Do you *sometimes* wonder if you're a "TRUE" Christian!?!?!?

[jacksoncharvel61]

Hello, my brother's and sister's in Christ, do you guys ever wonder whether on not IF you are "REALLY" a Christian??? Every-now-and-then, this thought comes up, and I wonder if I'm a Christian or not, because I touch a few times a week and all and do things that don't make Jesus happy(even though i'm trying to stop, IT'S HARD ), but then again, WE ALL do things that don't make OUR savior happy. So, how can I and others with the same questions flowing around in their minds KNOW if we ARE TRUE Christians??? Also, do you guys think that MOST Christians probably ask themselves this question at different times in their lives also???

PLEASE!!! reply to this topic if you sometimes experience the same questions, or if you have suggestions on this topic!!! I believe that THIS topic can help other Christians/YOU with the same questions :crosself: !!!

 

[jacksoncharvel61]

Oh yeah, I believe I've been a Christian for ALMOST 8 YEARS !!! But, in those 8 years, bad things seem to happen to me, but THAT'S normal when you're of Christ!!! But sometimes, I just want(ed) to destroy the kids at school who persecute me and who use blastphemy against his name !!! But then again, the road to Christ is probably THE HARDEST road to take in life!!! But have you guys, ever like sometimes, just wanted to "throw in the towel" when it came to being a Christian, because things seem(ed) to get hard(er)??? Also, over time, I've acquired SERIOUS hate, anger, frustration, stress, confidence, and self-esteem problems, which ARE destroying ME on the inside!!! When I feel stressed-out or pretty "low", it feels like my insides are burning with hate, LITERALLY!!! 2-3 Years ago, I would talk about committing suicide, because I have always been an outcast, and have NEVER REALLY fitted-in with the "other" kids, I have always been treated like I didn't matter (that's one of the reasons I have confidence and self-esteem problems), it was always what the kid with the "status" said, and not what the "lower-class" guy thought. I DON'T cuss (even though I fall short of this sometimes...), drink, or do drugs, and hopefully, I NEVER WILL !!! Kids at school are so fake, it's like when a "popular" person says something "deemed" funny, everyone thinks it's funny, even when it's usually the DUMBEST joke of all. NOW, when I say something that's REALLY funny (and clean too), they don't laugh (they'll say it was corny), or they'll act like I don't look right saying something funny, when I can clearly tell that they WANT TO LAUGH , but they don't because they don't want their "friends" to laugh at them!!! If people got to know ME, I WOULD BE the most popular dude in school probably... It's like people think that ANYTHING with 6,000 cusswords is funny, when in reality, it's not EVEN A JOKE, BUT just about 10-cusswords in one sentence!!! But, when you are clean-cut without all the cussings, they'll treat you like you are nothing!!! High-school friendships are MOSTLY jokes anyways, seeing as MOST people are FAKE!!!, and not TRUE to THEMSELVES!!! MOST people in MY high school AT LEAST, are usually only friends with a person to see what they can get OUT of that person, not to see what that person has on his/her mind!!!

Guys, please pray that I don't EVER fall into the "Peer Pressure/Cool" crowd, unless that crowd REALLY is "Cool"!!!

 

[DanMan]

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.

The cool thing about Christianity is that it doesn't happen all at once. How could you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour and immediately know him as your best friend? How could you meet someone and in one day know them better than anyone else you've ever met? A relationship takes time and effort. But it is Exciting!!!! And that is what Christianity is...a relationship with God.

About sin. Everyone does it. Everyone has failed. No one deserves to live. But God chooses to love you nonetheless ("For while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.") This trips me up all the time because I realize God's AWESOME love for me, and you. I've masturbated before. And I sinned before God. But God gives us *mercy* like in verse one...in view of God's mercy.

When u accept God, you just met him. But now, you've got the chance to build a relationship with him. So don't look at being a Christian as yes or no. But rather, "Am I striving after God with all I got? Or am I just lingering back in my relationship. It's not like I'll go to hell, but it's because I love him because of his ultimate love and mercy for me. Because he still loves me even though I sinned this morning." Because being a Christian isn't just an instant thing. It continues infinitely. "Be transformed by the renewing of your minds." God brings a constant change in our hearts.

Masturbation will trip you up. You will stumble. I stumble. Have you heard this story? -------You look back on your life from heaven and see two tracks - one is yours, the other is God's. Throughout your entire life since you were saved, those tracks walked side by side. But at one point there was only one. So you asked God, "God, why is there only one track there? Did you desert me?" He replied, "No, my child. That was where I carried you."

For me, I've come to the point with masturbation that I know that I will stumble every single time. No matter how hard I try, I will always stumble. And yet somehow, I haven't done it in weeks. You know how? I gave up. I let God carry me. The only reason why I have made it this far is because God has carried me. Because my dependence is on God. I have given up. Because I realize that only God can save me.

Masturbation is evil. It is a sin. But you know what? God is going to work through that sin in your life to glorify him. God provides a way out of everything, "for he doesn't give you more than you can handle." When you've got that urge, and you say something like, "I'm not going to do it. I'm going to go watch TV for a little bit." Who do you think is providing a way out? Do think it's God? Or do you think it is yourself trying to stop by your own willpower? No, God provides a way out. And most of the time with this sin, the way out is just running toward God! LOL.

Romans 12:1 says to offer your body as a living sacrifice to God, for it is your spiritual act of worship. You know what? That includes masturbation. Believe it or not, you could use it to glorify God. Of course with anything, your heart must say these things, not your mind... But because when the urges come you say, "No! I will not do it! I will draw closer to God. Because I know how much God loves me. His love is so awesome that I never want to do anything else but worship him and love him. God, you must carry me through these next couple minutes. Fill me up with your wonderful peace and joy. I put my dependance on you at this time." That's worship.

So then, how does one allow God to carry them through these urges? Worship God in your own personal way, but put the focus on him...prayer, reading God's Word, fellowship, singing songs/worship, whatever. I like to say God's Word better than the Bible, because many people fail to recognize that the Bible is POWERFULL!!!!!!! It is the very Word of God!!! And it's alive! He does speak through the Bible. But first you must recognize that it's not just another school history book. It's the living, breathing, Word of God that works powerfully in every way. Realize that when you're reading God's word, you should be listening to a Best Friend. And that Best Friend always has something to reveal to you. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

In the same way, when you come before God, always realize who you're dealing with and the power involved with it.

Nothing you can do will solve the problem. Because your legs are broken from stumbling too often. Only God can carry you. Nothing will change until you come before God and give your whole self up into his arms of love.

And above all, I want you to know that God's got one AMAZING roller-coaster ride of life for you And at this time in your life, he's going to use this thing to draw you closer to him. Be EXCITED!!!!! YAAAAAHHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Gee, I hope I didn't miss anything lol. Sorry for a long post. I'll be back in 3 days to help with anything I can. Cya later dude! -Dan

 

[DanMan]

Wow I gotta go to bed!!!! But I'm here to help. You must have responded while I was typing my essay above LOL.

Believe it or not, your life is quite similar to mine. I've never been really excepted with my friends. I've always kinda been the outcast. And they do exactly what you've just now mentioned about jokes and other things. They just don't except me. And at times, I've gotten so heartbroken and angry at then it's scary. But you know, God has pulled me through it all and still loves me. Some people may not like you much, but God loved you enough to spead his arms out and die on the cross.

I've been really ticked off at my friends for some things they've done, mostly they've been ignoring-like things. But I realized something. God loves me. But not just me. Although those people are being jerks toward me and sinning before God, He still loves them and died for them also. This summer, I had experience God's love in my life so powerfully that it just splashed out onto my friends at a church summer camp. God's love made me love even when I didnt want to love. And in return, my friends have finally started showing true friendship with me, and also with God. They finally realize God's love for them, because of God's love for me that was splashing out onto them. Heh, it's all about love. God's going to work through this also dude. He loves ya.

And now I retire to my nice comfy bed (unless you've got another surprise after i submit this reply )

 

[Rafael]

It is not a bad thing to examine ourselves from time to time to see if we are "in the faith", but sin dwells in the flesh, so all a person can do is to keep fighting the good fight of faith and not let satan make you feel condemned for failure to have self-control. It is very difficult to control such strong urges, so get up and talk to the Lord and try again for each day has its own troubles and trials to get through. Forget the past after asking for forgiveness and the move on to the goal.

Co 13:5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test.

Galatians 5:17 The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict.

Ro 8:1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

Php 3:13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,

 

[rogsr]

There is a scripture in Romans(?) where St. Paul says something to the effect that he acknowledges that he does things that he doesn't want to do, like his spirit doesn't want to sin but his flesh does and sometimes he loses the struggle. Who doesn't sin? Small things especially. I get really mad and totally stressed out when I drive sometimes..and then I feel stupid and guilty for getting so mad. I try to keep it to a minimum but sometimes I fail..oh well..I get up dust myself off and continue to march. The most profound part about being on this road is that we have the rest of our lives to walk it, learning and becoming more united with God along the way; and as long as we are walking God forgives us for taking a spill every now and then. It's only when we stop walking that we are condemned. So, keep walking and keep loving God with everything that you can muster and keep striving to come into a greater love of your neighbor.

Peace-

 

[SonOfThunder]

I wonder if I am Christian all the time. I think Jehovah God knows who are His.

Man makes it difficult to know if you are Christian, we put man made conditions on if we can be labelled Christian.

I am not sure to this day and it scares me


James

 

[Saranne H]

I know how you feel. I get the same trouble, but I would like to draw you're attention to some verses-
1 Peter ch 4v4
1 Peter ch 4v12-16
I might think of somemore verses but this will do for now.
Hope these verses encourage you.

Pray about it!!

 

[jacksoncharvel61]

Hopefully other Christians will reply to this AWESOME topic!!!

bump

 

[jacksoncharvel61]

Hey guys, I've added to everyone's reputation on this topic for being such helping Christians !!! Man, I wish MOST Christians with the Internet knew about this place!!!

 

[Awake]

I find it all too easy to focus on my concern as to whether or not I am a Christian, let alone a good one. Concern leads to doubt, and doubt to despair. I tend to think that going to Him when I enter the concern phase would be the best thing, but I don't always get there.

I once heard a pastor say "If you are worried that you have lost your salvation, you haven't. If you are worried that you aren't a good enough Christian, and are working at it, you needn't worry."

 

[jacksoncharvel61]

I find it all too easy to focus on my concern as to whether or not I am a Christian, let alone a good one. Concern leads to doubt, and doubt to despair. I tend to think that going to Him when I enter the concern phase would be the best thing, but I don't always get there.

I once heard a pastor say "If you are worried that you have lost your salvation, you haven't. If you are worried that you aren't a good enough Christian, and are working at it, you needn't worry."

Man, that makes me think!!!

 

[jacksoncharvel61]

Awake, I've blessed you 9 times and I've added to your reputation!!!

 

[vinc]

I think it is natural for a True Christian to get such thoughts while he/she is examining and checking his/her life in God.

We are able to overcome some sins soon after we are born-again. But there are some sins which take time to overcome. These are the besetting sins. These are the sins which were carelessly indulged in our pre-born-again years and allowed to grow big. Through the grace of God, regular discipline and self-dying nature we can hope to overcome these difficult sins too which have become like Goliaths in our lives.

Apostle Paul had similar problems too. We see that clearly in Romans.

Romans 7:15-25 : I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. 17 So then it is no longer I that do it, but sin which dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin which dwells within me. 21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inmost self, 23 but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin which dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I of myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

So, this is all part of the Christian life. But our faithful Saviour will always lead us like the Good Shepherd and preserve us as Holy unto Himself.

Sometimes God uses life's reverses to jet us forward.

sometimes It takes us the dark to teach us to walk in the Light.

When we fall into sin, we should not loose our hope in God. We should to go to God again and seek His forgiveness and mercy. We should seek Him until He restores unto us the Joy of His Communion. We should rise up and determine ourselves NOT to fall into that sin again.

So, let not Satan discourage us when we fall and at the same time let us not take such sins lightly too. God still loves us and will continue to love us. He loved us even before we were born-again and brought us closer to Him. He loved us even before we were born by hanging on the Cross of calvary to pay the penalty of our sins.

May the Lord strengthen all of us to live as Overcomers or Victorious Christians!

JMO
Vincent

 

[Jedi christian]

I would like to tell you something that you may not already understand. You've got to remember, when you sin, God doesn't hate you for your sin. God hates your sin.
2nd of all, I think no one will ever be a true christian until they get to heaven, and the stop sinning forever. I don't know where it's found, but I think Paul said "Everyone has fallen short of the Glory of God". A christian is actually someone who just keeps trying to be like Christ. Like that Bob Carlisle Song, "We Fall Down."
Also, I completely agree with you about popular people. And I myself pray and hope I will never be as fake as some of those popular people are. Like somepeople I know at church their like "Oh, I would never take the Lord's name in vain!" Than at school they cuss and swear and take the Lords name in vain ALL THE TIME!
Although the life as a christian is hard, just remember our reward is in heaven, and this life is a test. And remember, even though there are blasphemers and Cursers out there, and it may seem to go unpunished, they WILL receive their just reward. I hope my advice helps you.

 

[newlite]

i use to all the time. i wasnt a christain though. now i am a christain. and now i know i am...

 

[wayfaring man]

The answer is simple .

Christian is not something one instantly becomes ( In the purest sense of the term - " Christ-like " ).

When people ask me how long I've been a Christian ?

I usually tell them , " I haven't been a Christian , I'm still becoming one " .

God is " I Am " , we are the becoming at best !

Many who seek honor and recognition upon themselves , claim prematurely titles of greatness upon themself .

But by trying to make ourselves look / sound good , ( in this wise ) , we make Christ look / sound bad to those who know him not .

Ghandi , has been quoted as saying , " I like your Christ , but not your Christians . " He could discern the difference between the nature of Jesus , and the nature of premature boasts of being Christian ; but many are easily confused , and take our weak and shallow representations as indicators of Christ's own character being revealed through his people . ( This is a tool of Satan . )

Even Jesus said ,

He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. <-----> John 7:18

The thing to do is not make claims about ourself , but rather let our claims be about The Lord .

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. <-----> 2nd Corinthians 4:5

Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips. <-----> Proverbs 27:2

We are all human beings for whim Christ died and rose again .

When man takes titles in an effort to differenciate himself from others , his distinction lies superficially in a pronunciation , which he is then compelled to augment and defend .

But when man seeks the substance for which such titles are given , and with patience , brings forth fruit worthy of such titles ; the title is given by another , and the representation already secured .

...And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. <---> From Acts 11:26

Note : They " were called " , they did not , " call themselves " .

Jesus was most opposed to the religious hypocrisy , of those posing as honorable , who were yet dishonorable .

May we be more honest than they .

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. <-----> Matthew 5:20

In Jesus Name ,

wm

 

[whatseekye]

Hello there! I think I can recommend a book for you to read. It's important that we realize early on in our Christian walk that if we think we are pleasing or displeasing God all the time (and this is the basis of his love for us), then we are always going to feel bad and guilty all the time. The truth is that none of us deserve to be called Christians; None of us deserve God's love; None of us deserve God's salvation! But God through his goodness has loved us and provided a way for us to know him. And although we don't want to cheapen God's grace, we do want to understand the nature of God and the basis of our relationship with him, so that we aren't always setting ourselves up emotionally.

A good book on this subject is "Grace Walk" by Steve McVey. I think it's very accessible and easy to relate to, so I recommend it to you in this situation.

 

[jacksoncharvel61]

bump

 

[sam4u]

Hello, my brother's and sister's in Christ, do you guys ever wonder whether on not IF you are "REALLY" a Christian??? Every-now-and-then, this thought comes up, and I wonder if I'm a Christian or not, because I touch a few times a week and all and do things that don't make Jesus happy(even though i'm trying to stop, IT'S HARD ), but then again, WE ALL do things that don't make OUR savior happy. So, how can I and others with the same questions flowing around in their minds KNOW if we ARE TRUE Christians??? Also, do you guys think that MOST Christians probably ask themselves this question at different times in their lives also???

PLEASE!!! reply to this topic if you sometimes experience the same questions, or if you have suggestions on this topic!!! I believe that THIS topic can help other Christians/YOU with the same questions :crosself: !!!

What you say in your post is very important. Many people feel the same and end up leaving the Church and God because they are ful of shame and guilt over masturbation and that they are too much of a sin for God to love them.

In a Decision Mag. survey, they survey teens in Church and found that 75% of them felt defeated as a Christians. This is major and should not be so.

I feel a lot of it is about the man made shame and guilt trip about masturbation put up on them and they fall for the lie. Teen are starting to expose there sexuality and may feel shame or guilt over masturbation because of this man made shame and guilt trip passed down for many generations based on lie and verses taken out of Bile context.

They don't know that 94% of all males touch and that it is 100% normal and very healthy with over 50 health benefits. It clearly is not a sin in the Bible. It is a gift of God to all people to enjoy the 50 health benefits.


You will touch your whole life wheather you are a Christian or a non-Christian. Masturbation is not a sin at all. 94% of all males both including Christian masturbation. How much you do, is based on your hormones God built into you. Some need to masturbation 3 to 5 times a day, other only 1 or 2 times a day, other 1 time a day and others 1 time a week or 1 time a month.

Low sex drive people should not judge higher sex drive people both were given by God. Enjoy your solo sexuality as a fun gift from God to enjoy. 100% normal and very healthy with 50 health benefits.

Some day you may want to touch many times and another day you may not at all, but that does not make you more spiritual the day you do not and less spiritual the days you do. This is a man made shame and guilt trip. Also remember when you masturbation that is an emotion high and afterward you may normal have an emotiomal low.

This is normal, so you can expect the emotional low after a emotional high. It is a emotional thing not a spiritual thing at all. Some connect the emotional low with some kind of bad thing or unspiritual thing. No it is not.

You are as spiritual after you touch as you were before. But you are in a emotional low. God gave you solo sexuality as a gift to enjoy, so don't stress over it, but enjoy and give God the praise for giving a fun gift to all people to enjoy the 50 health benefits. Even if you don't want to touch you may do it, just to get the 50 health benefits. Don't make sense to avoid masturbation and end up missing out on the 50 health benefits.



Lev 15:16-18 clearly talks about solo sex in 16 and partner sex in 18 and neither is a sin at all. No require sin offering at all, only a wash up. Not a sin at all.
In Lev 15 :16-18 both are treated the same and both would also include the similar sexual think that may go along the sexuality and still no sin at all.

Many others verse are taken out of context by many but don't apply to masturbation at all. Lev 15: 16-18 is clear context and clearly not a sin at all.

No other verses in all the Bible is in clear context and no other verse in the Bible contredict lev 15:16-18. But under the age of grace which we christian are under today it is not unclean but clean. No need for any wash up at all if you don't want to. Not a sin under the age of grace neither.

Stop beating yourselves up. You probably are a wonderful Christian love God and love other so love yourself also. Stop beating yourself up.

God gave you masturbation to enjoy his fun gift, don't let the man made shame and guilt trip bother you at all it is based on lie and Bible verses taken out of Bible culture and Bible context and misunderstood. Read the Song of Solomon does it sound like Solomon is hung up over his sexuality and there is a lot of sexy talk in SOS. it was not bad then and is not Bad today. Enjoy your masturbation now and for the rest of your life.


Do a Yahoo.com Web search on: masturbation is not a sin but a wonderful gift from God.

Do a yahoo.com Web search on: "christianmasturbation"