Helping a friend who is doubting

[doofus125]

Well, I have found myself in a situation that I'm finding myself kinda stressed out about. Recently I have been doubting my faith, well up until this past sunday when I really feel like God spoke to me through a song that was played at our young adult group........well, I went with my friend cause neither one of us really wanted to go and we really aren't that close, well up until last night, lol......well he told me afterwards that he has been doubting his faith for a while and last night we went out to eat and he just spilled everything that was going on and that has been going on and why he's doubting, I'll just say I was humbled that he trusted me with such intimate things. My friend is afraid to meet with our pastor, he's been to numerous counselers in the past for other issues (like rebelion when he was a teen), so he pretty much refuses to go to anyone and I really feel like this is an oppurtunity for both of us to grow being he has opened up to me like this. Anyways, I slept a total of 3 hours last night because I was up praying and crying all night because the things my friend told me just broke my heart. Well during the night the thought came into my head to do a one on one bible study type thing with my friend, but focusing more on dealing with the doubt thing. Well, I went to talk to our young adult pastor, with whom I meet with weekly to go over another book together, and I talked to him in code so I wouldn't be breaking my friends trust. Well I asked our pastor about my friend and I doing a one on one bible study dealing with the doubt thing and he thought it would be a good idea and he suggested a book, but it's way over my head and if it's over my head it will be over my friends head. It's called "Know WHY you Believe" by Paul Little. Does anyone have any other ideas on any other books that my friend and I could go over together that wouldn't be to complex and that would have questions in the book if possible. Any help would be appreciated, I am just feeling so drained and have exausted my resources here.....

Thanks,

Bill

 

[BarbB]

You have the absolutely softest heart, Bill, of any poster here.

I have never had this kind of doubt - too new a Christian no doubt! But your friend is blessed to have you care.

 

[Svt4Him]

Here is a good site that deals with different issues. It's not a specific denomination, but it does answer a lot of questions, and has some free teachings online.

http://www.livingwaters.com/start.shtml

 

[Jinn_Ku]

The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel. It is an ex-athiest's journey to many of the world's experts to answer the really tough questions about Christianity, such as why is there suffering, how can a loving God send people to Hell, ect. It isn't really a difficult book to read because a lot of examples are given to help the reader understand. This is the only one of his books I have read, but I thought it was great.


The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.

 

[doofus125]

The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel. It is an ex-athiest's journey to many of the world's experts to answer the really tough questions about Christianity, such as why is there suffering, how can a loving God send people to Hell, ect. It isn't really a difficult book to read because a lot of examples are given to help the reader understand. This is the only one of his books I have read, but I thought it was great.


The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Thank you very much. May God bless you also. I have heard of this book, I just forgot about it, I am going to check it out

Thanks

Bill

 

[Serapha]

Does anyone have any other ideas on any other books that my friend and I could go over together that wouldn't be to complex and that would have questions in the book if possible. Any help would be appreciated, I am just feeling so drained and have exausted my resources here.....

Thanks,

Bill

Hi there!



Anything by Josh McDowell. I recommend going through "A Ready Defense" as it reinforces the faith.


~malaka~

 

[DaveKerwin]

Bill, not sure what to tell you. I know of some Bible studies, but they can be pretty intense. If you get a chance to go to the bible book store, look at a study called "Experiencing God" by Henry Blackaby (the youth edition). This is about how to experience God in your life,some of the concepts can be a bit much. I suggest seeing if your store has it, and looking through it. If it seems like it would work, think about buying it.

Other than that, I suggest that you and your buddy read through a gospel together. One chapter per day, and meet every 2 or 3 days to discuss the material that you have read. You can talk about what you think it means, and how it applies to you. If you do this, I suggest reading John. It deals a lot with faith. If you have any questions while reading the gospel of John, I would be more than happy to answer all of them for you via AIM or Email. I think I have a good understanding of it. Being in God's word is what will ultimately give you faith, and remove your doubt. Be in his word. God Bless you.

 

[doofus125]

Bill, not sure what to tell you. I know of some Bible studies, but they can be pretty intense. If you get a chance to go to the bible book store, look at a study called "Experiencing God" by Henry Blackaby (the youth edition). This is about how to experience God in your life,some of the concepts can be a bit much. I suggest seeing if your store has it, and looking through it. If it seems like it would work, think about buying it.

Other than that, I suggest that you and your buddy read through a gospel together. One chapter per day, and meet every 2 or 3 days to discuss the material that you have read. You can talk about what you think it means, and how it applies to you. If you do this, I suggest reading John. It deals a lot with faith. If you have any questions while reading the gospel of John, I would be more than happy to answer all of them for you via AIM or Email. I think I have a good understanding of it. Being in God's word is what will ultimately give you faith, and remove your doubt. Be in his word. God Bless you.

Thanks Dave God Kept me back from moving south and I think this was the reason. I hope this is an opportunity to grow in Christ for both of us. I still have doubts and fears, but I'm not as bad off as my friend, but at least he realizes he's in trouble. Back to bed for me, I was up half the night researching and reading through some books I borrowed.

 

[pmarquette]

Helping a friend who is doubting

there are several little books by Og Mandino that might help : "The Christ Commission " ; The Greatest Miracle in the World ; The Return of the Ragpicker ; The 12th Angel ...

check them out at book store or www.ogmandino.com

 

[Svt4Him]

I also think a good thing to do is look back at your life and write down times where you know God helped you or amazed you.

 

[doofus125]

I also think a good thing to do is look back at your life and write down times where you know God helped you or amazed you.

That's an excellent idea, I think we will both do that tomorrow night when we get together to talk again......You are right, sometimes we dont' realize what the good things are when our heads are clouded....Thanks