> Testimonies / Prayer Requests / Fellowship
Feeling Lost
Ward:
BamBam:
--- Quote from: bambam on August 13, 2007, 01:53:57 PM ---It all goes back to how I feel about the church I attend. If everything they teach is wrong than how could God bless their ministry so much.
--- End quote ---
Could this blessing you mention be nothing more than God's 'Strong Delusion'?
And for this cause, God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:(2Th 2:11 KJV+)
--- Quote ---There are so many wonderful people in our church and our pastor really cares about people.
--- End quote ---
I'm certain this is true. But do they teach & believe the truth? What do they really believe? Is it the Truth or church doctrine?
--- Quote ---My husband said to me, that he knows that what he believes is right because of the men who have made an impact on his life who were great examples to him, and also because of the blessings God has given to our church because of the faithfulness of the people in it. I could not argue with that at all! I AM confused.
--- End quote ---
Your husband's statement sounds like it came straight from the mouth of an OT Israelite. Blessings are not something that Jesus said would be a part of the lives of the 'chosen'.
--- Quote ---This week we are having Vacation Bible School. The family that is doing it seem so genuine and really concerned for the lives of kids. They have given their lives over to all these things they they hope will lead people to Christ. They are committed and determined and they aren't just talking, they live it.
--- End quote ---
But what will this Vacation Bible School be teaching the youth? Will they be teaching the Truth?
--- Quote ---To me, it seems like such a cruel joke for these people to really believe that they are making a serious difference in this world, and one day they will learn they were wrong. It just doesn't seem right.
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WOW! '... that they are making a serious difference in this world...' I realize that those are not their words, but are yours. But do they actually believe that 'they are making a serious difference in this world'? If the answer is yes, then I already have the answer to my previous questions. Are they teaching the Truth?
--- Quote ---On the other hand, I don't want to believe that God is going to torture people in the lake of fire forever. And that is the premise that they operate on.
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Is that the premise that *you* operate on? Is it the Truth? Do they teach and believe the Truth? (Sorry to keep asking that question, but it is the crux of the whole thing.)
--- Quote ---My husband doesn't see it. He goes right back to, "What are the people who believe what you believe doing to get souls saved? Where is their fruit?" I don't know what to say to him.
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How are we instructed to 'save souls'? Hmmm... Let's change that question to... Are we instructed to 'save souls'? Can we 'save souls'?
'Where is their fruit?' BamBam... You are their/our fruit. Actually, you are God's fruit. He is using us all to guide you. We are your examples. You are ours. We don't all go thru the same things. We don't all make the same mistakes. But we do all learn from the experiences. Both ours and those of others.
--- Quote ---And today, I am extremely depressed. I still don't know what to believe. To think that all of those dear people are living a lie just doesn't seem right, or fair, or sane. It seems so cruel.
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You do know what you believe... If you are not completely disgusted by what you are learning here, then you are being given eyes that see, ears that hear, and a heart that that can understand. This is not a one time thing. It is the daily bread we/you ask for everytime that you have prayed what is called the 'Lord's Prayer'.
As to those dear people living a lie... How do you think Paul felt about Israel?
--- Quote ---My husband wants me to talk to our pastor, and I just do not feel comfortable doing that. I am angry. I am confused and I just keep thinking, why Lord? Why is this happening to me. My emotions are in a whirlwind and I feel like I am going crazy.
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The beginning of the 'narrow path' can feel like just what you have described.
--- Quote ---I ask myself, "Have I been deceived by Satan into believing this stuff I have read on bibletruths?"
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By Satan??? What is Satan able to do? He is only able to do whatever God allows. Satan is just a capable as we are.
--- Quote ---I feel like I want to believe what I have found, but there are many things I am leaving behind if I do-and they are not bad things necessarily. I just do not know how to explain all of this, but i need some Godly counsel and I have no idea where to go for that except here.
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Sounds like the young rich man that asked Christ Jesus what do I do to enter the Kingdom? Keep the commandments. He said, I'm doing that. What else? Give away all that you have, pick up your cross and follow me. Ouch!!! He couldn't do that. Can you?
--- Quote ---I want it to be so plain that I just can't deny it's the truth-but it isn't. It isn't that easy. I have been studying for nine months, and my husband says he does not see any fruit in me from all of this studying. I admit, I have been difficult to live with because of many reasons. But it does not mean God is not working in me.
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Now you are sounding like the apostles before they were given to know. And they walked with Christ Jesus for three years, not just nine months. And remember that it wasn't 'so plain' even then. BamBam it will take the rest of your life is this age.
--- Quote ---I have so much to do around my house as a wife, mom, and teacher, but I don't want to do anything because my heart is aching. I am sad, angry, confused-a basic mess. What am I supposed to do here? I don't want to parrot the truth from someone else. I want to know it, believe it in my heart, and give an answer to those who ask. I can't do that right now.
--- End quote ---
Your honesty is wonderful! Don't parrot what you don't understand. But the fact that you have been studying here for nine months says that you are on the way to knowing it... believing it in your heart.
So what are you supposed to do here? Pray and Study so that you will be prepared to answer those that ask. It takes a long time. Really look into how long it was before Paul went out on his ministry. It was many years. We tend to think that he got smacked down in the desert and was preaching the next week. That's not how it was
--- Quote ---If you have no counsel for me, at least I could use your prayers. It hurts. And no one understands this kind of pain, at least no one I know personally. Thank you. I just don't know what else to do.
--- End quote ---
You have my prayers and those of others here also. We are here... Fellowship and study with us. Remember, Man did not invent the technology we are using to communicate here. Man discovered it! God created it and it is good for its many many purposes.
Please feel free to ask/share via this open forum or via PM.
\/\/ard
bambam:
Wow. I am overwhelmed by all of your counsel. The scriptures are especially helpful. I have been reading and studying so much, and still have trouble remembering things! Just so you know, I appreciate your prayers and concern for my struggle! Thanks so much!
Blessings,
Beth :)
LittleBear:
Hey Beth,
There's nothing I could add to all these wonderful posts. But I will be praying for you. It is a lonely walk we have, and we are misunderstood or ridiculed by just about everyone.
Love,
Ursula
insanezenmistress:
I know your pain.
I also live in this world.
Your questions are normal, and toward the right path. The point is you can only LIVE what god has you to believe..........the more you resist living the truth according to your understanding of the truth and the more you worry about pleasing men,than to obey god and know him being your goal .........then you will have more guilt and fear and pain and be open to falling into more error and complanceny. (being chastend and conformed to the image ( and understanding of god).
you must chose to obey god, believe the scripture and live peacibly amoung men. after all, that is what your heart yearns to do ...... your letting your fear control you instead of the truth. and you are hiding behind the words of mens knowledge, verses the way of god's knowledge.
And then these things will fall into place.... all these things will be worked out in gods timing, all you have to do is continue seeking and praying and working out your salvation with Jesus.
Paul tells us, we are to led god be true and every man a liar.
relax........if god was not working in you already, you could never have reached this place of questioning. Trust Him for the answer and the opperation of your life, for he is faithfull and soverien anyway.
Even if they are still trapped in their thinking, you seek not to be, your walk with god is what you need to grow in, and let god grow in thier walk with god, in His timeing. YOU LIVE for god.........
wash dishes, love children, enjoy prayer and study, learn to enjoy the simple acts of living and when asked have your answer.........
be thankfull your a woman.....(lol- we are told to have gentle and quiet meek spirits)
May the Father reach deeper, and grant you understanding and instruction, and be encouraged to relax.........to wait on the lord...........to meditate slowly on these deep truths before forceing them down someone elses throat in your excitment.........
in order that we will be better able to give a good word in season, perhaps god would give them repentence.
thank you for listening, and may bless your Growth
Justine.
gmik:
Ok Justine, thats how they knew your name. Duh.
Anyway, that was beautifully put and I needed that counsel as well. God Bless.
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