Struggling

[Jamesgray]

Hi All,

I am trying my hardest, I am a new Christian who has asked for forgiveness of my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as my saviour, fully have the faith but why don't I feel anything? the Holy Spirit does not seem to of entered my heart, shouldn't I feel love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness?

I am not losing faith, right now my life feels empty, I feel lost, confused, tired and all I want is a real relationship with God, I need help in my life, I want to feel better, I want to feel loved but for some reason Jesus just does not want anything to do with me?

Am I not forgiven? I am new to Christianity, I don't know a lot, but I have the faith, I just feel like my life is passing by and I am going to end up in hell.

Thanks for reading and any advice from anyone is appreciated.

God bless,
James.

 

[Tone]

Welcome to CF!

Your post makes me rejoice and give praise to Yah to see His Fresh Work in the life of another!

Abba Yah, thank you for this life, for our lives...Breathe Your Holy Breath into this Body and raise us up with Messiah Yahshua, that we may display Your Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control...that we may worship You in Spirit and in Truth...send heavenly messengers to minister on our behalf. Amen.

Shalom brother...may He keep you wrapped up in His Loving Arms.

 

[Aussie Pete]

Hi All,

I am trying my hardest, I am a new Christian who has asked for forgiveness of my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as my saviour, fully have the faith but why don't I feel anything? the Holy Spirit does not seem to of entered my heart, shouldn't I feel love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness?

I am not losing faith, right now my life feels empty, I feel lost, confused, tired and all I want is a real relationship with God, I need help in my life, I want to feel better, I want to feel loved but for some reason Jesus just does not want anything to do with me?

Am I not forgiven? I am new to Christianity, I don't know a lot, but I have the faith, I just feel like my life is passing by and I am going to end up in hell.

Thanks for reading and any advice from anyone is appreciated.

God bless,
James.

Hello James, thank you for being honest about your life. Did you feel really wonderful for a time after accepting Christ? Many Christians do. And many, me included, lost the feeling after a while. About 3 months in my case. We need to know that the Christian life is all about faith, not feelings. It is good that you are not losing faith. Most of all, you need to look at facts, not feelings. One of the great myths is that faith is based on something insubstantial. Not at all. Lord Jesus is the Son of the Living God: fact. Lord Jesus lived the life that pleased God perfectly: fact. Lord Jesus died on the Cross to pay the price of all your sin from the day that you were born until your last moment on earth: fact. Lord rose again from the dead to give you new life: fact.

There is much wonderful truth about our new life in God's word. Start reading and ask God to give you understanding of what you read an how it applies to you. Did you know that Jesus lives in you empower you to live the life that pleases God? Do you know for for sure that God loves you unconditionally? You start taking God at His word and a strange thing happens. You start to feel more peaceful and joyful. It can a little while, but you will get there. God does not want us to be addicted to feelings. We need to do stuff because God wants us to. Lord Jesus sure did not feel like going to the Cross. But He obeyed and now He is highly exalted with the name above all names.
One other very important thing to keep in mind. Sin drives a wedge between us and God. We can think that God hung up the phone, so to speak. Confess any known sin and ask God to cleanse you in the precious blood of Jesus. I can promise you that God wants to bless you more than you want to be blessed. Sin keeps out of God's blessing zone, so to speak. Keep in touch with us. Many people on the forum can help you in your new life.

 

[devin553344]

Hi All,

I am trying my hardest, I am a new Christian who has asked for forgiveness of my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as my saviour, fully have the faith but why don't I feel anything? the Holy Spirit does not seem to of entered my heart, shouldn't I feel love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness?

I am not losing faith, right now my life feels empty, I feel lost, confused, tired and all I want is a real relationship with God, I need help in my life, I want to feel better, I want to feel loved but for some reason Jesus just does not want anything to do with me?

Am I not forgiven? I am new to Christianity, I don't know a lot, but I have the faith, I just feel like my life is passing by and I am going to end up in hell.

Thanks for reading and any advice from anyone is appreciated.

God bless,
James.

In order to have those fruits of the Holy Spirit you must serve God to invite the Holy Spirit in. Testifying of God usually works, also serving the Homeless and less fortunate also works. You also have to have been baptized and have the laying on of hands in prayer to receive the Holy Spirit.

 

[Aussie Pete]

In order to have those fruits of the Holy Spirit you must serve God to invite the Holy Spirit in. Testifying of God usually works, also serving the Homeless and less fortunate also works. You also have to have been baptized and have the laying on of hands in prayer to receive the Holy Spirit.

Funny, I never had hands laid on me to receive the Holy Spirit. Why do you say that you must? To be clear, I am filled with the Spirit and I have been for around 45 years. To be exact, since Christmas Eve, 1974

 

[Dave L]

Hi All,

I am trying my hardest, I am a new Christian who has asked for forgiveness of my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as my saviour, fully have the faith but why don't I feel anything? the Holy Spirit does not seem to of entered my heart, shouldn't I feel love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness?

I am not losing faith, right now my life feels empty, I feel lost, confused, tired and all I want is a real relationship with God, I need help in my life, I want to feel better, I want to feel loved but for some reason Jesus just does not want anything to do with me?

Am I not forgiven? I am new to Christianity, I don't know a lot, but I have the faith, I just feel like my life is passing by and I am going to end up in hell.

Thanks for reading and any advice from anyone is appreciated.

God bless,
James.

If you believe in Christ, you have all you need including the Holy Spirit. Your faith is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. What you need is to start living the faith. The fulness of the Spirit comes through repentance (Acts 2:38) and especially through living the Sermon on the Mount. Noting pinpoints the work of the Holy Spirit like loving enemies.

You can find churches that conjure up adrenalin no different than a Rock Concert or Sporting match. And they will tell you it's the Holy Spirit. But the fruit of the Spirit comes through walking in the Spirit.

 

[Jamesgray]

Hello James, thank you for being honest about your life. Did you feel really wonderful for a time after accepting Christ? Many Christians do. And many, me included, lost the feeling after a while. About 3 months in my case. We need to know that the Christian life is all about faith, not feelings. It is good that you are not losing faith. Most of all, you need to look at facts, not feelings. One of the great myths is that faith is based on something insubstantial. Not at all. Lord Jesus is the Son of the Living God: fact. Lord Jesus lived the life that pleased God perfectly: fact. Lord Jesus died on the Cross to pay the price of all your sin from the day that you were born until your last moment on earth: fact. Lord rose again from the dead to give you new life: fact.

There is much wonderful truth about our new life in God's word. Start reading and ask God to give you understanding of what you read an how it applies to you. Did you know that Jesus lives in you empower you to live the life that pleases God? Do you know for for sure that God loves you unconditionally? You start taking God at His word and a strange thing happens. You start to feel more peaceful and joyful. It can a little while, but you will get there. God does not want us to be addicted to feelings. We need to do stuff because God wants us to. Lord Jesus sure did not feel like going to the Cross. But He obeyed and now He is highly exalted with the name above all names.
One other very important thing to keep in mind. Sin drives a wedge between us and God. We can think that God hung up the phone, so to speak. Confess any known sin and ask God to cleanse you in the precious blood of Jesus. I can promise you that God wants to bless you more than you want to be blessed. Sin keeps out of God's blessing zone, so to speak. Keep in touch with us. Many people on the forum can help you in your new life.

______

Thanks for taking the time to respond in such detail.

I guess I have a lot to learn, right?

I know I'm probably doing this all wrong, I am just in a bit of a bad place right now.

Thanks again,
James.

 

[Dave L]

______

Thanks for taking the time to respond in such detail.

I guess I have a lot to learn, right?

I know I'm probably doing this all wrong, I am just in a bit of a bad place right now.

Thanks again,
James.

Here's my approach to walking in the Spirit.

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (2 Corinthians 10:5) (KJV 1900)

We censor every impure thought or imagination. And change the channel in our thinking on any thought that does not conform to obedience to Christ.

And we replace it with:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Knowing Jesus is God and God is love. So Jesus is lord of our lives when love rules our thoughts and actions.

This is the means I found for true happiness and freedom from sin's entanglements.

 

[devin553344]

Funny, I never had hands laid on me to receive the Holy Spirit. Why do you say that you must? To be clear, I am filled with the Spirit and I have been for around 45 years. To be exact, since Christmas Eve, 1974

It's standard doctrine: Acts of the Apostles 8:15-17

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

 

[paul1149]

I am trying my hardest, I am a new Christian who has asked for forgiveness of my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as my saviour, fully have the faith but why don't I feel anything? the Holy Spirit does not seem to of entered my heart, shouldn't I feel love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness?

Feelings are wonderful and encouraging when they line up with the Word. But feelings are not reliable. You still need to abide, to press in, to exercise faith. In due time the feelings will come into alignment with your faith. Don't let the feelings discourage you. Just examine your conscience to make sure you're not in any unconfessed sin, and then claim the grace of Christ (1Jn 1:9; Rom 8) and keep moving forward (Php 3,4).

 

[Lost4words]

Be strong, be patient, be consistent in your love of God. Persevere through life's desert.

Nobody ever said it would be easy.

Carry your cross high as Jesus carries you.

God loves you and welcomes you with open arms. The love you feel for God is extremely important. Dont get too side tracked by any 'fuzzy' feelings you may read about that others say they feel.

God bless you

 

[Aussie Pete]

It's standard doctrine: Acts of the Apostles 8:15-17

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Sure, but it is not the only way. All you have to do is ask. Luke 11:13

 

[KimmyO]

Hi there, welcome to the family! Feelings come and go, we can not rely on them for confirmation. However, it is good to continually talk to God and listen to His Holy Spirit thru reading His word, it takes time to grow, you are a babe in Christ, and still getting your feet. Yes you are loved, truly loved, more than anything! Yes, you are forgiven, instead of constantly asking forgiveness on sins already forgiven, say Thank you for your Forgiveness, and Love, Jesus. Praise Him and put good Christian music on to fill your heart and ears with good things. Get involved, get plugged in to bible studies with friends and church near you so you have fellowship and support and accountability. You are reborn and that can not be undone, that's just the devil trying to make you doubt so you aren't in action for the Kingdom. Hang in there, get in some deep good bible studies to grow in grace and knowledge. <3 New Life, Praise God! =)

 

[Paulette Rose]

James.[/QUOTE]

Hi All,

I am trying my hardest, I am a new Christian who has asked for forgiveness of my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as my saviour, fully have the faith but why don't I feel anything? the Holy Spirit does not seem to of entered my heart, shouldn't I feel love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness?

I am not losing faith, right now my life feels empty, I feel lost, confused, tired and all I want is a real relationship with God, I need help in my life, I want to feel better, I want to feel loved but for some reason Jesus just does not want anything to do with me?

Am I not forgiven? I am new to Christianity, I don't know a lot, but I have the faith, I just feel like my life is passing by and I am going to end up in hell.

Thanks for reading and any advice from anyone is appreciated.

God bless,
James.

James:

Boy, can I relate to you! Your comments mirror exactly how I feel and I've been a believer for over 40+ years!! So don't think you are alone in this dilemma. I am trying to overcome the "living by feelings" lifestyle and "walk by faith" instead...I can tell you is not easy, especially when you are a very feeling-oriented individual like myself. The enemy knows our weaknesses and uses them against us to try to weaken our faith in the Lord. But God is faithful even when we are faithless (2 Timothy 2:13)

I continually ask the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in my life because I certainly cannot produce it! It MUST be His work totally...and He will do it as we keep our focus on Christ and the cross.

Have you ever seen or read Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan? He describes the Christian life exactly and all the struggles as we walk this journey...you might want to look at it; it is very encouraging to me and may help you also.

I too wonder at times if I'm "really saved" or is it just mental assent? But I know in my heart of hearts that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the ONLY TRUTH and I cling to it (Him). That's all that matters...trust in the Lord with all your heart and don't look to your own understanding...I try to live by that. I may fall often, but Jesus always there to pick me up. He will do the same for you...just keep believing.

God bless you,
Paulette Rose

 

[Aussie Pete]

James.

James:

Boy, can I relate to you! Your comments mirror exactly how I feel and I've been a believer for over 40+ years!! So don't think you are alone in this dilemma. I am trying to overcome the "living by feelings" lifestyle and "walk by faith" instead...I can tell you is not easy, especially when you are a very feeling-oriented individual like myself. The enemy knows our weaknesses and uses them against us to try to weaken our faith in the Lord. But God is faithful even when we are faithless (2 Timothy 2:13)

I continually ask the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in my life because I certainly cannot produce it! It MUST be His work totally...and He will do it as we keep our focus on Christ and the cross.

Have you ever seen or read Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan? He describes the Christian life exactly and all the struggles as we walk this journey...you might want to look at it; it is very encouraging to me and may help you also.

I too wonder at times if I'm "really saved" or is it just mental assent? But I know in my heart of hearts that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the ONLY TRUTH and I cling to it (Him). That's all that matters...trust in the Lord with all your heart and don't look to your own understanding...I try to live by that. I may fall often, but Jesus always there to pick me up. He will do the same for you...just keep believing.

God bless you,
Paulette Rose[/QUOTE]
Well said. We have to stand on facts, not feelings. Likewise I struggled for 40 years. It seemed I was much like Israel in the wilderness as they prepared to enter the promised land. The Lord had done work in my life but I still struggled at times. I was always looking for a "breakthrough". The root of my problem was that I still thought that I had to do something. I did not know what exactly as I would have done it! My breakthrough came when I saw that I did not need one. I saw myself crucified with Christ. Oh, I'd read, studied and even preached Galatians 2:20. It was still not real in my experience. A friend and mentor asked me a simple question. Where was I when Lord Jesus died and rose again? Obviously not in Jerusalem! So what could I do either to add to or take away from the work of Christ on the Cross? Simple. Nothing. Somehow that simple truth broke a bondage that I'd suffered for decades. There is nothing for me to do except accept. It's hard to explain, but it was as great an impact as when I was first born again. That was about 8 years ago. My doubts have vanished. Even a unpleasant and chronic medical condition did not destroy me as it once would. I learned a great lesson and the condition was resolved. I would encourage you to ask the Lord Jesus for such a revelation. Watchman Nee says that we need to know the truth the way we know our name. It is possible, but not by trying to believe and trying to have faith. It is by first seeing the truth. Then faith is easy.

 

[Paulette Rose]

James:

Boy, can I relate to you! Your comments mirror exactly how I feel and I've been a believer for over 40+ years!! So don't think you are alone in this dilemma. I am trying to overcome the "living by feelings" lifestyle and "walk by faith" instead...I can tell you is not easy, especially when you are a very feeling-oriented individual like myself. The enemy knows our weaknesses and uses them against us to try to weaken our faith in the Lord. But God is faithful even when we are faithless (2 Timothy 2:13)

I continually ask the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in my life because I certainly cannot produce it! It MUST be His work totally...and He will do it as we keep our focus on Christ and the cross.

Have you ever seen or read Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan? He describes the Christian life exactly and all the struggles as we walk this journey...you might want to look at it; it is very encouraging to me and may help you also.

I too wonder at times if I'm "really saved" or is it just mental assent? But I know in my heart of hearts that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the ONLY TRUTH and I cling to it (Him). That's all that matters...trust in the Lord with all your heart and don't look to your own understanding...I try to live by that. I may fall often, but Jesus always there to pick me up. He will do the same for you...just keep believing.

God bless you,
Paulette Rose

Well said. We have to stand on facts, not feelings. Likewise I struggled for 40 years. It seemed I was much like Israel in the wilderness as they prepared to enter the promised land. The Lord had done work in my life but I still struggled at times. I was always looking for a "breakthrough". The root of my problem was that I still thought that I had to do something. I did not know what exactly as I would have done it! My breakthrough came when I saw that I did not need one. I saw myself crucified with Christ. Oh, I'd read, studied and even preached Galatians 2:20. It was still not real in my experience. A friend and mentor asked me a simple question. Where was I when Lord Jesus died and rose again? Obviously not in Jerusalem! So what could I do either to add to or take away from the work of Christ on the Cross? Simple. Nothing. Somehow that simple truth broke a bondage that I'd suffered for decades. There is nothing for me to do except accept. It's hard to explain, but it was as great an impact as when I was first born again. That was about 8 years ago. My doubts have vanished. Even a unpleasant and chronic medical condition did not destroy me as it once would. I learned a great lesson and the condition was resolved. I would encourage you to ask the Lord Jesus for such a revelation. Watchman Nee says that we need to know the truth the way we know our name. It is possible, but not by trying to believe and trying to have faith. It is by first seeing the truth. Then faith is easy.[/QUOTE]
AMEN!!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️