Is it possible to get back to God

[RCF]

MCA,

I want to know more about you. I thank God for you. You have a spirit that requires understanding, and I am praying for you and thinking of your struggles. You said that you want to be a Christian. If you will, tell me what you have done to attempt being a Christian. I know from reading your posts what some of your distractions are, but what are the things you are doing to try being a Christian? Does your family know you are struggling or are you stoically going about things, keeping it all inside?

RCF

 

[Livia21]

It's always possible to get back to God.

 

[Luvtosew]

I'm in a panic. I used to be a Christian and stopped believing 4 years ago. I have been seeking God for almost 3 months now and its just getting worse. Have any of you heard or know someone that has once had faith and then stopped believing and then somehow came back? My mind just thinks differently now about life. Its like the cats out the bag and I can't get it back in. I don't feel like its possible

Read about Mother Theresa, if I remember the last 60 years of her life she felt doubt. What your going through is normal, we all have dry spells, it that makes you feel any better. Besides that you got some good advice.

 

[amaui]

Hey,

There do you think God is fake, or do you doubt?
Then I can answer your questions.

Stay strong, I love you.

 

[FutureAndAHope]

I'm in a panic. I used to be a Christian and stopped believing 4 years ago. I have been seeking God for almost 3 months now and its just getting worse. Have any of you heard or know someone that has once had faith and then stopped believing and then somehow came back? My mind just thinks differently now about life. Its like the cats out the bag and I can't get it back in. I don't feel like its possible

Hi,

I have written a theological document on the fact that you can return to faith. That God wants you back. Read it at Is there an unpardonable sin, what is blasphemy of the holy spirit.

If you have any trouble actually believing try reading Have you ever asked yourself about the existence of God it lists all the miracles God has done for me.

 

[Luvtosew]

I'm in a panic. I used to be a Christian and stopped believing 4 years ago. I have been seeking God for almost 3 months now and its just getting worse. Have any of you heard or know someone that has once had faith and then stopped believing and then somehow came back? My mind just thinks differently now about life. Its like the cats out the bag and I can't get it back in. I don't feel like its possible

It happens to all of us, I had a very hard time leaving the RCC after over 5 decades, read Dark Night of the Soul, by can't think of his name, just google, his book is free online. Don't forget Mother Theresa went through most of her last years void of God, she didn't even believe in Jesus in the Eucharist. So don't panic just let it happen, and remember this is normal and your not alone.

The book is by St John of the Cross, I have it in my documents but you will find it googling. Good luck to you.

 

[elephunky]

I'm in a panic. I used to be a Christian and stopped believing 4 years ago. I have been seeking God for almost 3 months now and its just getting worse. Have any of you heard or know someone that has once had faith and then stopped believing and then somehow came back? My mind just thinks differently now about life. Its like the cats out the bag and I can't get it back in. I don't feel like its possible

I am not a christian, but I used to be one and I know a lot of christians. I have known people who left the faith and came back in later years. You do not have to do anything special or OTT in order to "regain faith". Just simply pray, read your bible, go to a church etc. Feel it out, don't put pressure on yourself and do not try to force it.

 

[Faulty]

I'm in a panic. I used to be a Christian and stopped believing 4 years ago. I have been seeking God for almost 3 months now and its just getting worse. Have any of you heard or know someone that has once had faith and then stopped believing and then somehow came back? My mind just thinks differently now about life. Its like the cats out the bag and I can't get it back in. I don't feel like its possible

You're under obvious demonic attack and being told that you can't go back and that God don't want you. Quit listening to them and agreeing with what they are telling you. One who takes a journey of 10,000 steps away from God will find when they turn around to go back, He's a mere step away.

Cry out to God to save you according to the forgivness available through the finished work of Jesus who willingly took your sin upon Himself as the sacrifice before the Father and who was raised from the dead to show Himself as the only acceptable sacrifice for your sin, to end this attack you are under, and to grant you His peace and assurance of your right-standing with him. Continue to do so until He accomplishes all these things.

 

[MCA]

Thanks guys for your comments. I did see that mother theresa experienced severe doubts. It was comforting to me to know about this. What does RCC mean and OTT? I see in the past 2 replys these abbreviations are used.

As far as me being under demonic attack it seems a lot like that. I was given a packet to read about demonic possessions but am fearful of it. A lot of things scare me. Like for instance I'm dead afraid to read about evolution and the big bang. I only recall what was taught in college about them and they were very convincing, at least for me they were. And this is not the route I want to take. Its strange because evolutionists scoff at religion while the religious scoff at evolution. It all boils down to what's in your heart that serves as the guide to what you believe in.

As far as what was said about some people coming back to the faith after years as mentioned in a couple replys back. Sometimes I feel like I shouldn't force it and that it will gradually come to me one day. BUT at the same time I have been in this turmoil for the last 4 yrs and nothing has happened to me to bring me back. I can only think of one thing that used to happen to me. Occasionally I would put on the Christian radio station because I would think of my mom. And also I met a nice Christian girl, although it didn't work out, I was willing to be with her despite my lack of faith. I don't know what would have happened if I fell in love with her.

Its like I need to remove all the anxiety of finding Christ..all the pain..all the despair. And be able to approach the Bible the same way, say, someone who never even knew it existed would. With a fresh mind. However, I'm just petrified that if I do relax a little I will just root in atheism. I need help

 

[intojoy]

I'm in a panic. I used to be a Christian and stopped believing 4 years ago. I have been seeking God for almost 3 months now and its just getting worse. Have any of you heard or know someone that has once had faith and then stopped believing and then somehow came back? My mind just thinks differently now about life. Its like the cats out the bag and I can't get it back in. I don't feel like its possible

How am I supposed to know if you ever were in Christ? Write down your statement of faith you used to believe in. I blew decades like the story of the prodigal son. What's your excuse? Do you know what salvation is? By grace alone thru faith alone in Christ alone plus nothing?
Respectfully,
In2joy

 

[MCA]

From 1st grade through 12th grade I attended Baptist Schools, except for a couple years. I believed Jesus was the Son of God and also God in the flesh. I believed God created everything in existence. I did not believe in evolution or the big bang. I felt feelings like guilt and shame when I felt I was doing something wrong in Gods eyes. My parents were never very godly people. They were good people and still are , but they don't pray often or read the bible hardly ever. So 90% of my knowledge came from school and the other 10% was the occasional church attendance. I never had a deep relation with God. There was never a time where I was like "wow God exists and I must give my whole life to Him". Because I grew up in it, I now realize the story of Jesus had been dulled or wasn't as meaningful to me because of that. Not surprising I had never heard much about evolution nor the big bang until I went to college. Prior to that I would always change the channel on TV or avoid people who preached it. But in science/art/etc class basically had to. I was very upset with the bio professor in particular at first, but by the time it was all said and done it had found a way inside. And of course I'm sure you can guess all the other professors who would scoff at a young earth or that the Bible was true. I still remember my art teacher telling us that one of the queens of england or somewhere had made up several of the stories. I have done my research of the bible and of creation and the bible holds its ground very well but I am just so open minded now. I've changed. I was a conservative Baptist, shirt tucked in, hair combed nicely, clean shaven 18 yr old when I entered college and those sons of guns ruined me. When the university sends me letters to donate I throw the thing in the trash. Even if they knew God wasn't real why the world would they tell us, especially to 18 19 20 year olds who are still loved and cared for deeply by their family. Why ruin mans only hope.

 

[holdfast4yourlife]

I'm in pain again. I have always had questions about God and Jesus and I told myself one day I am going to get all my questions an honest seeking. So I remembered something a co worker who is a deist told me. He said Jesus was a buddhist monk. I saw a video about it and I wish I would have never watched it. I am in an even worse position and I just almost converted to atheism. I'm started to turn red and I almost passed out in my office. I need to know this is false or have someonje critique this video. Please do not watch it unless you are strong in christianity. But I need a Jesus giant to tell me this is not true. I'm so scared right now

Ok Brother , Look for your answers in the Bible! Pray before you read; that The Holy Spirit will give you wisdom, understanding. You have to feel the Lord in your Heart not in your mind only.

1. What is Gods purpose for you?
God loves and cares about you. My friend He does not want your life to be without JOY and PURPOSE! He wants you to have a live of contentment, joy, and peace and He wants you to live forever. Read John 10:10, Rom. 5:1 and John 3:16.
2. Understanding the problem!
God created us to enjoy life and to live forever with Him. But, He did not program us to love Him, instead He gave us a choice and so my friend when we choose not to be apart of God's plan for us it separates us from Him. This "separation" is called SIN and results in problems, unhappiness, guilt, insecurities about life and death. Read: Isa 59:2, 1Jn 3:4, Rom. 3:23, Rom. 6:23.
what is our solution? We have made many attempts to solve the sin problem on our own. and we always fall short don't we. "There is a way that seems right to man, but in the end it leads to death" Prov. 14:12.
3. Discover Gods solution! There is a gap that separates us from God and sin. Jesus Christ is the only real answer to bridge that gap. He died for us right? He came down from heaven, born as one of us, lived a perfect life, died for our sins on the cross was buried and rose from the graven went back to heaven and will soon return for us. without Him we are lost, without hope and helpless. Read: Rom.5:8, 1Tim.2:5.
So God gave us the true answer to the sin problem: Jesus Christ and we have a choice. and the choice is yours and mine.

Hold Fast My Brother...

 

[holdfast4yourlife]

One more thing my Brother,
The blessing of God will rest upon every soul that makes a full consecration to Him. When you seek God with ALL your heart you shall find Him. He is waiting for you. Maybe you have not completely humbled yourself yet. there is no reason that we should doubt His Love for us. Look to Calvary my brother.
God asks you to give Him your heart. Your powers, your talents, your affections, should all be surrendered to Him, that He may work in you to will and to do of His good pleasure and friend fit you for eternal life! When Christ dwells in the heart the soul will be so filled with His love, with the joy of communion with Him, that it will cleave to His love and when you are contemplating on Him self will be forgotten. then the love to Christ will be the spring of action!. when you feel the constraining love of God do not ask how little may be given to meet the requirements of God. Do not ask for the lowest standard, but aim at the perfect conformity to the will of the Redeemer. and with earnest desire my friend you will yield all and manifest an interest proportionate , So, My friend it is the submissive, teachable spirit that God wants. That which gives to prayer its excellence is the fact that it is breathed from a loving obedient heart.

Hold Fast my Brother....

 

[elephunky]

OTT means over the top

Perhaps trying recalling the positives rather than focusing on the current negatives as well.

 

[MCA]

Its me again. Guys this lack of faith is still tormenting me. Its like I see so many believers (95% in the US) and I don't understand why I can't. Like I can't help it but it just doesn't make sense to me. The Bible, a supernatural Creator, etc.. I'm such a critical minded person I can't get through a chapter of the Bible without scheming up some way that it could have been made up. And as far as finding peace. I'm obviously not man enough to accept atheism yet intellectually cannot attain Christianity and agnosticism is very unpeaceful. I visualize my life and the lack of happiness and joy as an atheist. I can feel it in my gut. I can feel the emptiness that atheism will bring but I cannot control what I believe. I love my mom so much I can't stop thinking about her. I don't want her to be the mother of an atheist. I don't want to see pictures of the cute little boy I once was in our living room and then know that he grew up to be an atheist. I would have given anything to turn back the hands of time. I would have stayed working with my dad and never have gone to college. That is the devils playground

 

[Luvtosew]

Most people have a crisis of faith on an off through out their life. Just in the morning, say God, whether your here or not , I just want to thank you for everything and help me through another day. Your going through this because you are a believer not because your not, my belief. Your parents may pray at night when your not around or talk to him all day silently which is what most of us do. Just live your life as Jesus would, being kind and compassionate. I believe Jesus is a human being or was, and is the son of God, not God , so for me to relate to Jesus is probably different than you seeing him as God.

 

[MCA]

I wrote out something at work that I'm going to try to say every morning and its very similar to what you just said. Thanks for the encouragement.

 

[paul1149]

MCA, maybe this will help. Have you ever seen the movie, The Verdict, with Paul Newman? It's about a lawyer whose life fell apart. He finally gets a real case, and is bungling his way through it. But then he begins to get serious about getting justice for his client. And as he does, he begins to find himself again. It's an uphill battle because the powers that be are against him.

In his summation to the jury, Newman talks about how to hold onto faith, in a fallen world. He tells them to "act as if you had faith". IOW, if you don’t have faith, take a moment to think about what faith would look like, and then act it out. Don’t let your feelings determine your behavior.

In a very strange parable that taxes our religious sense of right and wrong, Jesus put it this way: "Make friends by means of unrighteous riches" (Luke 16). IOW, instead of focusing on what you don't have, make use of what you do have, even if it's very little. That will get you on the positive side of this truth: "To whomever has, more will be given, but to him who has not, even what he thinks he has will be taken away" (Lk 8.18). And that's where you want to be.

If you keep focusing on your mental observations of your current situation, that situation will only become more entrenched. As they say, practice makes permanent. That's why you need to step over into the faith realm, even if it's at the most basic, mustard-seed level. You have an intellectual stronghold that you have to take authority over. And that is the way to do it. Start small, and don’t despise the day of small beginnings.

You can find Newman's summation in The Verdict on YouTube. It's a compelling scene.

 

[lesliedellow]

I don't know what to do guys. I just can't believe. One of the fellows on here on my other thread pretty much said that its not that I can't believe but that I don't want to.

Unfortunately that is the sort of thing which is heard from evangelicals who only have stock answers, and parrot them whenever the occasion arises.

That is not the case at all for me. I want to believe but I just can't.

I believe you.

I blame it on college. they taught us how to think analytically and critically. And yes the opposition is quite ridiculous, but that still isn't even enough for me to have a conviction believe for the Christian worldview. I am hopeless. How do I get out of here. Where has the old Matthew gone.

No, college isn't to blame. If it had been a chemistry degree you had done, would you go round art galleries analysing the chemical composition of the paint, instead of admiring the work of Rembrandt? You need to come to the realisation that it is okay to disengage your analytical mind. It has its uses, but it is not everything. I don't say that doing that will instantly transport you back to being a convinced Christian, but it is a necessary prerequisite.


The physicist John Polkinghorne puts it like this:

I put the kettle on the stove, and it gets hot. What's the explanation? Well one explanation is that the exothermic reaction between the oxygen and the methane is releasing energy, and that is exciting the water molecules. That is the analytical explanation.

Another explanation is that the water is getting hot because I put the kettle on to make a cup of tea. That is the explanation in terms of purpose.

Both explanations are necessary, in order to have a complete picture of what is going on, and neither is superfluous. Of course, the explanations have got to be consonant. If somebody said they were going to make a cup of tea, and they put the kettle in the fridge, you might think there was something a bit odd there.

 

[Akureyri]

Josh McDowell is an excellent writer that may be able to shed some light on the things you are struggling with. I love his book, "More Than a Carpenter". It is available for about $7 on his web page. But here is a linc that covers a lot of the same things in his book. It is to his web page and this content is free.

I haven't read all the topics he discusses here, but I have read the book i referred to several times. It really helped me after college.

RCF

I am a lifelong skeptic, and upon reading Josh McDowell's Q&A, it is very clear his questions and answers will only make skeptics more skeptical.