Seeking Godly Advice!

[MJR23]

Hello,

I am seeking Godly advice for my situation; it's been a long rough battle, and I'm afraid I don't know what to do. This is probably best for mature experience Christians, although I welcome all answers.

Almost a year ago, I made a false profession of faith; not truly understanding what real salvation was. I essentially prayed the "Sinners Prayer," but was never truly converted, and I believe God, in his mercy, woke me up from that profession. Now, it is almost 1 year later, and I do have, what I believe, is a good understanding of the Gospel.

In a way, I do believe I'm saved, but I'm still struggling with assurance. I do possess characteristics of someone who has been converted, and within the last two months, I have truly come to see and love Christ on a level that I have never seen before! My affections for Christ are stronger than ever, and my desire to commune with him and grow spiritually is very strong. It's the single most important thing to me, BY FAR! I have a strong desire to be with the body of Christ, and a new passion to see God glorified in both my life and through the conversion/transformation of others. I long to see myself transformed into the image of Christ. I have a love for other people, although not perfect, I do find myself more compassionate for people --especially those who seem to be overlooked by society!

However, there is one problem. The issue that has caused me to question my salvation the most, is the issue of Sin and the conviction of it! I believe Jesus Christ died for my sins, and this faith has become evident to me, especially in my moments of despair; I'm trusting in his redemptive work on the Cross. Many Christians emphasize that the struggle with sin, and the hatred of it are evidences of a born again Christian. That Christians mourn sin, hate it, and that the Holy Spirit is constantly leading us to war against sin.

I have indeed had deep convictions over sin, so much so that I even question my salvation at times. I sorrow when thinking about the Love of Christ, and what he has done for me; thinking about the persecution he faced for me and that love had made me love Christ in a way that I didn't know was possible (before I new of the Gospel). My main problem is that, to my observation, this conviction isn't as consistent as some Christians seemingly experience. For the last few days, I have felt almost empty! I know it's a trusting in Christ and his work, not my conviction/repentance, but compared to what some Christians describe, my fleeting convictions don't seem to evidence a rebirth -- especially since I am so knew to the faith. The Day I believe I was actually converted (July 2016) I gained almost an instant power over my sexual sin, after a long struggle, that has lasted to this day. I've had deep convictions of hypocrisy/lying, fantasizing about being popular/esteemed, jealousy, and anger. And those caused me to question my salvation, it really opened me up to the sinful person that I was.

But, again, I sit here today (and for the past few days) not really having anything. Event the convictions I had where for a 1-2 weeks, and that was after praying several times for a broken and contrite heart. I'm way to early in the faith to 'not see lots of sin' and it seems that something is wrong. I'm not trusting in my convictions, and I truly believe I repented unto life; when I saw the love sacrifice Jesus made for me, I am sorry and desire to be righteous and right with God. I will say that the one thing that has bothered me since I made my false profession over 1 year ago, was the issue of repentance, godly sorrow, and conviction. I have prayed constantly for a broken heart, but it seems as though the Lord ignores me. I have come back to this exact issue so many times, it's almost as if God, himself, is bringing me back and wants me to address it. Shouldn't I be more broken over my sin? This doubt keeps sending me into despair and thus I am fruitless. It seems my despair is the strongest immediately following an attempt to witness.

A little while ago, I turned down a really good job offer because I was so exited to follow Christ, knowing that's not what God willed for me, I was so exited to follow the Lord in whatever he called (and I still am). I just don't understand what's going on! It's like God keeps shielding me from bad decisions, but when I get motivated to cultivate my relationship with him; I get stuck! I'm not asking for someone to assure me of my salvation; I will only accept that from God, but I would like advice on what do do.

Right now, I don't feel any strong conviction over sin that I could say "oh wretched man that I am." It's like some days I'm really sensitive to sin, and others I don't feel anything. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." I know I have sin, but why am I not more sensitive and consistently broken over it? Am I heading down the wrong path? Have I fallen short of God's Rest? If God is bringing me back to this point, why is it that each time I come to face this issue, he seemingly doesn't help me break through? If I'm being too introspective, how do I get my focus back on Christ? I know God is absolutely faithful, and I desire to be right with Christ and I'm looking to take those next steps in my faith so bad, that I can't understand why, at this moment, I am once again stuck.

It seems as if I'm getting the silent treatment; I keep praying to the Lord asking him to undeceive me and lead me to a sincere saving faith if I'm deceived, but I get nothing. Sometimes I panic because, If I've fallen short of God's rest, it could be that I missed my chance for salvation. This is something I take serious, I can't keep going day by day "hoping I'm saved" tomorrow is not promised to me (physically or spiritually). I've noticed some changes: Strong desire to be transformed so that my life Glorifies God, I like reading the scripture (although it has been tough lately), Caring for souls, love for other people and wanting my life to count for God's glory to help others, trying to spread gospel, Love for Christ and I can honestly say as Paul said, "Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." Why now do I feel so stuck? I gladly surrender and I thought I was pursuing God's calling to 'get serious' but it's like I hit another brick wall. I have a new church home, but don't know anybody that well; not really sure what to ask.

As far as I can see, I'm trusting in Christ alone; I'm literally trusting in him only, but I do look for evidences of passing from death to life.

Have any of you guys been here? What in the world should I do?

 

[rob_aston]

What in the world should I do

all i can tell you is what God

 

[Albion]

I suspect that you have fallen in with a certain strain of Christianity that emphasizes "proving" your commitment with overt acts, teaches its people to assess every last action and event that occurs in daily life as something the Holy Spirit is orchestrating, and does a lot of guilt-tripping of its members. In other words, you'd benefit by spending some time with one of the historic, mainline churches like the Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, etc., and then explain your struggles and worries to the pastor after you get set.

 

[Goodbook]

Um i think God is so compassionate and merciful that sometimes He doesnt allow us to see all our sin at once because He knows that we can be self deceiving...the areas the holy spirit works on are like layers peeling away..heard it described like an onion.

I think you are looking inward when your focus ought to be on Jesus not yourself. We are assured of our salvation when we look to the cross and others around us see evidence of the fruit in our lives not ourslelves...like two or three witnesses.

If you made a profession and it was genuine did you tell two or three others that you now a believer? And can they say you are? Give it some time..sometimes we grow and sometimes there are dormant seasons. We think nothing is happening outwardly but spring surely follows winter.

What might have happned with you is you got pruned or cut back and you will sprout again.
Or it could be the parable of the sower. Read that. Ask for the holy spirit to water you.

 

[MJR23]

I agree @Goodbook; I believe I have taken introspection too far, and need to focus on Jesus. In regards to the parable of the sower, which seed would you be referring to? That doesn't sound good at all!

I have not rejected the word, I still hold the truth after the afflictions/persecutions I've faced (only 1 real incident), I was, for a time, allowing career to interfere with my spiritual growth but the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to the glory of Christ, and at that moment, he became the most important thing to me--and that has not changed.

This leaves only the good soil!

 

[MJR23]

@Goodbook

Thank you for your response! You will not believe this! I could not fall asleep last night; I was tossing and turning, and eventually got up at ~330am with a strong prompting from the spirit to read the word. I was brought directly to Matthew 12 (where I left of from the previous day) and eventually made my way to the Parable of the Sower!

After reading about the seed on thorny ground, I was brought to a few additional texts: Matthew 13:22, Jeremiah 4:3-4, and Deut. 10:16. I believe the message was clear, I did allow that job to distract me and take me off course. I turned it down, after what I believed to be a strong NO!! from God, but it took longer than it should have to actually turn it down. God was faithful, my affections for Christ grew during this time, which allowed me to say no (with joy), but it did take me a little off course. Does the parable of the sower mean that if we are ever distracted by 'wordly' things than we are not saved? Or is it both: a long term examination of the soil (heart) whereby good soil will eventually cling to Christ above all and bears fruit, and a parable that can also be used to help us examine our current position to get us back on the right path?

2nd, I would like to apologize for being so quick to respond the first time! This coming just after hearing a sermon about being quick to listen and slow to speak.

Regarding the parable of the sower, it seems that the seed on thorny ground can be viewed as both evidence of false disciple as well as a parable for someone who is being 'distracted' to repent and get back on track. I say this only because of Jeremiah 4:3-4:

" For thus says the Lord to the men of Juda and Jerusalem: Break up your fallow ground, and do not sow among the thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your hearts...."

This to me sounds like a calling for spiritual renewal and to re-cultivate my relationship with Christ. Am I correct in this, or am I in error?

 

[Jimbo Hall]

When I first got saved I was on fire for God and I stopped Drinking, smoking, and watching porn overnight. But after a year or so I bought into this lie of we all sin every day and we can't help it. The result of believing that was me sinning everyday. It wasn't till I heard a preacher preach on some really hard verses that changed my mind. I now believe if you want to make heaven your home you have to be living holy. I will share the scriptures that convicted me of this.

1 John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him.

Luke 9:23 And He said to them all; If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
If we are following Jesus will He ever lead us to sin? Of course not, so if we are sinning we are not following Jesus.

Luke 13:23 Then said one unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And He said unto them, 24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

1 John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. for this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

John 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thin come unto thee.

There are many other scriptures but i'm kinda tired of typing. But the jest of it is we can live holy if we abide in Jesus and think, walk, and live in the spirit. And put to death the deeds of the flesh. I'm not saying its easy, I'm not saying temptation wont come. But I am saying we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. God bless!

 

[Kit Sigmon]

@Goodbook

Thank you for your response! You will not believe this! I could not fall asleep last night; I was tossing and turning, and eventually got up at ~330am with a strong prompting from the spirit to read the word. I was brought directly to Matthew 12 (where I left of from the previous day) and eventually made my way to the Parable of the Sower!

After reading about the seed on thorny ground, I was brought to a few additional texts: Matthew 13:22, Jeremiah 4:3-4, and Deut. 10:16. I believe the message was clear, I did allow that job to distract me and take me off course. I turned it down, after what I believed to be a strong NO!! from God, but it took longer than it should have to actually turn it down. God was faithful, my affections for Christ grew during this time, which allowed me to say no (with joy), but it did take me a little off course. Does the parable of the sower mean that if we are ever distracted by 'wordly' things than we are not saved?

Or is it both: a long term examination of the soil (heart) whereby good soil will eventually cling to Christ above all and bears fruit, and a parable that can also be used to help us examine our current position to get us back on the right path?
2nd, I would like to apologize for being so quick to respond the first time! This coming just after hearing a sermon about being quick to listen and slow to speak.

Regarding the parable of the sower, it seems that the seed on thorny ground can be viewed as both evidence of false disciple as well as a parable for someone who is being 'distracted' to repent and get back on track. I say this only because of Jeremiah 4:3-4:

" For thus says the Lord to the men of Juda and Jerusalem: Break up your fallow ground, and do not sow among the thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your hearts...."

This to me sounds like a calling for spiritual renewal and to re-cultivate my relationship with Christ. Am I correct in this, or am I in error?

MJR23:The story represents the different responses to the seed(Word of God). The only one saved in that parable is the one with good ground, who hears, takes in and applies the Word ..none of the others allowed the seed(Word) a place to "take root"...it was heard, it went in the ear but the person was full of the world's pleasures, love of sin, material things, etc that the seed quickly died, the person continued seeking after the world and it's pleasures and rewards...an example of this would be found in Herod Antipas he loved hearing John the baptizer(baptist) preach the Word... he was interested in what John had to say....chapter 14 of Matthew.
Although Antipas liked to hear John, none of the Word caused any real change in Antipas. Also note that as much as Herod Antipas loved hearing John preach he loved watching Salome's erotic dance, he was SOOOO taken by it that he promised to give her whatever she wanted... the rest of the story is that John the baptizer was beheaded do to the crafty schemes of Herod Antipas' wife, Herodias who'd once been the wife of Antipas' brother Philip...John had confronted Antipas and Herodias over their adulterous marriage (Philip was still living) and Herodias loothed John, she was livid that he'd confront them and she plotted to get rid of John the baptizer just as soon as it was possible.


What be written in Jeremiah 4:3-4 is akin to what is being said in Hosea 10:12.
MJR23: About Jeremiah 4...They were being called to repentance since they were backsliders(Israel backslid many times), essentially God was telling them to get rid of whatever was hindering them from following His Word...no more mixing truth/with lies... righteousness with unrighteousness....the Lord had gotten His Children out of Egypt but it sure took a long time to get Egypt out of them!

 

[MJR23]

MJR23:The story represents the different responses to the seed(Word of God). The only one saved in that parable is the one with good ground, who hears, takes in and applies the Word ..none of the others allowed the seed(Word) a place to "take root"...it was heard, it went in the ear but the person was full of the world's pleasures, love of sin, material things, etc that the seed quickly died, the person continued seeking after the world and it's pleasures and rewards...an example of this would be found in Herod Antipas he loved hearing John the baptizer(baptist) preach the Word... he was interested in what John had to say....chapter 14 of Matthew.
Although Antipas liked to hear John, none of the Word caused any real change in Antipas. Also note that as much as Herod Antipas loved hearing John preach he loved watching Salome's erotic dance, he was SOOOO taken by it that he promised to give her whatever she wanted... the rest of the story is that John the baptizer was beheaded do to the crafty schemes of Herod Antipas' wife, Herodias who'd once been the wife of Antipas' brother Philip...John had confronted Antipas and Herodias over their adulterous marriage (Philip was still living) and Herodias loothed John, she was livid that he'd confront them and she plotted to get rid of John the baptizer just as soon as it was possible.


What be written in Jeremiah 4:3-4 is akin to what is being said in Hosea 10:12.
MJR23: About Jeremiah 4...They were being called to repentance since they were backsliders(Israel backslid many times), essentially God was telling them to get rid of whatever was hindering them from following His Word...no more mixing truth/with lies... righteousness with unrighteousness....the Lord had gotten His Children out of Egypt but it sure took a long time to get Egypt out of them!

Thank you for your reply! So what exactly does this mean for me? Does this mean I can't get saved, or that I may have missed my only chance? Or was God possibly warning me to get rid of that which was hindering me?

I still love Christ, and am trusting in him alone!

 

[wayfaring man]

Hi MJ,

I agree that taking a lackadaisical stance against sin, is a deadly error. Though it is also a tragic error to fret and worry oneself to death over lost battles as well.

Our confidence in Christ, is not that we will always do the right thing, as much as it is that He will, gladly encourage us when we do well, and effectively chasten us if / when we do not. Thus He is training us / our spirit to be in harmony with His. And there is no better trainer than He!

The devil is a crafty extremist / opportunist. If we do well, he will attempt to flatter us, so that we become vain or proud, and give not God the glory. If we do poorly, he will attempt to condemn us in such a way as to make us lose hope.

A defense against this is to counterbalance his input. For example if he tries to magnify some good in our life to make us feel too good about ourself, all we need to do is recall a time when we failed. And if he tries to condemn us over some error, we should recall something that went well. And it should be in proportion to the what the devil is attempting to use. In other words, if it's a relatively small matter, counteract with a relatively small matter. If a big matter, counteract with a big matter. Else we can throw the balance out of whack ourself.

Balance is very important. Ever notice that carrying a burden is many times easier if it is balanced, than if it is not. So also is it with weighty spiritual matters. Where one extreme is divinely designed to be balanced by another. For example:

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. <---> John 8:10+11

Christ balances His gift of forgiveness with our need to be separate from sin. So on one hand we know He delights in mercy, (which is a great comfort) , and on the other hand we know, he does not want us to think we can take sinful advantage of that fact (which is a stern warning).

Note also the two extremes in the following verse, and how they balance one another.

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: <---> 1st John 2:1

On the one hand, it's laying down the law, and on the other, it's allowing for 2nd chances.

Be balanced, my friend in Christ !

Below is a post I recently made which seems as though it should help your situation also.

*****************************************************

May The Lord Be Pleased to Bless.

Salvation is primarily composed of three divine elements. And these three work together as one, with the same goal and objective; namely that we who believe on The Son of God will not perish, but have everlasting life, in a place free from hurt or woe, and full of joy and love.

The three elements are -

1. Mercy - which covers sins that are in the past.

2. Grace - which enables us to overcome / endure temptation in the present.

3. Longsuffering - which gives us a generous space to repent, for as long as we yet do live..

You see God has us covered - our past, our present, our future...so that we may comprehend that there is no such time in which we are abandoned or without hope. And this understanding is also key to our being enabled to endure and overcome, any and all that the enemies of Christ's righteousness may cast our way.

This also is a distinct manifestation of God's Love for us!

And His desire for us to live forever wth Him in Heavenly Places !

Moreover, when we first believe we can easily enjoy God's mercy. (Who doesn't like being forgiven ?!)

When start to grow spiritually we realize our need for grace to give us the ability to endure and overcome.

But if/when we yet fail, we see how important God's longsuffering is for our salvation.

We have no excuse.

But we do have a God who is willing to bear with us, and provide for us things which will greatly help us along the Way.

Things such as godly encouragements, holy admonitions, reminders of how much our dear Lord suffered (so that we could be made whole), and even rebukes and chastisements, if/when the milder helps fall on deaf ears.

These also are manifestations of God's Great Love for us. And His desire to personally adopt us into His Holy, Heavenly family !

Ask God for wisdom and strength to endure and overcome temptations to sin.

Knowing that this is His Divine Will for us who have received Christ's Testimony.

Notice the order of 'endure and overcome'.

First we endure, then we overcome.

When temptations come, they will try to make it seem like the only way for them to go away is for us to succumb. But that is a lie. They can and will go away if we busy ourself with something far removed from their essence. And what is more far removed from the carnal and the sensual, than the holy and the divine; particularly as was demonstrated by the life of Yeshua.

So embracing the promises of God's Good Will for us, may we step up to the challenge, and fight the good fight of faith, as those who sincerely long to be free from all that would drag us down and darken our spirit.

And if we fail, do not despair, in such a way as to give up the fight, for as long as we have breath, there is hope that we may gain that long awaited victory in Christ !

And may The Glory of The Lord thereby be magnified. Amen.

 

[FutureAndAHope]

The bible states "he who confesses and forsakes his sin will prosper". Our goal should be to leave behind our sin, not do it an feel sorry about it. The idea that we should sin then feel sorry is not Godly but worldly.

The way to overcome sin is to spend time with God, in his presence, and bible reading. You are saved, but don't accept the idea that Christianity is all about sinning then feeling sorry. It is about gaining victory over sin.