I'm a goat!

[Seeker Of Jesus]

For a while now I have been feeling uneasy, I have noticed an increase of sin in my life and was feeling like I was drowning in my sins and I have been feeling fear and worry come over me because of my sins, A few days ago I read 2 Corinthians 13:5 and so I have been doing exactly that (examining myself) and I have to say that I have failed the test. 3 years I have been with The Lord.....or so I thought but I was wrong. Truth is not much change if any has occurred in me since I first started in this journey. I don't even know what to write right now since I feel completely numb and desensitized right now. For three years I thought I was saved and yet my actions, my lifestyle proved the opposite. I have been very much like the world and I actually thought that I was ok. "By there fruits you will know them" the word says and according to my deep self examination my fruits that I have produced in these 3 years show who I truly am and it's crazy because again I thought I was ok but the word is clear that when one is truly born again He/She is a NEW CREATURE, the old has passed away but that wasn't the case with me because amongst other things, I still very much practice sin and am a slave to it. There is much more that I want to express but right now I don't feel like doing it. One thing I am sure of though is that one doesn't come to such a realization if not by the grace of God, It's impossible. I have no one around where I live to turn to to ask for advice because I don't know who to trust, I desire for there to be repentance in my heart but I can't find it. I know I should cry out to The Lord but it feels like a waste of time at this point and I feel hopeless. My prayers seem very empty and it feels like I am and have been praying to the walls. And so I seek counsel from true mature Christians, and advice as to what I can do. The signs are every where and I know that the coming of The Lord is near now more then ever. There will come a time where when Christ Judges He will separate the sheeps from the goats, the true Christians from the false Christians and I don't want to be among the goats but among the sheep.

 

[Rev T.S.Perkins]

for we as sheep have all gone astray> i been serving God now for 25 yrs and still face my daily battles to overcome in Jesus name.youre not alone and not the only one to face it ....i was saved in 1988 preaching by 1990 .liscensed by 1996 then in august of 96 went through divorce and what should have drove me in to Christs arms i let drive me back into the bars fo 2 yrs ! Lord what WAS I THINKING!! but now im clean and restored again to Gods Glory not by any thing ive done other than wakeup and serve .! so now ill say that all you face in this journey is set by the hand of God alone to remove not you from Egypt but remove Egypt form you !! he has you on the polisher and its never easy but the rewards far out way the cost and pain ..hang in there My God is faithful to complete the Good work he has begun in you ..For He had plans for you from before youre mothers womb and they were plans for good not evil..feel free to contact me any time and may the Lord lift you and led you ,,be still and Know youre GOD IS tHE GREAT I AM...!....Rev

 

[Fragrant Grace]

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us
Titus 3:15

Greetings @Seeker Of Jesus

You may think you are a goat, but I believe you are a sheep....a lamb who has lost the way
A lamb who the Lord longs to restore to Himself

That sneaky accuser the devil may try to whisper doubts into your heart to make you feel unworthy...but he is a liar

Instead look to the Lord and to His word there is no doubting or failure there

The Lord knows your heart brother and He will hear your cries to Him even if you feel they are futile
Commit everything to Him and ask Him to take control....to lead and guide you in His paths
He will

He hath said I will never leave thee
Hebrews 13:5

Sin shall not have dominion over you
Romans 6:14

A short video of encouragement full of the Lord's wonderful promises in difficult times

http://youtu.be/wrXokoe7FO0

 

[RJ]

For a while now I have been feeling uneasy, I have noticed an increase of sin in my life and was feeling like I was drowning in my sins and I have been feeling fear and worry come over me because of my sins, A few days ago I read 2 Corinthians 13:5 and so I have been doing exactly that (examining myself) and I have to say that I have failed the test. 3 years I have been with The Lord.....or so I thought but I was wrong. Truth is not much change if any has occurred in me since I first started in this journey. I don't even know what to write right now since I feel completely numb and desensitized right now. For three years I thought I was saved and yet my actions, my lifestyle proved the opposite. I have been very much like the world and I actually thought that I was ok. "By there fruits you will know them" the word says and according to my deep self examination my fruits that I have produced in these 3 years show who I truly am and it's crazy because again I thought I was ok but the word is clear that when one is truly born again He/She is a NEW CREATURE, the old has passed away but that wasn't the case with me because amongst other things,I still very much practice sin and am a slave to it. There is much more that I want to express but right now I don't feel like doing it. One thing I am sure of though is that one doesn't come to such a realization if not by the grace of God, It's impossible. I have no one around where I live to turn to to ask for advice because I don't know who to trust, I desire for there to be repentance in my heart but I can't find it. I know I should cry out to The Lord but it feels like a waste of time at this point and I feel hopeless. My prayers seem very empty and it feels like I am and have been praying to the walls. And so I seek counsel from true mature Christians, and advice as to what I can do. The signs are every where and I know that the coming of The Lord is near now more then ever. There will come a time where when Christ Judges He will separate the sheeps from the goats, the true Christians from the false Christians and I don't want to be among the goats but among the sheep.

I would like to reply, others may have another opinion but this is what I beleive. I would like to encourage you to see this as the kind of truth, that Jesus said would "set you free".:

• For a while now I have been feeling uneasy, I have noticed an increase of sin in my life and was feeling like I was drowning in my sins and I have been feeling fear and worry come over me because of my sins, Hebrews 10:26 ( the point here is do you want to sin, do you deliberately sin with no regard to the outcome. I would say that your confession states that No, you do not sin on purpose. God knows we are not perfect, that is why he gave us the perfect sacrifice in Jesus Christ). Romans 7:14-20 , Romans 7:24 and Romans 8:1 ( It appears like many of us, you are just like Paul, you don't do what you want to do and you hate it! Paul feels like a wretched man and questions who will save him? Then in Ro 8:1, he comes back to the truth...we are still sinful, not diliberately, because ther is no condemnation if you are indeed in Christ and he in you!
• I still very much practice sin and am a slave to it. Do you "practice" sin wantonly. Again, it doesn't appear to me, you find yourself a slave to it much like Paul.
• I desire for there to be repentance in my heart but I can't find it. Don't we all! It is a hard thing to be saved and hate the sin in you. In fact, I would say your struggle and remorse is indeed a fruit that you are bearing.....the Holy Spirit is in you and convicting you...this is a good thing!
• The closer you get to Jesus, the more the devil will attack and he loves more than anything else, to push you towards the feelings of unworthyness and lack of salvation.
• I would definetly say that you are not a goat. Find you a good church and work with a Pastor. Take the scriptures that I have given you and study them closely, get a good Bible and cross reference other supporting verses.
• Keep reading your Bible, seek a good church, learning the truth. Find the scriptures that states your faith comes from God as a gift and your faith grows by the hearing, listening and reading the word of God.

 

[PrayerWarr1or]

One thing I am sure of though is that one doesn't come to such a realization if not by the grace of God, It's impossible

I will agree with you completely on that. Let's think about what that means exactly. God has given you the realization that you need to make some changes in your life if you are to follow Jesus. Indeed, I believe any Christian must turn away from sin as much as we can. If you were sinning and all the while aware of your sin over the last three years then I would have to say that you might be pretty bad off at the moment.

Do you "practice" sin wantonly. Again, it doesn't appear to me, you find yourself a slave to it much like Paul

I agree with B.A.C. that indeed it appears that you have not been knowingly sinning, and God has made you aware of it at this stage in your life for a divine reason according to His purpose He has specifically for you.

But remember the amazing and undeserved thing about grace is that it covers all our sins no matter what you've done, or how much you have deviated from what He wills for you.

for we as sheep have all gone astray

Boy oh boy is this so, oh so true. You're in good company my friend. Us 'true and mature Christians' indeed are not immaculate either, we do struggle with sin daily, and we fall hard on the pavement often as well. Its what I call the 'get back up and dust yourself off' routine. And by all accounts, we cannot get back up on our own; its Jesus our forgiving Lord who helps us up. We just need to learn to ask him humbly and knowing that He died for our sins knowing that we are going to screw up often. Its what separates us from God; but God loved us so dearly that He sent his only son to die for us in spite of that to bring us a way to him.

I know I should cry out to The Lord but it feels like a waste of time at this point and I feel hopeless

I whole-heartedly believe the enemy has deceived you in telling you its a waste of time. Theres good news....God has already heard your innermost cries. The numbness you said you feel, I went through that for several years. Indeed, you feel that no matter what that feeling will never go away. My timeline as a Christian is similar to yours actually, I had only been a Christian for about three years when the numbness got overwhelming. But please take my word for it that it will not always be that way, and you will probably realize soon once God takes that feeling away that He was really been with you all along, He never once left your side. I see that looking back clearly now.

Keep reaching out at any cost, fight that feeling with all your heart. Keep reaching out to the Lord and try to understand that he is listening to your heart even when you think He cant hear you. He wants to comfort you more than anything and get you on His path that He wills for you. And one lesson I also learned is how important fellowship is. This site is an amazing form of fellowship but I love church as well becuase its simply where I get to go to worship God, and ask for prayer if I need it. If you are in the physical presence of Christians who also struggle with sin daily you will realize soon that indeed, we are all burdened with the temptations of sin. No one draws near to God without Jesus carrying you there. The test that you said you failed is not a test that any of us can pass.

 

[Brighthouse]

Brother Jonathan, Becauase you are from New York and know the streets as I do all to well,and I figure you are a bottom line kind of man, meaning do not tell me a story, talk to me as a man, indeed i shall good brother! Job 3:25 says For what I fear comes upon me,and what I dread befalls me.And this good brother has not only been your problem for many years but for the most part all of our problems! Upon our salvation and receiving our Jesus,we even feel a great weight removed from us,I sure did! But then what?

For all our lives, our nature has been to survive on the streets we grew up in,our friends, or so we like to call them,are not really friends but rather objects the enemy uses against our own will. And the pit Jesus brought us out of( psalm 40:1-3) we find ourself back in!!?? We have been to use to making or taking shortcuts in our life bro,we want things right now,we do not wish to have to endure because for far to long that is what we have been doing on our own in the streets! We somehow without reading his Word daily or praying much for Jesus to just take over our lives, and fix all that was wrong with us.

And now good brother you have found out something I did! No one told you about counting the cost to become God's servant!! And the real question you now face is,just how bad and important is my Jesus to me? Upon salvation the feeling and emotion of receiving Jesus were grand,but way back in your mind the fear of going back to the only life you have ever know weighted so heavy upon you.And now that which you have always feared has taken shape upon both your life,and others you meet. Now the escape!

First brother we have to want to escape! Sometimes being in the dark,is comforting to the flesh because no one really knows you, we hid better in the dark,we can make our escape more easy because no light is upon our very life.I cannot answer for you brother,this you must do all by yourself,for yourself. But I can tell you the great rewards!! I was born in Detroit,so you know I know what I am talking about! I was with gangs,I pushed drugs, and took them,I had no mind about or for others at all! When Jesus came into my life in 1984 I was as you,fearful of the state I would probably remain in.

But brother I really wanted Jesus to abide with me daily!!I mean I really had to have him!! Like you, for about 3 years I did the same as I did,but as we find out, there is no peace in sin! Holy Spirit began to speak unto me deep inside, that first my mindset much become changed.( col 3:2) If my eyes stay upon his Word,the mirror to our very Spirit, God would comfort me,and teach me.( 1 John 2:27) He is as good as his Word brother!He did just that! For by his word is our escape!!( 1 cor 10:13) I had to leave some so called friends i hung with,not because I am better then they are!

But because being with them,I followed them! I needed to follow someone who would never lead me back to the pit he got me out of in the first place bro! So now the new foundation I had to learn, that I always feared would never happen was God love me period! Start here brother!!( eph 3:14-19!!) lesson number 1! For without this foundation none of us could ever even hope to stand,because fear is not of the Lord!( Luke 1:74!!) He delivered us from our enemy's so we might serve God without the same fear we served the world in! ( 2 tim 1:7) For what brother?? Perfect love casts out ALL FEAR!!( 1 John 4:17-19!!)

How could I ever know this brother without Holy Spirit himself teaching me this??LOL I could not! Am I better then you??LOL( acts 10:34) No I just wanted Jesus right now more then you,you already understand something brother!! You will be cast away from those you called friends because of this!! Fear is a terrible spirit! One of the worst spirits ever created by the devil himself,because fear causes doubt,and doubt gives the devil power over us!( eph 4:27) Notice the scripture? That is because I do not expect you to believe me brother,believe what keeps fear away!! God's own Word!

So we have to change our mindset,thereby changing the words we use. Our own words do not make it,Even Jesus himself being tempted by the devil himself spoke his Word!!( matt 4:1-11) 3 times Jesus spoke the Word to him!! The Lord must really wish to do something with you brother,I do not usually type so much!! LOL Find a good loving Church bro,we cannot do this alone!! Even though we have been used to this bro! We just cannot, we need brothers and sisters from Jesus to help guide his Words in our life,so that like Jesus, our words and actions become eternal,both for us,and others we look to aid through our Jesus.( 2 cor 4:16-18)

I am 60 now brother,the road has been so very narrow and yes painful at times,but with our Jesus both in me and around me,I have no more fear of man,or things around me! I am as rom 8:6 says For the MIND set on the flesh IS DEATH,we know that for sure brother!! BUT!!!the mind set on the SPIRIT IS LIFE!!! AND!!! PEACE!!! I am waiting for you brother,I will not leave you behind!! For I am not alone in my waiting good brother,Jesus also waits for you to!! ( Luke 15:11-32!!) verse 32 But WE had to celebrate and rejoice,for the brother of yours was dead and has begun to live,and was lost and has been found! Brother found means never becoming lost ever again!! God bless you brother, we are waiting,as many also waited for me!! ( psalm 27:13!!!) Your brother in Christ mark Jesus forgives!! and LOVES!!! At ALL times!! rom 4:8!!!) believe this, receive this,thereby live this!! So others can see Jesus light, and be drawn to him, just as us! ( matt 5:13-16!!) Blessing bro

 

[farout]

For a while now I have been feeling uneasy, I have noticed an increase of sin in my life and was feeling like I was drowning in my sins and I have been feeling fear and worry come over me because of my sins, A few days ago I read 2 Corinthians 13:5 and so I have been doing exactly that (examining myself) and I have to say that I have failed the test. 3 years I have been with The Lord.....or so I thought but I was wrong. Truth is not much change if any has occurred in me since I first started in this journey. I don't even know what to write right now since I feel completely numb and desensitized right now. For three years I thought I was saved and yet my actions, my lifestyle proved the opposite. I have been very much like the world and I actually thought that I was ok. "By there fruits you will know them" the word says and according to my deep self examination my fruits that I have produced in these 3 years show who I truly am and it's crazy because again I thought I was ok but the word is clear that when one is truly born again He/She is a NEW CREATURE, the old has passed away but that wasn't the case with me because amongst other things, I still very much practice sin and am a slave to it. There is much more that I want to express but right now I don't feel like doing it. One thing I am sure of though is that one doesn't come to such a realization if not by the grace of God, It's impossible. I have no one around where I live to turn to to ask for advice because I don't know who to trust, I desire for there to be repentance in my heart but I can't find it. I know I should cry out to The Lord but it feels like a waste of time at this point and I feel hopeless. My prayers seem very empty and it feels like I am and have been praying to the walls. And so I seek counsel from true mature Christians, and advice as to what I can do. The signs are every where and I know that the coming of The Lord is near now more then ever. There will come a time where when Christ Judges He will separate the sheeps from the goats, the true Christians from the false Christians and I don't want to be among the goats but among the sheep.

I read your post carefully. One question comes to my mind. Have you repented of your sins, and surrendered your self to Jesus Christ? If I understand you, you have not become a follower of Jesus Christ. I read you are still lost, any effort you made was by and for your self. What do you think you want to do now? Are there sins so addicting you can't let go of? I would be willing to dialogue with you if you want. encourage you to move while the Holy Spirit is drawing your attention to these issues. Peace.

 

[Brad Huber]

Have you received the Holy Spirit? Also in scripture, Phillip met a man, who was a believer in God, and after being more enlightened by Phillip, he was baptized with water, and was more complete in his faith. Have you been baptized with water?

 

[AbbysAunt]

Hello Seeker of Jesus,

I like you I got saved but then found myself doing things I knew were not only wrong, but also they weren't who I was at all.
It drug me down deeper than I could ever imagine and I felt like I was dying in all the ways a person could die. Phycially, mentally,
emotionally and spiritually. It was the darkest time in my life and it was at this point and yes it after having taken Jesus as my
Lord and Savior that this all happened my mom came to me and sat with me and said these few words which at the time were
like taking a frying pan and hitting me over the head with realization. She said " You have this life you are living now or you have
God now which will you choose" My life at that time was empty and I too was a slave to sin, but at that one moment after my
mom got done talking to me I broke down in tears and begged God to help me because I just couldn't bear it a lone anymore.
Almost immediately I felt God's peace settle in and around me and the assurance that He was going to break the bonds of the
sin that held me captive. For the first time in many months I had actually slept a whole night through.

Now, it wasn't just enough to ask God for His help, but to also make changes in my life as well. Part of those changes was
walking away people who were hindering my walk with Jesus, taking care of myself physically, renewing my mind each day
in the word of God, I also in my case had to realize that I was trying to do the job of my Lord and Savior by solving everyone's
problems. Fact was it exhausting and wasn't helping me any, so slowly I learned to give people and their problems over to
God and let Him do His job. Was it easy? Nope it wasn't, but Jesus helped me through each step of the way and during this
time I also rededicated myself to Him and the walk I have with Him. Anything worth having is worth fighting for and in this
case you aren't fighting alone because Jesus is there fighting for you and with you my friend and brother. Give it all to Him
all the feelings you mentioned here, the thoughts and whatever else you are dealing with. We here at Talk Jesus are backing
you in prayer and lifting you up to our Father in heaven.

Matt.11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn
from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light.

What you are feeling and dealing with my brother and friend Jesus will give your soul rest and set you free from the bondage that enslaves you.
I encourage you to rest in our Lord and to keep on renewing your mind in His word. He will bring you forth from this and set you free and renew
you as you cannot imagine. You will soar as on wings of eagles with our Lord Jesus.

God bless you
AA

 

[eddieb]

For a while now I have been feeling uneasy, I have noticed an increase of sin in my life and was feeling like I was drowning in my sins and I have been feeling fear and worry come over me because of my sins, A few days ago I read 2 Corinthians 13:5 and so I have been doing exactly that (examining myself) and I have to say that I have failed the test. 3 years I have been with The Lord.....or so I thought but I was wrong. Truth is not much change if any has occurred in me since I first started in this journey. I don't even know what to write right now since I feel completely numb and desensitized right now. For three years I thought I was saved and yet my actions, my lifestyle proved the opposite. I have been very much like the world and I actually thought that I was ok. "By there fruits you will know them" the word says and according to my deep self examination my fruits that I have produced in these 3 years show who I truly am and it's crazy because again I thought I was ok but the word is clear that when one is truly born again He/She is a NEW CREATURE, the old has passed away but that wasn't the case with me because amongst other things, I still very much practice sin and am a slave to it. There is much more that I want to express but right now I don't feel like doing it. One thing I am sure of though is that one doesn't come to such a realization if not by the grace of God, It's impossible. I have no one around where I live to turn to to ask for advice because I don't know who to trust, I desire for there to be repentance in my heart but I can't find it. I know I should cry out to The Lord but it feels like a waste of time at this point and I feel hopeless. My prayers seem very empty and it feels like I am and have been praying to the walls. And so I seek counsel from true mature Christians, and advice as to what I can do. The signs are every where and I know that the coming of The Lord is near now more then ever. There will come a time where when Christ Judges He will separate the sheeps from the goats, the true Christians from the false Christians and I don't want to be among the goats but among the sheep.

Do you know the diffrence between a sheep and a pig(yes i know you said a goat just follow with me here) A sheep will get dirty however a sheep will not stay dirty long before it trys to get clean. A pig however loves wallowing in its own mire and filth. Here it is clear by your words you do not enjoy being "dirty". so quit wallowing. be proactive about it man. The bible says we all fall short of the glory of God. none of us are perfect. Lets take a look at Gods word:
Hosea 6:1-3
Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.

You can see here it wasnt instant for God to "revive" them. and correct me if I am wrong but didnt king David fast for seven days when he had fallen into sin? The point here is dont base what you think is happening on circumstance. Stand on Gods word and follow Him. believe what He said and obey. What I hear in your words is a desire to change. where do you think that desire came from since there is no good in the flesh? it came from psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. This is actually very common at this point, lots of christians are re-examining what they believe and their lifestyle. my advise is to seek God more. pray as much as you can.... the bible says pray without ceasing. also sing songs in your heart to God. THE ONLY POWER I CAN FIND IN SCRIPTURE TO OVERCOME SIN IS TO WALK IN THE SPIRIT... galatians 5:5
5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
galatians 5:16-25
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

do not for one moment think God will not or wont help you if you seek him and obey him... its Gods desire that not one should perish.

 

[farout]

Do you know the diffrence between a sheep and a pig(yes i know you said a goat just follow with me here) A sheep will get dirty however a sheep will not stay dirty long before it trys to get clean. A pig however loves wallowing in its own mire and filth. Here it is clear by your words you do not enjoy being "dirty". so quit wallowing. be proactive about it man. The bible says we all fall short of the glory of God. none of us are perfect. Lets take a look at Gods word:
Hosea 6:1-3
Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.

You can see here it wasnt instant for God to "revive" them. and correct me if I am wrong but didnt king David fast for seven days when he had fallen into sin? The point here is dont base what you think is happening on circumstance. Stand on Gods word and follow Him. believe what He said and obey. What I hear in your words is a desire to change. where do you think that desire came from since there is no good in the flesh? it came from psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. This is actually very common at this point, lots of christians are re-examining what they believe and their lifestyle. my advise is to seek God more. pray as much as you can.... the bible says pray without ceasing. also sing songs in your heart to God. THE ONLY POWER I CAN FIND IN SCRIPTURE TO OVERCOME SIN IS TO WALK IN THE SPIRIT... galatians 5:5
5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
galatians 5:16-25
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

do not for one moment think God will not or wont help you if you seek him and obey him... its Gods desire that not one should perish.

Good points. But if there is no repentance is a person saved at al?

 

[eddieb]

Good points. But if there is no repentance is a person saved at al?

To speculate on the heart of another is not my place. However, the words of the person my post was to clearly show a desire to get sin out of his life which IS repentance. This is evidence of God working in his heart and we can base this on scripture which says there is nothing good of the flesh. The flesh isnt going to desire to not indulge thus, it is the work of The Spirit. There are two possibilities 1) walking in the spirit or 2) works of the flesh. No one is perfect nor is anyone invincible to falling into temptation.

 

[farout]

To speculate on the heart of another is not my place. However, the words of the person my post was to clearly show a desire to get sin out of his life which IS repentance. This is evidence of God working in his heart and we can base this on scripture which says there is nothing good of the flesh. The flesh isnt going to desire to not indulge thus, it is the work of The Spirit. There are two possibilities 1) walking in the spirit or 2) works of the flesh. No one is perfect nor is anyone invincible to falling into temptation.

Please not just your opinion, scripture is all that matters.

 

[Seeker Of Jesus]

Thanks to everyone for your reply's, for trying to comfort and help me, i appreciate it. Now to reply to some of your posts. I was asked if i want to sin and the answer to that is no, have i sinned deliberately..yes i have, though not all of my sins are deliberate but alot of them have been, many times i know that what i'm about to do or say is a sin and i'll do it anyways, which is not good. But i do desire to not sin anymore but i just can't seem to break free, not too many days ago (maybe a week or 2) i felt weighed so down by my sins that i literally felt as if my heart was heavy. Though i'm feeling the way i'm feeling i try to not let myself feel like the victim for i know VERY well that i am not, that it is my sins and i that has put me in this predicament, that i am 100% at blame and not God. One of my greatest fears is if i was to die now or if Christ was to come now that He will deny me and claim not to know me and rightly and justly throw me in hell.

In many churches here in the US, and in the secular world it is popularly believed that as long as you repeated or said some prayer one time that you are sealed and saved and that you can live as much as a devil as you can possibly live but because you said that prayer or because you just believe in your mind that Christ was/is the son of God and how He died for us and 3 days later rose etc that you're good, as James 2:19 says the demons believe that and they tremble. Salvation is of faith and grace alone! but true faith/belief is accompanied by good works, not because of the individual but because of the Holy Spirit that has indwelt that believer. Salvation is not a product of works, works is a product of salvation. It is impossible for a person to claim to have faith and yet there very lives show the complete opposite, and so i've looked at my life (examined) and have in my opinion failed the test. Not that i'm trying to find comfort in my works as if i can ever merrit my way to heaven (i know better than that) but it is because of the lack of so MANY fruits in my life that i question my very salvation.

For those that asked yes i am baptized.

I've prayed for Him to transform me and mold me, etc for soooo long and yet i seem to dig myself deeper and deeper in this hole i'm in, when it comes to pray for me that is basically all i pray for, i'll once in a blue pray for a job or physical health, it's all mostly about my spiritual health that i've prayed for. It is because of me not seeing those prayers answered that i sort of feel like it's a waste of time because He probably isn't even hearing me.

I was told that i should find a church to go to but the thing is that i already do and i have been for a year and a half but not untill recently i've realized that one of the doctrines that is preached in that church is the word of faith doctrine and i've suddenly noticed so many other doctrines that are preached that is not biblical, the church i attend is very much apart of the charismatic movement. I've given myself a year to decide weather i would leave or not which is not a easy choice as i love my brothers and sisters in there and i am very close with the pastor.

A part of me feels like i don't really know God and i would love to truly get to know Him and have a relationship with Him but i've recently started feeling He is far away. The only way it seems that we can get to know Him is by reading the bible but i sometimes wish i can know much deeper than just reading.

Even though it is dwindling, that small desire left in me to seek Him still resides (though it is small now) which im sure it's Him because apart from divine stimuli it is impossible to feel that but i just don't know what to do. I often hear about people suddenly feel this weight come off them and this peace take over and i covet that cause i would love to have that experience (though i know we are not to walk be experiences but by faith). You guys wrote alot of comforting things and i wish i can take comfort by some of the things that was written but i don't let myself because i don't want to deceive myself into thinking that all is good and will be ok when it probably wont be. How many people on that great and terrible day are gonna be so confident and think that they are only moments from hearing Jesus say "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world" but only to hear "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." or "depart from me you who work iniquity, i never knew you". I don't know what to do.

Again thanks to everyone that replied, i really appreciate it. sorry i didn't respond to everything but i get tired of wallowing and thinking of my situation and so i try to just forget about it and do other things. God bless you all.

 

[Fragrant Grace]

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You guys wrote alot of comforting things and i wish i can take comfort by some of the things that was written but i don't let myself because i don't want to deceive myself into thinking that all is good and will be ok when it probably wont be. How many people on that great and terrible day are gonna be so confident and think that they are only moments from hearing Jesus say "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world" but only to hear "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." or "depart from me you who work iniquity, i never knew you". I don't know what to do.

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Greetings @Seeker Of Jesus

You say you do not want to sin any more
You say you want your life to be right with the Lord
He knows your heart

Then why not take hold on some of the wonderful promises in the Bible and trust them (rather than fear some verses in the BIble that point to those who don't want their hearts to be right with the Lord, who choose to walk in their own self-righteous way)

All that the Father giveth me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out
John 6:37

Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them
Hebrews 7:25

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:19

Remember one of the key tools of the devil is to create fear and unbelief. Tell the devil to get lost
Give thanks for what the Lord has done for you, rejoice in His great love and His promises

 

[Seeker Of Jesus]

Greetings @Seeker Of Jesus

You say you do not want to sin any more
You say you want your life to be right with the Lord
He knows your heart

Then why not take hold on some of the wonderful promises in the Bible and trust them (rather than fear some verses in the BIble that point to those who don't want their hearts to be right with the Lord, who choose to walk in their own self-righteous way)

All that the Father giveth me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out
John 6:37

Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them
Hebrews 7:25

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:19

Remember one of the key tools of the devil is to create fear and unbelief. Tell the devil to get lost
Give thanks for what the Lord has done for you, rejoice in His great love and His promises

If this is all the enemy's doing then they've done a number on my mind. One of the reasons i've been so messed up mentally is because i keep putting all this weight on me that i must do something cause if i don't i'll go to hell or something and one's eyes should never be on self but on Christ, similar to peter's situation, the moment he took his eyes off of Christ he nearly drowned. I can't remain like this though so i'm going to take hold of those verses and wait on Him to finally heal and deliver my mind from what the enemy has done. Thanks Fragrant Grace and to all those that responded. God bless you all.

 

[faithfulservant]

Our righteousness must be found in Christ alone. We must be fully persuaded that it is He who has reconciled us with Father God by what He did on the cross. This is our foundation. This foundation is then built upon by more of Jesus' work, but this work is in us and through us.

It can be hard to recognize this work in us, especially if we are embattled by the enemy. Satan will always come at you with lies to make you feel inadequate and unworthy. What I've found is that growing in Christ can sometimes be like going to the gym. People toil for weeks and the changes happen so gradually that they don't even recognize the difference. Then, one day, they walk into someone who hasn't seen them in months and that person says, "Wow, you look great. You've been working out." It's surprising at first, because you think nothing has changed. Yet... You have.

Now if you're struggling with sin, go boldly to the throne of grace. We can have boldness because it is Jesus' righteousness that gets us there. No one is worthy to go to Father God's feet without Jesus' righteousness. And once you are there, confess your sin, renounce it and repent of it being fully persuaded Jesus' blood has washed you clean completely. Then, call upon Father God for the "enabling grace" He has available for you. Grace in the New Testament often means unmerited favor and mercy for one who is undeserving. That being said, it is also often used, especially by Paul, as an enabling power of grace. A work of power that is granted by God to His children in time of need. This power will help you rise out of the sin you're struggling with.

And don't beat yourself up. There is a difference between the conviction of the Holy Spirit and the condemnation of your heart. Ask God to teach you about it, so you will know when it's God or your condemning heart. Also, always remember, you are worth something to Jesus. He died for you! He saw you when He gazed down from that cross and knew it was worth it all. It's personal, in other words. You are of great value to Him because He loves His children.

I declare over you that you will make it through this, brother. And, you will come out stronger than before you went into it. You have a calling and you cannot deny it. Go for God, cast aside every weight and sin that hinders you and run with Jesus! His power is going to manifest mightily in you. In Jesus' name I say and pray this!

 

[RJ]

If this is all the enemy's doing then they've done a number on my mind. One of the reasons i've been so messed up mentally is because i keep putting all this weight on me that i must do something cause if i don't i'll go to hell or something and one's eyes should never be on self but on Christ, similar to peter's situation, the moment he took his eyes off of Christ he nearly drowned. I can't remain like this though so i'm going to take hold of those verses and wait on Him to finally heal and deliver my mind from what the enemy has done. Thanks Fragrant Grace and to all those that responded. God bless you all.

I have been mulling this over for a few days and I must admit that you seem to be in bondage to a unthruth.

• i keep putting all this weight on me that i must do something cause if i don't i'll go to hell Must do what? What makes you think you can do something to please God and gain his favor? That is a trap that Satan just loves...that you are not worthy and therefore must work at gaining repentance and salvation....nothing could be farther from the truth that Jesus said "would set you free".
• It is first grace then faith, belief, salvation and then works ( of the spirit) remember: John 15:5... Being a Christian, relax and allow the Holy Spirit to work through you. Ephesians 2:8 It is not works ( i must do something) first. God says no to your works to begin with and your salvation comes from his grace. He calls his grace a gift and if it is a gift it is free. Our works are: Isaiah 64:6 some say like filthy rags!
• You are in bondage to doubt and want to live in legalism.
• I appears to me that you believe in Jesus Christ, accept this as God's grace. Also, don't confuse your inner feelings of doing something with the Holy Spirit urging you to improve yourself Hebrews 12:6,10 ....to bare his fruit (works)...don't forget we are the branch!

 

[Seeker Of Jesus]

I have been mulling this over for a few days and I must admit that you seem to be in bondage to a unthruth.

• i keep putting all this weight on me that i must do something cause if i don't i'll go to hell Must do what? What makes you think you can do something to please God and gain his favor? That is a trap that Satan just loves...that you are not worthy and therefore must work at gaining repentance and salvation....nothing could be farther from the truth that Jesus said "would set you free".
• It is first grace then faith, belief, salvation and then works ( of the spirit) remember: John 15:5... Being a Christian, relax and allow the Holy Spirit to work through you. Ephesians 2:8 It is not works ( i must do something) first. God says no to your works to begin with and your salvation comes from his grace. He calls his grace a gift and if it is a gift it is free. Our works are: Isaiah 64:6 some say like filthy rags!
• You are in bondage to doubt and want to live in legalism.
• I appears to me that you believe in Jesus Christ, accept this as God's grace. Also, don't confuse your inner feelings of doing something with the Holy Spirit urging you to improve yourself Hebrews 12:6,10 ....to bare his fruit (works)...don't forget we are the branch!

I'm sure I am in bondage cause it sure feels like it. I've heard in the past that when it comes to a christian Satan and his demons primarily attack his/her mind and going through what I am going through, it seems like that's whats going on. I've been praying for freedom from this mental prison I'm in and so I'm currently waiting, hoping that He'll come and set me free. The thing is I've gotten to the point that I don't even know what is truth anymore, that's because One group of Christians say "so and so is the truth" and they have scripture to backup what they're saying and another group of Christians says "no, that other group and the doctrine they're teaching is wrong, this is the truth" and they'll provide scripture to prove and backup there point, then another group says "no, they're both in error, there heretics, this is the truth...." and of course they have some verse(s) in the Bible that seems to backup they're view. So my mind is full of so many different teachings, different doctrines (and some contradict each other) because I've listened to so many different preachers from different denominations that I don't know what to believe anymore. Cessationism, continuism, OSAS, eternal security, what repentance is and what it's not, pre trib rapture and post trib rapture, and sooooooooo many other things that I can't remember right now. I know for a fact that satan and his demons have contributed greatly to this to bring about confusión in those that want to seek the truth. Hundreds if not thousands of Christian denominations and many with there own doctrine where I'm sure many have twisted and misinterpreted scripture to fit there agenda and teaching. The confusión is insane, It's almost like Babylon all over again. So what does one in my situation do when he is so Confused?

Concerning what you said of us being the branches, I heard a sermon of that not too long ago on sermon audio, I forgot who was the preacher. Doesn't Jesus also say that those branches that does not bear fruit the Father will cut them off and throw them in the fire (Lake of fire)?

 

[RJ]

I'm sure I am in bondage cause it sure feels like it. I've heard in the past that when it comes to a christian Satan and his demons primarily attack his/her mind and going through what I am going through, it seems like that's whats going on. I've been praying for freedom from this mental prison I'm in and so I'm currently waiting, hoping that He'll come and set me free. The thing is I've gotten to the point that I don't even know what is truth anymore, that's because One group of Christians say "so and so is the truth" and they have scripture to backup what they're saying and another group of Christians says "no, that other group and the doctrine they're teaching is wrong, this is the truth" and they'll provide scripture to prove and backup there point, then another group says "no, they're both in error, there heretics, this is the truth...." and of course they have some verse(s) in the Bible that seems to backup they're view. So my mind is full of so many different teachings, different doctrines (and some contradict each other) because I've listened to so many different preachers from different denominations that I don't know what to believe anymore. Cessationism, continuism, OSAS, eternal security, what repentance is and what it's not, pre trib rapture and post trib rapture, and sooooooooo many other things that I can't remember right now. I know for a fact that satan and his demons have contributed greatly to this to bring about confusión in those that want to seek the truth. Hundreds if not thousands of Christian denominations and many with there own doctrine where I'm sure many have twisted and misinterpreted scripture to fit there agenda and teaching. The confusión is insane, It's almost like Babylon all over again. So what does one in my situation do when he is so Confused?

Concerning what you said of us being the branches, I heard a sermon of that not too long ago on sermon audio, I forgot who was the preacher. Doesn't Jesus also say that those branches that does not bear fruit the Father will cut them off and throw them in the fire (Lake of fire)?

First of all quit worrying about all those different doctrines and theologies, if you are a new christian or a want to be, T.J. can be confusing and create more doubt in you. What you need to do is accept the true doctrine that matters, the doctrine of salvation, everything else is secondary. First and foremost Seeker Of Jesus, are you saved?.

• Here what salvation really is. St. Paul talked about the gosple that he preached, the gospel that saves. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

1. that Christ died on the cross for all of your sins.
2. Christ died and was buried.
3. He arose ( his resurrection)from the dead and it is his ressurected life that lives in you and provides salvation.
4. Christ is the (our) final priest, unlike the priests of old whoes job was never finished year after year, Christ took care of your sin one time, for all and sat down at the right hand of the Father
5. When you think about it: It is pretty simple salvation. Only a perfect God could devise such a perfect plan to save an imperfect human. Just understand and trust the simplicity.

• How do you obtain this gift from God? Follow this : Romans 10:8-10
• Now, how do you get this faith that the above verse talks about: Here is how Ephesians 2:8 ...Guess what you don't do anything to get this faith, God gives it to you as a free gift. Romans 12:3.... Man what a perfect and, impossible to foul up, plan from our God. God thank you for Jesus Christ!
• Now that you have this gift of faith from God, what next? Allow it to grow: Romans 10:17..so, read your bible and go to a church. No church is perfect but God wants you to fellowship.
• Study the above scriptures and any supporting scriptures until they sink in. It may take a day, week or longer, I don't know just stay after it. When you are ready pray to God and thank him!
• Cheer up, you are making this way harder than it is supposed to be but you simply have to study more.
• The final thing you said: Concerning what you said of us being the branches, I heard a sermon of that not too long ago on sermon audio, I forgot who was the preacher. Doesn't Jesus also say that those branches that does not bear fruit the Father will cut them off and throw them in the fire (Lake of fire)?[/QUOTE] This is a prime example of not studying enought. You allow your fear to automatically get the negative out of this. God does not burn the saved person. This is no different than seperating the sheep from the goats, the wheat from the chaff. God often speaks in metaphors. The metaphor here is that all vines must be pruned for proper growth. All humans are God's branches and the non-believers will be cut off and burned.....not you!