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How to regain the faith I once had? - 10/7/2008 3:57:47 PM
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jonas049
Posts: 17
Joined: 10/6/2008
From: Harrisburg, PA
Status: offline
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Ok so a little about me...I graduated from college about a year ago, and have since been working full time in an office.
In high school, I had very strong faith in God, and considered myself a devout Christian. I often read the Bible, and many other Christian books. But once I was in college, I sorta lost touch with my spiritual side, and focused instead on school, social life, etc. I really haven't gotten back to my former religious self since then.
My big problem is that I am completely immersed in non-believers, including friends, family, and co-workers, so it is difficult for me to find the motivation to remain Christian. Also, for some reason, I have been finding it harder and harder to believe in Christ and God than I ever have before. I WANT to beleive, and I'm pretty sure I still do, but deep down it feels like I have so many doubts, and am slowly losing faith, whether I consciously realize it or not.
Does anyone have any advice for me? How can I convince myself that the doubts I've been having are wrong? I could use the help regaining the strong Christian faith I once had, for it's getting harder and harder all the time to do it on my own.
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RE: How to regain the faith I once had? - 10/7/2008 5:02:34 PM
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colliefan
Posts: 2750
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Raleigh, NC
Status: offline
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quote:
Does anyone have any advice for me? How can I convince myself that the doubts I've been having are wrong?
Matt 11:2 - 6 (ESV) 2£Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers£ are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
Matt 11:11 - 15 (ESV) 11Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence,£ and the violent take it by force. 13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15He who has ears to hear,£ let him hear.
Jesus said that John the Baptist had great faith despite his doubts. Thomas doubted until Jesus showed His nail-pierced hands. Without seeming to be cruel, you know what must be done. Get back in to church and change your circle of friends. Instead of focusing on your doubts, focus on what you know to be true. Find a church that has a young adult group where you can give and receive.
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RE: How to regain the faith I once had? - 10/7/2008 5:05:28 PM
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drussell52
Posts: 201
Joined: 4/24/2008
From: Michigan
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: jonas049
Ok so a little about me...I graduated from college about a year ago, and have since been working full time in an office.
In high school, I had very strong faith in God, and considered myself a devout Christian. I often read the Bible, and many other Christian books. But once I was in college, I sorta lost touch with my spiritual side, and focused instead on school, social life, etc. I really haven't gotten back to my former religious self since then.
My big problem is that I am completely immersed in non-believers, including friends, family, and co-workers, so it is difficult for me to find the motivation to remain Christian. Also, for some reason, I have been finding it harder and harder to believe in Christ and God than I ever have before. I WANT to beleive, and I'm pretty sure I still do, but deep down it feels like I have so many doubts, and am slowly losing faith, whether I consciously realize it or not.
Does anyone have any advice for me? How can I convince myself that the doubts I've been having are wrong? I could use the help regaining the strong Christian faith I once had, for it's getting harder and harder all the time to do it on my own.
Hi Jonas, my name is (Drussell52) some call me that others call me David, your choice. I might look at faith a little different than you, it's a noun, i.e. trust, but it is also an action word, i.e. act based on that trust. You go to work daily assuming that a paycheck will be coming at the prescribed time, and it does. The Scripture tells us God will never leave us or forsake us, he knows our moods and movements, places we go, places we have been, places we are at, Psalm 139, Psalm 23, Matthew 28:19 and others. I wouldn't throw the baby out with the bath water, but tell God in prayer what you told us, or realize, God saw what you posted and will show himself to you if you remain open to the relationship with Him. Find little things you can do to begin to re-live a life of faith, maybe it's sending someone a card, or listening to an acquaintance or friend share their heart, maybe it's responding to another's post, I don't really know but God will give you ideas to implement. If you want the relationship with God, so does He; God is a perfect keeper of agreements. I am considerably older than you and took a hiatus during my college years, but it helped me become who God is making me in to today, not pefrfect, but one who made and makes mistakes but still on the journey of faith. I hope you will keep the relationship going with our God. Have a good work day and leisure time too. Regards!
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RE: How to regain the faith I once had? - 10/7/2008 5:36:43 PM
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mvic
Posts: 1544
Joined: 1/17/2008
Status: online
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Hi Jonas,
Welcome to the Forums.
Christianity is not a matter of WANTING to believe. It's a matter of either believing or not. It's a step or a decision we make without analysing it; as I'll explain later.
Of course we have doubts; most of us have been there. These are a natural human reaction when we can't understand something we're "supposed" to believe in.
So where do you go from here? You've decided to give Christianity a go. That's good. You want to "sample" it as it were.
The first step I suggest is to join a Bible Study Group at a church you feel comfortable in. There you will learn with others about Christianity and you'll be able to discuss your doubts, and question what you don't understand.
As time progresses, hopefully, you will find that you begin to believe in what you're being taught. (See what I mean between WANTING to believe and actually believing progressively).
You'll believe, through blind Faith - i.e. believing without really understanding and having full proof. Believing when your common sense tells you not to.
When Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection He told Thomas: "Do you believe (that I was raised) because you see me? How happy are those who believe without seeing me!” See John 20:24-29.
What He was implying there is that we make our own decision to believe; without proof or evidence.
And when those doubts come back, pray to God by saying: "I'm trying hard to believe; help me in my unbelief - i.e. in my doubts". See Mark 9:24 about this. God will help you through these difficult times.
As for having non-Christian friends and family. It doesn't matter. Do not break off contact with them just because they don't believe - unless of course you feel they are hindering your progress towards Christianity.
Just treat them as you do now. Be nice to them and who knows, in time, as they see a changed you they might discuss your beliefs and, hopefully, join you into Christianity. Be an example for them to follow.
God bless you as you progress and strengthen your Faith.
_____________________________
Christian words of comfort at http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
Welcome to my Blog
MEI VITA INDICO CHRISTUS
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RE: How to regain the faith I once had? - 10/7/2008 6:46:49 PM
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galadriel2
Posts: 263
Joined: 6/5/2008
Status: offline
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I am not sure what to say. I know in Romans 10 it says 'faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God' so reading the word is important if you want to have faith. Faith, in the Bible sense, means to entrust oneself to Christ to save you from sin and all its consequences - death, hell, etc..
Looking at the consequences of not believing might help too. If you look up passages about hell, the Lake of Fire, it might scare you into sticking close to Christ.
When Adam and Eve doubted God it was because the serpent convinced them that God wasn't good. That in obeying Him God was ripping them off somehow. If you are going to trust God, entrust yourself to Christ and obey Him, you have to be convinced of His goodness and that He knows what is best.
These are just a few suggestions and observations. I said a prayer for you.
God bless,
Galadriel
Also - we need to resist the devil. We do this with the word and prayer. Memorizing verses that apply to your situation and then asking God for help and using the verses sort of like as a shield for your soul and spirit - this works well.
Also again - the Bible says to 'examine yourself' 'to make sure that you are in the faith'. I don't know if you can find the book but there is a little book on 1 John chapter 1 titled, I think, Fellowshipping with God. Its by a guy named David Martyn Lloyd-Jones and is put out by Crossway Books, if I'm not mistaken. I don't know if you can get it anymore but Dr. Lloyd-Jones goes over how to know if you are fellowshipping with God. How to know if you're saved, in other words. His stuff on Romans chapter 8 is really good too for knowing if you're saved.
< Message edited by galadriel2 -- 10/7/2008 6:56:44 PM >
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RE: How to regain the faith I once had? - 10/7/2008 7:05:30 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
Posts: 899
Joined: 2/13/2008
From: the poconos
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: jonas049
Ok so a little about me...I graduated from college about a year ago, and have since been working full time in an office.
In high school, I had very strong faith in God, and considered myself a devout Christian. I often read the Bible, and many other Christian books. But once I was in college, I sorta lost touch with my spiritual side, and focused instead on school, social life, etc. I really haven't gotten back to my former religious self since then.
My big problem is that I am completely immersed in non-believers, including friends, family, and co-workers, so it is difficult for me to find the motivation to remain Christian. Also, for some reason, I have been finding it harder and harder to believe in Christ and God than I ever have before. I WANT to beleive, and I'm pretty sure I still do, but deep down it feels like I have so many doubts, and am slowly losing faith, whether I consciously realize it or not.
Does anyone have any advice for me? How can I convince myself that the doubts I've been having are wrong? I could use the help regaining the strong Christian faith I once had, for it's getting harder and harder all the time to do it on my own.
Jonas, welcome 
My advice would be to honestly, earnestly, and humbly pray about it.
Doubts we all have at times, but the evidence destroys the doubts. Even the psalmist who wrote psalm 94(my bible tells me the author is anonymous) wrote about doubts.....
17 Unless the Lord had helped me,
I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave.
18 I cried out, “I am slipping!”
but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me.
19 When doubts filled my mind,
your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
I would say to pray this psalm, pray for the comfort and unfailing love of God to come upon you, and let Him renew your faith.
Once that is done, you will need to go back to church, and find some friends who share your faith. You don't have to give up on your friends, but I think that you will not be wanting to do the things you used to do when the Lord renews your faith.
So may God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you. Take care.
_____________________________
Isaiah 41:10
"Fear not for I am with you,
Do not be dismayed for I am your God,
I will strengthen you and help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand"
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RE: How to regain the faith I once had? - 10/7/2008 7:05:34 PM
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jonas049
Posts: 17
Joined: 10/6/2008
From: Harrisburg, PA
Status: offline
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Thanks for the replies! I guess my biggest problem is that I lack the motivation that I used to have. It's hard to go to church when I'm living in a new town where I don't know of any churches, or anybody that goes to them.
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RE: How to regain the faith I once had? - 10/7/2008 7:15:22 PM
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galadriel2
Posts: 263
Joined: 6/5/2008
Status: offline
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Paul prayed for the Ephesians 'that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened; so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.' We often forget how infinitely rich we are 'in Christ' but remembering this helps us to stay motivated to serve Him....'Because of His great love with which He loved us' (Eph. 2:4)
God bless,
Galadriel
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RE: How to regain the faith I once had? - 10/7/2008 7:17:46 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
Posts: 899
Joined: 2/13/2008
From: the poconos
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: galadriel2
Paul prayed for the Ephesians 'that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened; so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.' We often forget how infinitely rich we are 'in Christ' but remembering this helps us to stay motivated to serve Him....'Because of His great love with which He loved us' (Eph. 2:4)
God bless,
Galadriel
Amen. good post galadriel.
_____________________________
Isaiah 41:10
"Fear not for I am with you,
Do not be dismayed for I am your God,
I will strengthen you and help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand"
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RE: How to regain the faith I once had? - 10/7/2008 7:36:59 PM
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misty35
Posts: 614
Joined: 9/22/2008
From: Arkansas
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: jonas049
Thanks for the replies! I guess my biggest problem is that I lack the motivation that I used to have. It's hard to go to church when I'm living in a new town where I don't know of any churches, or anybody that goes to them.
Hi Jonas049
Im Misty, so glad to see ya here. I havent been here very long, but I can tell ya now, you will find some fine Christian people here, they have welcomed me with open arms, so I just want to assure you that God has led you to the right place. Remember our Lord makes no mistakes! I have been through a lot here recently, and I have found that being here, with a group of believers, followers of Christ, is GREAT! I just want you to know, that I believe that almost all of us, have experienced what you are experiencing now, so dont beat yourself up, instead of doing that, begin to view it like this, "Our Lord wants that relationship with you again." And the best way to do that, is just sit down and have a heart to heart talk with Him, be honest with Him, dont leave anything out, tell Him what your feeling, and ask Him to restore your relationship with Him, and He'll do it! In my darkest moments, He has always been there for me, and He will do the same for you or anyone else that calls out on Him. I think sometimes, we try too hard, we beat ourselves up, but we have to remember, He doesnt condemn us, He saves us!
Im praying for you Jonas049 and Im believing that you are going to feel the Master's Touch.
Your Friend,
Misty
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RE: How to regain the faith I once had? - 10/7/2008 7:41:04 PM
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galadriel2
Posts: 263
Joined: 6/5/2008
Status: offline
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One more point, really quick...when we don't hunger after Christ and His word it is because we are filled up with something else.
God bless,
Galadriel
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RE: How to regain the faith I once had? - 10/7/2008 7:49:19 PM
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misty35
Posts: 614
Joined: 9/22/2008
From: Arkansas
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: galadriel2
One more point, really quick...when we don't hunger after Christ and His word it is because we are filled up with something else.
God bless,
Galadriel
Galadriel,
I can relate to what your saying, I think in the world we live in, we get so caught up in the busy lives that a lot of us have, that we have to set time apart for the Lord. I start my days off with Him, every morning, He is the first one I talk to, while Im getting ready for work, my drive to work, I even catch myself talking to Him throughout the day, and He is the last one that I talk to at night. So yes, I can agree with you on this, He should come first in everything we do, and we should make Him a part of everything we do.
Misty
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RE: How to regain the faith I once had? - 10/7/2008 9:11:50 PM
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colliefan
Posts: 2750
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Raleigh, NC
Status: offline
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Look to see if any churches in your area offer the Alpha program. It is geared to answer questions of doubters
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RE: How to regain the faith I once had? - 10/8/2008 11:21:03 AM
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e.barrett
Posts: 43
Joined: 6/9/2008
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: jonas049
Thanks for the replies! I guess my biggest problem is that I lack the motivation that I used to have. It's hard to go to church when I'm living in a new town where I don't know of any churches, or anybody that goes to them.
Personally I think what you're experiencing is normal. We all go through periods where God just doesn't seem as vibrant as he once did. The trick, I think, is to not give up because it's easier to. Whenever I start feeling myself slide away from God, I look at 3 areas of my life:
1. Am I going to a church where God is doing amazing things?
2. Do I have a community of Christ-followers that I can be open with about my faith and my struggles?
3. Am I regularly reading the Bible.
I’ve found that if any one of these things is missing, my faith really suffers.
I hope this helps!
_____________________________
R3 - a blog devoted to understanding how to live out a life of faith
Visit it at www.r3blog.net
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RE: How to regain the faith I once had? - 10/8/2008 11:33:13 AM
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jonas049
Posts: 17
Joined: 10/6/2008
From: Harrisburg, PA
Status: offline
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Thanks, this does help...here are my answers to these 3 questions:
1. Am I going to a church where God is doing amazing things? No. I moved to a new town recently, where I really don't know of any good churches, or anyone that goes to any churches.
2. Do I have a community of Christ-followers that I can be open with about my faith and my struggles? No. As mentioned above, Most people I know (including my parents, brothers/sisters) are not Christian, and I'm not sure how I can go about finding people who are.
3. Am I regularly reading the Bible. No, but I will start again. I used to read the New Testament on a regular basis, so I'll try starting with that.
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RE: How to regain the faith I once had? - 10/8/2008 3:06:37 PM
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bravjim
Posts: 394
Joined: 10/8/2008
Status: offline
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Hi Jonas:
Been there, done that. Your motivation certainly plays a part in how you believe. Having recently experienced something similar to what you are going through, my answer to your question is to reconnect with God and His presence. The fact that you are bringing this out is an act of the Holy Spirit working within you to make you more aware of your doubts. He is still working within you; trust Him. Get in touch with Him. Reading the word, prayer, meditation, and praise are the best ways to accomplish this. It is easy to begin to doubt when you are not practicing His presence, and practicing His presence is the best way to dispel doubt. As you prayerfully read His word, ask Him to make you aware of His presence, and thank Him and praise Him as you experience His presence. Paul calls us to pray continuosly, making us aware of His presence continually. David meditated on His laws day and night. When you are doubting, remind yourself that His word promises that He is with you always, and that He will never leave you. Romans calls for the renewing of our minds, which comes from time in His word and meditation. The time you spent without reading the word or practicing your faith has caused your mind to revert away from Him. As you learn to practice His presence, I believe that God will renew your faith. I hope this can help you reconnect and learn to trust Him at all times.
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RE: How to regain the faith I once had? - 10/9/2008 5:02:28 PM
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Lufia
Posts: 187
Joined: 5/25/2008
From: Canada, quebec province
Status: offline
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I am too, surrounded by non believers ( family, friends and coworkers) and it is hard, really hard because being christian i oftenly don't behave like them. For example they would say to me 'Why are you so kind to that women she is so selfish ? " They make you feel stupid. And if i talk about God, their answers is 'There is no God'.
My solution to this? Church. It makes a big boost for me. I can talk about my faith and hear people talking about God. You cannot imagine how good i'm feeling after church. It is a must for me. So i encourage you to find a good one and it will help, believe me.
_____________________________
Give your life to Jesus and enjoy the ride!
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