I should at least stop calling myself Christian. For the last 6 years, I've struggled with this. I kept most of my moral standards, but I think mainly from the "that's just how I was raised" part of me, not out of desire.
If that's not bad enough, I still attended [and stil ldo] a church and regularly practice "weekend Christendom" if for no other reason that to avoid people asking about my spiritual situation.
To make a long story short, I've been trying to come back. I've been praying for God to convict me, i asked for salvation again.
but I don't hear anything back. Which, is why I'm here. It was for this very reason that I fell from His favor when I was a teen. I never seemed to hear back.
I guess I'm looking for some fellowship, prayers or any sort of advice yall can give me as to how to get back on track.
Welcome to Christian Forums!
Hi, hmm... I understand how when you saw other Christians not walking the walk so to speak how you could get disenchanted. The key to remember though is though saved, we do still sin, have the same personality, and carry over struggles that God has not yet changed in us, as we may not give it over to Him, or in some areas we may never change. It's a life long process. So of course you will run into us, and think perhaps hypocritcal of some, but please remember we are still struggling with our sin, and God is working in our lives.
In regards to moral standards, I agree some are from who we are, how we are raised, however wasn't the case in my situation. I was raised with no morals nor direction so becoming a Christian brought a radical change in me, however it's not like this for all. Everyone's walk is differnt and at a different place.
The thing is God wants to change us from the inside out, not the outside in. Anybody, a non christian can have very high morals, and yet be without Christ.
I'm sorry you feel you need have to go to church so that others won't question your spiritual situation. I'm wondering if this church is good for you. If you are not hearing, then perhaps another church or checking into some others might be better.
You wrote you want God to convict you. I don't need to know about what, but is it something external or internal that you wish Him to convict you about. It's when we do wrong that the Holy Spirit convicts us, however, if we are not in the word, and do not see what we are doing is wrong, then we haven't given it to God to help us with us.
Or is the conviction your looking for regarding a deeper walk or walk with Christ. Due to free will, He calls us, and we either hear or don't hear. I didn't come to Christ because I was convicted at all. I came to Christ, and later was convicted. The conviction came as I knew immediately some things had to change, no man told me this, but I knew I was doing wrong, and my life had changed. Then as I read the bible and saw more things, I turned them over to God. The Holy Spirit taught me much, though it comes by being in the word, or bringing things to God.
I turned away from things, and though already forgiven, asked forgivness. So it comes from a general knowledge of right and wrong, and knowing or being washed in the word as well.
God loves you very much. He is not silent. He speaks through His word to you. I'm thinking either the church you in isn't helpful at this particular stage in your walk, or that you are tuning out what is being said. Both are possible. It's okay.
You will find lots of fellowship here on CF, meet lots of wonderful people. I will pray for you friend.
The way to get back on track is to tell God all that's on your heart, tell him how you feel, and get into the word, so you can renew your mind. Get into a small group, a bible study or such, and looks for people to disciple you and help you. God has his men and women in the church, and because of women in the first church I went to, I was greatly helped and encouraged in my walk with God. Not all have the gift to disciple or mentor, but there are those that do. I pray you find those folks and that God leads you to them.
Also of course you know this, but we come to Christ by faith (not by sight or feelings) in Him, that we believe in Him, that He died and paid for our sins on the cross and that He was resurrected. We are then indwelled by the Holy Spirit who seals us guaranteeing our redemption (salvation.)
God bless you on your journey,
PM me any time,
I would love to be a new friend.
Tapero
