I need some help (questions)

[crimson_clown]

I don't know where to post this.. This seemed like a good place.

I just have a lot of questions and I am confused about some things.

I first wanted to ask about being saved.. When I was really young I said the prayer thing. don't remember what it was. Just basically asking God into my heart and all of that. I really didn't understand what was going on at the time. When I was a little older I did it by myself and understood what it meant..after I said it I felt very full of joy and I was in tears. I just wanted to know if I did something wrong.. I have heard that if you do it once you are never to do it again.


I don't think I have ever been baptized.. What is the difference between the two?


A little more background about me.. I believe in God and Jesus and I have been praying every night for a long time, but I don't go to church, because I have never felt comfortable there and I don't trust many people. I don't really read the bible much (have a hard time understanding it)


My other questions are about some things I have read in the bible. I was reading the new testament when Jesus was preaching. He said you should not serve two masters.. God and money, but my question is.. If you go to college or whatever you do, if you try and work hard to have a good job and make good money, does that mean you are serving money? I was just confused by that.. I understand about greed and doing bad things to get money, but what if you just simply try to make a better life for yourself and try to make more money? Is that bad? Also in the old testament with Job.. He had so much sheep and money and all that, but in the bible it also says that you should not save for this life and God will provide. Wouldn't having such luxuries be considered saving? Also, if you put money into the back and try to set up a good retirement, wouldn't this be considered saving and wouldn't that be bad?


I try to live a decent life and I would say I am a good person and of course as I said I believe in God and that Jesus died for our sins and I pray to God.. but is that enough? It sounds like..when reading the bible that it isn't even close to enough, so I am just confused by that.



Also, is it bad to be really unconfident and shy and have no friends? I remember Jesus speaking about not worrying about tomorrow and being more courageous. I tend to always be down on myself and I am never really that happy of a person and I am always afraid of how things will turn out. I always worry about the future and keep thinking about the past. I moved with my family to Florida about 2 1/2 years ago and I don't have any friends here so I am alone most of the time.. I was just wondering if that is bad?


Thank you for any help or guidance you can give me.

 

[Riddick]

You need to get a contemporary Bible, I'd say the NIV Version.

Make all the money you want, there is no sin in it. Only when your money gets between you and God do you run into a problem with it. Let nothing come between you and God.

If you're happy without friends, then that's fine. But they can be nice to have around sometimes.

Yesterday is gone. Live for today and tomorrow! Enjoy!

There's nothing wrong with providing for your retirement. That is not a sin.

 

[crimson_clown]

Thanks for the response.

Yeah, the bible I have is the New International Version. Parts of the New Testament have been fine to read but the old seems to be overwhelming to read. I don't know.. maybe I am missing something with it all. When I read certain things I take them to be literal and it doesn't make sense to me.


As far as being happy without friends.. I'm not, lol. It has been a very depressing and lonely 2 years for me.

 

[KennySe]

Hello, crimson clown, welcome to ChristianForums.

I don't think I have ever been baptized.. What is the difference between the two?

My advice is that you go to a Christian church and speak with the minister there.

You most definitely should be baptized, as that is what jesus directed the Apostles do throughout the world, "Preach the good news and baptize."

A little more background about me.. I believe in God and Jesus and I have been praying every night for a long time, but I don't go to church, because I have never felt comfortable there and I don't trust many people. I don't really read the bible much (have a hard time understanding it)

I think you should go into your USER CP (upper left corner of your monitor screen) in blue shading, and take the basic Christian cross icon.
You should post in Christian Areas, where Christians can help you with your questons.

You really should go to church, as we believers in Jesus aree to assemble together and worship Jesus together.

I try to live a decent life and I would say I am a good person and of course as I said I believe in God and that Jesus died for our sins and I pray to God.. but is that enough? It sounds like..when reading the bible that it isn't even close to enough, so I am just confused by that.

Christians of carying faiths: Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Fundamentalists, Lutheran, Methodist, orthodox... will answer that differently.

The Bible is clear, and jesus us clear when He says we are to love God with our whole heart, body mind and spirit, and we are to love one another as we love ourselves.

And in so loving one another, we are to help one another.

Also, is it bad to be really unconfident and shy and have no friends?

You'l make a good number of Christian friends here online at ChristianForums. Just post in the Christian-only areas, as the atheists, pagans, etc, are in the "Open to all areas".

You need to be supported in your Christian Faith by Christians.

You do not need to have your faith questioned, and possibly destroyed by non-Christians.

May the peace of our Lord jesus Christ be with you. May the Holy Spirit protect you and guide you in your faith and love of the Lord God.

 

[Mavrick]

I don't know where to post this.. This seemed like a good place.

Hey Crimson_clown!!!
Yep, this is the perfect place for this post and these questions!! Good choice!!!

I just have a lot of questions and I am confused about some things.

Let me see if I can help you then. I’m also sending a copy of this to your Private Messages box. Just click the “Private Messages” link on the home page by your name, and you’ll find it. I’m doing that so you can print it off and read it when you get time.

I first wanted to ask about being saved.. When I was really young I said the prayer thing. don't remember what it was. Just basically asking God into my heart and all of that. I really didn't understand what was going on at the time. When I was a little older I did it by myself and understood what it meant..after I said it I felt very full of joy and I was in tears. I just wanted to know if I did something wrong.. I have heard that if you do it once you are never to do it again.

That’s right, once you ask for Salvation, you don’t need to ask again. Although in your case, the first time you were too young to understand, but when you were older, you did know what you were doing.

However, there is the need to ask for forgiveness when we sin. All of us, even the most dedicated to God, sin sometimes. I can be a simple thing such as breaking the speed limit when we’re driving down the road…. Not that I would ever do that… yeah, and the moon is made of cheese!!!

Ok, so I have a lead foot…. I try not to speed, but sometimes when I’m in a hurry…. Well, anyhow, we do need to ask for forgiveness. I say it like this…. We need to ask for forgiveness for sins KNOWN and UNKNOWN… in other words, sometimes we sin, but we don’t realize it. Those are the unknown sins, and we need forgiveness for them, too.

I don't think I have ever been baptized.. What is the difference between the two?

Baptism is a public display of your accepting Christ as your Savior from sin. It’s saying to the world, “I’ve been Saved, and washed clean!!” The submersion into water is a symbol of your dying to your sins, and being raised again a new creation in Christ!!!

A little more background about me.. I believe in God and Jesus and I have been praying every night for a long time, but I don't go to church, because I have never felt comfortable there and I don't trust many people. I don't really read the bible much (have a hard time understanding it)

Ok, this is a little more along the lines of what I was going to ask you, so you answered it before I asked.

Crimson, believing in the Salvation of Christ is a major step, and you’ve done that. Thank God for that!!! BUT…. Yeah, there’s always a but….. We are told that we should not forsake the assembling of ourselves together… in other words, my young brother, we need to be around other Christians.

Now, if you go to a church, and you are not comfortable there, then try another one. At my church, we’re not foolish enough to think that everyone who walks through the door will like our services. And that’s fine!!! There are several different tastes out there, and just as many churches to match them. But you should look for something you like.

Also, going to a church, preferably one that teaches the Word of God correctly, you will be able to learn and understand what you now find confusing.

I see that you're using the NIV. Good! But it could be that simply changing to another version will help you a great deal in understanding what you read. Go to a Christian book store, if you have one in your area, and look at the different versions. Compare how they read, and see which one you understand best.

And, if you ever have any questions, there are several people here that can help you with solving the questions. Quaffer…. WOFYouthpastor….. Big Toe….. Mr. Cheese….. myself, and others will be more than happy to help you. Just send us private messages, and we’ll do what we can to help.

My other questions are about some things I have read in the bible. I was reading the new testament when Jesus was preaching. He said you should not serve two masters.. God and money, but my question is.. If you go to college or whatever you do, if you try and work hard to have a good job and make good money, does that mean you are serving money? I was just confused by that.. I understand about greed and doing bad things to get money, but what if you just simply try to make a better life for yourself and try to make more money? Is that bad? Also in the old testament with Job.. He had so much sheep and money and all that, but in the bible it also says that you should not save for this life and God will provide. Wouldn't having such luxuries be considered saving? Also, if you put money into the back and try to set up a good retirement, wouldn't this be considered saving and wouldn't that be bad?

A very, very good question…. And a simple answer… Working for a living is not a bad thing. Having money is not a sin, or a bad thing. Where is becomes a problem is when we want to have money more than we want to have God.

The bible tells us that the root of all evil is not money, but rather the LOVE of money. If you place money in a higher standing than you do God, then you are worshiping, in a way, money. It has become your god, and that is a sin. Having money to retire with, to be able to live on is not wrong… take a look at say… Job in the Old Testament. He had great wealth, but was blameless in God’s sight.Or Solomon… he also was wealthy, but he served God.

Serve God, not money. Give a portion of what you make each week to His service (some call it tithing) and don’t long for bigger and better things. Live comfortably, and serve God with all your heart, all your soul, all you mind, and you will be fine.

I try to live a decent life and I would say I am a good person and of course as I said I believe in God and that Jesus died for our sins and I pray to God.. but is that enough? It sounds like..when reading the bible that it isn't even close to enough, so I am just confused by that.

Ok, this is an interesting question, and a good one. You’re giving a lot of good solid questions!! You’re thinking about the things you’re asking, not just asking. That’s GREAT!!!

One thing I wonder… do you share Christ with others? Do you tell people you know and meet about His Salvation? Just think about that, ok?

And, again, I think your going to a bible teaching church will help with this too. Get involved with it. Do something to help around the church, like ushering, or helping with the youth group in some way. Getting involved will also help you build good relationships with other Christians. But, one word of warning… don’t expect them to be perfect. They may try, but will fail. Just remember, they, like you, are human.

Also, is it bad to be really unconfident and shy and have no friends? I remember Jesus speaking about not worrying about tomorrow and being more courageous. I tend to always be down on myself and I am never really that happy of a person and I am always afraid of how things will turn out. I always worry about the future and keep thinking about the past. I moved with my family to Florida about 2 1/2 years ago and I don't have any friends here so I am alone most of the time.. I was just wondering if that is bad?

Ok, this is something I deal with a lot. I see by your profile that you’re only 21…. And moving must have been hard for you.

I wonder a lot of things about you, and to answer this correctly, I’d need to have a tad more information. But, right now, one thing I can tell you is this….
You ARE a CHILD of GOD!!! You are special!! Unique!! Precious in HIS Sight!!! The world and those around you will always try to make you feel small so that they can feel better about themselves. But you, you ARE better!!! (I’m going to wait for someone to give me a lecture about humility!! )

The past… it’s just that, done over with… we can’t change it, but we CAN learn from it. Don’t dwell on the mistakes of the past, but rather, learn from them. Let them help you with the decisions you make in the future. Give the worries of the past to God, and leave them there.

The present… you’re alone most of the time… well, here’s my thought on that…. Somewhere out there in your neighbor hood is someone that is also alone and looking for a friend. And that friend could be you.

Ok, shy… yeah, I was too… then I realized that through God, I can do anything He wants me to. But also, keep in mind that you don’t need to be in the spotlight to serve God. There are hundreds of people that work in the background.. people that most of the visitors or congregation don’t see. The people that take the time to set up for the services, the sound and lights people, or even the people that stuff the bulletins for the services… these people are very valuable and important. Think about doing something like that to meet people too.

Sometimes just saying the right thing at the right time can change a person’s outlook on life. Prayer warriors!! Man, if ever there was a time we need prayer warriors, it’s NOW!!!!

So many things you can do, so many ways you can help, so many ways to meet people…

I’d really like to chat with you online. I’m going to send you a separate Private Message with my info. If you want to talk, great!!

Thank you for any help or guidance you can give me.

I honestly hope this DID help in some way.

May God Bless you, always.
Mav.

 

[Strife]

crimson_clown, just to let you know, I was going threw the samething, after I ended my freshmen year. I'm in high school now, junior soon going on to seniour, but just to share, my sophmore year was the worst year for me. Why? My whole perspective of life, the way I saw everyone, dark, it was bad. I felt 'shy' and felt untrustworthy of people thinking they are the same, expecting something better out of me than what I truley am. I thought, if everyone were the same, might aswell be a loner and not get too attached to anyone. But when you talk to no one, that's really a bad sign. When that happened to me, I felt whoever stared at me must of thought something bad about me with all the thoughts running through my mind.That was my whole year, what a waste of precious life I tell you. I never had a true friend, just 'friends', those who you can talk to an extent, but not those who you can truely share feelings with, not even with my family, just my grandmother. I realised this year that I needed courage, but courage not for just my social life, but in life it self. Once I became more interested in Christianity, slowly life began to change, I began to see things much differently. Sooner or later, as I began to read much more, I felt nothing can put me down, and socializing became much easier. When I began talking more often, I then truely realised how much people were different, and the unique qualities everyone differently held, I felt happy to see this.

So in other word's, I guess, crimson, try to find anything in the bible that would motivate you with love, or anything that'll lift up your spirits, and make a trip to one of your local churches sometime. Socialize a bit with people, try to find some comfirt there, if you truely believe you can't find any there, try somewhere else, trust me, there's good people to find at many places.

I'm thinking once people don't notice the little cross icon near my user religous profile, my words might not get taken too seriously, just advice, take it if you want, I dont mind. Well, it was very recent that this happened to me, I hope this helped a bit it, coming from a person with a deep heart aswell saying finally,

Peace!

 

[Blessed-one]

moving to the christian struggle forum.

 

[crimson_clown]

Thanks

 

[doulos]

Hi, Crimson,

You were asking about salvation, and how to get the certainty of it. A very good paper, in the form of a dialog, setting the Gospel of the Grace of God, and how you can obtain this peace by a simple faith in Him, and get rid of these perplexities, is one that helped me a lot in the past. It made things very clear for me. You can find it at:

http://www.sedin.org/propeng/get_peace.htm

Hope it is as helpful for you as it was for me and for many. Wishing you the joy that comes from knowing how God has been pleased and satisfied in Christ Jesus who offered Himself for us, in our behalf ...

doulos

 

[EllaM]

I first wanted to ask about being saved.. When I was a little older I did it by myself and understood what it meant..after I said it I felt very full of joy and I was in tears. I just wanted to know if I did something wrong.. I have heard that if you do it once you are never to do it again.


I don't think I have ever been baptized.. What is the difference between the two?


A little more background about me.. I believe in God and Jesus and I have been praying every night for a long time, but I don't go to church, because I have never felt comfortable there and I don't trust many people. I don't really read the bible much (have a hard time understanding it)


My other questions are about some things I have read in the bible. I was reading the new testament when Jesus was preaching. He said you should not serve two masters.. God and money, but my question is.. If you go to college or whatever you do, if you try and work hard to have a good job and make good money, does that mean you are serving money? I was just confused by that.. I understand about greed and doing bad things to get money, but what if you just simply try to make a better life for yourself and try to make more money?







.

You said so many things and Crimsion, I have to say I was touched. Im not much older, 36 and can remember being in the place your at. Your starting your Christian walk, is what your doing. I would suggest a couple things if I may... Read about getting babtized and go do it. You will feel lead once you learn about it, look in the back of your bible for different passages on it.
You'll find that all churches are different and there is usually something about each one that you wont like. This is from experience actually. Going to church doesnt make you a christian, but it will open doors to other believers that can help you on your walk.
Also about the money, you have to have money to get by, and God gives in many ways. Your not serving two masters unless you have such a drive for money that you become greedy and are so drove by the need to have it. God will provide you will blessings and sometimes this will be in money and in material stuff that you hold close to your heart. Just remember where it comes from and give Him thanks cause thats what he likes. He likes it when we realize its from Him.

Also when you pray ask God for wisdom, so when your reading you will have an understanding of what your reading. He will make this easier with time, a good place for the Bible so you get to reading it, is in the bathroom. FYI

Well hope this helps a bit, your doing fine and just go get babtized and understand why first and you'll be there girlfriend.

Your sister in Christ,
Ella

 

[EllaM]

I always worry about the future and keep thinking about the past.


One last thing.
God tells us not to worry. Worry sometimes is us not really believing the Lord can fix it for us. He says not to worry because it wont help anything basicly. Worry leads to stress and doubt, so do some research on that also when your reading the Bible.
When thinking of your past, just remember to ask God for forgiveness and thats that. He already forgives you and will always love you no matter what you do. Hes a forgiving God and thank goodness for that, cause each one of us makes mistakes and even after we become believers we still make them. So dont worry try and stay happy, read that Bible and enjoy yourself. God taking you on a great adventure. Life!
Your on the right track..

 

[humblegyrl]

Baptism is an outward confession of an inward change. In other words, it's showing the rest of the world that you are a new creature in Christ! It is not to be confused with actual salvation because baptism alone does not save. Each denomination seems to differ on their views on water baptism and being baptized with the Holy Spirit, but this is a discussion that I will not get into right now.
I have been in your situation so I understand. I currently do not attend church, but I do read the Bible and do studies on my own under the guidance of pastors. If I have any questions or concerns, I go to them and to God for answers. I completely understand the trust issue, but reading the Bible is an excellent way to get to know God! The Bible can be understood by anyone. It just takes commitment on your part to read it faithfully, and with an open mind and heart. Before you read, pray to God and ask Him to prepare you for the truth that you are about to receive.

As for serving God and money, just because you desire to live comfortably, does not mean that you are serving money. It is just that in this world, it is hard to not get caught up in its materialistic ways. God wants you to honor him with your firstfruits (a tithe) and of course, you are a steward. Everything given to you is from God, so in turn, you use your gifts to honor God.

God reassures us that He will take care of us. While it's completely understandable that you don't want to struggle with money, be extremely careful that you aren't so occupied with making it that you neglect your responsibilities as a Christian.

You must understand that we are never worthy of God's love, but it is by His free gift of grace that we are saved. The law was made so that we would understand what is sinful and not in God's eyes. In this world of constantly diminishing morals, there had to be something for us to use as a guidebook. No Christian will ever be able to follow perfectly. This is why God allows us to repent through prayer. This is not to say that we should continue in sin because God will forgive us anyway. That would be taking Him for granted. Our faith in God is shown through our deeds on this earth. Does that make sense? This is what sets us apart from nonbelievers. We work to serve the higher purpose.

I'm not very confident and I'm very shy. I'll be your friend. You have a friend in Jesus. I have many acquaintances and very little friends. That doesn't say anything about my worth. It shouldn't have the same effect on you. Never ever think that there is something wrong with you. You are a precious child of God. My contact info is in my profile, if you would like to talk further. I know there has to be more on your mind than what you have written so far. *BIG HUG!*