Potential Christian with great doubts

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Why should it?

We are all destined to die, what does it matter when we go? People are dieing at all ages some as babies some as children some as young adults some as middle aged some as seniors. Why should people see any person’s death as being some kind of particular punishment from God. What’s the point of asking why God why God why when everyone dies.


I'm sure there are people (adults) who died at a certain age, before being saved by Jesus. That would imply that they would go to Hell.

What I'm wondering is, does God control your time of death? I think you implied this by saying that God could have created a baby to let it die, so that the family would convert.

I believe God is in control of the number of days we have. You have implied that lack of acceptance of Jesus is a door to the lake of fire. I believe that rejection of Jesus is a doorway to the Lake of fire. Do you understand the difference between what I am saying and what you have put forward?

I believe that a person must come to the true knowledge of the Gospel message of the Messiah Jesus. Only after getting the correct message can they be in a position to truly accept the real Messiah Jesus or Reject Him. If someone is given the true message of Jesus and if they decide to reject it then yes they are destined to the lake of fire. But if someone never comes to the knowledge of the Messiah In this life time I do not believe they have an automatic position in the lake of fire, I believe that considered rejection of the Messiah Jesus is the door to the Lake of fire.

Read what Peter revealed: Read it carefully and may the Holy Spirit reveal the meaning to you.

1Peter 3
[FONT=&quot]18[/FONT][FONT=&quot] For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

All Praise The Ancient Of Days
[/FONT]

 

[ebia]

Yeah.


Either that, or you're personally interpreting that part aswell. If the author meant something like "don't try and understand scripture", then what's the purpose of reading the Bible, if you can't understand it?

Sorry - I was trying to say that was not what the author was trying to say.

Yes, I know what you mean, but it can make things complicated when we're trying to comprehend passages.

That it can. But why would anyone think that learning about God would be easy? Many worthwhile things require some effort.

That doesn't seem to make any sense to me. If God wants all of us to be perfect, then there should be only one way to do it, no? If you read some passages of the Old Testament, there are some (in my opinion) pretty horrible things going on. How is that justified?

You have to remember that all of the bible is written within where people are at that time. It's an unfolding story of a clearer and clearer picture of God as God's plan to redeem creation moves forward from Abraham to it's climax in Jesus. You have to remember that the earlier stuff is a picture of God, but sometimes not a very clear one. The picture comes to sharp focus only in Jesus of Nazareth.

Because God wants to remain hidden?

No, but because the purpose of prayer isn't to prove the existance of God.

 

[Emmy]

Dear EgbertTheFourth. In your last statement you say: " If I were to be a Christian, I would do so to be safe, BUT that is not me." You also said that you have tried to be a good person. May I say this with humility and love, Egbert, Jesus does not want a fear-ridden person, Jesus wants to save you, and He died to make it possible for us. To follow Jesus all we have to do is: Love God with all our being, ( God is worthy of our love,) and also love others, as we love ourselves. Which means to treat all brothers and sisters, as we would like to be treated. We have to repent, to exchange our selfish and uncaring natures, into caring with hearts and hands for all we meet. Jesus will help and guide us. Greetings from Emmy, sister in Christ.

 

[EgbertTheFourth]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I believe God is in control of the number of days we have. You have implied that lack of acceptance of Jesus is a door to the lake of fire. I believe that rejection of Jesus is a doorway to the Lake of fire. Do you understand the difference between what I am saying and what you have put forward?

I understand the difference.

I believe that a person must come to the true knowledge of the Gospel message of the Messiah Jesus. Only after getting the correct message can they be in a position to truly accept the real Messiah Jesus or Reject Him. If someone is given the true message of Jesus and if they decide to reject it then yes they are destined to the lake of fire. But if someone never comes to the knowledge of the Messiah In this life time I do not believe they have an automatic position in the lake of fire, I believe that considered rejection of the Messiah Jesus is the door to the Lake of fire.

Read what Peter revealed: Read it carefully and may the Holy Spirit reveal the meaning to you.

Is it even possible to get the true meaning of the Gospel message?

You have to remember that all of the bible is written within where people are at that time. It's an unfolding story of a clearer and clearer picture of God as God's plan to redeem creation moves forward from Abraham to it's climax in Jesus. You have to remember that the earlier stuff is a picture of God, but sometimes not a very clear one. The picture comes to sharp focus only in Jesus of Nazareth.

Yeah, but still... It doesn't seem like something a kind and loving God would do.

Dear EgbertTheFourth. In your last statement you say: " If I were to be a Christian, I would do so to be safe, BUT that is not me." You also said that you have tried to be a good person. May I say this with humility and love, Egbert, Jesus does not want a fear-ridden person, Jesus wants to save you, and He died to make it possible for us. To follow Jesus all we have to do is: Love God with all our being, ( God is worthy of our love,) and also love others, as we love ourselves. Which means to treat all brothers and sisters, as we would like to be treated. We have to repent, to exchange our selfish and uncaring natures, into caring with hearts and hands for all we meet. Jesus will help and guide us. Greetings from Emmy, sister in Christ.

I understand what you mean, but why can't you do it without Jesus? Why are you going to Hell for saying: "Sorry, I don't need you, but thanks for the offer."

 

[SoldierOfTheKing]

I understand what you mean, but why can't you do it without Jesus? Why are you going to Hell for saying: "Sorry, I don't need you, but thanks for the offer."

Like everyone, you are born mortal, and doomed to die. If you want to live forever, you have take part in that which cannot die, namely God. Fallen, sinful man can no more conform himself to God's nature than a corpse can raise itself to life. Transformation into the image of Christ, who is God become man, begins with faith in reality of Christ's sacrifice for your sins. Faith in what He did for you that you could not do for yourself.

 

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Is it even possible to get the true meaning of the Gospel message?

Yes it is.


[FONT=&quot]When one is willing to walk with God, seek and trust (have faith) in His guidance, and throw away all the preconceptions, traditions and myths they have picked up during their lives.

All Praise The Ancient Of Days[/FONT]

 

[Jerrell]

Hey everyone,

I'm new. For a great part of my life I've been agnostic. Recently someone introduced me to Christianity (not that I didn't know about it before) and I considered becoming a Christian myself, but I'm having some doubts. I'm not sure whether this belongs in the struggle forum or in the questions forum, but since I'm going to ask some questions, I guess it belongs here. I hope you guys can help me with this.

I always looked up to Jesus, but when I started reading passages of the Bible, there were things that were concerning me.

Luke 16:17 - "It is easier for Heaven and Earth to pass away than for the smallest part of the letter of the law to become invalid."

Matthew 15:18-19 - “For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

But when I read the laws of Moses, I strongly disagree with the morals they are teaching people. Like, why should parents stone their own children when they're rebellious? It's still their child. And what's wrong with homosexual people? Also, why enforce your beliefs upon others by killing non-believers?

I know these things aren't practiced these days, but I thought God's word was eternal. Besides, Jesus said that no single letter would pass away from the Old Testament.

Also, to me it sounds like the only way to get to Heaven is to accept Jesus as your Saviour. I know a Christian who has done some pretty horrible crimes. Yet, according to Jesus, he could just 'repent' for his sins and be over with it, and still go to Heaven. But then I'm here, trying to help people and not do any sort of evil (I know I will always make mistakes, but I'm trying to be a 'good' person), but if I don't accept Jesus as my Saviour, I will go to Hell? That doesn't seem to make any sense to me. If I were to become a Christian, then I'd become one just to be 'safe', but then again, that isn't who I am. Then I'd just be using Jesus, because I only chose him so I could get my free ticket to Heaven. Then I wouldn't chose Christianity out of love, but out of fear. And I really don't want that to happen, so I guess it's Hell for me.

I have more questions, but I guess this is enough for now. Thank you for your time. I would like it if you guys would clarify things, so I could have a better understanding as I'm still a non-Christian after all. So I might not always understand Christian reasoning.

Thanks!

- EgbertTheFourth

I don't know how many answers you've recieved but here is a little.

Be mindful of John 6:44 "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day."

To understand some things concerning the law read Acts Chapter 15.

Concerning stoning their children, every culture has it's own standards. Even today millions in a way condone killing "children." This takes place in the form of abortion- millions of babies have been aborted just in the last decade or so. I don't want to write a whole page on this subject, but there is so much more to it. But don't let what other people do or have done affect you in a negative way.

Concerning homosexuals, well you just can't go through the bible and say uh oh!! I don't like this, why can't I sleep with whomever I want....blah blah blah. Well homosexuality is wrong for the very reason that man was created for woman and woman for man.

Concerning the law, Christians are not under law, and Jesus was not teaching that we would be under law. All he said was that it would not pass away, and it hasn't. By "the law" Jesus was talking about the first 5 books of the Bible, not just the commandments. Every prophecy, every promise in the law will be fulfilled- the words will not pass away...

I hope you understand a little better, if you have any more questions feel free to ask.

 

[flameingcrouton]

Well to answer your first question, Any time the bible refers to "The Law" it is referring to the Ten Commandments, not all the Leviticus laws. And the 10 commandments haven't changed. As for the second question, if there is one truth, it's that god knows everything, most importantly what's in your heart. I don't know if you meant that your friend used to commit bad crimes or if he still does, but regardless, God knows what's in his heart. Just so you know, the whole committing as many crimes as you want, and then saying "oh i just have to repent for them and its ok, and I can go do it again" isn't how it works. The whole idea behind redemption is that god knows that you are going to sin. The bible says the human heart is desperately wicked and that people are instinctivly bad. Knowing this, he said that as long as you chose him over yourself, and over the world, and over sin, that he will grant you absolution. But if you knowingly and willingly commit sin over and over because you know you can just repent later, then you do not "have in mind the things of God (Mt 16:23)" and God knows this. If you choose god and earnestly try to follow the ten commandments, it will not be held against you in the court of heaven if you stumble. Despite how it looks and seems, the decision to become a Christian does not have to be an emotional one. People always fear that if they don't cry or breakdown or have some kind of big emotional reaction to becoming a Christian then that means that they are not sincere and then they feel guilty. If you become a Christian it's not about getting a free ticket into heaven (and trust me, it's not free. Being a christian sucks sometimes) it's about acknowledging that god is in charge and that he makes the rules and that you've decided to follow them. Remember, God is a lot of things, and a big one of those things is a judge. And another thing about the whole "free ticket" thing. Here's the thing, there is no amount of good you can do or rules you can follow that will get you into heaven, the only way in, is if god grants you access. So the ticket being "free" is kind of a necessity since the price of the ticket is perfection and no one is perfect. So unless you're perfect, all you can do is throw yourself at the mercy of the court.

I hope that was helpful

 

[EgbertTheFourth]

Thanks for the replies. It took me a while to get to the threads I made earlier.

Concerning homosexuals, well you just can't go through the bible and say uh oh!! I don't like this, why can't I sleep with whomever I want....blah blah blah. Well homosexuality is wrong for the very reason that man was created for woman and woman for man.

Then explain how some people can have homosexual feelings.

Well to answer your first question, Any time the bible refers to "The Law" it is referring to the Ten Commandments, not all the Leviticus laws. And the 10 commandments haven't changed. As for the second question, if there is one truth, it's that god knows everything, most importantly what's in your heart. I don't know if you meant that your friend used to commit bad crimes or if he still does, but regardless, God knows what's in his heart. Just so you know, the whole committing as many crimes as you want, and then saying "oh i just have to repent for them and its ok, and I can go do it again" isn't how it works. The whole idea behind redemption is that god knows that you are going to sin. The bible says the human heart is desperately wicked and that people are instinctivly bad. Knowing this, he said that as long as you chose him over yourself, and over the world, and over sin, that he will grant you absolution. But if you knowingly and willingly commit sin over and over because you know you can just repent later, then you do not "have in mind the things of God (Mt 16:23)" and God knows this. If you choose god and earnestly try to follow the ten commandments, it will not be held against you in the court of heaven if you stumble. Despite how it looks and seems, the decision to become a Christian does not have to be an emotional one. People always fear that if they don't cry or breakdown or have some kind of big emotional reaction to becoming a Christian then that means that they are not sincere and then they feel guilty. If you become a Christian it's not about getting a free ticket into heaven (and trust me, it's not free. Being a christian sucks sometimes) it's about acknowledging that god is in charge and that he makes the rules and that you've decided to follow them. Remember, God is a lot of things, and a big one of those things is a judge. And another thing about the whole "free ticket" thing. Here's the thing, there is no amount of good you can do or rules you can follow that will get you into heaven, the only way in, is if god grants you access. So the ticket being "free" is kind of a necessity since the price of the ticket is perfection and no one is perfect. So unless you're perfect, all you can do is throw yourself at the mercy of the court.

How can you be so sure "The Law" refers only to the 10 commandments? It's weird though. Nobody is perfect, but we can't help that either. If you look at Romans 9, you'll see that we're all predestined to go to either heaven or hell. Is it fair that someone who claims to be "perfect" predestines some to go to hell, and some to heaven? It's also said that YHWH purposely hardened the heart of the Pharaoh. Is the Pharaoh in hell now?

As much as I like morals or laws, I can't have faith in someone who is so unfair (in my eyes). Sometimes I wonder if it's a good thing to kneel for someone who does all these things.

 

[Adstar]

Thanks for the replies. It took me a while to get to the threads I made earlier.

Then explain how some people can have homosexual feelings.

Why do some people get the desire to steal from their local store?
Why do some people get the desire to bash someone senseless for the fun of it?
Why do some people have the desire to abuse and interfere with little kids?


Why, because they are sinners.

We are sinners. But we can acknowledge our sin as sin and reject it in spirit. Or we can pronounce our sin as not being sin and show our love for our sins, when we should be loving the truth.

How can you be so sure "The Law" refers only to the 10 commandments? It's weird though. Nobody is perfect, but we can't help that either. If you look at Romans 9, you'll see that we're all predestined to go to either heaven or hell. Is it fair that someone who claims to be "perfect" predestines some to go to hell, and some to heaven? It's also said that YHWH purposely hardened the heart of the Pharaoh. Is the Pharaoh in hell now?

Yes We are pre-destined, God knows where you and I will end up. But He has not made us robots. He predestines us from his Foreknowledge of our free will decision regarding His will. He has not forced us or pre-programmed us to accept or reject His will. But He already knows what way we will turn and from that foreknowledge He has pre-destined those who will be with Him in eternity.


As for Pharaoh:
Have you read the scriptures carefully on the matter?

Yes it is true that God hardened Pharaoh's heart But only after Pharaoh hardened his own heart twice against Gods will. Please read and i will show you.
Exodus 8
8Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, "Entreat the LORD that He may take away the frogs from me and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice to the LORD."
9And Moses said to Pharaoh, "Accept the honor of saying when I shall intercede for you, for your servants, and for your people, to destroy the frogs from you and your houses, that they may remain in the river only."
10So he said, "Tomorrow." And he said, "Let it be according to your word, that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God. 11And the frogs shall depart from you, from your houses, from your servants, and from your people. They shall remain in the river only."
12Then Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh. And Moses cried out to the LORD concerning the frogs which He had brought against Pharaoh. 13So the LORD did according to the word of Moses. And the frogs died out of the houses, out of the courtyards, and out of the fields. 14They gathered them together in heaps, and the land stank. 15But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not heed them, as the LORD had said.

Note it says that he (pharaoh) hardened his heart.


Exodus 8
28So Pharaoh said, "I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only you shall not go very far away. Intercede for me."
29Then Moses said, "Indeed I am going out from you, and I will entreat the LORD, that the swarms of flies may depart tomorrow from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people. But let Pharaoh not deal deceitfully anymore in not letting the people go to sacrifice to the LORD."
30So Moses went out from Pharaoh and entreated the LORD. 31And the LORD did according to the word of Moses; He removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people. Not one remained. 32But Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also; neither would he let the people go.

Once again here we see pharaoh after being given a second chance hardened his heart again against the will of God. Pharaoh was in total rebellion against the will of God.

Exodus 9
8 So the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Take for yourselves handfuls of ashes from a furnace, and let Moses scatter it toward the heavens in the sight of Pharaoh. 9And it will become fine dust in all the land of Egypt, and it will cause boils that break out in sores on man and beast throughout all the land of Egypt." 10Then they took ashes from the furnace and stood before Pharaoh, and Moses scattered them toward heaven. And they caused boils that break out in sores on man and beast. 11And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils, for the boils were on the magicians and on all the Egyptians. 12But the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh; and he did not heed them, just as the LORD had spoken to Moses.

Now we see God deciding to keep pharaohs heart hard to complete the series of signs to leave no one in doubt that it was God himself who was freeing the Jews from Egypt. Pharaoh was already lost, God chose to use him for his greater plan. By pharaohs stiff necked rebellion he made himself available to God to be used as a vessel of Gods wrath.

As much as I like morals or laws, I can't have faith in someone who is so unfair (in my eyes). Sometimes I wonder if it's a good thing to kneel for someone who does all these things.

Yes in your eyes, But your eyes are not perfect. Therefore to trust in your own eyes is a sure fire way to fall short of the blessings that has been provided by Perfection. That’s why trust is such an important thing with God. We will not understand completely why God does this or why God did that in our lifetimes but we can trust that He does what He does for a worthy and wise reason. That’s Faith, that’s trust.



[FONT=&quot]
All Praise The Ancient Of Days[/FONT]

 

[Jerrell]

Thanks for the replies. It took me a while to get to the threads I made earlier.



Then explain how some people can have homosexual feelings.



How can you be so sure "The Law" refers only to the 10 commandments? It's weird though. Nobody is perfect, but we can't help that either. If you look at Romans 9, you'll see that we're all predestined to go to either heaven or hell. Is it fair that someone who claims to be "perfect" predestines some to go to hell, and some to heaven? It's also said that YHWH purposely hardened the heart of the Pharaoh. Is the Pharaoh in hell now?

As much as I like morals or laws, I can't have faith in someone who is so unfair (in my eyes). Sometimes I wonder if it's a good thing to kneel for someone who does all these things.

Some people have homosexual feelings because of the enviornment and the Devil's influence on them. My opinion on the matter is that homosexuality starts in the mind. The Host is confused.

 

[Angel4Truth]

Hey everyone,

I'm new. For a great part of my life I've been agnostic. Recently someone introduced me to Christianity (not that I didn't know about it before) and I considered becoming a Christian myself, but I'm having some doubts. I'm not sure whether this belongs in the struggle forum or in the questions forum, but since I'm going to ask some questions, I guess it belongs here. I hope you guys can help me with this.

I always looked up to Jesus, but when I started reading passages of the Bible, there were things that were concerning me.

Luke 16:17 - "It is easier for Heaven and Earth to pass away than for the smallest part of the letter of the law to become invalid."

Matthew 15:18-19 - “For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

The law hasnt passed away because it is by the law that all the world is declared guiltly of sin before God. The law is for the knowledge of what sin is. This doesnt change and wont. We are all now guilty because no man/woman can say they have never went astray of the law given by God. Even one sin (transgression of the law) declares one guilty.

So once one is found guilty (understands that they have sinned - one is accountable before God and the shedding of blood was made for the remission of sin. Christ shed his blood to remedy it for us. One can receive Christ and have that remedy or one can choose to remain in their sin choosing their own way instead of God's way.

But when I read the laws of Moses, I strongly disagree with the morals they are teaching people. Like, why should parents stone their own children when they're rebellious? It's still their child.

The hebrew people were set apart - chosen to be the example before the world of Gods way. Allowing sin unchecked corrupts everyone - one would not allow a completely rebellious child (im speaking teen here/older child who understands what is right from wrong and im sure the bible is too - not small children) to corrupt their entire household and everyone else around them. Sin doesnt only hurt one person. It hurts everyone. Also Jesus clarified the point of the stoning quite well - He who is without sin may cast the first. It was heavy burden required by a community as a whole not just the parents and the decision was grave so you can bet the sins were grave if and when it was done. Not just a matter of a small child erring. It would have been major issues. Just like we sentence people to death today and try some juvenile as adults.

And what's wrong with homosexual people?

Nothing - its the acts committed sexually by them with members of the same sex that are against Gods law and creation and example for marriage and its purpose. you may want to create a new thread to explore this issue deeper in say ethics and morality.
Bottom line though is one will follow Gods commands or not - one will choose willfully to give Him their will or retain it and go their own way in sin like adam and eve did.

Also, why enforce your beliefs upon others by killing non-believers?

Everyone will be judged by God whether or not they 'believe"

I know these things aren't practiced these days, but I thought God's word was eternal. Besides, Jesus said that no single letter would pass away from the Old Testament.

Thats right so one can choose to receive Christs grace (pardon) or they can choose to be found guilty without remedy by the letter of the law that stands to declare all guilty because no one can look at it and say they have never committed even one transgression in it. The penalty for sin is death and then the judgment. One will be judged not guilty because of Christs payment for sin for them or one will remain in sin and guilt and be removed to the lake of fire which is the second death. Eternal seperation from God.

Also, to me it sounds like the only way to get to Heaven is to accept Jesus as your Saviour.

thats correct and He says it himself in the bible. Hes the only one who ever walked this earth without committing one sin and sacrified Himself wholly without spot or stain of sin to cleanse us from ours. We can exchange our sinful lives for his sin free one - or choose to keep on in our way filled with sin transgressing against God. We will be judged and the law is for that knowledge.

I know a Christian who has done some pretty horrible crimes. Yet, according to Jesus, he could just 'repent' for his sins and be over with it, and still go to Heaven.

Its not that simple - God knows if its true or false repentance and knows if the person truely seeks His will or their own. God is merciful but also Just. No one will fool Him. You do not know the difference because you cannot see the persons heart but God can.

But then I'm here, trying to help people and not do any sort of evil (I know I will always make mistakes, but I'm trying to be a 'good' person), but if I don't accept Jesus as my Saviour, I will go to Hell?

There is no such thing as a good person - we have all sinned - we have all fallen short of Gods law- we have all been declared guilty before God because of that law that doesnt pass away. There is none good except God. Our fallen human standards and Gods are not the same and repentance means turning from ours (pride) and receiving Gods Lordship over us instead of being our own God to say what is good and what is evil. That is what caused the fall to begin with.

That doesn't seem to make any sense to me. If I were to become a Christian, then I'd become one just to be 'safe', but then again, that isn't who I am.

It wouldnt work - youd only be able to tell people you are a christian but God would always know it was a lie and you will be still be lost in sin.

Then I'd just be using Jesus, because I only chose him so I could get my free ticket to Heaven.

God isnt stupid. He knows true repentance and false repentance and false repentance will only serve self and wont get a ticket anywhere.

Then I wouldn't chose Christianity out of love, but out of fear. And I really don't want that to happen, so I guess it's Hell for me.

I'm sorry you feel this way. The fear(awe,reverence) of God is the begining of wisdom. There is no second chance when you die.

I have more questions, but I guess this is enough for now. Thank you for your time. I would like it if you guys would clarify things, so I could have a better understanding as I'm still a non-Christian after all. So I might not always understand Christian reasoning.

Thanks!
- EgbertTheFourth

Anytime and I hope you consider whats been said. One either wants the truth about why they were created (For fellowship with God) and will follow His ways or choose to be lost and seperated in sin that hurts us all.

A loving God will protects His children which is why no sin will enter heaven. A look at this world is evidence enough of the destructiveness of sin. No one will have an excuse for rejecting the remedy.

 

[Cribstyl]

Gereetings and respects to all
Egbert, A concerned dear moderator and preacher in another part of this forum, today asked a question about this thread.

The fact is, Christians all over want you to know that God has a plan for everyone that's still breathing. When they turn to Him, it's like a tree getting what it needs to live. " the waters of life" Read this... http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps 1;&version=50;

The word of God is suprernatual, when you say to God, I dont have answers but I will surrender my life to you.

God can work miracles with your faith. He will open up your eyes to see more clearly some basic knowlege about Him being Holy, and Sin being all kinds of unrighteousness, not just what you might be doing. God is still perfecting many of us to trust Him more. So, noone condemns you for you sin. Would you tell a theif or that God doesn't mind if you continue sinning? I think not. From the wisdom of the word,we learn about sin.

I ran up here to tell you, I was one of the worst sinners (if I tell ya I might have to.....nevermind) But when I trusted in Him, I felt and claimed an adoption into His family to this day, no matter what anybody say. None of us were perfect, but we can be transformed into someone wanting to do God's will all the time. And God can help us to live a fulfilling life without habitual sin.

After knowing about who Jesus is and the price He paid for us in one of the 4 Gospels. The book of Roman has the basics that explains all manner of sins as itemized in chapter 1. Chapter 3 Tell us that we trully deserve death, if we were judged for SIN by the law.... but God has has declared us righteous if we believe in Jesus. Repentance of sin and baptism by water is necessary to become saved and as you keep growing in knowlege you'll know whatelse God has plan for your life.


I notice that you've been given some excellent advice in this thread, but dont stand outside of Christ, asking questions to satisfy your logic because when you're outside of the family of God. You cannot truly know God or what He has planned for your life. Bottom line is, you have to stop doubting and trust God's at His word concerning salvation, then your eyes can opened, to who you are in Him.

God Bless you and all those who're trying to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to you.

In peace and love

CRIB

 

[heymikey80]

I'm going to back up a bit if I may and talk to the OP.

E4, you've seen that you don't like the morality described by Scripture in the Old Testament.

That would mean that you don't have the same basis for moral thought that the Old Testament did. OK? Nothing particularly malevolent about that; it's simply a fact. In point of fact it would also say you don't have the same basis for moral thought that existed 100 years ago. Or much of anywhere in between.

We can discuss the basis for these ethics at some point, but I point out you'd find your view of ethics and morality is a product coming out of the early 1900's and developing over the 20th century.

If ethics and morality are permanent -- could they have only been discovered in the 20th century? Pointedly, the late 19th and early 20th centuries have also been centuries wherein the very concept of ethics has been challenged extensively as not having a basis in reality. Does the modern concept of ethics really even have something to stand upon?

I'm commenting on this to point out -- we're the "sore thumbs" in the continuum of history. We're the generations who don't have our heads on straight about morality and ethics. So when I ask these kinds of questions I can't possibly ask them as some kind of challenge to God's validity or consistency.

I don't have the consistency to do so.

I don't think anyone in this generation can do so.

 

[Adventist Dissident]

Hey everyone,

I'm new. For a great part of my life I've been agnostic. Recently someone introduced me to Christianity (not that I didn't know about it before) and I considered becoming a Christian myself, but I'm having some doubts. I'm not sure whether this belongs in the struggle forum or in the questions forum, but since I'm going to ask some questions, I guess it belongs here. I hope you guys can help me with this.

I always looked up to Jesus, but when I started reading passages of the Bible, there were things that were concerning me.

Luke 16:17 - "It is easier for Heaven and Earth to pass away than for the smallest part of the letter of the law to become invalid."

Matthew 15:18-19 - “For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

But when I read the laws of Moses, I strongly disagree with the morals they are teaching people.

Like, why should parents stone their own children when they're rebellious? It's still their child

rebellion is associated with distruction. this is a child who is give over to distruction and will not coorporate or change at all. it is not simple teenage rebellion.

.

And what's wrong with homosexual people?

the bible says in Genesis 2 that God made humans in his image,a picture of himself, that picture was both male and female. the reason God does not like homosexuality is that it distorts the picture of himself.
A couple things you need to remember is that the picture is broken, because of the fall, adam and eve letting evil into this world. The world and people don't always do what God wants, that is rebellion, God is always good alway leads to life and always values his creation, human don't do that. We rebell, we do evil, we destroy life, cause pain, we hate, because of this we need a change, to be fixed, god wanta to fix us. this does not just apply to homosexuals but hetros too. being hetro is not an auto matic in with god. The problem is lust, that is desire, sexual or other wise, gone out of control and used in a way that god never intended. think of it like fire, if it is used properly fire can be a good thing, if use improperly it will destroy a lot. God needs to bring homo and hetor lust under cotorl, and he will do that for us.

Also, why enforce your beliefs upon others by killing non-believers?

this is a reference to judgment. Good is good, he hates evil, evil is destructive, When God judges it is not because of belief, but because of evil behavior, In judgement God is doing a way with evil and those who are not wanting to part with it.

there is a saying "belief effects behavior" what we believe will determine how I behave. If i don't belive there are any rules for sexuality then i will use it as it pleases me. unbelievers are not judged for what they believe, but for how there beliefs affect there behavior. when you change your beliefs you change your behavior. look at Genesis 3

I know these things aren't practiced these days, but I thought God's word was eternal. Besides, Jesus said that no single letter would pass away from the Old Testament.

Also, to me it sounds like the only way to get to Heaven is to accept Jesus as your Saviour. I know a Christian who has done some pretty horrible crimes. Yet, according to Jesus, he could just 'repent' for his sins and be over with it, and still go to Heaven. But then I'm here, trying to help people and not do any sort of evil (I know I will always make mistakes, but I'm trying to be a 'good' person), but if I don't accept Jesus as my Saviour, I will go to Hell? That doesn't seem to make any sense to me. If I were to become a Christian, then I'd become one just to be 'safe', but then again, that isn't who I am. Then I'd just be using Jesus, because I only chose him so I could get my free ticket to Heaven. Then I wouldn't chose Christianity out of love, but out of fear. And I really don't want that to happen, so I guess it's Hell for me.

you are missing something here. The bible standard is you either keep all of God laws in thought and deed at all times or else you die. The one proplem is that NO One has ever done that. So God sent us some help in the form of his son. He walked a perfect life for us and took our peanlty death upon himself and offers us his goodness for our evil and our death setence for his his life, he does this because he values us and wants to be friends with us. the reason jesus is the only way to heaven is because we are sick and he is the only medicine approved by God to let us in. every other religion says you can heal yourself, Christianity say God will heal you. That is why he is the only way. There may be wisdom and knowledge in other religions, just not healing.

 

[cerette]

Hello,
I am too lazy to read everything that has been posted on this thread, but here are my thoughts on the very first post:

People are sinners. I am a sinner. You are a sinner.
God is Holy.
A sinful person can not do anything on his own to please the Holy God. God's holiness is so holy that you can never do enough good deeds for it to be enough! You simply can't.
But God, in his love and mercy, sent his son Jesus to die for your sins and mine.
You and I both need a savior. Jesus is that savior. When believing in Jesus God counts his righteousness on you..God sees Jesus' perfect obedience when he sees you.

 

[Cribstyl]

Hello,
I am too lazy to read everything that has been posted on this thread, but here are my thoughts on the very first post:

People are sinners. I am a sinner. You are a sinner.
God is Holy.
A sinful person can not do anything on his own to please the Holy God. God's holiness is so holy that you can never do enough good deeds for it to be enough! You simply can't.
But God, in his love and mercy, sent his son Jesus to die for your sins and mine.
You and I both need a savior. Jesus is that savior. When believing in Jesus God counts his righteousness on you..God sees Jesus' perfect obedience when he sees you.

Good post


CRIB

 

[Jimlarmore]

Hello fellow seeker of the truth. God bless you for coming here and asking questions. I used to be agnostic myself for years but decided to abandon that philosophy after studying the cell in depth. There is a lot of good suggestions here to consider but if you have decided in your mind that you want to believe in God then I strongly recommend you study His word in depth. Don't take one particular set of texts like the ones where the Children of Israel were told to stone their children for being unruly. Take the whole book and study it for what it's message actually is. I personally suggest you start in the new testament gospel books. Read them thru at least a couple of times and really get down what Christ is all about. Then go back thru them again with a good commentary and look up the references the apostles made concerning Christ's fulfillment of prophecy in the old testament. I also suggest you buy a "Strongs exhaustive concordance" for reference work and last but not least a "Green's Interlinear Bible". This gives you the original language to study.

The Bible is like a onion, it has many many layers and the more you study it the deeper you get with it's truths. To put it in a nut shell the entire Bible points to Christ the Messiah and the plan of salvation for sinners. I pray that you will continue to search for truth and some day stand with the saints in the new earth as a citizen that will live for eternity.

God Bless
Jim Larmore

 

[EgbertTheFourth]

Thank you for all the helpful and kind replies.

These days I'm very much confused. Every day life seems to lose more and more value. The more I think about life, the more I start to realize life is meaningless.

What do I do things for? I will eventually die. I can start being kind to people, but why would they care? I can start believing in Biblegod and realize later that I was believing a lie.

I'm cursing a lot these days and yeah, everything seems kind of pointless. To you Christians, it would seem that Satan is taking control over me. Perhaps, if he exists, he is.

People leave me behind and why would I let other people determine how I feel? Yet it seems that I do let them. I don't want to feel crappy and angry, am afraid to cry, but yet, here I am feeling depressed. Why are people such liars anyway? What the ... hell?

And I can't even let myself feel depressed, because it feels like I'm whining. Maybe I am. Still, if there's a God, then I'm really lost. There's no way I'm ever going to find him now, if he exists.

I can't be bothered to find him now, as I'm too angry and proud to submit myself. So how am I supposed to find him, if I feel too bad to even try finding him? It seems kind of pointless to me...

I'm sorry guys.

 

[heymikey80]

You won't find a way around this problem of doing nothing but dissipation and death, without God.

The oddity is that the very things that are so solid, that are so permanent in human existence as to be valuable, are exactly those things you're turning away from when turning from God.

The concept of truth outlasted attackers before, and it'll outlast them again. Love, right, good, spirit -- they're going to outlast everything else. And God -- the Source of all these permanent concepts is going to outlast them all.

But could it be your impermanence "can't be bothered" to look for what you feel is missing?

It is during such trough periods, much more than during the peak periods, that it is growing into the sort of creature He wants it to be. Hence the prayers offered in the state of dryness are those which please Him best. We can drag our patients along by continual tempting, because we design them only for the table, and the more their will is interfered with the better. He cannot "tempt" to virtue as we do to vice. He wants them to learn to walk and must therefore take away His hand; and if only the will to walk is really there He is pleased even with their stumbles. Do not be deceived, Wormwood.
CS Lewis, "The Screwtape Letters"
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