I am an atheist who sincerely want to become a Christian(or any similiar religion)...

[WVOQ]

I TRULY want to believe in an all-loving God, and that I will see all my loved ones again in Heaven. I can't even imagine the thought of getting married, and loving someone with all my heart, and losing them forever (I was reading the "Life Stages: widow/widowers section" and almost broke down crying). I am an atheist because I see no reason for believing in God's existence, and all rational arguments I have seen in favour of His existence are unsound (and as a philosophy student, believe me I've seen them all). I doubt strictly logical argumentaion will lead me to God, but then what? Despite the fact I am an atheist, I have prayed sincerely with all my heart, for a God to reveal himself to me, but I have never felt anything. This is all the more difficult for me because of my skeptical nature (practically anything short of seeing Jesus waving outside my window would leave me not wholly convinced). I mean people often say they "feel" God, but this is sort of unclear. There are many times when something nice happens to me, and I feel overwhelmed with emotion, but I don't think this counts as God's presence, because I could just as easily say it's some sort of brain process. If I could believe in God I feel I would be happy beyond words, so please, anyone who can help me, I would be forever grateful.

[twistedsketch]

I'm glad you are praying for God to reveal Himself to you. Now, you should remember that all this is to be on God's terms, not the other way around. I'll help you by praying for you. It really sounds like that's all I can do. If there are specific questions you would like to ask, the Questions By Non-Christians forum is the right place to do that, and hopefully I'll see you in there.

[Criada]

Praying for you too.

God will answer your prayers - He always does.
And you won't be able to mistake it for anything else, truly.
Cos He wants you to know Him.
God bless you.

[Elijah2]

I TRULY want to believe in an all-loving God,
We were all in the same position as you my dear friend.
and that I will see all my loved ones again in Heaven.
That is a lovely thought, but we need to see if we can help you through this time of doubt.
I can't even imagine the thought of getting married, and loving someone with all my heart, and losing them forever (I was reading the "Life Stages: widow/widowers section" and almost broke down crying).
I am 70 years of age, and only this morning I was thinking what would I do when my wife dies. Now I don't why that came to mind, but yes it isn't a good thought of losing someone who is close to you. Have been married 45 years.
I am an atheist because I see no reason for believing in God's existence, and all rational arguments I have seen in favour of His existence are unsound (and as a philosophy student, believe me I've seen them all).
This is where we differ, because I have had a number of divine God-experiences, and those experiences are the only thing that keeps me going in faith. Everytime I begin to struggle with the world, I turn back to those experiencs, which lifts me back up knowing that our Almighty God, is our Lord Jesus Christ.

I don't need philosopy or any head knowledge discussion whether there is a God or not, because I have experienced HIM. He also saved my life a number of times. He also warned me of danger a number of times.
I doubt strictly logical argumentaion will lead me to God, but then what?
Mate, I spent a long time in the Army, and what I experienced with God, I don't bother arguing, because of my experiences they led me to HIM.
Despite the fact I am an atheist, I have prayed sincerely with all my heart, for a God to reveal himself to me, but I have never felt anything.
You wont feel anything, unless HE smacks you down like HE did to Paul, who was a Christian-killing Jew at the time. And then HE became the Apostle for Christianity. His scales were lifted off his eyes.
This is all the more difficult for me because of my skeptical nature (practically anything short of seeing Jesus waving outside my window would leave me not wholly convinced).
That is so, because you haven't been broken like all the others who thought like you.

I could also share things like that, but it would be too hard to share those experiences with an atheist.
I mean people often say they "feel" God, but this is sort of unclear.
You only feel God, when you know God.
There are many times when something nice happens to me, and I feel overwhelmed with emotion, but I don't think this counts as God's presence, because I could just as easily say it's some sort of brain process.
Sorry mate, that was God talking to your heart, not your brain.
If I could believe in God I feel I would be happy beyond words, so please, anyone who can help me, I would be forever grateful.
Well, what would you like to know about our Almighty God, our Lord Jesus Christ?

[jazzypooh]

I TRULY want to believe in an all-loving God, and that I will see all my loved ones again in Heaven. I can't even imagine the thought of getting married, and loving someone with all my heart, and losing them forever (I was reading the "Life Stages: widow/widowers section" and almost broke down crying). I am an atheist because I see no reason for believing in God's existence, and all rational arguments I have seen in favour of His existence are unsound (and as a philosophy student, believe me I've seen them all). I doubt strictly logical argumentaion will lead me to God, but then what? Despite the fact I am an atheist, I have prayed sincerely with all my heart, for a God to reveal himself to me, but I have never felt anything. This is all the more difficult for me because of my skeptical nature (practically anything short of seeing Jesus waving outside my window would leave me not wholly convinced). I mean people often say they "feel" God, but this is sort of unclear. There are many times when something nice happens to me, and I feel overwhelmed with emotion, but I don't think this counts as God's presence, because I could just as easily say it's some sort of brain process. If I could believe in God I feel I would be happy beyond words, so please, anyone who can help me, I would be forever grateful.

Praise the Lord!!!

i can tell from your post that you already have faith! the Bible says each of us are born with a measure of faith. and it was the measure of faith that you possess that has brought you this far!

at one point in my life i was right where you were and probably all of us were. but i was trying to "reason" God in my head to try and find out whether or not He existed. you have to believe Him with your heart, not with your head. we believe by faith, and you already have a measure of faith.

This is where we differ, because I have had a number of divine God-experiences, and those experiences are the only thing that keeps me going in faith. Everytime I begin to struggle with the world, I turn back to those experiencs, which lifts me back up knowing that our Almighty God, is our Lord Jesus Christ.

I don't need philosopy or any head knowledge discussion whether there is a God or not, because I have experienced HIM. He also saved my life a number of times. He also warned me of danger a number of times.

amen. at some point God has to reveal Himself to us or make Himself real to us, but we have to be open to Him. the Bible says He knocks on the door of our hearts, and we have to let Him in... He's not gonna bust the door down! we have to be willing to be open to Him. that is when He reveals Himself to us. and we have to seek Him. we have to go after Him until we find Him. if you stop looking for God with your head, and begin to look for Him with all of your heart, i promise you will find Him. :)

that is what i did... and i found Him. i had to put away everything i thought i knew about God, everything that my biology teacher taught me about God... i had to forget all of that. i had to let go of my doubts. when i let go all of my doubts, and just opened myself up to God then that's when He did it.

i even remember one time saying out loud to God "God if You're real than show me that You're real!" and He did it. i'm not gonna describe it but i will say that He proved Himself. and He will also prove Himself to you if you open your heart to Him. that's why He knocks. see God is a gentlemen! He's not aggressive like we think He is! we think that if God is real then He'll forcefully prove His existence to us, but that's not true! we have to open our hearts to Him. we have to approach Him with a humble spirit. God can never show HImself to you as long as you approach Him incorrectly. you have to humble yourself before God, and open yourself to Him. that is when He reveals Himself to you.

i would encourage you to keep praying to Jesus. read your Bible. (i know you have one! everybody does... even atheists... lol). and go to a local church and ask questions about the faith. if you want you can post question here. but as long as you're looking for a debate you'll never find God. God is not found through debate. you don't find Him through debates and arguments of whether or not He exists. you find Him when you open your heart to Him and allow Him to come in. then He reveals Himself to you. the Bible says that God resists the proud. so as long as we have pride in us and refuse to humble ourselves then God will continue to resist us, and He'll never reveal Himself to us. so i encourage you to have a humble spirit towards God and open your heart to Him and He will show Himself to you.

if you like you can pm me. and read my testimony on my page. it may bless you. sometimes when you hear about what God did for someone, then it helps you to believe that He can be real in your life as well. a person's testimony builds up your own faith in God. i will be praying for you. :pray:

[jazzypooh]

also, you may wanna check this guy out. His name is Lee Strobel. He used to be an atheist as well. here's his website:

http://www.leestrobel.com/

check out his book "The Case for A Creator" and he may have some other useful material that can help you as well. he has a free monthly newsletter that you can subscribe to. i believe he has free clips where he does teaching about God from a scientific point of view... so you might be able to understand his lingo... lol. and he does a lot of interviews with atheists who have converted to Christianity. i think they may help you out a lot.

also, there's a couple of other guys i wanna tell you about... i can't think of their names off the top of my head. but i think the name of their show is called "Christianity 101". it comes on on TBN. you can visit TBN's website to see the times and everything, and while you're there why don't you check out some of the programming on TBN?

www.tbn.org (http://www.tbn.org)

PS i also want to tell you that Jesus is the only way to the Father in heaven. because the title of your thread says something about you'll join any similar religion. but no other religion provides you with a complete and perfect Atonement for your sins. this is very important, because all of us have sinned against God, so all of us need God's forgiveness. so God sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins... making Him the only perfect and complete Atonement (or sacrifice) for our sins against God. believe me, i've studied a lot of these major religions of the world (by force... lol), but in my study i found out that only in Christianity do you see an Atonement for man's sins that is perfect and complete. that is extremely important.

[Dondi]

My friend,

My suggestion is to walk in the manner as prescribed by Jesus in His teachings. I believe God will honor obedience even while you doubt His existence. It is a matter of testing God to see if these things are true. If you just try living the priciples of the Christian life, I believe you will find things will happen that will bless your life to the extent that you will come to believe in God's power and thus gain faith. The core of Jesus' teachings are summed up in Matthew 22:36-40:

"Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

Now I realize that you would have difficultly following the first part: Love God, etc. But I suggest that you humor this by imagining that there is a God who will honor. I know that would be kind of strange to you, almost like imagining Santa Claus. But if you are going to find any basis in God, I believe it will start there. Not in any "miracle" or physical evidence which you seem to seek. Miracles were never the point in evidencing God anyway. Not saying doing this will "save" you, but nevertheless, if you try to abide in the principle of God's world, I believe that you will see it impact your life in such a positive manner that you will discover it's truth.
You might want to start with the Sermon of the Mount, which has much of the practical teachings of Jesus that I mentioned. Consider it as an experiment in a change of lifestyle. If nothing else, it might lead you to become a better person toward others.

[rejectreality]

Well, you say you're looking for God? That's convenient, because He's looking for you too. I'd say that you already have faith, as even though you claim to be an atheist, you're looking for God. I use faith, because logical, rational proof, in the philosophical sense, doesn't exist in support of any god. I am praying for you, and truly believe that God will reveal Himself to you. If you seek God, He will seek you.

I'll go out on a limb here, and suggest that you've found God. After all, you did come to a Christian forum. But finding and understanding are two separate things. Again, I'll be praying for you.

God bless

[WVOQ]

jazzypooh: Thank you very much, I am going to check out those sites for sure.

Elijah2: ""There are many times when something nice happens to me, and I feel overwhelmed with emotion, but I don't think this counts as God's presence, because I could just as easily say it's some sort of brain process."
Sorry mate, that was God talking to your heart, not your brain."

I often get mixed answers about this one. Some people say there will be no confusion if it's God, and others say those strong emotions are God "in disguise". But yes, I suspect revelation would be stronger than rational proof in convincing someone about God's Nature.

All the rest: Than you all very much for your kind words and prayers. All the responses so far have been great.

Much love and appreciation to all of you.:)

[jazzypooh]

I often get mixed answers about this one. Some people say there will be no confusion if it's God, and others say those strong emotions are God "in disguise". But yes, I suspect revelation would be stronger than rational proof in convincing someone about God's Nature.



i think the reason people say this and the reason it is confusing you is because God often does not reveal Himself to people in the same way. like the way He revealed Himself to me might not be the same way He reveals Himself to you. He may be revealing Himself to you now through this forum and that in itself is a unique experience with God. how many people you know met God on the internet? :)

God often speaks to our hearts in different ways. but His Word is the main way that He reveals Himself, so it is best that you start there. the Bible is the Word of God. so the best way to find out about God is by reading what He said about Himself! by reading His Words! that makes a lot of sense right?

i don't belief there's any such thing as "rational proof" of God's existence. because God is a Spirit and that's not rational to our minds. so His nature alone is not rational, because it goes beyond the human intellect. and because He is Spirit we cannot understand Him with our natural minds. we can acquire information about Him in our minds, but we can never truly know Him with the mind. that's why i told you that you have to open your heart to Him. Jesus knocks on the door of our hearts, not the door of our minds because He doesn't fit there. the space is too small for Him in our minds. how can a finite mind comprehend an infinite God? He has to come in through the heart, and that experience with Him will make you forget everything you thought you knew in your mind. that is surely what happened to me.:hug:

i'm still praying for you. :crossrc:

[heymikey80]

This is not a place for debate, and I'm not in this to debate you. You asked a question, I'll answer. I don't normally debate atheists because debate's the wrong context. But I'll tell you the view I've come to -- from your statements the only difference between you & me so far is that I'm a believer.
I TRULY want to believe in an all-loving God, and that I will see all my loved ones again in Heaven. I can't even imagine the thought of getting married, and loving someone with all my heart, and losing them forever (I was reading the "Life Stages: widow/widowers section" and almost broke down crying).
If you go about pursuing this fond hope in the afterlife,"if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth -- only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair." But "If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end."

I've been there. I had to walk away from that. Because that's not what Christianity is about, and in fact you'd be surprised at how often eternal life is the reason for people departing from Christianity.
I am an atheist because I see no reason for believing in God's existence, and all rational arguments I have seen in favour of His existence are unsound (and as a philosophy student, believe me I've seen them all). I doubt strictly logical argumentaion will lead me to God, but then what?
I expect you do hear yourself speaking. All rational arguments are unsound, yet you doubt strictly logical arguments will lead you to God. God may intend both.

Remember philosophy: rational arguments are proofs within a context: they begin with known facts, they progress through a language construct invented by Aristotle over 2000 years ago. Lack of proof is not denial, either. There is a limit to rational thought -- it's just a limit that causes us to quit talking.

Without any sound, rational argument against God there's no reason for being an atheist. Feelings aren't persuasive either way. People didn't feel the existence of the Americas in 1200. And feelings didn't change their existence.

Science and philosophy scope their knowledge as well as present it. They don't lead into all truth as a result. Science doesn't predict the next random outcome. Science doesn't explain the one practicing science. Science doesn't explain the Good. Life. Love. Creation. Philosophy explains -- nothing except its own questions. For me, I found philosophy was no more than the frame around the tapestry of human life. But no examining the frame will tell you the truth woven in the tapestry. To me, what Camus said about science is just as well directed at philosophy -- now including his own. "What need had I of so many efforts? The soft lines of these hills and the hand of evening on this troubled heart teach me much more." Unfortunately, philosophy actually leaves the frame that much more empty. It's so embedded in itsself you start questioning why the frame should exist.
Despite the fact I am an atheist, I have prayed sincerely with all my heart, for a God to reveal himself to me, but I have never felt anything. This is all the more difficult for me because of my skeptical nature (practically anything short of seeing Jesus waving outside my window would leave me not wholly convinced). I mean people often say they "feel" God, but this is sort of unclear. There are many times when something nice happens to me, and I feel overwhelmed with emotion, but I don't think this counts as God's presence, because I could just as easily say it's some sort of brain process. If I could believe in God I feel I would be happy beyond words, so please, anyone who can help me, I would be forever grateful.
The lack of physical data tells us more about the God we believe, than about the lack of God. We would even agree with you. From the Christian standpoint, why would a believer in a God Who is outside the universe, above & beyond all it can handle, there's no reason to demand that God be observable from our context inside the universe.

We're not that significant.

So it's not that we disagree with the point. It's more often that we agree with the point and it's not conclusive.

[TheGuide]

I TRULY want to believe in an all-loving God, and that I will see all my loved ones again in Heaven. I can't even imagine the thought of getting married, and loving someone with all my heart, and losing them forever (I was reading the "Life Stages: widow/widowers section" and almost broke down crying). I am an atheist because I see no reason for believing in God's existence, and all rational arguments I have seen in favour of His existence are unsound (and as a philosophy student, believe me I've seen them all). I doubt strictly logical argumentaion will lead me to God, but then what? Despite the fact I am an atheist, I have prayed sincerely with all my heart, for a God to reveal himself to me, but I have never felt anything. This is all the more difficult for me because of my skeptical nature (practically anything short of seeing Jesus waving outside my window would leave me not wholly convinced). I mean people often say they "feel" God, but this is sort of unclear. There are many times when something nice happens to me, and I feel overwhelmed with emotion, but I don't think this counts as God's presence, because I could just as easily say it's some sort of brain process. If I could believe in God I feel I would be happy beyond words, so please, anyone who can help me, I would be forever grateful.
Read the gospel of John. Try to read a chapter a day, and when you have finished the entire gospel, then read it again. Before you begin, ask God to fell your heart with understanding each time before you begin. Then read. Also, stop calling yourself an atheist. As long as your faith is in being such you will not hear God on your heart:

"...Without faith it is impossible to please him, for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6


The Guide

[longboneslinger]

Read the gospel of John. Try to read a chapter a day, and when you have finished the entire gospel, then read it again. Before you begin, ask God to fell your heart with understanding each time before you begin. Then read. Also, stop calling yourself an atheist. As long as your faith is in being such you will not hear God on your heart:

"...Without faith it is impossible to please him, for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6


The Guide
I second the recommendation for Lee Strobel. Right after I accepted Christ my long suffering wife bought one of his books, "A case for Christ". She knew me and that I was trying to find the path. She also knew that I was, and still am, a lot like you. I need proof. I have a hunger to understand things and doubt the existence of such things without it. I believed in Christ but was filled with human doubts like we all are. The book helped a lot. I know that God helped her to find that book because it just what I needed at that point and He also know I love to read so a book was perfect.
The case for Christ is written by a then atheist who was also a highly decorated legal reporter for a major newspaper (I cant remember which one) who's wife accepted Christ and he went on a fact-finding mission to disprove Christianity and wound up a believer. It touches on archeology, medical and psychological experts among others that puts forth a incredibly strong case for the life, death, and Resurrection of Christ. Give it a read and try "A case for faith' by Strobel. Awesome reading.
I also second the book of John. It's where I started. Just remember the most important words in history - Luke 22:41 "Not my will but Your will be done.' He could have 'passed the cup' of His crucification but instead, out of love for us and God, He didn't. Love like that deserves our own love and respect in return. "He who looks shall find." God gives us the clues. This forum may be another clue. He loves you and wants you to be with Him in heaven.
God bless you and all you love. I will pray that you find what we have found.
BoNe

[soulsearching1]

I TRULY want to believe in an all-loving God, and that I will see all my loved ones again in Heaven. I can't even imagine the thought of getting married, and loving someone with all my heart, and losing them forever (I was reading the "Life Stages: widow/widowers section" and almost broke down crying). I am an atheist because I see no reason for believing in God's existence, and all rational arguments I have seen in favour of His existence are unsound (and as a philosophy student, believe me I've seen them all). I doubt strictly logical argumentaion will lead me to God, but then what? Despite the fact I am an atheist, I have prayed sincerely with all my heart, for a God to reveal himself to me, but I have never felt anything. This is all the more difficult for me because of my skeptical nature (practically anything short of seeing Jesus waving outside my window would leave me not wholly convinced). I mean people often say they "feel" God, but this is sort of unclear. There are many times when something nice happens to me, and I feel overwhelmed with emotion, but I don't think this counts as God's presence, because I could just as easily say it's some sort of brain process. If I could believe in God I feel I would be happy beyond words, so please, anyone who can help me, I would be forever grateful.

Just some thoughts from a fairly new Christian myself - God didn't smack me quite in the face - but He did make it very clear through a few certain experiences that made me look back and see where His hand had been in other places of my life that I never even thought about. I don't "feel" God some of the time, and it's been almost a year - that's pretty normal. So don't think that it's all going to make sense all at once. Being realistic, some days I have serious doubt, and some days I don't "feel" like a Christian at all. But, deep down I know I can never go back to where I was before (basically, agnostic at best, though not quite an atheist). That's the reality - it's not a clean, easy 1-2-3 thing. But the "overwhelming emotion" that you're feeling IS God touching you, even though it's slight. You just have to learn how to separate those moments from "human" emotions, which are fickle.

For the whole "rationality" issue, for what it's worth, I'm very well-read, have taken lots of philosophy and theory, am in the liberal camp politically and put a large amount of faith in science, reason, etc. However, science/reason and faith/God are not mutually exclusive. It's hard to explain, but you get to the point where you just "know" that it's true, not just in your head, but in your heart. And that process is different for everyone, I think. Go read Lee Strobel's Case For Christ and Case for Faith. Case for a Creator is good, though a bit bogged down with "science-y" stuff so I sometimes doubt the research and therefore the credibility - not sure if he explored the topics as thoroughly as he should have. Also, read C.S Lewis's Mere Christianity - that made a HUGE world of sense to me.

[Mistoffelees]

Well the Christians say something like "Everyone can believe in God" or I think some verse says that too so anyway, just try and belive that if there is a God He'll make it obvious to you eventually that He exists if you keep hanging around this board or praying or stuff like that.

[Ic3]

These are truly amazing replies!

As I was reading this thread, I clicked on a random FM Static song (Mind you, I just heard about FM Static, I don't know any of their songs). As I continued to read this thread, the song "Something to Believe In" by FM Static, the random song that I was listening to, came to life.

I quickly searched the lyrics, and it's amazing that it pertains to this thread exactly! How amazing.

Listen to the song: http://youtube.com/watch?v=rR6sG38k7j4

Here are the lyrics: http://www.plyrics.com/lyrics/fmstatic/somethingtobelievein.html

A particular section of the song stood out for me. I felt as though I needed to share it with you.

And if you don't know what i'm talking about
it's probably better cause i'm working out
don't wanna spend my lifetime figuring out
that i coulda just said one prayer

And if you know what i'm talking about
then together were both working it out
don't wanna spend my lifetime figuring out
i missed the point now it's over

I don't know if this means anything to you, but I just had a conviction in my heart to post this here.

James 4:8 - "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded"

[twistedsketch]

Elijah2: ""There are many times when something nice happens to me, and I feel overwhelmed with emotion, but I don't think this counts as God's presence, because I could just as easily say it's some sort of brain process."
Sorry mate, that was God talking to your heart, not your brain."

I often get mixed answers about this one. Some people say there will be no confusion if it's God, and others say those strong emotions are God "in disguise". But yes, I suspect revelation would be stronger than rational proof in convincing someone about God's Nature.
That's a tricky question because God does speak clearly, but people muddy the waters. Much of the "no confusion if it's God" business mainly applies to Christians; they already know God in some capacity. He calls us by name as a shepherd does his sheep. However, it is entirely possible that God would speak clearly to an unbeliever, pushing said unbeliever to faith in Him.

[forgotten33]

"Seek christ with all your heart only then will you truely find him."

[artgaldayna]

First, if you are uncertain about your faith, please do not be repelled by the size of this post.
Despite the fact I am an atheist, I have prayed sincerely with all my heart, for a God to reveal himself to me, but I have never felt anything.
This does not mean a thing
James 1:6-7
Matthew 12:39, Matthew 16:4, and Luke 11:29 (All the words of Jesus in the Bible) say that asking for a sign (to prove God’s existence) is just that: a lack of faith. If God did this, He would be robbing you of your chance to be saved by your faith in Him.
Your search should not turn to which ‘religion’ sounds the best – but rather a search upon yourself. Here is what I mean.. you are drawn to love and how God loves everyone and can save someone and give them eternal life. However, I am not so sure if you understand the necessity of this rather than just the desire for love and Heaven.

I TRULY want to believe in an all-loving God, and that I will see all my loved ones again in Heaven.

God is all-loving – God is love, but – there is something that He HATES – and rightfully hates. He despises sin. He despises evil. He and sin repel like water and oil – he hates sin so much, that He won’t let any sin or any sinful thing into Heaven.
This is what I meant when I said to search upon yourself. I’ll ask some questions that define the search we all need to have to understand our necessity of God.

Do you think you are a good person?
Have you ever told a lie?
Have you ever stolen something? (it doesn’t matter the value)
Have you ever used God’s name in vain?
Have you ever lusted after a woman?

If you have done these things, you are a lying, thieving, blaspheming, adulterer at heart. These are only four of the Ten Commandments – God’s standard.
All have sinned. We all fall short of deserving Heaven by the good things we do. (Romans 3:23) God is a just God. He will punish sin. He is so just, that He will even punish common sins – like lust and lying. Sin is such a bad thing that we overlook, but it leads to death – it leads to eternal death once we die. We all have a debt to sin. Romans 5:8 --but God so loves the world, that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish – but have everlasting life. I have to explain just how amazing this gift is. What Jesus did, was He payed our fine. He payed off our sin with His life. That – THAT is the love of God –the grace of God. Because of Christ our sins can be taken away!! Our debt can be paid. Turning away from your sin is what you need to do. It is more than accepting Jesus as true – it is confessing your sin, and turning from your sin.
That is what everyone needs to realize in Christianity – that receiving Christ is necessary for eternal life – to save us from that HIDEOUS sin – to save us from the punishment in Hell that we as imperfect people deserve.

[rocklife]

I encourage you in reading the New Testament thoroughly, every day. Listening on walkmen tapes is also great encouragement too. then reading the whole Bible (one thing at a time though). And then be a doer, do what your conscience confirms is right, and get away from sins, God can help.

[Elijah2]

These are truly amazing replies!

As I was reading this thread, I clicked on a random FM Static song (Mind you, I just heard about FM Static, I don't know any of their songs). As I continued to read this thread, the song "Something to Believe In" by FM Static, the random song that I was listening to, came to life.

I quickly searched the lyrics, and it's amazing that it pertains to this thread exactly! How amazing.

Listen to the song: http://youtube.com/watch?v=rR6sG38k7j4

Here are the lyrics: http://www.plyrics.com/lyrics/fmstatic/somethingtobelievein.html

A particular section of the song stood out for me. I felt as though I needed to share it with you.

And if you don't know what i'm talking about
it's probably better cause i'm working out
don't wanna spend my lifetime figuring out
that i coulda just said one prayer

And if you know what i'm talking about
then together were both working it out
don't wanna spend my lifetime figuring out
i missed the point now it's over

I don't know if this means anything to you, but I just had a conviction in my heart to post this here.

James 4:8 - "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded"
Hi IC, thanks for that, they were very interesting. Blessings to you.

[Elijah2]

jazzypooh: Thank you very much, I am going to check out those sites for sure.

Elijah2: ""There are many times when something nice happens to me, and I feel overwhelmed with emotion, but I don't think this counts as God's presence, because I could just as easily say it's some sort of brain process."
Sorry mate, that was God talking to your heart, not your brain."

I often get mixed answers about this one. Some people say there will be no confusion if it's God, and others say those strong emotions are God "in disguise". But yes, I suspect revelation would be stronger than rational proof in convincing someone about God's Nature.

All the rest: Than you all very much for your kind words and prayers. All the responses so far have been great.

Much love and appreciation to all of you.:)
Well mate, revelation is the answer to all things, and most Christians had revelations to come to where they are at the present moment.

As each day goes by, we have different sorts of revelations, and when you feel those revelations in your heart, then you know it's our Lord.

Satan is the only one who puts fear into our hearts.

[diegod1]

Hey, There's nothing wrong with being an atheist. You don't need god or any other religous figure to make you happy. Don't worry about religion. It is not at all important

[GenesisGirl]

Hey, There's nothing wrong with being an atheist. You don't need god or any other religous figure to make you happy. Don't worry about religion. It is not at all important
Please be respectful. I'm sorry that you feel that way, but one wonders why you sign up on a Christian Forum to tell those who sincerely want to become Christian that they don't need the Lord.

Besides, I'm pretty sure that there are more important things in life than just looking out for No. 1.

[ephraimanesti]

Hey, There's nothing wrong with being an atheist. You don't need god or any other religous figure to make you happy. Don't worry about religion. It is not at all important

MY FRIEND,

In other words you are saying, "LIGHT IS NOT ALL THAT IMPORTANT--JUST KEEP YOUR EYES CLOSED AND BE HAPPY IN YOUR DARKNESS."

Some might call that a rather poor life choice.

ephraim

[WebbAcres]

You are thinking about it and that has to be the work of God. You are praying about it so it sounds like you just might believe a little in him because you are praying.
Give it some time, you'll be glad you did.

[MoNiCa4316]

Hi,

I was once in the same place you are now...I also took philosophy classes...but I wasn't seeking God like you are, I thought I had all the answers about Him. I read CS Lewis' "Mere Christianity" and it really helped me sort some things out. I recommend it.

I don't believe that mere logic would lead someone to God, because our minds can't ever understand something so infinite and unimaginable. I've understood much more about God just by experiencing Him..I'm learning to recognize Him and to hear His voice. I've felt His presence, and I'm not sure how to explain it to you but it's like you just know that He's there. I've also found that my way of thinking has completely changed. I haven't left my brain behind, in fact I can understand things now that I've never could understand or even imagine before. In fact, my mind is much stronger now.

In the Bible, it says that only the spiritual man can understand spiritual things...we need to have the Holy Spirit to understand God, because otherwise He's simply too big for us. Otherwise, we're trying to understand something that is completely outside of our experience. Our logic is mostly based on what we've observed. Once I chose to believe in God, His existence started to seem logical because I began a relationship with Him and He was within my experience.

You see, it's really a choice. God doesn't force His way in, He gives us free will. But if we choose Him, it's got to be for the right reasons...if we choose Him just because His existence has been proven to us, that's not a 'free' decision. But if we choose God solely based on our will, by faith, then He reveals Himself to us. It's by His grace that we are able to believe and are saved; faith is made possible by Him and is not something we create in ourselves. We simply have to agree to it.
God knows that you feel skeptical, and maybe the reason He's not answering your prayers right now is because He is waiting for you to choose Him over logic. You want to believe, well God's just waiting for you to make a choice. :) As I said, He won't force His way in. I got evidence of God's existence after I chose to believe, because of free will. If you don't feel that you can choose to believe right now, give it some time..pray, research..sometimes it takes time. It sure did for me.

Thanks for your sincere post. You are in my prayers.
God bless


monica

[Defuret]

Dude you're already feeling God. The simple fact you want to contact Him has got to mean something.

[ephraimanesti]

Dude you're already feeling God. The simple fact you want to contact Him has got to mean something.

But the problem the OP is facing is that he wants to contact God on his terms, not on God's terms. This never works--as he is finding out.

The key to the door is HUMILITY.

ephraim

[AsTruthUnfolds]

He was kidding, and you christians took the bait.

Try to save me, I am a deist.

No atheist want to be save by religion. Atheist are sometimes arrogant a-holes. Trust me, to them I am a theist an to you I am a non-theist. Atheist can be arrogant. Theist can be blind.

Again, theist are blinded by faith. It is upsetting that you put good people to hell. C'mon, you interpret you religion in every other way, but sending me to hell is BS.

For atheist who want to label me, bring it on in nuetral turf.

[jive4005]

It's all about MOTIVE MOTIVE MOTIVE...
and you simply can't fool God.

God says "if you seek Me you WILL find Me".
This is a truth!
It is also a promise... to anyone who is willing to put in the real effort.
God never left anybody twisting in the wind. Never.

His,
Rev J

[ephraimanesti]

He was kidding, and you christians took the bait.

Try to save me, I am a deist.

No atheist want to be save by religion. Atheist are sometimes arrogant a-holes. Trust me, to them I am a theist an to you I am a non-theist. Atheist can be arrogant. Theist can be blind.

Again, theist are blinded by faith. It is upsetting that you put good people to hell. C'mon, you interpret you religion in every other way, but sending me to hell is BS.

For atheist who want to label me, bring it on in nuetral turf.

In all honesty, i am not sure of how a deist would/could be saved in that he accepts a god--but one that is not involved in his creation beyond the act of creation itself.

God was, of course, VERY MUCH INVOLVED with His Creation as per John 3:16, but i am not sure how a deist would avail themselves of this Godly outreach and sacrifice given their belief that "god is no longer in the house."

Using the old deist "clock maker" analogy--if god built the clock but had a hands-off policy towards it afterwards--what good is it once it runs down and is not able to re-wind itself in order to keep itself going?

A BONDSLAVE OF CHRIST,
ephraim

[FaithTriumphs]

Hi, I am a newly converted atheist and all I can really say is that if you just cast away all doubt and pray to God he will answer. That is basically my conversion story in a nutshell and I can't give you much more advice because I don't know very much. I simply know that God loves me and I have a very friendly personal relationship with him. If you want that relationship enough then you will get it. But you must initiate it. I hope you can find some comfort in my advice. And maybe some inspiration too.

[ephraimanesti]

Hi, I am a newly converted atheist and all I can really say is that if you just cast away all doubt and pray to God he will answer. That is basically my conversion story in a nutshell and I can't give you much more advice because I don't know very much. I simply know that God loves me and I have a very friendly personal relationship with him. If you want that relationship enough then you will get it. But you must initiate it. I hope you can find some comfort in my advice. And maybe some inspiration too.

MY BROTHER,

From your Post it is obvious that you know everything that needs to be known. Everything else is just frosting on the cake!

THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR TESTIMONY!

A BOND-SLAVE OF CHRIST,
ephraim

[KennyVaughan]

I TRULY want to believe in an all-loving God, and that I will see all my loved ones again in Heaven. I can't even imagine the thought of getting married, and loving someone with all my heart, and losing them forever (I was reading the "Life Stages: widow/widowers section" and almost broke down crying). I am an atheist because I see no reason for believing in God's existence, and all rational arguments I have seen in favour of His existence are unsound (and as a philosophy student, believe me I've seen them all). I doubt strictly logical argumentaion will lead me to God, but then what? Despite the fact I am an atheist, I have prayed sincerely with all my heart, for a God to reveal himself to me, but I have never felt anything. This is all the more difficult for me because of my skeptical nature (practically anything short of seeing Jesus waving outside my window would leave me not wholly convinced). I mean people often say they "feel" God, but this is sort of unclear. There are many times when something nice happens to me, and I feel overwhelmed with emotion, but I don't think this counts as God's presence, because I could just as easily say it's some sort of brain process. If I could believe in God I feel I would be happy beyond words, so please, anyone who can help me, I would be forever grateful.
WVOQ, I have good news for you, you are on the right track.

i beleive it is John 6:44 “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

Excuse the odd font, I had to look it up, to quote exactly

Any way it looks like the Holy Spirit is leading you to God.



You live in a worldly mind, which you should let go of, and trust in God, try to develope a personal relationship with him.


I have also seen alot of arguments against my religion, and have been able to withstand them all, and I myself have seen alot

I also know a devout Christian, who is a philosophy professor.


The Bible is a book that told of the earth being round and the universe expanding, before science ever knew these things.

It has hundreds of prophecies that have been fulfilled, some people will tell you they are subject to interpretation, that is merely heresay, I can think of at least one prophecy that was precisely fulfilled as prophecised, these prophecy was specific to the DAY, and YEAR, that it would happen.


But you do not need to necessarily live in logic, it is there, though, pleanty of logical reasons for an intelligent person to beleive in God, I reccomend looking up "venomfangx" and "thevinerhyme" on youtube, very intelligent Christians who refute alot of arguments.


Again, it is very natural for you to seek logical reasons to beleive in God, and that is not necessisarily a bad thing, but faith is more important than logic, but BOTH ARE FULLY THERE, you can trust in the Lord, that even without scientific evidence, but the evidence is there. With faith you can love God, and live a good life, with logic and reason you can evangelise, and defend your beleifs.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to approach me.

[restore]

I will share how I became a christian, I was raised in christian family and i read a lot books, all just not help much......what makes a christian is , later in my life, i met some real spiritual filled christians, and they prayed for me and I prayed myself, and i was touched by the spirit so i was saved till then.
For me it is the spirit touch to wake up me.

God leads each in different way, but for sure, if u seek, u will find.

[visionary]

When you open up the Word of God, pray that the Lord will lead you through His Words, for without Him telling His Story with His Spirit, it is just a story. The Word of God is living and alive and well in the Spirit of God.

Ask God

Ask... Mt 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Mt 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Seek....

Mt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Knock

God is knocking on your heart... Let Him in. Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup [visit] with him, and he with me.

Search

Joh 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

[Missyjojo88]

I agree that you are being drawn to God by the holy spirit. That's the state that you are in right now. Many of us believe that we need a supernatural experience like Paul to know that God is in our lives, but many times your relationship with God is going to be based on faith and trust. Don't forget also even when in circumstance God doesn't put his self out there, he has been doing a lot of stuff behind the scenes to bring you to your destiny in him. When you say, I'm going to open myself to Jesus Christ and see where it takes me, this when life truly begins. Not that you weren't living before, but your eyes and ears will begin to open spiritual and you are going to see things differently. As you start to spend time in the word and through prayer the spirit of God will make himself know to you. You have to do these things to get close to God. At this moment God is watching you to see if you will approach him genuinely. I can promise when you keep doing these things, you are going to come in a place where you know God is here. You will at times feel his presence and hear him. And God will speak to you because you have a relationship with him now. Faith brings God's physical manifestations in your life. But don't expect to always feel God or hear God because God is still there even if he seems silent. There's going to be a lot of those times to come. Take that first step. One small step leads to a giant step.

[DerSchweik]

I TRULY want to believe in an all-loving God, and that I will see all my loved ones again in Heaven. I can't even imagine the thought of getting married, and loving someone with all my heart, and losing them forever (I was reading the "Life Stages: widow/widowers section" and almost broke down crying). I am an atheist because I see no reason for believing in God's existence, and all rational arguments I have seen in favour of His existence are unsound (and as a philosophy student, believe me I've seen them all). I doubt strictly logical argumentaion will lead me to God, but then what? Despite the fact I am an atheist, I have prayed sincerely with all my heart, for a God to reveal himself to me, but I have never felt anything. This is all the more difficult for me because of my skeptical nature (practically anything short of seeing Jesus waving outside my window would leave me not wholly convinced). I mean people often say they "feel" God, but this is sort of unclear. There are many times when something nice happens to me, and I feel overwhelmed with emotion, but I don't think this counts as God's presence, because I could just as easily say it's some sort of brain process. If I could believe in God I feel I would be happy beyond words, so please, anyone who can help me, I would be forever grateful.
I'm praying for you as well. And I know God will answer your prayers, despite any doubts you might have. I too am a student of philosphy (though its been awhile) - there's nothing wrong with an inquiring mind and philosophers are by nature some of the most inquisitive. For what it's worth, that simply means you have to work a little harder for some answers, right? :-)

There are a lot of good suggestions here and I would encourage you to sift through them as you need and continue your inquiry.

Something I would strongly urge you to do as well is get a Bible and start reading it as you pray. We are told in the book of Romans that "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." The Bible is this word and it is the source of all of our faiths. If you would believe, it is imperative you spend time in His word. The Bible also says that God used to speak to His people through prophets, but that today He speaks to us through His Son (Jesus) - I would urge you then to pick up a Bible and start reading through the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), read of Jesus and read His words and of the things He did, praying as you read for understanding. I would have you start in the gospel of Matthew - read it once, twice, three times. Take notes of any questions you might have - really read the text, question it, put yourself into the situations it describes and imagine interacting with Jesus yourself.

I would further urge you to find someone near you that knows the Bible and would be willing to study it with you, to give you some guidance as you read and who could answer any questions you might have. If you are uncomfortable or don't know of anyone like this, go to a church and ask the pastor or a teacher there to sit down with you and help you as you need.

A questioning mind is a good thing - God would have us reason together with Him about all the questions and doubts you are having. So go ahead, and give His word a try.

My prayers are with you. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him, whether you believe in Him now or not.

God bless!

P.S. Oh, and as you generate questions - please feel free to continue to ask as you already have. Just holler!