New Christian and need help...

[emily_elizabeth]

My life in the past has been less than virtuous and I worry I can't be forgiven.

I also know that my enthusiasm can easily fade and need to figure out how to keep it.

Also, podcast, book, and website recommendations would be great! Thanks!

 

[WalkInSpirit]

Whatever you have done in your past, if you've accepted Christ, repented and are firm in your desire to follow Him, to walk in the Spirit, it all has been forgiven.
However, that does not mean that sometimes doubts do not assault us. I can't speak for everyone, but I know it happens to me and it has happened to brethren I know.
One day, when I was having doubts, I ran into this piece and have kept it since, as a reminder of the inmense grace of God!
I pray it will be of help to you.

“WAITING ON GOD”
With the Lord…a thousand years are like a day (2 Peter 3:8 - NIV)
If we hold fast, “Other foundation can no man lay than…Jesus Christ” and “I am justified freely by God’s grace,” still Satan urges, “But the tree is known by its fruits; have you the fruits of justification? Is that mind in you which was in Jesus Christ? Are you dead to sin and alive to righteousness?”
And then, comparing the small fruits we feel in our souls with the fullness of the promises, we shall be ready to conclude, “Surely God has not said that my sins are forgiven! Surely I have not received the remission of sins. What lot have I, among those who are sanctified?”
But bind this above your neck; write it upon your heart: “I am accepted before God by the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Admire more and more the free grace of God in so loving the world as to give His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life (see John 3:16). So shall the peace of God flow on an even stream, in spite of all those mountains of ungodliness. They shall become a plain in the day when the Lord comes to take full possession of your heart. The Lord is not lacking for time to accomplish the work that still needs to be done in your soul. And His time is the best time. Therefore, ask Him and trust in Him, for He cannot withhold from you anything that is good.
From: “How to Pray: The best of John Wesley on prayer” 2007 Barbour Publishing, Inc. Pp. 48

 

[JCFantasy23]

My life in the past has been less than virtuous and I worry I can't be forgiven.

I also know that my enthusiasm can easily fade and need to figure out how to keep it.

Also, podcast, book, and website recommendations would be great! Thanks!

All can be forgiven under Christ. Rest assured this is so, as it has been promised to us by God Himself.

As for enthusiasm - I struggle with this myself. I never go without faith but my attention wanes when I should be concentrating at times more than I do. This is a sad fact for many of us, but one we will keep working on throughout our lives. We all have our journeys. Do not let this deter or discourage you; growth will come in all ways with God when we are working with Him.

As for podcasts, dont really listen to them so can't recommend any. Book/website - well I recommend some of the free bible study software, as there you can find many free add-on books, bible commentaries, etc. for free. Many use e-sword, and I do as well, although my preferred and favorite is Bible Explorer 4.

 

[JasperJackson]

My life in the past has been less than virtuous and I worry I can't be forgiven.

Mark 2:17: On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Also, podcast, book, and website recommendations would be great! Thanks!

Check out Mark Driscoll's sermons at Mars Hill Church.

 

[andreha]

My life in the past has been less than virtuous and I worry I can't be forgiven.

I also know that my enthusiasm can easily fade and need to figure out how to keep it.

Also, podcast, book, and website recommendations would be great! Thanks!

Hey, don't worry about the past. The Lord's grace is much bigger than everything you have ever done. Nothing can separate you from the warmth of His great love.

(Rom 8:39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

As a child of God, you have His Holy Spirit to lead and guide you in all truth. He is your strength. How do you know you have the Holy Spirit? Easy:

(1Co 12:3) Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

If you are able to open your mouth, and say "Jesus is Lord", then you are already under the power of God's Spirit.

 

[mandyangel]

try praying everyday for just 5 minutes no matter what. when u see the work god does 4 u, you will be addicted.

 

[k.miles]

Emily,

As far as forgiveness, Christ is always open to forgive you even if others aren't. Only His forgiveness will get you into the Kingdom, not other's forgiveness. The whole world can forgive you but that makes no difference on where you will spend eternity if Christ hasn't forgiven you.

Also, others forgiveness is one thing but have to forgive yourself in order to make the biggest difference. If you forgive yourself then it won't matter who else hasn't forgiven you. Start with forgiving yourself. It may not seem like it, but whatever you are ashamed of you can redeem yourself.

Emily, I highly encourage you to read this blog post about redemption from failures (just copy and paste this link into your browser):

whatyoudontunderstandcanhurtyou.com/blogs.redemption.htm

 

[pr0cessa]

I have no fear about the past... but since my rebirth, every time I do something bad I have a hard time forgiving myself, too. The other day I cursed at my husband while I was very angry. I felt so bad. I feel like He has given me so many huge blessings and for me to act that way is like spitting back in His face, being an ungrateful child! I want to make him proud and glorify him. I found it hard to "face" him even in prayer. I found that I first had to forgive myself. This was really hard because I was so ashamed. Anyone have a personal forgiveness prayer they would like to share?

 

[salida]

1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

[emily_elizabeth]

Thank you everyone!

 

[NYkravitz]

Welcome to CF

Walkintheword.com has some helpful messages

 

[Peripatetic]

You have been be forgiven. People who have done much worse have been forgiven. The thief and insurrectionist that hung on the cross next to Jesus was saved only moments before he died, yet all of his lifetime of sins were forgiven because he had faith. Also, as I just said in another thread here: remember the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32). Not only did the father welcome his wayward son back, but he started rejoicing when he was still far away and ran to meet him.

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him."

You are very wise for predicting that your enthusiasm could fade. Many people fall away when this happens because they think it can and should continue. Like a marriage, our faith can have a honeymoon at at the beginning, but many changes and ups and downs that follow. The important thing is that your foundation stays rooted in God's word. That way you can withstand the storms that life will certainly bring.

Podcasts and devotional web sites are a great idea! I use them every day. Here's a good site for free daily Bible devotions: Daily Devotionals and Bible Devotions, Free Online, Christian Study

Many of these writers also have podcasts. A great one for new Christians is Harvest Daily Devotional from Greg Laurie, Christian Bible Devotions and his podcast A New Beginning Radio ::: Home.

 

[LadyOfMystery]

I know Im late on this but I also wanted to say there is no need to worry about God not forgiving you, He ALWAYS will, no matter what. As many times as it takes, He will always forgive you for anything.

 

[Nathaniel Ellis]

You seem pritty strong to me. Your are allready quoting scripture. . . Just stand on it. Decide that you will not be moved no matter what happens. many are called but fiew are chosen, decide that you will be one of the chosen.

I know what its like to think that you are not forgiven. Its one of the more hard core attacks from the enemy. the fact is that as long as you are breathing you have the ability to repent and come to Christ. if you had reached the point were you could not be saved you would not care about it.

The past does not exist anymore you don't have to think about it. put your mind on the future. Talk to God and see His plan for your life. an ez way to open your spiritual ears is to read scripture and than write down a conversation with God without analizing it, you can allways analize it later because you are writing it down. It is extremely important to submit the stuff you write to someone who allready can recognise the voice of God because demons can speak threw scripture too. and we need to learn the tell the difference betweeen God and demons. you can submit your conversations to me threw messag if you cant find anyone else.


Check out Heidi Baker, and Bill Johnson on youtube. there official sites are irismin.org and ibetheltv.org and ibethel.org

 

[Erie79]

Hi Emily,

God forgives us when we ask him for forgiveness and then turn away from sin. You can love a person but not like their actions. I love my kids unconditionally They do things that I don't like or upset me, but my love for them never changes. This is like God's love for us!
I don't have any recommendations for a podcast but the audiobook, "Victory Over Darkness" By Neil Anderson is a good read or listen

I am using a Life Application Study Bible(NIV) and I love it! I enjoy reading the background information pertaining to that time period. I am on a read the Bible in a year plan and I feel very inspired! Take the time to reflect on The Word daily. I know it is tough when you are leading a busy life, but that is how we can get closer to God and receive His Guidance. I feel more content and at peace when I make time for God.
"Feed your Faith and your doubts will starve to death."
I think think every Christian has doubts every now and again and I think it is during those times that we need to draw nearer to God. You are at the right place for support and encouragement

Erie