Why am I a Christian

[the new justin]

I dont know where to begin, but I am having a spiritual crisis within my self and I cant come to an answer.
I am having many doubts about religion in general and its come to the point where I cant tell what is truth and what is not. I want to be a Christian with all my heart and to believe in Jesus and everything he has done for everyone but am having a hard time believing and relying on the word.

Why do I choose to be a Christian I ask myself and I think well, what if I was raised in a muslum country and was brought up to believe in the nation of Islam (for example). I wouldnt be a Christian and probably never would be, but I would most likely believe in the word of Islam with all of my heart and truly believe that all other religions were wrong and not the real truth. That would be all I would know and would walk proudly as a muslum.

That makes me ask myself why am I a Christian? Is it because I grew up in a prodomanantly Christian country and that its the most excesable religion to me? Or because my father was a born again Christian who taught me about Christianity being the truth? Is it my personal preference, what I would like to believe in? Just because something suits us, it doesnt mean that its all true. Maybe its just something I can relate to?

I ask these questions because I claim to be a Christian and would ask the same if I was any other religion, not to put down Christianity or to stir up contraversy. I cant help the way I feel but I wish I could, so I could move on to please God instead of letting this hold me back from my calling.

One thing I dont doubt is that there is a God and that are actions on earth will have an impact on our future (Eternity). I do however have doubt that, Yes, I could be in the wrong religion or that its message could have been lost in translation along the way, or that im not getting the whole story. How do we know that any religion is truly 100% genuine truth?

There are many religions out there thinking the same thoughts as Christians in truly believing their right, and it boggles my mind to think that I could have been one of them but im here. God put everyone where they are for a reason but I wonder why God would place someone in a nation where they are wrong, to thinking that their right, when their beliefs in God are false?

How do you know when you have heard the truth about God when there are so many claiming that they are the truth? We can relate to scripture all we want but it means nothing without beliefe of scripture, or unless we are being biest to what we like and our emotions. Truth has no feelings. Truth is truth , regardless of what we think or how we feel about it. We cant favor what we like if it is wrong.

Most unbelievers I talk to say they do not believe, because they dont want to give up what they like. They want to live for themselves. They dont like the Bible, they cant relate to the Bible so it is not truth to them. We Christians want to live for God and the Bible, so we like it and it is truth to us, just like other religions. As hard as it may be we want to live for God.

I have been praying about this but I still feel uneasy about where I need to place my faith and my doubts. I ask that he forgives me and convict my heart of anything I might do, say, or feel against our lord. Im sorry if anyone takes this the wrong way, but this is just my PERSONAL FEELINGS in where I stand as of now. I speak only on behalf of myself!

If anyone here has been through the same experience, or can inlightin me in any way I would love to hear your thoughts.

Peace and BLESS!

 

[CliffS]

Pray. . .
Tell the Father in prayer what you just told us in this forum. That's the begining and listen to Him. Read His answers in scripture and know in your heart that He is real and true.
Ask questions one at a time. and ask them from people you know and can trust.
Forums are no place to seek unity faith or truth.
Forums are words without people. All you get is responces from strangers whom you don't know a thing about and don't know you either.
Take time. If you have repented and been baptized you are safe. Seek to understand what God is telling you through scripture, people and experiences.
God will give you all you need if that is what you want.
Faith comes from God, sometimes you just got to ask him for it.
The fact that you fear being wrong shows your heart is in the right place.Trust in God and don't worry about the rest.

 

[sunshine307]

Hi Justin, I don't have many answers for you but I hope this will help encourage you. I would hope you are a Christian because the Holy Spirit has convicted you of your sin and because you now love the Lord. I can't answer all your questions, but I do know we believe in God by faith, blind faith. Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Our God is the only God who is a living God. Other faiths have their gods - but they are all dead. They worship a dead being. We worship the one and only living God. Christianity is all about our relationship with God, you can't have a relationship with a dead being.

God chose you out of this world John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you ..." Isn't it awesome that God chose us personally? He wants us, but of course it is down to whether we accept what He is giving us. As you rightly say, some unbelievers don't want to give up what they already have, but look at the future they are giving up. They are giving up a future in heaven and choosing to go to hell instead.

God knew you before you were born, so even if you had been born in a different country with a different system of beliefs He would still have chosen you where you were. Know He loves you Justin. God bless brother.

 

[Faithful Son]

Hey justin, well I thought something was up. I've been sensing through your posts and replies you are confused and need some direction.

So I am going to approach you like an unbeliever. You say you believe there is a God, but do you believe in my God, or your God?

Try to think of it this way. For you to be a Christian you are required to believe in one God, that God is Jesus Christ. You are not required to believe in the Father or the Holy Spirit, that belief comes naturally after you believe in Jesus.

I would recommend you stop thinking, stop completely. The words coming out of your mouth is questioning my Lord and Saviour Jesus, the only God there is.

You are thinking with an "open mind" and guess what, God is not open minded. Jiggyfly has a signature that says. Jesus is Lord and there's nothing you can do about it!

That is Jesus' mindset aswell. Jesus says. I am the way, the truth and the life. That means everything Jesus said is truth. Not lies. That includes the Word of God.

You know what? Start praying my friend, don't be open minded, don't think too much about useless things and the way it could've been. Ask Jesus to help you with your unbelief. He will.

Did you know the universe was created through God's words and by His Spirit? Every time you pray, when we pray collectively, we are accessing that spirit. Our words are that which creates our life. The words you have said above don't reflect that you are living. Tap into the Spirit of God. Pray and ask God to help you.

We are mere humans, not God. You seem angry about something, you know what: Jesus is the Lord and there's nothing you can do about it!

If you want to revoke your beliefs, feel free. Remember one thing though. God remembers everything. You could receive so much more riches one day if you persist and fight through this thing. Believe the Word of God. It is part of God.

God is not "open minded", He does not care about your feelings or personal issues in regards to the Holy Gospel. There is only one way. That way is Jesus.

Let me tell you another thing, I am angry at you, so please forgive me.

 

[Amen!]

Justin, you are a God-fearing person, otherwise you wouldn’t be concerned with these things. You fear you will ultimately be punished by the true God for allowing yourself to be manipulated into believing what your environment teaches you. Unfortunately, there are many who do exactly that. They believe and trust in man‘s truth without finding out for themselves if that truth is God‘s Truth. You are wise to listen to the direction God is taking you. Understand, the questions your heart is asking is not of yourself. They are God’s way of waking you, and shaking you, and testing you, and building you. It’s up to you to pass the test. Just remember, you’re not alone in this test. He is with you. Trust Him.

You ask, “but how do I know I’m trusting in the right God?….in the right Scriptures?”

I am able to speak with such confidence because I, too, have very recently struggled with these questions and thoughts. Less than a year ago, as a matter of fact. Let me tell you how I’ve progressed.

My biggest fear was of the possibility that I had allowed myself, out of love for and from those teaching me, to be misled by false teachings and into believing in the wrong God. I started my search for the Truth on the foundation that I solidly believed there was a One and Only, true God. I then looked to what I already knew in my heart; that God would not hide from those who believed and genuinely sought to know Him. If He did, He wouldn’t be the big “G” God, but a little “g” god. I knew that if the depths of my heart called out to Him, He would be the only one capable of answering with the Truth.

At first, I decided to depend on myself, my own intelligence to discern one religion from another, believing I would arrive at the truth through my own diligent efforts. Boy, was I wrong! The more I studied various religions, the more confused I became. I was running myself in circles. I became frustrated because I started to believe that my prayers were going unanswered. Wrong, again! Boy, oh boy, was I wrong.

The turning point, Justin, was when I prayed the following prayer:

"God, I don't know You yet. I only know of You. I want to know You more intimately; more personally. I need to know You. You promised that those who seek You, shall find You. I ask that You reveal Yourself to me. I want to be near You and You to be near me."​

I then opened my Bible and began reading it. Not just reading words, but reading Words!! His Word with His understanding.

I now know that the foundation I've begun building on was God Himself. I now know that what I thought was my own core knowledge, was God allowing me to tap into the knowledge of the Holy Spirit. I now know that knowledge of the Truth lies within all believers. I now know how to purposely tap into that knowledge. I now know the power of prayer. I now know that His timetable and His ways and His understanding is far superior to my own. I now know real love for Him and His real love for me.

The point, Justin, is that God is in control. He put those questions in my heart. He put that desire to know the Truth in my conscience. The God that I knew existed is the true God. He was, and is, the One calling to me to know Him and build a relationship with Him. He is the One who led me to seek Him. He is responsible for the progress I’ve made in my ongoing journey. He is the One who revealed the difference between seeking the right "religion" and seeking Him. He led me to His Word and gave me His understanding when I was ready for it and He continues His work in me even today.

It’s your turn.

If it’s God’s will for me to assist you further, and you’re willing to accept His love through me, I am His and your willing servant.

In Christ,
Amen!

 

[Amen!]

Teraside, I'm a bit concerned for the manner in which you addressed Justin. We are to contend for the faith. We are to accept the opportunities to disciple others when those opportunities are given to us. I am a living witness to the power Jesus has over human confusion and curiosity. Why condemn a seeker? Why turn him away from the door? Have you no faith in the victories possible? Let them question Jesus. He loves to tell them the Truth.

Please, don't allow your anger to overcome. Frankly, I'm quite confused as to why Justin's post would provoke you to such anger. I, personally, am given an awesome joy inside when I've been given this type of opportunity to spread the Truth.

In Christ's love,
Amen!

Please forgive me if I've overstepped any boundaries or forum rules by posting this.

 

[the new justin]

Cliffs, I have and will continue to keep praying about this. I thought this forum would be a good place to seek some answers to my questions even though I do not know any of you personally. I have listened to alot of sides of the story from alot of religions and alot of friends from different religions, and that is why I posted this here. I didnt just want to hear a one sided story. And maybe your right, I am trying to get all the answers at one time and maybe should slow down and let God lead. Thanks Cliffs BLESS!

Sunshine, you are right that God knew me before I was born and that he choose me personally and knew that I would be here writing this. If I am a Christian he choose me to be and thats all, I guess I cant argue with God about that. I think part of my problem is believeing in blind faith. I just want whats best for God and am scared that I might be wrong in representing him.
Thanks Sunshine BLESS!

Teraside, I did not mean to offend you with my concerns for myself, but I have to ask questions to get answers. I cant believe in something just because someone says its right. Is it wrong to be open minded, I dont think so! Have you never felt strongly about something that you did not understand? Do you just except what ever comes your way without doubt or question? I dont want to leave myself open to everything the world has to offer, so I must narrow them down. This is a huge decision in my life, Im not shopping for shoes here, this is very serious to me. I am not putting down anyone or any religion, just asking about them. I dont want to settle based on my emotions or what the majority thinks is right. Sorry for upsetting you.
Thanks Teraside BLESS!

Amen, You are right, I am a God fearing person in the way that I only want God to accept me and not rebuke him without even knowing that I am doing it. You understand where I am coming from and I appreciate your words of kindness. Seek God not religion, makes sence. He will lead me to where he needs me to be. I like that! God will not turn me away! Something so simple but so hard to concept in my brain. I am going to rely on God even more and ask him even more what he wants me to do. You have been a BIG help AMEN!
Thanks Amen BLESS!

 

[calluna]

Hi Justin, I read your profile and you said you accepted Christ as your savior in Nov '05. And you explain that you were going through some bad times in your testimony. So in faith you called out to Him? acknowledged you needed Him and repented of sins and chose to follow Him? If this is true then you were saved by Grace and you accepted His gift of eternal life.

I have a couple of questions, just to get a better idea of where you are coming from.
Are you saying you are not sure what to believe anymore? Do you think there is something better out there for you? Do you feel that you don't measure up? Are you struggling with a sin? (this can be relevant)

Here's my 2 cents worth. Jesus is the only one who says He is the son of God, no other religion has had the nerve to claim this (anyone correct me if I am wrong). Jesus is the only one who went through a hellish death for us, so we would not perish in hell and we could have eternal life. No other 'god' or religion has made such a sacrifice.

I will pray for you Justin, I will pray that the same faith that drove you to call on the Lord that time in '05. will spring up inside you again to pray to God and ask Him to reveal himself to you and you will know the truth once and for all and there will be no doubt in your mind.

God Bless You
Calluna

 

[CliffS]

I thought this forum would be a good place to seek some answers to my questions even though I do not know any of you personally.

What I'm saying is that coming into a forum like this causes more confussion rather than less. I'm not saying that forums don't have anything to offer but going through dozens of answers that may be good for someone else and not for you only adds to your confussion and delays your getting the answer.

K I S S Keep it Simple Saints.
With all people even those you know it is importand to discern the spirit of that person,their intecrity, and their beliefs before taking their advice to heart.
The best way to do that is as the Bereans did.
Take everything back to scripture and by the power of the Holy Spirit within you discern it to be true or false.

Wouldn't it be much simplier to just go to scripture in the first place?? Rely on the Holy Spirit to help you find the answers???

You are already blessed in that you realize you have a problem. Many have more serous belief problems and don't know it or won't admit it.

If you wish to get answers through the forums choose those people that you have checked their spirit and words with scripture and speak with them vea PM or Email. Some one who gives honest biblical answers and encouragment rather than comdenation,and doctrine.

A safty side note!!!

Keep all private conversations within the gender.!!! Guys with guys, gals with gals. Why???? That is another complication that you don't want in your life at any time much less when your having faith issues.

 

[the new justin]

Calluna, I am a little confused in what I should believe, but I dont deni that certain things took place or that there not the word of God.
Its not a matter about if there is something better out there for me, but a matter of am I praising God in the right way, with the right scriptures?
I will never feel that I mesure up, but this is only natural since God is so perfect and the creator of all. I think if I felt that I mesured up I would slack off.

What im saying is that why did I turn to Christ and Christianity to begin with? If i was born in another country with a different belief system I would more than likley have turned to their beliefs and praised their God. Is that their fault? Are they wrong? They believe in their beliefs just as much as any Christian does and truly believe that they are blessed by God. They dont know any better and this is all that they have known since day one. They believe we are wrong, just as much as we think they are wrong.

So, what im saying is do we choose our religion and faith by whats most known and convienient to us? Our we limited by language barriers? What would my society think if I were to praise something they are against and know nothing about? I am comfortable with Christianity and it is easier to except than any other religion since their is a church on every other street.
Is it right if it feels right? Does truth have a feeling? Truth is truth no matter how we feel about it and God is God no matter how we think he might be or how we like to picture him in our minds. Or I like to think of God as .........?
It dosnt matter.

I could have been anyone in any part of the world at any time, but im me and im here. Am I here to follow my sorroundings and the beliefs of others around me? I just want to be right and be sure that im good with God and not just settle right away for what is known best to me without hearing another side of the story. I am not denying anything that has been told to me or that I have read. I do not doubt God.

Also we are living in the year 2006, thats along time from the days of Jesus. Not that it matters about the time difference, but I am a little concerned that we may not be getting the whole story due to things lost in translation, or just from being passed down from so many generations. Is that not possible?

I cant help the way I feel about these matters. Does that make me wrong?
I have not abandoned faith but am asking for its pureist form, so that I may praise God accordingly. I fear God more than anything and maybe thats the problem? I just dont want to be wrong when it comes to such a serious Issue. NO DISRESPECT to anyone, just how I feel. I guess you can say Im trying to be perfect in the ways of God? I dont know..... I am praying hard for answers and direction and I know it will come in due time. I hope its just a phaze and that I can focuse on what God really needs me to be.

I hope that sums it up. Sorry if anyone is offended or if I have inconveinced anyone.

Peace and BLESS!

 

[CliffS]

Its not a matter about if there is something better out there for me, but a matter of am I praising God in the right way, with the right scriptures?

The only right way to praise God is sincerely ,the only wrong way to praise God is insincerly. You don't have to say the right words, do the right things, be in the right place, read from the right scripture and the only ones who have to be present are you and God.

What im saying is that why did I turn to Christ and Christianity to begin with?

I don't know. Thats a question you have to ask and answer for yourself. It might just be of conveience,but if it is real and sincere what differance does it make???? Some people have to die to get what you find on every street corner. That's something to be greatful for,I think.

If i was born in another country with a different belief system I would more than likley have turned to their beliefs and praised their God. Is that their fault? Are they wrong?

But you were not born in another country. Think maybe God through providence placed you right were he wanted you??? Brother, you can't worry about the world . That is a God Job.

So, what im saying is do we choose our religion and faith by whats most known and convienient to us?

Quite possibly. I know it was a facter in my first going to church. But it was my experiences without and with God in my life that brought me to the faith I have today.

Our we limited by language barriers?

No!!! The Holy Spirit interpits our murmerings for us even those words which cannot be understood by man. Language is not an issue.

What would my society think if I were to praise something they are against and know nothing about?

Not that it matters what society thinks ,but society as a whole don't care who you pray to ,what you believe or what you do about it so long as you don't bother them with it and it costs them nothing. Again I say to you be greatful in how and where God has placed you.

I am comfortable with Christianity and it is easier to except than any other religion since their is a church on every other street.
Is it right if it feels right?

No change comes without discomfort. If you have sin in your life and your comfortable with that then If I were you I would worry. Im not comfortable with Christianity and the closer I get to God the more uncomfortable with Christianity as a whole I get. But that is just me.
I don't go to church to be comfortable. I go to church to learn and fellowship and get help in my Walk with christ. Sometimes that gets uncomfortable.

Does truth have a feeling?

I've never thought about that. I know untruth has or provokes feelings. But to say it is true because I feel it's true ,I realy don't know.

Am I here to follow my sorroundings and the beliefs of others around me?

I hope not. I hope your following Christ Jesus.

Also we are living in the year 2006, thats along time from the days of Jesus. Not that it matters about the time difference, but I am a little concerned that we may not be getting the whole story due to things lost in translation, or just from being passed down from so many generations. Is that not possible?

No it's not, not if you have faith in God. Look in scripture not for doctrine but for what our Lord and savour wants you to understand at that time and place in your life. Daily bread.

 

[Chad]

Hey justin, well I thought something was up. I've been sensing through your posts and replies you are confused and need some direction.

So I am going to approach you like an unbeliever. You say you believe there is a God, but do you believe in my God, or your God?

Try to think of it this way. For you to be a Christian you are required to believe in one God, that God is Jesus Christ. You are not required to believe in the Father or the Holy Spirit, that belief comes naturally after you believe in Jesus.

I would recommend you stop thinking, stop completely. The words coming out of your mouth is questioning my Lord and Saviour Jesus, the only God there is.

You are thinking with an "open mind" and guess what, God is not open minded. Jiggyfly has a signature that says. Jesus is Lord and there's nothing you can do about it!

That is Jesus' mindset aswell. Jesus says. I am the way, the truth and the life. That means everything Jesus said is truth. Not lies. That includes the Word of God.

You know what? Start praying my friend, don't be open minded, don't think too much about useless things and the way it could've been. Ask Jesus to help you with your unbelief. He will.

Did you know the universe was created through God's words and by His Spirit? Every time you pray, when we pray collectively, we are accessing that spirit. Our words are that which creates our life. The words you have said above don't reflect that you are living. Tap into the Spirit of God. Pray and ask God to help you.

We are mere humans, not God. You seem angry about something, you know what: Jesus is the Lord and there's nothing you can do about it!

If you want to revoke your beliefs, feel free. Remember one thing though. God remembers everything. You could receive so much more riches one day if you persist and fight through this thing. Believe the Word of God. It is part of God.

God is not "open minded", He does not care about your feelings or personal issues in regards to the Holy Gospel. There is only one way. That way is Jesus.

Let me tell you another thing, I am angry at you, so please forgive me.

The Lord Jesus Christ rebuke you. Your anger and lack of respect is not appreciated whatsoever, so you should START thinking about your reply to brother Justin. What Jesus show anger at Justin for being sincere? Think about that.

 

[Faithful Son]

Jesus would not show anger at Justin for being sincere, nor would He rebuke me for my honesty Chad. I felt angered by what Justin said. I was honest in saying I am angry at him, and asked for his forgiveness. I could've chosen to reply to the rest of his comments, but I chose not to. Read what I told Justin, and don't read that I said I am angry, you will see I did it not for myself, but for Justin.

I asked him to forgive me for being angry at him, and I ask it again.

Justin, please forgive me for being angry at you.

 

[calluna]

My brother Justin, I am sorry but I do not understand the place where you are right now. For me personally, I just know Jesus is Lord and that is enough for me. His love touched me in a deep way, that I know He is real.

I don't have to analyze how and why and if and but. Why confuse the issue? I just accept that I was a lost soul, desperate, didn't know who I was and now I am found, I have peace in my heart and I am one with God.

If you stay in the will of God you will have peace, If you step out of the will of God there is going to be unrest and turmoil in your heart.

I will keep you in my prayers.
Calluna

 

[the new justin]

Thank you Cliffs and Calluna for your help and feed back. I appreciate your time and efforts to help me in my struggles with God and faith.

Cliffs, I really appreciate you trying to answer all my questions. Your thoughts and advice has not been over looked and I take them seriously. Thank you.

I think this is a situation that maybe words cant help? Not to say this was a waist of time, but I think I need to just live my life and let it come to me. God will show me in due time. But it felt good to let that go. I am a very specific person and need direct answers. I think that is my problem, that all the answers are not always specific to my liking? I have a hard time with blind faith and I dread to be wrong in such a serious matter. The outcome is eternal and thats scares me. I pray that the lord will guide me and I will not give up faith. I am a Christian and am probably letting my emotions get the best of me, into thinking there is a better way or a better truth. I am my worst enemy and only God understands, but thats all that matters. Forgive me FATHER AMEN!

Teraside, I am not mad at you and I do forgive you. I was just a little surprised at your response to my situation. Just as you said to Chad that you were honest in saying you were angry with me, I was also honest in saying how I felt in my post. Nor will Jesus Christ rebuke you or me for being sincere and honest on how we feel. No hard feelings. Peace and BLESS!