Knowledge of Christ...but Lack of Belief and Relationship

[luthiengirlie]

I told Adonai. I LIKE This PoohBear Woman! She is asking hard and forcing us to examine ourselves. And CF ladies are rising to the challenge and yet not enraged by yours. Our reactions to your questions where we are in Yeshua! I like you PoohBear!

 

[freecurl]

Great thread. May God bless this poster and others who struggle with the same questions.

 

[LatterGlory]

I am suffering from that too... religious exhaustion... Many people view Christianity as attending church, performing rituals, and not committing certain sins (you know how people distinguish 'big sins' from 'little' sins). This is what I got caught up in. I know that is not Christianity. It's about a personal relationship with Christ. That's what I want to get back to, or at least strengthen. I do pray alot but as I got older I started to feel like praying was useless. And I started reading my Bible (like actually sitting down during quiet non-distracted time) less and less. I started to find myself just using the Bible to point out verses to people and to use it for teaching other people, but not for myself necessarily. Even though I'm a relatively good person or have this presumed goodness about myself, I feel bad for any sin I may commit and things that my dad would considered sinful that I don't necessarily think are sinful (things that he says are sinful - like not participating in all the church ministries - but are clearly not in the Bible).


This is what I plan on doing, getting some alone time after work. I have found that turning to people has caused a lot of confusion. So many different views. It's ridiculous. There are some people I have come across with similar views as me, but I'm really not looking for someone to be in agreement with. I'm just want to know what God is truly saying to me through his Word and communication with me. I think God is speaking to me in the most simplest way but I must be failing to hear. Thank you for your prayers.

____________________

 

[Poohbear]

sidney,

This post is really good and helpful!!!

I have actually listened to a couple of Paul Washer's sermons on youtube a few months ago. I liked them. But after awhile, I went back to confusion.

To answer those questions:

Am I growing in holiness?
Yes

What is my relationship with sin?
To be honest, I only struggle with a couple of sins, literally. It used to be more that developed only over the past few of years (like drinking alcohol and going to clubs with friends during a 2 year period), but I stopped that. Other than that, I really do not commit a lot of sin which does not mean anything.

There's some things that I do that I don't know if they are really sins or not:
-Speeding in my car
-Coming in late for work sometimes
-Being on the internet while at work
-Not participating in all church ministries
-Not tithing 10% of my GROSS income... I give money to the church and to people, but not 10% of my gross, mainly because I see that no where in the Bible... I make good income but I have student loan debt and car loan to pay off.
-Having negative thoughts sometimes either about a particular person or something that happened in the past
-watching tv/movies and listening to non-Christian music occassionally
-Not doing everything my father tells me to do. This is a tough one because I am an adult and live on my own now, but my father is also a pastor and I attend the church he pastors. And I know the Bible says to obey your parents, so I'm at a lost on this one.

Do I have a struggle with sin or do I justify it? (Read Romans 7:7-25)
Yes, I struggle with sin. I never justify a sin that is clearly against God.

Do I hate it more and more or do I try and justify it?
Yes, I hate sin more and more.

Do I have a love for Gods word, the bible?
It's been a love/hate relationship...love in the sense that it's comforting and a guiding light, but hate in the sense of being confused about what to believe

Do I hunger and thirst for righteousness?
Yes

Do I embrace biblical correction from someone else?
I haven't really had biblical correction from someone else about any sins I've personally committed. The biblical 'correction' (considered correction to him but not to me) I've had has only been from my father when he tries to prove his side of an issue and tries to twist scripture to control and get what he wants.

Do I have a concern for the lost?
My concern for the lost has not been as strong as it was in the past.

Poohbear, I think this is an important topic and i think it's great that you are examining your beliefs and disbeliefs. Some people feel they have assurance that they are saved and don't give it a second thought, but you are taking the time to examine yourself and that is a wise thing. The wife that I told you about, her husband, Paul Washer preaches mainly about how how you know if you have true salvation. I don't believe in his beliefs about Calvinism but he has some great sermons on assurance of salvation.

Anyway, here is a messgae someone posted about salvation.

--------------------------
How do you know you are saved?
Well first of all, you should be displaying (or starting to display) the fruit of the spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)
If you are continually displaying immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness and carousing, then this is a good indication that you are not saved and as it says in Galatians 5:21, those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God

The books of 1 and 2 John also give you a list of things to look out for ‘so that you may know that you have eternal life.’ (1 John 5:13)

• You will not walk in darkness. If you do, then you do not practice or live by the truth (1 John 1:6)
• You will have fellowship with other christians (1 John 1:7)
• You recognise your sinful nature (1 John 1:8,10)
• You confess your sins (1 John 1:9)
• You obey and keep his commandments (1 John 2:3,5 ,1 John 3:24, 1 John 5:2)
• You will not hate your brother or sister but love them (1 John 2:9,11 , 1 John 3:10 and 1 John 4:7-8,12-13, 20-21, 2 John 1:5)
• You will not love the world or the things of the world (1 John 2:15)
• You will do the will of God (1 John 2:17)
• You believe the divinity of Jesus Christ and that he has come in the flesh (1 John 2:22 and 1 John 4:2-4,15, 2 John 1:7)
• Biblical truth will be abiding in you (1 John 2:24)
• You understand the righteousnes of Christ (1 John 2:29)
• You will be practicing righteousness (1 John 2:29)
• You will not habitually practice sin (1 John 3:8,9, 1 John 5:18 )
• You will have compassion for those in need (1 John 3:17)
• You believe that Jesus is the Christ and is the Son of God (1 John 5:1)
• You abide in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 1:9)

Now am I saying that if you are missing any of these then you are not saved? Of course not. It is not about perfection but about direction. You should be moving in the direction of doing the things above. This is called progressive sanctification where God is doing an inward work in you.

Other questions to ask yourself are:

• Am I growing in holiness?
• What is my relationship with sin?
• Do I have a struggle with sin or do I justify it? (Read Romans 7:7-25)
• Do I hate it more and more or do I try and justify it?
• Do I have a love for Gods word, the bible?
• Do I hunger and thirst for righteousness?
• Do I embrace biblical correction from someone else?
• Do I have a concern for the lost?

If the answer to the majority of these questions is no, then I would seriously doubt your salvation and I would urge you to repent of your sins and put your trust in Jesus Christ and in him alone. For more information click here. If you are a new christian and struggling in your daily walk, click here.
---------------------------
Poohbear If you want to check out Paul Washer's sermons, go to sermonaudio.com. There are a ton. This is a great topic and something we all should do! Take care Pooh! Praying for you, I hope you find the answers you are looking for.

 

[Poohbear]

Originally Posted by Poohbear
I am suffering from that too... religious exhaustion... Many people view Christianity as attending church, performing rituals, and not committing certain sins (you know how people distinguish 'big sins' from 'little' sins). This is what I got caught up in. I know that is not Christianity. It's about a personal relationship with Christ. That's what I want to get back to, or at least strengthen. I do pray alot but as I got older I started to feel like praying was useless. And I started reading my Bible (like actually sitting down during quiet non-distracted time) less and less. I started to find myself just using the Bible to point out verses to people and to use it for teaching other people, but not for myself necessarily. Even though I'm a relatively good person or have this presumed goodness about myself, I feel bad for any sin I may commit and things that my dad would considered sinful that I don't necessarily think are sinful (things that he says are sinful - like not participating in all the church ministries - but are clearly not in the Bible).

This is what I plan on doing, getting some alone time after work. I have found that turning to people has caused a lot of confusion. So many different views. It's ridiculous. There are some people I have come across with similar views as me, but I'm really not looking for someone to be in agreement with. I'm just want to know what God is truly saying to me through his Word and communication with me. I think God is speaking to me in the most simplest way but I must be failing to hear. Thank you for your prayers.

Vicky7, Can you explain why you bolded these parts of my quote?

 

[Prudent1]

Wow, this thread is on it! I am not able to answer and share right now but I will try to give my 2 cents this evening. BTW, Poohbear, I can't answer for others but, do not feel as if your questions are tiring. They are always good, valid questions.

 

[LatterGlory]

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

 

[sidney]

Wow, this thread is on it! I am not able to answer and share right now but I will try to give my 2 cents this evening. BTW, Poohbear, I can't answer for others but, do not feel as if your questions are tiring. They are always good, valid questions.

Can't wait!

 

[Poohbear]

Wow, this thread is on it! I am not able to answer and share right now but I will try to give my 2 cents this evening. BTW, Poohbear, I can't answer for others but, do not feel as if your questions are tiring. They are always good, valid questions.

So you don't think my questions are tiring!?

I can't answer for anyone else either, but I think my questions are tiring.

But for some reason, I just can't help to ask. I've expressed my concerns in the Christian Fellowship forum and the Atheist/Free-Thinkers thread because I'm crying out for help on this.

 

[sidney]

Poohbear, thanks for sharing more information about your beliefs. It doesn't seem like you don't believe, it seems like you have a lot of questions. But of course no one can determine where you are except you and God. Great!, you've already listened to Paul Washer's sermons so I'm sure that gave you some direction. I'm glad those questions gave you some insight, just keep pressing toward the mark and you will be fine. About the other questions you posted, I can try to find some answers based on related scriptures. Here goes.

1. The bible says obey the laws of the land, Romans 13:1-2, TLB. Obey the government, for God is the one who has put it there. There is no government anywhere that God has not placed in power. So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God." So it's probably not biblical to speed, plus it's not safe.



2. Coming in late for work, that once can be addressed here, Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men"....our work should bring glory to God so we should try to do our best to be on time. But of course, it's not a sin to be late. Same thing for using the computer at work. You want to be a good steward of your blessing (your job) so I wouldn't want to get disciplined by my boss for it.



3. As for church activities, one of the signs that we are believers is that we fellowship with the church (John 1:7). The bible talks a lot about the body of Christ and the vital role of each member of the body. I think it's probably a good idea to serve the church using your gifts but does this mean you have to be at wednesday bible study,tuesday choir practice, friday prayer meething, saturday noon day prayer, sunday school AND sunday service,LOL! Just serve where you feel led to serve, it's about God not about pleasing man by coming to everything.



4. I believe that the tithe is God's money, so I don't even count it in my income. Malachi 3:8 says, a man robs God if he does not give the tithe and offering. I don't usually worry about it, because the money I give usually is given back to me anyway, more often than not in monetary form. Will you go to hell for it, no. The Isarellites were commanded to give 10% to the church of Levi to do God's work (Numbers 18:21), but the new testament gospel is silent on it but it does say "lay by him in store as we have been prospered" (1 Cor. 16:2), and as we "purposeth in our heart to give" (2 Cor. 9:7), so technically we can give more than 10%. I don't think 10% is a lot, we get to keep a whole 90%. Pastor Rick Warren gives away 90% and keeps 10% but of course everyone can not afford to do that.

ETA: I see I missed some of your questions, I'll be back tonight

 

[Poohbear]

They are bolded because I believe that peoples opinion are no substitute for the word of God a.k.a The Holy Bible. People's opinion truly breeds confusion. Which is why I stopped posting my opinion and just simply posted the Word of God. It speaks for itself.

Figured you would have me on ignore by now.

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Oh okay, I totally agree that people's opinions are no substitute for the Word of God.

And no, you're not on my ignore list. You haven't done anything to me personally. I just remember you posting in that Atheist/FreeThinkers thread and I responded to your scriptures. They were telling me, "Don't respond to Vicky7! Just ignore her!" But just because another poster tells everyone to put you on ignore doesn't mean I have to.

 

[LatterGlory]

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. (1Co 1:18-21)

That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
(Act 26:23-25)

Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
(Php 3:4-10)


Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

 

[Spring]

Poohbear,
I grew up in a secular home, and it was through asking questions & praying to God and His answered prayers that eventually brought me to salvation in Christ. A weight was lifted, my heart felt clean, I was given a disposition to hate sin (that wasn't there before), I knew I was forgiven and most of all there was an inner knowing that I was His child.. It's hard to describe the incredible joy,... but perhaps if I hadn't lived such a sinful life and had the blessed privilege of growing up in a Christian home (I wish I had that type of upbringing), I may have just accepted things without truly going through the personal struggle with God... I'm glad you're asking Him those questions

to these questions below, God didn't rush me to make a decision right away, but over time through study and prayer, I was able to state what I believed and why. Oh, as far as Christians being united... I think there is unity in fundamental beliefs such as how one is born again but after that ......... even the disciples disputed and disagreed... Peter had to be convinced in a vision to go to a gentile... then afterward through strong arguement, he had to convince the Church at that time that the gentiles were apart of God's people .... and so on... God is still at work

Why aren't Christians more united? Why are there two sides to every fundamental issue of the Bible? (ie. women preachers, faith vs works for salvation, baptism, trinity, big sins vs little sins, calvinism vs arminianism, sinless perfection vs sinning Christians, and more? Do I have to choose sides?

good post

 

[Guitarhero]

I am guarded about my decision to send this in because catholic things are not received well here at all..but this is something I use to examine my conscience. It's obviously a list for people who follow God and seek reconciliation with Him. So, with this list, I take myself off the perfection hook. I will sin...in ways even I cannot ever imagine...in the end, God will reveal all. Does that mean not to seek perfection? No, but it puts things into perspective. I think that people often seek the vengeful God rather than the merciful One. He's not brandishing a hammer, ready to conk us on the soul when we do wrong. Slow to anger..He is. We have to believe that and act like His children with a loving Father. Salvation is offered to sinners before they repent. Sorry, it's a little long:

1] I am the Lord your God. You shall not have strange gods before me.

* Do I give God time every day in prayer?
* Do I seek to love Him with my whole heart?
* Have I been involved with superstitious practices or have I been involved with the occult?
* Do I seek to surrender myself to God's Word as taught by the Church?
* Have I ever received Communion in a state of mortal sin?
* Have I ever deliberately told a lie in confession or have I withheld a mortal sin from the priest in confession?

[2] You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

* Have I used God's name in vain: lightly or carelessly?
* Have I been angry with God?
* Have I wished evil upon another person?
* Have I insulted a sacred person or abused a sacred object?

[3] Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day.

* Have I deliberately missed Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation?
* Have I tried to observe Sunday as a family day and a day of rest?
* Do I do needless work on Sunday?

[4] Honor your Father and your Mother.

* Do I honor and obey my parents?
* Have I neglected my duties to my spouse and children?
* Have I given my family good religious example?
* Do I try to bring peace into my home life?
* Do I care for my aged and infirm relatives?

[5] You shall not kill.

* Have I had an abortion or encouraged anyone to have an abortion?
* Have I physically harmed anyone?
* have I abused alcohol or drugs?
* Did I give scandal to anyone, thereby leading them into sin?
* Have I been angry or resentful?
* Have I harbored hatred in my heart?
* Have I mutilated myself through any form of sterilization?
* Have I encouraged or condoned sterilization?

[6] You shall not commit adultery.

* Have I been faithful to my marriage vows in thought and action?
* Have I engaged in any sexual activity outside of marriage?
* Have I used any method of contraception or artificial birth control in my marriage?
* Has each sexual act in my marriage been open to the transmission of new life?
* Have I been guilty of masturbation?
* Have I sought to control my thoughts?
* Have I respected all members of the opposite sex, or have I thought of other people as objects?
* Have I been guilty of any homosexual activity?
* Do I seek to be chaste in my thoughts, words and actions?
* Am I careful to dress modestly?

[7] You shall not steal.

* Have I stolen what is not mine?
* Have I returned or made restitution for what I have stolen?
* Do I waste time at work, school or at home?
* Do I gamble excessively, thereby denying my family of their needs?
* Do I pay my debts promptly?
* Do I seek to share what I have with the poor?

[8] You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

* Have I lied?
* Have I gossiped?
* Have I spoken behind someone else's back?
* Am I sincere in my dealings with others?
* Am I critical, negative or uncharitable in my thoughts of others?
* Do I keep secret what should be kept confidential?

[9] You shall not desire your neighbor's wife.

* Have I consented to impure thoughts?
* Have I caused them by impure reading, movies, conversations or curiosity?
* Do I seek to control my imagination?
* Do I pray at once to banish impure thoughts and temptations?

[10] You shall not desire your neighbor's goods.

* Am I jealous of what other people have?
* Do I envy the families or possessions of others?
* Am I greedy or selfish?
* Are material possessions the purpose of my life?
* Do I trust that God will care for all of my material and spiritual needs?

 

[ToyToy]

Hi Poohbear,

I can't answer all your questions, but I will try to answer a few:

How do you know who you are in Christ?
I know because I have an inner conviction. I just know. I'm as sure as I am sure that I am alive right now.

How do you know you believe in Christ?
Again, I just know. I have no other God other than the Yahwe, and I believe He sent His only Son to die for me. This sounds cliche, but it's true.

How do you know that you have a relationship with God?
I spend quality time with God every day. I spend time with Him in the morning and when I get home from work (or outside) and also a bit of time before bed. I speak to God about everything - even the things I am not proud of. I am very open and honest with Him, not because I think He doesn't know (He knows and sees all), but because I want Him to be part of every single area of my life. We Christians forget God in our every day and then remember Him for "the big things". But it is the experience of Him in the "little things" that will prepare you for faith in the "big things". Simple things such as asking for grace, favour and wisdom for the day can do wonders for your day. You will be amazed how much God honours your request when you let Him into every area of your life. Even when you have messed up.

How do you know that Christ really died on the cross for the punishment of our sins?
Again, I just know. If I can't believe that, there is no point in me being a Christian. If I don't believe He died for me on the cross, I cannot call Him Lord. He cannot be part of my life, and I may as well just turn my back to Him. But I do believe, because I have an inner witness (John 14:15ff).

Why is Christ dying on the cross so significant for our lives today? Would we really be dying left and right when we sin against God if Jesus had not died?
No we wouldn't. Otherwise mankind would have been wiped out long before Christ came for us. If you read Exodus, you will find many many rules concerning the different sacrifices the Jews had to offer. There were many guidelines as to the role of priests and the different kinds of burnt offering (amongst them sin, peace and thanks offerings) they had to do. We would still be doing that if Christ hadn't come. But because Christ died for us, we have now been reconciled unto God (read Romans) and are now heirs to the throne. I suggest you read Hebrews which explains in detail the role of Christ as our High Priest and mediator between us and God. This is why sometimes we exalt Jesus as our defender, because He is our lawyer who pleads on our behalf.

It's so easy to say you "must confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and Savior", but how do you know that you believe in your heart?
I just know. I have an inner witness. The Holy Spirit tells me.

It's so easy to say you must have a relationship with God. But how do you have a relationship with God when God is supposedly a spirit? Just praying and reading the Bible and living like Christ as much as possible?
Again, it is hard to explain unless you actually are experiencing it. If you draw near unto God, He will draw near unto you. God is a Spirit, but that doesn't mean He isn't real. Chemistry aside, how do you know you are breathing air (that you cannot see)? You just know.


It's easy to say "all Scripture is God-breathed" or the inspired Word of God, but how do you know that for the fact WITHOUT reading 2 Timothy 3:16?
There are a lot of books you can read of research that has been done concerning the Bible. "Learn the Bible in 24 Hours" (Chuck Missler) is a really, really good book to read. It's amazingly deep. There are other books such as "Unlocking the Bible" (David Pawson) you can read. They all help you understand the Bible better.

Why should I accept the statement "Christians will never stop sinning" but yet, people say "not everyone who proclaims to be Christian isn't saved or going to heaven because of how they live"? How are they living that's so different than you who still commit sin?
Everyone has different theories as to who will enter heaven and who won't. The truth is, none of us really know except God.

Why aren't Christians more united? Why are there two sides to every fundamental issue of the Bible? (ie. women preachers, faith vs works for salvation, baptism, trinity, big sins vs little sins, calvinism vs arminianism, sinless perfection vs sinning Christians, and more? Do I have to choose sides?
No, just focus on your own faith. Ultimately, you are accountable for how you live your life. It's not about sides, but your own walk with God. We all have to work it out for ourselves.

Can I go to Hell for not tithing 10% of my GROSS income?
Again, I don't know what the criteria are, but I'm pretty sure you won't go to hell for no tithing. Don't take my word for it though .

Can I go to Hell for not participating in ALL church ministries and not attending a physical church building EVERY Sunday to worship God?
Eh?? No! I don't think so.


Just wanted to add that I think it is good you are asking these questions. You should know why you are a believer. A lot of unbelievers, in conversation, ask why you are a believer and how you know there is a God. We should all be able to answer that. God did not raise robots, and sometimes I feel that we can be quite robotic - just doing and never asking questions. I'm not good at quoting scripture or evangelising, but I can only talk about what I do know - my personal experiences with God and the things He has done for me.

 

[LatterGlory]

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
(1Pe 3:12-17)

 

[LatterGlory]

2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

 

[LifeafterLHCF]

Those in the church esp in the pulpuit seem to be so fake imo..I prefer not to go to a church anymore because I desire a real deeper relationship with God with those who are unified in God.Now there are some churches that are solid but most part people are going through the motions.I'm so happy you posted this because I have dealt with that a few months ago..Praise the way you do..that something I embrace about God he made us differently so why would one do the same as others..God wants our praise our real praise..

 

[Crown]

Maybe it's OT, but I feel the need to post this :

The molting Process

The Eagle is the most majestic bird in the sky, but something happens to all Eagles at least once in their lifetime, they molt. In the life of every Eagle, they will go through a molting process that can bring with it a great depression. This is a wilderness time that all eagles will face.

Certain eagles live for about 30 years or more but then they begin to lose their feathers, Their beak and claws begin to alter as well. The experts tell us brothers and sisters that during this time, the eagle will walk like a turkey and they has no strength at all to fly.

The molting eagle finds himself in the valley, unable to fly, with its feathers falling out. They lose their ability to see, as well, their vision weakens during this time. Calcium builds up on their beaks and they can't hold their heads up.

Now this is so traumatic, to the proud majestic birds that Eagles truly are. They lose their desire to eat, they only eat fresh meat and they have no strength to hunt..

But then another phenomenon takes place. When the molting eagle gets in this last state, often times they will begin to peck on each other, occasionally killing another molting eagle, as they gather together in one place.

Now listen to this, at this time they will choose some area of a mountain range where the sun can shine directly on them, and they will lie on a rock and bathe in the sun. During this time some have observed other eagles coming and dropping food to the ones going through this "molting" stage. Yet its never the younger eagles that are dropping the food, it is always the older eagles that have survived this experience and know what the "molting" eagle is going through. One writer, with knowledge of these things states...

"It is a most pathetic sight to see. Four or five eagles molting in the valley, where they once would only soar over to look for fresh kill. But, If they don't renew, they will die."

They grow weaker and weaker. Suddenly there comes a sound from the sky over the valley. Screaming loudly, another group of eagles fly overhead and drop fresh meat over the dying birds. The screaming is encouragement. That's what they reckon; the screaming is encouragement from other Eagles who have already gone through this. Some eat and recover but others roll over and die.

Don't you think all of this speaks of something in our Christian lives as well? There is a time in the life of The Christian believer When it looks as though, and it seems as though. They've been stripped down to nothing, Lets look at some of the marks of this molting process the Eagle bird goes through…

 

[Crown]

1. It takes place in a valley
You know, there are valley experiences in our Christian lives. Its not always on the mountain top. It's not always soaring in the heavenlies. Peter, James & John were privileged to join The Lord Jesus on the mountain of transfiguration
Mark 9:2
Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain
And what a time this was? What an experience? But they didn't stay up there, they had to come down and they were brought into a valley. That is a reflection of our state as well sometimes…
There will times when we feel we are in a valley / a wilderness maybe… But I love to read Genesis 26:19 because it talks about Isaac being brought into a valley, we are told that he had to dig there, and when he dug, he found a well of fresh running water.
But then when the Eagle is like this…

2. They lose their desire to eat
They should be eating, they need to be eating now more than ever before, but they lose all desire. Isn't that true of us sometimes as well. In the state we find ourselves in? We lose even the desire for the food of God's word. You Know I'm being honest, you know Its true…
Then there is another thing

3. Their vision goes
That sublime vision that we talked about a few weeks ago that is so awesome, so inspiring, the Eagle could spot a rabbit miles away… It has vision like no other bird, but while it is in this state of molting we are told that vision is lost. You know if you lose your vision in God, you've lost everything….
Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
When came into the Christian ministry there was a song that my friend Keith Barry sung, "Broken hearted warriors, on the battle field of lives lose yourselves Jesus." And there is a line in it that says…
"Don't let them cloud your vision…"
And that has always meant so much to me, right up to this day
A. Hurts can cloud your vision
B. People can
C. Church life can / its bickering / squabbling can
Then this happens to the Eagle at the time of molting..

4. Calcium builds up on its beak, and they find themselves looking down
This is self explanatory, brothers and sisters, I've got a little advice for you…
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace…

But then they tell us

5. The Eagle begins to help its self in this state
They scratch at their own claws until they are down to nothing and so will grow new again. They will knock beaks until the calcium that was weighing them down falls off. Brothers and Sisters the truth is this. Some will not be content to sit and die, they will do something to help themselves. I said something a few weeks ago that I still believe it to be true. The Lord helps those who help themselves. If we make the effort God will respond to that. Sitting about moping, sitting about reeling is not the thing to do. But the greatest thing of all The Eagle does to benefit itself while it is in this state of molting is to choose a spot were the sun can shine directly on them. The Experts tell us this, they will find a rock and they will lay on it. They will do so as they bathe in the presence of the sun. They will let the sun beam down on them. Listen to me, they will wait just there and its here that they begin to get renewed. Listen to the word of God again..

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.


http://eaglez4worth.tripod.com/id89.html

 

[Sharpened]

For several years, I've attended church every Sunday and taught children the Bible. However, I have been going through periods of unbelief and diminishing faith. I am confused about what to believe anymore. The more and more I taught, the less and less sense the Bible made to me. It's like I have the knowledge, but slowly lost faith. I feel like good and bad things happen out of mere coincidence, not because of God's mighty power.

As you have discovered, knowledge is nothing without His Guide inside of us. There are time when we have to completely shut out the world and be alone and humble before Him, no matter how much our flesh rails against it.

During church services, I have never really felt the spirit or felt like I wanted to jump up and down and clap and sing aloud like a lot of people I see in different churches. Then the pastor or a minister will try to say things in the pulpit like "If you don't get up and praise God, something's wrong with you" and other statements along that line. Am I lacking the Spirit if I'm mainly quiet during service?

My family stopped going to church when I was eleven and there was none of that happening. I have praised and cheered Our Father on my own whenever, wherever as an adult. If anyone has to make a statement like that during service, the terms “false fire” and “peer pressure” spring to mind.

How do you know who you are in Christ?

He has been reaching out to me for years and made the choice to inspire me to seek Him out from a dead sleep.

How do you know you believe in Christ?

He had made Himself known in my life, His Holy Spirit guiding me along the way.

How do you know that you have a relationship with God?

I check daily to make certain His Spirit still dwells within me.

How do you know that Christ really died on the cross for the punishment of our sins?

Historical research and seeing that the sacrificial/temple system did not work to keep the flesh purified without that connection to Our Father.

Why is Christ dying on the cross so significant for our lives today? Would we really be dying left and right when we sin against God if Jesus had not died?

God was the one who started the sacrifice; He had to be the one to end it. Jesus is the fulfillment of so much prophecy and the generator of so much hatred and misrepresentation. The world is dead already, an illusion that can be altered in the blink of an eye. Our Father Creator is eternal.

It's so easy to say you "must confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and Savior", but how do you know that you believe in your heart?

Because I am not ashamed of the Gospel and to talk about Him to whomever.

His actions in helping me draw closer to His Father. I have always been one to be contrary to the masses, so His life and frustration with the world appealed so much to me.

It's so easy to say you must have a relationship with God. But how do you have a relationship with God when God is supposedly a spirit? Just praying and reading the Bible and living like Christ as much as possible?

I want to follow Jesus because of what He has done for me and my family, so I strive to do as He did and what He said: deny yourself (self-denial, break away from the flesh), pick up your cross (deal with the crap the world throws at you because of belief), and follow Him (His lead, His example, the “Great Commission”). Jesus did not simply sit around studying the Tanakh (the entire OT), but put it into action.

It's easy to say "all Scripture is God-breathed" or the inspired Word of God, but how do you know that for the fact WITHOUT reading 2 Timothy 3:16?

Because He uses it to teach or inform me of something. Remember, God is the Word of God, Jesus is the Word in flesh, not the Bible.

Why should I accept the statement "Christians will never stop sinning" but yet, people say "not everyone who proclaims to be Christian isn't saved or going to heaven because of how they live"? How are they living that's so different than you who still commit sin?

You have got to quit worrying about everyone else. Remember the parable of the wheat and tares? We may never know who all the tares are. It takes time to “kill” the desire of the world/flesh, which is why we have grace. Remember, He can read our true intent in our hearts, no matter how much we lie to ourselves.

Also, you need to ask Him in what areas you need to improve. What He shows you may be more than what you think.

Why aren't Christians more united? Why are there two sides to every fundamental issue of the Bible? (ie. women preachers, faith vs works for salvation, baptism, trinity, big sins vs little sins, calvinism vs arminianism, sinless perfection vs sinning Christians, and more? Do I have to choose sides?

Very few trust the power of the Gospels in their simple, yet spiritually complex, form. Few still believe the Holy Spirit to lead them to all truth as Jesus promised. You see how people can take the Bible and twist passages all around.

Can I go to Hell for not tithing 10% of my GROSS income?

No. We are to give in cheerfulness and to whoever has the need. We are blessed by the Father, so everything we have is His anyway.

Can I go to Hell for not participating in ALL church ministries and not attending a physical church building EVERY Sunday to worship God?

No, or the first church failed because they met in homes, catacombs, fields, etc. for centuries. I strongly suggest you grab some old books on the history of the early believers prior to 400 AD. You will be shocked at what you discover.

"What are you willing to sacrifice to get closer to Him?"

Good question!

One thing I would sacrifice is even more time for reading the Bible for myself rather than to teach others. I have stopped reading my Bible because of the confusion. I'm thinking about reading the Bible without any commentary and meditating on what the words are saying. I feel like I give a good amount of time in prayer throughout the day (not sure if "talking to myself" would be considered prayer).

Not worrying about what others think when it comes to certain Christian beliefs.

Ignoring negative thoughts.

Lastly, I would like to stop sinning. I know alot of Christians are against this idea, but I believe it's possible.

That's my little list. I'm not sure if those are considered sacrifices. I don't really do too much of anything else. I don't really watch much tv or shop. I live a pretty simple life of going to work and spending time with family, my boyfriend, and friends. I do spend a lot of time on the computer...maybe sacrifice the time I spend on the computer as well.

Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Are you willing to get your heart torn to piece as you draw closer to Him? People do not understand that this walk could and will cost you everything.

 

[Guitarhero]

No, or the first church failed because they met in homes, catacombs, fields, etc. for centuries. I strongly suggest you grab some old books on the history of the early believers prior to 400 AD. You will be shocked at what you discover.

Absolutely and I understand that one. Passover of Christ, Passover before Christ, performed in the home or other, not a Temple celebration. So is the Sabbath. It's evolved to one central place now...but you're right. But that had always been that way for certain holidays.

 

[LatterGlory]

But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
(2Ti 3:10-15)

 

[LatterGlory]

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised; ) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
(Heb 10:19-25)

 

[Laela]

Pooh,

Girl, I just love you... I've seen you run circles around the same questions..lol... But if you gotta hear it again, I'll say it again.. YOU ARE BEING CALLED and are hearing God call you. Only, you keep running from Him. You must have an important mission for the Kingdom of God... I'mma start calling you Jonah-bear

Why is that?

What do you fear most...? You know, there are really only two emotions: Fear (out of God's Will) and Love (in God's Will).

Forget "other Christians" I don't want to hear about them or sin or who done did what....I really don't care. And I won't post Scripture because you're familiar with the Word.

I want to hear what YOU really believe is keeping YOU separated from God.

I read your "wish list" up-thread.....but guess what? We submit to God's Will, He doesn't submit to ours. It is when we submit to Him, He gives us the desires of our hearts, according to His will.

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, yet expecting the same results while complaining about it. I've seen some successfully answer your questions over and over for the past year, and you're still not satisfied. Why? Because only GOD can quench that thirst...and you know that. Stop saying you'll open your Bible to read it and actually do it. Don't say you'll pray and don't. Don't say you'll do anything to get close to Him and don't. You're only fooling yourself, no one else.

Quite frankly, you need to be zapped.... because He is a Spirit.

I look forward to the day you testify of being overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit that all you can do is respond any way you know how. The intense feeling of relief, as if you'd ran a marathon and jumped into a pool of cool, clear water. The ginormous exhaling you'll do when this happens as if you'd just worked out. The very essence of God is to be breathed IN and breathed OUT. He is our very life source.....through the Holy Spirit.

I'm not saying you can't have the Holy Spirit with you w/out the physical manifestations I've just described. You can feel His presence anytime...but there comes a time when we must open ourselves to Him to let Him have His way.... when He burns our flesh and purifies us! We can't quantify this, we can't qualify it...there's no way to apply logic. Human intelligence is tossed out the window....No religious ramblings. No reasoning need apply. God's way is NOT our way. This isn't some self-induced trance. It's GOD.


I know you know God won't force Himself on you. Which is why YOU must submit to HIM to alleviate this state of confusion you're spinning in. He's waiting...

I want to encourage you to Trust Him. The power to do so is only within you. When you start trusting God, you will NEVER be the same again.... EVER

You will go from being CALLED to being CHOSEN.

Angels in Heaven will celebrate on that day.

I Love you dearly.

 

[luthiengirlie]

I am guarded about my decision to send this in because catholic things are not received well here at all..but this is something I use to examine my conscience. It's obviously a list for people who follow God and seek reconciliation with Him. So, with this list, I take myself off the perfection hook. I will sin...in ways even I cannot ever imagine...in the end, God will reveal all. Does that mean not to seek perfection? No, but it puts things into perspective. I think that people often seek the vengeful God rather than the merciful One. He's not brandishing a hammer, ready to conk us on the soul when we do wrong. Slow to anger..He is. We have to believe that and act like His children with a loving Father. Salvation is offered to sinners before they repent. Sorry, it's a little long:

1] I am the Lord your God. You shall not have strange gods before me.

* Do I give God time every day in prayer?
* Do I seek to love Him with my whole heart?
* Have I been involved with superstitious practices or have I been involved with the occult?
* Do I seek to surrender myself to God's Word as taught by the Church?
* Have I ever received Communion in a state of mortal sin?
* Have I ever deliberately told a lie in confession or have I withheld a mortal sin from the priest in confession?

[2] You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

* Have I used God's name in vain: lightly or carelessly?
* Have I been angry with God?
* Have I wished evil upon another person?
* Have I insulted a sacred person or abused a sacred object?

[3] Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day.

* Have I deliberately missed Mass on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation?
* Have I tried to observe Sunday as a family day and a day of rest?
* Do I do needless work on Sunday?

[4] Honor your Father and your Mother.

* Do I honor and obey my parents?
* Have I neglected my duties to my spouse and children?
* Have I given my family good religious example?
* Do I try to bring peace into my home life?
* Do I care for my aged and infirm relatives?

[5] You shall not kill.

* Have I had an abortion or encouraged anyone to have an abortion?
* Have I physically harmed anyone?
* have I abused alcohol or drugs?
* Did I give scandal to anyone, thereby leading them into sin?
* Have I been angry or resentful?
* Have I harbored hatred in my heart?
* Have I mutilated myself through any form of sterilization?
* Have I encouraged or condoned sterilization?

[6] You shall not commit adultery.

* Have I been faithful to my marriage vows in thought and action?
* Have I engaged in any sexual activity outside of marriage?
* Have I used any method of contraception or artificial birth control in my marriage?
* Has each sexual act in my marriage been open to the transmission of new life?
* Have I been guilty of masturbation?
* Have I sought to control my thoughts?
* Have I respected all members of the opposite sex, or have I thought of other people as objects?
* Have I been guilty of any homosexual activity?
* Do I seek to be chaste in my thoughts, words and actions?
* Am I careful to dress modestly?

[7] You shall not steal.

* Have I stolen what is not mine?
* Have I returned or made restitution for what I have stolen?
* Do I waste time at work, school or at home?
* Do I gamble excessively, thereby denying my family of their needs?
* Do I pay my debts promptly?
* Do I seek to share what I have with the poor?

[8] You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

* Have I lied?
* Have I gossiped?
* Have I spoken behind someone else's back?
* Am I sincere in my dealings with others?
* Am I critical, negative or uncharitable in my thoughts of others?
* Do I keep secret what should be kept confidential?

[9] You shall not desire your neighbor's wife.

* Have I consented to impure thoughts?
* Have I caused them by impure reading, movies, conversations or curiosity?
* Do I seek to control my imagination?
* Do I pray at once to banish impure thoughts and temptations?

[10] You shall not desire your neighbor's goods.

* Am I jealous of what other people have?
* Do I envy the families or possessions of others?
* Am I greedy or selfish?
* Are material possessions the purpose of my life?
* Do I trust that God will care for all of my material and spiritual needs?

whilesome things are of the catholic variety and i'm like ehherplexed
like spit out the bones and chew the meat i'm always hearing Christian folks say
it's very good for self examination and goal processes to say i'm going to get this area of my life under His subjegation yanno?

 

[luthiengirlie]

Pooh,

Girl, I just love you... I've seen you run circles around the same questions..lol... But if you gotta hear it again, I'll say it again.. YOU ARE BEING CALLED and are hearing God call you. Only, you keep running from Him. You must have an important mission for the Kingdom of God... I'mma start calling you Jonah-bear

Why is that?

What do you fear most...? You know, there are really only two emotions: Fear (out of God's Will) and Love (in God's Will).

Forget "other Christians" I don't want to hear about them or sin or who done did what....I really don't care. And I won't post Scripture because you're familiar with the Word.

I want to hear what YOU really believe is keeping YOU separated from God.

I read your "wish list" up-thread.....but guess what? We submit to God's Will, He doesn't submit to ours. It is when we submit to Him, He gives us the desires of our hearts, according to His will.

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, yet expecting the same results while complaining about it. I've seen some successfully answer your questions over and over for the past year, and you're still not satisfied. Why? Because only GOD can quench that thirst...and you know that. Stop saying you'll open your Bible to read it and actually do it. Don't say you'll pray and don't. Don't say you'll do anything to get close to Him and don't. You're only fooling yourself, no one else.

Quite frankly, you need to be zapped.... because He is a Spirit.

I look forward to the day you testify of being overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit that all you can do is respond any way you know how. The intense feeling of relief, as if you'd ran a marathon and jumped into a pool of cool, clear water. The ginormous exhaling you'll do when this happens as if you'd just worked out. The very essence of God is to be breathed IN and breathed OUT. He is our very life source.....through the Holy Spirit.

I'm not saying you can't have the Holy Spirit with you w/out the physical manifestations I've just described. You can feel His presence anytime...but there comes a time when we must open ourselves to Him to let Him have His way.... when He burns our flesh and purifies us! We can't quantify this, we can't qualify it...there's no way to apply logic. Human intelligence is tossed out the window....No religious ramblings. No reasoning need apply. God's way is NOT our way. This isn't some self-induced trance. It's GOD.


I know you know God won't force Himself on you. Which is why YOU must submit to HIM to alleviate this state of confusion you're spinning in. He's waiting...

I want to encourage you to Trust Him. The power to do so is only within you. When you start trusting God, you will NEVER be the same again.... EVER

You will go from being CALLED to being CHOSEN.

Angels in Heaven will celebrate on that day.

I Love you dearly.

:littleang:bouncegre:Rose::Rose::Rose::Rose::Rose::Rose:



this was wroth the smilies may i say this impacted me too

 

[LovingLady]

There's some things that I do that I don't know if they are really sins or not:
-Speeding in my car
-Coming in late for work sometimes
-Being on the internet while at work
-Not participating in all church ministries
-Not tithing 10% of my GROSS income... I give money to the church and to people, but not 10% of my gross, mainly because I see that no where in the Bible... I make good income but I have student loan debt and car loan to pay off.
-Having negative thoughts sometimes either about a particular person or something that happened in the past
-watching tv/movies and listening to non-Christian music occassionally
-Not doing everything my father tells me to do. This is a tough one because I am an adult and live on my own now, but my father is also a pastor and I attend the church he pastors. And I know the Bible says to obey your parents, so I'm at a lost on this one.

You can tell right off the bat if something is a sin depending on whether or not Jesus did it. For example, Jesus obeyed all the laws that were on this earth regardless if He agreed with them or not. No matter how old we are, we still have to obey our parents. Jesus obeyed His father to the very end, God's will be done.

I agree that people are not going to praise the Lord the same way. It still bothers me when people in the pulpit still advise you to stand up even when you don’t feel like it. It’s not a devil or evil spirit keeping me down, it’s just that I don’t feel all the excitement like everyone else at that moment. Plus, I don’t want to get caught up in just doing things just because everyone else is nor feeling force to praise Him.

I know what you mean. The spirit should move you, you shouldn't be forced to move.

Christ dying on the cross to pay the price for our sins is something that’s taught over and over. It is taught so much that it sometimes becomes meaningless to me. I know that’s not a good thought to have, but that’s how I’ve been feeling. But I’m wondering can someone’s death really pay for the punishment for our sins? How did Jesus’ death pay for our sins? Is it simply a matter of believing what it says in the Bible?

And why are sins being viewed as mistakes and habits so much now?

Correct me if I am incorrect.
If Jesus didn't die for us, we would be judged according to the sins that we committed. Jesus took the judgment for us in the form of torture and crucifixion. I am sorry I can't explain it to you better, this was explained to me years ago.

Can you clarify the last question I don't understand it.

In that question about how to have a relationship with God, I was referring to God who is a spirit (and also the Holy Spirit). I have been taught that God is the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. But anyway, so just praying, learning, and obeying His Word is basically all we need to do for a relationship with Him? If that’s the case, I guess I do have a relationship with God, I just have to believe it’s real.

So sin is just something I have to accept as a Christian too, right? So as long as I feel bad about the sin I commit, I shouldn’t worry about not being right with God? When I read the Bible, God speaks very strongly against sin and doesn't take it lightly at all. Is it that I'm reading certain verses about sin out of context of the scripture?

When I first read it I was thinking "wow, she made it seem so simple." That is it, but at the same time there is more. I don't see God as my creator (even though He is) I see him as a father. Whenever I want to speak to Him, he is there to listen to me. If I am trying to do something and I make a mistake, he shows me the correct way of doing it and He wouldn't put me in a situation that I wasn't able to handle. You can thing of it as if your learning how to ride a bike. God wouldn't take the training wheel off until your ready. We may not understand His methods but obeying Him will lead us down the best path that will help to build us up. These are all characteristic of a great father.

Can you clarify this for me: "I shouldn't worry about not being right with God?"

 

[freecurl]

Thank you all so much for introducing me to the Paul Washers' ministry.
I believe a lot of "Christians" struggle in this area based upon NOT truly hearing the Gospel of Christ.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky8dTyPpiAo

You ladies are awesome.

 

[Poohbear]

You can tell right off the bat if something is a sin depending on whether or not Jesus did it. For example, Jesus obeyed all the laws that were on this earth regardless if He agreed with them or not. No matter how old we are, we still have to obey our parents. Jesus obeyed His father to the very end, God's will be done.

Well, I don't know what to do then. If this is true about sin, it seems like God is just setting us up for constant failure.

And about obeying my dad... let's say my dad wants me to do something but I have already made plans that day. Am I suppose to cancel my plans to do what my dad says? If I don't, would I be considered disobedient to God?

And can I go to Hell for not doing everything that my dad wants me to do until he dies? (again, I am an adult and do not live with him anymore.)

Correct me if I am incorrect.
If Jesus didn't die for us, we would be judged according to the sins that we committed. Jesus took the judgment for us in the form of torture and crucifixion. I am sorry I can't explain it to you better, this was explained to me years ago.

Can you clarify the last question I don't understand it.

Originally Posted by Poohbear
And why are sins being viewed as mistakes and habits so much now?

You had said in your first post: "That doesn't mean that we should go around intentionally sinning, we should still learn from our mistakes and become better from them." ... I don't feel like sins are mistakes or habits... why do you consider sins as mistakes?

When I first read it I was thinking "wow, she made it seem so simple." That is it, but at the same time there is more. I don't see God as my creator (even though He is) I see him as a father. Whenever I want to speak to Him, he is there to listen to me. If I am trying to do something and I make a mistake, he shows me the correct way of doing it and He wouldn't put me in a situation that I wasn't able to handle. You can thing of it as if your learning how to ride a bike. God wouldn't take the training wheel off until your ready. We may not understand His methods but obeying Him will lead us down the best path that will help to build us up. These are all characteristic of a great father.

Can you clarify this for me: "I shouldn't worry about not being right with God?"

I'm saying as long as I feel sorry for my sins, I should not have to worry about NOT being right with God? In other words, I worry about whether or not I'm right with God even after I sin and feel sorry for my sins. And it has been said that a Christian feels sorry for their sins while unbelievers do not. So am I still right with God even if I sin? (Hope that makes sense)