I just posted a question on why God made me intelligent enough (in his likeness) that I question things that cannot be scientifically proven. One person replied that I must not have eyes that see or ears that hear, or something like that.
How can a Christian assume that there must be something wrong with me, when I've openly admitted that I would love more than anything to 100% believe in God, but I just can't quite say I'm absolutely positive? I can see perfectly fine, my ears work, I've studied extensively. So what, then, Christians? I am a good person; I am certainly not determined to be an atheist or defy God. What is your explanation for why he can't fill me with the Holy Spirit or whatever it is that you say he does?
2007-08-23 07:05:08 · 36 answers · asked by Linz ♥ VT 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Oh, be assured ... it will most definitely be your fault. You have to be doing something wrong. Because the idea that their god doesn't live up to his promises or might not exist outside the realm of christian dogma (or at all) just isn't possible.
When I was younger, I used to go to church all the time. I started having doubts, and I talked to my pastor about it. He told me to read my bible and pray constantly. So I did that -- I was like you, I wanted SO BADLY to believe and have my faith back. But it seemed like the harder I pursued it, the more it slipped away. I've asked a similar question ... why would god ignore the pleas of one of his children who needed help? According to their answers, I apparently wasn't honest enough, or I was trying to make god conform to my terms, or god was providing me with help ... I just let satan run interference and screw it up.
So, don't be surprised if they accuse you of being dishonest or not trying hard enough. Its easier to blame it on you, because thinking about it might be too hard.
2007-08-23 07:15:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 3⤋
Some people spend years not truly experiencing God. The only possible answer I can think of is that following Jesus is not about proof. It's all about faith. It's all about believing in the unseen. At some point, a person has to decide God exist or God doesn't. There's no concrete, scientific 'proof' or we'd all be believers. As complex as the world is, I think it's unbelieveable that there is no God. It couldn't have just happened. But that's the decision you'll have to make. Wanting to believe and having faith are two different things.
2007-08-23 07:15:30 · answer #2 · answered by starfishltd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He can and will fill you with the Holy spirit. All you have to do is believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and died on the cross so that you could be forgiven for your sins and ask him thru prayer to come into your heart and into your life. If you say this prayer fulling believing you will be saved and forgiven. Even us Christians sin, there is no perfect or "good", but God. Through prayer we can ask the Lord to forgive us and help us daily to be more like him. It's not about religion, it's about a relationship. How do you have a relationship with God? By praying we speak to Him and by reading his word, "the Bible" he speaks to us. No one goes to Hell unwillingly. God gives us all free will to choose to accept Him or Deny Him. I pray that you make the right choice. Being "good" does not get us into heaven, because none are good but God. Accepting Christ as your Lord and savior that is your free ticket to Heaven. God bless you and may you find your way to Him.
Matthew 19:17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good?[a] No one is good but One, that is, God.[b] But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
2007-08-23 07:31:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I don't know the answer to your exact question, but I've always believed one of the highest levels of intelligence is realizing that just because something doesn't make sense to your natural mind and senses doesn't invalidate it.
With the request for scientific proof, it doesn't sound like you have any kind of belief or faith in the supernatural, which is an integral part of Christianity (and most other religions for that matter) I'm sorry I can't answer your question very well, but those are my thoughts, maybe they provide some insight.
2007-08-23 07:14:46 · answer #4 · answered by melissa 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dear Linz,
That is a good question!
After Bible study last night a group of us were talking about this very topic because the daughter and sister of 2 of our church members is unable to believe in God even though her mother and sister are believers.
One of the women in the group was recommending C.S. Lewis' book, Till We Have Faces. It is about twin sisters, one a believer and the other an unbeliever.
I have read many of C.S. Lewis' books but not that one. I'll recommend it anyway because I've learned tremendously from all of his books so far. I'm planning to get it this week.
Meanwhile check out The Father's Love Letter at http://www.fathersloveletter.com
I'll be praying for you along with the other Christians who read this question!
For His glory,
JOYfilled
2007-08-23 09:37:51 · answer #5 · answered by JOYfilled - Romans 8:28 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How can a Christian think that? My guess would be because his faith comes easily to him and he can't figure out why you would be having a hard time with it.
I think if everybody would be honest, they would admit that nobody has 100% faith. We all have our strong times and our weak times. Jesus said if we had the tiny amount of faith that could be fit into a mustard seed, we could move mountains. I guess that tells you how many of us believe 100%, huh?
I think the best answer I've seen so far is that maybe it's not yet time. Keep studying, keep looking, and maybe once or twice ask God to reveal Himself to you, and see what happens.
Whatever the result, good luck on your spiritual journey. And may God be with you.
2007-08-23 07:26:09 · answer #6 · answered by King James 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Linz,
The answer is so simple. I believe you and many others in this world including me are mostly moral, and law abiding. However, we all of us are as the Bioble teaches under a curse. The jews believe this and the muslims do as well. We have to acept that through no fault of our own, that becuse we came from Adam that we bear the curse of His 1st sin (note note Eves sin but Adams curscial point) The bible tells us "so as through one man we are born or entered into sin, through one man we are delivered from the penalty of that sin" Jesus was God incarnated in the flesh (Mary the vessel and the provider of the physical material or clay if you will) and God the provider of Jesus sinless nature.
Jesus purpose as the "God-Man" was to from the begining before the foundation of the world, destined to become the sacrifice, the willing sinless sacrafice, that we might be reconciled to God. In so much as the Holy Spirit of God the part that the prophets and priests of old, touched is now made available to all of us for the asking.
Jesus said "before now you have asked for nothing in My Name, as and you shall recieve that your joy may be made full" So I urge you to find a Christian you know, (you can do it by yourself but it's more fun to share the experience with another believer) and pray the prayer of repentance. God to a church and (especially a baptist one they will almost always have an alter call) and walk forward and in the presence of the witnesses there, profess you faith in Jesus for the remission of you sine. Claim His sacrafice as you own, and ask to recieve His Holy Spirit. That's it, then you read the bible and pray everyday, study with others about God regularly and Go to worship as oftyen as you can. You may get a jolt, and get filled with the Spirit and feel wonderfull, or you may not feel a thing, but you will be saved.
Linz if you try this i can assure you you have nothing to loose and heaven to gain, you are already on the right path.
Mat 6:33 "Seek 1st the Kingdom of God and all it's righteousness, and all lthese things will be added to you" The needs of your life in a nut shell.
Go in the Peace of Crist my child, and I pray the the Holy Spirit of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will be upon you, and Bless you, and cause His Glor to shine on you , and give you comfort and rest your soul. In Jesus name Amen.
al 4 now B ( check me and others out here in R &S as you need to.) I believe God is ready and I believe you are ready to accept Him...
al 4 now b
2007-08-23 07:33:10 · answer #7 · answered by ImJstBob 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who says He hasn't filled you with the Holy Spirit.
You say " I've openly admitted that I would love more than anything to 100% believe in God".
That sound like God's laying the foundations to me.
Just trust Him for the knowledge. Understand He will reveal Himself to you when you are ready.
2007-08-23 07:30:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You first of all have to believe in God and trust that he will instill the holy spirit in you. You can "study" as much as you want but it's what you do with the words you read that really counts. Do you believe in a enlightened ,bright, giving, and good way of living? Or do you believe in a dark, get all I can for me and the heck with everyone else way of living? What is it going to hurt to try to live by Gods word? Remember whatever you believe is right probably is right.The Holy spirit is in you as it is in everyone, you just have to help it grow. You are headed in the right direction. It's spiritual not material you can't take it with you when you go, but whatever you can carry in your heart you can take with you. GOOD LUCK !! and GOD BLESS !!
2007-08-23 07:25:08 · answer #9 · answered by Allan C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't really know the answer.
I know that many people who know the Lord question themselves all the time.
God can fill you with the Holy Spirit. You can be close to the Lord.
I would not study the Word. I would read the Bible everyday and I would meditate on scripture. I would wrestle with the meaning, I would come out of it bruised and with a greater understanding.
To have a relationship with God you have to know Him. Get to know Him through prayer and reading His word. Tell God what you just posted in your question. Yes, God already knows how you feel. God WANTS you to come to Him, to need Him and to desire Him. God wants you to fall in love with Him. He already loves you.
2007-08-23 07:22:11 · answer #10 · answered by hiscinders 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I posted this response on another question but it fits here too...
You are correct. There is nothing that is 100% anything. Truth is completely subjective. That is why CSI has taken over court cases, as human testimony is unreliable. They might believe it to be the truth, and to them it is. But they witnessed something from a perspective (mental & actual) different from another. From a different advantage point, a different point of view.
If everyone adhered to the "facts & truths" there wouldn't be so many different denominations to Christianity or different religions. The great point is that we have evolved to the point of tolerance (more or less). So believe what you want to, as long as you don't cause physical harm to another.
2007-08-23 07:14:47 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋