Results 1 - 12 of 12
|
|
|||||
Results from: Notes Author: GJH Ordered by Date |
||||||
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. |
||||||
2 | forgiveness confirmed? | 1 John 1:1 | GJH | 61292 | ||
Prayon, I would like to thank you for your kind response to my question. The analogy of the employer is a good one. I can appreciate God's desire that we trust Him. But the real confusing part to me is, since my former employer is trying so hard to keep me, and my concern is so real to me, why doesn't the Lord try to reassure me of security in my new position with His company? Like I've commented to another who's been trying to encourage me, if my son was afraid that I didn't love him, I'd certainly reassure him that I did. Maybe this isn't real faith, I'm trying to figure it out. | ||||||
3 | forgiveness confirmed? | 1 John 1:1 | GJH | 61291 | ||
Emmaus, I want to thank you for your response, once again. You're correct in pointing out that there are certainly varying degrees of emotional reactions, and the absence or lack of one doesn't negate the value of an intellectual one. But just as emotions are not true barometers, sometinmes they are real indicators of very real warning that something is not quite right. It's just not clear to me which my experiences or lack thereof means. My concern is, on the bottom line, can a man be presumptuous in assuming God's forgiveness, when in truth, things are not right. I know the remark probably seems strange, but it's the thought that makes my fear have legs. Maybe, He just wants me to trust without any evidence. Maybe, my feelings are accurate and I shouldn't quit trying to settle things with Him. Maybe I'm just letting my fears get the best of me. Somehow, I just think that if my son was afraid I didn't love him anymore, I'd certainly let him know that I did. | ||||||
4 | forgiveness confirmed? | 1 John 1:1 | GJH | 61136 | ||
I should have responded to your answer to my question with more gratitude. I apologize. I will read and study 1 John. GJH | ||||||
5 | Salvation is of the Lord... | 1 John 1:1 | GJH | 61135 | ||
Makarios, Thank you. I will review these scriptures tomorrow. Have a great night! |
||||||
6 | Can I come home again, or apostate? | Luke 15:24 | GJH | 61031 | ||
Inmyheart, If I have blessed you by my gratitude, I am thankful. The blessing is mine too. When someone takes the time to give to the "least of these" it makes my heart soar with anticipation of the path before me. I have longed so long, and anguished so much, it is so much like having a cold drink when you are parched from thirst. I can't begin to describe the relief to know I can come home again. Thank you again. Your brother in Christ - GJH |
||||||
7 | Can I come home again, or apostate? | Luke 15:24 | GJH | 61029 | ||
Dear Pemican Thank you for taking the time to present the very helpful explanation of that portion of Hebrews for me. I have saved your response. I am certainly extremely encouraged by those who have taken the time to do so. Knowing Jesus as much as is possible for any human being is my hearts desire. I have a lot to learn, but I do know that there is nothing, absolutely nothing more important to me. You have been a blessing to my recovering spirit. Thank you once again. Your brother in Christ - GJH |
||||||
8 | Can I come home again, or apostate? | Luke 15:24 | GJH | 60984 | ||
Inmyheart, I thank you for your response. The re-assurance you have provided is priceless to me. The four responses I've received, three from yesterday and yours from today have really encouraged my heart. Thank you for the Welcome Home, it's great not to be afraid, it's been a long time. Praise Jesus for His Mercy | ||||||
9 | Can I come home again, or apostate? | Luke 15:24 | GJH | 60911 | ||
Sir Pent, I thank you also for your response and encouragement. I did review the reference you provided from Tim Moran. Thank you again. |
||||||
10 | Can I come home again, or apostate? | Luke 15:24 | GJH | 60910 | ||
Sir Pent, I thank you also for your response and encouragement. I did review the reference you provided from Tim Moran. Thank you again. |
||||||
11 | Can I come home again, or apostate? | Luke 15:24 | GJH | 60908 | ||
Steve, I thank you for your response too. Two others have responded as well. All are encouraging. My past is certainly more complicated. The bottom line is, can I go home? Your choice of the phrase "now that your heart has been renewed to repentance meant a lot to me. Thank you. |
||||||
12 | Can I come home again, or apostate? | Luke 15:24 | GJH | 60903 | ||
Emmaus, Thank you for your kindness. |
||||||