Crisis of faith - the HEART of the matter

[cparobbins]

:confused: Uggh. I'm so confused these days. I used to really have it 'all-together'. I have always believed in God, but made a personal decision to accept Christ when I was 30 (I'm now 39), so I have always vehemently claimed to be 'born-again'... because I really was. Everything changed in my life when I made that 'decision' - my beliefs, my morals, my ethics... everything. I have NEVER doubted my faith. Until lately.

There are so many religions, faiths, doctrines, etc., I can't help but to wonder why God would allow so many to 'go astray'. Which in turn makes me wonder, 'maybe it is ME who has gone astray!'

If God is omipotent, omipresent, omniscient, etc., etc., WHY OH WHY can't he just tell me personally what to believe??? For those of you who say, 'He tells me in the bible" I can only wonder 'well... what about all the religions and acient texts that preceded the bible?' Why and how could my God allow so many of us to walk down the wrong path - especially when so many are so earnestly seeking the 'truth'. Uggh... and finally my biggest question that has reared its ugly head is this:

Even though I have accepted Christ's crucifixion as atonement for my sins (as God's gift of mercy to me, only) - I suddenly can't figure out why every Christian church I know believes that Christ was God in the flesh (i.e, therefore it's okay to pray to Christ, rather than God the father). Where in the bible does it really say that? If Christ was God in the flesh, why didn't he just say or admit that CLEARLY!?? If not, then it seems we're all going to be in hot water (forgive the pun) when we face God. How many times in the Old Testament did God tell us to NOT pray to other gods or idols? Why would God make Christ's divinity so unclear?

I hope that I don't get banned for asking these fundamental questions. But, I feel strongly that I need help, direction. I am at a point that I feel like my faith is trying to vanish before my eyes and it scares me to death. Any insight one could share might help.... Thanks.

Kelly

[SoundCard]

The reason He doesn't make you worship Him is because He desires a LOVING relationship. Have you ever entered forcefully into a loving relationship? Or it is something that builds over time because you choose to have a relationship in the first place with someone? People go astray because they'd rather choose the lies the devil has spread throughout the Earth over God's truth, because they aren't forced to repent in a good deal of other ones. Most are for those who seek self-righteousness, who want esteem of some sort, when in Christianity it's the polar opposite. We bring ourselves down and humble ourselves before the Cross, or I should say, God humbles us when we come before the Cross in repentance. People go to their doom because it is what they chose. They denied the Lord, and since He won't force someone to love Him, they choose their fate.

[Grumpy Hillbilly]

I will save you the trouble of wondering if anyone can completely answer all of your questions, the answer is no. As far as the authority of scripture and why we should trust the bible, the bible was written over the course of many centuries, yet without contradiction. Its prophecies are right one, with God calling king Cyrus by name I believe 40 years before he was born. You will find no other religious writing that accomplishes this.

I would suggest reading "the two babylons" by alexander hyslop, he talks a lot about where all these false religions have sprung from and their common thread.

As far as scripture saying that Jesus is God;
1 Timothy 3:16 (King James Version)


16And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.


John 1 (KJV)


1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.


Their are many more, that's just a couple.


I am sure their will be a few on here to come and bash my post and the info I give, satan is always out there, and he's wanting you to fall just like he's wanting me too. Hope this helps.

[cparobbins]

The reason He doesn't make you worship Him is because He desires a LOVING relationship. Have you ever entered forcefully into a loving relationship? Or it is something that builds over time because you choose to have a relationship in the first place with someone?

Soundcard, I already understand this... that was not my question. I already love GOD, that's not my problem... Moreover, my question was WHY doesn't he simply tell us what he wants, or what the truth is? You can't use the 'free will' thing here, because he certainly told Adam & Eve what he wanted, yet also gave them free will. Why is it not clear to us (from God himself) about these things? (PS: But thank you very much for trying to help here)

People go astray because they'd rather choose the lies the devil has spread throughout the Earth over God's truth, because they aren't forced to repent in a good deal of other ones. Most are for those who seek self-righteousness, who want esteem of some sort, when in Christianity it's the polar opposite. We bring ourselves down and humble ourselves before the Cross, or I should say, God humbles us when we come before the Cross in repentance. People go to their doom because it is what they chose. They denied the Lord, and since He won't force someone to love Him, they choose their fate.

Soundcard, thank you again for trying to help. Here's the thing... I feel like I HAVE GONE/AM GOING astray. I certainly would not 'rather choose the devil's lies'. I also am not 'seeking self-rightousness, etc' - but instead, I'm seeking God's truth.... but fumbling around miserably unfortunately. It seems like your comments are all true, don't get me wrong, but its not answering my questions, see? I'm very humble by the gift of Christ from God (that I never deserved) - BUT it still doesn't explain why we Christians pray to Jesus and believe he was God in the flesh. I just can't find that anywhere in the bible. If he wasn't God in the flesh, and was simply a beautiful gift of mercy from our God, then why do we pray and worship Jesus. Hopefully that makes my confusion more clear.....?

Kelly

[cparobbins]

I will save you the trouble of wondering if anyone can completely answer all of your questions, the answer is no. As far as the authority of scripture and why we should trust the bible, the bible was written over the course of many centuries, yet without contradiction. Its prophecies are right one, with God calling king Cyrus by name I believe 40 years before he was born. You will find no other religious writing that accomplishes this.

I was afraid of this answer:idea:. I still can't shake the saying 'Seek and ye shall find'. I think God gave us intelligence as well as spirit and searching for these answers must be okay. Its good to remember that the bible's prophecies are the only text that has withstood the passage of time so well. Still, there must be more out there than just 'trust the bible' right? It still leaves me wondering why God wouldn't just be more clear, but your thoughts here have helped some.

I would suggest reading "the two babylons" by alexander hyslop, he talks a lot about where all these false religions have sprung from and their common thread.

I will look into this. Thank you.

As far as scripture saying that Jesus is God;
1 Timothy 3:16 (King James Version)


16And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Okay, hold on. That is TIMOTHY saying that.... and its been well shown that this text was written quite a while after Christ's death (but not to debate that point because its irrelevant to my question). Why didn't CHRIST tell us he was God in the flesh? This text of Timothy's is at best, what Timothy believed. But Timothy NEVER said that Christ said this, or that he admitted this (that he was God in the flesh). See.... THIS is a HUGE problem and is truly the CRUX of my faith-crisis right now...


John 1 (KJV)

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Again, this doesn't that Christ was God in the flesh. It only states the power of God's word. To take anything else from it is only someone's INTERPRETATION of what it meant. I mean again, why wouldn't God say in the Old Testament, "One day, I will send a savior to atone for your sins in the flesh of a man called Jesus Christ". He gave us hints of course, but even the Jewish people didn't recognize him. WHY ALL THE MYSTERY???

For that matter, why couldn't God just look in our hearts himself and forgive us??? Do you see my trouble... my dilemma??? Uggh... why is this happening to me now?

Kelly

[tanzel]

:confused: Uggh. I'm so confused these days. I used to really have it 'all-together'. I have always believed in God, but made a personal decision to accept Christ when I was 30 (I'm now 39), so I have always vehemently claimed to be 'born-again'... because I really was. Everything changed in my life when I made that 'decision' - my beliefs, my morals, my ethics... everything. I have NEVER doubted my faith. Until lately.

There are so many religions, faiths, doctrines, etc., I can't help but to wonder why God would allow so many to 'go astray'. Which in turn makes me wonder, 'maybe it is ME who has gone astray!'

If God is omipotent, omipresent, omniscient, etc., etc., WHY OH WHY can't he just tell me personally what to believe??? For those of you who say, 'He tells me in the bible" I can only wonder 'well... what about all the religions and acient texts that preceded the bible?' Why and how could my God allow so many of us to walk down the wrong path - especially when so many are so earnestly seeking the 'truth'. Uggh... and finally my biggest question that has reared its ugly head is this:

Even though I have accepted Christ's crucifixion as atonement for my sins (as God's gift of mercy to me, only) - I suddenly can't figure out why every Christian church I know believes that Christ was God in the flesh (i.e, therefore it's okay to pray to Christ, rather than God the father). Where in the bible does it really say that? If Christ was God in the flesh, why didn't he just say or admit that CLEARLY!?? If not, then it seems we're all going to be in hot water (forgive the pun) when we face God. How many times in the Old Testament did God tell us to NOT pray to other gods or idols? Why would God make Christ's divinity so unclear?

I hope that I don't get banned for asking these fundamental questions. But, I feel strongly that I need help, direction. I am at a point that I feel like my faith is trying to vanish before my eyes and it scares me to death. Any insight one could share might help.... Thanks.

Kelly

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 with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (Revelation 3: 20-21)

Note what the verse states, "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne." The Lord said, "Sit in His Throne" not the Father's correct? So, what we need to do is, find out were the Lord's throne will be. Let's go into the book of Luke, the first chapter, so we can find out were His throne will be.

The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore. For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. (Psalms 132: 11-14)

Note what's being stated above, "If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore. This should sound familiar to us now. Remember in revelation the third chapter where it states, "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne." Over come what? Sin! And what is sin? Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (I John 3:4).

The above set of scripture also states, "The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David, of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. This should bring to mind Luke the first chapter, were it states, "the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David." And where is David's throne? In Jerusalem, on the earth. Note the last part of the above set of scriptures where it states,"the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it."

See, before we can get to the Father Kingdom, we have to go threw Jesus
kingdom, and Jesus said to us, If ye love me, keep my commandments. 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (john 14:15,16), so if don't keep the commandments, then you
don't get the comforter.

Let go little further, let look at an example of the commandments, out of jesus
mouth... And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19:19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Now, see, man keeps the Lord commandments, cause if you steal, or kill, etc, you go to jail, right, and it doesn't feel
good when somebody lie on you or people sleeping around
on each other, so don't let them fool you. Man take from
God and turn things around, all over the Bible people, kept
the sabbath Day, even Jesus, soon Jesus died, the sabbath
Day changes. People continue to say his name in vain, they
hurt they foot, or something go wrong, they say his name,
Jesus said, Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (Exodus 20:7)

Man tell you that the Lords laws are nail to the cross, so
they can do what they want, but then they turn around
and take what they want from him (Jesus) out of the commandments. Why even go to church if the Law or ten
commandments or gone, don't the Law states....

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
20:9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
20:11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. (Exodus 20:8-11)

So, man changes to the first day of the week (Sunday)
people are actually serving another God...Thou shalt have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3) the apostles kept
the sabbath, Paul, Peter, etc. What get me is that we
can count from one to seven, and Jesus sanctified, this day before, man was created. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. (Genesis 2:2,3)

Lets look at something we read in John 14:15, And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. (Exodus 20:6)
(If ye love me, keep my commandments john 14:15)

People don't realize, that Jesus was quoting Moses.

For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? (John 5:46,47)

I can go on and on, but take the time and read the Bible
for yourself, Genesis threw Revelation.

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.(Isaiah 8:20)... this is how you know, if someone bringing forth the truth, also, Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: (Isaiah 28:9,10)

peace in Jesus name

[7angel]

Crisis of faith? Why?
Because in truth we have no faith "
Have faith, is to put in practice the teachings of God, it is very difficult. but if we do not, we were stranded, we're not going anywhere.

But, how to implement God's word if you do not understand or have the wrong idea?

Preach the Gospel, is only the beginning, those who hear the word of God, then they have to be disciples of Jesus, to learn directly from Jesus, the majority seems impossible,
If so, there is no faith.

The bible is a book, a book is written to be read.

Understand what is written in the Bible is God's thing and depends on our intentions

Really, are we willing to put his words into practice?