please someone..i need help finding the Lord.

[coastie]

Please bear with me... I have so much to say on this.

All religions are not the same - Biblical Christianity is absolutely unique among all the religions and philosophies of mankind. Its claim to be necessary for salvation is based squarely on the uniquely powerful evidences for its truth and finality. Actually, true Christianity is not a religion, but a person, Jesus Christ. "By Him, and for Him, were all things created" (note Colossians 1:16, 17).

The Uniqueness of Christianity:

Only in the Bible is God revealed as the one eternal, personal Creator, who brought the entire universe into existence by His own Word. All other religions start with the material universe as the only eternal reality, with their "gods" being essentially personifications of the natural forces which develop the universe into its present form. On the other hand, the Creator-God of the Bible has all power and is Himself, therefore, not only the One who created the universe but also the One who establishes the basis for human salvation.

Christianity alone is centered in the historical events associated with a Person - the birth, death, resurrection, and imminent, glorious return of Jesus Christ. Other religions are invariably based on the teachings, rather than the acts, of their founders.

Jesus Christ alone, of all men in history, has conquered man's greatest enemy - death. The founders of other religions are all dead and their tombs venerated. The tomb of Christ is empty, and His bodily resurrection from the grave is the best proved fact of all history. The fact that He alone could overcome death demonstrates that He alone has all power. He Himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me" (John 14:6).

All other religions of the world are fundamentally just one religion - one of salvation by works. Each religion sets up a particular set of religious rites, of commands and restrictions, and of ethical principles to follow, and then teaches that if a man does these things he will be saved. The human origin of each of these systems is indicated by the fact that each is humanly attainable. The Bible, however, sets its moral and ethical standard as the very holiness and perfection of God Himself, and demands nothing less than this for salvation. Obviously, no man would invent a standard which was utterly impossible for any man to keep.

The man Christ Jesus, alone of all men who ever lived, maintained in every respect a life of perfect holiness and full obedience to the Father, thus demonstrating that He was the God-Man. He then died for the sins of all men and thus can offer full pardon and His own nature of perfect holiness to anyone who receives Him. Christ alone offers salvation by grace alone, to be received only through faith in Him. To the one who truly believes on Him, He then gives through the Holy Spirit a new nature, enabling that one to live a life pleasing to God.

In closing, There is no mere "religion" in all the world like this. Jesus Christ is the world's Creator, and its only true Redeemer. "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

I hope I helped... this is something that I compiled along time ago.

I'll be praying for you and that God will give you the ability to have faith in Him and also I suggest that you also pray often.

God Bless,

Zach

 

[psycmajor]

There was a Jewish historian named Josephus that has said that Jesus existed. Keep in mind that the Jews don't believe that Christ has come yet.

This is the 3rd time I've promoted this book :
The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict.

I am thankful that you aren't willing to give up God just yet, and that you are patient. Please continue to be patient. Buy this book!

Check out some apologetics sites on the web in the meantime. I've recommended these in the past here, too (I guess they're my favs!):

Apologetics
CARM
Stand to Reason

 

[vyder]

hello,i hope that everyone is doing alright. i have a slight problem. I have been a church goer all my life, but that wasnt by choice for the first years of my life. i went because my mother told me to go. now that i am older, i have reached the stage where I question faith, reality and proof about religion and spirituality. I regularly go to church, hoping that one day the truth will be revealed to me. right now, i believe that there is a god who loves us very much. this is because of my upbringing. what i have been trying to find out is about jesus. i fear the lord..trust me..and i dont want to be condemned, if what the bible says its true.

I realize that it is time to deepen my search for jesus and find out if he really existed. i mean..i ask ppl about him, not to stir or shake their faith, but because i want to truly know what convinced them of jesus. for me right now, i am searching for proof of jesus's existence and did he actually heal the sick, cure the lame etc.. i want to believe its true, but i have also been brought up seeing things to prove them. i understand that a lot of ppl say take it on faith, but its just hard for me to say..yes i believe in jesus, because i dont truly know@! i am in a bad situation. i have asked god to show me the truth, i pray and ask him to open the doors of heaven and show me his love...but currently, i think he is busy LOL, so i have to wait. but seriously, i need to find some direction in my life.

I am here not to test ppl, although it is somewhat a test of faith, but my primary concern is trying to find out the truth.why believe in christianity and not islam etc? any help would be greatly appreciated.

thanx guys

 

[Wildfire]

hello, I would be glad to help you. I understand what you are feeling. I did not find Jesus in the church myself, but rather through my own searching, and asking for the comforter. You can read about this in the book of John, it is an excellent place to start.

Jesus told us that the kingdom of heaven would not come to us by observation, because he is inside of <you>. I have more to write on this subject, but cannot right now.

A book that is wonderful, that I have read several times, is called, Great days of the last week, by Bruner. I don't know if it is on the web, but I recommend reading it.

Hope this helps you,
Wildfire

 

[Martin]

Vyder,
Thanks for your post.....

Firstly, let me say that there is no serious historian that would doubt whether Jesus actually existed. There are many historical records outside of the Bible for His existence. The existence of Jesus is not in dispute (psycmajor has given some good references to follow up on). The big issue is who was/is He?

Christians will say that He is God, but are they correct? This is the issue that is the major difference between Christianity and other religions. For example, Muslims believe Jesus to be a prophet, but would deny that He was God.

We might think that He is God, but on what basis do we make that assessment? There are several strands to this one, but it starts with the claim that Jesus made himself that HE was God.

The Jews crucified Jesus because of His blasphemy - He claimed equality with God - that He was God. You (like all Christians) will have to answer the following question for yourself?

By claiming to be God, was Jesus an evil man (He knew He wasn't God but told everyone that He was), a lunatic (He truly thought He was God, but wasn't) or was He who He claimed to be - God Himself in human form? There are no other possibilities. The evidences to support what Christians believe - that He was who He said He was - are many and would take som time to demonstrate them, but any of Josh McDowells' books would help you to come to a personal conclusion ("Evidence That Demands A Verdict", "Further Evidence That Demands A Verdict", "The Case Of The Empty Tomb", "New Evidence That Demands A Verdict").

Christians believe that there is One God in three persons - the Father, the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit. It's the work of the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin in our lives and point the way to the Saviour, Jesus. So, by all means, read the books, investigate the eveidence, but you will ultimately need to be born again - a work done by the Holy Spirit.

I suggest that, with honesty of heart before God, you ask Him to speak to you and show you the way (it's different for all of us, and that's great news, because we are all individuals and God treats us as such), then just be open to Him. Be willing to believe and to listen, and I don't think it will be too long until you get the answers you are looking for......

Bless you..

 

[kern]

Even if you only look at the four gospels, that's three more sources than exist for many events that are accepted as historical. My father told me about an article in a historical journal that said there was more evidence for Jesus' resurrection than for many other antiquity historical events -- it was simply the supernatural aspect of the resurrection that kept it from being official history.

-Chris

 

[Mr.Cheese]

Lee Strobel "The Case for Christ."
F.F. Bruce "The New Testament Documents:Are they Reliable?"
John Stott "Basic Christianity."
C.S. Lewis "Mere Christianity."
The latter two are just good stuff.

I probably don't take as much on faith as I should. But I do know that no one is ever going to have every answer all at once. The gospels and Acts are accounts of things that happened.
The first two books are convincing enough to me to know that the writers and what they recorded are legitimate. Strobels book is an easier book to read.
I find that it doesn't actually take an incredible amount of faith to believe what I believe.
(don't take that last sentence wrong)

 

[MizDoulos]

Lee Strobel "The Case for Christ."

Excellent recommendation, Mr.Cheese!

I thought Lee's book was very well written and easily understood, having been a former staff journalist for the Chicago Tribune. Lee is a down-to-earth kind of guy and a great man of God . . . a God-fearing, God-centered man. I only have the highest respect for him!

 

[psycmajor]

I have that book, but have only just begun to read it. The author seems very intelligent, asking many questions. He's a journalist that was doubtful of the Bible's validity...until he started seriously researching it. It's like the title suggests, the Bible is in court and is being examined and cross-examined.

 

[MizDoulos]

I can attest that Lee Strobel has accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, and is one of the finest Christian men living today! He has a dynamite testimony of how he came to Christ. God is using him mightily!

 

[coastie]

My interest is peaked... I'm going to have to pick that one up.

 

[MizDoulos]

Great choice, Coastie!

If you like apologetics from the scientific point of view, you won't be disappointed. One of the best apologetic books I've read. McDowell's book is also very good.

 

[Mandy]

The Case for Faith is another excellent book by Lee Strobel.

 

[vyder]

wow..u guys have all been so supportive.i really appreciate your input. you know..i have been searching on-line, and came across that fellow josephus...but sometimes its so hard for me to believe. anyone go through this? its like i cant believe until something happens in my life to prove it. I know there is a god...just looking at the sun each day is a miracle, and no mortal can arrange the way that life works. but i just need help accepting this. why is so hard for me to accept without proof? i mean i read why josephus says, but i still have trouble believeing it...i am like..well i wasnt there when he wrote it, how do i know it is true?

i fear the creator very much, and i dont want to be left behind, if all of what is in the bible is true. plz dont flame me cuz of myu doubts. i have reached a stage in my life where i want to find out for myself, starting from the ground up. how do you know jesus did all these things if you werent there? i dont wanna disrupt anyones faith..i just wanna know how you came to accept christ as lord.

i have prayed about asking god to show me the truth...and i find that christian life if very very fulfilling, but i wanna be sure of it to myself, not because someone else told me to. i will try and get a hold of some of these books. i really really appreciate the feedback guys, i want to get closer to god. it is so nice to come across a forum such as this one, where ppl activiely participate.

thanx

 

[amie]

Hi vyder,
I just want you to know that I hold you close to my heart when I am praying...I pray for you today, tomorrow, and always...
Amie

 

[MizDoulos]

Oh, Coastie and Vyder, I meant the book, "The Case for Faith" not "The Case for Christ." Lee Strobel's book, "The Case for Faith" contains the scientific apologetics. Am sorry about that mistake!

Thanks, Mandy. You reminded me that it was "The Case for Faith" I meant to recommend. ARRRGH!

 

[Wildfire]

vyder, I am not sure at what point I began to believe in Jesus Christ without proof; I believe it began with reading the NT. And learning that the disciples wre people who were just like us; they made mistakes, the doubted him, they fought, they wept, and Jesus was patient through it all. And he is so insightful. Study his parables, there is so much to be learned from them. I think the best description of him is given by John the Baptist...

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.

This is incredible. Do you see that Jesus Christ was with the Father, and then sent to live among us, so that we may touch, hear, see and feel him---so that we would believe in God, whom we cannot see?
And what happened after the multitudes of people praised him, and followed him, when he had been taken prisoner and nailed upon the cross? They demanded proof. They told him to come down off the cross and save himself, and he did not. And they turned against him and laughed and scorned him, while he prayed to the Father to forgive them "for they know not what they are doing."
And in the hour that he gave up the ghost (and spoke of Psalms) the sun became dark and the temple was rent in twain, and there was an earthquake and a great fear fell upon the city.

Surely this was the son of God.

Because they feared that the disciples would come and take his body, so that they could proclaim he was God; they suffered him to be put in a tomb, paid for by Joseph, a counseller who begged for his body.
And guards were ordered to watch the tomb.
And on the first day of the week, the stone was rolled away and Jesus' body was gone. And he began to appear to them (the disciples) so that they did not recognize him.
And when they (the disciples) knew that it was the Lord, they were filled with great joy, for he had risen.
And signs and wonders were shown to them, that were not written in the book.
And when we shall see him again, we shall know his name, and it will be on our foreheads.
Prepare yourself for the sign that shall be in heaven, for we are told that his twelve tribes on the earth shall mourn at the onset of his return.

Wildfire

 

[DavidD]

First I would like to say I am new to this forum and have never really given advice to anyone so I will do my best to share my experience and and no way do I wish to offend anyone.First I agree with anyone who recomended any book, read and study Gods word and pray daily. The reason I say this is because at one point I felt as I was not sure if I deserved Gods blessings, I went to Church because my mother did then as I got older I drifted.To make a long story short I started reading the Bible daily and praying then one day I felt such a tugging at my heart I could hardly sleep, I went to church decided to run to Gods Love and not away. That was about a year ago. Before that we were worried how we was going to make it to the next week money wise.I prayed daily and yes I drifted again for a short time. My oldest daughter turn 5 in Sept. we told her we would get her a miny horse did'nt happen could not afford it.We prayed and prayed I just wanted my family to be happy. In april or may (do not remember) a lady I work with has mini horses she had one they could'nt give enough attention to we bought him for $100 they are usually around 3to500 some more. We wanted another one my wife found some individuals selling some for $400 we have a fridge and washer and dryer her daughter needs guess what we are going to trade. Not only did we pray for the horses I was prayed over concerning finaces just a month or so ago. Now from being depressed and always concened about money and hardly ever happy to smiling 99% of the time and other happenings I have felt and beleive in Gods Love. The reason I shared this is not only to try to help in some way also to share what God has done for my family and for you to be on here asking is I beleive God tugging at your heart. Find a nice quiet place to read and pray. Hope this helps in some way and I pray that I did not offend anyone.And I will pray for you.

 

[vyder]

hey once again..thank you guys very much. i am scared though. its like my interest is wavering at times...u know? and i am scared that when the end comes, i will not be among those that live with god. my faith is based upon going to church because my mother told me to. now i go to church, hoping that one day, god will show me the truth. i know there is a supreme creator, no doubt about that in my mind..its just whether or not christianity is right. i would like some more evidence on jesus existence, but still it is like, where you there? then how would u know? anyone understand what i am saying. even the disciples wanted proof. am i wrong in aksing for proof? just because someone writes about something...does that make it true? how am i supposed to believe? i am in such a state. i really need help. maybe i am being too impatient, but i dont want to die, without knowing the truth...maybe i should give myself more time. ahh, i am just bantering now..i am trying to get out what is inside of me. its almost like i want to believe..but i am not sure. not sure about jesus...i feel wrong for not trusting or believing. am i wrong for questioning this?

i know god has blessed my life, but i guess i wanna know more. well....thanx for helping out guys, i dunno what else i can do.

 

[Gerry]

I understand that you are experiencing some doubts and have some questions that many people have at many stages in thier life.

May I ask a question, just to clear something in my mind, because from your posts and some of the answers I see posted I am not sure exactly what you are saying.

Are you saying you have been saved but are having some doubts and seeking proof about Jesus and who He is and proof that God's Word is true? Or is it that you are saying you have never come to a point in your life where you have accepted Jesus as your own personal Saviour.

Because, you see, that is what determines whether the answers you are getting will satisfy your questions.

I will look for your response.