My faith???

Question

You know how when you were little, you went to sunday school and learned all the happy things about God? Well when I was little I learned about the deep dark parts of religion like demonds living in people and mostly all the things you will go through if you are not a christian.My parents were involved in ministry of casting demonds out of people back then. I feel like I didn't learn things in order.Most people learn about the happiness of God and that they are born sinners. I learned that I am going to hell or the rapture is going to take place and I will be left behind if I'm not good.So all my life I felt that I need to go to church and pray to God out of guilt. Instead of wanting to, I feel like I have to. I'm always paranoid that I am left behind and I search rooms to make sure my family is still there.When I do anything wrong I feel super guilty.It took me a very long time to realize that I am a sinner if I can help it or not. What can I do to feel like I want to and not have to?

Answer 1

That is a very hard situation.

I think you need to focus on Jesus. Look at what he did and said. Focus on the heart of the man who told the prostitute, "Than neither do I condemn you."
If you can learn to love Him, despite what you've been through ... you'll be well on your way.

Answer 2

If nothing else, you have great insight into your dilema. You were taught what not to do and now you're wondering what to do to feel the joy of the Lord without the guilt of sin. Rid self of the Adamic nature by being born again into the image of Christ by asking Jesus to come into your heart. Once you accept the gift of salvation, you are a new creation with a clean slate in God's eyes. If you've done this, then there is no guilt if you know He's forgiven you, that's satan trying to keep you from the joy the Lord has promised you. When satan reminds you of your past, you remind him of his future (eternal hell). Pray to avoid temptations that we all have. Jesus knows your heart. If you do sin, repent, know you're forgiven and sin no more, meaning do not intentionally repeat a known sin to feed your fleshly desires. Remember happiness is like a yo yo depending on circumstances, but the joy the Lord promises to christians is there regardless of circumstances - something that the nonchristian cannot understand. You don't sound anchored in your faith, otherwise, you wouldn't be paranoid, but would have assurance you are going to heaven. If you're not saved, please Pray. It's normal to feel guilty if you sin, just not to hang onto it when forgiven. Don't let satan keep you from the joy of the Lord. Remember, how good you are doesn't get you to heaven! Only the gift of salvation that you freely accept, along with your faith will get you there. Satan cannot pluck you from the Father's hand. Rest in His presence and enjoy your life in Him. God love you.

Answer 3

I am so sorry you grew up with such a misconception. God loves you and wants to have a close relationship with you. He's not carrying around a big stick to hit you on the head every time you fail - He is there to love you and restore you. When we concentrate on the relationship with God, everything else falls into place. Just fall in love with Jesus. He cleanses you daily by the "washing of the water of the Word" and the Spirit of Grace will keep you from falling. You can live in confidence and assurance, watching with joyful anticipation for that trumpet call home. Our ears are "tuned" to that sound because we know the voice of our Great Shepherd here. As far as demons - yes they exist and yes we have authority over them but you don't have to worry about them or even think about them. The Christ in you is far greater than anything satan can come up with. Don't worry about being "good" - it is not about "deeds" - it is all about being in love with Jesus and letting Him be your best friend and Lord. He will take care of the rest. God Bless as you discover the joy of knowing Him in intimacy!

Answer 4

God is the creator and sustain-or of life. He gives all things and Loves his children. He is Joy and in him is Pure Joy. This is what he wants for you. Seek him while he can be found. Praise him! Thank Him. Read Proverbs 8. God lives in heaven were the humble and contrite Spirits dwell. See if you can find this passage. God disciplines those that he Loves. It sounds like your family has tried to set captives free from the Devils bondage. You probably experience a lot of spiritual ware fare.Be strong, perfect Love cast out all fear. God requires us to be strong in him.

Answer 5

Get some counseling. I can sympathize; my upbringing wasn't nearly as dark as yours but it had it's moments. I felt so much better when I realized that none of it was true and I didn't have to be afraid anymore. I was able to do this on my own, but it sounds like your issues go a little deeper. Definitely talk to a professional therapist, someone who can help you realize that you are a good person if you choose to be and that it isn't the end of the world if you mess up. Good luck.

Answer 6

toothfairy.2006,

I would love to answer your question here, but I answered it pretty well in my newsletter (blog) which you can read on my 360 page. Please take the time to read it.

You are righteous if you have asked Jesus to be your Savior and Lord. We all struggle to become more and more like Jesus, but it doesn't mean that we have lost our righteousness when we struggle.

Righteousness is a gift from Jesus. It is as though you have left your gift of righteousness under the Christmas tree unopened. Even though it is yours, until you take the ribbon and the gift wrap off and open it up, you will feel that you haven't received it.

Also demons look for our weaknesses so they can attack us. Until you become strong in this area, they will continue to beat you up by telling you that you are not forgiven and will not make it into heaven.

I hope that helped, but please take the time to read my newsletter on my 360 page. Just click your mouse on the link below:

http://360.yahoo.com/profile-w5UpqvwlRLUPotGSfHFo5w--

God bless,

Tom

Answer 7

Loving and following GOD is a choice not a burden. Take reverence in the good that comes from Him, and not the bad if you disobey. For our sins there is forgiveness, and for our acts of faith there is rewards. Being a saint is a work in progress, but it should still be taken seriously.

Answer 8

The only western organized religion I know of that that sounds like is Catholism. (no offense meant to anyone reading this--my hubby's Catholic so I'm not trying to 'down' anyone k?)

Just because you were raised a certain way doesn't mean you have to continue to believe said way. Research, ask questions, find out about other religions until you find one that suites you.

Answer 9

God is good, and I feel for your experience. Fear should never be apart of the Christian lifestyle. You should never feel condemned for doing something wrong. God knows we are human and that is why He sent Jesus after all. Don't run away from God, run to Him.

(Romans 8:1,2) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

(1John 4:9) In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

(1John 4:18) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Answer 10

dont b so hard on urself...lighten up God knows ur heart.drop the guilt . ur forgiven according to the bible. jesus died for u. u ant goin to hell. r u calling jesus a liar.God is ur friend. He dosent want u walkin around sad and guilty. He only wants u to love him as much as u love him. He has unconditional love and is not gonna let u burn in hell.that is sick. stay up