I need Jesus

Curu · Post by **Curu** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 7:02 pm

Hi everyone. I don't want to make this post too long, but, without discretion, I could.

I have been baptized for five years. I have (if I may say so) quite a good knowledge of the Bible; the Lord has blessed me with great intelligence. I attend a Christian University (which begins Monday the 21st, to my fear), have a devoted Christian family, a materially and spiritually blessed upbringing, etc, etc.

Earlier this summer my faith was strong. I was away from home and felt it easy to rely on God's guidance in an unfamiliar place (Chicago). In a short time, though, I have effectively fallen apart.

I read a cosmological book that challenged my faith. Much of it, I think, came simply from realizing how certain so many scientists and physicists are regarding the universe's origins. Of course, no one can supply a reason for the very beginning (why the Bang "Banged"), but, with their assertiveness, you scarcely notice.

That caused me to doubt first. Now, I am beset by doubt in almost every respect: Is the Bible true? Did the Red Sea really part? Did Jonah really get eaten by a whale? (Insert question about biblical miracle here) Is Christianity the right religion? Is there a God? Do people even need a God anymore? I have been visiting this website and others, flipping through various apologetics books, praying, all in an attempt to ease my mind, but they've been little help, me all the while remembering that a month or two ago, I was crying in church, thanking Jesus for his salvation and love.

When once I was diligently reading, I am currently afraid to read the Bible since I can't go far without doubt resurging in my mind. An almost certain sign of God's Providence last Sunday is not registering with me. And now, I have to go back to a school of 4000 Christians at a time when I am feeling quite nihilistic and lost.

Please pray for me and thank you if you have read all this.

Canuckster1127 · Post by **Canuckster1127** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 7:07 pm

Curu,

You have my prayers.

Most people face this type of crisis especially if they come out of a background that doesn't prepare them for the challenges that await in higher education.

First, consider this. If the Bible is true, it must be able to stand against these challenges. I believe it in fact, does.

The views that you have been taught are more than just the Bible alone. There is a significant amount of interpretation involved that Churches usually don't differentiate from the Scripture itself.

Hang tight. There is a lot of good marterial on the main page of this site that explains, starting with the Bible, why other points of view are possible and consistent with Scripture.

I hope you'll keep coming back and let us know how you do and if we can help with some of the issues.

In Jesus,

Bart

Vash · Post by **Vash** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 7:11 pm

I was just recently in a similar situation. I know how it is. You have my prayers.

Curu · Post by **Curu** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 7:23 pm

Thank you two so much. God bless you.

FFC · Post by **FFC** » Sun Aug 20, 2006 5:26 pm

Curu wrote:Thank you two so much. God bless you.

Hey Curu,
At church today the preacher was in Luke 22. Jesus said these words to Peter:

Luk 22:31 ¶ And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired [to have] you, that he may sift [you] as wheat:

Luk 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

My point is this. If you truly believed and put your trust in Jesus for Salvation then you are saved and nothing can change that, but don't be surprized by these doubts. Maybe Jesus is allowing Satan to sift you of all your "wheat" whatever it may be. Just remember that Jesus is your advocate too and He is praying in your behalf that your faith does not fail. I'm not talking about individual doubts that seem insurmountable, I'm talking about the core foundation of your faith which is in Jesus Christ.

Doubts are good if you use them to dig deep into finding out if what you have already believed is true...which you seem to be doing. And if you truly search with an honest and open mind you will find the truth.

I pray for you that you don't let the world and the devil trick you out of your birthright in Jesus Christ; so that when you are back on the right track you will be able to encourage those who are going through what you are right now.

Nick_122 · Post by **Nick_122** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 7:14 pm

I am sorry, and I do not want this to seem mean, but I thought this guy had a really good point and it does fit to this discussion.

The bible says that those that turn from god face eternal damnation. Most Christians believe that god gave us free will. So my first question is what exactly would you be praying for? For god to change my mind takes away my free will. For me to be convinced beyond my will would never convince me in my "heart". If you pray to god for the strength to convert me, that would be the same as god snapping his deity fingers and changing my mind for me, reducing my freedom of will.

August · Post by **August** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 7:20 pm

Nick_122 wrote:I am sorry, and I do not want this to seem mean, but I thought this guy had a really good point and it does fit to this discussion.

The bible says that those that turn from god face eternal damnation. Most Christians believe that god gave us free will. So my first question is what exactly would you be praying for? For god to change my mind takes away my free will. For me to be convinced beyond my will would never convince me in my "heart". If you pray to god for the strength to convert me, that would be the same as god snapping his deity fingers and changing my mind for me, reducing my freedom of will.

Why don't you explain what you think free will means in the Christian context?

Nick_122 · Post by **Nick_122** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 7:26 pm

From what I take it to mean is, if divine influence brings you back to Chrisitanity, then that takes away the choice for you. If someone were to pray for god to show a miracle for him, so he comes back to Christianity then that takes away his choice in the matter, and if god is willing to do that then why doesn't god just prove himself to all non-believers and let everyone go to heaven and be happy? That seems selfish.

August · Post by **August** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 7:29 pm

Nick_122 wrote:From what I take it to mean is, if divine influence brings you back to Chrisitanity, then that takes away the choice for you. If someone were to pray for god to show a miracle for him, so he comes back to Christianity then that takes away his choice in the matter, and if god is willing to do that then why doesn't god just prove himself to all non-believers and let everyone go to heaven and be happy? That seems selfish.

That is not what free will means in the Christian context, but let's leave it there for now.

What would you consider evidence for God's existence?

Nick_122 · Post by **Nick_122** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 7:34 pm

If god came down and spoke to me and showed me the impossible miracles then how could I denie that?

August · Post by **August** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 7:36 pm

Nick_122 wrote:If god came down and spoke to me and showed me the impossible miracles then how could I denie that?

So you want a personal appearance from God, and He must show you some miracles?

Nick_122 · Post by **Nick_122** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 7:41 pm

I don't want anything, please do not assume. I said that would be undeniable evidence, which is what you asked me for, "What would you consider evidence for God's existence?"

August · Post by **August** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 7:52 pm

Nick_122 wrote:I don't want anything, please do not assume. I said that would be undeniable evidence, which is what you asked me for, "What would you consider evidence for God's existence?"

No, that is not what I asked for, it was a personal question as to what you would find convincing. Why bother posting if you are not going to answer the questions?