How can I be sure of my faith?

[DJG]

Hi All,

This is my first post on this Forum, I had tried to do it via the introductions forum, but for some reason, cannot find it now?? Doh!

I am a 30 year old male living in London. I am a confirmed Catholic and had a moderately religious upbringing. i.e. I went to a Catholic School, done religious studies etc. But once I left school I stopped attending church altogether, I also lost my faith and began to see religion as something that was created to keep an ancient lawless society in order, however, I have recently been attending a Baptist church. Not because I felt that I needed to re-kindle my faith, but because I had fallen for a girl who attended the same church and she was keen to share her experiences with me.

Since attending the aforementioned church I am totally convinced that i have been missing something in my life, something far greater than that which can be found in normal day to day life. I am attending an Alpha Course at the same church and am really interested and keen to understand the relevence of Christianity in my life...something that I find the Catholic Church had failed to show me through my younger days.

Since attending the Church and Alpha course I have had an overwhelming urge to read about Jesus. To read the bible and to basically get as much information on God and christianity as possible...the same reason that I am tyoing this I suppose.

I am constantly told of this "Relationship" with God that true Christians experience and I crave that same feeling. I often feel that, because I have been brought up a Catholic and lost my way, that I will never experience this feeling. I worry that, because I am not looking at things with a totally clean sheet i.e. as someone would who had never been involved in any form of Christianity, that I am never going to get the feelings that I probably once felt, back again! Am I making sense?

I have read numerous books by Nicky Gumble, Steven Graukher (apologies if the spelling is wrong) and they totally convince me that the Christain way is the right way and I am desperatly trying to live by the rules that God has given us.

I am a sinner, of that there can be no doubt, I have numerous sexual relationships, I have been bad. But I have asked god for forgivness and I have asked him to come into my life and do with it what he will...I pray all the time and try to do the right thing with th help of the Holy Spirit...but I still don't feel that I am in a relationship with God.

Will it come with time, or am I never to experience these feelings? Has my Catholic upbringing and subsequent loss of faith caused ireprable damage?

Apologies if this is in the wrong forum, I am struggling with some of the terminology used in the forum headers.

Thanks

Darren

 

[Karl - Liberal Backslider]

Baptists and charismatics in general are very keen on talking about this "relationship with God" thing, aren't they?

The problem is one of interpretation.

At base level, a relationship with someone involves contact. But God doesn't sit at the desk next to me, He doesn't come down the pub for a couple of pints, He doesn't ring and chat on the phone. He doesn't Email either. So the "contact" we have is of a different kind, clearly.

For a long period, I spent my time trying to "feel" like I had this relationship. Goodness only knows what I was expecting. But I concluded that, in the end, it's a case of horses for courses. The concept of a "relationship with God" works for some people - but not for others. For me, resolving this meant turning to liturgical and ritual worship, where I feel that everything depends upon how God feels about me, and not how I feel about God. But for you, from an unfulfilling Catholic background, that may not be helpful.

There is no magic word to creating this "relationship with God". Know that if you desire to align yourself with God, you are already in relationship with Him. Only time will tell in what manner that "relationship" will develop, and whether it works for you to describe it in those terms.

 

[Blessed-one]

DJG, you remind me of a friend of mine. She's a very enthusiastic christian, she wants to do things for God so badly. She hears people talk about their unique experience with God and she yearns for it, wondering why she does not have a relationship so glorious as they describe.

i believe that everyone has a relationship with God once we let Him enter our hearts, but every relationship is different, and we cannnot compare and judge each of them. It's a time of waiting for some (cooling period, learn patience, learn to rely on God?), a time of action for some (put off the sinful self, and start acting what Jesus teaches), a time of wondering for some (feeling their ways around, doubting, pulling this way and that in their faith), a time of trial (all time is trial i reckon).

the thing is, God works differently on every one of His children, what he has in mind for person A, may not be suitable for person B. Is your life changing? do you hesitate when things that you normally do so easily all of a sudden don't seem to be right?

you're seeking Him. You admit you're a sinner, you believe in Jesus and that you need God's forgivenness? that is what matters. Faith is believing in the unseen, otherwise, why is that an essential element in Christianity? but one thing comes out of it that signifies our God is a true one, that we do indeed have a relationship with Him, because our lives are changed. Being a christian brings about a change, it's a change that not only you, but people around you can see. A change that pleases God and have Him smile for you.

don't ever give up even though you waver, for He's just round the corner, even behind you, waiting.

 

[DJG]

Thank you so much for your replies.


It feels very strange for me to be talking (typing?...never sure how to put it!!) on a forum, about something that I once thought was a very private subject that couldn't be discussed openly.

In answer to your question "Is my life changing?"...very much so!!

I will give you a couple of examples if I may?

Firstly, I find myself talking to people about the good news, I want to share the feelings I have and want my friends and others to experience them to.

The other day, I done something that I would never have done in the past..before I started reading about Jesus.

Before I left for work the other day, I picked up a £10 note, I left for work and got on the tube. When I reached my destination I went into a sandwich shop to buy some breakfast. I gave the girl behind the counter what I thought to be the £10 that I had in my pocket. The food I had bought was £3 and she gave me £2 change! I was positive that I had given her £10, so I told her that she had short changed me... We argued for 5 minutes or so..and she finally gave in and gave me another £5. i left the shop and began my 20 minute walk to work.... 5 mins from reaching my work place I realised that I had spent £5 in the tube station and that the girl was right!!
I had an overwhelming urge to do the right thing! I walked back to the shop, making myself late for work, so that I could give the girl her £5 back!

It may sound totally irrelevant, but it gave me hope that the Holy Spirit is working inside me and urging me towards God!


;-)



Thanks again.

 

[wonder111]

wow! good story. You can tell as your relationship changes, but as Karl mentioned, it's a different relationship for everyone. I'm actually an internal person and I like to feel God's presence in my life in quiet, whereas, my friend is very outward about it.

Remember, Jesus said those who know Love know God, and also his followers will be recognized by their love for eachother. Sometimes the simplest answers are the best, trying to rationalize your relationship all of the time won't work because God is spirit and our minds can not comprehend that. That is why as Christians we should pray in the spirit, because our mind does not know what to ask, therefore the spirit intervenes for us. (in our own unique way of course!)

take care!
Michelle

 

[SAVEVERYONE]

Hi DJG , heres some advice that works, Jesus said to pick up your cross and follow him, He didnt say follow your emotions , or feelings there never true, he also didnt say follow your own reasoning, he said to follow him he will lead you into truth, your to daily crucify your flesh , right when you wake up when your flesh wants to take over you say no to flesh and follow Jesus instead of flesh amen.. then and only then are you in true relationship with God, because your crucifying the flesh, now you can walk in the spirit and let Gods power strenghten you to overcome whatever your going through.. since your walking in the spirit now you can discern the Holy Spirits voice better, his voice always has peace behind it...

 

[cyberwing]

Dear Darren,
You are on the right course. The only thing that matters IS the PERSONAL relationship with Jesus. It is an intimate relationship one that cannot be gained by saying a certain phrase or litany. Most do not gain it immediately, just like most people do not fall in love at first sight. A covenant relationship is built through time spent in prayer (talking to AND with God, and don't forget to LISTEN!!!), through learning to TRUST Him, through learning His Word, studying it and prayerfully seeking how to apply it to your life. The Bible speaks a great deal about covenant relationship.
Would you walk up to a complete stranger and ask them to marry you? Only if you were nuts! You don't KNOW that person. This intimate relationship with Jesus is one that you must build. It takes time but believe me it is worth it!!! Jesus truly sticks closer than a brother and HE never leaves or forsakes you! I can guarantee it. I've seen it in my own life. I had to spend time studying, learning more about my Beloved before our relationship became deeper. Now the more I find out about him, the deeper the relationship grows. Just as it does with my earthly husband. I truly love him more now than ever before, it's a deeper more mature love than when we first 'fell head over heels in love'. It's a love that will stand by him through sickness, loss, etc. This is a type of our relationship with Jesus. So be patient with yourself and learn of Him for His burden is light.
If you can ever make it try to get to Church of Christ the King, (Brighton, England) they have some very anointed folks there!
~Cyberwing

 

[DJG]

Thank you all for your responses, you are all very kind.
Cyberwing, I am going to Brighton next weekend, and I will definitley make the effort to visit the Church you talk of.

Thanks for your advise folks.

 

[Blessed-one]

It may sound totally irrelevant, but it gave me hope that the Holy Spirit is working inside me and urging me towards God!

not irrelevant at all! thanks for the sharing, that is very encouraging.

at Cyberwing. There you go DJG, a recommanded church to visit! God sure answers fast.. i'll pray that you have a good experience there.

 

[donnajoshua1:9]

I wanted to share you something that keeps me going all the time it is in Hebrews 11:1 I love this verse, it brings me to a comfort of my relationship with God. " Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" I believe that having a relationship with God is a big issue of faith, and believing the unseen. I hope you will be bless. Donna

 

[endure]

Darren,
you can know God face to face, if you desire.

i promise you, you will cry tears of Joy, you will laugh, and you will dance, you will shout, and you will sing, becuase he is very VERY real.

many people debate theology over this, but beleive me Moses knew God face to face, and you can too.

their is an old hymn, it goes
"he walks with me...and he talks with me...and he tells me i am his own..."
and he really does, for the people who know him.

i want you to read this passage of scripture
daniel 11.32
...but the people THAT DO KNOW their God shall be strong, and do exploits.
yes you can have a relationship with Christ, and it starts with you going into a secret prayer place and consistently seeking his face, asking him to unveil himself before you, and he will speak to you and little by little, hell show himself to you.

God understands your emotions and desires to have a real relationship with him that is real and powerful, and he desires nothing less for you.

people say that your emotions can deceive you, and God isnt all about emotion.
and i agree that God isnt JUST emotion, but anyone who says that God doesnt desire to dwell with you in a very emotional way is VERY VERY DEAD WRONG!
dont settle for less.

isaiah 44.3 for i will pour water out upon him that is thirsty...

he sees your thirst and hunger for him and his presence, and he will give you much water to fullfill your desires in that area. he will fullfill that desire of your heart.

that thing you desire, YOU CAN HAVE IT!
nothing the devil can do or has done means anything, God is greater.

i refuse to know dry traditions or rituals, i will settle for nothing less, than hearing the real voice of God, feeling the real hands of God, and knowing my beautiful savoir face to face.

i heard his voice one night... i promise you i did, when i had ventured deep in worship, and ive never been the same, i know God like i know my mom and dad, i talk to him like i talk to my mom and dad.

but i promise you Darren, you can know him! and you will do great exploits!

i know what its like to desire to go to that beautiful utopian place where you meet with God face to face and know him and listen to his voice and feel him touch you.
i promise you its real.

if you tear down traditions, lies, or the fact that youve never done it before, and begin to cry out passionatly to the father in the name of Jesus to fill you with the Holyghost.
He will come to you, and he will meet with you.

though it may not happen overnight, but overtime, as you press and press and press, and the burdern and desire in side of you gets greater and greater and greater, and out of that burden and pressure comes a crying ou to God like you have never cried out before, GOD WILL COME, and pour water out upon your thirst.
just hang in there man. Gods love for his children cannot resist running to them when they call

Darren, my name is Lee Myers, and commit to you, to pray for you consistently untill you receive what you desire from the Lord.
i am a living testimony that it can happen, and it can.

Jill anthony
"it is impossible to spend quality time with God, without hearing his voice"

like a father and daughter playing a playful game of tag, the daughter chases the father though she can never really catch him, and then she gives up and says "ohh daddy...." with that beautiful smile....and the father being so caught up in the beauty and joy and love for his daughter cant resist turning and chasing her and catching her and picking his laughing happy little girl up in his arms.

its simple darren, hes just waiting you to chase after him, hes a God of the chase, and when you chase him, after a short time if your commited, hell turn and begin to chase you, and when God is chasing you, he will certainly catch you.

he wants you to know him, much more than you do really.

 

[DJG]

Thank you so much Lee.

I will follow your advice.

 

[saint]

One of the meanings in 2. Cor 5.7

"For we walk by faith, not by sight."​

is illustration: christian should not be moved by senses. Feelings are quite unpredictable.

They should act by faith; meaning faith in God.

Secure ground for that faith are His words. And if we take bible as His words, what christians usually do, then we believe in facts like:

He will "never leave us or forsake us,"

"we are loved, blessed, free;"

we "are in His hand,"

"His Spirit is in us,"...

That knowledge awareness replaces feelings and helps a lot. I will not promise you other benefits included in the word "saved," because for them to be seen by others and felt by you, firstly you have to believe it enough while they are yet promises. (Faith comes by continual hearing, and most of chrisitan people are not even informed about all of God's promises.).



Some people feel urge to find out about miracles today, like I felt, and it took me years but I have find answers. And practice! I am sure it is not for everyone, so I encourage you to let your faith mature a bit before you open yourself to storms of opposing views and inter-christian accusations. Hold on to what you are sure of, and winds of doubts will calm. Patience is nice.

.​

To summarize my point: there are better experiences than feelings, go for it. One can experience security, peace, guiding and much more. Those are promises of God, feelings are not.

Will you hear about God only during sermons twice a week, or will you become God's son, warrior and servant, depends only of the amount of desire within you. (God's child you surely are for sure.)



sorry for long complicated post,

I'm new in posting.

 

[Karl - Liberal Backslider]

Endure -

For years I wanted the sort of relationship you describe. It never happened, despite my desires and my desperate seeking after it.

But I realised the people who had it had a particular personality type. Mine was different.

What to you are "dry rituals" are my relationship with God. God is real because the Bread and Wine which are His body and blood are real. My relationship with Him does not depend on how I feel about Him, but how He feels about me, which is encouraging.

Horses for courses. You have your way; I have mine. Please don't pooh-pooh it.

 

[saint]

I disconnected, been writing, posted, and then I see this:

Thank you so much Lee.

I will follow your advice.

my post was based on this:
"How can i be sure of my faith?"

Do follow example of Lee, now I see you have the desire needed.

.​

Brother Lee, do you know about next part of book "The Godchasers?"
"Godcatchers." Tommy Tenney, of course.
Should I remove my post, or it can be usefull for those with less passion?

 

[endure]

DJB
i am so glad i was some help to you, praise God.
just believe, no matter what, believe for great things, God made you and your desires, and he will not neglect any of them.
it wont all happen tommorow or the next day, but if you keep believing and seeking it by faith even when you dont see it coming, it will come. and before you know it youll have it and then youll look back and say "whao....look how far ive come".
just believe... this sort of thing is not very common in some places... most dont believe its possible.
i hope you saw past my typing error in my first post, i am going to pray for you daily that you would receive, and i believe you will in the name of Jesus, i prayed for you today and i will continue to pray for you that your faith would not fail. the greatest men of God, are the ones that know their God.

Karl
if you are content to live the way you do, ok.
but i do not believe i or any person ever was or will be dictated to that way of life, i beleive you could have had what you sought for if you believed AND KEPT ON BELEIVEING and were commited to seeking in line with the scripture, but the biggest thing is believing.
you say "it didnt happen"
im sorry, thats not possible, God promised i could know him, it isnt possible for it not to happen, so i keep pressing because i know i can have it if i believe and seek it long enough. its not possible for it not happen. if it isnt happening, the problem is with me, and i must change, not the way i view God.

im sorry if i criticised you or your ways, i really wasnt meaning too.
but to me, they are very dry and i dont know a diffrent way to say it, it would hurt me so much to try and live that way.
i wont look down on you but i dont believe you are in the truth, nor do i believe you really know or understand what God has for you.
what do you mean personality type, you wanted it right? what changed?
God cared for that desire, and he wanted to fullfill it.
it doesnt matter whether or not you received it, the problem wasnt that God didnt have it to give.

saint
can it be useful to show someone who doesnt have the passion needed to know God, how to continue in christ in a diffrent way?
well i would try my best to help them get to that place of passion if i could.
i think that if you know that is the place that God wants us all to be, then help him get there, i dont think its good to teach people how to cope or survive off of less than what God promises even if they dont dont seem ready at the time.
bring a person as high as you can, not neccesarily as high as he wants to go, becuase he may not know he can actually go much higher than he ever wanted.

if you dont mind id like to teach something here, (if you dont already know this)
in john ch 3.1-5
nicodemus came to Jesus by night and confessed that they knew he was from God, he came to give Jesus his approval, he felt he should.
but if you notice, Jesus doesnt even follow his conversation, seems to totally ignore this and just says "you have be born again to be saved" totally diffrent direction that nicodemus had went with the conversation.
BUT THIS IS THE THING,
Jesus saw the big picture and was taking nicodemus where he needed to go, not neccesarilly where he wanted or had planned to go. Nicodemus wanted to talk about how Jesus must be from God and was show his approval, but Jesus saw that as pointless and knew the man really needed to be saved and stepped right by nicodemus's ignorance and mistake, and spoke to his REAL NEED.

which wasnt what Nicodemus had came to talk about. do you see what im saying? Nicodemus came to Jesus for one thing, but Jesus knew what Nicodemus really needed and by passed by Nicodemus' mislead desires and spoke to the real root of the problem. people dont always know what they need.

you need to help people to where they need to be, not neccesarily where they want to go or where they are.

yes i know both of those books, i have them both.
(i see that you knew i had read the first one) haha.
thankyou, i am honored that you would ask me a question.
i hope i answered it well, and i hope you understood what i was saying.

 

[Karl - Liberal Backslider]

Karl
if you are content to live the way you do, ok.
but i do not believe i or any person ever was or will be dictated to that way of life, i beleive you could have had what you sought for if you believed AND KEPT ON BELEIVEING and were commited to seeking in line with the scripture, but the biggest thing is believing.
you say "it didnt happen"
im sorry, thats not possible, God promised i could know him, it isnt possible for it not to happen, so i keep pressing because i know i can have it if i believe and seek it long enough. its not possible for it not happen. if it isnt happening, the problem is with me, and i must change, not the way i view God.

Oh I see. I'm a liar. Right. Alternative explanation - you need to be open to how God works with others.

It is my belief that God did, and has, answered my desire to "know" Him, but not how you describe. The only thing that kept me from seeing it for so long was wrong expectations, such as those you are currently promoting. That's why I'm concerned - you are generalising the way your relationship with God works as if it was normative. It is not - there is no normative, because God's relationships with people are as variable as the people themselves.

When those wrong expectations are not met, and I know plenty of people for whom they are not, there is a real danger of abandoning the faith as false.

 

[endure]

ok, like i said "ok" you think what you like and live how you want.

but the bible means what it says, and its promises and testimonies can be trusted and received, period.

i need to be open about how God works with others...
sure im up for that.
am i willing to say that everything everyone says is God working with them in there own way, is really God. no.

goodday.

 

[JeffreyLloyd]

I'm sorry you were not happy with the Catholic faith

Glad your here at Christian Forums, God Bless you!

 

[ben hur]

DJG, I have been a Christian since August and my background is the same as yours. I see and acknowlge God working in my life. Its like your eyes have been uncovered and you see the whole world in a different light! Very joyful!
Please look at Luke 15:7 to see just how important your convertion and your repentance truly is. Amazing and humbling!