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

[desperate 4 YOU]

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: !!!

Well I think as Christians we always call ourselves into question. The Bible even tells us to constantly evaluate our standing in God.

And as far as touching yourself goes bro, I used to really struggle with it myself. But God has delivered me from it. You should check out "Every Man's Battle", it's a awsome book!

 

[jacksoncharvel61]

...call a friend a talk about something else but learn how to avoid those thoughts that the enemy puts in your mind...

I WISH that I had *TRUE* Christian friends to talk to , I don't believe that ANY of the people I talk to are *TRUE* Christians , they just say they do so people don't believe something is wrong with them. I CAN'T STAND PEOPLE WHO USE THE LORD'S NAME IN-VAIN !!! I would say that 4 out of every 5 people at my school aren't *true* Christians, they just say their Christian!!! They only say this because they go to church (which DOESN'T make you a Christian by itself), most don't even know what it means to be a Christian (of Christ), or what Christianity is about!!! The good thing though, is that none of them try to really influence me into doing "wordly" matters and all, which is good!!! But, GOD will answer my prayer for a *TRUE* Christian friend, so I can have somebody to talk to about the "Daily Life of a Christian" and all . Because it's NOT fun thinking your the ONLY Christian around, which I know ISN'T true! My mother tells me that there are some TC's, but that I just haven't found them yet...

One more thing, how many of you are *LONELY* (socially/physically) most of the time, I DON'T fit in with all these *wordly* people, not trying to say I'm better than anybody or anything. I'm pretty sure people can point me out and can say that I don't belong, because I don't. I believe that Christians aren't supposed to fit in with "the world" anyways...It seems like people don't try hard AT ALL to make friends with me, I sometimes think it's something wrong with me, but my mother tells me it's something wrong with them because they don't want friends who will be true, kind, and respectful to them, but instead, they want friends that treat 'em like **** and all. I just don't understand people these days...

Thanks guys for replying to this topic, even though I wish that MORE people would reply to this thread, that's all!!!

 

[jacksoncharvel61]

You should check out "Every Man's Battle", it's a awsome book!

Besides masturbation, what else does "Every Man's Battle" talk about???

 

[jacksoncharvel61]

bump

 

[wayfaring man]

Hi jacksoncharvel61 , and all ,

Once when I was feeling alone and in need for another to be a stong example unto me of a faithful follower of Christ ; while praying for this very thing , I heard The Lord say unto me , instead of asking for another to be this for you , seek that you may be this for others .

From my experience prayers which lack the spirit of charity , are most likely to be returned with further instructions on how and what to pray for .

Another time when I prayed for weeks that I would meet someone I could fellowship with on a truly spiritual level , and my prayer went unanswered .

I then asked what was wrong , was my prayer at fault ?

Then it came to me to pray , that I be able to endure well the time , of not receiving what I asked for .

A few days after praying accordingly , and being considerably relieved , I meet someone who met the criterion .

Especially early on - for every need we're aware of , there are several more we need to recognize , and specifically seek The Lord's mercy , wisdom , and grace regarding them .

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. <-----> Philippians 3:13-16

[And ] the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means... <-----> 2nd Thessalonians 3:16

Sincerely ,

wm

 

[jacksoncharvel61]

...I heard The Lord say unto me , instead of asking for another to be this for you , seek that you may be this for others .

Then it came to me to pray , that I be able to endure well the time , of not receiving what I asked for .

Especially early on - for every need we're aware of , there are several more we need to recognize , and specifically seek The Lord's mercy , wisdom , and grace regarding them .

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. <-----> Philippians 3:13-16

[And ] the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means... <-----> 2nd Thessalonians 3:16

Sincerely ,

wm

, my brother in Christ!!!

 

[desperate 4 YOU]

Besides masturbation, what else does "Every Man's Battle" talk about???

Well the book is about conquering sexual temptation. Something that I think all Chrsitian men struggle with. Definetly worth picking up.

 

[Los]

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: !!!

I question myself time and time again and I look at what I'm not doing vs what I am and try to establish some sort of peace within myself in doing all that I can. Am I going to be a good christian all the time? No, but there is no harm in trying; and I do regularly. Ultimately, you have to be confident in your walk with Christ as much as you are confident in your walk with men. Jesus loves you for who you are, no matter what you do or don't do. Use that and continue to walk straight.

 

[jacksoncharvel61]

bumptastica

 

[sug160489]

yeah ive felt it many a time but its times like that that i ring up Christian friends and arrange to get together because being around them reminds you of that sense of togetherness and link that is associated with God as well as seeing how Gog's light shines out of them and in turn yourseflf

 

[Highland Watchman]

Yeah, and bibles would be selling like HotCakes!!!

Actually, here's an interesting statistic for you. The Bible is the most commonly STOLEN book that there is. Huh... I wonder, why would there be a need to steal the Word of God? (this might stem from the exhorbidant prices some of these Bibles sell for in stores today. Just recently, I saw one for $150!!!)


Like you, Jackson, I went through some serious **** in highschool. I wasn't a Christian at the time, but I was the outcast. And I DID attempt suicide. But God had HIS hand on me even then. And yes, I also despised those idiots who were "popular". I still have a hard time relating to that kind of individual (as well as to those who belong to the specific "groups" that those same popular kids were part of... It took me a long time to trust skateboarders, and even longer - and the hospitality of a certain NHL player - to come to the point of forgiving the jocks)... And I also hated the fakeness, as well as the immorality, and the injustice, and the overpowering sense of evil that seemed to constantly surround me in highschool.

Do I doubt my faith? Yeah, at times. A lot, actually. It has been easier recently because I look back on my life and see how God has miraculously acted for me time and time again... And the most ironic part of all? God took a total loser in the eyes of the world, who hated humanity and everything to do with them, who was raised in an agnostic/atheistic home, and through miracle after miracle, calls him to HIMSELF and into pastoral ministry, which very much involves learning to love humanity, affirm the Christian faith of those who are struggling, and show the world that in God's eyes, there are no losers, for HE made us all in HIS image. Tell me God does not have a sense of humour, and I will laugh. For if HE does not have a sense of humour... well, then I only have one thing to say, and this smiley says it best:

 

[jacksoncharvel61]

Tell me God does not have a sense of humour, and I will laugh. For if HE does not have a sense of humour... well, then I only have one thing to say, and this smiley says it best:

Yeah, I have a hard time (sometimes) believing that God has a sense of humor. I wonder what makes God crack up (laugh) real hard???

 

[sug160489]

i used to b an outcast and was suicidal up until just under a year ago but now i sit with the popular group while still mantainin my Christian beliefs and values. When they r doin stuff that u dont agree with they notice u not doin it and they either stop or ask u y u wont join in which is a great oppurtunity to share ur loveknowledge and relationship with God and Jesus with them. even though it is extremely scary and hard u will benefit out of it and so will they

 

[jacksoncharvel61]

When they r doin stuff that u dont agree with they notice u not doin it and they either stop or ask u y u wont join in which is a great oppurtunity to share ur loveknowledge and relationship with God and Jesus with them. even though it is extremely scary and hard u will benefit out of it and so will they

Jeez, why didn't I ever think of things like this , I'm CERTAINLY gonna try this when they ask, but it's gonna be scary, because people WILL react VERY negatively to this, but I'm gonna try what you said anyways!!!

Thanks for the suggestion, sug160489!!!

 

[sug160489]

yeah it will b scary trust me but if u hav an older Christian person eg youth group leader or minister that u can talk to then they can help u and bak u up with reasurance and can help u know wat to say around ur friends- my advice is start slow

 

[jacksoncharvel61]

Thanks for the advice/suggestion, sug!!!

 

[jacksoncharvel61]

bump

 

[Sascha Fitzpatrick]

I know what you mean - and really it's only the Bible (and some good Christian friends) that have helped me through it.

I am a perfectionist by nature, so I have set the bar higher for myself than anyone else. Even if I think a sinful thought, I get dumped in the gutter right away. Satan has a field day when the thought comes (fortunately the exhaustion from the tears I'm shedding cos of the thoughts stop me from PHYSICALLY sinning), and it's been a really hard battle to not get completely depressed about the temptations that come and go.

I guess I look at some of the books in the Bible, and get stressed that I'm not that holy. I mean look at Esther, Mary - these girls were GOOD!

My fear is that I'm not pure, just because of my thoughts. I'm trying really hard to stay pure in body (and succeeding!), but the pure in mind - I'm still dealing with that.

I need bible verses fast. Psalm 103 really helped when I was getting dragged back into my sinful past (via memories)...

Sasch

 

[sug160489]

um bible verses that can help u and show u that u r good and loved by God are

For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has
positive answers

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I don't have enough faith"
God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

 

[Friendship]

I WISH that I had *TRUE* Christian friends to talk to , I don't believe that ANY of the people I talk to are *TRUE* Christians , they just say they do so people don't believe something is wrong with them. I CAN'T STAND PEOPLE WHO USE THE LORD'S NAME IN-VAIN !!! I would say that 4 out of every 5 people at my school aren't *true* Christians, they just say their Christian!!! They only say this because they go to church (which DOESN'T make you a Christian by itself), most don't even know what it means to be a Christian (of Christ), or what Christianity is about!!! The good thing though, is that none of them try to really influence me into doing "wordly" matters and all, which is good!!! But, GOD will answer my prayer for a *TRUE* Christian friend, so I can have somebody to talk to about the "Daily Life of a Christian" and all . Because it's NOT fun thinking your the ONLY Christian around, which I know ISN'T true! My mother tells me that there are some TC's, but that I just haven't found them yet...

One more thing, how many of you are *LONELY* (socially/physically) most of the time, I DON'T fit in with all these *wordly* people, not trying to say I'm better than anybody or anything. I'm pretty sure people can point me out and can say that I don't belong, because I don't. I believe that Christians aren't supposed to fit in with "the world" anyways...It seems like people don't try hard AT ALL to make friends with me, I sometimes think it's something wrong with me, but my mother tells me it's something wrong with them because they don't want friends who will be true, kind, and respectful to them, but instead, they want friends that treat 'em like **** and all. I just don't understand people these days...

Thanks guys for replying to this topic, even though I wish that MORE people would reply to this thread, that's all!!!

Christians usually go through a period of feeling alone and its alot of the reason people fall, but it you look at it in a positive way it gives you time to really get close to God because he wants you to seek him and no other people and when people become Christians there is a transition from former things to Godly things so there will be alone time but use that time to seek God ask him to fill that void in your life and he will and he will send you Christians to fellowship with maybe he just wants you to fellowship with him more first, also what is your definition of a True Christian because I know no one that is perfect and everyone makes mistakes but as people grow closer to God they change and maybe some of these people who say they are Christians do really want to live right but they are struggling with the being alone thing to so they keep given in to temptation maybe your just the example of light they need so let the light of the Lord shine through you and people will see this in you and will want to know more about it so you never know who God may use you to reach.