Results 1 - 4 of 4
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Salvation is of the Lord... | 1 John 1:1 | GJH | 61307 | ||
Jrdoc, you are obviously well educated regarding these topics. I don't need to know all the nuts and bolts of it all right now, I just want to be saved. One Sunday three years ago, I woke up happy, with the thought "Go to church". So I did. I went to a small non-denominational church because I knew the pastor a little through a mutual friend. I didn't go in that day, but I did manage enough courage to go inside and grab a bulletin. I called him and met with him soon after. We had a 3 hr conversation in which I told him that I wasn't sure if Jesus was real or not, but if I found out that He was, I would follow Him the rest of my life. I did a lot of reading. Some books on apologetics. I read the bible looking for proofs. I spent many hours reading and asking questions. When I saw an apparant contradiction, I asked about it. I'm not an educated man, but I've never found anything that convinces me that Jesus isn't who He says He is. There are some things in 1 John taht I can say I believe. One, that Jesus is the Son of God. It also says some things I'm not sure I have, like love for others. I can't say I'm not free of hatred. I've had people tell me that I'm going to be a preacher. I've had people prophesy over me and say that I'm going to be the spiritual father of many. There have been other s as well. They are encouraging to me, but they never end the uncertainty I have in my heart. I know that salvation is all from the Lord, from begining to end. I've read so many different opinions on the how's and why's of salvation it makes my head spin. All I want is to be saved, to be born again. To be able to believe. To be sure. I know it's by faith from first to last. Why do I doubt so much. Why can't I believe. People tell me all you have to do is put your trust in Christ. I try, but I can't get away from the nagging suspicion that it's not finished. I believe that if it was finished, I would know. I believe the Lord would let me know that it was. That He wouldn't let me go on suffering like this, wondering whether I was or not. I know that God requires that we trust him, like Abraham did, despite the evidence to the contrary. Maybe He wants me to believe without having any evidence too. It's the only thing I haven't done yet. Surrender to not knowing. I apologize if I've gone over the boundaries of this forum. I just can't put this to rest. It's all I think about. It disturbs my sleep. I know now that I haven't committed an unforgiveable sin. I'm grateful for that relief. I just want this fear to be replaced by the Joy of Salvation. That the Lord would create a new heart in me. It's getting late, and I forget this is not a private e-mail. Forgive me. |
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2 | Salvation is of the Lord... | 1 John 1:1 | John Reformed | 61364 | ||
Dear GJH, I believe that JRdoc gave you good and Godly counsel. I will remember you in prayer and ask God to grant you His blessed assurance. You may also take comfort in the fact that all christians, to one extent or another, battle unbelief and doubt. I know I have and I have been a christian, Praise God, for many years and still my faith is challenged! Sometimes I think it is my old dead carnal nature that rises up to plague me. At other times I am almost certain it is an attack by the devil. The Bible tells us that we WILL have trials and tribulations! What are we to do when these thoughts and our own sinfulness along with the devil (the accuser of the brethrn) conspire to defeat us? Go to prayer beseeching God's help and Go to his promises found in his Word. A great saint of God, John Bunyon, wrote a book while he was in prison for preaching the gospel. This book is "Pilgrims Progress". It is an allegorical tale of the trials of a man called Christian. I think that brother JRdoc would not object to your reading this particular book. In the story Christian learns from Evangelist that he is destined for destruction unless he flees from his wicked city to the "light" that appears in the far distance. Out of fear and desperation he heeds the warning and starts off at a brisk pace toward the light. But are hero runs into trouble almost immediately, for in his haste he takes his eye off the light and falls into an awful swamp. The Swamp of Despair.(can you identify with his problem?) Well here he is, sinking deeper and deeper under the filthy muck of sin, guilt and doubt. Is this the end for our despairing friend? NO! God has sent a helper to him who reaches in and pulls him out. Praise the Lord!!! The Helper tell Christian that he could have gotton out by simply moving to the steps that have been built into the side of the swamp! He explains that those steps are called "The Promises of God". So dear friend you are experiencing something that is not unique, but rather is common to all pilgrims. Place your hope not in your faith, but in the One who is the Author AND Finisher of that faith Jesus Christ. Sleep well tonight. You may find "Pilgrims Progress" on the net at http://www.ccel.org/b/bunyan/progress/title.html Your Brother John |
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3 | The Author... | 1 John 1:1 | GJH | 61458 | ||
JohnReformed, I thank you for your response. I welcome your prayers as well. I certainly need all the help I can find. Your suggestion to read Pilgrims Progress is one that I will take. Your short description of Christian's struggle in the swamp of Despair is certainly an analogy I can relate to. The few words describing his predicament brought a tear, and hope. The other thing you mentioned was to "place your hope not in your faith, but in the One who is the Author AND Finisher of that faith. Jesus Christ". If I had to rely on my faith, I wouldn't stand a chance. Putting my faith in Him, is what this is all about for me. I know I haven't really done that yet. The question it brings to mind though for me is, if He is the Author of my faith, since I'm having so much difficulty believing, does that mean He hasn't given me the faith to do so? That's been confusing me too. Thank you again for your thoughts and please, keep praying for me. |
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4 | The Author... | 1 John 1:1 | John Reformed | 61466 | ||
Dear GJH, My advice is to stop trying to generate spiritual emotions within yourself. Each one of us is unique as is God's plan for each. Just because you don't feel saved is no indication that you are not saved! Here is a step out of the swamp: Matt 7:8 "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. I would like you to open up to Johns Gospel and read Chapter 6. Then tell me if you can find another step (or steps) in it. Remember to pray for enlightenment before you read. From what I know from reading your words I am encouraged on your behalf. A verse that continues to help me is Prov 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding God said it I believe it. I'm glad that you have decided to read Pilgrims Progress. But the Bible is essential reading. If you have any questions about either just ask me and I will do my best to help. John |
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