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I have no idea why you'd think something like that. As a result, I can't do much other than ask you to read my post again.But you make a humanist argument that people are just victims of circumstance and you can't possibly punish those that just follow in the vile footsteps of their parents and
surroundings.
Mikemack, I'm not sure what faith tradition you are part of, but what I would recommend to you is go to a retreat, even if it isn't within your denomination. There is a fairly new retreat program called ACTS, which is predominately Catholic, but there are non-Catholics that go to these as well, and everyone I speak to that have gone to one of these, comes back on full of fire. They really seem to work and change lives. As soon as I am able I too will be going to one."People that truly commit themselves fully to God absolutely do get his help"
I just don't know if I believe that anymore. I mean it's easy to say, we love to say this sort of thing in church. When I started going to church again 6 years ago it drastically changed my life. I fought through heavy anxiety and issues in my life to eventually become (what I believe is) a far better person because of it. But some of the key sinful areas of my life that I wanted to change, didn't. And the parts that did change...well, to be honest, I didn't really need God for them.
Now I have no way of convincing you that I've actually been trying very hard these last 6 years to change my life. But I believe I have. And I've reached the point of not really knowing what else to give. And it all leaves me here, wondering, what part God really plays in life.
Because as much as we talk about a God who loves us, all I have ever seen is a very distant God.
In the last year I've watched as my faith has taken a large decline. It initially began over the idea of not being able to stop living a lust filled life (but that isn't what this question is about), and after talking to my girlfriend I realized there seems to be this huge hole in my knowledge about living as a sinner.
You see my girlfriend is a social worker, and constantly has to deal with patients who do not have the ability to properly reason. The idea that they need God is almost impossible for some of them to grasp. And the idea that they could stop the sinful ways they live? It's basically impossible. Like asking a potato to run.
Or I have a friend who was sexually abused growing up. He is a smart person, but his whole view on sexuality has completely been distorted. And we basically ask him to just "stop sinning"?
I don't understand it. I can understand a life living in pain, or without something. At least that has taught me something in my journey. But living a life of sin, where hope to remove it is essentially non existent? I don't understand how God can put us in that place. We didn't ask for these things to be part of our lives, they're just there. And we're told we need to remove them from our lives.
You need to spend some time in the New Testament to understand what provisions God has made for His children to turn their backs on sinning and live holy, sober, and righteous lives. You have a major misunderstanding of this matter.
1. Repentance -- that is a command, which means a 180 degree change in attitudes and lifestyle.
2. The New Birth -- that is an imperative and a necessity. You are no longer a sinner but a child of God.
3. The gift of the Holy Spirit -- that is the power to stop sinning. The indwelling Holy Spirit is there for many reasons.
4. The living Word of God -- that is to teach sinners how to become saints, even while they are regarded as righteous with the imputed righteousness of Christ.
5. The mortification of the flesh -- putting to death the old sinful nature by walking in the Spirit. This is called taking up your cross and following Christ.
6. The living sacrifice -- every believer to sacrifice self for Christ.
First of all, God does help people overcome sin, he has delivered me and thousands of others from various sins. Second, our work is to have faith in him who God sent. You are looking at circumstances, not the work of God.
Thirdly, God has not given us a temptation that we cannot overcome. Is it always easy, no. We have to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. Life is always a struggle and there is always suffering to some degree. Might as well suffer for God as the Devil.
The solution is in the Word. read your Bible, pray and trust God. Also resist a little each day.
Kinda makes the Free-will, Works-Righteousness, POV we are treated to so often around here seem really shallow and impossible, don't you think?
I am not sure to tale the word you use "temptation. God does not tempt anyone according to the book James.
In the last year I've watched as my faith has taken a large decline. It initially began over the idea of not being able to stop living a lust filled life (but that isn't what this question is about), and after talking to my girlfriend I realized there seems to be this huge hole in my knowledge about living as a sinner.
You see my girlfriend is a social worker, and constantly has to deal with patients who do not have the ability to properly reason. The idea that they need God is almost impossible for some of them to grasp. And the idea that they could stop the sinful ways they live? It's basically impossible. Like asking a potato to run.
Or I have a friend who was sexually abused growing up. He is a smart person, but his whole view on sexuality has completely been distorted. And we basically ask him to just "stop sinning"?
I don't understand it. I can understand a life living in pain, or without something. At least that has taught me something in my journey. But living a life of sin, where hope to remove it is essentially non existent? I don't understand how God can put us in that place. We didn't ask for these things to be part of our lives, they're just there. And we're told we need to remove them from our lives.
I want that too...dometimes his answer is no..and I dont understand whyWhat if you taught your child not to run into the street, and they knew it was bad, but they couldn't stop themselves from doing it?
What I want...is for God to help his children when they want to turn to Him.
I want that too...dometimes his answer is no..and I dont understand why
I understand that..but when I ask god why my former pastor treated me the way she did..why me out of all the people there... I get nothing.. When I asked him to take the anger I felt for her away..again.. Nothing...If you knew something that your child didn't realize would hurt them, for example jumping in the deep side of the pool when they can't swim? Would you let them do it?
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Maybe your right... I asked him many times to take it away..but maybe youre right.Moon, maybe your anger was justified, maybe that is why God is not taking it away. Sometimes it's OK to be angry, especially if we have been hurt unjustly.
I understand that..but when I ask god why my former pastor treated me the way she did..why me out of all the people there... I get nothing.. When I asked him to take the anger I felt for her away..again.. Nothing...
Those are the type of questions in talking about
The only way I know is to pray about it.. I tried to apologize ( even though I didnt do anything wrong..but I was that person) and they wouldn't accept it..they kinda shoved the apology in my face..making the anger worse..they wouldn't acknowledge their wrong..thought they were right and that was that... So its literally out of my hands..Are you surrendering that anger to Him? Knowing it is sinful bit to forgive? Give yourself some time. Doesn't happen overnight. Just keep asking him for a heart of forgiveness.
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