It's no good. After the way people have treated me in our church, i am utterly disillusioned. I was so full of enthusiasm. They quietly slapped me down.
Now i carry on going there but just going through the motions. I feel empty.
At home and personally i have faith in Jesus Christ. I pray lots. But i am no longer interested in reading my christian books. The fervour and glow has gone. I've stopped reading my bible.
Please someone help me. What can i do? I so wanted to grow and do things to bring souls to Christ. My strength has gone.
I am seriously in danger of losing faith altogether. All i feel is disappointment and quiet anger - against those people who did this to me.
You have learned an important lesson. Praise God!
There is a great big difference between God and humans, especially religious ones.
Throw your 'christian' books in the trash. For the most part they are intended to promote a 'ministry' not the Kingdom of Heaven.
Read your Bible. Get into it deeply.
Dump the church. Find another congregation. Find another preacher.
You may protest to the pastor of the offending church, but I'd bet you twenty dollars he'd defend it in devious ways (such as laying a guilt trip on you) rather than engage a program of correction of the congregation. Pastors of churches are more interested in donations than discipleship, therefore they are loath to lean too heavily on corrective sermons, teachings and private conversations with persons who are offensive to others.
For instance, when was the last time you heard a fiery sermon about repentance? When was the last time you heard a heavy sermon on the Law, the efficacy of bearing one's cross no matter what the personal cost or the absolute necessity of being an example of Christ to other persons?
The church today is in decline because building character is NOT what the church is about. It's about real estate development and the promotion of pledges and tithes - regardless of the fact the NT doesn't mention such a requirement of gentile believers.
Seek the Kingdom of Heaven in all things, especially with regard to finding a godly congregation and a pastor after God's own heart (a rare bird these days).
Do not give up on God, but remember this great lesson - that God and humans are NOT the same thing. Give God credit for having his own mind. Be realistic in understanding that people have imperfections - especially Christians because they aren't taught any different.
Christians generally rise to the challenge of holiness if properly encouraged. Unfortunately there are more snake oil salesmen in the clothing of leadership than sheep.
Be wise. Be true to your calling. Bear your burden, but understand that God will have mercy. Wait on Him and you will never be disappointed. Place your faith in man and you will always be disappointed.
that's me, hollering from the choir loft....
