Seek, get nothing, seek, get nothing, seeking some more, I still get nothing

[AllworthThunder]

For what it's worth, I started making the steps towards accepting Jesus Christ into my life. Ok, I got that off my chest.

I feel that I regret ever doing this, because I am now associating myself with a group of people that treats people as 2nd class citizens (Homosexuals), and opinions I don't agree with (abortion). I read the Bible daily and I try my best to seek God but I just don't see or feel anything. I had FAITH that something, someone, would throw me a sign that this God is REAL, but I just don't see or feel anything. I just want to take three steps back to where I was before one month ago, but at the same time I don't want to give up on Christianity.

 

[DArceri]

I'm just speculating here about your intentions but maybe you are decieving yourself into thinking just by believing in Christ, that's all there is to recieving Christ into your life.

First of all, it's not just the mind, its the heart!!!!

Matt 6:21:
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

If you still treasure wordly things in life, if you treasure something more than God, you will never get close enough to find Him.

You might ask how do I at least get close to Him... Well a start is you have to admit you are a sinner and realize that God's way is the only way. If you haven't laid all your sins at His feet, He doesn't hear you. After you've sincerley shown "godly" repentance and sorrow, only then the Holy Spirit can come into your life.

 

[gracealone]

For now your concern shouldn't be about having to associate with Christians, but rather it should be about whether you are willing to associate and identify yourself with Christ? To enter into a personal relationship with Him. To believe in Him and to follow Him. Ask yourself this. Is He worthy of your trust? How has he shown you that He is indeed worthy of it? Is His character above reproach?
Is there any other name like His, any other life lived so perfectly. Any other death so willingly died? Any other love so pure?
One must choose to believe in Him and follow Him. It is not a matter of feelings or of being impressed with a group of people. It is,however, a matter of accepting or rejecting Him as Savior.
The invitation is open to all. "Whoever is thirsty.. let him come and drink from the water of life freely."
But you have to know you are thirsty... in need of the life giving water.. before you can come.
"But God commended His love toward us in this way, while we were yet sinners Christ died for us."
When He died on the cross He drank the cup of death that I deserved as a result of my sin, in my place... and then he poured eternity into my life and reconciled me to His Father so that I am now a member of His eternal family. Not because I deserved it but because of who He is, One whose grace is greater than all my sin.. and yours too.
I will pray for you that you will choose to associate with and identify yourself with Him.
Blessings

 

[Miracle Storm]

For what it's worth, I started making the steps towards accepting Jesus Christ into my life. Ok, I got that off my chest.

I feel that I regret ever doing this, because I am now associating myself with a group of people that treats people as 2nd class citizens (Homosexuals), and opinions I don't agree with (abortion). I read the Bible daily and I try my best to seek God but I just don't see or feel anything. I had FAITH that something, someone, would throw me a sign that this God is REAL, but I just don't see or feel anything. I just want to take three steps back to where I was before one month ago, but at the same time I don't want to give up on Christianity.

I am not sure what you mean you have "started making the steps towards accepting Jesus Christ into my life"
You either accept Him or you do not. . .

God is unlike any human being, do not base your understanding on what you see in other humans, but in what you see in Christ.
It is good to fellowship with other Christians, but God will lead you to your path. God will show you what is sin and what is not.
There is also a big difference in Christians who show others what sin is and condemn the sin and then those that condemn the sinner...
We are all sinners and ONLY through Christ are we cleansed of our sins. NO matter what that sin is. There are no second class Christians, even if some are giving you that perception.

From what you are saying it seems you are on the right path. Continue reading your Bible, talk to God, let your relationship with the Lord develop further.

I do know what you are going through to some extent though. I mean I believed in God since a small child. But as an adult and readily giving my life to Him...problems would come, my faith tested, backsliding would cause me to feel condemnation which would make me feel far from the Lord. I would pray continually Lord just let me see you, or tell me everything is going to be okay.

Keep seeking Him! Don't give up. This is between you and the Lord. It does not depend on what anyother Christian does or what you think they do. The Holy Spirit will guide you.

If you ever need to talk or just whatever give me a pm and I am more than willing. I sure don't have all the answers, but am more than willing to try to answer questions and just listen..

God bless friend.
I will be praying for you.

 

[Digit]

For what it's worth, I started making the steps towards accepting Jesus Christ into my life. Ok, I got that off my chest.

I feel that I regret ever doing this, because I am now associating myself with a group of people that treats people as 2nd class citizens (Homosexuals), and opinions I don't agree with (abortion). I read the Bible daily and I try my best to seek God but I just don't see or feel anything. I had FAITH that something, someone, would throw me a sign that this God is REAL, but I just don't see or feel anything. I just want to take three steps back to where I was before one month ago, but at the same time I don't want to give up on Christianity.

Heyas AllworthThunder,

I feel there may be some misunderstandings here. First of all, try not to associate Christianity with the people, as we are flawed, and as such you will find a flawed faith.

Your comment about treating homosexuals as second class citizens I think speaks somewhat about the problem you face. You are looking for God, yet you don't really want to find Him, as you don't believe in the things He does. You freely admit to regretting your decision to get to know God; Jesus. I feel this will always stand in your way

For example, abortion wouldn't even be a problem, if we adhered to God's laws. Same-sex relations are against God's Will, it is not how He intended us to live our lives, and He finds it repulsive. You are still operating under the assumption that our lives, are our own. They are not, we belong to God and are living to please Him.

Until you reconcile these things, I feel your seek will be turbulent at best, and perhaps not be set upon a good foundation. Recall what I said about associating Christianity with the people, someone can call himself a Christian and act and behave in a very un-Christian-like way, this does not make the religion what it is. Your relationship is between you and God, only.

All the best, God bless.

Digit

 

[AllTalkNoAction]

For what it's worth, I started making the steps towards accepting Jesus Christ into my life. Ok, I got that off my chest.
. . . .

Sometimes what people claiming to represent Jesus Christ say isn't what he would say !
Jesus spent as much, if not more time with "second class citizens", though he offered the
same love to all, and look who criticised him for doing that !

The only class that counts is being sheep rather than goats.
There are those who want what God offers (sheep) and those that don't (the others)

They show it, not by what they say, but by whether they do the simple things The Lord says - get baptised, receive His Spirit (God offers and givces the sign of speaking in tongues when you receive this), join a church that seeks to be like the one God set up, using his gifts & fruit, not man's traditions.
If that is your faith, you won't be disappointed.
The trouble is you see, people follow their own romantic notions about God and then wonder why they get disappointed.

 

[TexasGirl06]

For what it's worth, I started making the steps towards accepting Jesus Christ into my life. Ok, I got that off my chest.

I feel that I regret ever doing this, because I am now associating myself with a group of people that treats people as 2nd class citizens (Homosexuals), and opinions I don't agree with (abortion). I read the Bible daily and I try my best to seek God but I just don't see or feel anything. I had FAITH that something, someone, would throw me a sign that this God is REAL, but I just don't see or feel anything. I just want to take three steps back to where I was before one month ago, but at the same time I don't want to give up on Christianity.

My friend,
it is free.

You can do nothing to obtain it.
You can never be good enough to deserve it.
He has presented it to you.
Will you take it?

God's Gift of Redemption, through Jesus Christ, His Son.

***************************************
Please try not to connect our (Christians) behaviors with the free Gift of God.
We will fall short all the time.

We are trying to represent Him,
but we fail often.

It is a life long process, which we will never fully achieve until we are in Heaven.

****************************************
Precious one,
God loves you so much.

Don't look for a feeling.
Our feelings will fail us often.

Look into His written word.
See what He says.

Take it and run with it.
It's Truth.
It can be relied upon.
It can be trusted.
God can be trusted.

**********************************
Christianity is about a relationship with the Living God.
As in any type of relationship, there are different levels, if you will.
Some Christians (although saved) are weaker Christians.
They have accepted the free gift, but have not done much more to grow in their relationship with the Living God.
God love us.... and He loves all the people He created.
We are called to love all people, regardless.
People, not behaviors.
When we realize the magnitute of God's Love for us....
we are able to love all people.

*****************************
Be encouraged.
You are seeking.... and that is so awesome.

Keep persevering. I know it is hard.
But, you are doing well.

Be Blessed.

 

[Criada]

For what it's worth, I started making the steps towards accepting Jesus Christ into my life. Ok, I got that off my chest.

It is wonderful that you have come to this point.
BUT - this needs to be a definite desicion, one that you know you have made.
It is between you and God - but 'started making the steps toward ' sounds a little unsure...

I feel that I regret ever doing this, because I am now associating myself with a group of people that treats people as 2nd class citizens (Homosexuals), and opinions I don't agree with (abortion).

You are generalising here! I do not treat homosexuals as second class citizens! Neither does God! Practising homosexuality is a sin - but so is lying! So is heterosexual lust! Homosexuals are no worse than any other sinner - including myself! The only difference between them and I is that I have been made righteous by Jesus. Not because I deserved it, but as His free gift. Which is available to all sinners.

I read the Bible daily and I try my best to seek God but I just don't see or feel anything. I had FAITH that something, someone, would throw me a sign that this God is REAL, but I just don't see or feel anything. I just want to take three steps back to where I was before one month ago, but at the same time I don't want to give up on Christianity.

Contrary to popular opinion, Christianity is not about what we feel! It is about what God has done. And that doesn't change, whether I feel His presence with me or not!
Continue to read the Bible and to pray - you will know Him better , but it takes time.
He loves you with an infinite, unchanging, never-ending love - however you feel!

God bless you.

 

[AllworthThunder]

Seems that I've confused people, which wasn't my intension...

I guess according to The Bible, I did ask for forgiveness of my sins and asked Jesus Christ into my heart (sinner's prayer). I guess what I meant was that I am praying and trying to get a sign that God is real and is working inside my life, but I never got a sign yet.

 

[DArceri]

Seems that I've confused people, which wasn't my intension...

I guess according to The Bible, I did ask for forgiveness of my sins and asked Jesus Christ into my heart (sinner's prayer). I guess what I meant was that I am praying and trying to get a sign that God is real and is working inside my life, but I never got a sign yet.

The thing is my friend is that if you're willing to give up on God in a matter of what...weeks, months,... where is the TRUSTING part. Maybe God is testing your heart. Your statement in your OP suggests that you are failing His test and the MESSAGE God is giving you right now is you are not giving Him your heart..... In my humble opinion, and I'm only speculating again, is that if you fail the test so quickly, then you obviously never put your trust in Him.... God sees into your heart.

P.S. Without knowing your situation, it is hard to give you council.

 

[Digit]

Hey AllworthThunder,

Can I ask, what you would consider a sign?

Digit

 

[AllworthThunder]

Hey AllworthThunder,

Can I ask, what you would consider a sign?

Digit

Let me ask you this, and I'll go ahead and answer your question. What would you consider a true sign that God is real that cannot be refuted?

 

[Digit]

Let me ask you this, and I'll go ahead and answer your question. What would you consider a true sign that God is real that cannot be refuted?

For me it's when I experience Him.

Be that in my life, or through another person, essentially experience is worth everything. I look at my life now and I can see God working in numerous ways. When faced with a decision, I can feel a pull to a certain course of action when I pray about it, which I feel is God telling me this is what He wants for me. I often see God answering my prayers, not always with my desired outcome. As an example I prayed for a new direction in work recently, and to have a larger circle of friends. That week I got put onto a new project, and my best childhood friend who I had lost contact with, found me on a social networking site, after being out of touch for over 10 years.

When I couple this, with what I hear in church and what I read, I cannot doubt His existence, and His love for us. It's as real to me as oxygen.

Digit

 

[Digit]

Actually let me add to this, as there are some key words popping up in your posts that are red-flags for me. For example, you want something that will show you God cannot be refuted. If proof is everything to you, then there is a long road ahead, beach if you take a gander into the GA and Creation vs Evolution forums, you will see for every argument there is a counter, for every counter there is a refutation, and for every refutation there is a discrepancy. It is, quite frankly, ridiculous.

For me, after getting thoroughly confused by all this, I decided to start working up the ladder. I don't know all there is to know about these topics, I simply wanted to desperately believe in God and started nailing down my doubts. As soon as I found out that it was possible, I was satisfied with that answer and moved on. Eventually I got to a stage where I ran out of questions, and accepted God. When I accepted Him I can't say anything changed dramatically at first. But I continued to do my best to adhere to His standards and live a Christian life, and it wasn't long afterwards that I noticed a peace in my life. For once, I felt satisfied. I then began seeking answers again, and furthering my foundation, but I did so from the standpoint of having already accepted God, rather than only accepting Him when I felt that change.

I wonder if that makes sense?

Digit

 

[AllworthThunder]

Actually let me add to this, as there are some key words popping up in your posts that are red-flags for me. For example, you want something that will show you God cannot be refuted. If proof is everything to you, then there is a long road ahead, beach if you take a gander into the GA and Creation vs Evolution forums, you will see for every argument there is a counter, for every counter there is a refutation, and for every refutation there is a discrepancy. It is, quite frankly, ridiculous.

For me, after getting thoroughly confused by all this, I decided to start working up the ladder. I don't know all there is to know about these topics, I simply wanted to desperately believe in God and started nailing down my doubts. As soon as I found out that it was possible, I was satisfied with that answer and moved on. Eventually I got to a stage where I ran out of questions, and accepted God. When I accepted Him I can't say anything changed dramatically at first. But I continued to do my best to adhere to His standards and live a Christian life, and it wasn't long afterwards that I noticed a peace in my life. For once, I felt satisfied. I then began seeking answers again, and furthering my foundation, but I did so from the standpoint of having already accepted God, rather than only accepting Him when I felt that change.

I wonder if that makes sense?

Digit

I think it's safe for me to say that I take proof much more seriously than belief. I understand what you have done to get to where you are now, but in a sense, I do not go that route. If I look at one side of the argument, I am going to look at the other side. This means that if I'm going to look at the theories that God exist, I'm also going to look at the theories that say that there is no God. I look at each one and see which one mas more weight to their arguments. I am not going to look at the "evidence" of "God's existence" and say that "Oh my God, there is a God, there is sin in our world and Jesus Christ died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins! I better repent right now!" and I'm not going to look at the "evidence" of "The lack of God" and say that "There is no God, everything is done by chance, so I should live my life for the here and now!".

If you're wondering, yeah, I've taken a step back. I think I regret going through committing myself to Christ too early. I've talked to my yound adults pastor and he's willing to help me go through the steps of Christianity and what it means to be a child of Christ.

Here was the essentials that I've been taught:
a) There is sin in the world, thanks to Adam and Eve biting into the apple from the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil.
b) Jesus Christ was put in this world for the sole purpose of dying on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins
b1) For our sins to be forgiven, that we have to repent our sins before the Father and put our faith and trust in the Lord.

(I feel like I've been listening to too much Way of the Master Radio)

 

[Criada]

I think it's safe for me to say that I take proof much more seriously than belief. I understand what you have done to get to where you are now, but in a sense, I do not go that route. If I look at one side of the argument, I am going to look at the other side. This means that if I'm going to look at the theories that God exist, I'm also going to look at the theories that say that there is no God. I look at each one and see which one mas more weight to their arguments. I am not going to look at the "evidence" of "God's existence" and say that "Oh my God, there is a God, there is sin in our world and Jesus Christ died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins! I better repent right now!" and I'm not going to look at the "evidence" of "The lack of God" and say that "There is no God, everything is done by chance, so I should live my life for the here and now!".

If you're wondering, yeah, I've taken a step back. I think I regret going through committing myself to Christ too early. I've talked to my yound adults pastor and he's willing to help me go through the steps of Christianity and what it means to be a child of Christ.

Here was the essentials that I've been taught:
a) There is sin in the world, thanks to Adam and Eve biting into the apple from the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil.
b) Jesus Christ was put in this world for the sole purpose of dying on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins
b1) For our sins to be forgiven, that we have to repent our sins before the Father and put our faith and trust in the Lord.

(I feel like I've been listening to too much Way of the Master Radio)

It is good that you are looking at both sides - a faith which has never considered the alternatives will be easily shaken!

Keep seeking, and you will find the answers you need!

Only remember - faith comes from the heart, not the head.
The 'evidence' for and against God is based on two very different criteria! I can never 'prove' God scientifically - but I prove Him every day as I walk in faith.
I am not disparaging science - I am a science teacher! But there are some things which are beyond our comprehension!

God bless you.

 

[Digit]

At the end of the day, if Christianity isn't true, it's of little importance. Yet if it is true, it's of the utmost importance.

Digit

 

[heron]

Here was the essentials that I've been taught:

Sometimes people are simplistic in what they say about God, or methods to attain spiritual goals. We want our ten steps to success, our sure-fire methods to climb the ladders. He is doing what he can in the way that he understands it. But everyone needs to have their own search for God and truth.

If I look at one side of the argument, I am going to look at the other side.

We're in a fast-paced society where so much bad information is mixed with good, that we have learned to scrutinize out of need for survival. Information rises everywhere we step, and Christianity is part of this flood.
It's okay to think it through! If we consider God the one who gave us brains, then surely He would understand decision processes.

Job 12:11Does not the ear test words, As the palate tastes its food?

I never got a sign yet.

The people who make claims often tell what worked for them. But it will be different for each person. Some people feel a sudden sense of relief, or exhilaration... while others pray diligently for many years seeking God. We don't think of monks as having eureka moments (tho I'm sure they do) and we don't think of Buddhists as claiming to know it all at once.

I agree that there's a trust-building process. But consider that in most relationships, this goes both ways -- what someone else can entrust you with. Information, responsibilities...[FONT=Verdana,Arial,Geneva]
[/FONT]
If everyone felt a total sense of His presence, and saw all prayers answered the minute they made the decision, wouldn't they start to rely on their methods rather than communication with the source? And then more glib information on how God operates would get out.

We would think we had it in the bag.

I am praying and trying to get a sign that God is real and is working inside my life

Something else to look at, though -- once you "get Jesus," what are you going to do with Him? Study your motivations. Are you growing in concern for others, or in attempts to make the right choice.

I know that I tend to compete in hidden ways, so I had twinges of wanting to be the rightest, most dedicated, most spiritual person when I was surrounded by other new Christians. I still tend that way (I'm sure everyone here notices.) I wanted God to make me look good.

My prayers tend to get answered quickly when they are about others' needs.

Take a minute every day just to relax, and not worry about proving and fixing and making things work.

Ps 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God.

Just let yourself be who you are, and allow God to be who He is.

 

[MikeMcK]

For what it's worth, I started making the steps towards accepting Jesus Christ into my life. Ok, I got that off my chest.

I feel that I regret ever doing this, because I am now associating myself with a group of people that treats people as 2nd class citizens (Homosexuals), and opinions I don't agree with (abortion). I read the Bible daily and I try my best to seek God but I just don't see or feel anything. I had FAITH that something, someone, would throw me a sign that this God is REAL, but I just don't see or feel anything. I just want to take three steps back to where I was before one month ago, but at the same time I don't want to give up on Christianity.

Why do you want to become a Christian? What do you think it means to be a Christian?

 

[heron]

This song just came on (where I'm sitting).

DONNIE MCCLURKIN : I'll Trust You, Lord

I know that faith is easy when everything is going well
But can you still believe in Me when your life's a living hell?
And when all the things around you seem to quickly fade away
There's just one thing I really want to know


Will you let go? (I'll trust you, Lord)
Will you stand on My word? ( "" )
Against all odds will you believe what I have said?
What seems impossible ...
Will you believe?
Every promise that I made will you receive? (Yes, I will trust You, Lord)

I know how bad it hurt you when that loved one's life came to an end
And when they had to leave you, you said you'd never love again
But will you trust that I can help you and I'll never turn away?
Will you trust Me, child, no matter, come what may?

What if it hurts?
What if you cry?
What if it doesn't work out the first time that you try?
What if you call My name ...
And you don't feel Me near?
Will you believe in Me or will you fear? Oh, my child?
(Yes, I will trust, You Lord)

I will trust (3x)