Help me please

[A-Bomb]

Hey.  My name is Adam, I am 14 years old.  I live in Hickory, North Carolina.  Last year I attended a Christian camp, I was saved there and accepted Christ, when I got home I was so happy to be saved, then my beliefs started to slip, I started to doubt God's existance.  Well I just got back from the same camp 2 days ago, I still doubt Christ alot :(  Its like I have this weird gut feeling that hes not there its so weird, I pray, and have had devotions while at camp and the past days I've been home.  Sometimes I'll believe, sometimes I don't! And it makes me so sad because I am seeking God so much and he has yet to reveal himself to me, or maybe he has and satan is covering it.  I really don't know.  I was told to read my Bible and it would help, I am praing for him to show himself to me, I beg to Him.  I just feel so sad when I doubt Jesus, please help me!  What can I do?[/color][/font]
 :help: :help:  :help:   

[A-Bomb]

come on somebody please, im desprate

[Blessed-one]

hey Adam, no doubt most of the Christians have fallen into doubting God's existence, me too for instance.
it was frustrating! yep, and i did feel very bad..
um, well, i then began thinking how would i feel and live if i lived a life without God, maybe it wouldn't sound as relevant to u as u're a new christian, but to me it was quite horrifying.... to live a life without God.

in a crisis of doubt, we've to learn to hold onto Him with firm faith, and to do this, keep reminding yourself of the blessings you see around you, and (i reckon) the most important thing is to pray and read the bible. Prayers renew your relationship with God and bible studies help to bring you into God's world.

hope this helps, pm me if u wanted to talk, i'll be praying. May you experience Him more!

[psycmajor]

What do you think made you doubt that He is around? He is there, you just have to learn how to identify Him.

[A-Bomb]

it makes me cry sometimes, the frustration, but I havent seen his blessings in my life really, I mean nothing unique that others dont have. i get so frustrated i hit the wall sometimes. i just dont know what to do. its like when i pray i am saying "am i really praying to something, or is it all a big joke"? i know hes there, and i dont know hes there, that sounds crazy but its what my emotions feel :sigh:
with me its not a debate of muslim, buddist, etc....but of the Christian God/Jesus or no God   HOW CAN I IDENTIFY HIM!! I pray for him to reveal himself to me, I pray all the time, I tell him that I "seek him" and I use those exact words
how can i see God work? 

[TheBear]

God will see you through this, Adam. Nothing can pluck you out of His hands. God has never left you, and never will.

This is a time for you to get into His word, and start getting involved in Christian fellowship, once a week or more. :)

John

[Sharky]

hey adam. I was once in your position as well. Don't worry, JEsus is here with you when you sleep, feel scared or sad. You're probably feeling bad because of satan. He enjoys stuffing new christians up because they are vulnerable and young. Try talking to someone or interacting with people... here is good enough :).

You've made the choice of accepting Jesus Christ! :clap: That's all there's to it! You might slip back a bit or alot but never enough to be unsaved again. Never ever never never!

<SPAN lang=EN-AU style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA"></SPAN>"And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand."
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -John 10:28 (http://christiananswers.net/bible/john10.html#28)

God loves you. Christians suffer, non believers suffer. We all suffer and God allows that. Why? Because we are free to make our own choices. Don't be sad or scared :). We're here and always will be. If you need some brightening up, talk to God. You seem to be in the position where you question his existence but trust me, it will come back to you. Try something like running around the house or something. You should feel better.

Remember you have friends and added up with your christian friends (if you have any) you've got yourself a circle of protection. It wont stop all bad things but it helps. God will help you through this but he can't do anything if you doubt. Have faith my friend and your best friend Jesus will help you through this :).

Come on! have some fun in the Fellowship forums :).

[psycmajor]

Originally posted by A-Bomb
HOW CAN I IDENTIFY HIM!! I pray for him to reveal himself to me, I pray all the time, I tell him that I "seek him" and I use those exact words
how can i see God work?&nbsp;

Your timing is not His timing. Wait on Him, His timing is perfect. Do not try to tell God what to do, He is the one who is in charge. It is His job, not yours. He knows what's happening around you more than you do. Trust Him, rest in Him. Even though you can't see him, He is there.

One of the most frequent ways of seeing God work is when He "whispers" in your ear. You probably won't hear an audible whisper. It's more like a thought that comes to your mind. It is not really from you. It's either from God or from Satan. I think that God gave us the Bible so that we can know when He is talking to us. Identify what God says by reading His Word. When you feel/think something that sounds like something out of the Word of God, that is God talking to you. Get what I'm saying?

[A-Bomb]

&nbsp;i understand that God has a plan for my life, etc etc...but when I read the Bible its like I ask myself is this real? And when I pray its like am I praying to something? Or am I just talking to myself?&nbsp; And then sometimes I'll read and say "wow god spoke to me in that Bible verse"&nbsp; and then a couple hours later I will think nah Im just crazy...or it was just a coincidence.&nbsp; Its so confusing

[ZiSunka]

It's normal to doubt. When I was first saved, I would sometimes doubt, too. I'd tell myself, "Are you crazy, believing this stuff you scorned and mocked for so many years! I must be out of my mind to suddenly believe what I laughed at before!"

Then little by little, God showed himself to me, and showed himself to be trustworthy, someone who not only existed, but cared about me. Over time, those doubts went away. I seldom doubt anymore, and when I do, I remind myself of God's record of faithfulness in my life.

[A-Bomb]

so when you were first saved you werent sure too? and like when you would read the Bible you werent sure if it was real?

[psycmajor]

What would convince you that the Bible is "real"? SPECIFICALLY what are you having doubts about?

By the way, have you ever been to a Christian bookstore? If you snoop around there, I'll bet you'll find at least a couple of things that interest you.

Remember, Satan will do anything to have you break ties with the Lord. Knowledge is power, and with the knowledge you learn and (mostly) God's help, you can fight Satan.

Doubting Thomas?
John 20:24-29
24 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord." So he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe."
26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!"
27 Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing."
28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"
29 Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

[A-Bomb]

i doubt the miracles performed by Jesus, im just skeptical.&nbsp; sometimes evolution seems like such a rock hard theory.&nbsp;but back to my question, will the Bible really help me if I dont believe some of it?

[ZiSunka]

Originally posted by A-Bomb
so when you were first saved you werent sure too? and like when you would read the Bible you werent sure if it was real?

Oh yes!&nbsp; You see, I was an atheist before that.&nbsp; Sort of a semi-pagan atheist.&nbsp; I thought if there was a god, it was a sort of universal force that existed in nature, and not an actual&nbsp;being.&nbsp; So you can see how weird it would be for me to suddenly have faith in God the Father.&nbsp;

For about the first three years, I would often question whether God really exists.&nbsp; And I continued to doubt occassionally for the first eight years or so.&nbsp; Now I rarely doubt, because I have seen God's track record in answering my prayers, looking out for my best interests, providing for me, and even occassionally hearing his "still, small voice."&nbsp; Now it's a lot harder for me to doubt than it is to believe.

Be patient with yourself, and you will build up a "track record" with God, too, and your times of doubting will decrease.

[ZiSunka]

Originally posted by A-Bomb
i doubt the miracles performed by Jesus, im just skeptical.&nbsp; sometimes evolution seems like such a rock hard theory.&nbsp;but back to my question, will the Bible really help me if I dont believe some of it?

Yeah, I doubted that, too.&nbsp; I was an evolutionist for a long time after I got saved.&nbsp; But the more I learned about Intelligent Design, the more it made sense.&nbsp; I even talked it over with my old Organic Evolution professor, and he said he believed in ID, too!&nbsp; The more I studied it, the less evolution made sense.

[psycmajor]

Here are a few links that you can learn from or point you to information where you can learn more:
http://www.issuesetc.com/resource/archives/maier4.htm
http://www.gospelcom.net/glia/worldview/volume37/quest.shtml
http://www.lifeanswer.com/god/1.html
http://www.shakinandshinin.org/AnIntroductionToTheBible.html
http://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don/faq_don03.html

[psycmajor]

Originally posted by A-Bomb
it makes me cry sometimes, the frustration, but I havent seen his blessings in my life really, I mean nothing unique that others dont have. i get so frustrated i hit the wall sometimes.

I think it's your expectations that are the problem. Do your blessings need to be "unique" to still be considered blessings????

I'll tell you what I personally am thankful for. I am thankful for all the things that I would miss if I didn't have them or if I suddenly lost them. Those, my friend, are blessings. Take NOTHING for granted! I'm sure you have many things that others would like to have, whether they be personal characteristics or material possessions. :bow: Thank You, God, for all you give us!

See 1Corinthians 12 about spiritual gifts.

&nbsp;

[A Sheep]

Originally posted by A-Bomb
it makes me cry sometimes, the frustration, but I havent seen his blessings in my life really, I mean nothing unique that others dont have. i get so frustrated i hit the wall sometimes.

Do you have enough food to eat, can you go outside and get fresh-air, do you have a roof over your head, were you not aborted as a baby in your mothers womb, do you have a family, and do they love you? If you answered "yes" to those questions then you have been blessed. You can't expect a Dodge Viper to drop into your garage because you are are a believer, you must look for the little blessings as well as the big ones. Concerning the miracles that Jesus performed; He was God-in-the-Flesh right? Then he could do anything; water-into-wine, healing, etc. About not believing the Bible, Carm.org has some answers to the "contradictions" in it. Lee Strobel has some great books out to help you out concerning your faith, "The Case for Faith" and "The Case for Christ". RE: Evolution, some good pro-creation sites are ICR.org, Trueorigins.org, Christiananswers.net, etc. God bless you and I hope that some of our advice/resources will help you have stronger faith in God.

[psycmajor]

Or a Honda Civic Hybrid :)

[A-Bomb]

My point about the blessings was that even atheists have those blessings, yet they still don't believe.

[A-Bomb]

im not sure If you know what I'm going through, I mean its like a constant doubting. I am the type of person who likes to take things apart, look at evidence, figure out how things work. Like a gun, from the first time I shot one I was like "wow how does a gun work" "how does a bullet work" so I took apart a gun, and a bullet. Hows does a TV work? How about a computer? A phone? etc etc... Then you get to how does LIFE work, and it seems that I look for hard evidence, and hard evidence is something God can't show me, but its like I want to believe in him but I'm not sure If I do, I just don't know how to describe it. Is that satan inside me? The doubting I mean. Sometimes I think it is, and then I think no because satan doesnt exist. I am going through lots of confusion and sadness/emptiness.

[LouisBooth]

"I am the type of person who likes to take things apart, look at evidence, figure out how things work"

Ahh..many men have gone this route my friend. Bill gram (sp) himself did once. Doubt is a hard thing to over come. The problem I see with this is that it is a given that you will never know all the answers. You're not all knowing. God will never share with you all he has planned. I think he shares pieces with us, but only when it is for our own good. If you do think he is real and have a relationship with him, be secure in it. As Christ said he is with us always. I won't kid around, its not easy to believe, that's why you doubt. Life isn't ment to be easy. Its now become a trainning ground for us. What I would say to focus on is how much Christ loves you. How much God loves you. This is a crude by a very true comparison. A dog will never understand why he gets shots, or why you yell at him to stop before running across the road, but the dog does have faith enough to trust you. Why? You never let him down before, and you prove to him that you truely love him. I'll pray for ya. I know its not easy. Try reading Pslams 69...great psalm. I read it often.

[A-Bomb]

How can I focus on God's love for me, If I'm not sure If I believe it?

[A-Bomb]

Psalm 69-17 "And do not hide your face fron your servant, for I am in trouble, hear me speedily, draw near to my soul and redeem it, deliver me because of my enemies" why hasnt God done this for me?

[LouisBooth]

"why hasnt God done this for me?"

Ask yourself have you been looking. has he shown you himself in others, or in your life, or even here. Has he helped you in some way and you didn't even know it? If you're not sure you believe it you need to sit down and talk to someone face to face. I'd suggest a pastor or a christian friend you feel very close to.

Pslams 71:17 "since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds."

I don't always feel God, but I do know he is there. When I think I can't take it, when I am so frustrated my eyes are popping out. I go to my quiet place and just talk to him. I read his word and its funny how the chapter I'm on always seems to address what I'm going through. My question would first be are you reading his word? Are you studying it?

[A-Bomb]

every day i read his word, usually twice a day, and it does speak to me sometimes, but is it really God?(my doubting mind again *slaps myself*)

[A-Bomb]

I had a 10 minute prayer to God the other day, I pretty much voiced my questions out loud, I asked him if creation was real, if he keeps secrets from us, if he really understands man. In my devotion that night there was a memory verse, Psalm 139 23-24. I was trying to memorize it and I glanced over at the title of the Psalm, Psalm 139 is titled "Gods Perfect Knowledge Of Man", I was just flipping around in the Bible asking God to show me something and I turned to Mark 4:21, it basically says that God keeps no secrets. Read it. Then I just got the urge to read Genesis for some reason so I read from Genesis 1 to the end of the flood. I think God is trying to help me lay a foundation. Then my devotion book today was that God is there even if you dont feel him. So I was like "wow, God is speaking to me", but then I was like nah, its just coincidence.

[LouisBooth]

LOL..no slapping allowed ;) I agree, sometimes it could be just a coincidence, but other times I think it seems too well orchastrated to be a mere coincidence. God is in control. I think he exercised that more them most people think. For example, when I was young my mother and I needed rent money. We got a check for the exact amount (minus the change..I think...) the day before it was due. She promiced me she told no one and neither did I. Its really strange how God works sometimes. He sets things up and makes things happen. Are some things just a coincidnece..sure, are all those things? I dont' think so.

[Blessed-one]

me too, regarding coincidences and God's work, but as life moved on, i couldn't disregard God, no coincidences could be so spot on and brought so many revelations to life. Just when i needed something, a coincidence paved out the way for me? how could this be, especially when i had prayed strenuously for an answer?

[A-Bomb]

thanks for the insight guys, but I feel my faith isin't growing more, its slipping :(&nbsp; i cant stand this "sick gut doubting feeling" much longer, and its only been a few days :cry:

[Blessed-one]

i hope advices from many christians aren't confusing you the more.
sometimes only faith and trust can solve the problem, trust God, He'll see you through.

Proverbs 16:20
blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.

[A-Bomb]

I cant trust God! I don't have faith! And I don't know WHY Why doesn't God want me to understand?? Why doesn't God give me faith??????

[GraftMeIn]

A-Bomb,
Don't give up, God lead you to read Genesis, He wants you to start at the beginning, keep reading from where you left off, and pray for understanding. read each day, and pray. through reading his word, and praying you'll be able to draw yourself closer to him. It's hard not to doubt at times, but we must relize there are other forces at work that want us to doubt Gods word. Even I have doubted at times, but then God will remind me of things he has done for me, and that doubt vanishes away.

Have you been baptised yet? it could help alot if you haven't been.

I will keep you in my prayers, I pray he will bless you in such a away that you can no longer doubt his existence.

[A-Bomb]

Yeah I was baptised. thanks for the support and prayers, hopefully&nbsp;my studies&nbsp;will show me Him.the bad thing is that&nbsp;:( it is in my nature to be a skeptic, i dont put faith in many things unless I see or touch them

[psycmajor]

Originally posted by A-Bomb
My point about the blessings was that even atheists have those blessings, yet they still don't believe.

Before I was Christian, I received blessings.&nbsp;I see it as God's way of telling me He was there before I knew Him. He does it because He loves us.

Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

And that's HOW MUCH He loves us!

&nbsp;

[psycmajor]

Originally posted by A-Bomb
I cant trust God! I don't have faith! And I don't know WHY Why doesn't God want me to understand?? Why doesn't God give me faith??????

I can see why you feel frustrated. Again, it's your expectations of God that are the problem. No offense, but it's like you're running around like a chicken with its head chopped off.

This is what I think God wants you to do:

LISTEN!!!!! BE PATIENT!!!

Psalms 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Proverbs 29:23
A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.&nbsp;

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Satan is fighting for you now. Do not let him win.

Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

2Corinthians 12:9
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.&nbsp;

Have you ever heard the saying, "Let go and let God"? DO IT! That is, stop doing!

[A-Bomb]

Ok, so if I read my Bible and pray every day, it will come back to me later, right?

[GraftMeIn]

A-bomb,
We must seek him daily, reading our Bibles and praying helps us grow stronger in faith, and closer to God.

Seeking fellowship with other Christian might also be of some help. When you go to camp you get the fellowship that you need, when you leave camp is when it sounds like you start having doubts, this could be because you no longer have the same fellowship with other Christians that you had when you went to camp.

Also there are times when we don't feel Gods spirit as much as we would like, That is when we must draw closer to him, and seek him out all the more, It serves to strengthens us. And yes eventually that feeling of Gods spirit always comes back to us, sometimes even stronger than before. we just need stay patient, hang in there, and keep trusting that God knows what he is doing.

still praying for you :pray:

[A-Bomb]

ok thanks guys, i hope it doesnt take long for him to come back

[psycmajor]

He is still here!! Perhaps He doesn't have anything to say right now. Or perhaps He is saying something by not "doing anything," in YOUR OWN opinion.

Dude, didn't you see the scripture--Joshua 1:9?

Matthew 28:18-20
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

[GraftMeIn]

good point psycmajor,
God hasn't left, he never leaves us. Although we might not feel that joy we first felt when we came to him, it doesn't mean he has left us. God wants us to keep seeking after him, so sometimes by not letting us know he is there, It makes us search more, and want to know him even better.

The Bible tells us to never say we have all that we need. It tells us we should always desire more gifts from the spirit. So I think sometimes God removes those feelings of joy in order to make us seek more of what we have already experienced.

And also keep in mind, those treasure that have to search for the hardest, when found will remain the most dear in our hearts.

[A-Bomb]

:scratch:

[psycmajor]

What's wrong, A-bomb?

[A-Bomb]

stll confused

[A-Bomb]

hey if you accept Jesus but you dont get baptised do you go to hell?

[LouisBooth]

No. Baptism is part of a process called sanctificaiton, ie obeying God and doing what he told us to do.

[psycmajor]

No.

Mark 1:4 {See also Luke 3:3}
John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
To me, this means that when talking about baptism, it doesn't necessarily mean a literal baptism. You must have faith. I think baptism is optional, but preferred :D.

1 Peter 3:21-22
21 There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

[A-Bomb]

i feel like my faith is getting stronger, so I guess I am on the right track.

[Messenger]

Originally posted by A-Bomb
I had a 10 minute prayer to God the other day, I pretty much voiced my questions out loud, I asked him if creation was real, if he keeps secrets from us, if he really understands man. In my devotion that night there was a memory verse, Psalm 139 23-24. I was trying to memorize it and I glanced over at the title of the Psalm, Psalm 139 is titled "Gods Perfect Knowledge Of Man", I was just flipping around in the Bible asking God to show me something and I turned to Mark 4:21, it basically says that God keeps no secrets. Read it. Then I just got the urge to read Genesis for some reason so I read from Genesis 1 to the end of the flood. I think God is trying to help me lay a foundation. Then my devotion book today was that God is there even if you dont feel him. So I was like "wow, God is speaking to me", but then I was like nah, its just coincidence.

You think maybe it is a coincidence....but I myself have seen this in my life from a young age when the Bible seemed to answer my questions and other places I would get answers after praying....I often thought it was coincidence. But now at 33years old the answers keep coming and&nbsp;are more personal. I pray and open the Bible to verses that answer my question and leave little room for doubt. God is good and God is there. I think it is the world that tells us it is crazy to believe answers are from God...the world wants us to think it is coincidence. I often wonder myself if something is coincidence...sometimes I find myself praying to find answers just to see if I get them...kinda like "testing" God which I don't believe is right. I tell God I am greatful and sometimes I even ask God to keep Satan and any doubts from me for a while. I know temptation and doubt is just part of life and eachtime I overcome doubt I get a strounger relationship with God but at times I just can't handle Satan or doubts so I ask to be sheltered and God has never let me down. Take care Adam. Love and God Bless you.

[A-Bomb]

thanks

[A-Bomb]

i dont know guys, when I browse the evolution/christian debate forums on these boards, evolution sounds so much better.... hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[GraftMeIn]

A-Bomb I'm glad to hear your faith is getting stronger, Be sure and thank God for that :)

The main difference I see between evolution and creationism is this...

Evolution- Is putting your faith in mans wisdom. It's a theory based on drawings from some guys imagination.

Creationism- Putting faith in Gods wisdom.

When I look around the earth, and ponder for a few moments about life. there's no doubt in my mind that everything was created. I am sure it didn't just happen by accident.

[A-Bomb]

i'm not. today I thought I had everything figured out, then tonight the doubt came back. im sick of it. i was better off as a non-christian

[A-Bomb]

you say creation is based on God's wisdom, but is there a God? we may have to rely on mans wisdom for the origin of life.

I WANT TO BELIEVE SO BAD BUT THIS IS WHAT MY MIND TELLS ME!!!!!!!!! I AM SO MAD/SAD/FRUSTRATED I COULD EXPLODE

&nbsp;

I WANT TO CAST MY DOUBTS ON THE LORD!!! I pray to him, I pray all the time, but&nbsp;hes not showing himself to me, hes not taking the doubts away, and I'm sick of it!&nbsp; I can't understand what the Lord thinks, if he is real, but why does&nbsp;he throw me out like this????&nbsp; HE SAYS ANYONE WHO SEEKS HIM WILL FIND HIM!!!!!!!!! I SEEK HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; i just dont know what to think&nbsp;

[GraftMeIn]

Awwww A-Bomb, No you were not better off as a non-christian.
As a Christian you have the promise of eternal salvation. Just as our faith keeps returning, so do those doubts at times. All we can do is keep reading our bibles and praying for more understanding. Don't be afraid to let God know you're confused, tell him just what you're feeling and let him know you need him to help clear your mind. It takes awhile sometimes, but he will get you through it, just keep trusting in him. keep seeking him through his word, and prayer.

[A-Bomb]

If that promise is real, I envy you guys because you have such a strong belief, and I want that belief so bad and I'm not going to wait much longer, I can't stay like this for "a while" and as a non-believer I didin't have these sad doubts

[GraftMeIn]

God has been around since the beginning of time, evoltion has only been a theory for 150 years. evolution is just another one of those things that hide the truth, and help lead us astray.

How do we know that the dating method scientists use are correct?
They have everything about the sun figured out, what it's made of, etc.... but have they ever been able to take samples from it? have they ever been able to get close enough to it to realy know what they say is correct?

They discovered dinosaurs, but the bible talks about dragons, they claim dragons are a myth. But are they? How can they say for sure that the bones they've discovered aren't those same bones of dragons that are mentioned in the bible? Maybe those in the bible lived on the earth with these creatures, Maybe we are foolish to think they didn't.

Science keeps changing it's mind when it comes up with a better way to measure something, or a better way to look at something.

God always stays the same, He never changes.

[A-Bomb]

that is if God is real. my faith is slipping...im afraid it will be all gone soon

[A-Bomb]

hey graftmein, check your private messages

[GraftMeIn]

I checked it A-bomb, I also replied and sent you another one.

I think that your faith isn't exactly what's in question here, the fact that you are seeking, shows me that you have faith.

What you seem to be questioning or doubting, is if things that are happening are actually from God, or if your imagining them. I finally managed to get over the what if I'm just imagining part thing. It is a stuggle to get through it, but once you do it's awesome. the best way to overcome it is by having other Christians around to talk about those experiences with.

Now the things I start questioning is when I act upon certain things I feel lead to do. You can even see a recent example of that in the prayer forum. I posted a prayer that came to me, and when I posted it I questioned if I should keep it to myself, because I knew it pertained to my life. Or should I post it as it might serve to help others. I felt I should post it but wasn't sure. After I posted it someone else confirmed it that yes I should have posted it, they were in need of it themselves. Gods spirit worked through us both, and it was so amazing. They didn't confirm it by saying that I should have posted it they simply said those were the words they were searching for. If you want to read it, and see how my actions were confirmed, it's titled I Feel A Storm Brewing.

I no longer question if something comes from God, although I used to, Now what I question is if what I'm doing is what he wants me to do with what he gave me.

[LouisBooth]

I agree, the fact that you are seeking and wanting to know why shows me something.

[psycmajor]

Geez. A-bomb, CALM DOWN! BE STILL! I'm not angry with you, just listen to what we're saying! He's not going to do things just the way you want Him to do them. God is Himself, and He will not compromise Himself. Slow down, God isn't going anywhere. You must accept Him on His terms, and that is how it is to be.

Evolution? Think about it. All these miracles around us happened by chance? Think about your body, how complex it is. Look at our planet. It is perfect for life, when everywhere else in the universe the conditions are harsh. Is that an accident, that everything works out so well on this tiny little planet? All the things that are around you?

The reason you felt like you were better off as a non-Christian was because Satan wasn't attacking you. You were his, you belonged to Satan. When you became a child of God, that's when he got medieval on your butt. Satan doesn't mess with the people who are already under his control, he tries instead to sway those under the Lord's control

[Didaskomenos]

Why do you think that God couldn't use evolution? It's so much more beautiful a process. Don't think "Creationists" run the admissions building in heaven. There are plenty of Christians in the world, and even on this forum, that believe God used evolution. So it's not about Christians vs. non-Christians. It's about literal interpretation of Genesis vs. metaphorical/mythological interpretation.

Again, not all Christians are "creationists," although we all believe God created the world - we just think he used evolution to do so.

[Blessed-one]

if we started going into areas that we don't know much of, that surely isn't helping. There are many ideas, theories, practices going on in the world that even Christians debate among themselves.. so which one do we agree to? confusion and more confusion arises.

Equip yourself with words from the bible and let it and the Holy Spirit guide you. I'd advise advoiding difficult topics especially those that have to do with apologetics. God has repeatedly warned us to stay away from non-believers (in the OT) especially when we are new to the faith and can become easily swayed by the world (well, not totally shut out non-believers, but their ideals and ways are so different from God's that we should avoid following them). Explore the God that you so much want to know from His inspired words (the bible) and fellow Christians, and you may discover what you're truly seeking.

[A-Bomb]

I think you are right blessed-one, I should've stayed away from that, and now I've got to build my faith back up to where it was, God gave me a verse, I shouldve listened to it.

Flee also youthful lusts, but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing they generate strife. 2 Timothy 2:22-23

this verse is perfect for my life right now

[kservingchrist]

Dear A-Bomb,

You are going through what I went through.&nbsp; I grew up a christian and was baptised when I was seventeen.&nbsp; I felt I was really committed to God.&nbsp; Then I went to college and after meeting several atheists I began to doubt God.&nbsp; I couldn't defend my beliefs to those who didn't believe in God.&nbsp; I couldn't make sense of the bible.&nbsp; There were too many things that just didn't add up.&nbsp; I was so confused and so lost.&nbsp; On some level I still believed in God or at least I wanted to, but I couldn't seem to reach him no matter how hard I tried.&nbsp; I was so skeptical(I&nbsp;am a computer engineer, I very much need things to make sense)&nbsp;that the few times I went to church I would just think "Ya right" the whole way through.&nbsp; This was a very difficult time for me.&nbsp; This period in my life lasted nearly two years (I'm sure that isn't very comforting).&nbsp; The hardest part was that I didn't want to doubt, I wanted to feel God, but I couldn't no matter how hard I tried.

Then I read this book, which I got by accident from the library (i didn't even know it was a christian book), called The Garden at the Edge of Beyond (I will try to figure out who the author is).&nbsp; It is a fiction book that isn't meant to be taken literally.&nbsp; This book was imagining what it's like after we die.&nbsp; What it illustrated to me was that all the stuff that gets argued about isn't what matters in the end.&nbsp;

What matters is that each of us has a personal relationship with God and that we live our lives according to God's will for us individually.&nbsp; Jesus died for our sins on the cross and this makes it possible for each of us to have eternal life.&nbsp; After I read this book I felt his power in my life so strong that it banished all doubts.&nbsp; I think I was finally able to let go of all the things that didn't make sense.&nbsp; All the stuff that gets debated, usually gets debated because no one can know the answers for sure.&nbsp; I thought that I was separated from God because he wasn't showing himself to me, but I really believe it was the other way around.&nbsp; I wasn't seeing him because I was doubtful.&nbsp; Every time he tried to show himself to me I wrote it off as my imagination.&nbsp;

Here are some words of advice to you that might help you get through this difficult&nbsp;time.

Stay&nbsp;away from controversial&nbsp;issues until&nbsp;your doubt is gone.

Begin with the basics.&nbsp; Whatever it was that initally brought you to Christ, would be a good place to start.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you read things that you don't understand or that you can't agree with skip over them.&nbsp; The bible is very long.&nbsp; God will bring you understanding of it with time.

Keep your attitude in check.&nbsp; I believe this was my biggest downfall.&nbsp; I was so negative, when it came to God and his word.&nbsp; Ask&nbsp;God to take negativity out of your heart and allow you to open your heart to him.&nbsp;You might&nbsp;not be able to feel him there when&nbsp;you pray to him, but I assure you he is there and listening.

Everytime&nbsp;something comes up that you doubt, tell God about it.&nbsp; I have started&nbsp;doing this.&nbsp; It's&nbsp;sort of like complaining to him.&nbsp; Like "God I just don't get it, your word doen't make sense to me."&nbsp; "God, what about evolution?"&nbsp; "God, why&nbsp;should I believe in creation when evolution makes so much sense?"&nbsp; He will help you&nbsp;with these issues.

Find a church where you feel comfortable and go even when you don't want to.&nbsp; Ask God to&nbsp;show himself to you through&nbsp;church.&nbsp; The first few times I started really going back to church, the sermons kept being about exactly what I had been discussing the week before.

Find other christians to help you through this, especially ones who&nbsp;have been through doubt before.&nbsp;

I really hope this helps.&nbsp; I will be here for you if you need me.&nbsp; Let me know how things are going.&nbsp; Remember this is not unusual.&nbsp; It is ok.&nbsp; You will make it through this and it will make you stronger in the end.

With love in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,

kservingchrist

[CHRISTgospel]

A-Bomb, hugz to you sweet child of God.

You are so loved by Him - whenever doubt comes your way - you have the power to push that negative aside. Just as you have the choice to make this day a good one or not a good one for example: If you are "[wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth]ed off" (my teenagers uses that phrase often) are you going to allow that attitude to stay with you? No, you have the choice to change that attitude - tis the same thing when doubt and trial and tribulations come your way - THEY COME TO MAKE YOU STRONGER.....

sometimes it helps to hear a testimony from others to put a smile back in your heart and to know that YES GOD IS THERE AND DOES ANSWER! Hear my testimony of once occassion.

During a tribulation period in my life, I had to take 2 jobs to make ends meet. 8-5 in a professional office and 5:30 to midnight as a cashier at a grocery store.

I had prayed and fasted on a certain Monday that God would send me a complete stranger to tell me that HE LOVES ME! Yes, I knew this but God knew in this "season" of mine that I truly needed to hear from a complete stranger.

I was anticipating His answer to my request. The hours lagged by at the checkout lane. Always with a smile on my face (little did the people know that I am continually in conversation with my Lord) YET heaviness hit me arounD 10:30 pm because I did not get my answer.

Smiling......... at this point a man comes to the checkout line. We have polite small chat as I ring out his groceries and at the end of the transaction - he looked at me and said "I want to invite you to my church." I said "Thank you, I do have a church but I may visit." The man handed me a brochure AND SMILING EVER SO BIG THIS WAY.....

there was a picture of a baby on the cover with the words above it......... YOU ARE SO VERY LOVED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOW WOW! I emailed the pastor of the church and asked him to read the letter of appreciation to the angel in his congregation that obeyed what God had instructed him to do!

WOW again!

[A-Bomb]

thank you so much guys. i think i am starting to understand my doubts. i talked to my youth pastor and he cleared some things up, i need patience, and I am praying to God for it every chance I get

[psycmajor]

Amen, A-Bomb!!
:):clap::)

[LouisBooth]

I'm glad to hear you talked to someone in person. I'll be praying for ya.

[A-Bomb]

I still have the doubts pretty bad, but hopefully things will clear up more :) pray for me guys!

[Blessed-one]

:) we're all praying, i hope you put trust in Him on leading your life.

[A-Bomb]

thanks

[Messenger]

Haven't been on here much lately...but wanted to check in Hope you are doing well A-bomb and your faith is getting stronger. God is real and good. Life with God is good. Take Care Love and God Bless!