Not sure about God anymore

[Fuzzyrug]

Im losing my faith as I am not getting clear answers to difficult questions, when I ask about Adam and Eve or living in the belly of a whale or the world being only 7 thausand years old, the replies just don't seem to stand up, is this anyone else experiance or is it just me?? I want to belive as I feel in my heart its true

 

[Bellicus]

Some things just don't have a answer in this life. And the lack of a answer, don't automatically mean lack of God, it might just mean a lack of a answer and that is all.

Several things in the bible is more then just stories. For example Jonah in the belly of the whale is something that points forward to Jesus and the 3 days he were in the heart of the earth. We both know that it is impossible for a man to survive for days in the belly of a whale. We know that whales don't eat humans. And we know that if a human happened to be eaten by a whale, then it would be unlikely that the whale would spit up the human on the land. But as Christians we think that anything is possible for God, including to let a man be eaten and spitted out by a whale and for the earth to be filled with more water then there actually is on earth, like the story of Noah tells about. So things that seem impossible, can be explained by that nothing is impossible for God. Or we can think that many of the stories are symbolic in the way they describe things in a easy way, so that us humans can understand it, just like Jesus explained many things by using things that humans understand. Personally I know several things about the bible and God I just don't understand, and I've settled with this, that this is my lack of understanding, and not a lack of the existence of God, cause like you say: You know in your heart that God is real. If this was Santa Claus we believed in, then you would not know in your heart that he is real. But God we know is real, cause we hear the voice of the shepherd calling on us, and we follow the voice, cause we know that the shepherd loves us and are leading us to a good place.

 

[Radagast]

Im losing my faith as I am not getting clear answers to difficult questions, when I ask about Adam and Eve or living in the belly of a whale or the world being only 7 thausand years old...

There are core beliefs about Adam and Eve and sin. Many Christians do not believe the world is only 7,000 years old, though. And the most important beliefs in Christianity are the ones about Jesus.

 

[Saucy]

Well, not every question has an answer. Some things just are. Like the famous quote that says, "If God said, I believe it and that settles it." I say, "If God said it, that settles it." God is the final word and authority and I choose to believe Him. His word has stood for thousands of years and the more science tries to investigate the world God created, the more it proves the word of God right. You should really study apologetics...it's truly fascinating. Ordinarily, the average Christian doesn't have these answers. They don't fully understand the world they're living in or even their faith.

But I take it you're beginning to look at the bible and stories such as Jonah and think, "that's impossible." And maybe science is starting to make more sense to you, but when has science ever been more than a giant theory? Umm, how old is the world? Do they even know? How many times has the answer changed since I've been in high school just six years ago? Why does man always think he's the greatest thing since sliced bread? Does he have all the answers? So cocky is man.

 

[theMormon]

Loved your response, Bellicus!

 

[lonelyboy]

I went through this back in March of this year. I understand the battle between logic and faith. I still don't understand how a grown man survived under the sea in the belly of a big fish, or how 3 men were thrown into a fiery furnace and did not burn. I don't even understand how yelling and screaming can make an entire city reduce to rubble. But you see, that's the thing. We aren't supposed to understand. We are supposed to believe. We must have faith.

"Be strong... be of good faith... do not be discouraged."

You are not alone in this doubting season that you are going through. I have made the choice to cast all of those unanswered questions outside my mind because in the end they don't really matter. I pray that a well of remembrance springs forth in your life so that you would think upon all the times that God has made himself known in your life.

As humans we tend to look elsewhere as we concoct all sorts of theories and ideas about God, but in the end the answers are already there. We just have to absorb the fine print and detail. Check this link below out. Put a www in front of it.

eternal-productions.org/101science.html

Hope this helps.

~Lonelyboy

 

[drich0150]

Adam and Eve or living in the belly of a whale or the world being only 7 thousand years old, the replies just don't seem to stand up,

Whether you except a "christian" world view or "educated" world view your belief in the answers to all of these questions and others like them are predicated on "faith." Simply put when speaking of "origins" no one can testify to the accuracy of the content in which they believe.. All the have to go on is faith, because there isn't anyone alive to verify or Deny either side.. If you look at what the world church of "history and science" says about fossils and evolution, it changes every few years. So much so that what was once believed and taught just a few decades ago, is almost as blasphemous as believing in creation... And, some Creationists are so wrapped up in what they believe, that if they found out what they believed wasn't exactly how they perceive things to have happened, they'd loose all faith in God...

As a christian, all I can a test to is what is written in scripture and has been there since the account was fist put to paper, and I can tell you of my limited understanding of what The discovery channel is now airing about "The origins".. and that's about it.. But that ok do you want to know why? It's because long ago, I realized even if I could comprehend all man had Knew to be fact, it still wouldn't amount to much, because "fact" and "truth" are not the same thing. (A fact is a statement that can be proven or disproven it has no bearing on truth)
And if I were to hold my shot glass intellect in the direction of the infinite almighty.. Then when I look at the Origins of creation, Maybe, 6 days and a rest is all I can comprehend.. This has been true for most of us for the past 5000 or so years. It wasn't till recently that man's ambition to "expand his borders" took us past what scripture has taught for so long.

So back to my original statement.. It's all about faith. Who do you want to believe to be right.. that's it. Neither side can be 100% If you want to live for God then 6 days and a rest.. if you want to live to self then it's whatever is on the discovery channel now..

Good luck in finding what it is you seek!

 

[Fuzzyrug]

Thanks for all the advice it is very helpful, I think that over the years the Bible as with other books of faith have been manipulated in the same way the Church has, so at this point I think that there is a message running through the Bible focusing on Jesus as God, yes it is a matter of faith that the stories are true or that they are a message only, and this can get in the way, even if some stories are not actual the truth, but the best way at the time to explain a point, it is the point thats important I think. I have made up some ground in returning to my faith, thanks

 

[johnd]

Im losing my faith as I am not getting clear answers to difficult questions, when I ask about Adam and Eve or living in the belly of a whale or the world being only 7 thousand years old, the replies just don't seem to stand up, is this anyone else experience or is it just me?? I want to believe as I feel in my heart its true

Hang in there... you are at a good place on the internet to get answers. Just beware there are some here who profess to have the answers whose theology does not square with the Word of God.

You mentioned some things (without specifics) but the most faq about A&E is where did their children find mates? The answer is... brothers and sisters were able to commingle in those days because the gene pool was still so strong (A&E were created in perfection). The taboo in the law about such close intermingling came at least 1500 - 2000 years later (when the gene pool had been through the cycle a few times).

The problem with incest (aside from the fact that it is repugnate to us today) is the defective genes in us being so closely repeated by a near of kin causing birth defects. Breeders of animals became quite skillful at using this to produce stronger oxen shorter donkeys and the various species of dog and cat etc.

I have heard of a man in South America who survived several days in the bely of a whale. Sorry I can't produce anything more tangible than heresay. But it was said he was quite immatiated and grey from all the stomach acids. In Jonah's case, however, if you read the account carefully... he was swallowed up by a great fish... and his account was more like death than being the world's first human submariner. So the account (and the sign of Jonah which Jesus would later resort to in Matthew 12) was that of three days and three nights death and subsequent resurrection.

The age of creation is a debate among Christians. I am of the young earth belief because those who claim long periods of time have yet to prove it. They claim it all the time. But claiming it and proving it are two different things. Old earth types resort to circular reasoning:

• fossil age determined by strata they are discovered in
• strata age determined by fossils discovered in them

Seriously.

The only dating method that comes close to being reliable is radio carbon (carbon 14) dating. And it is only accurate to 5,000 years. The rest is mathematic conjecture.

Seriously.

The age of the universe is determined by the distance between the stars... if you discount two facts...

• fully functional systems had to be in place to provide the scenario of lilfe (partials or intermediates produce poison not progeny death not life) thus the universe itself had to be formed fully mature and functional
• the speed of light has been proven to be slowing down exponentially and thus today's measurements would be off by some 10 million times 5,000 years ago

Those who refuse to believe this simply reject the evidence and black ball those who published the papers.

Seriously.

So old earther Christians (who I love in the Lord) imho simply, wittingly or not, have succumbed to the bullying of the atheists / agnostics who currently have a strangle hold on science.

There are lots of good biblical theological answers too. Hope to help restore your faith in the true God!

Take care.

 

[Elijah2]

Im losing my faith as I am not getting clear answers to difficult questions, when I ask about Adam and Eve or living in the belly of a whale or the world being only 7 thausand years old, the replies just don't seem to stand up, is this anyone else experiance or is it just me?? I want to belive as I feel in my heart its true

My dear brother what has Adam and Eve, Jonah, and Creation got to do with following and believing in our Lord Jesus Christ?

So what do you want to know about Adam and Eve, Jonah, and Creation? And you say it doesn't seem to stand up, but what is it have to stand up to? What measuring stick are you using? Evolution?

Be blessed in Jesus' Name.

 

[Elijah2]

Some things just don't have a answer in this life. And the lack of a answer, don't automatically mean lack of God, it might just mean a lack of a answer and that is all.

Several things in the bible is more then just stories. For example Jonah in the belly of the whale is something that points forward to Jesus and the 3 days he were in the heart of the earth. We both know that it is impossible for a man to survive for days in the belly of a whale. We know that whales don't eat humans. And we know that if a human happened to be eaten by a whale, then it would be unlikely that the whale would spit up the human on the land. But as Christians we think that anything is possible for God, including to let a man be eaten and spitted out by a whale and for the earth to be filled with more water then there actually is on earth, like the story of Noah tells about. So things that seem impossible, can be explained by that nothing is impossible for God. Or we can think that many of the stories are symbolic in the way they describe things in a easy way, so that us humans can understand it, just like Jesus explained many things by using things that humans understand. Personally I know several things about the bible and God I just don't understand, and I've settled with this, that this is my lack of understanding, and not a lack of the existence of God, cause like you say: You know in your heart that God is real. If this was Santa Claus we believed in, then you would not know in your heart that he is real. But God we know is real, cause we hear the voice of the shepherd calling on us, and we follow the voice, cause we know that the shepherd loves us and are leading us to a good place.

Hey B, you a shining mate, good explanation.

Be blessed in Jesus Name.

 

[johnd]

The speed of light ( c. ) is proven to be slowing down. This is Barry Setterfield who with Treavor Norman have done extensive research into this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjqxvpFn-Gs&feature=related

And here's his site on the web:

http://setterfield.org

Papers by Setterfield:

http://ldolphin.org/setterfield/index.html

Former atheist holder of three earned PhD's
the late Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith (Christian and young creationist)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aWC787mRQI

Former atheist / evolutionist Dr. Mark Eastman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBG9VwdDotg&feature=related

​

 

[johnd]

Fellowship, Bible study, good teaching builds faith muscles...

Here are a few good teachers...

Dr. John MacArthur

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8zjZ9NAzvQ

Dr. Walter Martin (multiple video sessions)
http://www.youtube.com/results?um=1&q=walter+martin&tab=w1&sa=N&ie=UTF-8

Dr J. Vernon McGee (m.v.s.)
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=j+vernon+mcgee&search_type=

Dr. Charles Stanley (m.v..s.)
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Charles+Stanley&search_type=&aq=f

Dr. Chuck Missler (m.v.s.)
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Chuck+Missler&search_type=&aq=f


​

 

[johnd]

Hope these help strengthen your faith.

Walter Martin's ministry was focused on the fact of faith and knowing why we believe what we believe which is the foundation and strength of his counter-cult ministry.

Charles Stanley, J. Vernon McGee, and John MacArthur are well rounded Bible teachers.

Chuck Missler is one of the best Bible expositors ever (he gets into the nooks and crannies of scripture and the language used).

 

[johnd]

I just paroused your web page www.anxietydontpanic.com.

You seemed to be right on track (from the quick skims I did over the various subjects at your site).

What exactly rattled your cage as far as your faith in God goes?

 

[heron]

Lots of good advice.

If everything in the Bible were tossed away, then God is still there. He is fully capable of existing without the Book. I am not suggesting we toss what it says, of course, but when you're questioning facts, keep your eyes on Him, and let the facts fall into place over time. Some information has not been fully researched yet.

Nothing is completely right or wrong in science until all the facts come in (and that is... the end of time). Many scientific theories were debunked at some time, and respected after enough researchers spent time on the topic.


The story of Jonah -- the Hebrew term was "great fish."

There's a river fish that has reached 23 feet at half a ton -- the Chinese Paddlefish.

The prehistoric Dunkleosteus was about 20 feet and weighed a ton.

"Frequently, fossils of Dunkleosteus are found with boluses of fish bones, semi-digested and partially eaten remains of other fish. As a result, the fossil record indicates that it may have routinely regurgitated prey bones rather than digesting them."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunkleosteus
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/vertebrates/basalfish/placodermi.html
http://www.fossilmuseum.net/Fossil_Galleries/Fish_Devonian/Dunkleosteous/Dunkleosteus.htm

This was a fish that lived inland but also on the sea -- Ninevah was inland, along the Tigris River that connected with the Persian Gulf.. which led out to the Arabian Sea.

(And I suspect from other information that the structure of waters and land in the Middle East changed over the years.)

It still is a crazy story. But people only write about the crazy stories. One person swallowed by a sea creature over thousands of years... not bad odds... and you can be certain that people will write about it.

I actually find more incredible miracles and wild stories these days than in the Bible, now that communication is better and more people are alive. Watch a little weeknight TV. (Or don't, lol.)

 

[Yiggoto]

So better to try and convince yourselves that every word of the bible has to be true rather than to consider that it may be the recorded word of people, previously handed down through generations, who were trying to make sense of their world (as we humans have a habit of doing).

 

[johnd]

So better to try and convince yourselves that every word of the bible has to be true rather than to consider that it may be the recorded word of people, previously handed down through generations, who were trying to make sense of their world (as we humans have a habit of doing).

Sounds like you haven't read the Bible.

Read it through at least once. Study the consistency throughout. Discover the fulfilled predictive prophecy in it... then scoff if you can...