Totally confused and in need of help.

[mindgamesnumber1]

Okay, here I go......................................

I have been going to church all of my life. I have always believed in Jesus Christ presay. I have been saved countless times yet I have never really felt any different after being saved each time. I go to a Pentacostal church so most people pass out in the spirit, shout, etc. I however have never done any of this and one of my main problems is that I don't understand why. The majority of my church can be in the spirit I I barely feel affected. Sometimes I feel the spirit moving in the church but I never feel it move on me presay. Recently we had a guest speaker say sometimes on the lines of act like you did when you first got saved, however like I said before it was noting spectatular for me. I'm really just extremely confused and don't understand. Maybe I'm just chasing my tail here and I'm worrying over something I shouldn't worry about but it's just doesn't make sense to me.

Another thing that bothers me is taht alot of times I hear to do things because I love Christ. While clearly I am thankful for Christ's sacfrice my motivation is generally not out of love but because I know it is right.

Anywayz, I'm not sure if this is the best place to put this but I had to put it somewhere and try and get some help. Thanks for all responses

That's all for now GOd Bless
mindgamer.

 

[bliz]

I think the problem is that you are in the wrong church.

Please do not misunderstand me! There is nothing wrong with the Pentacostal church... I think it may be the wrong place for you.

Different Christian denominations and churches put the emphisis on different things. Obviously, the Pentacostal church puts an emphisis on feelings and that is exactly what attracts many people to that denomination. Other denominations take a more intellectual and thought filled approach to things. (Please note - I did not say "more intellegent" but intellectual - with more emphisis on the life of the mind than on the emotion.) Some people in those churches are dry and crying out for "feeling", but it could well be that you need more of it. At least for right now.

You know how some of your friends are more mathametical and science oriented and others are subjective in their thinking. Our world needs both! Imagine a world of all liniar thinkers and no creative types... or the other way around! Both worlds would be seriously lacking. You are in a church that approaches the Christian life from one direction... You might find you connect better in one that approaches from another direction.

This will be as much a matter of the individual pastor as the denomination... but you might try Presbyterian churches... You might really like PCA - Presbyterian Church in America. It's not a huge denomination. Where are you geographically?

 

[Evangelical Pastor]

It might be comforting to think the problem you describe is the fault of your denominatiion and can be fixed by just joining a denomination that teaches tolerance towards homosexuality which the other writer suggested to you,the fact of the matter is that the problem is with you,not your denomination..What you are describing is a failure to receive salvation and perhaps your senior pastor is partially at fault for not clearly explaining this to you thus causing your confusion.

In Jonn 3:3-9,you'll find Jesus' instructions for receiving salvation.It requires a water baptism ceremony during which you publicly affirm your faith as well as the baptism of the Holy Spirit which comes from God.Your message is a statement from someone who has not received the latter.When we receive the Holy Spirit,it is not an "intellectual experience" in any way shape or form.It is a highly emotional experience that draws us into a personal relationship with God;definitely life-changing to the extreme.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is given to people who want more than an "intellectual" experience with God.So in order to receive it,you first need to develop a passion for God and the teachings of Jesus which of course means eliminating major sin in your life.Regular Bible study, in a SMALL CHURCH GROUP is what you need.Here's the good news - the Holy Spirit just gave me that instruction so now you know that your request will be met if you simply co-operate.Also this is very important,listen to highly spiritual music and nothing but,whenever you can listen to music.The Holy Spirit is instructing you to do that as well.

Gee that was simple.See God asks so little of us.Once you've started to follow these simple instructions,then you should start praying for your salvation by using the right words.So here it isEAR JESUS HAVE MERCY ON ME,FORGIVE MY SINS AND BAPTIZE ME WITH YOUR HOLY SPIRIT.LET ME LIVE WITH YOU AND SERVE YOU FOREVER.

That's it,God is waiting to give you what you're seeking.You better start thanking Him right now.

 

[Iosias]

Okay, here I go......................................

I have been going to church all of my life. I have always believed in Jesus Christ presay. I have been saved countless times yet I have never really felt any different after being saved each time. I go to a Pentacostal church so most people pass out in the spirit, shout, etc. I however have never done any of this and one of my main problems is that I don't understand why. The majority of my church can be in the spirit I I barely feel affected. Sometimes I feel the spirit moving in the church but I never feel it move on me presay. Recently we had a guest speaker say sometimes on the lines of act like you did when you first got saved, however like I said before it was noting spectatular for me. I'm really just extremely confused and don't understand. Maybe I'm just chasing my tail here and I'm worrying over something I shouldn't worry about but it's just doesn't make sense to me.

Another thing that bothers me is taht alot of times I hear to do things because I love Christ. While clearly I am thankful for Christ's sacfrice my motivation is generally not out of love but because I know it is right.

Anywayz, I'm not sure if this is the best place to put this but I had to put it somewhere and try and get some help. Thanks for all responses

That's all for now GOd Bless
mindgamer.

As I read your post my soul crys for you. I have seen this time and time again and it never gets any easier. I agree with the first poster that you should move church. I believe this to be vital because what I see is that the Christmatic movement causes much confusion and although many have the heart in the right place their doctrines are wholly unbiblical.

You say that you have been "saved countless times" yet that is not true. You are saved once and once alone. If you have repented and asked Jesus to be your own personal Saviour then you are saved "...what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved..." Acts 16:30,31. You cannot fall away...the true believer is forever secure. If you have not done this then I urge you to do it NOW! You say that your conversion experience was not "spectatular" but oh contraire! "[T]here will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent" Luke 15:7 and Luke 15:9 "there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents". When you repented and were saved all of heaven was dancing for joy...it was spectacular indeed!

You worry that you did not experience anything...well neither did I. I was overjoyed that I was saved but my emotions did not run wild, I did not cry etc. The reason being...I ain't an emotional guy! But I know that I am saved for the Bible says that "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God." 1 John 4:15. We are baptised with/by the Holy Ghost on the moment of our conversion and this is NON-EXPERIENTIAL it just happens. We are saved"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" Titus 3:5. Charismatics misunderstand the oneoffness of Pentecost...it was UNIQUE!

Your brethren may very well be slain in the spirit but where that is in the Bible is beyond me...they may shout cry etc and that is fine as long as it gives glory to God! If it detracts from it then it should be stopped. That is why if it makes you feel uncomfortable, as it certainly seems to do, then you should fellowship with another church. I would recommend a cessationist one but that is upto you.

Just remember: Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" Salvation is a gift and God wants to give it you...ask and ye shall recieve...if you have asked for forgiveness then you have been given it! Praise the LORD!

If I can help further in anyway do not hesitate to PM me!

 

[Ceris]

Dear mindgamesnumber1,

Because Av1611 has offered excellent advice, I will only add one more thing. When I was saved it was not a huge emotional experience. I was not filled with a rush of emotions, falling to the ground, crying, etc. We are saved through faith, and faith alone.

God Bless,
Ceris

 

[shawn_h76]

I agree with Ceris, av1611, and bliz.

I just have one thing to add:

"Feelings"

• love IS NOT A FEELING
• faith IS NOT A FEELING
• belief IS NOT A FEELING
• salvation IS NOT A FEELING
• the baptisim of the Holy Spirit IS NOT A FEELING
• christianity IS NOT A FEELING

 

[Endure2]

mindgamesnumber1

your not in the wrong church, the church isnt the issue.

these are issues that are worked out as we grow up in the lord for ourselves.
you need to take these issues to prayer and more prayer, begin to get in the word of God and let it shape your spiritman into the image of Christ.

these kind of issues, are only worked out by growing healthy and mature in the Lord, as you press deeper and deeper into God through prayer and the receiving of the word of God you be molded and changed, your emotions and feelings and thoughts will all change.

you need a deeper more healthy relationship with God. you are spiritual malnutritioned, feeble and disjointed, thats why you are not running and living in the way he has given for you to live, your like a broke down machine that needs repair.
you sound like how i feel if i go a week without prayer or without meditating in the word, and i feel that way becuase i allowed my spirit to grow weak and cold.

the emotion and the wonder, its all real and youll have it, if your were you need to be your relationship with God.
people who say it isnt, or simply isnt for them, or people who say some are called to live dry stale rudimentary lives for God are simply wrong.

peter said we are called UNTO GLORY AND VIRTUE.
God has given you a GLORIUS life to live, dont give up on it.
the bible says in daniel that
THOSE WHO KNOW THEIR GOD WILL BE STRONG AND DO GREAT EXPLOITS.
grow closer to God, begin to seek his face.
in his presence there is fullness of Joy.