What Now?

[InnocenceCannon]

I gave my life to God about a year ago, but I'm still stuck on the question, what's next? I've been quite miserable lately, trying to hold back my old desires, and dealing with the frustration of trying to figure out what I need to do as a Christian.


I've learned that once you believe in him, you are saved. I do. But I also haven't done anything as a Christian past that, and I don't think I'll make it to Heaven just trying to be a good boy; I've also heard that you can't earn your way into Heaven. People have told me to pray about what my calling is so I can start serving Him. But I've never been able to "hear" God in my life. Yes, I must admit He has protected me, but my prayers seem to never be answered, and I never can feel direction from Him in my life. I also have considered doing charity, and activites such as that. I recall a verse in the Bible though that says something to the affect of that if you don't do something for God, and with heart, it's useless? As much as I hate myself for it, I do not enjoy charity work at all, and the real hidden meaning behind why I'd ever try to do it would be to earn brownie points with God, which doesn't work.

What is your take on this? What do I need to do to start living a pleasing life to God?

 

[SteelNinja]

I think to start off, I understand where you're coming from in terms of feeling this lack of spiritual expansion. I think you just need to give yourself some time and passionately pray about it. If there's a Christian bookstore not too far from your location, you might find yourself a breakthrough in there.

I guess I could suggest to you making yourself a profile on your interests and everything that makes you feel positive about yourself and your life. Another thing related might be to take note of something that happened that was really positive and analyze the causes and effects leading to it. I know those methods have worked for me many times in the past three years.

Those positive things could be in the forms of
a movie night with friends,
a hiking trip,
a walk in the park,
going to a pet store,
a special theme based church service at a non regular time and day,
a speech or discussion on a Christian radio show,
a fellowship candle night,
a theme based Christian retreat,

I was going to add volunteer work in there but I just noticed you said you didn't like charity work. I guess I'm basing your definition of charity work as similar to volunteer work, if that's not the case, then I'll add volunteer work to the list.

I hope this wasn't too off topic. My belief is that being happy with life and being spiritually healthy with God pretty much tends to manifest with one another.

btw, I think you might be referring to faith without works is dead from what you said about doing something for God without heart being useless. I could be mistaking about it but I think I know where you're coming from here. Often, I will do something only because I feel like I have to, and not because I want to. I think the best thing is like I said, to give it time and pray about it. If you're concerned and you know it, God knows also. It's one of those spiritual maturity things that takes time. If you're questioning about that issue, you're probably already on the journey that takes you to understanding God's answer to it.

I hope this was helpful. I'm not the best with this problem myself so I might have mistakes.

 

[Luther073082]

I gave my life to God about a year ago, but I'm still stuck on the question, what's next? I've been quite miserable lately, trying to hold back my old desires, and dealing with the frustration of trying to figure out what I need to do as a Christian.


I've learned that once you believe in him, you are saved. I do. But I also haven't done anything as a Christian past that, and I don't think I'll make it to Heaven just trying to be a good boy; I've also heard that you can't earn your way into Heaven. People have told me to pray about what my calling is so I can start serving Him. But I've never been able to "hear" God in my life. Yes, I must admit He has protected me, but my prayers seem to never be answered, and I never can feel direction from Him in my life. I also have considered doing charity, and activites such as that. I recall a verse in the Bible though that says something to the affect of that if you don't do something for God, and with heart, it's useless? As much as I hate myself for it, I do not enjoy charity work at all, and the real hidden meaning behind why I'd ever try to do it would be to earn brownie points with God, which doesn't work.

What is your take on this? What do I need to do to start living a pleasing life to God?

Oh geez, this is bad, you've been a Christian for a year but have not gained any kind of foundation.

Gracious Heavenly Father, I ask you to communicate through me and others this day so we may be able to help our brother in need. Let none of this be my words but your's. I ask this in the name of Christ Jesus who lives and reins with you and the Holy Spirit. One God now and forever.

Ok you have faith but no foundation. Immediatly I think you need to find a church suitable to your needs. At this point any mainline church will do (Although I recommend ELCA Lutheran churchs). You need to get your butt into church this Sunday, with no excuses. Unless you are dead, or dying you need to be in church.

Church does not save you but it allows you to worship Christ with your brothers and sisters. This helps you gain a firm foundation. If you want more infomormation on selecting a church then PM me or something and we can talk. But get your rearend in church this Sunday.

Secondly you need to start reading your bible and studying your faith more. It always strikes me as funny that people will claim to belive that the bible is the whole word of God. God a divine being that created you, and loves you and is the smartest being in the entire universe. . . yet these people don't take the time to read his book.

Before anything else you should read these books of the bible.

The 4 gospels (Mark, Matt, Luke, and John)
Acts of the Apostles
Romans and 1st and Second Coorinthians.
Then Genesis and Exodus.

You should try to find a bible study through a church or some friends as well. Surround yourself with Christian friends who can help guide you.

If you are not baptized start in with a church and get yourself baptized. This can not wait, this sacrament is important.

After you have done the above and have a solid foundation in your faith. Then most likely God will lead you to a ministry that he wants you to serve in. I really don't think that charity work or volunteeering should be at the top of your priorities right now. Those things will come after you are solidified in your faith.

I am in this denomination it is sort of middle of the road but
for the most part people are all over the map. I'm on the conservative
end of it.
http://www.elca.org

Most of the doctrines are taught by individual churchs and pastors so you have to watch
out in the ELCA. But getting yourself to worship first and then learning doctrines second is a must.

If you are more conservative then you might like: http://www.lcms.org
If you are very liberal you may like: http://www.ucc.org
If you are traditional you may like the Roman Catholic Church or an Orthodox church

Other good churches (I disagree with some of their doctrines but they have a firm foundation)
http://www.umc.org
http://www.pcusa.org/

Roman Catholisim is ok

Most baptist churchs are fine as well.

I do not recommend except for as a last resort
Pentacostal, Full Gospel, or Non-Denominational churchs

I don't recommend non-denominational churchs because you never know what you are getting. And half the time they don't even have any clear doctrines that they teach.

 

[peanutbutter12]

Also, you need to keep in mind that works are not what get you into heaven, but belief alone. It will be good for you to become involved with a church though.

Sadly, struggling never ends and it never gets easy. This is the path of being a believer.

 

[Im_A]

I gave my life to God about a year ago, but I'm still stuck on the question, what's next? I've been quite miserable lately, trying to hold back my old desires, and dealing with the frustration of trying to figure out what I need to do as a Christian.


I've learned that once you believe in him, you are saved. I do. But I also haven't done anything as a Christian past that, and I don't think I'll make it to Heaven just trying to be a good boy; I've also heard that you can't earn your way into Heaven. People have told me to pray about what my calling is so I can start serving Him. But I've never been able to "hear" God in my life. Yes, I must admit He has protected me, but my prayers seem to never be answered, and I never can feel direction from Him in my life. I also have considered doing charity, and activites such as that. I recall a verse in the Bible though that says something to the affect of that if you don't do something for God, and with heart, it's useless? As much as I hate myself for it, I do not enjoy charity work at all, and the real hidden meaning behind why I'd ever try to do it would be to earn brownie points with God, which doesn't work.

What is your take on this? What do I need to do to start living a pleasing life to God?

do unto others as you would do unto yourself.

no reason to make it anymore complicated.

just live, and learn as you live.

 

[InnocenceCannon]

Hmm... alot to respond to.

For SteelNinja...

It's not that I dislike charity work, it's just I feel disgusted with myself because to me, I feel I have selfish motives behind my help; to make it to Heaven, instead of doing it because I truly like to help people.

But I see what you're saying, and I need to start writing down positive experiences like you mentioned, it would help alot.


For Luther...

I'm not that new to the religion. I just didn't give my life to God until last year. I mean, I've been going to a Baptist Church in Seattle every Sunday for the last eight years, youth group since last year, and I'm baptized. I started reading my Bible for the first time a few months ago, I'm in Chronicles.

Thank you for the info though, it will be useful when I go to college halfway across the country, and have to start my faith over again.



For Tatted...

I would love it to be that simple. I just wish I wasn't so miserable when choosing that path, I feel like I don't have time to just live, and hope I all of a sudden get this. I've been living as a tree bearing no fruit for so long now. I feel if I don't get this stuff handled now, God will have given me my last chance, and one day misfortune will take my life, and then I'll won't be in the place I want to be after death.

 

[mrbrownie0jesusrocks]

Many times I find myself stuck in a rut or two. Sometimes with no way out.
I know that life is not always fair especially for christians who have decided abstinence is the only way. Well anyway life is just a chance at making everything better. So when your down about something just ask me to pray for you and i'll try my best to get your PM or whatever so have a good day everyone and God bless.

 

[Im_A]

Hmm... alot to respond to.



For Tatted...

I would love it to be that simple. I just wish I wasn't so miserable when choosing that path, I feel like I don't have time to just live, and hope I all of a sudden get this. I've been living as a tree bearing no fruit for so long now. I feel if I don't get this stuff handled now, God will have given me my last chance, and one day misfortune will take my life, and then I'll won't be in the place I want to be after death.

maybe that's the problem. i beg you to see this as me just giving some food for thought and to not criticize, but maybe that's the whole problem for you...meaning, maybe the only reason why you want to be in Christianity is to secure your life in the afterlife, which in the end, is a very selfish reason. how can good, life changing fruit come from selfishness? how is a faith that serves God only to save one's soul a faith of any worth? what will that faith produce in regards to fruit? (that last question is one i still ask myself)

before i continue, i'm not saying your being selfish. i don't know you enough to say something like that and i'm not going to judge. i don't know all the reasons why you came to the faith. back to response.

the afterlife is in God's control. so maybe what could help you out is to seek what is in Christianity besides obtaining fire insurance. to not let that fear drive your faith/life because there's more to fear than some mythological place of hell. the way your actions affect people is terrifying. because if we fail, "sin" against other people, then there is "hell" to pay for it (note i'm not meaning the mythological tale.) the way your actions affect your life is something to be concerned if not scared of failing. because one action can turn your life around and either one build you up for years to come, or it can put you back for years to come or ruin your life.

point being, trust that God will make whatever choice God chooses for you in the next life, but you have a garden to tend to now, and there's no reason to leave it go untended just because of one's fear of their own mortality and where they will go in the afterlife.

i sure hope i have stayed on topic bro. if i haven't, i do apologize, and again i hope the best for you.

 

[Sketcher]

Thank you for the info though, it will be useful when I go to college halfway across the country, and have to start my faith over again.

When you do, find a good campus ministry. I can personally vouch for Christian Challenge (aka Baptist Student Union). Different chapters will have different people obviously, but I've met good folks in it from all over the country. You'll get Scripture, good friends, and discipleship that can really set a Christian right.

As for the rest of this, you really need to read the New Testament. The Old Testament is good, but the New Testament is chock-full of truth that will help you through this stuff you are going through right now. Read it, memorize it, pray about it.

People have told me to pray about what my calling is so I can start serving Him. But I've never been able to "hear" God in my life. Yes, I must admit He has protected me, but my prayers seem to never be answered, and I never can feel direction from Him in my life.

His answers don't always come as feelings. Just do what you can right now. Do the charity or whatever service because you can, and because you love God. Do it out of love for others. Don't do it to try and earn a spot in Heaven or to make God less angry at you. God doesn't operate like that, so that would be an unnecessary strain on yourself.

 

[InnocenceCannon]

I see that following God just because I want to "earn" my way into Heaven doesn't work.

How do I not be selfish? How do I even start to change my subconcious to follow God just because I love God, and not out of fear or favor, and especially when nothing good is happen in my life?

It seems an obvious answer would be just to stop worrying, and going, knowing that God will direct my life. I'm worried though, I find myself slowly slipping toward my old self. I somewhat feel that I barely have anytime to "fix" myself before something horrible happens; I regress back to my pre-Christian state, I snap, God removes me for not baring any fruit, and many other nightmares that seem to slowly be coming true.

 

[Luther073082]

I see that following God just because I want to "earn" my way into Heaven doesn't work.

How do I not be selfish? How do I even start to change my subconcious to follow God just because I love God, and not out of fear or favor, and especially when nothing good is happen in my life?

It seems an obvious answer would be just to stop worrying, and going, knowing that God will direct my life. I'm worried though, I find myself slowly slipping toward my old self. I somewhat feel that I barely have anytime to "fix" myself before something horrible happens; I regress back to my pre-Christian state, I snap, God removes me for not baring any fruit, and many other nightmares that seem to slowly be coming true.

Here is what you need to consider though. Would you serve God if you knew he would condemn you to hell no matter what? I would. . .

God's ways are great and just. Our ways are not. God's ways make this world better, our ways just worse.

I would still serve God like this if he where to send me to hell. There is no real reward in the work, sola fide, sola grati. (Faith alone, grace alone). But what I do know is that I love God because he's tried so hard and for so long with this world. I'd have whipped it out a long time ago. And he's promised to take me to heaven too which makes me love him more.

But really I couldn't blame him for sending me to hell. If you go through every day of your life remembering that you deserve and should go to hell and that this deserves to be destroyed. . . then perhaps loving God will be easier to you.

 

[Im_A]

I see that following God just because I want to "earn" my way into Heaven doesn't work.

the first step to helping your life out.

How do I not be selfish? How do I even start to change my subconcious to follow God just because I love God, and not out of fear or favor, and especially when nothing good is happen in my life?

focus your life on the commandments of Christ. show your love for God through your actions instead of words like "i love you oh God".

one thought you could think about, in all reality, let's say you would get to a point that you have everything figured out in your head about the afterlife and this and that. the very fact that you could still go hell is there. you don't stop sinning just because you believe.

so maybe the answer is in serving the people in your life to the best of your ability. keep searching the faith. don't give up. Christianity is a powerful religion/faith. but rest in peace that God is there in this season of yours and focus more about changing yourself constantly to be a better man, and to love everyone that comes in your life as you would love yourself.

that part there is still changing my life. when i see my accomplishments/effects in this area that "God" has possibly allowed me to make it is spellbounding me how this message that we see from Christ really is, and just how more important it is then me believeing God saves my soul, God sending His only begotten Son to die for me to save me, the trinity, communion and all these other things that are so important to the faith. someday they may be important to me again. i leave that up to God to lead me to, but when we see these commandments being something powerful, i suppose in the sense for me, it's like seeing what is really important and losing care for the unimportant.

It seems an obvious answer would be just to stop worrying, and going, knowing that God will direct my life. I'm worried though, I find myself slowly slipping toward my old self. I somewhat feel that I barely have anytime to "fix" myself before something horrible happens; I regress back to my pre-Christian state, I snap, God removes me for not baring any fruit, and many other nightmares that seem to slowly be coming true.

well whether or not you get to a point that you feel secured from the struggles you deal with, your still goinngi to struggle with "going back to the old man". so why not accept it, and focus more on the answer and others?

just some thoughts for you to think about bro.

 

[InnocenceCannon]

Thank you all for your help. I'll figure out something.

 

[Sketcher]

How do I not be selfish? How do I even start to change my subconcious to follow God just because I love God, and not out of fear or favor, and especially when nothing good is happen in my life?

Do what you can. Pour your heart out to God and ask Him for the security He promises His children. Ask Him to help you love Him and trust Him.

It seems an obvious answer would be just to stop worrying, and going, knowing that God will direct my life. I'm worried though, I find myself slowly slipping toward my old self. I somewhat feel that I barely have anytime to "fix" myself before something horrible happens; I regress back to my pre-Christian state, I snap, God removes me for not baring any fruit, and many other nightmares that seem to slowly be coming true.

God is a lot more patient than you are making Him out to be. Remember, He died to SAVE you. If He wasn't pulling for you, then He wouldn't have bothered to save you in the first place. You really need to read and believe Romans 8:31-39.

"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
'For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.'
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."​

 

[connectadot18]

I know this may be random and going in a completely different direction,

But One thing that I keep in mind is that it is not about me, but its about God. Only recently has God changed my desire to a heart that wants to bring glory to his name. I have always been about what can I do to get brownie points with God.

Serving others is a big deal but you don't necessarly have to go out to charities and soup kitchens although those are good ones. But God gives you your own desires, find ways that you enjoy to help other people.

For example, I live on a college campus where there are lots of homeless people. Since the weather is getting cold it seems like a nice thing to do to try to help them stay warm. I Like to knit so me and a couple of my friends are knitting scarves for them. Thats just one example.

You honestly should pray ( I know obvious answer) but ask God to change your heart so that your not focusing on just yourself but on his glory. Even if you don't mean it, the more you pray it, the more God will reveal and show you, you just have to be aware of the ways God may use to speak to you. He is very creative, And he doesn't always speak in that clear still voice.

Hope this isn't redundant and hope it helps