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NASB | Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. |
Bible Question:
Hello all I am new here and have enjoyed lurking in the forums. I also do have a question that I would like to ask …………. Six years ago my best friend gave their life to Christ was baptized and started anew. Then very soon afterwards they went through a hard time and fell away not really interested anymore in developing a deeper relationship with Christ. My friend has tried to make attempts several times to come back to God and gives up shortly thereafter, today my friend will go to church only on Sunday mornings will not read the Bible or pray join any Bible study and really I believe they go only because I go and have asked them to go numerous times with me. My pastor says that he does not believe that they are truly saved (that they just went through the motions) because they have no desire to pray or to read or even go to church. My sunday school teacher tells me that she believes that my friend is just a baby Christian and needs understanding and prayer and anything else to help them. My friend says that they have said the prayer of salvation many times and one of them should have taken, and is at a loss for their lack of desire to get into Gods word. I do not know how to help my friend Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Wendy |
Bible Answer: Hi, Wendy; Welcome. I'm pretty new here myself. Whether your friend is saved or not is between your friend and Jesus; no one else knows. Most new Christians go through dry spells, often prolonged. Pray for your friend (and with, if possible) and continue to encourage. Maybe you can get your friend to look at other Bibles - a paraphrase (such as "The Message") or a modern English version such as the Good News or New Living Translation. Or you might try Christian music - there are artists in practically any style you can think of. Or visit a "seeker" church or other churches. Or see if there are any communities in your area that conduct three-day renewal weekends - first for yourself, then for your friend. The best-known are Cursillo (Catholic) and Walk to Emmaus (Methodist). This link will get you started to find out about them: http://www.cursillos.ca/en/index.htm (click on the "Expansion" link to read about movements that have grown out of the Cursillo.) This page contains links to many such communities around the country: http://home.indy.rr.com/indyvoice/links.htm But keep on praying. I pray this is helpful to you and your friend. Peace and grace, Steve |