Why can't I make/feel born-again stick?

Question

This was actually my answer to a question of the same sort.....

I keep saying the prayer for sinners to receive the Lord as my Savior. And I believe Jesus Christ died on the cross for me, but I think I'm doing something wrong because it doesn't seem to stick.

No, no, no, no I don't expect this huge bright light, explosion or anything like that. I pray a lot and a few of the times I get results. But a long, long time ago my parents told me that "God hates you too" and I can't seem to shake that. I just don't feel like I fit into the same world as Jesus Christ.

It's like I say the prayer, have a ton of hope, but then nothing changes. But I am not exactly sure what is suppose to happen/change either.

xxx

I was Baptised as a baby.

Dang, all excellent answers so far, and quite the pick me up too.

THANKS EVERYONE FOR YOUR INPUT SO FAR.........

Answer 1

Maybe what you need to try instead of repeating the sinner's prayer, is just simply talk to Jesus. The thief on the cross next to Jesus did not pray a special prayer. He believed that Jesus did not deserve to be crucified, that He had done nothing wrong. But, the thief acknowledged that he deserved the punishment he was getting. The thief could also read the sign on the cross above Jesus' head, "King of the Jews", and believed in his heart that Jesus had a kingdom. This is why the thief asked Jesus to remember him when Jesus came into His kingdom.

The thief acknowledged that he was a sinner and deserved the punishment of death. The thief acknowledged that Jesus was innocent and did not deserve His punishment. The thief acknowledged that Jesus had a kingdom, and he wanted to go there too. Jesus replied in Luke 23:43 - "Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise."

The thief had no good works to show for his life, and he had no chance to do any. It was a short conversation - no complicated words, just he & Jesus talking. God bless you!

Answer 2

I agree with the first answer. You would enjoy the fellowship of church, and it helps a new Christian to grow. Also, the Baptist church does not believe that being baptised as a baby has any significance. We feel that, once you accept the gift of salvation, it is good to be baptised to follow the example Jesus gave. It is symbolic of washing away the old life and starting a new life in Christ. It cannot really be appreciated by a baby, and as a Christian, it shows the world that you are committed to live a Christlike life.

I was baptised at an eary age when I didn't have a clue as to what it meant. So, later in life, after I really knew why I was doing it, I asked to be baptised again. It was a wonderful experience.

Baptism is symbolic, and should be done after being saved. It is not a requirement of going to heaven, however. If someone gets saved and never gets baptised, he still belongs to Jesus.

Answer 3

Feelings never will confirm your salvation. John said that God is greater than our hearts (emotions). Also, Peter said that if you do not receive Baptism then you will not have a clean conscious.

Have you ever accepted Baptism in a local Baptist Church & then started serving the Lord there? You need the regular fellowship of truly spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ to build you up.

Some emotions are involved. If the Holy Spirit is in you, then you can literally feel when some doctrine is off or teaching is not right. Eventually you can also feel a great peace and calm in your heart about your own salvation. But the key here is the faith in Jesus Christ and what he did, no our feelings or our 'prayer'. This is a fine line of discernment, but those who have the Spirit will see the difference.

Answer 4

You can't go by feelings.You have to go by God's word.Feelings will trick you. Jesus said "All that the Father gives me I will in no way cast out" That is you,because you came to Jesus."No one comes to me unless the father prompts him" Jesus said.
You would not have come to Jesus without the Father wanting you to.Now you have the Father and the Son on your side.When you ask Jesus to come into your life,you were indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Now you have the father,Son and Spiriton your side.What more can you ask for.
You have to come by faith.
Paul says in Ephesians,"It is by Grace that you are saved,through Faith,and not by good works(we do good because we are saved ,not to get saved) it is a gift! Least anyman boast."
You can't earn a gift..all you do is accept it.
You accepted it and now you are just spinning your wheels. Get into Bible study and move on . Jesus has saved you.Accept the free gift.Every sin you did before is cast as far as the" East is from the West" David said.
That was brilliant.You can go South and end up North,but you'll never go East by heading West.
Your parents can say anything it sure doesn't make it true.God has you ,he will not let go.

Answer 5

Dear sister, you are in my prayers, i stand with you who are in need of guidance, may the Holy Spirit of God lead you in His divine wisdom
to a church where you will know the height and depth of His love and care for you, a place where you can be ministered and healed and delivered from the curses your parents spoke over you. Saying the prayer is only a first step in acknowledging your need of a Saviour and forgiveness, take another one and find a church and keep looking until you know that you know that you know that this is where God has called you to.
May His Word become life for you and by His Grace you will be free to be the child He created you to be.
Shalom

Answer 6

a couple thoughts... maybe what you lack is not faith but committment... the best way to feel god's love for ourselves is to share god's love with others... the mark of our faith is not feeling but action. god bless you and remember it's not a sprint it's a marathon

Answer 7

Please, don't give up.

I'm not sure if that feeling sticks for anyone - It's something which must be lived out.

It is precisely those who don't fit in this world that will fit best with Christ.



In Love,

~ S