Very serious question: Questions about being a Christian.?

Question

Please only post if you have a factual response based on Scripture and/or experiences. Intelligent opinions are welcomed. I am a Christian, but need clarity on a few things. 1)Repenting and what happens when you forget or don’t repent all 2)Tithing is Biblical. Each paycheck, I say I’m going to tithe but then I look at my expenses, and I’m afraid to do it b/c of lack of funds? I want to trust in the blessings that are promised to come 10-fold, but I’m scared 3)Worrying/Anxiety. I have a few childhood issues that I can’t shake. I want to walk with the Lord b/c in the Bible it says he will free you, but I don’t know how to really do it. 4) What does it mean when a Minister says “When you stop trying to do it on your own and lean on Christ, you will experience the full joy of what life can give you.”? I am a Christian, but b/c I do not have personal examples in my life, I am confused on how to really apply. I am riddled with anxiety & depression and I want to be free. Truly free

Answer 1

i can't give you a "factual response" based on scripture. That is an oxymoron.
Fact cannot come from fiction.

Answer 2

Hi Pal,

I can't answer all your questions but I hope I can satisfy you with the other answers.

Ans 1. To me the word 'Repentance' is the most beautiful word I could ever come across. I am a weak human being - a sinner, yet it amazes me how the All Holy, the All Pure God allows me to repent and come back to Him - He gives me a second chance.
Who does not want second chances ? The concept of repentance makes us stand in awe of Him. It makes us realize His Mercifulness. You see, Satan will always try to put it in our minds that when we do wrong we are doomed completely. Due to this we start to despair and despair is the worst kind of sin b/c when a person despairs, he does not even ask for forgiveness. He thinks even God cannot do anything for him. And how can we forget and don't repent? Tell me, do u feel at peace after u offend God? do u not have an uncomfortable feeling? i'm sure u do.

Ans 3. I suggest u read the promises that God & Jesus made in the Bible. Remember "He who trusts in the Lord cannot be put to shame." Whenever I'm afraid I meditate on His promises and believe me everything works right. We all face problems ...such problems which cannot be solved by us or by any other human. Then what do we do in that case? the answer is, we tell God,"Dear God, I have this problem and I trust you that you will make it right." and Lo and behold! the matter gets resolved. Wow.
Remember, "With God all things are possible. And all things are possible for the one who believes."
"if you would believe, you would see the glory of God."

Ans4. The minister means that when we plan something for our selves and if it doesn't work we should leave it to God b/c he knows best. He plans for us wisely. Maybe the things that we want are not good for us...after all we don't know our future but God does. When we trust Him he sends us great joy..
Dear Girl, I am talking from personal experiences.
Please i beg u , try trusting Him...just talk to him like u would talk to a friend and see what He does.

I get a lot of strength and comfort from particularly, Psalms and Isaiah.

Answer 3

I am a Christian too who has struggled with these issues in the past too. All I can tell you is through my own experiences. 1. I have found that if I do repent of something that it frees my heart and God makes things better. I know that there are times when we have done something that we have forgotten about so at times it is wise to repent and ask the Lord to show you where you should repent. 2. I thought the same way you do about tithing when I first became born again, but I have noticed that when I tithe, I am in fact blessed 10 fold. There have been times that I could only tithe a smaller portion than usual, but even a little helps. 3. Worrying and Anxiety come straight from the deceiver and he wants is to worry and not focus on the word of God.
I at one time had a bad time with anxiety attacks but do not have them any longer because I just give my problems to God and make daily prayer part of my daily life. Have conversations with Him, and rely on Him alone. It would be good if you got a Study Bible as it relates to modern day words so that we can better understand the works of the Bible.
I hope all this helped you, be blessed~

Answer 4

Warning - I am approaching this from a theological paradigm that is probably different from yours. Nevertheless, I believe the advice is sound.

I think part of the problem is that you are inherently drawn to the experiential (or mystical) side of Christianity. That is just a hunch. My advice is to read "The Way of a Pilgrim," and then follow that up with "An Anthology on Prayer." Those should be at your local Borders. If you like what you see there, add "Practicing the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence and "The Cloud of Unknowing." I know that is a big list, but I think it will help you with your anxiety, as well as the whole "let go and let God" concept.

As for tithing, it is not Biblical in the New Testament, contrary to popular opinion. My advice is not to worry about tithing at this point. If you can afford it, do it. If you can't afford it, work on getting your finances into a better position so that you can do it. It is the least of your worries at this point. You have to help yourself before you can help others.

As for repentence, that is a complex topic. As crazy as it sounds, God has already forgiven you for all the sins that you have commited, and all the sins that you will ever commit. That is the "good news" of the Gospel, and it is very liberating once you give it a chance to "sink in." Repentence is actually a response to forgiveness, and not a petition for forgiveness. When you are walking down the street and you suddenly contemplate the fact that you are free from the guilt of sin, that feeling of relief that swells up in your chest is the basis of repentence. It is a recognition of what God has done to free you from condemnation, as well as a sense of turning away from sin. Don't feel like you have to beg forgiveness from God every time you commit some tiny (or not so tiny) infaction. He knows your mind better than you do, and you have never uttered a prayer that he did not hear you pray before the creation of the world.

The books that I recommended will teach you to keep 'your mind in your heart before God.' In that state, it is impossible to sin, and you are in a perpetual state of repentence. If you have questions about anything that you read in there, look up the nearest Greek Orthodox Church, and tell them that you want to talk to the bishop (and don't take 'no' for an answer).

Answer 5

*I know you wanted Christians to answer, but I used to be one and was very faithful and sgudied the bible daily.

I know your anxiety and depression. Just do waht you can. Tithing is an Old Testement command. The new Testement merely says to give as you have prospered.

The childhood issues I can't comment on because you did not say exactly what they are, but just forgive yourself it it is things you have doen and if you were abused or something that requires a professional to help you with, then seek out help.

If you truely are trying to live right it is not necessary to repent of each and every sin. Some isn is not even known to us. It is possible to sin without knowing it. The main thing is that you are trying and not going around sayin I am jsut a saved sinner and not even try.

Be careful on how much you rely on God to do for you. Some preachers will lead you to believe that you have no part at all in your salvation and that is not true.

I doubt this helped and since I am Wiccan you probably won't read it anyway, but I tried.*

Answer 6

It is scary to totally step out on faith when things in your life seem so unsure. I haven't always totally stepped out on faith but there have been a few times that when I did, my prayers were answered, my finances became stable and I had peace. I am having some of the same problems now that you are having. God doesn't want us to be depressed or anxious.. The Bible tells us to be anxious for nothing but to give thanks in all things, through prayer. I have quit a job before, not knowing what I would do, I have prayed for a certain amount of hourly wage and received more than I expected but in the last few months, I have had much difficulty with my finances but the one thing that I have done and hope I will always do is to give God his tithe before I do anything else.. Try just one month and as you tithe that one month do it praying and telling God that you are doing as he as asked you to do and you are doing it trusting that He will provide what you need to pay what you need. If Jesus could feed more than 5000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fishes, then God will provide for you. Sometimes we have to just get on our knees or on our faces and just humble ourselves before Him telling him what we need.. Satan is real good at givig us all doubt and fear. Remember who does that and that God is the one to listen to not satan Now I need to practice what I preach If you are really having trouble, go to your pastor and talk with him. Don't carry this all alone, get some couseling

Answer 7

If christianity is truely the path you choose, although I myself am pagan, I was once christian. The first i can't help you with. As far as tithing goes, churches have made people believe that the only way to tith is to give money to the church. If you are low on funds then tithe by donating unwanted items. Or you could volunteer to help those less fortunate than you. God doesn't have any need for money. Only by helping others and not expecting anything in return will you recieve your blessings 10 fold. Jesus even mentions to not boast when you give. God knows when you give. 3)Worrying isn't going to get you anywhere. If you have childhood issues then give them to god and believe that he will take care of everything. i know this is easier said than done. 4)I wouldn't worry about what the minister says worry about what God says. God wants us to be able to do things by our selves. That's why when we fall he won't automattically give help because he wants us to be able to pick ourselves up but he will always be there to encourage us and to help us when we ask.

Answer 8

Freedom comes from inside. Faith comes from inside. If you want to find God then search inside of you. Repenting is important because it saves you from your own mistakes. But most importantly it shows consideration for your fellow men. Is no big deal if you forget to repent as long as you appreciate right from wrong and try to make amends. A tithe is not consisting of money only. There are so many people in need of help and not only financially. Everybody worries. The help of a priest may be reqired for you to be ascertained to your faith.

Answer 9

Ok.. this is long, but it's late... and I'm in ramble mode...
First of all, the part about not trying to do it all on your own.
Remember when Jesus was at Martha's and Mary's house... and Martha was all busy with the serving, while Mary sat at Jesus' feet and listened to what He had to say... Martha complained and said, "Look Lord... Mary has left me to do all the work." And Jesus told Martha that she was burdening herself with too many things... that Mary had chosen a good thing (just sitting and listening to Jesus) and that He was not going to make her give that up.

You need to be like Mary... stop worrying about tithing and repenting and all that. Oh, those things ARE important... but first, you need to just sit at Jesus' feet, so to speak, and learn of Him.

I do that by just taking some time, sitting in a big comfy chair... of on the floor, and reading my Bible... sometimes I'll get a concordance out and do a word study... look up all the scriptures that talk about grace.

Another thing I will share with you that helped me in my walk when I was a brand new Christian. Get yourself a journal or spiral notebook... and when you pray, ask God to please teach you from His word. Then read your Bible... maybe do that word study... and ask God to teach you what it means... then wait. And then write what is in your heart. It may be awkward at first. But this is a good way to learn how to "hear" God.

Tithing: my personal experience has been that I cannot outgive God. He has always provided for me... and I have been in dire straits, financially, more than once. But I have never starved, nor lacked for what I needed... maybe what I "wanted", but not needed.

Repenting.. as you draw closer to God, He will point out to you the things that need repenting of. It's like when you go into an old house. The dust is there, but you can't see it... until you begin sweeping... then it flies up and you start coughing. That's sin in our lives. It's there, but we need the Holy Spirit to stir it up, so we can see it, acknowledge it, and ask His help in abandoning it.

Childhood issues: Me, too. First, just talk out loud to God. Tell him everything that is in your heart. Tell him your doubts. Tell him everything. Ask him your questions. Have a really good cry. God knows everything about you... more than you know yourself.. and still loves you unconditionally and perfectly.

There are Chrsitian counseling centers in many different cities... I am currently seeing a counselor for some of my issues. I encourage you to seek counseling, too.

Another "bondage breaker" is praise. Paul sang while he was in prison. God is worthy of praise regardless our circumstances... Paul said to Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice" (Phil.4:4). Choose to sing praises to God, despite how you are feeling. It is a good defense against the actual enemy of your soul.

Ok, here are some Scripture refs. for you to look up... they pretty much reiterate what I've said here. I am being a bad girl and am up late again.. if you'd like to email me, please feel free.

Luke10:40-42 -Martha and Mary
Lamentations 3:25 waiting on God
Psalm37:25
2Cor.5:21
Ephesians6:12 the enemy of your soul
1Peter5:7 tell him everything

Ok... better stop there... email me if you want more verses.. or ahve more questions.

Answer 10

Dear Sister,
It is thelack of faith in the sacrifice of Christ that hinders you, and the promise of God that you do not believe in. All things are done in faith. It is Christ that works within you, for he is the WORD. Therefore as you read the word you become the word, as you live the word you are transformed, and you become fit for the purpose that God created you. My sister, trust in the LORD. When you give to the church, and you learn the way to give to those who are truly needful, then God will provide. Remember: Christ was a servant, but far above all men. Give in faith that what you give you shall receive. I give more and more to my church in faith that God will substain me. You are clinging to things, but this is okay, because it takes time to be torn away from this world. Trust that in your prayers GOD is working with you everyday, but you have to pray for the good things, that you may not be as the blind, and that you soul may be healed.

The problem is you are not reliant on GOD, but you still cling to YOUR own power, meaning you are still trying to control you life, but you are yet to know what life truly is. As the bible says, "take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest unto your soul" Christ is gentle, but is not to be taken lightly. If you truly seek to be a part of Gods kingdom, you will lose much, but what you gain in comparision, is far better than all the wealth this world could offer you. Any wealth received here, unlike those who believe otherwise, is for service, not for hoarding, but for helping. And freedom is like the slave that ran from his master, he ran a long way to get across the state line, into freedom, and his path was shrewn with many obstacles. So understand that what you desire will not be handed to you. You must work for it, therefore gaining a deeper understanding of what holiness and wisdom and love and all the other virtuous things that are fruits of the spirit.

Sister, stay strong in the faith, give what you are able to give, and remain constant in prayer. Check the scriptures for these verses. There should be no question like this, you have the source of wisdom given by God, but I felt I should answer you, in case you truly did not know.

Answer 11

OK well lets look at each one of your q? ok. 1)(not repenting is like not paying a bill it will work on your mind till you do , remember God knows what we do but it is up to us to ask for forgiveness.....2)tithing is not always giving money it is also giving of time to help others in the name of God....3)this is where faith comes in and your church leaders can help with that better than someone on the web....4)OK on this one i would talk to the church leaders. but i will give you what i think, OK first it means that it is ok to ask for help...this could be from the church or just sitting down in the floor and praying out loud to God for help. this is only what i think and know ,,,,i will be praying for you