Praying and the occult

[Tellyontellyon]

Hello again,
I've been trying to understand Christianity and let the words of the Bible flow into me and praying for guidance and understanding and help to follow the right way.
As you know I've been a Buddhist for over 20 years. However my mother, aunt and sister all follow forms of witchcraft. My sister is a Luciferian.
I've dabbled a bit with oracle cards and the I Ching, and some Pagan practices.
To be honest, I don't feel anything is happening with the Christianity. The words just don't seem to enter my heart.. I've prayed long and hard now and no guidance comes, no feeling, no dawning of understanding or faith.
I feel like I keep giving Christianity last chances, mainly because of the sincerity of its believers and their sense of community spirit.
I've been to church, spoken with Christians and prayed there.. but I'm like Teflon... it doesn't stick.
What should I do? Should I give Christianity more last chances?
Should I stop seeing my family?
If I draw blood from myself and make an offering, my sister said that Lucifer never fails.

Why does Christ fail? I've offered him everything, my life. I only ask for compassion. I know I don't deserve anything.. but you all say that it's ok, even good to feel worthless and undeserving. Well I do, I'm on my knees, I've given all my hope and trust and... Nothing.
And that's ok, nothing is ok. I know where I stand.

6

 

[Maria Billingsley]

Hello again,
I've been trying to understand Christianity and let the words of the Bible flow into me and praying for guidance and understanding and help to follow the right way.
As you know I've been a Buddhist for over 20 years. However my mother, aunt and sister all follow forms of witchcraft. My sister is a Luciferian.
I've dabbled a bit with oracle cards and the I Ching, and some Pagan practices.
To be honest, I don't feel anything is happening with the Christianity. The words just don't seem to enter my heart.. I've prayed long and hard now and no guidance comes, no feeling, no dawning of understanding or faith.
I feel like I keep giving Christianity last chances, mainly because of the sincerity of its believers and their sense of community spirit.
I've been to church, spoken with Christians and prayed there.. but I'm like Teflon... it doesn't stick.
What should I do? Should I give Christianity more last chances?
Should I stop seeing my family?
If I draw blood from myself and make an offering, my sister said that Lucifer never fails.

Why does Christ fail? I've offered him everything, my life. I only ask for compassion. I know I don't deserve anything.. but you all say that it's ok, even good to feel worthless and undeserving. Well I do, I'm on my knees, I've given all my hope and trust and... Nothing.
And that's ok, nothing is ok. I know where I stand.

6

God has allowed all these paths to exist in your life for a reason. One is not a Christian by going to church , reading the bible or even praying. One is a Christian when they have decided to follow and LOVE, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. When one genuinely makes this choice, He will make His Home in them through His Holy Spirit. I believe all the other" ways" are a test to really unveil who has your heart. The choice still remains in your control. God does not want to force you , He wants you with all humbleness. Be blessed.

 

[Tellyontellyon]

God has allowed all these paths to exist in your life for a reason. One is not a Christian by going to church , reading the bible or even praying. One is a Christian when they have decided to follow and LOVE, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. When one genuinely makes this choice, He will make His Home in them through His Holy Spirit. I believe all the other" ways" are a test to really unveil who has your heart. The choice still remains in your control. God does not want to force you , He wants you with all humbleness. Be blessed.

God in the Bible has clearly stated that it is in his power alone to effect this change... not only that, but it is already the case that some where created to be saved and some to be condemned. Trying to love God has no effect on the predetermined outcome. You say I have choice, Romans 9 says I don't.

16 It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. 17 For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.

 

[eleos1954]

Hello again,
I've been trying to understand Christianity and let the words of the Bible flow into me and praying for guidance and understanding and help to follow the right way.
As you know I've been a Buddhist for over 20 years. However my mother, aunt and sister all follow forms of witchcraft. My sister is a Luciferian.
I've dabbled a bit with oracle cards and the I Ching, and some Pagan practices.
To be honest, I don't feel anything is happening with the Christianity. The words just don't seem to enter my heart.. I've prayed long and hard now and no guidance comes, no feeling, no dawning of understanding or faith.
I feel like I keep giving Christianity last chances, mainly because of the sincerity of its believers and their sense of community spirit.
I've been to church, spoken with Christians and prayed there.. but I'm like Teflon... it doesn't stick.
What should I do? Should I give Christianity more last chances?
Should I stop seeing my family?
If I draw blood from myself and make an offering, my sister said that Lucifer never fails.

Why does Christ fail? I've offered him everything, my life. I only ask for compassion. I know I don't deserve anything.. but you all say that it's ok, even good to feel worthless and undeserving. Well I do, I'm on my knees, I've given all my hope and trust and... Nothing.
And that's ok, nothing is ok. I know where I stand.

6

well ,,, it's not quid pro quo with Jesus .... it's forming a continuous and on-going relationship with Him .... that is done by studying His Word daily yourself.

He tells us it's not going to be easy living in this world .... on the contrary tells us it will be very difficult

It's not so much about this life .... it's about the next one and that will be eternal life (a totally peaceful life for eternity)

I'd recommend studying His word topically because that gives a broad overview of the entire written word.

here's a resource .... when you search topically it will return many verses and all of them may not be specific to your select topic, but
many will. It's a good place to start.

What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?

Christ does not fail .... we do.

Yes, definitely worth pursuing ....

 

[Maria Billingsley]

God in the Bible has clearly stated that it is in his power alone to effect this change... not only that, but it is already the case that some where created to be saved and some to be condemned. Trying to love God has no effect on the predetermined outcome. You say I have choice, Romans 9 says I don't.

16 It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. 17 For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.

You are stating a Calvinist position. I am not a Calvinist. This is unfortunate. You have already been indoctrinated into a theological view before even knowing who He is. I will pray that God remove this lens so that clarity and truth be known. Be blessed.

 

[Tellyontellyon]

You are stating a Calvinist position. I am not a Calvinist. This is unfortunate. You have already been indoctrinated into a theological view before even knowing who He is. I will pray that God remove this lens so that clarity and truth be known. Be blessed.

So how would you interpret that passage?

 

[Maria Billingsley]

So how would you interpret that passage?

Justification. The entire letter has to do with Jesus Christ of Nazareth.The book of Romans is all about how God justifies us, or declares us righteous, through faith in Jesus Christ. Blessings.

 

[Aussie Pete]

Hello again,
I've been trying to understand Christianity and let the words of the Bible flow into me and praying for guidance and understanding and help to follow the right way.
As you know I've been a Buddhist for over 20 years. However my mother, aunt and sister all follow forms of witchcraft. My sister is a Luciferian.
I've dabbled a bit with oracle cards and the I Ching, and some Pagan practices.
To be honest, I don't feel anything is happening with the Christianity. The words just don't seem to enter my heart.. I've prayed long and hard now and no guidance comes, no feeling, no dawning of understanding or faith.
I feel like I keep giving Christianity last chances, mainly because of the sincerity of its believers and their sense of community spirit.
I've been to church, spoken with Christians and prayed there.. but I'm like Teflon... it doesn't stick.
What should I do? Should I give Christianity more last chances?
Should I stop seeing my family?
If I draw blood from myself and make an offering, my sister said that Lucifer never fails.

Why does Christ fail? I've offered him everything, my life. I only ask for compassion. I know I don't deserve anything.. but you all say that it's ok, even good to feel worthless and undeserving. Well I do, I'm on my knees, I've given all my hope and trust and... Nothing.
And that's ok, nothing is ok. I know where I stand.

6

Thank you for your honesty. That's where we must start if we want God's help.

It seems that you are treating Christianity as another religion to try. It is not. It is a personal relationship with God through Jesus. You need to come to God through Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We must be born again. When we are born again, our spiritual eyes are opened and understanding will come.

God is not willing that any should perish but that all should be saved and come to the knowldge of the truth. So there is a blockage somewhere, but not on God's side. I suggest that you renounce all occult practices. Confess it as sin. Drawing blood will not help you. Jesus shed His blood so that you might be forgiven. Ask God to open your eyes to see why you don't break through. Whatever you do, don't give up. Be real with God.

 

[Tellyontellyon]

I've been knocking, truly. There has been no personal relationship.
I gave myself to Jesus.. I've been left. I'm not wanted.

I'm worthless, nothing. I knew only Jesus could save me. I know he could. I don't know why he doesn't. I've been knocking on the door. Knowing I don't deserve it, but believing in God's mercy.

But I feel the answer has come. I did get a reply. The reply was 'no'.

I accept it. It's God's power, His will. Ok.

You are all very kind and patient. I appreciate that. You are all very lucky and should pray and thank God every day.


Satan and his demons will find no redemption, redemption is not universal. Jesus didn't die for everybody.. not me.
There is just no point continuing.

 

[honey badger]

".... flesh and blood is not able to inherit the kingdom of God ..."

thing is the kingdom is not of gain ... but an inheritance already given ... and therefor the kingdom is revealed in us as us by way of process ... the book speaks to the process we all are in regardless of whether we understand it or not ....

 

[Carl Emerson]

I agree with @Aussie Pete and I would seek out a Church leader who is comfortable to guide you personally through confession repentance and most importantly renunciation. Someone who will stand with you and identify and break off any spiritual entities blinding you from the Truth.

I came out of eastern thought and demonic bondage - deception is very nasty as it disguises itself.

 

[Tranquil Bondservant]

I've been knocking, truly. There has been no personal relationship.
I gave myself to Jesus.. I've been left. I'm not wanted.

I'm worthless, nothing. I knew only Jesus could save me. I know he could. I don't know why he doesn't. I've been knocking on the door. Knowing I don't deserve it, but believing in God's mercy.

But I feel the answer has come. I did get a reply. The reply was 'no'.

I accept it. It's God's power, His will. Ok.

You are all very kind and patient. I appreciate that. You are all very lucky and should pray and thank God every day.

Your feelings while fundamental to a relationship with The Lord are not the arbiter of truth. They can be deceived and therefore should take second place to reason which is able to stand independent of feelings. As somebody who had debilitating PTSD (which The Lord healed), I can absolutely stake my life on the proposition that feelings are not always in alignment with reality (Jeremiah 17:9). It's true that Jesus died for every soul so that through faith God's mercy & grace may be offered to the whole of man, whether you feel that way or not (John 3:16, 1 Peter 3:18, 1 John 2:2).

It's worth remembering that faith itself requires some kind of dimming of certainty; as Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 that when we die we will see The Lord, he holds sight in contrast with faith as if they're mutually exclusive. The reason you rely upon your feelings to determine your relationship with God is because that's what we're built to do. If we were in Eden it's how we would be with God. However we are currently in tainted flesh that has inherited through epigenetics the marring of sin from our ancestors & our own actions. We have sin inbuilt to society which gears us towards it every single day. How many movies and tv shows do we watch where life is just thrown away casually? How many people do we root on in action movies for murdering scores of people? It's these influences on your flesh which make you feel the way you do. It's like an invisible serpent strangling your innate desire to love God. Your flesh through this corruption like an unthinking beast seeks to wage war with the Spirit of Christ in us, which is why faith is required.

Satan and his demons will find no redemption, redemption is not universal. Jesus didn't die for everybody.. not me.
There is just no point continuing.

Satan and his demons are not men. One of the reasons that our God Yahweh incarnated was so that He could not only fulfill the Scripture but also live a perfect life in our place (1 Peter 1:19, John 1:29, Romans 5:9). The demons by their mere existence instead of their instant deletion are shown mercy and grace. Jesus died for every single human being; "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." -Acts 17:30-31
God loves and values those who reject Him an unfathomable amount more than we do our own family & friends. Their judgement is not a light thing to Him, nor is it even desired by The Lord (Ezekiel 33:11). For The Lord in His immense love & grace desires those who reject Him to repent and turn to Him and accept His grace, mercy and love. Like the father to the prodigal son, His arms are wide open for you (Luke 15:11-32).

In regards to your Calvinistic interpretation of Scripture; Calvinism while tremendously internally coherent, relies upon philosophical definitions and also the re-definition of words and their theological implications (i.e. apostasy not meaning apostasy anymore, God's sovereignty meaning deterministically decreed/controlled & etc). When I was being brought out of Calvinism I believe The Lord led me to Leighton Flowers' channel to help reconfigure & restructure my thoughts to something more Biblical, as apposed to a systematic which has a philosophical foundation. I hope he will be of help to you as well.

I hope also these two short videos may bless you as they have me.

Additionally, one of my favourite preachers (who is a Calvinist) speaks on the distinction between knowing vs feeling here:

God loves you. He created you to be with Him and lived, suffered, died, resurrected & ascended for you so you can be. He loves you more than you can measure or even fathom and He has gone to the point of unimaginable pain & has suffered the lowest form of death so that all, including you, can exist permanently with Him in love. These things are facts and cannot be erased by your feelings. Stand on what you have learned through Scripture and teaching based upon it. The words of God are the strongest foundation and are like an anchor that when we sway to & fro with the storms that come upon us in this life, we can look through the clouds to The One who loves us no matter how confused we get or how bad the storm feels around us.

God bless .

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

You say I have choice, Romans 9 says I don't.

16 It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. 17 For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.

Are you really a Buddhist? Sounds like you are just playing around with us.

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

This is an interesting thing you said.

I'm worthless, nothing. I knew only Jesus could save me. I know he could. I don't know why he doesn't. I've been knocking on the door. Knowing I don't deserve it, but believing in God's mercy.

But I feel the answer has come. I did get a reply. The reply was 'no'.

I accept it. It's God's power, His will. Ok.

You got an answer from God. You knew it was from God. And God's answer was "no". He refused to save you when you asked.

My response to that claim is that it is false. You did not go to Jesus with sincerity of heart, ask Him to save you, and He rejected you. That is impossible. I know it because that is not how any of this works.

Jesus said, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him". (Jn 6:44) Then He said, "It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me." (Jn 6:45) Finally, He said, "[T]he one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. (Jn 6:37)

God draws people to Jesus. Whenever a person hears and learns from God, he goes to Jesus. And no one who goes to Jesus will be rejected.

Therefore, something is amiss with your claim.

 

[Tellyontellyon]

Are you really a Buddhist? Sounds like you are just playing around with us.

I don't know why you think I'm being false with you... or the basis of your opinions about me?

 

[Tellyontellyon]

This is an interesting thing you said.

You got an answer from God. You knew it was from God. And God's answer was "no". He refused to save you when you asked.

My response to that claim is that it is false. You did not go to Jesus with sincerity of heart, ask Him to save you, and He rejected you. That is impossible. I know it because that is not how any of this works.

Jesus said, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him". (Jn 6:44) Then He said, "It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me." (Jn 6:45) Finally, He said, "[T]he one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. (Jn 6:37)

God draws people to Jesus. Whenever a person hears and learns from God, he goes to Jesus. And no one who goes to Jesus will be rejected.

Therefore, something is amiss with your claim.

I also feel there is something amiss with your claim.
I know my heart, if my experience doesn't corroborate yours then that is something that is out of my hands.
I'm not playing tricks, I'm feeling let down. I've asked Jesus to guide me and give me faith. If anything my openness to Christianity is shutting down. I'm still curious about it, but it's become academic now rather than heartfelt. There's nothing here. Just a tautology built around faith. It's all in your head.

 

[Wings like Eagles]

Jesus does not say no to a sincere heart hoping to be saved through a relationship with him.

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

I also feel there is something amiss with your claim.
I know my heart, if my experience doesn't corroborate yours then that is something that is out of my hands.
I'm not playing tricks, I'm feeling let down. I've asked Jesus to guide me and give me faith. If anything my openness to Christianity is shutting down. I'm still curious about it, but it's become academic now rather than heartfelt. There's nothing here. Just a tautology built around faith. It's all in your head.

These Scriptures cannot be wrong:

Jesus said, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him". (Jn 6:44) Then He said, "It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me." (Jn 6:45) Finally, He said, "[T]he one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. (Jn 6:37)

Use them to your advantage. If the Father is drawing you to Jesus, then listen to Him (not to me). Learn from Him directly (not me) that He is leading you to Jesus. Go to Jesus and reach out to Him while He is drawing you there, and Jesus will receive you. You must put your confidence in what the Father is doing in your heart, trust Him, and trust Jesus to receive you just like He said. It's just that simple.

 

[NewLifeInChristJesus]

I don't know why you think I'm being false with you... or the basis of your opinions about me?

I don't understand how you can completely embrace the Calvinistic position and completely reject the Armenian position unless you are familiar with both and have chosen one over the other.

 

[Tellyontellyon]

I don't understand how you can completely embrace the Calvinistic position and completely reject the Armenian position unless you are familiar with both and have chosen one over the other.

At the moment I don't embrace either position. I'm not finding faith in the scriptures or in any of the interpretations.
The only position that could make sense is if it's predetermined that God is rejecting me... but that doesn't seem true either.
What feels most real right now is that this God doesn't exist and the scriptures are false.
I don't say that to insult, it's just the position I am drawn to more and more. I've tried for months and months to let the Bible sink in, for faith to grow, I've tried to adopt Jesus as my lord... but it's just withering away. Either Jesus isn't interested or it's just not real. At the moment I'm leaning towards the latter.
Please don't assume I'm here to trash your beliefs, I'm happy they work for you, I really am. But they aren't touching me.
It would be amazing to think there was a saviour to carry the burden of all the negative things I've said and done... there is plenty of that! But wishing something to be true, trying to brainwash myself into it isn't working. I've been trying to believe, really trying, begging Jesus to increase my faith.
I've come to the conclusion that it's not for me.
I'm going to focus more on Buddhism, the results are tangible and it makes more sense.
I'm sorry I've wasted so many peoples time here, I was trying I promise you. You have all been pretty kind.. most of you.

I'll hang around, but I'm no longer considering Christianity for myself..

Blessings to you all