Want to find God but can't! Please help!

[GodHelpUs]

Roger, i'd like to say that i'm sorry you have been lied to about this subject. Please read the following scriptures and pass it on to your girlfriend. God does not want to interfere with love, that's Satan's job. God is all for love which is the reason why He would allow such a situation to take place. Tell your girlfriend that He may be using her to set the Christian example for you. If she loved you before knowing your belief, there is no reason for her to stop loving you. She may have been called by God for a very important reason, you. If you truly want to be close to God, all you have to do is start with just acknowledging his existence. I once was an atheist and struggled with the lies of Christianity and the uncertainty of the Bible. All you have to do is pray to God to reveal the truth to you. Let him know you don't want to be lied to nor do you want to believe lies. He will answer you, i promise. God Bless you and your girlfriend to be relieved of this matter in peace.

7:13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

7:15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

7:16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

7:17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

P.S. If my post was repeated its because this is my first time and wasn't sure if my original reply went through or not.

 

[Calminian]

I really hate to say this, because, in the end, I would like for you to find God, and all that fun stuff.

But, my advice to you, is find someone that shares your faith, do not try to "Make" faith, for a "Here and Now" realtionship.

I say this only because, if the relationship goes sour, then so will your "Faith".

Sorry I did not give you the answer I expect you were hopeing for.

God Bless

Key

I'll have to second this.

 

[Delta007]

Hey Roger516,

Friend, if you want real answers for Christianity, then why not go to the Updated & Expanded Answers Book by Answers in Genesis? Do you know what's better? It's free, available chapter by chapter on-line at the Answers in Genesis website <http://www.answersingenesis.org/Home/Area/AnswersBook/index.asp>.

Go to chapter 1 of the book to start off with called "Does God Exist?" <http://www.answersingenesis.org/Home/Area/AnswersBook/existence1.asp> and you can either read or scroll down to the section called "Biblical evidence for the existence of a divine author" which goes through some things that point to the existence of a divine author of the Bible. This section specifically answers your question, but the whole chapter, not to mention the whole book, is a great read that wont bore you! I promise!!

Other resources for apologetics and the evidence for the Christian faith I suggest that you see the Answers in Genesis (who are more into creation/evolution and Genesis) FAQ section of their website <http://www.answersingenesis.org/home/area/qa.asp>, Christian Answers Network <http://christiananswers.net> also deal with evidence for the Bible's divine authorship and the defence of it, so too does Tekton Apologetics Ministries <http://www.tektonics.org/> and Got Questions Ministries <http://www.gotquestions.org/> among others. If you find an alleged contradiction, try typing the verses and contradiction into Google or the search features of these websites and look for Christian responses to it. If you can't find absolutely anything on it, write a question to Got Questions Ministries or any other ministry (except AiG as their focus is mainly Genesis rather than other books of the Bible) listed here and they'll get back to you with an answer. That simple.

You'll find that many of the so-called 'contradictions' are nothing more than atheists taking verses or passages out of context and/or ignoring Hebrew and Greek writing styles (e.g. grammer laws), etc; the well quoted one for example, Genesis 1 contradicts Genesis 2 is not a contradiction at all and an example of ignorance around Hebrew gramatical writing style, as the article Genesis contradictions? <http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v18/i4/genesis.asp> and in more detail Two Creation Accounts? <http://www.tektonics.org/jedp/creationtwo.html> explains.

Just copy the text inside the <> into the address bar and click "Go" or the arrow, depending on which Internet browser you use. Edit: Hyperlinks should work now.

For more information in books that relate to this issue, I suggest that you borrow or buy Lee Strobel's (who was an unbelieving sceptic who actually started his investigation not to prove Christianity but to disprove it! and as a result of his investigations, became a believer) book The Case For Christ, The Case For Faith, Josh McDowell's book Evidence That Demands a Verdict, and even Brother Yun's book The Heavenly Man that documents his life as a Chinese Christian and the amazing miraclous ways in which God worked in his life. This last book is a must read and when you start you wont be able to put it down!! You should be able to find these books at your local Christian bookshop rather cheep or maybe even at your local library.

One thing to keep in mind, with us we are like "Show me and then I'll believe," but God who is pleased by faith says "Believe in me and I'll show you." The evidence comes as you walk with Him as I and many other Christians on this forum can testify to. It is because I know beyond all reasonable doubt that God exists - I know that God exists more than I do that the sun will rise tomorrow because of my knowledge (based on factual evidence and logic) and the fact that I've experienced Him - such that I need a reason not to believe in Him.

I hope that these resources help you out and allow you to realise that Christianity is not about blind faith, but rational and reasonable faith. We do have reasons for what we believe. May I suggest that you go to church with your girlfriend with an open heart and see if the Holy Spirit convicts you of your need for Christ Jesus. When He is convicting you and prompting you, you'll know...

God bless, friend. My prayer is that you will look at the evidence that these resources show you that the Bible is reliable and the message that it brings is true. More than that, my prayer is that you will know Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him.

 

[NatsumiLam]

Roger, i'd like to say that i'm sorry you have been lied to about this subject. Please read the following scriptures and pass it on to your girlfriend. God does not want to interfere with love, that's Satan's job. God is all for love which is the reason why He would allow such a situation to take place. Tell your girlfriend that He may be using her to set the Christian example for you. If she loved you before knowing your belief, there is no reason for her to stop loving you. She may have been called by God for a very important reason, you. If you truly want to be close to God, all you have to do is start with just acknowledging his existence. I once was an atheist and struggled with the lies of Christianity and the uncertainty of the Bible. All you have to do is pray to God to reveal the truth to you. Let him know you don't want to be lied to nor do you want to believe lies. He will answer you, i promise. God Bless you and your girlfriend to be relieved of this matter in peace.

7:13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

7:14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

7:15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

7:16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

7:17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

P.S. If my post was repeated its because this is my first time and wasn't sure if my original reply went through or not.

Just remember the verse is talking about husband and wife. To be husband and wife would have to mean you are already married. SO it only applies to marriage. Again read the historical context and the intent of the verse in greek. But if you do not want to do that GodHelpUs than the verse already flat out states they are husband and wife and then one is unbelieveing. Or verse

2 Cor 6:14-15
"14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?"

Like i said if His word is His Truth. He never contradicts himself. Also study the intent of the yoke in the bible.

Remember GodHelpUs God did bring love into the world but He requires us to obey God 1st than follow the intent of the heart.

Matthew 6:33
"33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Matthew 22:36-40
36 &#8220;Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?&#8221;
37 Jesus said to him, &#8220; &#8216;You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.&#8217;[a] 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: &#8216;You shall love your neighbor as yourself.&#8217;[b] 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.&#8221;


FIRST Love God... and this requires the following of His commandmants. 2 John 1:6 "6 This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it." SECOND love your neighbor.

Like i said ... why many people believe that christians are fickle is beause so many christians take verses outta context and use it to justify their lifestyle. God first and his commandmants , then other men/women.

~Natsumi lam~

 

[NatsumiLam]

But like i said originally.. Roger516.

First you gotta decide if a) the bible is the Inspired Word of God b) or it is not

Then you got to decide a) do i believe in faith that Jesus died on the cross, rose in three days, is my savior and is the son of God. Many times we can make the first step with our heart and mouth and the feeling and assurance comes later . I can attest to that. b) i dont believe and i will find out c) there is no way He is who He says he is

Lastly, Start studying the Word and with God in Faith and ask for Godly wisdom so you can understand the Bible as more than just a book. But rather a active and living Book that is valuable for today as much as the past.

Either way, i will be praying for you and i will be prayings that if there is any 'veil' covering your eyes and ears and heart that it will be lifted and you will get to know God and Jesus as your savior and the most awsome thing that could happen to you

~Natsumi lam~

 

[GodHelpUs]

I would like to apologize for my last post. I used scripture and misinterpreted it. There is a very similar discussion in another topic and several other posters corrected my mistake. I'm sorry i unknowingly misled you. And thank you all for bringing my mistake to my attention. God Bless

 

[Mattacious]

I guess i must be pretty despereate to post something like this online but i'm running out of options. This site looked like a welcoming place with lots of active people so i'm REALLY hoping that you guys can help me! I think i'm going insane!!!

I've been dating this girl for the past 8 months, and before that we were best friends for about 5 years. I know it doesn't sound very long but it feels like we've known eachother for a lifetime. We got along with eachother so well, it was like nothing i had ever experienced in a relationship before. She is a very devoted christian and recently i confessed that i don't really believe in god. I come from a Lutheran family but i've never told them that i don't honestly beleive what they do. Since my girlfriend found out that i wasn't a christian, we've grown so far apart from eachother.

Many times i've told her that i want to beleive and she tries to tell me why she beleives. She ends up saying something like, "see all the good in the world, how could that happen without God?" I'm sure this means a lot to her, but it's not enough to persuade me. If i'm going to find God, i need some REAL answers!

I guess my biggest obstacle is the Bible. I'm actually pretty familiar with it, as i had to learn it as a child. But how do you know its the truth? The book is so old, and i find many parts to be confusing and self-contradicting to other parts. I just can't so easily beleive that it is all true.

We are growing further apart by the day, and i'm sure it will come to an end soon if i can't get on the same page as her. It seemed like such a perfect relationship, i don't want to give up on it so soon! PLEASE HELP!!!

All i need is a solid reason to beleive that God is real. I'm sure there's something solid out there somewhere. Huge thanks to anyone that can help!

Hi there,

Oh my gosh I don't know where to start.

I don't believe you don't need a reason to believe in God at all. What you need to know is that you have a serious problem. You are sick with a disease that no human can heal. You are dirty. If you have told a lie, or stolen (no matter what the size) then that makes you are a thief and a lier and the place you are going to is HELL. I'm sorry to say that and I don't want to see ANYONE going to hell but it's the truth. I am sorry this is the case my friend but it is the truth.

Suddenly out of no where came Jesus.

He stepped right in there and said "wait a seccond rogger is off the hook, he ain't going to hell". We never asked him to do this, it came from God because he cares for us. This happen when Jesus died on the cross for us.

Conclusion:
Understand that you are a sinner and you need help.
Understand that it's not allways going to be easy.
Understand that Jesus paid the price.
Accept Jesus.

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[Jehane]

What do you mean by 'real answers'? And do you want to deal seriously with God because I can assure you that if you take him seriously he will deal with you seriously. Scriptually that has always been the patten. If you are serious in your search to know God then he will deal with you faithfully & you will find that which you seek. Jehane

 

[barbaraclarke]

hi
the bible says if you are seek Him with all your might you will be found by Him
Ask

Seek

Knock
ask God to reveal Himself to you and He will
He longs to show You His ways and desires that You will develop a relationship with Him.

 

[JosephD3000]

i have heard alot of non beleivers ask god to prove that he's real and most of the time god showed them

so ask and wait for it

 

[Shubunkin]

Perhaps reading some C. S. Lewis books would help you. "Mere Christianity," "The Screwtape Letters," "The Chronicles of Narnia" for example. I was once Lutheran, and our sons turned away from God even though we went to church every Sunday, was quite involved, and they also went to the Lutheran school there. It seems like the Lutheran faith has a way of turning young folks into unbelievers, which is sad. Few return to church. Since then, God has revealed himself to one son, and the other "sort of" believes, but detests organized religions. It also turned me around to rethink my faith, and so I'm on a journey to discover Orthodoxy. Well, all good comes of bad things! I wish you well in your search for God and the truth of the Bible. Just remember to take small steps at first (such as reading C. S. Lewis), and pray a lot, and read the Bible a lot. This will really help. You can also ask God in your prayers for faith. He will be faithful to give it to you.

I agree with the others that searching for God and the truth should not be because you want your girlfriend, it should be because you want Him for eternity.

 

[NatsumiLam]

i have heard alot of non beleivers ask god to prove that he's real and most of the time god showed them

so ask and wait for it

jist remember it is a wicked generation that asks for sign.

If God were to always give signs.... no reason to have faith.

Remember without faith you cant please God.

Ive asked all my life ... no sign like a glowing bush. Mine is faith. Faith is what drives us /// 'look to the unseen rather than the seen , the seen is fading away'.

many times it is how and with what you are looking that is the problem. Remember faith isnt saying 'i believe in God; it is acting on it too'.

So dont always depend on a sign or i would be an example of one who was lost because they didnt receive what they asked for.


I agree with the mere Christianity book from CS Lewis...

~Natsumi Lam~

 

[YourChild]

I guess i must be pretty despereate to post something like this online but i'm running out of options. This site looked like a welcoming place with lots of active people so i'm REALLY hoping that you guys can help me! I think i'm going insane!!!

I've been dating this girl for the past 8 months, and before that we were best friends for about 5 years. I know it doesn't sound very long but it feels like we've known eachother for a lifetime. We got along with eachother so well, it was like nothing i had ever experienced in a relationship before. She is a very devoted christian and recently i confessed that i don't really believe in god. I come from a Lutheran family but i've never told them that i don't honestly beleive what they do. Since my girlfriend found out that i wasn't a christian, we've grown so far apart from eachother.

Many times i've told her that i want to beleive and she tries to tell me why she beleives. She ends up saying something like, "see all the good in the world, how could that happen without God?" I'm sure this means a lot to her, but it's not enough to persuade me. If i'm going to find God, i need some REAL answers!

I guess my biggest obstacle is the Bible. I'm actually pretty familiar with it, as i had to learn it as a child. But how do you know its the truth? The book is so old, and i find many parts to be confusing and self-contradicting to other parts. I just can't so easily beleive that it is all true.

We are growing further apart by the day, and i'm sure it will come to an end soon if i can't get on the same page as her. It seemed like such a perfect relationship, i don't want to give up on it so soon! PLEASE HELP!!!

All i need is a solid reason to beleive that God is real. I'm sure there's something solid out there somewhere. Huge thanks to anyone that can help!

Ok take a deep breath and calm down. My question to you is... have you ever truly whole heartedly seeked God on your own? Have you ever sat there and asked Him with a sincere heart, "God come into my life. Let me feel Your presence. SHow me O Lord, show me your ways!" Have you ever looked at Jesus on the cross and felt the stricken pain in your heart for what He went through? Do you know why you should feel this pain? Do you know why you should feel this guilt? Because you put Him there! Have you ever even gave Him a chance to come into your life or have you always let your confused understanding of the Bible lure you to doubting Him? Because the Bible is old? Because some things dont make sense or because some things contradict each other in the Bible? Have you ever wondered why the Bible is the most popular known book in the world? Everyone knows what the Bible is, but not everyone knows of a specific ordinary book. WHy is that? Because God's Word cannot be destroyed and it will continue to flourish throughout the land.

IF you are truly seeking God this time, then you need to start showing Him that you want His presence! If you tell a girl "I want to get to know you and be with you", you need to act on what you say by doing things to SHOW her that you really want to get to know her and be with her. You need to call her more often, you need to write her more emails, you need to take her out to places, you need to buy her little gifts...you NEED TO SHOW HER THAT YOU WANT TO BE WITH HER! It is the same thing with God! you cannot tell a girl you want to be with her then sit there and do nothing and expect her to come to you! same thing with God. SHow Him..go ahead do it. ask Him to come into your life then start praying to Him daily. Ask Him how to solve your crisis with this girl you like or ask Him to solve any of your daily problems. Have faith that He will help you and then you will see for yourself, what all of us Christians are talking about. Those who sit back asking for a sign or proof will never see one until the day they are resurrected and stand before God, ready to be condemned.

 

[irenemcg]

Seek to find Jesus, Ask Him to reveal Himself to you. He loves You so much. God sent His Son into the world to die for you, so that you might be reconciled to Him. For God cannot look upon sin.

Act 17:24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.
Act 17:25 Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.
Act 17:26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,
Act 17:27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
Act 17:28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, "For we are also His offspring.'


The eternal purpose was for you to have a relationship with God.

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Joh 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Joh 3:18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

It's not believing in what the Bible teaches it's coming to know God through Jesus who died to forgive you of your sins

 

[""]

You have a lot of good advice here from Christians who understand where you're at right now. We all go through periods of doubt, and at your age, it's pretty normal to question authority, to doubt what you've always been told, and to wonder what is real in the world.

I've offered up a prayer on your behalf. I believe that the Lord knows your heart. I believe that He knew you before you were even formed in your mother's womb. I believe that inside of you there is a soul that seeks a meaningful relationship with Him. So I have prayed that the desire to have that would grow stronger in you, and that you would seek Him out on your own, with your own voice, and your own heart. That's what Christianity truly is, after all. It's a personal relationship with your Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your Savior. In the mean time, please take my suggestion as a friendly one: Please consider spending more time in God's word, and in a quiet atmosphere where you can think on it. That may involve less time focusing on worldly things (such as games, computers, tv, music, etc), but it will bring you peace. May the Lord bless you on your journey back to Him, my friend. I have faith in Him to guide you, even at times when you don't.