Having trouble believing

[sh284]

I grew up in a churchgoing family and always had what you could say was a head belief in Jesus, but probably not a heart belief. I did used to say prayers every night but as time went on, I stopped doing that and going to church. I started drinking 10 years ago and just stopped because it was probably going to kill me. Part of me wants to believe and be saved, but another part of me wants to keep a few pet sins, mainly lust. I think I want to believe, but I'm having trouble. Most evidence points to Christ being who he says he was, but then I see things like this guy on youtube who says Jesus is Satan. It seems absurd and the guy seems nuts, but it still creates doubt in my mind. I also have heard people say Jesus could potentially be one of the false prophets in Deut. 13 and I don't think I buy it but it still creates doubt. Please pray that I do come to the truth.

 

[*Charis*]

Hi sh284~ My prayers are with you. Please know that your WANTING to come to
genuine faith is a gift of God. He IS actively drawing you to Himself. There are
many false Jesus'... as He warned there would be.

God's grace is sufficient, and He will finish the work He's begun in you. Keep looking
to Him.

 

[mysinisforgiven]

Very we'll spoken. Yes, there will always be Satan tempting you while on earth, even on youtube. Ask Jesus to come into your heart and guide you on the path of righteousness, so that you can grow your faith. Man, hang in there, it gets easier the more focused you stay on the Lord and what you can do to glorify his name!

 

[razeontherock]

Congratulations on finding the answer! So much of CF is taken up with people, both believers and non-believers alike, simply not asking God for what we need. HE is our source!

I trust you know you need to stay away from those things that tear your Faith down? Just as important as being around those things that build your Faith up, like Bible reading, prayer, going to Church ...

"Feed your Spirit more than you feed your flesh"

 

[LoricaLady]

I grew up in a churchgoing family and always had what you could say was a head belief in Jesus, but probably not a heart belief. I did used to say prayers every night but as time went on, I stopped doing that and going to church. I started drinking 10 years ago and just stopped because it was probably going to kill me. Part of me wants to believe and be saved, but another part of me wants to keep a few pet sins, mainly lust. I think I want to believe, but I'm having trouble. Most evidence points to Christ being who he says he was, but then I see things like this guy on youtube who says Jesus is Satan. It seems absurd and the guy seems nuts, but it still creates doubt in my mind. I also have heard people say Jesus could potentially be one of the false prophets in Deut. 13 and I don't think I buy it but it still creates doubt. Please pray that I do come to the truth.

"You need that no man should teach you but the Holy Spirit will teach you". Only He can open the eyes of your understanding. The devil's #1 job is deceive people & he's so good at being so bad.

I will pray for your eyes to be opened and that you will walk closely with our Savior in spirit and in truth.

 

[Lukaris]

Many of us will struggle as we live but we can overcome by enduring in our faith and confessing our sin. Psalm 51 is an excellent confession for every believer to read. The 1st chapter of 1st John shows we have a struggle according to our individual condition see below:

1 John 1

King James Version (KJV)


1 John 1


1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
2(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us
3That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
4And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
5This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.


In our endurance, by faith we will overcome as St. Paul assures us in Romans 8:

Romans 8

King James Version (KJV)


Romans 8


1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
19For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
24For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.


We must pray for others as well as ourselves:

1 Timothy 2:1

King James Version (KJV)


1 Timothy 2

1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;



The works we can do in living our faith & overcome sin as best we can: (donating to a food bank for ex.)

Isaiah 58

King James Version (KJV)


7Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? 8Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy reward.


In our struggle the Lord gives us His promise of the Holy Spirit:

John 14:14-16

King James Version (KJV)



14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
15If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

 

[1christian]

"It is Gods will that all come to the knowledge of the truth " God is on your side .

" Faith cometh by hearing , hearing by the word of God " keep reading the word of God prayerfully .

George Muller of Bristol said " when we are at the point of not my will but your will be done , we are 90% there ..."

The 2 top quotes are from the bible , I do not have a bible handy to give the references .

May God Bless you , keep on seeking until you find that certain knowledge that will set you free , it may take years but never quit !

 

[food4thought]

I grew up in a churchgoing family and always had what you could say was a head belief in Jesus, but probably not a heart belief. I did used to say prayers every night but as time went on, I stopped doing that and going to church. I started drinking 10 years ago and just stopped because it was probably going to kill me. Part of me wants to believe and be saved, but another part of me wants to keep a few pet sins, mainly lust. I think I want to believe, but I'm having trouble. Most evidence points to Christ being who he says he was, but then I see things like this guy on youtube who says Jesus is Satan. It seems absurd and the guy seems nuts, but it still creates doubt in my mind. I also have heard people say Jesus could potentially be one of the false prophets in Deut. 13 and I don't think I buy it but it still creates doubt. Please pray that I do come to the truth.

Since we are human, we will always have doubts and uncertainties that creep into our minds. I believe that God does engage our minds, but that His primary means of reaching out to us is through our heart. We must, by faith, set aside the doubts that are in our minds and choose to listen to that still, small voice that comes from our hearts... this is how God speaks to us and guides us. As time goes on and you realize the reality of God's pressence and guidance, the questions and doubts that plague your mind will seem less and less. Oftentimes I have received satisfactory answers to those questions and doubts over the course of time, sometimes not. Our faith is based in the heart, and we are called to renew our minds according to the Spirit.


I am going to pray for you as soon as I post this. God bless you;

Mike

 

[SplendidTree]

Praying.

 

[Forgiven828]

Please pray that I do come to the truth.

sh284 My heart goes out to you. I can hear the torment in your words. I have felt this way before and it is such a sad and lonely place.

I want to tell you that Satan is feeding you those negative thoughts but it was God who led you here to find counsel with others who love Him and will support you in your struggle.

May our Lord and Saviour hear your anguish and bring His Love once again to your door and knock.

You only have to open it. Keep talking about how you feel and keep seeking the truth.

Rev 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me

 

[WarriorAngel]

 

[senti]

I will try not to repeat advice already given. As for your pet sins, this is not stuff God missed. Think of it as a process. When God first starts to call on us, to draw us to himself, it is a feeling we have, something not right, something missing. We turn to God and most people look for instant results. Like all relationships, this one, with God, takes time. As we spend time with him, in his word, or in prayer, we get to know Him. As He moves in, He starts cleaning house. He takes out the trash. Those pet sins are the trash. Now you have to be patient, and if you see you behavior changing, thats Him at work. Also, don't forget that if you backslide, its not that he is failing. Example. When Peter was walking on water and started to sink, he took his focus off of Jesus and it had an instant effect. When christians stumble, we need to refocus our attention onto him, and not on those pet sins or whatever is distracting us.

 

[brinny]

"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;" ~II Corinthians 1:3

Lord of the poorest heart....our Comforter, our Redeemer, our Friend;

Fernando Ortega - 'Sing To Jesus' in memory of Derek Cox - YouTube

 

[bottomofsandal]

I grew up in a churchgoing family and always had what you could say was a head belief in Jesus, but probably not a heart belief. I did used to say prayers every night but as time went on, I stopped doing that and going to church. I started drinking 10 years ago and just stopped because it was probably going to kill me. Part of me wants to believe and be saved, but another part of me wants to keep a few pet sins, mainly lust. I think I want to believe, but I'm having trouble. Most evidence points to Christ being who he says he was, but then I see things like this guy on youtube who says Jesus is Satan. It seems absurd and the guy seems nuts, but it still creates doubt in my mind. I also have heard people say Jesus could potentially be one of the false prophets in Deut. 13 and I don't think I buy it but it still creates doubt. Please pray that I do come to the truth.

I pray that The Truth will set you free...

 

[ThyLovingkindness]

Hi, I pray about the distractions you are receiving, and that through Jesus Christ the Truth be made known to you. I pray that you ask Him to reveal Himself to you, Amen.

 

[PaulEBear]

I grew up in a churchgoing family and always had what you could say was a head belief in Jesus, but probably not a heart belief. I did used to say prayers every night but as time went on, I stopped doing that and going to church. I started drinking 10 years ago and just stopped because it was probably going to kill me. Part of me wants to believe and be saved, but another part of me wants to keep a few pet sins, mainly lust. I think I want to believe, but I'm having trouble. Most evidence points to Christ being who he says he was, but then I see things like this guy on youtube who says Jesus is Satan. It seems absurd and the guy seems nuts, but it still creates doubt in my mind. I also have heard people say Jesus could potentially be one of the false prophets in Deut. 13 and I don't think I buy it but it still creates doubt. Please pray that I do come to the truth.

While you have doubts, you are vulnerable to Satan's influence. That's why the 'junk' you see in lots of places distracts you and causes you to doubt. If you truly want to overcome and believe, I would advise you to find a good church that teaches from the Bible. Make some friends, be sure you have a good bible you can read and talk with some people at the church.

They should be able to steer you in the right direction. And, if it is a good church, you should have one or two people who will be interested in building a friendship and help you learn.

There is a LOT of garbage out there that people like you get caught up in and unless you know some of the basic 'truths' in God's Word, you can fall for some very deceptive information.

One thing to never forget, Jesus loves you! There is no real hope in this world without Jesus. He is everything that he said he was and more. You pray to God by going through Jesus. Ask him to help you and comfort your mind while you are working through all of this. It will all fall in place and begin to make sense to you. Remember to pray sincerely. Have a real conversation with Jesus in your prayer. Tell him your worries, doubts, troubles and ask Him to help strengthen your resolve to come to faith in Him. Always end you prayers with "in Jesus Name" since that it the most powerful three words there are.

God truly has a plan for your life and if you seek him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, you will find him. There are lots of 'churches' out there and I would be happy to exchange e-mail or private messages here with you on recommendations. Let me know what city you live in and I can give you some recommendations. I have been to a lot of churches over the years and know which ones are solid Bible believing and teaching churches.

I will have you in my prayers and hope to hear from you soon!

Paul

 

[brinny]

Bless yer heart...lifting you up to my Abba, to intervene and minister as only He can do. (((hug)))