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AlecEiffel

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I'm hoping this is in the right spot. Anyways, I guess this is just a rant...I really dont know, but im overcome by all my emotions at once, and im not getting answers. I am Christian, and just awhile ago I was doing fine, feeling closer to God, recieving His signs, but lately I've been questioning everything, and I havent been receiving answers and I dont think I can believe on faith alone. Just too many things going through my head at once, Im mostly sad, and angry, at everything I guess, at God for the rules He makes that He knows I wont understand, for all the suffering and pain in the world, and how God can just sit back and watch all of it. Now I guess I can understand how God wont interfere in our free-will, but whatever, its disheartening to say the least. I believe in Jesus and all, but I've been really questioning if he is the ONLY way to God, I cant say yes for certain, what happens to people who live good lives? When they die God doesnt give them a chance? They go to hell? Scripture says yes, I suppose, but if this is true, then Im un-certain of how I feel about God, and if I want to continue believing in Him and His love. I've never felt His love, and to be honest, I cant imagine an all loving God. Sure, it would be ideal but the more I think about it, it just seems like a bunch of hogwash people make up to feel better about the un-certainties of death. Im not gonna lie, I dont know if God exists for sure or not, and I dont think I can believe on faith alone, I dont know if the little voices I hear in my head are me manifesting my expectations of what an all-loving God would be like, or if it really is God. Life seems like just an illusion. Why is God so quiet? Does He expect us to live and worship on scripture alone? If He does, then I dont think I can follow Him, faith isnt something everyone has. and I keep on praying for God to send me a huge sign, something, anything, a messenger, angel, whatever He must to prove to me that He is the way, the only way, and that He truly exists. I mean, I've had experiences that I can explain that I have given credit to God, but how do I really know it is God? And not just what my brain expects God to be like? What if our brains are more powerful than we can imagine? And we manifest whatever existence suits our needs? I just dont understand, and God doesnt seem to care. When I cry asking for questions, I dont feel God, nobody wipes my tears, I cry alone and the tears dry up on my shirt, yeah, God is great huh. I mean, I have my own ideas about the afterlife, I dont believe in hell as an everlasting place of torment, per say, but if I believe this then arent I just as deluded as new-agers? I mean, what I believe isnt really based on scripture, its what I would like to think happens to us when we die. But what if when we die..thats it?? Lights out, and religion was just a farce to make you feel good about your lifes? Or what if God does exist...but no amount of words, or religion can put Him into words? And everything you thought about Him and the afterlife was wrong? Everything you thought about life was backwards? Or what if once you die you cease to exist, so you'd have no recollection of life anyways, so it really wouldnt matter if God exists or not. So then what about ojuia-boards? And spirtual-mediums? Are these just demons telling people that Jesus isnt the only way? Or are these spirtual-mediums on to something? I mean, if these really are demons, then how do they know so much about certain people? Can they know? Im at a weird turning point in my life, being 17 isnt easy and crying out for Gods love and understanding when He doesnt even answer back isnt easy either. How can God create something knowing that it will more than likely burn in hell forever? I have compassion for everyone, and if just ONE person doesnt make it to heaven, then is it even worth it? Lets say Heaven exists, how could I be there knowing that others suffer? and that God doesnt give people another chance? That He expects people to believe in someone he sent 2 thousand years before my existence? If we are created in Gods image than is it safe to assume that God would appear in human form? I mean, when we die, what will God look like? Or will He look like nothing, he'll just be energy or something? Were all the same, were human beings who sin, I could just as easily go to hell as the next guy, I dont know about that, it just seems so cruel. And theres so many things not covered in the Bible.If you've read all this im sorry, but I just dont see a point in life anymore, everything you do is insignificant and I cant be sure if life is whatever you want it to be or if God really does exist, and if you can manage to answer any of my questions that you find in this rant then please feel free to do so. More importantly, I would greatly appreciate if you could pray for me. Pray for God to send me something I can see, something I can understand, and not just scripture and thoughts in my head, I seriously need a miracle. If an all-loving God exists, then He will send me a miracle, right? who knows, life is random and guarantees nothing but death. I wish my parents had never given birth to me, life is too much pain, and the ends dont justify the means. Life is too confusing, and either: A. Satan is doing a very good job of confusing people, or B. Satan doesnt even exist and everything I thought to be real was just an illusion. Take care, please pray for me.
 

AlecEiffel

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I guess I'll just add to this.. everyone is Christian for different reasons...lets say God doesnt exist, would you want to know this? The truth? Or would you want a false sense of secruity? What if we are all alone and nobody is watching out? I would want to know the truth. I want the truth. I feel so stupid ranting about this, people are dying right now and im complaining over the internet in a home-provided by my parents with clothes on my back. I dont know what to say.
 
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missionarypoet

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Hey Alec,
I think everyone has those questions sometimes, just very few of us come out and say them. I heard a speaker on creation once, and I really liked something he said. You've probably heard it before, but that doesn't make it less true. The bottom line is, if God doesn't exist (let's pretend he doesn't for this illustration) Christians are still safe. Even if we are all horribly decieved, because of our faith we are trying to do what's right, we're being kind to others, and we're helping people. If that's the result of a delusional belief in a God that doesn't exist, then I say let us believe. Nothing bad will happen to us because of it. Our souls will just disappear into nothing when we die, so who cares. However, what if we are right, and God does exist, how awful it will be for those who don't believe. I know that is also something that bothers you- the idea of unsaved people going to hell. It's awful isn't it? I've heard so many people ask about that. The reason it happens is this, everyone has free will. God loves all of us more than we can ever fathom, but He won't take away our free will. Life would be meaningless if we didn't have free will. What would the world be like if we had no free will? For example, suppose arranged marriages were still a common practice in the states; your parents could tell you who to love and marry, and because you had no free will, you would do it. Love would have no meaning. You would always wonder if your wife actually loved you, or if she just was following orders. See? That's just like God, He doesn't want to command us to love Him. It would be meaningless, so He gave us the choice. He told us exactly what we can expect either way, if we accept His Son and His love for us, and if we don't...and He left the choice up to us.

God, please show Alec Your awesome love for him, and for this world that You created. Comfort him and bless him for his tender heart. Let his questions be answered through Your Word, and guide his heart to see the truth about You. Thank You Lord,
Amen.
 
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cyberwood

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Alec, thank you for sharing this. I definitely know it's hard to share such personal feelings to anyone. I hope that at the very least, I might be able to offer you at least some encouragement and hope in Christ as you struggle in your faith. This struggle is common, and I'll bet every Christian has been down this road before. I certainly have. Be glad that you desire to understand the nature of God!

Ultimately, this struggle is your own. No one can choose for you - in the end, it is between you and God. That's the amazing thing too! God loves us enough, even when we have rejected Him, to let us decide if we want a relationship with Him. We, as Christians, can encourage each other in our faith, but it is still each person's choice.

You have asked a lot of questions, and I couldn't begin to address them all. Instead, I will try to share with you why I no longer doubt God's awesomeness (His love and His power). It wasn't really anything amazing - I had been a Christian for quite some time and deep down believed Jesus was my savior, but was He really everyone's savior? How could that be? What about all the suffering? Couldn't there be other paths? The questions were still there, and I still wondered how it could all fit together. One day I accidentally stumbled on some Christian writings online while I was working, and it fueled my desire to again think about how Christianity could be a total worldview. I became 'turned on' to Christianity again, and started trying to surround myself with Christian influences. I can remember one day working out while I was listening to contemporary Christian music (which is awesome...I'm so glad I started listening to it :)), and thinking about God, and it just hit me how badly I needed a savior – they weren’t words I uttered, or some pledge I said at a church worship service, but my most sincere desires. I was absolutely struck with how incapable I am on my own, but filled with the joy that God cared so much for me to give me a chance. Even though I was a Christian, and I ultimately believed Jesus was my savior, I didn't realize it meant I needed a relationship with Him – I had previously just kept Him out of my life. So, in answer to my deepest cry, I experienced such amazing joy – seriously. It’s too personal (b/c it’s deeper than anything we can sense) to describe, but there was no mistaking the presence of God in my heart. It was awesome (and so powerful)! Anyway, everything about Christianity began making sense, my questions are continuously being answered, and I just can’t doubt, b/c Christ has become too real to me. :)

The reason why I write this is in the hopes that you would find the savior that seems so hidden from you. The questions you ask are all very real questions, and have become stumbling blocks as we strive for the goal of Christ. I urge you to talk with God – completely and honestly. If you doubt Him, I would reveal that. Of course, the Lord already knows what’s in your heart, but He waits on you to bring that to Him. Look for encouragement from other Christians, whether online, at church, in bible study, etc…we are all in this together! Read the bible. In the end, though, it’s about you and God, and only you can take that first step.

Alec I pray that you would find the answers that you seek, and that you would find comfort in our Lord Jesus Christ. I also pray that my words would strengthen your faith, and bring you closer to our Lord. Don’t forget, we’re all in this together! Praise God for that! :)
 
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AlecEiffel

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missionarypoet said:
Hey Alec,
I think everyone has those questions sometimes, just very few of us come out and say them. I heard a speaker on creation once, and I really liked something he said. You've probably heard it before, but that doesn't make it less true. The bottom line is, if God doesn't exist (let's pretend he doesn't for this illustration) Christians are still safe. Even if we are all horribly decieved, because of our faith we are trying to do what's right, we're being kind to others, and we're helping people. If that's the result of a delusional belief in a God that doesn't exist, then I say let us believe. Nothing bad will happen to us because of it. Our souls will just disappear into nothing when we die, so who cares. However, what if we are right, and God does exist, how awful it will be for those who don't believe. I know that is also something that bothers you- the idea of unsaved people going to hell. It's awful isn't it? I've heard so many people ask about that. The reason it happens is this, everyone has free will. God loves all of us more than we can ever fathom, but He won't take away our free will. Life would be meaningless if we didn't have free will. What would the world be like if we had no free will? For example, suppose arranged marriages were still a common practice in the states; your parents could tell you who to love and marry, and because you had no free will, you would do it. Love would have no meaning. You would always wonder if your wife actually loved you, or if she just was following orders. See? That's just like God, He doesn't want to command us to love Him. It would be meaningless, so He gave us the choice. He told us exactly what we can expect either way, if we accept His Son and His love for us, and if we don't...and He left the choice up to us.

God, please show Alec Your awesome love for him, and for this world that You created. Comfort him and bless him for his tender heart. Let his questions be answered through Your Word, and guide his heart to see the truth about You. Thank You Lord,
Amen.

Thankyou. I understand your analogy about God not existing or whatever, I mean, yeah its good I guess, were still fine, but thats not why I want to know. I want to know for truths sake, I just want the 100% percent truth, im sick and tired of being lied to, I just want the meaning of life. And im just sick and tired of God playing mind games with me, but I've come to the conclusion that these mind games are the way God has always done it. I need a burning bush. Again though, I just want to know the truth for its own sake, I dont want to discredit God to justify my sin, I like to be a good person, I like to help people out and this is something I would do if even God didnt exist. Its ironic, but its so true: People hate the truth, and they will hate you for doing good things. I was always the kid who teachers got tired of, because I asked so many questions, and when asked, because I wanted to know the truth, people get fed up with it real quick,it was digusting, in history class, the way everyone would justify murder and slaughter of other cultures. The whole idea of thanksgiving ****es me off, they expect you to shutup and except something you cant even comprehend, well im ****ing sick and fed up with it. I'd save the whole world If I could, but I guess Jesus already did that. I just think God should reveal Himself a lot more than just puttting words into peoples heads, like I said, I need a miracle, I cant go on knowing I could be wrong. Thankyou for praying for me.
 
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AlecEiffel

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cyberwood said:
Alec, thank you for sharing this. I definitely know it's hard to share such personal feelings to anyone. I hope that at the very least, I might be able to offer you at least some encouragement and hope in Christ as you struggle in your faith. This struggle is common, and I'll bet every Christian has been down this road before. I certainly have. Be glad that you desire to understand the nature of God!

Ultimately, this struggle is your own. No one can choose for you - in the end, it is between you and God. That's the amazing thing too! God loves us enough, even when we have rejected Him, to let us decide if we want a relationship with Him. We, as Christians, can encourage each other in our faith, but it is still each person's choice.

You have asked a lot of questions, and I couldn't begin to address them all. Instead, I will try to share with you why I no longer doubt God's awesomeness (His love and His power). It wasn't really anything amazing - I had been a Christian for quite some time and deep down believed Jesus was my savior, but was He really everyone's savior? How could that be? What about all the suffering? Couldn't there be other paths? The questions were still there, and I still wondered how it could all fit together. One day I accidentally stumbled on some Christian writings online while I was working, and it fueled my desire to again think about how Christianity could be a total worldview. I became 'turned on' to Christianity again, and started trying to surround myself with Christian influences. I can remember one day working out while I was listening to contemporary Christian music (which is awesome...I'm so glad I started listening to it :)), and thinking about God, and it just hit me how badly I needed a savior – they weren’t words I uttered, or some pledge I said at a church worship service, but my most sincere desires. I was absolutely struck with how incapable I am on my own, but filled with the joy that God cared so much for me to give me a chance. Even though I was a Christian, and I ultimately believed Jesus was my savior, I didn't realize it meant I needed a relationship with Him – I had previously just kept Him out of my life. So, in answer to my deepest cry, I experienced such amazing joy – seriously. It’s too personal (b/c it’s deeper than anything we can sense) to describe, but there was no mistaking the presence of God in my heart. It was awesome (and so powerful)! Anyway, everything about Christianity began making sense, my questions are continuously being answered, and I just can’t doubt, b/c Christ has become too real to me. :)

The reason why I write this is in the hopes that you would find the savior that seems so hidden from you. The questions you ask are all very real questions, and have become stumbling blocks as we strive for the goal of Christ. I urge you to talk with God – completely and honestly. If you doubt Him, I would reveal that. Of course, the Lord already knows what’s in your heart, but He waits on you to bring that to Him. Look for encouragement from other Christians, whether online, at church, in bible study, etc…we are all in this together! Read the bible. In the end, though, it’s about you and God, and only you can take that first step.

Alec I pray that you would find the answers that you seek, and that you would find comfort in our Lord Jesus Christ. I also pray that my words would strengthen your faith, and bring you closer to our Lord. Don’t forget, we’re all in this together! Praise God for that! :)

Thankyou so much. I understand that this is my own struggle, between me and God, im just so angry with the world. I guess I cant comment on something If I've never felt God's love, so until I do, I'll just keep wishing I would. To be honest I dont know if Im ready to give up my life completey for God, I cant give up my friends, I cant stand people, and I REALLY like my friends, they arent really religious, but how many teenagers think about these things? Not many, and they arent bad people, its not like we do bad things, I mean we basically just skateboard and hang out and eachothers houses, and go to shows (music) or whatever, hang out with other people, but its not like were praising God when we hang out or anything. I dont do drugs, neither do my friends. Whatever, life is just confusing and frustrating when you actually get around to thinking things like 'why am I even doing this?' I should join a youth group, I guess I could see myself doing that, If I could stand the people there. Its really hard to explain, I dont like many people, but at the sametime I love them, I have so much compassion for everyone, but at the sametime I cant stand them! I dont understand it. I just dont understand God, and why He even created us, what was the point? Sometimes I get angry at Him, I'll admit it, I get furious with God sometimes, and I will admit it, when I think of the current state of everything, and life in general, It can bring tears to my eyes, whenever I suffer, am depressed, sad, in pain, I get mad at God for even creating us, I cant imagine the pain other people feel in 3rd world countries, and how God could let it go on. What would God know about pain and suffering? Yeah, big deal, he sent a son down, his son suffered for us, for this im truly grateful, I dont mean to be disrespectful to God, but why is his son any different than the rest of the world? Maybe if he cared he could actually show it. If you want me to be perfectly honest it seems like God created us because He has a big ego, and he wants to see who will win, Him or Satan, like a ****ing game, and were the brunt of the joke. Im sorry if I have offended anyone, but these are my thoughts and this is genuinely how I feel, and I think God admires me telling Him the truth, rather than sucking it up and worshipping Him with only my lips, like so many other people do, and tell me to do, well I cant. If me and God are in this together than they are gonna be some things He's gonna have to let me know. Thankyou so much for repsonding and praying for me. I appreciate it, language is pretty inadequate, it cant even convey my feelings and emotions I have for everything, I cant even describe it, but thankyou, I am grateful. Have a great day, and give one too.
 
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I had a simular problem when it came to the Lord's love. I had expeirenced it, but never recieved it. You need to recieve the Lord's love for you. You can't love Him or expect to know His love if you haven't felt it. It took me, for whatever reason, a while before I finally recieved His love. It's so simple, just recieve it. I think once you truly recieve His love, a lot of your questions will be answered. Also, the Lord has seen your tears and loves you soooooooooooooooo much. You may not feel him, but believe me, He's there. He is not happy with the awfulness in the world, with people dying and stuff. Yet, people do have a free will and cause their own grief by disobeying the lord and not obeying Him. Thus, causing all kinds of things to happen to themselves. Also, Jesus is God Himself in human form. So it was God Himself that expeirienced pain and the like. I'll try to pray for you.
 
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AlecEiffel

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thankyou for those encouraging words. I was feeling crappy this morning, but throughout the day I felt very motivated, motivated on life, and to live the best life I can, Jesus hasnt fully revealed himself yet, but I'd like to think that this comfort I was given was given by Jesus, I'll give him the benefit of doubt, until he reveals Himself to me atleast. I plan on reading lots of scripture tomorrow, and fasting, fasting and praying for everything I ever yearned for, for a better world, for you, for me, for what I can be and for what the world could be. I can only hope that in this time Jesus will show me the way, His love, and bless me with his understanding, Im in a much better mood than I was yesterday, and I can only hope and pray that I will move forward from this. Thankyou to everyone who replied, you will all be in my prayers as I fast tomorrow. God bless, and goodnight.
 
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Radagast

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AlecEiffel said:
... lately I've been questioning everything ... all the suffering and pain in the world ... God wont interfere in our free-will ... Jesus ... the ONLY way to God ... Why is God so quiet? ... God to send me a huge sign ... I cry alone ...

Lots of big questions here, brother! The main thing to do is (1) ask God these questions (by praying), and (2) let Him talk to you (i.e. read the Bible). We are praying for you too, of course!

And of course God did send a huge sign... 2000 years ago.

On free will and evil, I've collected some thoughts here, if they help at all.

God bless,

-- Radagast
 
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Heinrich

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Hi Alec

I have some personal answers to some of your questions... But I would first like to ask you... what denomination are you, since I wouldn't want to confuse you further.

But I would like to share with you, I was also at a point like this a few years ago where I doubted everything and couldn't see the point of christianity anymore. So I turned my back on God and Church. stopped reading bible, stopped prayer.. I was still christian I guess but hey it was dead.
Then throught some amazing events God lead me to a new church and he revealed to me what christianity is all about. He completely changed my life and everything.
I can today say I'm 1000% sure God exist and that Jesus loves us ect ect.
I sometimes have small doubt but thats just Satan trying to decieve me and he's getting less successfull everyday :)
I really love God for what he has done for me.
Pray for clearance my friend and then follow your heart. God will draw you.
 
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SirFei

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I hope you find what you need, AlecEiffel, and learn again of the deep love God has for you. Reading your Bible can help a lot, but something I strongly recommend doing is praying.
I used to want to clear my thoughts of all the doubts that would pop into my mind. My solution was to pray to God, but more than that just to talk with him. I did this out at a Christian camp, sat on the dock of the lake, stared out at the sunset, and talked to God. I didn't need a response, but I just talked to him of my life, my troubles, and my joys. Soon, I would lose feeling in my body, and the world drifted away as well as all my worries. Not even the swarming mosquitos around my head could bother me then, and God's warmth was around. Try doing this, my brother, and talk with God. He loves when you do talk to Him, and He will show you peace of mind and heart. God be with you...

~Marc
 
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AlecEiffel

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Radagast, thankyou for the link, I liked it. And thankyou all for the kind words. Heinrich, I havent been to church in a few years, im kinda new to everything I suppose you could say, so I dont really know, I would appreciate if you could share these answers with me though, either in here, or a PM, thankyou for your time. SirFei, that is quite inspiring, and yes, I am praying, I am fasting right now, for about 11 hours, I plan on fasting throughout the weekend, so I pray that God answer my questions and reveal Himself to me. Thankyou all, once again. God bless.
 
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AlecEiffel

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Lilly, I was under the impression that something happened that caused you to feel God's love. See my problem is, I've never felt it, so I cant imagine Him loving me, Im tired of hearing everyone else talk about how good He is them with his love, and I still havent felt it. I can say He loves me, but what good is it if I havent felt it? If I dont even know? I will be praying.
 
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