Please help

[acc]

Hi Everyone,

Well I've been reading a lot of these posts and I guess my situation is not so different from many of the other non-Christain strugglers out there.

I'm almost 39 and I feel I'm at rock bottom right now. I'm tossing and turning with my faith (*) ...or lack thereof? I have a failing business, a failing relationship with my wife (who is a non-believer), and two 3-yr-olds thrown into the mix. Over the past 2 years I have yo-yo'd in learning more about God, Jesus, and Christianity. There are times when I feel convicted of my sins, but then I quickly find ways to rationalize them and allow them to perpetuate. I have even gotten into new sins that I never entertained before, such as stealing. And I have been wasting tons of hours on theft forums to learn how to make extra cash by stealing. And I waste tons of hours each day on internet porn. And I lie nonstop. And I am quick to anger. All this I know is hurting my marriage, my business and any semblance of a relationship with God. The frustrating and perhaps scary thing is I don't always feel guilty.

I am still doing a lot of searching about Jesus and Christianity. I know how easy it is to fall for a lot of secular misinformation. Some of it can sound very convincing. Fortunately, my heart and head tells me (1) There is definitely a God, and (2) The Bible is the word of God, and (3) Belief in Jesus, asking him to forgive me of my sins is the only way to help straighten me out. My problem is I am a very weak person in some ways, particularly in falling for the sins I'm mired in. I guess you could say I'm convinced, but not committed. How can I bridge that gap?

Your support, prayer, and advice is greatly appreciated. This is not a one-hit post. I will read and respond.

(*) Back in college I had a very close Christain friend who witnessed to me and I honestly felt I was saved. Towards the end of our college years we had a falling out of sorts and we went our separate ways and have backslid since then in no uncertain terms. We did reconnect a year ago, but I haven't heard from him since.

 

[razeontherock]

If you're sincere, it's hard to imagine how you could keep a marriage going, non-Christian wife or not. Those are some heavy-duty behaviors there, and there's no way you could keep all that secret for your wife for very long.

I will tell you that G-d has a way of bringing us to a door, and if we fail to go through it we have a whole "cycle" to go through all over again until we get to that same door. Consider it a test.

Realize repentance is NOT something any of us can somehow "will" ourselves to do. Latch onto whatever conviction you've got, and realize that IS the Lord! Use the Grace He gives you, then when He expects you to do anything more, it's really up to Him to not only give you more Grace, but to open your eyes to it.

It's pretty scary to be able to do some of those things and feel no guilt; that's a line you really don't want to cross. "even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness" Romans 1:28

The alternative? "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:1-2

Start with the Gospel of John, and read straight through the end of the New Testament.

 

[Elder 111]

Hi Everyone,

Well I've been reading a lot of these posts and I guess my situation is not so different from many of the other non-Christain strugglers out there.

I'm almost 39 and I feel I'm at rock bottom right now. I'm tossing and turning with my faith (*) ...or lack thereof? I have a failing business, a failing relationship with my wife (who is a non-believer), and two 3-yr-olds thrown into the mix. Over the past 2 years I have yo-yo'd in learning more about God, Jesus, and Christianity. There are times when I feel convicted of my sins, but then I quickly find ways to rationalize them and allow them to perpetuate. I have even gotten into new sins that I never entertained before, such as stealing. And I have been wasting tons of hours on theft forums to learn how to make extra cash by stealing. And I waste tons of hours each day on internet porn. And I lie nonstop. And I am quick to anger. All this I know is hurting my marriage, my business and any semblance of a relationship with God. The frustrating and perhaps scary thing is I don't always feel guilty.

I am still doing a lot of searching about Jesus and Christianity. I know how easy it is to fall for a lot of secular misinformation. Some of it can sound very convincing. Fortunately, my heart and head tells me (1) There is definitely a God, and (2) The Bible is the word of God, and (3) Belief in Jesus, asking him to forgive me of my sins is the only way to help straighten me out. My problem is I am a very weak person in some ways, particularly in falling for the sins I'm mired in. I guess you could say I'm convinced, but not committed. How can I bridge that gap?

Your support, prayer, and advice is greatly appreciated. This is not a one-hit post. I will read and respond.

(*) Back in college I had a very close Christain friend who witnessed to me and I honestly felt I was saved. Towards the end of our college years we had a falling out of sorts and we went our separate ways and have backslid since then in no uncertain terms. We did reconnect a year ago, but I haven't heard from him since.

The fact that you are hear is good, it means that there is hope and that you are still hearing the voice of God, It also means that you realize that you are failing on your own. I personally have realised that when you say to God help me I can not, He helps. Ask Him, get on your knees and ask Him. Know that He will deliver you but you must avoid yeilding to temptation after that. Read you bible every day and pray likewise even when you don't fell like. success maybe slow, a stumble or two but success a asure you. Please let God. That is where you failm you would not let God.

 

[razeontherock]

Here's what you need; not sure if this is coming from an angle you can grasp but I hope it helps:

"Most mistakenly we often seem to think that God put Adam there to test him, to see whether he would obey or not. Not so. It was because by no other means could he discover his own innate helplessness.It was not as we often erroneously think, that Adam could have done the good deed of rejecting the advances of Satan. If that were so, man could be good by his own unaided effort. But he was placed between those two trees to learn that of himself he can do nothing good, and is not expected to! It was to teach him the basic fact of his creation, that his own human spirit is an empty, helpless vessel so far as living the good life is concerned: "in me, that is in my flesh (my humanity) dwelleth no good thing." He was not created to be good. He was created to be indwelt by the Good One, and the negative command not to eat of the tree, followed by the direct temptation to do so, was not to stir into action some potential capacity in Adam for obedience and goodness nor to demonstrate that he could be good if he would, but to reveal to him the one essential point he had to learn about himself - that he was created helpless so far as being and doing good is concerned -and then that his little human spirit had one marvelous potentiality: it could be the container of the Divine Spirit via the tree of life, and yet not lose its own individuality in being so; but (the fact is) that the two can dwell together, each in the other, in an eternal fruitful bond of union. The Liberating Secret"

- Norman Grubb

 

[salida]

I would go back to the basics.

Christian concept: www.livingwaters.com/good/

I suggest u research the credibility of christianity intellectually which is very high even though it’s a spiritual decision first:
Visit: www.TheBibleProofBook.com, (you will need acrobat reader for this), read The Evidence That Demands A Verdict by Josh McDowell (its overwhelming circumstantial evidence of bible) and Examine the Evidence by Muncaster a former athiest/The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel a former athiest. Christiananswers.net, www.equip.org (articles), http://www.gotquestions.org/

Take one day at a time and get some inspirational friends that love God by their actions. Read the bible and pray daily. Get involved in a serious church. Its a life long lifestyle and you will know God more and more. True faith is demonstrated by actions. Feel free to email me.

 

[DoctorJosh]

Hi Everyone,

Well I've been reading a lot of these posts and I guess my situation is not so different from many of the other non-Christain strugglers out there.

I'm almost 39 and I feel I'm at rock bottom right now. I'm tossing and turning with my faith (*) ...or lack thereof? I have a failing business, a failing relationship with my wife (who is a non-believer), and two 3-yr-olds thrown into the mix. Over the past 2 years I have yo-yo'd in learning more about God, Jesus, and Christianity. There are times when I feel convicted of my sins, but then I quickly find ways to rationalize them and allow them to perpetuate. I have even gotten into new sins that I never entertained before, such as stealing. And I have been wasting tons of hours on theft forums to learn how to make extra cash by stealing. And I waste tons of hours each day on internet porn. And I lie nonstop. And I am quick to anger. All this I know is hurting my marriage, my business and any semblance of a relationship with God. The frustrating and perhaps scary thing is I don't always feel guilty.

I am still doing a lot of searching about Jesus and Christianity. I know how easy it is to fall for a lot of secular misinformation. Some of it can sound very convincing. Fortunately, my heart and head tells me (1) There is definitely a God, and (2) The Bible is the word of God, and (3) Belief in Jesus, asking him to forgive me of my sins is the only way to help straighten me out. My problem is I am a very weak person in some ways, particularly in falling for the sins I'm mired in. I guess you could say I'm convinced, but not committed. How can I bridge that gap?

Your support, prayer, and advice is greatly appreciated. This is not a one-hit post. I will read and respond.

(*) Back in college I had a very close Christain friend who witnessed to me and I honestly felt I was saved. Towards the end of our college years we had a falling out of sorts and we went our separate ways and have backslid since then in no uncertain terms. We did reconnect a year ago, but I haven't heard from him since.

Welcome to rock bottom, but that is not in a good way I am saying it. Many have been right where you are, some are still there and it takes just that one choice to get yourself out of it. Change by will power not for yourself, but for your family. You have found that selfish area in which you desperately are seeking some enjoyment at rock bottom, but find that it is only making you more miserable by the day. More guilt upon guilt, and more desperation leading to more frantic ways to find some joy. An endless circle of defeat, but just make the decision that it ends here and now.

Your children will be without a father if you get caught stealing. Your children may be forced into court if your wife discloses your porn habits. You may be divorced before you know it. Everything can get far worse than you expected and you have to start using your will power to save your family.

What was it that you started the business for to begin with? To get ahead, but you are just falling behind because you are focused on some lustful desires and some kicks out of desperation. There are others out there in the same position. Well first, don't get frantic and desperate and don't look for happiness in porn or sinful desires. Next, focus on your family, your children need their father and you need them and your wife. Concentrate on that, then work on the business.

What was it that you did in the past to make your business more successful? Advertising or was it word of mouth, your work that showed the proof by itself or was it that you just went out and found clients that wanted what you sell? Start ground pounding and get your cards out, go to their doors, find some clients that need what you sell.
Now, I don't know what you sell, but if it is something you can have sales on several times a month to cover your overhead and replenish it later or if you can offer cheaper labor for one or two weeks as a sale or incentive to get clients, then do it.

Now, for your life with Jesus. It is time to start having family dinners and Praying at the table, start going to a nice Church and get your children into some Church events. We wonder how to change our lives, we ask ourselves, how did I get here? But we always know we can change over night by just saying no to the evil desires and focusing on what is more important.

The world is falling down all around us, but we cannot escape it by the Internet or finding evil desires to fill the worry, it is just that we have to keep going and doing our best for our families, our children who need us, and our wives who depend on us to keep things in order so there is a future tomorrow for the family and especially the children.

Otherwise the nightmare you have now is nothing compared to what is to come if you don't make some changes and do it for your family and for yourself. Save your family, save yourself and save your business. It is hard work, it will keep you busy and Church and the Bible will help you find peace with Jesus. Don't give up, Forgive yourself, ask Jesus for Forgiveness and start a new page in your life. It is time to be a man that you wanted to be when you had those dreams before you started the business. Don't let evil drag you down and leave you with nothing.

I hope this day will be the day you make the choice, to be the Father you wanted to be, the Husband you wanted to be, and be the man you wanted to be. Success is through Jesus, even when money is gone, the business is gone, the world folds under there is only Jesus still waiting for us to come to Him. He is Forever. The meaning of life, to know God, to accept God and to Love God and to live for God in all that we do. Commit your life to God and your Business to God and you will be successful in all that you do. Live a sinful life and lose everything.
That choice is yours. Your family needs you and is depending on you.
You are team with your family, there is no ME or I in a family. You joy should come with them and with Jesus if you so accept Him.

God Bless. You are in my Prayers.

 

[oi_antz]

Hi Everyone,

Well I've been reading a lot of these posts and I guess my situation is not so different from many of the other non-Christain strugglers out there.

I'm almost 39 and I feel I'm at rock bottom right now. I'm tossing and turning with my faith (*) ...or lack thereof? I have a failing business, a failing relationship with my wife (who is a non-believer), and two 3-yr-olds thrown into the mix. Over the past 2 years I have yo-yo'd in learning more about God, Jesus, and Christianity. There are times when I feel convicted of my sins, but then I quickly find ways to rationalize them and allow them to perpetuate. I have even gotten into new sins that I never entertained before, such as stealing. And I have been wasting tons of hours on theft forums to learn how to make extra cash by stealing. And I waste tons of hours each day on internet porn. And I lie nonstop. And I am quick to anger. All this I know is hurting my marriage, my business and any semblance of a relationship with God. The frustrating and perhaps scary thing is I don't always feel guilty.

I am still doing a lot of searching about Jesus and Christianity. I know how easy it is to fall for a lot of secular misinformation. Some of it can sound very convincing. Fortunately, my heart and head tells me (1) There is definitely a God, and (2) The Bible is the word of God, and (3) Belief in Jesus, asking him to forgive me of my sins is the only way to help straighten me out. My problem is I am a very weak person in some ways, particularly in falling for the sins I'm mired in. I guess you could say I'm convinced, but not committed. How can I bridge that gap?

Your support, prayer, and advice is greatly appreciated. This is not a one-hit post. I will read and respond.

(*) Back in college I had a very close Christain friend who witnessed to me and I honestly felt I was saved. Towards the end of our college years we had a falling out of sorts and we went our separate ways and have backslid since then in no uncertain terms. We did reconnect a year ago, but I haven't heard from him since.

Sin is an addictive and progressive disease. If you give an inch it grows a mile. You're obviously aware of your stumbling blocks, it sounds like you need to get serious about the state of your soul rather than your body. Concentrating on eternal matters rather than carnal matters. Lies, stealing etc are all fulfilling some desire or need you have for carnal pleasures. Jesus says that you must lay down your life (give up everything you desire), pick up your cross (the conviction you're already aware of) and follow Him (repent, repent, repent). Repentance is a matter of identifying need for change and acting upon it. Repentance lasts for a lifetime.

John 13:34 (New International Version)

34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

If you exercise this commandment in every situation you can, it will knock-out every sin. The essence of sin is selfishness - harming another to make a gain. (stealing, lying, cheating etc). Christianity teaches selflessness - put another person's needs before your own.

Keep praying and reading the word, if you go for too long without coming close to God you'll get pretty distanced from Him until your sins are forgiven. Jesus is always willing to forgive our sins but I think you have to be honest in your repentance otherwise you're just making a mockery of forgiveness and God is no fool.

Only you know within your heart what changes you need to make, it will obviously take a sacrifice to let go of carnal desires, but our reward is eternal glory in the presence of God.

 

[zaksmummy]

A few years ago I had a problem with a perpetual sin, no matter how much I prayed it just wouldnt go away, until I heard a preacher expound Romans chapter 6 particularly verse 14 "For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law [legalism], but under grace."

In other words, through faith in Jesus you are set free from your sin, it no longer controls you, when you commit sin now, the grace that Jesus gives you means that you can repent and come close to God again to be forgiven. Understanding that it was no longer my master took the sting out of the sin, it no longer held me bound, and thankfully I am free of it.

You know what it means to ask forgiveness, but do you know what it means to repent? This is to turn away from your sins and go in Gods direction not yours. Jesus tells us to repent and be baptised. Is this something you have done? I know that there is power in repentance, but I am coming to believe that there is power in baptism as well. This is a ritual washing for cleansing following repentance. You are saying to yourself and the world that you now belong to God, you are a new creation.

Another thing that will help is to find a good church who will teach you Gods ways, pray for you and help you with your family.

 

[berachah]

Its important to realize that sin has consequences. When you give into the temptation to steal, you are in fact yielding to a demon spirit. That same demon spirit then has power to exercise authority against you. So perhaps you see your business losing contracts, unexpected expenses, theft of time, money and resources start to take place....etc

Even pornography has its consequences. The way you perceive your wife and the impact on your intimacy is no doubt already obvious to you. But besides that you allow that same spirit of lust to have access into your wife's life. How is it going to affect her and what about your children. Do you know that the man is the gatekeeper of the family? All that you allow in has authority to access your family. What heritage are you building for your children? I hope you are taking this seriously as there are longterm consequences here.......


You seem to know the things that are you are doing wrong and that should be the starting point.
Repent of your actions, ask God for forgiveness and to remove all evil authority you have yielded to. Try make right what you have done wrong in the past.

Get rid of the internet if you have to you. Confess to your wife and ask her to help you stay away from the theft sites and pornography.

Dont wait until you lose everrything. Act today. Find a church, start praying with all your strength.....

 

[Bear.Fr00t]

Hi Acc, you've received a lot of good advice. Just letting you know I have prayed for you and your struggles.

 

[JGG]

There are times when I feel convicted of my sins, but then I quickly find ways to rationalize them and allow them to perpetuate. I have even gotten into new sins that I never entertained before, such as stealing. And I have been wasting tons of hours on theft forums to learn how to make extra cash by stealing. And I waste tons of hours each day on internet porn. And I lie nonstop. And I am quick to anger. All this I know is hurting my marriage, my business and any semblance of a relationship with God. The frustrating and perhaps scary thing is I don't always feel guilty.

Clearly, I can't help you with your religious issues, and while I'm a psychologist, I'm not a therapist.

However, I did need to take some therapy courses, and looking at what you've written I see (at least) one of two things happening:

(1) You're being self-destructive. (2) You're crying out for help. Or both.

You've said two things where a timeline needs to be considered: That you're having trouble with your marriage, and business, and that you're purposefully doing things that you know or believe are wrong. Guilt over a troubled homelife, or business can lead to self-destructive behaviour. On the other hand, self-destructive behaviour could lead to a troubled marriage or business.

Other questions should be asked: Before this "crisis" how was your self-esteem? Do you more often see yourself in a positive or negative perspective? Do you often feel as though you need, or deserve to suffer or be punished? You don't have to answer these here, or to me, but think about them. Evaluate how you view yourself, but without judgment.

Ultimately I think you need to figure out where this pattern began, and why it began. Then, deal with it appropriately. However, I would say that your behaviour all points to psychological issues that need to be dealt with. Maybe some trauma, or guilt. It's like you're struggling to deal with the symptoms, but aren't aware of what's making you sick. I might also add, that if you are typically someone of faith, and you're struggling with it now, it could also be the result of whatever it is you need to deal with.

You might want to look into counseling or therapy. Perhaps, if you're looking for a spiritual aspect to it you could go to a priest or minister who has some psychology training (many if not most do), or ask one to point you toward someone who can help.

Just my perspective.

 

[sterken7983]

Hi Everyone,

Well I've been reading a lot of these posts and I guess my situation is not so different from many of the other non-Christain strugglers out there.

I'm almost 39 and I feel I'm at rock bottom right now. I'm tossing and turning with my faith (*) ...or lack thereof? I have a failing business, a failing relationship with my wife (who is a non-believer), and two 3-yr-olds thrown into the mix. Over the past 2 years I have yo-yo'd in learning more about God, Jesus, and Christianity. There are times when I feel convicted of my sins, but then I quickly find ways to rationalize them and allow them to perpetuate. I have even gotten into new sins that I never entertained before, such as stealing. And I have been wasting tons of hours on theft forums to learn how to make extra cash by stealing. And I waste tons of hours each day on internet porn. And I lie nonstop. And I am quick to anger. All this I know is hurting my marriage, my business and any semblance of a relationship with God. The frustrating and perhaps scary thing is I don't always feel guilty.

I am still doing a lot of searching about Jesus and Christianity. I know how easy it is to fall for a lot of secular misinformation. Some of it can sound very convincing. Fortunately, my heart and head tells me (1) There is definitely a God, and (2) The Bible is the word of God, and (3) Belief in Jesus, asking him to forgive me of my sins is the only way to help straighten me out. My problem is I am a very weak person in some ways, particularly in falling for the sins I'm mired in. I guess you could say I'm convinced, but not committed. How can I bridge that gap?

Your support, prayer, and advice is greatly appreciated. This is not a one-hit post. I will read and respond.

(*) Back in college I had a very close Christain friend who witnessed to me and I honestly felt I was saved. Towards the end of our college years we had a falling out of sorts and we went our separate ways and have backslid since then in no uncertain terms. We did reconnect a year ago, but I haven't heard from him since.

Hi there. I'd like to help and pray this does. Please let me know either way.

First: I found ur closing statement about your friend helping you get saved interesting. I must URGE you to read your Bible, starting with the Gospel. There is no one time, SAVED FOREVER. Jesus tells us the path to heaven is very narrow and the gate is found by very few.

I come unto you with great hope, many prayers for you, and counsel that I pray finds you wanting and humbled, and helps give you some clarity as, in your own words, your life seems to be spiraling out of control.

Your life is spiraling out of control because you have given yourself over to your sin. Unfortunately, God has also given you over to your sin. The reason He has done this to you is one that you yourself stated: you are looking at BETTER ways to steal and more and more internet porn. The porn I have dealt with: it is the greatest temptation for a man, I believe.
More on that in a moment.

The fact is first, you need good, simple, Christian counsel from a fellow sinner. I am a TERRIBLE sinner so here, I am qualified. Sir, you are 39 years old! You are living as if you were 14 years old. This should cause you shame. You are abusing your marriage through your sin. This should bring you shame. You are daily seeking to break God's commandments. You are steadily and eagerly pursuing a one way ticket unto hell, eternal damnation.

The fact that God is NOT unkown to you completely reveals your plight. After hearing the Word, God decided to test you and you not only fell back to sin, but you say you are growing and finding new sins. You are rejecting the Lord and moving further and further away from Him.

I pray for you! Now... to find a way to CONVINCE you of your sin... okay, here goes.

I'm sure you have many reasons for doing these sins. The primary mover behind them are selfish pursuits of pleasure and open rebellion of God. If you were to die in these sins, you would enter into hell. And after 2,750,000 years of torment, you will look back and see, I had it! And I let it go! The WORST part is that at year 2,750,000 in hell, this will only be the beginning. For hell is without end.

Please, close your eyes, and let that sink in.

You CANNOT enter into Heaven AND still be in sin. Not possible.

You must repent. This means, to change how you PERCIEVE the world you live in. You MUST realize that these sins are not little things but are actually hooks attached into your flesh attached to chains pulling you deeper and deeper into Hell.

You will need to totally forsake these things and pray to the Lord to forgive you your sins and wash you with the blood of the Lamb which is Christ Jesus, whose Holy Innocent Blood was the Perfect Sacrifice that can wash your sins away. ONLY through Him can your sins be forgiven: ONLY through Him, can you come unto the Father.

Then, you must CONSTANTLY, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, fix your heart upon JESUS and your HEAVENLY FATHER, asking them to strengthen the Holy Spirit in you so that when you WANT to sin, you are able to refrain from doing so.

The reason you cannot do this now MAY be that you have not yet hit rock bottom. It is wonderful that you are seeking counsel but it seems you have HAD counsel before yet you are in this place of sin. The bad thing about hitting rock bottom is that it MAY be VERY FAR DOWN. Hopefully, you still have time to turn this around.

An earlier post about Adam kind of rubbed me a little wrong. Adam could have NOT sinned. He was of a spirit that was INNOCENT! He was NOT empty and ready to sin. He was given a CHOICE! Just as we are. When Adam ATE of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, he was INFECTED with a sinful knowledge. You see, this tree of knowledge of good and evil WAS NOT a perfect knowledge. If it was, it would have been the Tree of Life! The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil contained the knowledge of Satan, the Father of Lies. He is the FATHER of lies because he CREATED the first lie in himself, convincing himself that he was equal to God and therefore His adversary and would stand against Him (in reality, satan was NOT God's equal: he was simply an angel who dreamed up his OWN REALITY, and poisoned his own mind by means of his pride and vanity!

Then, he caused the man to fall to this as well. So that you were born with this unholy knowledge (carnal spirit) which must die. That is why Christ died on the cross. Adam had FULL capacity to choose right. He CHOSE to pursue Eve's affection OVER God's by accepting the sinful fruit from his wife.

That is the danger: we are taught, you can't help but sin. This is true. But it's because you have a carnal spirit! Christ can take that spirit to death with Him on the cross and you can be lifted up in Christ's Resurrection and be filled with the Holy Spirit!

You CAN walk OUT of sin and walk in RIGHTEOSUNESS! In fact, this is what you MUST do in order to be saved! This is why Jesus says that he who overcomes, even until the end, will be saved.

But you cannot do this as a human. Only by the Holy Spirit working within you and 100% devotion and fixation can you walk PERFECTLY without sinning. Sometimes, Christians fail at this and are in IMMEDIATE need of repenting and asking Jesus to wash them with His Holy Blood.

The good news is that it is POSSIBLE for the Holy Spirit to cause a man to NEVER SIN AGAIN! This is what we MUST strive for to enter Heaven! And we must give this knowledge to others. All these things are done through the Holy Spirit being in you and not of yourself. Without the Holy Spirit, these things cannot happen. While you are in sin, the Holy Spirit CANNOT work within you.

Let not these things trouble you but convince you of your situation, that it is so utterly desolate that you throw your arms to Heaven, fall upon your knees, and cry out to Jesus Our Redeemer with all your heart, mind and soul.

Study the gospel. Repent. Forsake your sin. Forsake your flesh. Forsake your cares for this world and for your life. Worry about getting to Heaven ONLY and all the rest God will take care of.

You said it yourself: you can't commit to Him. And so you are lost.

I will have you in my prayers and am VERY hopeful for you. Have faith! For with the Lord, ALL things are possible. Throw yourself before Him and forget this pathetic excuse of a life which we call the world of men! This is a dark and vile thing, filled with corruption, hate and evil! Forsake it and turn to God.

May the Grace of God and the Understanding of His Works come unto you.

 

[sterken7983]

I have also come to realize that the EMOTION behind these posts can be misnterpreted when another person reads them. So to ACC:

When reading my above post please hear my words in a very gentle and relaxed voice, kind of like a brother explaining to his brother why his girlfriend left him or why he didn't catch any fish on the fishing outing.

Please hear those words with a brotherly "This is how I see it according to what I know". Hope that helps.

 

[Jazer]

All this I know is hurting my marriage, my business and any semblance of a relationship with God. The frustrating and perhaps scary thing is I don't always feel guilty.

Paul says that sin has it's pleasure for a season. Some translations call it the passing pleasure of sin. For many of us we would like to enjoy the pleasure without having to suffer the consequences. For me the consequences are just not worth it, I do not get that much pleasure out of it. Also I really enjoy to abide in the peace and comfort of God. I like that better then sin. If you do not feel guilt then maybe your conscience is seared. "speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron"

 

[razeontherock]

Well the original question was asked last July, so it's questionable if the OP will see this. Do you see any difference between a seared conscience and a reprobate mind?

 

[Jazer]

Well the original question was asked last July, so it's questionable if the OP will see this. Do you see any difference between a seared conscience and a reprobate mind?

Someone else with the same sort of questions may be reading the post. I have not done a study on it, but for me a reprobate mind is mixed up and confused, in darkness and deceived. A seared conscience does not see anything wrong with what they are doing. They do not seem to be confused about it at all.