Where To Go From Here

[xblack_x_rosesx]

I'm so confused...
about religion, about God, about Christianity.

I hate religion, so much... but I'm... Christian?
I hate the restrictions there are by the implications of the Bible... I mean, there is so much depth in it, and I appriciate the art of it, but why does it seem to revolve around so many things?

To me, I was raised to believe solely that what I believed in, as an individual, would get me into heaven. My parents, bornagain Christians, taught me that if I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior, what I believed in my heart, I would be forgiven for all my sins.
And I've gone on with this for my life.
I'm 17 right now, so I can't exactly say I've experienced a whole lot, but I just never was happy with my religion exactly, I always wanted something more out of it. I never got that "personal relationship" with God.

I'm so confused about morality, as well. I've been dating my boyfriend for about a year now, and he's my best friend, and we've decided to wait until marriage before we have sex. This is solely because of my religion that I chose this in our relationship.
But I have talked to SO many other christians, ones from churches in my town and youth group (I don't go to Church, I despise the church and organized religion, and I stopped going to youth group two years ago, but because I live in a small town I'm friends with everyone anyway) and almost all of them think its fine to have sex before marriage, and have. I mean, these are CHRISTIANS, who go to CHURCH... and they have sex?
This strikes me as odd... I mean, is there so much ambiguity? My cousin, whose father owns a Church, has gotten pregnant three seperate times by three differant men..
What is going on? Why is this so confusing? I thought this was a sin? Will they all go to hell now?

I also don't get all the hype about homosexuality... and all these horrible things called "sins". Sure, stealing, adultery, murder, I get all that... but seriously. Why is war not a sin? And corperations are so corrupt now-a-days that, I admit, I steal sometimes because it just sickens me the ridiculous profits that all this corruption acquires.

I study the existance of humanity, and see no trouble with evolution (from a point) and study the paranormal. I believe in lucid dreaming, and double existances where the sub conscience mind can physically travel to other places... I study religion scientifically.
Apparently that all is a sin.

I've been told that reading literature, such as the Davinci Code, or religious-critical literature is blasphamy and I'll go to hell.

I AM SO CONFUSED.

I don't want to call myself a Christian, because I don't want to be stereotyped as this Bible-thumping drone, but I do believe in God, and Jesus Christ as my savior, and I believe that the Rapture will happen someday very soon... but seriously... I try my best to be a decent human being, but everyone is so corrupt that I'm so confused as to what that even means anymore.
Am I not aloud to do the things I do? Read the things I read? Say the things I say?
Am I going to hell? (As I've been told)

This religion thing shouldn't be this confusing.
Should it?

[Tsukuyomi]

Everything has its confusing side and it's totally understandable that this is

I guess all you can do is keep doing what YOU feel is right.

I have a feeling this is all going back to the boyfriend thing amIright? It's up to the both of you if you're going to wait until marriage or not. Not trying to sound... (what's the word I'm looking for) "meh" (couldn't think of the word) or anything like that, but you shouldn't wait because of just religion. You should wait because you want to.

Just.. be careful.. Alright >_>?

[beau99]

I'm so confused...
about religion, about God, about Christianity.

I hate religion, so much... but I'm... Christian?

Don't worry. I also hate religion. I won't get into the specifics, but you can PM me if you wish and we can talk privately.

[ChristianKitsune]

Well... I think you first issue is that you view Christianity as a set of rules. You view your relationship with God as "Religion." That right there puts up a barrier between you and God.

First of all, let's address the "rules" part of your dilemma. God didn't set these "rules" to keep us from having fun. He wants us to have fun, trust me! He loves it when we are happy! He wants us to rejoice!

Those "rules" are put in place because he LOVES us. Think about it. If you and your boyfriend had sex right now. But you realized that you don't want to be together anymore... you could be REALLY hurt from that. And if anyone starts sleeping around they are posing a risk of STDs... 1 in 2 women have HPV...which can cause cancer...and cause to women to not have kids. Many women who finally do get married want to have kids but can't because they were so quick to give themselves away...

About homosexuality...it's wrong. I'm sorry. God didn't make humans to love the same sex that way. And many problems have been caused because of all this immorality (including the beforementioned premarital sex stuffs)

As for those who are doing all this and still call themselves Christians. I don't believe they are going to go to hell for what they are doing, but at the same time they are putting a huge barrier between their relationship with the God they serve...

God LOVES us, he wants to have a relationship with us. He doesn't want us to be puppets on a string...he gave us free choice, but at the same time it's our choice to follow God and worship Him because HE DESERVES it!

I'm not here to judge you, I honestly am not...but maybe you are having such a hard time with this because you have all these issues in your life? Give them God, he can handle listening to your problems! ^_^

As for reading what you are reading.... I go to Phillipians 4:8 for that...

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Again this isn't set in place to keep you from having fun. It's to keep you from going crazy. Right now you are reading so much stuff... that you are getting confused. It's not necassarily WRONG to read that stuff...but only if you just want to know more about it so you can....not be ignorant? But it's definately dangerous territory...as the Devil can use that as a foothold to try to distract you from God.

I don't believe that people can lose their salvation if they were sincere when they accepted Christ. I don't see God as the kind of person that would offer you a gift and then take it away...

As for not wanting to be called a "christian" because you don't want to be called a "Bible Thumper" that's a little understandable. But at the same time, not all Christians ARE Bible thumpers. Just like not all muslims are terrorists. and back in the 1940s not all Germans were Nazis. O_o

Unfortunately there are a lot of Christians out there who are too harsh, and they need to take a step back and show the world CHRIST's LOVE.

Finally, when the world is Corrupt all you can do is be who God CREATED you to be! ^_^

God doesnt' cause confusion, it's when we aren't listening to him that we get confused...

Sorry for ranting, and I'm sorry if what I had to say doesn't make a lick of sense.

Guys, lets not make this a debate thread, okay?

[rocklobster]

Well... I think you first issue is that you view Christianity as a set of rules. You view your relationship with God as "Religion." That right there puts up a barrier between you and God.

First of all, let's address the "rules" part of your dilemma. God didn't set these "rules" to keep us from having fun. He wants us to have fun, trust me! He loves it when we are happy! He wants us to rejoice!

Those "rules" are put in place because he LOVES us. Think about it. If you and your boyfriend had sex right now. But you realized that you don't want to be together anymore... you could be REALLY hurt from that. And if anyone starts sleeping around they are posing a risk of STDs... 1 in 2 women have HPV...which can cause cancer...and cause to women to not have kids. Many women who finally do get married want to have kids but can't because they were so quick to give themselves away...

About homosexuality...it's wrong. I'm sorry. God didn't make humans to love the same sex that way. And many problems have been caused because of all this immorality (including the beforementioned premarital sex stuffs)

As for those who are doing all this and still call themselves Christians. I don't believe they are going to go to hell for what they are doing, but at the same time they are putting a huge barrier between their relationship with the God they serve...

God LOVES us, he wants to have a relationship with us. He doesn't want us to be puppets on a string...he gave us free choice, but at the same time it's our choice to follow God and worship Him because HE DESERVES it!

I'm not here to judge you, I honestly am not...but maybe you are having such a hard time with this because you have all these issues in your life? Give them God, he can handle listening to your problems! ^_^

As for reading what you are reading.... I go to Phillipians 4:8 for that...


Again this isn't set in place to keep you from having fun. It's to keep you from going crazy. Right now you are reading so much stuff... that you are getting confused. It's not necassarily WRONG to read that stuff...but only if you just want to know more about it so you can....not be ignorant? But it's definately dangerous territory...as the Devil can use that as a foothold to try to distract you from God.

I don't believe that people can lose their salvation if they were sincere when they accepted Christ. I don't see God as the kind of person that would offer you a gift and then take it away...

As for not wanting to be called a "christian" because you don't want to be called a "Bible Thumper" that's a little understandable. But at the same time, not all Christians ARE Bible thumpers. Just like not all muslims are terrorists. and back in the 1940s not all Germans were Nazis. O_o

Unfortunately there are a lot of Christians out there who are too harsh, and they need to take a step back and show the world CHRIST's LOVE.

Finally, when the world is Corrupt all you can do is be who God CREATED you to be! ^_^

God doesnt' cause confusion, it's when we aren't listening to him that we get confused...

Sorry for ranting, and I'm sorry if what I had to say doesn't make a lick of sense.

Guys, lets not make this a debate thread, okay?

*sniff sniff* QFT!
Christian Kitsune, I think you are one of the best Christians I have ever met. You my friend, have a heart that is on fire for God.
Anyway, back on topic. We have to realize that every religion has some set of rules in it. Without rules, our society would be chaotic, and definitely not worth saving. As for sexuality, believe it or not--everything that we are is a gift from God--INCLUDING SEXUALITY! I don't pretend to know why God decided that sexuality is a part of what makes us human, but we have to remember this. I believe that he created us so that can experience a much deeper type of unity and love than we might have without it. Love is about sharing ourselves with each other, and sexuality is an extension of that. I hope this helps.

[beau99]

Guys, lets not make this a debate thread, okay?

I know you mean well, but... I have a bad feeling it will end up being a debate thread pretty soon.

I'll say right now that I disagree with a lot of your post, but I'll leave it at that.

[LadyRushia]

A) You're putting God in the same box as religion. God isn't a religion.
B) You're paying too much attention to the actions of humans, who are imperfect beings and go against God every day whether they mean to or not. There are plenty of people who call themselves Christians, go to church, etc., who don't act like followers of Jesus at all. The Bible is truth, human actions and human words aren't.
C) Anybody who accepts Jesus Christ as his personal savior will go to heaven and there is nothing he to do that would send him to hell. No sin is too much for Jesus' blood. Anybody who doesn't accept Jesus Christ as his personal savior is punished for his sins and sent to hell.
D) Our world has been corrupt since the Fall. We as followers of Christ are called to break away from the ways of the world, hence why the Bible says that others will know us by our actions. Stealing just because companies are corrupt or whatever isn't going to make the situation any better.

I study the existance of humanity, and see no trouble with evolution (from a point) and study the paranormal. I believe in lucid dreaming, and double existances where the sub conscience mind can physically travel to other places... I study religion scientifically.
Apparently that all is a sin.

I've been told that reading literature, such as the Davinci Code, or religious-critical literature is blasphamy and I'll go to hell.

I can't say much on the whole paranormal thing simply because it's not something I'm very interested in; however, God does say that witchcraft, sorcery, etc., are forbidden.

And why are you listening to legalistic Christians? Where in the Bible does it say that reading a book is a sin?

[ChristianKitsune]

I know you mean well, but... I have a bad feeling it will end up being a debate thread pretty soon.

I'll say right now that I disagree with a lot of your post, but I'll leave it at that.

That's fine, you can disagree with me if you want to.. No skin off my nose. This thread isn't about me after all. :/

[ShiroiHikari]

Legalism is a great hindrance to a fulfilling relationship with God. Read your Bible, pray, and with God's guidance, make your own decisions as to what's right or wrong for you. I mean this in regard to things that aren't clear in the Bible, by the way. Obviously you shouldn't ask God if it's okay to kill someone who made you mad, because the answer to that is obvious. XD

Also...don't steal. :\ It's not right. Yeah, corporate corruption happens, but not all corporations are corrupt. Some of them are honest, some of them even do good things like give back to the community or help keep the Earth clean.

It's the same thing with Christians, really-- some are honestly trying to follow Jesus, and some aren't. Nobody can do it right all the time, but what's important is trying your best and relying on God to help you.

God keeps no record of wrongs, so don't beat yourself up if you stumble. It's like walking down the road and tripping over a rock. You can't just keep lying there; you have to get up. When you mess up, confess it to God, and then keep on keepin' on.

And of course, if someone is covered by the blood of Christ, then they cannot be condemned. It says that right there in the Bible. That doesn't give us a free pass to sin all we want, though. >_>

Also, a lot of people say they're "Christian" when what they actually mean is "I go to church sometimes". Going to church doesn't mean that Christ dwells within you. I was confused about that until I was 18 years old, when I finally learned what it meant to truly accept Christ.

[Popsicle]

I second all of what CK said earlier so I won't repeat everything.

Christianity isn't a religion. To the world it is, but it's not. A religion is man's attempt at finding salvation. Christianity is where you find God and it is not an attempt, because it is the actual way to salvation. Christianity is a lifestyle and relationship with your Savior.

[Shilohan ninja]

First of all, I'd like to point out that religion is a man-made, not God-made, institution. I'm a Christian and I don't consider myself religious in any way, other that attending church services and such. I would say that might also be part of why you're confused; you're not going to church and thus missing out on God speaking through his chosen people. Yes, there are some churches and pastors that do twist and pervert the gospel and you should watch out for those. Yet, at the same time, it isn't spiritually healthy to starve yourself of God's word.
Another thing I'd point out is that homosexuality IS wrong. If God had created us to be able to procreate with a partner of the same sex, there would have been no need to make Eve. What would that be like? Yet, sense God did NOT create us that way, it has a way of leading to sexual problems such as AIDs and other STDs (or STIs, as they're now called). This is not to say God hates gays or lesbians or bisexuals, God loves everyone; because He loves us, He hates sin with a passion. That's why, when Jesus died on the cross, God turned his back on his son. Think about it; the son of God taking the sins of the whole world on himself, being rejected by those closest to him and all of those he was saving, hanging there, breathing his last. Yet, he still loved us enough to ask the Father to forgive us. Now THAT'S love.
I come to you with these words of wisdom, not as an inhumanely perfect know-it-all that many Americans who call themselves Christians profess to be, but as a fellow fallen creature who's been saved by the grace of Jesus Christ and is going through similar straights as you. If you need someone to talk to about such matters, pm me and I'll be ready and willing. In the mean time, I suggest reading you bible on a regular basis and finding a bible study to be accountable to.

[Radical Dreamer]

[quote="LadyRushia (post: 1243656)"]A) You're putting God in the same box as religion. God isn't a religion.

B) You're paying too much attention to the actions of humans, who are imperfect beings and go against God every day whether they mean to or not. There are plenty of people who call themselves Christians, go to church, etc., who don't act like followers of Jesus at all. The Bible is truth, human actions and human words aren't.

C) Anybody who accepts Jesus Christ as his personal savior will go to heaven and there is nothing he to do that would send him to hell. No sin is too much for Jesus' blood. Anybody who doesn't accept Jesus Christ as his personal savior is punished for his sins and sent to hell.

D) Our world has been corrupt since the Fall. We as followers of Christ are called to break away from the ways of the world, hence why the Bible says that others will know us by our actions. Stealing just because companies are corrupt or whatever isn't going to make the situation any better.

I can't say much on the whole paranormal thing simply because it's not something I'm very interested in]

Agreeage with 100% of the stuff in this post.

On studying other religions, there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, as Christians, we SHOULD study other religions so that we can understand those who belong to such religions better and find ways to witness to them. There's a difference between having a head knowledge of something and truly believing it, and to that end, we should definitely study other religions to better understand those who believe them. 'Course, we should study the Bible moreso to show ourselves approved and further understand (and be able to share) our own beliefs, too. XD

On legalism, check out Romans 14. When it comes to trivial matters like reading a book, watching a movie, etc., that's entirely up to you and God. There's no verse in the Bible that says "You, as a Christian, are not allowed to listen to/watch/read _______." We're told to be careful with the things we do expose ourselves to, and to certainly keep away from the things that cause us to stumble, however.

Regarding the teenagers that go to church yet sleep around, humans, and unfortunately many Christians, are a bad example of Christ. Don't look to people for an example of how to act, because people sin daily. Look at Christ's example, and try to live your life accordingly. And when you do stumble, like Shiroi said, just get back up and keep going.

On a final note, this thread is definitely being watched for theological debates, and since I'd really rather not have it locked for that reason (or any reason XD), please keep all theological debate opinions either to yourself or confined to PMs.

[xblack_x_rosesx]

Yeah...
hm...

Well, thanks a lot everybody.

( I just want to clear this boyfriend thing up right off, he's never had sex, I've never had sex, and I don't think I would regret having sex with him right now, but I just don't want to until I'm married, you know?)

And yeah...
I guess looking to other people as examples of Christianity is a bad idea, sin people are flawed.

Its just hard to... deal with stuff, without God especially.

Like, in the last month, two of my best friends have attempted suicide.
I think this is some sort of distraction...
But, last night one of these friends attempted suicide, and his parents are staying at his house tonight (he and this other friend graduated last year, their a year older than me and live in the city) but yes.
Neither of them are christians, in fact they are... against organized religion passionatly, but don't judge me for my beliefs, which is nice.
One of them has been into hard drugs recently too...
I don't know if praying for them does anything, because they don't believe in God.

And my boyfriend hates religion too... I get that, because I do too.
Religion just comes off so... Inquisition, bible-thumping religious fanatics who preach sin sin sin..
its just hard to know how to... tell people about God when they've HEARD IT ALL BEFORE AND HATE IT.

I don't want to yell it in their ears, but so many people I know need salvation, but I can't talk to them about it because the last thing they need to hear is "Jesus died for you-" "I KNOW. What has God ever done for me?"

...
><

[ChristianKitsune]

It sounds like your friends are really hurting... it's hard for people who have never known God's love to suddenly fall down and worship him.

All you can do for your friends is pray for them. And pay attention to what the Holy Spirit tells you... If He wants you to tell your friends about Christ, then you should do it, but only when he leads you to do so.

When your friends as "What has God ever done for me?" You just answered the question. "Jesus DIED for them! He loved them THAT much...that he would send his son to die for a world that completely hates Him!"

Again, it's not about religion, it's about a relationship... seriously. Church won't save you...a personal relationship with Christ will...

[LadyRushia]

Since when does God only help Christians? Christ came to save all of humanity. God doesn't say, "Oh, this person isn't a Christian so I'm never going to help him."

Witnessing to people:

A) If they're you're friends they aren't going to hate you and if they do then they were never friends to begin with.
B) When the topic of beliefs comes up, listening to what the other person believes first shows that person right away that you aren't a bible-thrower.
C) You'd be surprised at how many people will listen to you if you're civil. I have a friend who used to be a hardcore atheist and now she's on her way to getting back to God.

I think you're still seeing God and religion as the same thing. God isn't religion and religion isn't God.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Some people here need to take a Theology class or something...

[animewarrior]

...........I feel your pain.
Even tho I am a preacher's kid I come from a VERY different sitch.
Both my parents divorced before they met each other. Dad was a Jehovah Witness (aka Door-Knocker) and he HATED it... so he left and went into the partying scene (drugs, alcohol, even a case of demonic posession). Mom didn't go super CRAZY but she did go to parties and married her first bf who was a royal class jerk who lied to her 24-7. >,<

My parents met at a bar. JR'S... which (I find, hilariously) are my brothers initials.. (NOT KIDDING). My mom was raised in a SUPER stric Bapist home where she was told what NOT to do without reasons why. (aka don't have sex before marriage because it's a SIN)

My mom by the time she met my Dad had pretty much given up on God, she believed he existed just didn't care about the humans he created. Dad was a case of "God hates us all". However, while they were talking on their date (idk which one it was only that it was once their first like 2) and the subject of "RELIGION" came up.

Their conversation led Mom to realize that she still believed in Christ and challenged her to grow in her faith. She then, through multiple debates and the work of God, helped Dad realize where his true salvation lied.

They married 9 months after they met. I was born two years later while Dad was at seminary studying to be a pastor. After he got his license many churches didn't want to hire a pastor with that kind of past. He even took a two year break because he felt that God didn't want him to be leading people to the Lord... and that he wasn't good enough.

My parents haven't told me every detail of their pasts, however religion has always been a choice... I still had to go to church with them, however they encouraged me to study WHY I wanted to believe in Chirst, not just because I was raised in a Christian home....So well my point is that even if you feel BOXED in there are many ways to grow in your faith.
I'm going to recommend a book by Phillip Yancy and it's called "The Jesus I Never Knew". I suggest that you read it but even if you don't I will still pray very hard for you and your friends and your bf. God Bless.

Sincerely,
Your Sister in Christ
-animewarrior

[Tundrawolf]

I used to think like that, and honestly, in many ways, I still do. But God, why can't I?? [Clipped] I want to so bad!

Ahhhh.. But therein lies the rub!

When you are reading the Bible next, take even one inkling, one thing where you say to yourself "Why can't I do that??".

Then sit back, and think for a moment. What if you immersed yourself into that particular life "style". What would be the end of it?

Now, think again about that lifestyle and what would be it's end and answer that question honestly.

The honest answer, the one where you explore the inner depths of yourself and your honest admission to how much you listen to your flesh (And are persuaded by it), is that the only end for that lifestyle is death.

Dissatisfaction, loneliness, pain, regret, chaos, hatred, perhaps even murder. The greatest failure this country has had is that we have not bothered to think through to the end of our policies, our looseness as a society. We let it go and ignored the cries of a few people-dismissed them as uptight and ignorant.

I know what you mean, you do not hate religion, you hate the laws and restrictions imposed by religion.

I do not know how old you are-I did not bother to look, but I am almost 30 years old. If I told you some of the things I have done I would be banned from this website. Why did I just say that? Because I am telling you my friend, when the Bible says it is not good, do not do it, IT MEANS IT.

Have you ever layed on the carpet of your room with a rifle under your chin, and cried yourself into a trance?

I did, when on drugs.

Have you ever been so lonely you cut yourself to get the pain to abate, even a little?

I have, when I shunned marriage.

Right now Satan is telling you "Oh man, what a downer this Bible is! look at all these great things you could be doing right now!" Satan is probably even filling your mind with desires, visions, sensations, anything to get you to think this way.

Except for one thing-what you are being told and shown by the devil is an absolute lie. The Bible says that ALL SIN is fun for a season.

Even now I am tempted with things, and honestly sort of angry with God for not letting me do them, until I remember the overdose, the emptiness, the hate, etc. Those were almost the end of those sins I partook in. You will see my friend, if you follow every law and letter-doing so by the POWER of Christ in you, you will not be any happier.

As you are tempted now, all the happiness Satan is promising you, take that happiness and multiply it by 10 trillion million billion zillion and you will have a HINT of how HAPPY, JOYFUL, CONTENT, and SECURE you will be IF you follow Christ and let Him be your Lord and Savior.

It's not a cliche, it's the Truth. You can follow in my footsteps and live a dark, wretched life angry with God, only to find out that God has loved me the whole time, and now letting Him have control of my life after squandering 30 years of it, or you can pray and ask God to show you what I am talking about. (And how hard is that? He will show you my friend)

He will never leave you or let you go. God loves you so much.



Animewarrior, I like your response. It is so true. You can grow in your faith. What are the desires of your heart my friend? Does God want you to live in mindless, bland subservience? Living with nothing, a popper, never having any "fun"? Not at all!!! God wants you to HAVE THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART. No kidding!! The future of your life with God is as bright as the sun, and brighter. Satan on the other hand, wants you to feel enslaved, limited, and empty. Who do you really want to serve, one who created you and loves you more than you will know while alive? Or one who hates you to your very core, who laughs at your every despair? Because no matter how good those temptations and enticements look or feel, when you are at the end, broken, ruined, devastated and near death, Satan is laughing at you. The one who showed you those lies, laughs at you. He was laughing at me when I had that rifle to my head, he was laughing when I cut my skin with the blade, he was laughing when I had a heart attack on meth, he was laughing when I had guns held to my head, he was laughing when I was in every empty relationship I ever had.

And remember there will always be hope for you. Jesus will pull you out of whatever hole you have desperately dug for yourself, every time.

[xblack_x_rosesx]

Some people here need to take a Theology class or something...

See, this is why I find it so hard.

NOONE can give me a straight answer, and there is so much confusion and debate...


-sigh-

Yeah. I think I'll just...
find some sort of outlet.

I know the most religious I have been was when I was seeing things (I don't know how to explain it... tall dark people in my room all the time when I woke up in the middle of the night)
and when I was so intriqued with the Second Coming.

I just need to find a passion for it again.

I also don't know HOW to even begin talking to my boyfriend about it.
I mean, we've debated religion for hours and hours. He believes in a higher being, but finds it absolutely silly that some man lived 2000 years ago and saved us all. The whole struggle between good and evil seems like a fairy tale to him.
I think I would be a lot happier if I knew other christians, faithful christians, and I would be so happy if my boyfriend was one of them.
I just don't know what to say to him to bring him to salvation...

[xblack_x_rosesx]

I also just don't know how to be passionate about it.

I've tried SO many times to talk to God, and I just can't get it to work.
I'm trying, but I can't... I CAN'T DO IT.
I can't.
What do I do?
How do I start?

I just feel so hollow. I mean, reading the bible does sh*& all for me.
Praying never seems to help.
I feel like theres this brick wall that I've been trying to get past for the last 6 years.
Its getting so tiring, but I don't want to give up.

Its just hard when nobody I knows feels the same way.

i don't know where to start.

[animewarrior]

honestly.
I WENT THROUGH THE BRICK WALL SYNDROME!!!!
*waves frantically*
You need to stop TRYING so hard. You need to relax.
aka instead of picking up your Bible and saying "I NEED TO HEAR FROM GOD"
instead just read. I will pray for you and the holy spirit will Open the eyes of your heart.
Remember, people here love you. (as in the brotherly/sisterly love that binds us all)
Be praying for you,
- animewarrior

[Tundrawolf]

See, this is why I find it so hard.

NOONE can give me a straight answer, and there is so much confusion and debate...


-sigh-

Yeah. I think I'll just...
find some sort of outlet.

I know the most religious I have been was when I was seeing things (I don't know how to explain it... tall dark people in my room all the time when I woke up in the middle of the night)
and when I was so intriqued with the Second Coming.

I just need to find a passion for it again.

I also don't know HOW to even begin talking to my boyfriend about it.
I mean, we've debated religion for hours and hours. He believes in a higher being, but finds it absolutely silly that some man lived 2000 years ago and saved us all. The whole struggle between good and evil seems like a fairy tale to him.
I think I would be a lot happier if I knew other christians, faithful christians, and I would be so happy if my boyfriend was one of them.
I just don't know what to say to him to bring him to salvation...

With the quote you quoted I was going to say someone needs a lesson in love. I'm sorry I looked, you are 17 and female, I thought you were male, heh. Anyway. (sorry)

If you have ever accepted Jesus as your Savior, asked Him into your heart you will be OK. The fact that you are wondering about it is actually good. Better than letting it turn dark and rot over, like I did. When God pulls you out of a funk, it can be difficult, but God always will. He is not content to watch you live your life in misery. You are His Kid and He loves you. I'm sorry if it is cliche to say, but time after time God has shown me how much I am loved.

You ARE going to be OK. Jesus will NEVER leave you or forsake you. You are ALWAYS His child. I'm sorry to hear about your friend who attempted suicide. Being suicidal is a horrible place to be, so empty and lonely. I used to manage a room on the IRC for suicidal people, and have had many people i grew to care so much about kill themselves.

This is bringing back some pretty awful memories, but you need to know, there is hope. I do not know your specific situation, but I can tell you it will be OK. There is no way I can tell you what will happen, just pray. Pray God will show His love for you.

Also, the Bible says that every Good and Perfect thing is from God. Has anything good happened to you recently? Were you able to buy something you wanted, no matter what it was? You were able to do so because God loves you. He blesses you in many ways every day-the devil wants to steal the memory of those things, though.

Anyway, I apologize if I am being random, or nonsensical. I can tell you, you will be OK. God loves you, and will always be there-and care for you.

[xblack_x_rosesx]

He blesses you in many ways every day-the devil wants to steal the memory of those things, though.

Ok, thats a start.
I'll keep a journal of everything good thats happening to me, or all the good things I feel, and just reflect on how blessed I am.
That really sounds like a good place for me to start on this.

Thank you everyone for helping me out on this, I know I probably sound like some 17 year old bimbo, and you're probably thinking "Pffttt, shes got plenty of time to figure it out, shes young." So, thank you all so much. I do appriciate it =]

[animewarrior]

we love you xblack x rosesx - chan. SERIOUSLY.

[PokettoKunoichi]

I personally don't think it's too much... Think about it. We're free with Christ. Now with homosexuality and things like that, I really can't answer to that. I admit sometimes I feel like that being a Christian is too hard/boring/whatever. Like your only hobbies have something to do with ministering to people and only listen to sacred music. Guess what? It's by their own choice, not because the Bible says so.

And just pray. Just pray hard, and suddenly you may feel like you're really connecting. Thats what I do. Prayer really helps.

And just tell yourself this, "In the beginning, we were supposed to enjoy life. Not trouble ourself with whether something was a sin or not."

Sorry I wasn't much of a help... But everyone else here, and ChristianKitsune, you're joyful, and a Christian. That's how we're supposed to be.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

See, this is why I find it so hard.

NOONE can give me a straight answer, and there is so much confusion and debate...

Sorry. That statement was not in reference towards you. ^^;;

[xblack_x_rosesx]

we love you xblack x rosesx - chan. SERIOUSLY.

Which is silly. Noone even knows me... =[

Anyway, one other thing (i'm sorry... about all of this.)

I'm confused about my friend situation.

I'll explain this, we've been friends for a while, and they graduated last year and moved to the city, about an hour and a half away from my town.
They both come to visit me every once in a while. We'll call them.... Cathy and Josh ** (name changes).
Anyway, Cathy tried to commit suicide last time they came up to visit me.
I have never gone to the city to visit them, as I haven't driven in the city before and it scares me a little.
Anyway, last night Josh tried to commit suicide too, by overdosing on sleeping pills. Cathy called 911 and Josh's parents came to the city.
Josh told Cathy later that he would try again, tonight, to commit suicide, and Cathy is telling his mom, because his mom is the one who is staying overnight with him.
Cathy told me I should try to come to the city tommorow to see them.
I haven't told my parents the situation because I'm not sure how to deal with it. I don't really feel comfortable going to the city, and it just doesn't feel right.

I don't know what to do.
I don't think God wants me to go, and I don't know why. Cathy and Josh are... well, They lie, and steal, and have sex, and do drugs and drink, but they are nice, and good people. I don't know if God wants me to try and help them, or if I should just try and get away from that.
I want to help them.
Their my friends, I love them.
But I don't know what to do.

I'm even more worried about my boyfriend
I JUST DON'T KNOW HOW TO TALK TO PEOPLE IN A WAY THAT ISN'T PREACHY.

=[

Should I try to go to the city to see them?
I mean... if I don't, and he does commit suicide... was there something I could have done?
Frick.

[xblack_x_rosesx]

And how to I talk to... anyone about God?
How to I make it sound not preachy?

I refuse to say "God loves you, Jesus died for you, blah blah blah REJOICE AND SING FOR YOU ARE SAVED HALLALJUH!"
I mean... its so cliche', and I know that could never work on anyone I know, because they've all heard it before...
GR!

[Tundrawolf]

Let me tell you a little something about suicide. You could tie me up, put me in a basement filled with pillows, and if I wanted to, I'd be dead in minutes. The truth is, unless you are Jesus Himself and can appear to your friend in a blinding light, there is little you can do aside from PRAYING.

Only God knows what you should do, the best the most informed person can do is to only give you advice. If this man is threatening to do it again, he needs to have professional help. If I would have called for help when one of my friends was threatening that he'd still be alive today.

I know what you mean about being preachy. I am afraid of what to say sometimes because because I don't want to be like "Jesus loves you man accept Him right now or you're going to hell bro". LOL.

Also, if it doesn't feel "right" then don't do it. Pray about it, and call someone who can get this guy into a facility where he is not a threat to himself, because it might be the only way he lives past tonight. Don;t become obsessed over what you could have done, that's a great way to suffer yourself into oblivion, and then what good are you, to yourself or anyone else? This man is responsible for himself, and so is the woman. You are not God and you are not in charge of these people.

The best you can do is pray.

And, nobody thinks you're a 17 year old bimbo. I didn't even know how old you were, I did not care-you know why? Because I have been there, sometimes I am still there, and God has shown em how much He loves me. It sucks to feel that way, and I want to help you. Not just because you're a sister in Christ, but because you're a person created by God, whom God loves dearly.

Pray. God listens to His people, even if the devil is screaming in your ear WHILE you are praying. God hears you and loves you, and cares about what you care about, He loves your friends, regardless of what they do.


About witnessing: The Bible tells us that aside from the Holy Spirit wooing someone to Christ it cannot happen. In other words, you could have the perfect speech applied to everyone who has ever lived, and unless God is behind it, you won't get anywhere. What I am saying is, pray about it. Pray God gives you the words. Be sensitive to that person, and most of all, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. If you fall flat on your face and sound like an idiot, God may use that time you spent with that person to have someone else witness to them later. It is called "Planting a seed".

Even though you may have thought you totally failed, perhaps that person saw the genuineness of your trying, and later on be convinced to go into a church and be saved. You never know. The most important thing is that you feel led by the Holy Spirit to talk to that person. If God is asking you to talk to that person guess what-even if that person laughs at you, that person is going to become saved, in part by what you told them. God will also give you the strength. He will give you the words. He will lead you, it is like love leading you, sort of.

[xblack_x_rosesx]

Yeah...

I think I will go visit him.
I mean, it will be one day and $40 out of my life to do this.
I can do this.

I think I will.
Theres an essance that it feels wrong, but theres this essance that it feels right too.
And if I don't go, then I'll feel even worse.