I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe that he died for my sins, and I have accepted him as my savior. However I don't feel like giving up sins all the times. Sometimes I'm really gung ho for Jesus, and I want to do his will, but lately this hasn't been the case. I just don't really feel like Christianity is fun. It feels more like a chore. I feel like I can't do anything that I like such as drinking, lusting, and etc. I feel trapped because I want to follow my heart, but I'm scared of going to hell. Should I serve God just because of a fear of going to hell. That bothers me. I feel that I should do it because I want. But i really am not sure that I want to. Like I said before, I believe in God and Jesus Christ, but I have a problem with giving up sin. Some things I'm not sure if they are sins or not. People say they are, but people are not always right. I'm very confused. Can anyone help?
2006-10-04 07:26:44 · 18 answers · asked by noone 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Hi! I'm a Christian too. I know where you're at. I'm kinda at the same place as you are. I use to be this really strong Christian. I started prayer groups, was gonna be a missionary, ect ect. I went to college and things changed. I havn't been going to church all the time, i've been doing things I know I shouldn't. People try to make it like if you sin, you're not a Christian anymore. That is clearly not the case. Jesus died because we sinned...but the reason he took that upon himself is because he wanted to have a relationship with us. Sometimes Christians go through "dry spells" as I call them. You don't feel like going to church all the time, you would rather go and drink and have fun than sit home and read the Bible. Many Christians go through this. I had a friend that decided she would rather sin all the time and have fun than be a Christian because she though that being a Christian meant you can't have fun. Bad choice. I'm a Christian but I don't think it's wrong to drink, as long as its done responsibly. The Bible clearly says getting drunk is wrong..but you can drink w/o getting drunk. I believe it's okay to go out and dance and have fun with friends. Just live a life in love. Try to obey God's commands and if you mess up..its okay. God's love for us is new each day. When we ask him for forgivness for our sins, he honestly forgives us. A few things that help me, I try to read my Bible at least once a week and go to Church at least once or twice a month. God won't leave ya hanging. He's still there for us, even when we're in our "dry spells" Just pray that you get closer to him and just trust that he is there for you no matter what. Hope this helps.
2006-10-04 07:36:26 · answer #1 · answered by CuriosityKilledtheCat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes I can help. Knowing these basics is a good thing. But accepting Jesus Christ as your savior, that is only the beginning. What is extremely important, if you are not doing this, is to find a good bible teaching church and get into bible study. In the bible, you will find out more about the Lord, about how God would have you live. You will be changed by His word, which will take root within you and purify you, enabling you to find less pleasure in the things of this world and great pleasure in the things of the spirit.
The Christian life is not about walking around with your head down, being sober and serious and never having fun. On the contrary, since I have been studying His word for a decade, my life has been transformed into one of peace, joy, abundance, confidence, assurance. Develop a desire to seek Him in word and deed and prayer, and just as God promises, if you commit all your ways to Him, He will give you the desires of your heart.
2006-10-04 14:34:47 · answer #2 · answered by christian_lady_2001 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Psalms tells us that the "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
It sounds like you are a new Christian. What you are experiencing is the tug-of-war between the flesh and the spirit.
Galatians 5 speaks of it, as does Romans 7. But for Romans 7, we are encouraged to go on to victory in Romans 8.
You are not alone. Even the great Apostle Paul went through what you are experiencing, every Christian does.
Keep choosing Jesus. He'll provide an "escape hatch" when temptations come.
2006-10-04 14:36:11 · answer #3 · answered by Bob L 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every christian has this problem, there's an easy answer. You either try to live as He would have you live, or you don't. Its so simple, I don't get the confusing part. Sure, it's hard trying to be "good", no one ever said it wasn't. If you can't do it, then that's what you call rejecting Him. It's a very simple yes or no. Sounds like your answer is no, and I'm sorry.
Everyone sins, no getting around that, but theres a difference in sinning purposely, which is what you seem to be talking about. If its a choice between Him or the desire to sin, that's a choice only you can make.
2006-10-04 14:31:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think what you feel is normal, thats what Paul's explains, that we are in constant fight with our own hearts. But the most important thing is that you accepted Jesus as your Savior. If you cant feel happy with the things you are doing its pointless, if its done w/o honesty in your heart your actions would be only a lie. But its said (in the Bible) that you are saved if u believe in Jesus and thats it.
I think once you accept him theres still a really long road to walk and learn with him, and yeah we are all sinners and we will keep doing so until we die. I think the best way to learn something is by our own experience and mistakes. Do you feel like getting drunk? (drinking is not a sin getting drunk and losing control of ur actions is), do it then. Do you feel like sleeping around with meaninless sex for pleasure alone? do it. I think at some point after doing that for a while you will get to realize in ur own that its not worth the troble, not becasue of others opinions, but because it corrupts and hurts you and leaves you more empty than b4.
personaly i dont think its fun at all to get drunk lol, or to lie, or to be mean, or lust and have sex with anyone... but thats just me.
2006-10-04 14:48:28 · answer #5 · answered by Evangelina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Welcome to the Body of Christ!!
You are NORMAL!!!
It sounds like the problem is that someone is telling you that you have to do something to be a Christian, perform or act in a certain way to lease God. Well Jesus is already pleased and you can't do anything to increase that.
Here is an on line book that will help you get a better grip on what it means to be a Christian. I would read the text then listen to it being taught via the mp3 files. Or just listen to the mp3 files on your ipod.
http://www.raystedman.org/authenxnty/
There are other things in this library that will help as well, but let's start here.
2006-10-04 14:35:14 · answer #6 · answered by Bruce 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you are a Christian. It sounds like you feel like this because you've been paying more attention to the world than to God. Everyone sins, but the more you grow closer to God, you will feel like you don't need to sin. If you truly accepted him, than you have no fear of going to hell because in the Bible it says that nothing can take away our salvation. Only our personal choices can do that. Early in my Christian life, I had this problem too. I fixed it by paying more attention to God. Start out by spending 10 minutes everyday with him, doesn't matter when. Remember, it's fact ( God's Word), faith (our trust in God and His Word) and feeling ( the result of our faith and obedience).
2006-10-04 14:40:54 · answer #7 · answered by hockerazorw1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds as if you're doing some deep, soul-searching - and that's ok. In the end, you may decide you are a Christian, or you may decide you aren't - but the decision will have to be yours to make.
I think you should take a deep look at Christianity, and see if it fits into your life and the ideals you have at this time in your life. I would also suggest you look into other religions and schools of thought on your spiritual journey.
I don't believe you're going to go to hell for seeking out your soul's personal Truth. As Thomas Jefferson said:
"Shake off all the fears of servile prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call on her tribunal for every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear."
2006-10-04 14:37:59 · answer #8 · answered by skatoolaki 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do know for sure if you are a Christian. Don't forget John 3:16! such a simple and commonly quoted verse, but power filled. that ANYONE who believes in him will not perish and have eternal life.
It sounds to me like you have some lust of the flesh things going on and need to crucify them. It is a Holy Ghost thing. Ask for help and God will be there to give it to you.
don't let satan tell you that you are lost, your not! maybe a little sidetracked, but keep on walking out your salvation with fear and trembling.
blessings to you
2006-10-04 14:34:34 · answer #9 · answered by 2ndchhapteracts 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you are not just following a religion but that you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Fast and Pray and ask God to show you.
Seek God for yourself and don't rely on man, lots of ppl who profess Christ are not of God.
2006-10-04 14:35:33 · answer #10 · answered by wisdom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋