Some doubts

[Lakotagirl]

Hi guys I'm new here and new in Christ. I'm having some serious doubts at first I was extremely passionate and I don't know why or where these doubts are coming from. I know that he is real and I don't doubt that but inside i'm having some doubts about the bible and the rules that need to be followed. I know what God wants of me but I just feel disconnected. What do you guys do, if you ever feel so disconnected?

 

[beloved42]

I really don't feel disconnected but as an babe in christ you need someone in your life that is strong so that they can direct you on your new religion. Also pray and read your word go on-line and get some books on new christians that willl help.

 

[hlaltimus]

You've come to a great place to get advice from others who have already plodded through the difficulties of this life. Welcome!

 

[whatshername]

I am really not one that should be giving advice, but I would say, like the people above, to pray. Then pray more. And more. Even if you don't "feel" like praying. Tell God everything, be honest, He knows it all anyway and nothing you say or do will separate you from His love. And read the Bible some every day. Maybe the gospel of John. Everyone has some time of doubts I think, you are by no means the only one. They are from Satan. Don't listen to them. (I should take my own advice.) I really like an author called Max Lucado. He writes some great books that you could find at a Christian bookstore or in the Christian section of Borders or Barnes and Noble. Meeting other Christians and sharing your thoughts with them would also be a great thing, hard to find a church sometimes but I'd suggest trying to find one that preaches the gospel.

 

[Lakotagirl]

Thanks for the advice...you guys.

 

[breatheprayer]

those doubts are from the devil...
God loves you just the way you are and wants you to go to Him with your concerns!
communication with God on a daily basis is important, as well as reading His word. All of those threads of communication we have with God form a solid cable that when situations arise, that cable won't break apart!
May God bless you in your new life!

 

[ChristianWife]

I can't speak for anyone else, but there was a time that I had doubts as well. Not about God existing (I've never doubted that). I think a lot of my doubts stemmed from listening and trusting what others thought instead of finding out for myself. Not that you shouldn't be interested in what others say, because there are a lot of intelligent people out there and a lot of Godly people, but there is something great about reading the bible for yourself and finding out what it is YOU THINK. Are you going to a church? I would recommend church and meeting other Godly people, and also reading the bible.

God Loves You! I will be praying for you.

 

[cwiehle]

Hi guys I'm new here and new in Christ. I'm having some serious doubts at first I was extremely passionate and I don't know why or where these doubts are coming from. I know that he is real and I don't doubt that but inside i'm having some doubts about the bible and the rules that need to be followed. I know what God wants of me but I just feel disconnected. What do you guys do, if you ever feel so disconnected?

I have the same issues. I came here for the same reason. I found a book that is helping me. "The case for Christ" by Lee Strobel. Strobel was a atheist jouranlist for the Chicago Tibune I believe. In the book he visits Top professors across the country and poses a lot of the questions I had. Strobel became so convinced of the Bible's accuracy he is now a Minister or something to that effect. I am not done with the book but it seems to be helping. I am a must see it to believe it kind of person and I have come to find out that seeing is not believing to the Christians here. They have explained to me that fiath is believing is something that you may not be able to see, touch, smell, or hear and that it's ok to not understand everything at first. For now I decided not to rush it because I ,like you, still question a lot of things and found it easier to pace myself. I was told to read the book of John in the bible to start out with but I haven't had time yet. There is this "buddy" thing on here and I will put you in my list, that way if I come across something that I feel might help us out I'll e-mail it to you.
Chris

 

[bumblebee62331]

Hi guys I'm new here and new in Christ. I'm having some serious doubts at first I was extremely passionate and I don't know why or where these doubts are coming from. I know that he is real and I don't doubt that but inside i'm having some doubts about the bible and the rules that need to be followed. I know what God wants of me but I just feel disconnected. What do you guys do, if you ever feel so disconnected?

Ok don't freak out Doubts are normal. I mean, this is a huge step, to take Christianity as your religion! You're new, you are allowed to have doubts (as is everyone else, no matter how long they've been a Christian!)

To help yourself with this, you can read the Bible, talk to someone, like a priest, go to Church, help out more with church. You know the saying "You only get out what you put in"? Well, it's true. If you sit back and expect to understand everything and be close to God, it's not going to work. You need to get involved. I'm not saying you aren't getting involved, but rather that when you do feel disconnected, just jump right back in!

There are many people here who would love to help you!

You could try these sections:

Christian Advice Forums
College/Bible College Forums

That might help a bit!

Remember, don't feel alone, don't feel like you can't get help to get closer to Christ! There is always someone who will listen to you, including when you pray.

 

[ChrisinMI]

Doubt is always from the Devil! He uses our mind as his number one battlefield. Fight him by praying to God to help you with your doubts. God will provide answers and as you find them...you will be growing stronger! THis is a way for you to learn. Dig into your bible and find some strong Christians to fellowship with. This board is also a good place to pose questions and get answers.

 

[Called2Grace]

A lot of people have doubts, and it is good that you recognise them. One of the biggest things that I had to learn was that just because I had doubts or felt like God wasn't close to me, didn't make it true. Your feelings are always going to be a reflection of the Truth. The more that you read the Bible and pray the more you will realise that God is there even when you don't feel it. Take advantage of the times that you feel this way and have doubts, offer them to God and let Him shine His light on you. Just becuase we accept Him into our life, we don't change over night. God knows who you are and what you will become and when you will become that. Let Him change you in His time. Please feel free to PM me if you would like to.

 

[Sabra]

Hey Lakotagirl,

Hi guys I'm new here and new in Christ. I'm having some serious doubts at first I was extremely passionate and I don't know why or where these doubts are coming from. I know that he is real and I don't doubt that but inside i'm having some doubts about the bible and the rules that need to be followed. I know what God wants of me but I just feel disconnected. What do you guys do, if you ever feel so disconnected?

I'm happy that you believe in Jesus! But, now that you're a new Christian, I dare say that the devil will try his best to pull you back into his kingdom of darkness. The disconnected feeling that you have will occur in all Christians lives. It's what some call the "winter" season in your spiritual walk. Your faith is being tested. During such times we are called to persevere, that is, be patient and keep with it. Consider James 5:7-8 for example. It would be foolish for the farmer to give up at the winter season because he sees no good crop, wouldn't it? He should persevere and stand firm during the winter season for the oncoming spring and summer seasons. In the same way, we are called to stand firm in the Word and pray constantly and persevere throughout the wintery season and await the spring and summer seasons in our spiritual lives. Like all seasons, this wintery season comes and goes. It may take some time, and God may be trying to teach you something or change your attitude to make you more Christ like. In which case, it is best to pray to God and ask Him what it is that He may be working on and say that your will will be inline with His on that issue. For example, if you pray for what He is trying to fix you on and you get angry easily because of the line at the petrol station, or the slow poke in front of you, then it's possible that patience is what He is trying to teach you.

You see, God cares more about your attitude and character than He does about your physical comfort. For example, consider what Paul says in Romans 5:3-5 (from the New International Version - NIV) about our trials and tribulations and how they help us:

Not only so, but we [or let us] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

I too am going through a wintery time in my spiritual life - like you, at the moment I don't feel God anywhere. I don't sense His presence, and it's almost as though He has just withdrawn from me. I am currently taking my own advice and persevering through this time of trial.

If you want, we may be able to help you out with those doubts about the Bible and the "rules" that need to be followed. Basically, the two big ones are outlined in Mark 12:28-34 where Jesus tells us to "Love the Lord your God with All your heart, with all your soul with all your mind, and with all your strength" and to "Love your neighbour as you love yourself." The whole Ten Commandments come down to these two commands. Jesus tells us that if we love Him, we will keep His commands. What are they? The two outlined above. Of course, we all fail sometimes, but that is when we come to Christ and confess our sins and ask Him for forgiveness.

But I suggest that you consult the Word of God (i.e. the Bible) and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit by praying to God in Jesus' name.

Good luck with your new found faith and I will be praying for you.

 

[ChrisinMI]

Hey Lakotagirl,

Hi guys I'm new here and new in Christ. I'm having some serious doubts at first I was extremely passionate and I don't know why or where these doubts are coming from. I know that he is real and I don't doubt that but inside i'm having some doubts about the bible and the rules that need to be followed. I know what God wants of me but I just feel disconnected. What do you guys do, if you ever feel so disconnected?

I'm happy that you believe in Jesus! But, now that you're a new Christian, I dare say that the devil will try his best to pull you back into his kingdom of darkness. The disconnected feeling that you have will occur in all Christians lives. It's what some call the "winter" season in your spiritual walk. Your faith is being tested. During such times we are called to persevere, that is, be patient and keep with it. Consider James 5:7-8 for example. It would be foolish for the farmer to give up at the winter season because he sees no good crop, wouldn't it? He should persevere and stand firm during the winter season for the oncoming spring and summer seasons. In the same way, we are called to stand firm in the Word and pray constantly and persevere throughout the wintery season and await the spring and summer seasons in our spiritual lives. Like all seasons, this wintery season comes and goes. It may take some time, and God may be trying to teach you something or change your attitude to make you more Christ like. In which case, it is best to pray to God and ask Him what it is that He may be working on and say that your will will be inline with His on that issue. For example, if you pray for what He is trying to fix you on and you get angry easily because of the line at the petrol station, or the slow poke in front of you, then it's possible that patience is what He is trying to teach you.

You see, God cares more about your attitude and character than He does about your physical comfort. For example, consider what Paul says in Romans 5:3-5 (from the New International Version - NIV) about our trials and tribulations and how they help us:

Not only so, but we [or let us] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

I too am going through a wintery time in my spiritual life - like you, at the moment I don't feel God anywhere. I don't sense His presence, and it's almost as though He has just withdrawn from me. I am currently taking my own advice and persevering through this time of trial.

If you want, we may be able to help you out with those doubts about the Bible and the "rules" that need to be followed. Basically, the two big ones are outlined in Mark 12:28-34 where Jesus tells us to "Love the Lord your God with All your heart, with all your soul with all your mind, and with all your strength" and to "Love your neighbour as you love yourself." The whole Ten Commandments come down to these two commands. Jesus tells us that if we love Him, we will keep His commands. What are they? The two outlined above. Of course, we all fail sometimes, but that is when we come to Christ and confess our sins and ask Him for forgiveness.

But I suggest that you consult the Word of God (i.e. the Bible) and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit by praying to God in Jesus' name.

Good luck with your new found faith and I will be praying for you.

Good Advice!

 

[AbideInChrist]

Hi guys I'm new here and new in Christ. I'm having some serious doubts at first I was extremely passionate and I don't know why or where these doubts are coming from. I know that he is real and I don't doubt that but inside i'm having some doubts about the bible and the rules that need to be followed. I know what God wants of me but I just feel disconnected. What do you guys do, if you ever feel so disconnected?

There are two kinds of beings that have no doubts: Demons and angels. Therefore you will have two kinds of doubts: 1) Doubts about the truth. 2) Doubts about what you think is true but isn't. The first kind of doubts do come from the Devil but the second are natural and may also come from God.

Not rules but Christ Himself. You must have Christ in your heart as a real living entity, not a metaphor, ideal or belief. You may do this by asking Him to come into your heart as you 'repent' or change your fundamental position regarding inner corruption-sin. (There are many great Catholic saints that have written wonderful books that can help you, such as Teresa of Avila, Brother Lawrence and others).

Questions about the bible can be easily answered.
Essentially you need communion with and assurance from the Holy Spirit by your faith in Jesus Christ whom He glorifies. Disconnectedness may have many causes. Faith is a fact. It is the supreme human fact. That is when your faith is founded upon Jesus and inspired by the Holy Spirit you can make progress. God is able to persuade you of things that no earthly teacher can convince you of. God can and does confirm His work in the heart. He can speak to you specifically in a way He chooses that would convince you and bury your doubts. If you are convicted by the Holy Spirit of your need to receive his power then just read out these points as a prayer and ask Him to make them all real in your life, and whether you are just beginning or far advanced they will bless you greatly.

But all this will be in vain if you don't first make that connection wth Jesus Himself. I would counsel you to speak directly to him. To ask him to come into your room, and even though you may not see him, then ask him to fill your life and being with his eternal love. You may actually find that it is you who are called to a very high calling among God's elect.

Peace.

 

[Lakotagirl]

thank you guys for all of your advice and I see some truth and everything that you all are saying. thanks.

 

[Sabra]

Just quickly, I was listening to Pastor Greg Laurie on the radio this morning on his broadcast A New Beginning and he said that God's silence is actually out of His love for you. Sometimes He just wants you to pour out your heart to Him. David did this many times in Psalms. He just told God what he was feeling - he let God know everything that was going on wit his life. He let God know his fears, concerns, troubles, and so on. He handed his problems and concerns over to God and trusted in His power to get through his times of trial.

 

[L0U]

Hi guys I'm new here and new in Christ. I'm having some serious doubts at first I was extremely passionate and I don't know why or where these doubts are coming from. I know that he is real and I don't doubt that but inside i'm having some doubts about the bible and the rules that need to be followed. I know what God wants of me but I just feel disconnected. What do you guys do, if you ever feel so disconnected?

Did Peter hesitate when he got out of the boat to walk on the water to Jesus?
When he took his eye's off Jesus what happened.

Look to Him Who will not fail you.
Keep your eyes on Him and not the roaring of the waves.

When we believe, we trust that God is. When God gives faith we no longer believe but know beyond all doubt. However, if you have to 'see' (revelation) to believe it is no longer belief that leads to faith, but sight that leads you.

Believing is something that man does in God.
Faith is something that God does within man.

" Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

​

Believing is trusting God is Who He say's He is, the One and only. And He has done and will do what He say's, then faith follows.
Faith is that inner KNOWING beyond all doubt.
Are you affraid to walk or run? Probably not any more. You sure were fearful when you were a baby though; you were'nt affraid to run, you were affraid to fall. Just like Peter was affraid to sink.

When you throw a ball up in the air, do you know that it will come down?

An arialist strung a steel cable from one side of the Grand Canyon to the other. He was met by cheers of the crowd that had gathered on the other side of the canyon as he made his way across.
Upon reaching the other side, he talked with two young men and asked them if they thought he could make the trip back to the other side in half the time but this time riding a unicycle and pushing a wheelbarrel with someone in it. Both the young men said they believed he could do it.
The arialist then said to the first man, "Ok, get in the wheelbarrel and we'll begin." The young man declined.
The arialist then asked the other man to get in the wheelbarrel and he got in.
That is the difference between faith and belief.

"being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;"
​

 

[DawnTillery]

Hi guys I'm new here and new in Christ. I'm having some serious doubts at first I was extremely passionate and I don't know why or where these doubts are coming from. I know that he is real and I don't doubt that but inside i'm having some doubts about the bible and the rules that need to be followed. I know what God wants of me but I just feel disconnected. What do you guys do, if you ever feel so disconnected?

I had similiar when I was first saved, it was like I was on a RUSH at first and then it dwindled.... Prayer works and it doesn't have to be fancy, just talk to God like your talking to us here. I write in a prayer journal at times, sometimes my feelings come out easier at the end of my pencil then in words. Its just me!
Your doubts are what I would consider a normal process especially when your just starting out. Its best to dismiss those doubts and when your having trouble with a passage in the bible, take it to the elder at your church, post here, pray, pray, pray. (ive posted a lot of scripture on this forum since I started out and got a lot of wonderful replys)
You don't have to figure everything out right away, it will all come, I learn everyday something I didn't know before..

When I first started attending church, i watched the older christians and I found one that I really trusted and respected (not that i dont respect them all) but that took time and cared about new Christians and I go to him a lot. No he doesnt have all the answers but he helps me a lot. I know when I ask him a question, I am not going to get thrown aside, even if he has to answer me later, I know he will even if the answer is I dont know.

 

[Sketcher]

The Bible is God's letter to you and He is no liar. He has given us the words of life, and the devil is the one who would have you doubt and disbelieve them. I've experienced this first hand.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - John 10:10

"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" - John 8:31-32

 

[L0U]

Lakotagirl,

How are you doing? Any updates ?