My lack of faith

[stackenstein]

This is a long one. I have so many questions, I don’t even know where to start. I’ve wanted to talk to people at church about this, but I feel like they’d be so disappointed in me when they find what little faith I have. I’ve been going to this church for a long time. I used to consider myself Christian. I used to believe everything they told me, that there is one true God, that he created us to worship him, that he came to earth as Jesus to save us, that I’d be saved if I just believed in Jesus.

But after some years, I started to notice how people all around the world believe so strongly in other faiths. I started to see that people are just raised a certain way, and believe in whatever they have been told is true.

One person can “know” that something is true, while another person can “know” that something else is true, even though it is completely contradictory to the first. All these people believing in such different things… so many people have to be completely wrong. But they think they’re right, just like everyone else does.

And I realized that I wasn’t that different. I started to wonder what my faith was based on, and I realized it was based entirely on assumptions. It was based entirely on trust in what I have been told. I no longer knew if it was all really true.

So for a few years, these doubts came and went. I kept going to church, trying to be the person that the pastor said I should be. After a while I started to see that I had no idea what was true. And I felt like I was doing something wrong. I started to pray to God about it. I wanted Him to strengthen my faith, to pull me back in line, to show me signs that He is what I’ve been told He is.

I realized that I’ve never really experienced God myself. I’ve only read about Him, heard about Him, and “witnessed” other people experience Him. I just wanted to hear his voice or feel his presence. I’ve felt like if that actually happened, then my faith would no longer be based on what other people tell me, but on God Himself. So for a few years now, I’ve been praying for this. I read things like “if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” Then I think “I have opened the door. I have tried so hard. And I get nothing.” I’ve prayed for so many things, and I feel that I haven’t really received any of it.

More recently, instead of praying to God for answers, sometimes I pray to “whoever is out there listening.” I’ve also been reading about other religions and reading some of their sacred books. I’m hoping that something will stand out to me as being right, or maybe I’ll just experience something for myself and then know I’m on the right path. But still, I haven’t gotten very far. I still go to church, read the bible, and pray in Jesus’ name. But I now feel very lost, and very open to any other ideas out there.

How can a person find the right path and know that it is right?

Thanks for reading such a long post, and for any help you might give.

- Tim

 

[Elijah2]

Hi SS,

Answer these questions for me?

Do you believe that our Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of our Almighty God?

Do you believe that our Lord Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary?

Do you believe that Lord Jesus Christ walked on this earth?

Do you believe that our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified and died on the Cross?

Do you believe that our Lord Jesus Christ died to cleanse you of all sin and to redeem you with our Almighty God?

Do you believe that Lord Jesus Christ rose again on the third day?

Do you believe that our Lord Jesus Christ sits on the right hand side of our Heavenly Father in the Heavenlies?

Do you believe that our Lord Jesus Christ has brought you back from the kingdom of darkness and bondage of Satan?

 

[Elijah2]

This is a long one. I have so many questions, I don’t even know where to start. I’ve wanted to talk to people at church about this, but I feel like they’d be so disappointed in me when they find what little faith I have.
What is your measuring stick for FAITH?
I’ve been going to this church for a long time. I used to consider myself Christian.
That's it, you "considered"! Are you "born-again"?
I used to believe everything they told me, that there is one true God, that he created us to worship him,
No sorry, we were created in His Image and to be HIS Children and His Servant.
that he came to earth as Jesus to save us, that I’d be saved if I just believed in Jesus.
True, but where is your belief? In your spiritual mind (heart) or in your carnal mind?
But after some years, I started to notice how people all around the world believe so strongly in other faiths. I started to see that people are just raised a certain way, and believe in whatever they have been told is true.
Christian belief comes from "renewing your mind (heart)"
One person can “know” that something is true, while another person can “know” that something else is true, even though it is completely contradictory to the first.
Are you being fed "milk" or "meat" at your church?
All these people believing in such different things… so many people have to be completely wrong. But they think they’re right, just like everyone else does.
Do you read His Word?
And I realized that I wasn’t that different. I started to wonder what my faith was based on, and I realized it was based entirely on assumptions.
Well, it's obvious that you don't read His Word!
It was based entirely on trust in what I have been told. I no longer knew if it was all really true.
Psalm 118:8 says, "Trust the Lord, have no confidence in man!"
So for a few years, these doubts came and went.
If doubt comes in, then "double-mindedness" will reign over you, and you "will become unstable" (James 1:8).
I kept going to church, trying to be the person that the pastor said I should be.
What should you be?
After a while I started to see that I had no idea what was true. And I felt like I was doing something wrong. I started to pray to God about it. I wanted Him to strengthen my faith, to pull me back in line, to show me signs that He is what I’ve been told He is.
You are saved by faith. You really need to go back to when you became a Christian. Where you born-again?
I realized that I’ve never really experienced God myself. I’ve only read about Him, heard about Him, and “witnessed” other people experience Him. I just wanted to hear his voice or feel his presence.
You don't test God.

It's obvious that you have been struggling with your relationship with Him through His Word.
I’ve felt like if that actually happened, then my faith would no longer be based on what other people tell me, but on God Himself.
You have been looking for a "quick fix". Sorry my dear brother, being a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ doesn't work that way.

You need Bible grounding.
So for a few years now, I’ve been praying for this. I read things like “if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” Then I think “I have opened the door. I have tried so hard. And I get nothing.”
Did you really open your spiritual mind (heart)? Sorry, my dear brother, you were using your carnal mind, which is Satan's territory. He has been knocking at your door for a long time, and HE has only had half HIS foot in the door.
I’ve prayed for so many things, and I feel that I haven’t really received any of it.
Well, probably you have, but you didn't see it!
More recently, instead of praying to God for answers, sometimes I pray to “whoever is out there listening.”
Well, I can assure you that you are not the only one who has spoken those words, and that is one way of opening your door to other things, Satan and his forces.
I’ve also been reading about other religions and reading some of their sacred books.
You are searching and need help from another pastor. What relgion do you belong to?
I’m hoping that something will stand out to me as being right, or maybe I’ll just experience something for myself and then know I’m on the right path.
You need to take yourself back to you beginning, and speak to a mature Christian of the healing and deliverance ministry.
But still, I haven’t gotten very far. I still go to church, read the bible, and pray in Jesus’ name. But I now feel very lost, and very open to any other ideas out there.
Well, go back to the beginning and start again, because something has happened to you that has displaced you off the path. Possibly an offence or a grudge that you are carrying. Unforgiveness in your heart for others and for yourself. There are many things that cause you to think this way.
How can a person find the right path and know that it is right?
You are on the right path now, because you have posted this thread and am concerned on your path.

Keep talking mate, and this forum will get you firing on all cyclinders again, and you will see our living God in your heart once again.

I pray this in Jesus' Name.

Love in Christ

 

[dancingwithhim]

I did some questioning as well, but I was a little younger than you are. It is hard to feel how you feel and keep it in.
For me, it took some seeking like you are doing. I was raised in a wonderful Christian home. I was taught the truth, but questioned it.
It was strange, but when I did start to question, God would just confirm Himself to me. I realized that He is real in every sense of the word. I also started to see Him in every part of my life. I watched people who believed other things and how they lived their lives. I noticed how unhappy that majority of them were. They were going through the motions, but didn't have anything deeper than that. This also let me know that I was going in the right direction. Even if you don't believe me or still question, then know this, I know that He is real. I have that joy and He speaks to me. I have felt His presence and have experienced His love, not just toward me, but I have seen it in others.
It is all in just having that faith. Keep asking Him to prove Himself strong to you.
Has there not been a time in your life when you went through something really hard, but yet you knew that God was with you? You saw His hand? Have you witness someone else that is close to you go through something hard like that and they praised God through it and still had joy?
Tim, hang in there! Believe me, you don't want to abandon what you know just to worship another god. It is a dangerous road to go down. I, at one time got into the occult. (I went the drastic way) I saw what that did to my friend, so I went back to my faith in Jesus Christ.
Don't give up. You will see soon and know it within your heart of hearts that Jesus is Lord.
Again, I am sorry that you are going through this. If you can talk to other Christians who are strong in their faith and that you know their fruits. Then talk to someone who believes in their gods. Watch them, don't fellowship with them, but when you talk to them (who are strong in their faith) look into their eyes and see if you see the same joy that you might see in someone who loves Jesus Christ.

 

[Dace]

But after some years, I started to notice how people all around the world believe so strongly in other faiths. I started to see that people are just raised a certain way, and believe in whatever they have been told is true.

One person can “know” that something is true, while another person can “know” that something else is true, even though it is completely contradictory to the first. All these people believing in such different things… so many people have to be completely wrong. But they think they’re right, just like everyone else does.

This isn't the first time i've quoted this by I think its relevant:

"I have been asked to tell you what Christians believe, and I am going to begin by telling you one thing that Christians do not need to believe. If you are a Christian you do not have to believe that all the other religions are simply wrong all through. If you are an atheist you do have to believe that the main point in all the religions of the whole world is simply one huge mistake. If you are a Christian, you are free to think that all those religions, even the queerest ones, contain at least some hint of the truth. When I was an atheist I had to try to persuade myself that most of the human race have always been wrong about the question that mattered to them most; when I became a Christian I was able to take a more liberal view. But, of course, being a Christian does mean thinking that where Christianity differs from other religions, Christianity is right and they are wrong. As in arithmetic--there is only one right answer to a sum, and all other answers are wrong; but some of the wrong answers are much nearer being right than others."
- C S Lewis (mere christianity)

And I realized that I wasn’t that different. I started to wonder what my faith was based on, and I realized it was based entirely on assumptions. It was based entirely on trust in what I have been told. I no longer knew if it was all really true.

So for a few years, these doubts came and went. I kept going to church, trying to be the person that the pastor said I should be. After a while I started to see that I had no idea what was true. And I felt like I was doing something wrong. I started to pray to God about it. I wanted Him to strengthen my faith, to pull me back in line, to show me signs that He is what I’ve been told He is.

I realized that I’ve never really experienced God myself. I’ve only read about Him, heard about Him, and “witnessed” other people experience Him. I just wanted to hear his voice or feel his presence. I’ve felt like if that actually happened, then my faith would no longer be based on what other people tell me, but on God Himself. So for a few years now, I’ve been praying for this. I read things like “if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” Then I think “I have opened the door. I have tried so hard. And I get nothing.” I’ve prayed for so many things, and I feel that I haven’t really received any of it.

Well a faith based on what others tell you and just blind acceptance is going to be weak, I think the best thing you can do is get some good Chrisitan books and learn about God through them, even bible study books if you can stomach it, once you understand better what it is you believe I think you'll find it much easier to recognise God because He is there and I'm sure he's searching for you as much as you are for Him.

I'm praying for you

 

[dodolah]

Dear Tim,

As a person who has once goes through exactly what you have described, I can tell that you are really hurting.
I won't be the next guy that'll push you closer to Jesus since this is a private matter between you and the Lord.

I, too, at your age think about these things (I am 25 now).
I want you to know that it is not abnormal for you to question the foundation that you believe in.

my advice to you as your brother in Christ is to take it easy and let the Lord shows Himself in His time.
I know how we can feel guilty when we never experienced God in our lives. We start wondering what's wrong with us..

If i have to say, I truly believe that there is a hidden blessing behind all of this.
I really hope that when you find the answer your faith will become stronger and unshaken.

Sometimes God wants a desperation in us before He reveals Himself.
What is your true motive behind your expectation of hearing or feeling His presence?

Is it just as a proof? or is it because you are desperate and longing for Him?
Take it to your heart and really dig deep...
I believe God is asking you right now..
Are you really ready to embrace His presence?

Sometimes the reason of why He did not do it yet is because of us that are not ready for it.
Trust me... Seek Him and Longed for Him...
Purify your motive.. No longer that you need His presence as an evidence.. but change that intention into a Godly one.

God wants your desperation and your true longing and desire for Him.
If you offer Him your hunger and your broken heart, He will answer.
Take my word...

He did it for me when i was your age..
I have faith that He will do the same for you.

 

[wonderwaleye]

Dear Stackenstein


When I was young I always felt GOD'S ways to be good but that I couldn't live by it.


The reason was I was protecting the ongoing sins in my life.


It wasn't till I experienced years of strife that I went to GOD'S WORD in the NEW TESTAMENT and read it.


I seen TRUTH come alive. I thought to myself that I sure could of saved a lot of hide if I would of abided by this TRUTH. But the TRUTH of the matter is that I hadn't developed a need so it would of had little effect on my life.


After reading that I decided I have tried everything else and it didn't satisfy my inner craving so now I'm going to try this.


I fasted on something that was MOST IMPORTANT in my life. ( my wife wondered what was wrong ) and then I said the hardest prayer in my life and I committed my WHOLE life to GOD and to seek HIS WILL in all my decisions.


It was not by a few days after that when in company of a business man in his car that the HOLY SPIRIT descended upon me and told me my MISSION ( what I would be doing ) HE gave me the number 7 and then latter that evening HE did something it took over 7 years to understand. I was not thinking of GOD at the time this happened.


My life grew in TRUTH, WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING and LOVE. It was 7 years before this came into play. ( or at least that I was aware of it )


This MISSION has lead me so many places. Some of those were to the courts, twice to the supreme court, many grand juries, an overnight stay in jail for contempt of court, an arrest in a congressmen's office that resulted in an overnight stay in jail in Washinton D.C. only to be released and kicked out of a Federal Court, and I could go on. But the wonderful part about when all these actions took place I was at PEACE the whole time.


I can't begin to tell you where GOD will lead you but I can tell you that you will not find contentment and peace until you are working in the MISSION GOD gives to you.

In ending I think you should know that GOD'S WORD says that those that come early SHALL receive a special BLESSING. The choices are yours to make!!!


THERE IS NOTHING LIKE REMEMBERING:


X Even though you can't see him, GOD is there!!! O ( click on the x and drag to the O ) ( then see who is with you ) steven

 

[Uniting]

Hi Tim,
Thank you for writing a wonderful post, I enjoyed reading it.
Love & Peace,
Uniting.

 

[FruitfulServant]

Hi Tim,

I would like to point out that it is natural to search for the truth. Who wants to be deceived? Every Christian has gone through this in some shape or form.

I would like to recommend a book to you. It is called "The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict" by Josh McDowell. This book presents all kinds of evidence to the reader and challenges to come to a complete decision about one's faith.

Here are just a few things I am wondering:

1. It appears you have the will to believe, but your intellect is not agreeing with your will.
From your post, it definitely sounds like your heart is truly seeking God, but your mind has some questions. After all, how can someone believe something in their heart if their mind is not in agreement? Might I suggest you consider some evidence pointing to the validity of the Bible (and the book I recommended earlier goes into greater depth):
a. Is the Bible credible?
over 20,000 ancient manuscripts of the Bible
have been discovered. In contrast, most ancient texts have less than 1,000 in existence to go by (for example, The Iliad). The tremendous amount of manuscripts discovered makes it almost certain The Holy Bible is indeed accurate and a true, living Book.
b. Is there evidence Jesus existed outside of The
Bible?
Yes, in fact even by many non-Christian authors. Some examples: Josephus (a very well known, Jewish historian at the time), Tacitus (one of the most accurate Roman historians of the time), Suetonius (chief secretary to emperor Hadrian), Thallus, Pliny the Younger, emperor Trajan, etc, etc.

2. Why would Jesus' followers stand firm in their belief if it wasn't true?
Early Christians were persecuted for their beliefs. The Apostle Paul faced ridicule his whole life for his beliefs, as did the disciples. Why would they life such a life if what they were professing about Jesus was false?

3. The Bible proves it's credibility through its prophecy.
The Old Testament talks about so many things that came true after it was written. How could the authors of the Old Testament know what would happen in the future without being shown by God?

4. God's wonderful creations is proof that He exists!
The birds, the trees, the heavens and the earth. How did everything get here? Nothing can be created by itself. Likewise, no man can create even a speck of dust with their own hands out of nothing.

5. Things going on in the world today are mentioned in The Bible.
Who would have thought that Isreal would become a nation again after 2,000 years of not existing? Isreal is the only country in the world that has experienced a rebirth.

Lastly, you mentioned the following in your post:
--
I realized that I’ve never really experienced God myself. I’ve only read about Him, heard about Him, and “witnessed” other people experience Him. I just wanted to hear his voice or feel his presence. I’ve felt like if that actually happened, then my faith would no longer be based on what other people tell me, but on God Himself. So for a few years now, I’ve been praying for this. I read things like “if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” Then I think “I have opened the door. I have tried so hard. And I get nothing.” I’ve prayed for so many things, and I feel that I haven’t really received any of it.
--
The Bible is God's Word, so if you've read it, He has talked to you! And if you pray to Him, you have talked to Him! Remember when Moses was on the mountain, and he asked God if he could see Him? God showed him partially His presence, and Moses' face shone so bright he had to cover his face for days. I don't think any of us are ready to see His face yet while we are in an earthly form.

Consider that maybe God has said all He needs to say, and it is in His Word, The Bible.

Please consider taking the time to read the book I mentioned. It is full of great stuff that will definitely provide more than enough evidence towards the existence of Jesus and the validity of The Bible. And please remember:

Do not be deceived.​

 

[silentpoet]

I see faith as having two components. And there are ways to work on both. One part of faith is the base of trust, which is my weak area. The second is the positive expectation of God's power to work out things. For me this is actually the easier part of faith.
What you have to do is look at what you would need to believe to trust God or expect Him to work things out. Also ask yourself what you would do if you did trust God. Sometimes we need to act before we feel.

 

[Rafael]

Pick out a path that you think is something you would like and that would also be acceptable to God. He says that you can make your plans, but He will be there to direct your steps and watch over your growth and progress in life. What could be better?!
Our lives are to be full of good deeds and service to others - dying to self.

Pr 16:9 ¶ We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

Joh 6:29 Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."

I JOHN 3:16-19 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with ACTIONS and TRUTH. This then is how we KNOW that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us.

Proverbs 31:8-9 Speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

ACTS 26:19 I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and through Judea, and also to the Gentiles that all must forsake their sins and turn to God and prove their repentence by doing good deeds.

II TIMOTHY 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, SO THAT the man of Good may be thoroughly equipped for every GOOD WORK.

EPHESIANS 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to DO GOOD WORKS, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

TITUS 2:14 Christ Jesus; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, ZEALOUS FOR GOOD DEEDS.

TITUS 3:8 I want you to speak confidently concerning these things, so that those who have believe. God may be careful to engage in GOOD DEEDS.

HEBREWS 10:24 And let us consider one another how to stimulate and provoke one another to love an, GOOD DEEDS and noble activities. 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

HEBREWS 13:16 Don't forget or neglect to do kindness and good, to be generous and distribute to the needy, for such sacrifices are well pleasing to God.

Mr 10:44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

Lu 22:26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

1Co 9:19 This means I am not bound to obey people just because they pay me, yet I have become a servant of everyone so that I can bring them to Christ.
Mic 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
24 "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.
25 "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?

 

[wonderwaleye]

Dear Rafael

" Joh 6:29 Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent." "

In today's world many are under the impression that all that is required is to accept ( believe in ) JESUS.


But over time definitions have become modified so that words no longer give a complete meaning as used when JESUS walked this earth.


Lets look at the word " BELIEVE ". Today we think only that it means accept.


Let's look at the same word " BELIEVE " and see just how much it has changed:


" " the root word for believe in Greek. You will find that it is a verb and has three components which are: hearing, accepting, and then acting " ( COMITTING ) " upon that which you have accepted." "


So how would you advise someone today so that they UNDERSTAND what MUST be done???


ALWAYS REMEMBER:

“ Believe “ in Greek is a verb and has three components which are: hearing, accepting, and then acting ( COMMITING ) upon that which you have accepted.
X Even though you can't see him, GOD is there!!! O ( click on the x and drag to the O ) ( then see who is with you ) steven

 

[Brian90]

I shall be praying for you!

God Bless.

 

[stackenstein]

Wow, got a lot of replies. Thanks to those who are praying for me, really. I appreciate that. Below are replies to several of you.


Elijah2,
your first post,
I used to believe all of those things, fully. But like I said, I started wondering about everything I believed years ago, and now I just don't know. I don't see these things as true or false.

your second post,
Yes, I was born again. Believe me, I went to church for many years. And it is a good church. The faith of some of the people in this church is amazing. My pastor is very passionate, loving, empowering, and wise. I've learned a lot of great lessons in life from him, and many of the people in my church have gained his passion. It's a regular Assembly of God church, so nothing unusual there. I know the Bible. I can't say I spend as much time in it as I should. But I have read a good bit of it, and we always study scripture in the sermons.

"Trust the Lord, have no confidence in man." Yes, exactly my point. What I have learned, I have learned from man. As you said, this is my carnal mind, not my heart. But how do I change that? I can't just decide to believe. I understand that I shouldn't test God. Testing him is not really what I want. I just want to stop asking myself if what people say is right, and know by experiencing God that He is what the Bible says.


dancingwithhim,
When I was younger, there were hard times I went through but believed God was with me through them. But I didn’t see His hand. I just believed He was there, somewhere. I have most definitely seen people close to me go through hard times and praise God through it. I love to see this. But that is someone else. I can’t base my faith on what someone else believes.

You make a very good point about the joy Christians have compared to the joy that others have. This is something I have noticed in my little experience with people outside of Christianity. I will be paying more attention to this for a while. Thank you.


Dace,
I have not read too many Christian books, but I can tell you I’ve spent a lot of time in the church, in youth group, in a Christian family, and around Christian friends. So, I feel that I do understand what it is I used to believe, what I’m trying to believe. Most of it, anyway. Obviously I don’t understand what it is to feel God’s presence. But, I will continue to read the Bible and pray that He brings me closer to Him. Thank you for your prayers.


dodolah,
You’re right, I have felt guilty. I have wondered what is wrong with me. I have been desperate for God before. My motives through all of this I suppose have gone between wanting a proof and just being desperate for Him. But I don’t feel so evil about my wanting a proof. I don’t know if it’s all true, and I’ve been desperate to find the truth.

But, there have even been times when I didn’t care about a proof. There have been times when I said “that’s it. Everything else in life has left me completely empty. There is nothing that can satisfy me except being in You. I no longer want to do this on my own. I will surrender all to you. I will go whichever way you want.” And I have done this a number of times. But after these prayers, I’m still just confused about everything.

Perhaps I’m not ready. I feel that my motives are good, but perhaps they are wrong. I don’t really know how to purify my motives. I just want to find God, have joy and peace, and know that I am living my life the way it should be lived.


FruitfulServant,
I’ve always agreed with number 4. The world around me is proof of God’s existence. It may not be a logical proof, but life itself just makes me believe there is a God. That’s no problem for me.

As for evidence for the truth of the Bible, and evidence against it, I have read a number of these things before. I’ve also read proofs and disproofs of the Quran. People don’t seem too interested in proving or disproving other sacred texts. Every time I read these proofs, I don’t find them to really go anywhere. They always sound pretty good, but the truth is, I can’t back them up myself. We could argue the validity of these things all day. In the end, what I really want is not logic. I just want a relationship with God.

I know people will say sometimes that the Bible is God speaking to me. But the truth is that it’s not happening to me in the present. It was written a long time ago. And, in my mind, it was still written by people. Perhaps it is God’s words, but people wrote it. Once again, believing the words in the book is putting faith in people, those who wrote it. I can’t believe it solely because people say it’s true. But I hope it is.


Thank you all for you replies. I’ll keep on trying.

-Tim

 

[wonderwaleye]

Dear Stackenstein

I hope you don't freeze up and take issue with what I'm about to say. Please just think about it.


There is NO WAY you could be SAVED!!! NO WAY!!!

WHY???

Because a SAVED person would or could NOT say or believe your words:

" I know people will say sometimes that the Bible is God speaking to me. But the truth is that it’s not happening to me in the present. It was written a long time ago. And, in my mind, it was still written by people. Perhaps it is God’s words, but people wrote it. Once again, believing the words in the book is putting faith in people, those who wrote it. I can’t believe it solely because people say it’s true. But I hope it is. "

" I just want a relationship with God. "

" Perhaps I’m not ready. I feel that my motives are good, but perhaps they are wrong. I don’t really know how to purify my motives. I just want to find God, have joy and peace, and know that I am living my life the way it should be lived. "

" You’re right, I have felt guilty. I have wondered what is wrong with me. I have been desperate for God before. My motives through all of this I suppose have gone between wanting a proof and just being desperate for Him. But I don’t feel so evil about my wanting a proof. I don’t know if it’s all true, and I’ve been desperate to find the truth. "

" Obviously I don’t understand what it is to feel God’s presence. "

" I can't say I spend as much time in it as I should. But I have read a good bit of it, and we always study scripture in the sermons. "

" I used to believe all of those things, fully. But like I said, I started wondering about everything I believed years ago, and now I just don't know. I don't see these things as true or false. "


You are in the group that it is HARDEST TO REACH. WHY??? BECAUSE YOU ALREADY THINK YOU HOLD THE DEGREE!!! ( if you know what I mean )


I have no idea how you came to believe that you were SAVED.
Was it your preacher or did you just assume???



Being anointed with the HOLY SPIRIT

If a person has never sneezed think how it would be to tell this person exactly how it would feel.


The same is TRUE with the HOLY SPIRIT.


Take you mind off the HOLY SPIRIT. For your mind has NO influence over IT.


What you MUST DO in order to be ANOINTED by GOD with the HOLY SPIRIT ( BORN AGAIN, SAVED ) is commit your WHOLE LIFE TO GOD and GOD'S WILL. Then from that moment on seek GOD in all your decisions.


You were placed on this earth to perform a GODLY MISSION. Some folks do and some don't ever get to it.


If you will notice we all start out with an itch we can't scratch. IT bugs us. We can find no real contentment. WE TRY!!! ( SEX, DRUGS, MONEY, ECT. ECT. ) BUT you still have that feeling your life is not being fulfilled.


This is why folks attend the worldly Church. They feed on the MILK for babes. ( as per GOD'S WORD ) BUT IT'S NOT ENOUGH!!! YOU ARE STILL NOT SATISFIED!!!


WHY???

BECAUSE YOU NEED THE REAL FOOD!!! ( as per GOD'S WORD )



Now after you have made the commitment referred to above GOD WILL KNOW!!! AS HE SEARCHES THE HEART!!!


IT IS THEN that GOD WILL BESTOW HIS ANOINTING UPON YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. INSTANT GIFTS!!!


You then will get a:

1. TEACHER

2. COMMUNICATOR

3. COMFORTER

4. GUIDE

So that you will be prepared to carry out the MISSION GOD GAVE TO JUST YOU!!!


When the HOLY SPIRIT descended upon me HE TOLD ME that I would be writing to help the poor.


I thought HE just meant those short of money. NOT SO!!!


So you see we don't really know the tools we are going to need to carry out our MISSION,

BUT

GOD DOES!!!


GOD NOT ONLY TOLD ME BUT SHOWED ME, THAT HE WOULD GIVE ME EVERYTHING I NEEDED EVEN WHAT I HAD NOT THE ABILITY TO HAVE.


WHAT A JOY IT IS TO ALWAYS REMEMBER:






“ Believe “ in Greek is a verb and has three components which are: hearing, accepting, and then acting ( COMMITING ) upon that which you have accepted.
X Even though you can't see him, GOD is there!!! O ( click on the x and drag to the O ) ( then see who is with you ) steven

 

[dodolah]

Tim.. only you and God knows what's going on.
I cannot judge whether you are saved or not because simply i don't know exactly what's going on in your heart.
But, this what i feel and what i can say after reading your second reply:

I think during these searching phase, too often we "force" our way to God whether we realize it or not.

We told God if He did not do this, then it is not Okay.

My suggestion to you is to take it easy with the Lord.
you cannot force God to do everything that you want.
Just as you cannot force your Parents to give you everything that you want. Some times you get them sometimes you don't.

But of all times, just like a good parent, you should trust the Lord that whatever He did or Didn't do is what the best for you.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.

Give God and yourself sometime. Keep trying and soon you'll find Him in all of His glory.
Perhaps you are the kind of person that needed logics and evidences before you can trust your life unto God.
Is that mean, you are condemned? Not really... remember conviction comes from the Holy Spirit.. Condemnation, however, comes from Satan.


You share similar faith with Thomas.
My prayer is for your journey to end up somewhat like him.
In the end, Thomas believe and never again questioned God.

I believe someday He will show you exactly what you NEEDED to see or hear or feel (not what you THINK you need to see, hear, or feel).

My advice never give up in searching the truth from Jesus.
Because His' truth will set you free indeed.

 

[Squeejie]

well put dodolah. faith isn't something that isn't given to you on a gold platter from heaven as soon as you accept God. it, like all things in this world, you have to work at it. Lapses in faith are a very common thing to a strong believer. The path to happiness isn't an easy one. you seem like a very intelligent person and know that the faith that others have just isn't good enough for you. You might know that what you feel in your heart is true, but you don't see what you've been taught as absolute truth.
I feel that with so many different languages and cultures on this earth, that God doesn't only have one name, and that no religion has got it 100% right. just on this site alone, there are so many varying opinions about how to interpret just one book. as long as you keep seeking, you will find the answer that you feel most right.

 

[Uniting]

well put dodolah. faith isn't something that isn't given to you on a gold platter from heaven as soon as you accept God. it, like all things in this world, you have to work at it. Lapses in faith are a very common thing to a strong believer. The path to happiness isn't an easy one. you seem like a very intelligent person and know that the faith that others have just isn't good enough for you. You might know that what you feel in your heart is true, but you don't see what you've been taught as absolute truth.
I feel that with so many different languages and cultures on this earth, that God doesn't only have one name, and that no religion has got it 100% right. just on this site alone, there are so many varying opinions about how to interpret just one book. as long as you keep seeking, you will find the answer that you feel most right.

 

[wonderwaleye]

LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding




1 John
Chapter 2

26
I write you these things about those who would deceive you.
27
As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, so that you do not need anyone to teach you. But his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false; just as it taught you, remain in him.


REMEMBER:



“ Believe “ in Greek is a verb and has three components which are: hearing, accepting, and then acting ( COMMITING ) upon that which you have accepted.

X Even though you can't see him, GOD is there!!! O
( click on the x and drag to the O ) ( then see who is with you ) steven