How am I supposed to keep myself believing?

Do you read your Bible? Romans 10:17 says that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. That means by hearing the Bible preached and by reading the Bible, your faith will grow. Studying the Bible will transform your mind, little by little.

Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him (Hebrews 11:6).

Belief is a choice. Ultimately, it is your choice as to whether you are going to believe, or not.

What, exactly, do you believe?

I am not a new Christian but I feel like one. I keep doubting that he exists. I do believe that he died on the cross. I have a hard time believing that he died for our sins. It just doesn't make sense. Also, I am having a hard time believing that he rose in three days. Please PM me if anyone wants to discuss this with me.
Thank you,
Danielle

HippieForChrist said:

When I'm able to believe, I believe that Jesus is God's son

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So you believe that Jesus is God?

HippieForChrist said:

and that He was sent to save us from our sins.

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Yes, by dying in our place. Do you also believe that He arose from the dead, on the third day, as written in the Scriptures?

HippieForChrist said:

I don't really believe in Hell or the Devil, since the fact that the Devil continues to exist while God could easily destroy him is hard for me to understand.

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I believe in both hell and the devil. Although, I'm not sure about the actual makeup of hell and I'm not sure how active the devil is today. One thing I have learned is just because I have difficulty understanding something, doesn't make the "something" any less true.

HippieForChrist said:

Nor do I believe that everyone on earth has to be a Christian, since the Bible cannot be proven to be more true than any other holy book without using circular reasoning.

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First, let me state that I do believe that the Bible is the word of God and that it is all true. I did not arrive at this conclusion by circular reasoning.

Secondly, let me share some proofs of the Bible with you. Circular reasoning need not be employed to prove the Bible. When all of the proofs are thouroughly examined there is more than ample evidence to validate the Bible. I hope you will explore this topic further.

The Bible is the most amazing book on the planet. The unity of it is nothing short of a miracle. Throughout all 66 books, the same thoughts, themes and story is expressed.

Consider the astounding conditions under which the Bible was written...

Forty different authors writing over a period of 1,600 years penned the 66 books of the Bible. Four hundred silent years separated the 39 books of the Old Testament from the 27 of the New Testament. Yet, from Genesis to Revelation, they tell one unfolding story.

The Old Testament starts with the beginning of the Universe, and ends in Malachi with the promise of a coming Messiah. The New Testament starts with the birth of the Messiah in Matthew, and ends in Revelation with the destruction of the Universe and the promise of heaven. Every book in the Bible connects to the other books perfectly to tell the story of man’s sin and God’s plan of salvation.

When we look at this book, it shows an amazing unity—as if a single, guiding hand was behind it.

Those forty men wrote the Bible from many different time periods, from 3 separate continents, yet they all wrote one unified message, the good news about Jesus the Christ. In that day, they had no mail delivery trucks, no drop ship planes, no Federal Express, no UPS and no e-mail. So how could it be that over such a great span of time, with the authors writing from 3 different continents that they all managed to write one coherent, unified message? Because as the men wrote, God spoke.

The unity of the Bible is an awesome piece of evidence that shows that the Bible is exactly what it says it is, the word of God, but it is only the tip of the iceberg. The Bible's blatant honesty, its historical and geographical accuracy, its prophetic accuracy, its awesome power to change lives and the amazing fact that it is still around are all further evidences that the Bible is the very words of God.


Following are some topics and links to study, concerning the validity of the Bible. If you are doubting the Bible, please lay your doubt aside and proceed with an open mind, and heart, and see what the evidence has to say.

Two excellent ebooks on the subject:
How Do You Know the Bible is From God?
In Defense of the Bible's Inspiration

Another good read:
10 Reasons to Believe in the Bible


Proof of Textual Evidence
Old Testament:
The Dead Sea Scrolls and Biblical Integrity

New Testament:
New Testament Reliability

More on the Bible:
The Bible
Questions About The Bible


Proof of People Living at the Time of Christ
Extra Biblical Accounts
Josephus
Ancient Evidence for Jesus


Proof of Archaeology
Archeology and the Bible
Associates for Biblical Research
BASE Institute
Biblical Archeology


Proof of Science
Statements Consistent With
...Paleontology
...Astronomy
...Meteorology
...Biology
...Anthropology
...Hydrology
...Geology
Science & the Bible
Scientific Accuracies of the Bible
101 Scientific Facts & Foreknowledge


Proof of Prophecy (Messanic & dealing with nations)
The Bible: Proofs of Its Supernatural Origin - Ezekiel's Prophecy of Israel's Rebirth in 1948 that is in this source really blew me away. The exact day, amazing!
Messianic Prophecies
Fulfilled Bible Prophecy Dealing With Nations
Prophecy, the Bible and Jesus
Prophecy Revealed
How Do You Know The Bible Is True?


If the Bible is true, Christianity is true. In Christianity, faith is required but it does not have to be a blind faith.

HippieForChrist said:

Basically, I just believe that Christianity and belief in God are right for me, and that Jesus loves me for who I am. Let me know if you want me to explain my beliefs further and I will.

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Let me share with you what the Bible says about salvation (saved, born again).

Jesus tells Nicodemus, in John 3:3, that "unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.

What does it mean to be born again?

When Jesus was first starting His ministry, He told us what we must do, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:15). This is what we must do to be born again; repent and believe the gospel.

What does it mean to repent?

To have a change of mind which issues in regret for past sins and in change of conduct for the better. Obviously, one would have to acknowledge that they have sinned, and are a sinner, otherwise, there would be no need to repent.

What is the gospel that must be believed?

That Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). We must have faith.

What is faith?

Faith is not merely intellectual knowledge (belief). Indeed, the words believe and faith are used to refer to the same thing. But true biblical faith is not believing in Christ as we believe in Abraham Lincoln. Both Christ and Lincoln are historical figures. But biblical faith is not knowledge about Christ.

True biblical faith is not sentiment either. Many people equate faith with feelings. Feelings are not faith. Because of our background in church, or some religious experiences which we have had, we may equate faith with the nostalgic and fond memories we attach to these things. But faith is deeper than that.

A basic element of faith is trust. Faith begins with knowledge. There is a certain understanding about Christ we must have. We must know that He died on the Cross for our sins, that He paid the penalty there to purchase our salvation. But then we must trust in Him as the only hope we have for salvation. Faith begins with knowledge but culminates in commitment. We must trust Christ with our lives.

There’s a famous story told about the nineteenth-century French daredevil who went by the name of Charles Blondin. Blondin’s most famous trick was crossing Niagara Falls on a tightrope. He did this not just once, but repeatedly, with many variations—carrying different objects, or pushing a wheelbarrow.

The story goes that one day a crowd watched Blondin cross the tightrope pushing a wheelbarrow. When they roared their applause and approval, the tightrope walker roared back at the crowd, “Do you believe I can do it again?”

“YES!” shouted the crowd.

“Do you believe I could walk this tightrope with a man sitting in the wheelbarrow?” Blondin challenged, and again the crowed roared in agreement.

“Then who will volunteer to come ride in the wheelbarrow?” Blondin shouted back.

The silence was deafening. No one wanted to step forward to be the one who sat in the wheelbarrow. They were all willing to believe he could do it, but to take belief one step farther—to trust Blondin enough to be the one to sit in the wheelbarrow, balanced on that taut rope far above all those gushing torrents of water—no, nobody in the crowd that day had that kind of trust.

True faith in Jesus means that we stake our lives on Him. We commit ourselves to Him as our only hope for salvation. We give ourselves totally to Him, and burn our bridges behind us. Without trust, there is no faith. Without faith, there is no reception of grace. Without grace, there is no salvation.

You can believe, all day long, in Jesus and that He can save you but until you climb in the wheelbarrow, placing all of your trust in Him to do exactly what He said He will do, you do not have a saving faith.




God bless!

Jesus Christ came to us because we are human beings, in the flesh, suffering, lost, and oppressed. He came to show us the way to be strong in spirit, if there is no other escape for our bodies.

He showed us how. It was the supreme act of courage, of sacrifice. The courage to LOVE the WORLD.

That's is what to remember in your faith.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hxmlUWceHg

HippieForChrist said:

Why has God not destroyed the Devil yet? Goodness knows He's had enough time and enough opportunities to do so. Yet for some reason, He lets His arch-enemy, the King of all Evil, continue to exist.

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God has already told us the fate of the devil. "And the devil was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever (Revelation 20:10).

HippieForChrist said:

As for Hell, why would a loving, caring being like God smite His children to a fiery pit just because they didn't believe in Him?

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Jesus taught about hell, constantly (Matthew 5:29-30; 8:10-12; 10:28; 13:41-42; 49:50; 18:8-9; 22:13; 23:33).

Jesus said;

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)

and,

"16) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17) For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18) He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:16-18)

I'm puzzled. You believe that Jesus is God but you do not believe what He has said.

HippieForChrist said:

People can be just as moral and good without believing in the Christian god. Just look at Gandhi and the first through thirteenth Dalai Lamas: they did so much good in the world and they weren't even Christians. There is no way that God as I know Him would send either Gandhi or any of the Dalai Lamas to Hell.

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Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. (John 3:36)

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. (1 John 5:12)

Over and over, the Bible says Jesus is the only way to eternal life.

8) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9) not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

All of our righteous deeds are like filthy rags. (Isaiah 64:6)

No one can earn their way to heaven. Jesus is the only way.

HippieForChrist said:

Many other religions' holy books are historically accurate, you know. What exactly makes them any less true than the Bible?

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That list was comprised of alot more than just historical accuracy.

HippieForChrist said:

Heck, every single thing you said can actually be applied to all of the non-Christian holy books out there. So I see no reason to proclaim them all as being "false."

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No other book has fulfilled prophecy to back it up.

Proof of Prophecy (Messanic & dealing with nations)
The Bible: Proofs of Its Supernatural Origin - Ezekiel's Prophecy of Israel's Rebirth in 1948 that is in this source really blew me away. The exact day, amazing!
Messianic Prophecies
Fulfilled Bible Prophecy Dealing With Nations
Prophecy, the Bible and Jesus
Prophecy Revealed
How Do You Know The Bible Is True?

HippieForChrist said:

So are you saying that you have to take the Bible 100% literally in order to be a Christian? If so, then I would love to see exactly where in Scriptures that is said. Because you can twist verses around night and day but that won't make Liberal Christianity any less okay in God's eyes, and in my eyes as well.

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No, I'm saying that the words that Jesus, our God & Savior, spoke, are true and to be a Christian, you have to do what God tells you to do.

You can look up all of the verses I've referenced, they are stated plainly.

HippieForChrist said:

So I just converted in February after spending my whole life as an Atheist/Agnostic. And I've had little stumbles along the way where I've doubted God, but then this morning, I woke up convinced that He doesn't exist. Is there anything I can do to stop myself from straying back to my old Atheistic mindset? I don't want to be a blasphemer, but it's hard to change my entire pattern of thinking. Thanks in advance, and God bless.

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I was just gonna drag off to bed, but your question's so big.

God's not keeping count of your lack of faith -- but He's not going to leave it alone, either. it can be damaging to you, so that's why it's gonna change. Sometimes I wonder if I'm who I am, even. It doesn't change me from being me. And it doesn't damage God. Avoiding for the moment that you don't believe in demons, wouldn't demons believe God is God way more than you do? And yet they're not saved by that knowledge alone. The "acceptance bar" isn't that you know God exists (yeah, it includes this knowledge -- but it isn't that alone).

Y'ever read "Mere Christianity"? It might be good, given that it's by a converted atheist. Having read it as a disaffected Christian in childhood, I would think the first book might be useful on that. I also like "Screwtape Letters", even when I didn't believe in demons (never did believe in red goblins & pitchforks). It was just ... interesting at the time how these things really did occur, and I couldn't explain why.

Christians don't need to require every other religion to be wrong -- in fact other religions with gods or another kind of god are much more right in the main than religions who reject gods or the uniqueness of God. So we can say with a straight face, these guys may have plenty right within their religious books. We don't have to do what atheism does -- we aren't forced to say these religious texts are wrong about the most important subject they address -- Deity.

On the other hand, we do think there's something critically important about Christianity. But even then, we would never expect other religions to be able to predict what Christ accomplished. It is not predictable. But it is powerfully significant on just that point.

Again, a child doing his math homework might make the mistake that 2+2 = 5. That may be wrong, but it's way closer than 2+2=-96. And we do think Christianity has the math right -- brilliantly right. It could just take awhile to realize what's so brilliant about it.

Keep reading what God has to say in Scripture, and take the opportunity to side with God in the argument over His existence. It's still a long walk to take, but it's not a cliffhanger climb. Paul's letter to Romans comes to mind., especially that first chapter.

Praying For You That God Will Make Himself Known To You In A Mighty Way By The Presence Of His Holy Spirit. God Bless

Have You Been Baptisted In The Holy Spirit? If Not Get Someone To Pray With You. You Need Him As A Christian

Hannah,

You never answered...do you read your bible?

I woke up convinced that He doesn't exist.

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If you were convinced, I don't think you would have posted here. Remember if we believe in good we must also believe in evil. They sometimes forget to tell you that the new convert will come under attack from the enemy. But God is not afraid. God does not fear your questions, nor is He shocked by anything you think much less do. The enemy brings doubt to your mind to weaken you as a solider for Christ. Remember the battle is not yours. Use the scriptures to reinforce what you know and do not go by what you feel. You know God is genuine now learn that He is who He says He is and He can do what He says He can do.

Meditate on it, say it aloud what ever gets you to the next step (There is always a next step).

(You are going to make it!!!)

Look at the prophecies of the Bible .
They are great to develop faith.

Secondly ,act like you believe it.say things that will show that you believe.Consciously try to stop yourself expressig doubt.
Our own words have a powereful influence even on ourselves.Read testimonies of others that are faith building.Get hold of a good biography of George Mueller.He was the man who started orphanges in Bristol England with no money.
Enrich Your Prayer Life at www.homechurchresources.com
may help too.

If Not For Grace said:

If you were convinced, I don't think you would have posted here. Remember if we believe in good we must also believe in evil. They sometimes forget to tell you that the new convert will come under attack from the enemy. But God is not afraid. God does not fear your questions, nor is He shocked by anything you think much less do. The enemy brings doubt to your mind to weaken you as a solider for Christ. Remember the battle is not yours. Use the scriptures to reinforce what you know and do not go by what you feel. You know God is genuine now learn that He is who He says He is and He can do what He says He can do.

Meditate on it, say it aloud what ever gets you to the next step (There is always a next step).

(You are going to make it!!!)

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I stand in total agreement with this one!

Once you understand the power of spiritual warfare on your being, you will be shown through people, through the bible and through prayer how to be stronger and stronger. This includes testing the spirits if they are from God. Nothing is as it seems. Only Christ is the real truth in the world!

A good thing to do is Fellowship with other Christians...
Find a Good Bible Believing Church.
Read the Bible everyday (I know this can be hard trust me but even one or 2 verses... just open up the Bile and read... let God pick the verses he wants you to read)
Pray... and when I mean pray it is about talking not so much asking for things (took me awhile to figure this one out, everyone always tells you to pray to god and ask for things, but if you just talk you will freak out... cause he will listen to your heart) Not that you can not ask for things but it alwyas seems that the only time we pray to God is when we need things.... I talk/pray to God everyday on my to work (listening to Christian Music station) and on way home and during work, etc...
AS to stumbling. We all stumble, just have to get back up, I stumbled too many times and smacked my head into numerous walls. Finally I felt God telling me what are you doing. I felt like, I am trying to get back up. To which I felt him telling me Look to me and I will lift you up. Our Focus has to be on him 24/7.. is this hard yes, especially in this world we live in. But he promises that his burden is light.
Check out the below site it has this tool
Save yourself some pain (helps in your walk)
http://www.livingwaters.com/articles_growth.shtml
[cause it is not about a religion but about a relationship]
That website also has some really good free audio downloads, etc.... The guy is very good.

Will be praying for you.

Latreia said:

Jesus Christ came to us because we are human beings, in the flesh, suffering, lost, and oppressed. He came to show us the way to be strong in spirit, if there is no other escape for our bodies.

He showed us how. It was the supreme act of courage, of sacrifice. The courage to LOVE the WORLD.

That's is what to remember in your faith.

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kinda off-topic but
what movie(s) is in that video?

HippieForChrist said:

So I just converted in February after spending my whole life as an Atheist/Agnostic. And I've had little stumbles along the way where I've doubted God, but then this morning, I woke up convinced that He doesn't exist. Is there anything I can do to stop myself from straying back to my old Atheistic mindset? I don't want to be a blasphemer, but it's hard to change my entire pattern of thinking. Thanks in advance, and God bless.

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Hi Hannah,

Thank you so much for your question.

How to stay in the mind set of believing?

You need to stay focused on God. And each of us who have truly received Jesus as our Lord and Saviour do this by immersing ourselve's in Good things, such as Christian music, God's Holy Word, Congregating with other's of the Christian Faith and praying to God. The main one here is conversing with God himself on a daily basis and the rest will follow.

God told us in His word that the Pharisees read His word but they did not truly love and obey it. The reason they did not truly love and obey it, is because they did not truthfully love Him as GOD.

God is love and only by love can each of us truly remain united to Him/through His son Jesus Christ the gate that leads to Heaven.

Truth listens to Truth.

I will be keeping you in all my prayers Hannah.

Keep holding on to Jesus, because Jesus is holding on to you.

God bless you and i love you in Christ our Lord

jesus saves

Are you familiar with C.S. Lewis' books at all? In addition to reading Scripture, I think some of these would strengthen your faith. He was once an atheist, but converted to Christianity. "Mere Christianity" is a good one, he explains basic Christian beliefs and refutes some of the misconceptions he had about the faith in his years as an atheist.

HippieForChrist said:

So I just converted in February after spending my whole life as an Atheist/Agnostic. And I've had little stumbles along the way where I've doubted God, but then this morning, I woke up convinced that He doesn't exist. Is there anything I can do to stop myself from straying back to my old Atheistic mindset? I don't want to be a blasphemer, but it's hard to change my entire pattern of thinking. Thanks in advance, and God bless.

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What is your biggest doubt?

Listen to His Words, he is talking to you:
"I will never fail you or forsake you." - Hebrews 13:5