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Self-Doubt - 11/11/2008 9:12:46 PM
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19ramman85
Posts: 134
Joined: 4/10/2008
Status: offline
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I have often wondered about my own salvation from time to time, especially in regards to whether I am actually - "saved", or not.
In one regard - I believe that I am because;
Would someone who - "ISN'T" saved;
a) have religious jingles running thru their mind, like today for example - they've had the song - "Days of Elijah" floating around, and even singing it.
b) Wonder - "why", hasn't God changed some of their - "other", bad habits (occassional cuss words, for example).
c) Have a basic good grasp on Scripture? (although this one could be argumenative - I know some who AREN'T saved - by their own design, and yet they can quote it just as good as I can, if not better!).
d) Wonder - "WHY", does God put up w/ a sinner such as them, and what does he want w/ a loser like them?
e) Pray and give God praises probably more times during the day, than they can actually count?
f) Wonder - "IF, God is Actually listening to their prayers?
g) And like it ...... How coincidental is it - to pray with faith of the Angels, Moses, Abraham, etc - and have a prayer or two answered within or right on the 40th day?
h) Get rather ticked-off because they missed Church more than they should have, or when theywanted to go - but couldn't?
i) Listen to religious radio a good chunk of the time?
j) Wonder/worry if they are tithing correctly?
k) Look up into the sky and occassionally - ponder seeing Jesus returning?
l) Say things right out of the Bible to other people? (although sometimes slightly different than presented in the Bible)
m) Wonder - "WHY", they feel like the seed that fell between the thorns, and or wonder if they are (at least) somewhat like the person with the one talent?
n) Wonder how, if at all, to get their family to get reconnected with God?
o) Feel personally insulted, at times- when others use God's name in vain (themselves included!)
And sooooo much more! So much more, than there really is time (and letters of the alphabet! lol) to list them all!
Yes - I do have faith and trust in God - that isn't the issue. No, not by a long shot.
I have actually prayed to God on this issue, yet- really haven't gotten a satisfactory answer - yet (mostly because it really isn't that high priority on my prayer list).
So I would appreciate your insight, mostly because I have often thought about bringing it up before, whether here or elswhere.
Just been too darn stubborn to do it - till now!
-charles
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RE: Self-Doubt - 11/11/2008 9:38:53 PM
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LivingParadox
Posts: 926
Joined: 2/28/2007
Status: offline
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Sounds like you have good grounding. So what is the highest priority in your life? That's probably a start to answering your question.
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RE: Self-Doubt - 11/11/2008 9:39:53 PM
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Dancre
Posts: 1307
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
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Why are letting Satan kick you around like a soccer ball?? Romans 10:10 says if you believe with your heart and confess Jesus as savior you are saved, period. But if you'd like, let's go through this list. My responses are below your items. I'm assuming you have made Jesus the Lord of your life and your savior, based on what you said below.
quote:
ORIGINAL: 19ramman85
I have often wondered about my own salvation from time to time, especially in regards to whether I am actually - "saved", or not.
In one regard - I believe that I am because;
Would someone who - "ISN'T" saved;
a) have religious jingles running thru their mind, like today for example - they've had the song - "Days of Elijah" floating around, and even singing it.
No. Days of Elijah is about giving praise to God. Someone who isn't saved can't praise God.
b) Wonder - "why", hasn't God changed some of their - "other", bad habits (occassional cuss words, for example).
No. You are grieved by your own bad behavior. Hint: God has changed you. You are a new creation in Christ Jesus created to do good works. Tell yourself you are a new creation, the old man is dead. You don't have to cuss.
c) Have a basic good grasp on Scripture? (although this one could be argumenative - I know some who AREN'T saved - by their own design, and yet they can quote it just as good as I can, if not better!).
No. It's one thing to know the scripture, it's another to believe it. Based on your first two items, you believe the scripture. You're ok.
d) Wonder - "WHY", does God put up w/ a sinner such as them, and what does he want w/ a loser like them?
First of all, you're the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, not a dirty sinner. He loves you and doesn't see you as a loser, but a victor.
e) Pray and give God praises probably more times during the day, than they can actually count?
No. Unsaved can't give praises to God and they wouldn't care about praying.
f) Wonder - "IF, God is Actually listening to their prayers?
Hint: His word says He DOES hear our prayers. 1 John 5:14-15.
g) And like it ...... How coincidental is it - to pray with faith of the Angels, Moses, Abraham, etc - and have a prayer or two answered within or right on the 40th day?
There is no coincidence in Christ Jesus. But No, someone unsaved wouldn't even care. Keep praying with the faith of the Angels, Moses, etc. Don't stop.
h) Get rather ticked-off because they missed Church more than they should have, or when theywanted to go - but couldn't?
No. They wouldn't care that they missed church.
i) Listen to religious radio a good chunk of the time?
No. They would think it was stupid.
j) Wonder/worry if they are tithing correctly?
No, they'd keep their money to buy clothes or McDonalds.
k) Look up into the sky and occassionally - ponder seeing Jesus returning?
No, they wouldn't care.
l) Say things right out of the Bible to other people? (although sometimes slightly different than presented in the Bible)
No. They wouldn't care about the Bible.
m) Wonder - "WHY", they feel like the seed that fell between the thorns, and or wonder if they are (at least) somewhat like the person with the one talent?
Again with the devil and the soccer ball. That's the devil telling you you're just a failure. That's not from God. and you're not the person with one talent. you're the person with lots of talents.
n) Wonder how, if at all, to get their family to get reconnected with God?
No, they wouldn't care.
o) Feel personally insulted, at times- when others use God's name in vain (themselves included!)
No, they wouldn't care.
And sooooo much more! So much more, than there really is time (and letters of the alphabet! lol) to list them all!
Throw away that list and take up the Word of God. You aren't how you feel, you are what the word says you are.
Yes - I do have faith and trust in God - that isn't the issue. No, not by a long shot.
I have actually prayed to God on this issue, yet- really haven't gotten a satisfactory answer - yet (mostly because it really isn't that high priority on my prayer list).
So I would appreciate your insight, mostly because I have often thought about bringing it up before, whether here or elswhere.
Just been too darn stubborn to do it - till now!
-charles
Charles, tell the devil to stick his head in the toilet and flush. Pick up the word and see who you are in Him. And stop worrying. you are very much saved. Next time the devil whispers this junk in your ear, you tell him Ro 10:10 says I'm saved b/c I've confessed Jesus as my savior and I believe in my heart that God rose Him from the dead. If he keeps on whispering, then tell him to speak to Jesus. He'd love to hear it. :)
kim
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RE: Self-Doubt - 11/11/2008 9:43:03 PM
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misty35
Posts: 614
Joined: 9/22/2008
From: Arkansas
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Dancre
Why are letting Satan kick you around like a soccer ball?? Romans 10:10 says if you believe with your heart and confess Jesus as savior you are saved, period. But if you'd like, let's go through this list. My responses are below your items. I'm assuming you have made Jesus the Lord of your life and your savior, based on what you said below.
quote:
ORIGINAL: 19ramman85
I have often wondered about my own salvation from time to time, especially in regards to whether I am actually - "saved", or not.
In one regard - I believe that I am because;
Would someone who - "ISN'T" saved;
a) have religious jingles running thru their mind, like today for example - they've had the song - "Days of Elijah" floating around, and even singing it.
No. Days of Elijah is about giving praise to God. Someone who isn't saved can't praise God.
b) Wonder - "why", hasn't God changed some of their - "other", bad habits (occassional cuss words, for example).
No. You are grieved by your own bad behavior. Hint: God has changed you. You are a new creation in Christ Jesus created to do good works. Tell yourself you are a new creation, the old man is dead. You don't have to cuss.
c) Have a basic good grasp on Scripture? (although this one could be argumenative - I know some who AREN'T saved - by their own design, and yet they can quote it just as good as I can, if not better!).
No. It's one thing to know the scripture, it's another to believe it. Based on your first two items, you believe the scripture. You're ok.
d) Wonder - "WHY", does God put up w/ a sinner such as them, and what does he want w/ a loser like them?
First of all, you're the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, not a dirty sinner. He loves you and doesn't see you as a loser, but a victor.
e) Pray and give God praises probably more times during the day, than they can actually count?
No. Unsaved can't give praises to God and they wouldn't care about praying.
f) Wonder - "IF, God is Actually listening to their prayers?
Hint: His word says He DOES hear our prayers. 1 John 5:14-15.
g) And like it ...... How coincidental is it - to pray with faith of the Angels, Moses, Abraham, etc - and have a prayer or two answered within or right on the 40th day?
There is no coincidence in Christ Jesus. But No, someone unsaved wouldn't even care. Keep praying with the faith of the Angels, Moses, etc. Don't stop.
h) Get rather ticked-off because they missed Church more than they should have, or when theywanted to go - but couldn't?
No. They wouldn't care that they missed church.
i) Listen to religious radio a good chunk of the time?
No. They would think it was stupid.
j) Wonder/worry if they are tithing correctly?
No, they'd keep their money to buy clothes or McDonalds.
k) Look up into the sky and occassionally - ponder seeing Jesus returning?
No, they wouldn't care.
l) Say things right out of the Bible to other people? (although sometimes slightly different than presented in the Bible)
No. They wouldn't care about the Bible.
m) Wonder - "WHY", they feel like the seed that fell between the thorns, and or wonder if they are (at least) somewhat like the person with the one talent?
Again with the devil and the soccer ball. That's the devil telling you you're just a failure. That's not from God. and you're not the person with one talent. you're the person with lots of talents.
n) Wonder how, if at all, to get their family to get reconnected with God?
No, they wouldn't care.
o) Feel personally insulted, at times- when others use God's name in vain (themselves included!)
No, they wouldn't care.
And sooooo much more! So much more, than there really is time (and letters of the alphabet! lol) to list them all!
Throw away that list and take up the Word of God. You aren't how you feel, you are what the word says you are.
Yes - I do have faith and trust in God - that isn't the issue. No, not by a long shot.
I have actually prayed to God on this issue, yet- really haven't gotten a satisfactory answer - yet (mostly because it really isn't that high priority on my prayer list).
So I would appreciate your insight, mostly because I have often thought about bringing it up before, whether here or elswhere.
Just been too darn stubborn to do it - till now!
-charles
Charles, tell the devil to stick his head in the toilet and flush. Pick up the word and see who you are in Him. And stop worrying.
kim
ROFL...I know you just didnt! Im about to fall out of my chair laughing with your last comment. I love your sense of humor Kim! 
_____________________________
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 
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RE: Self-Doubt - 11/11/2008 9:43:49 PM
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Dancre
Posts: 1307
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
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Thanks!! :)
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RE: Self-Doubt - 11/11/2008 9:47:15 PM
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His_4_Ever
Posts: 599
Joined: 10/4/2008
From: Idaho
Status: offline
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I have often wondered the same thing. However, I learned to stop thinking about my salvation. I figured as long as kept living by God's word as I interpreted it, I didn't need to worry about my salvation anymore. I knew as long as I knew was doing whatI thought God expected from me and living according to his word I needn't waste anymore energy worrying about my salvation. I knew there were so many more good causes I could put this wasted energy to use on, I knew I God was with me.
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RE: Self-Doubt - 11/11/2008 9:57:06 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
Posts: 910
Joined: 2/13/2008
From: the poconos
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: 19ramman85
I have often wondered about my own salvation from time to time, especially in regards to whether I am actually - "saved", or not.
Welcome to the club.
I would guess that all of us have questioned our faith, or our salvation at one time or another. Self-doubts abound, and pop their ugly head up from time to time. If you are trying to list the ways you know you are saved, you could erase all that you have there already and replace it with one mighty word. Well it's more than a word, it is His name.
Jesus
As to why a prayer may not be answered, can I ask if you are seeking God's will in your prayers, or what you want?
and
Is there any un-dealt with or unconfessed sin in your life? Any resentment, bitterness towards someone, or grudges being held that you need to let go of?
That could be the reason your prayers are not being answered.
My advice would be of course to pray about it. Seek His will, and ask to be shown any areas you need to deal with. Pray that God will restore you to Him, and your relationship.
_____________________________
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: Self-Doubt - 11/11/2008 10:15:53 PM
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deermousie
Posts: 1948
Joined: 9/26/2007
Status: online
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Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:3
We are made spiritually alive in Christ by the Holy Spirit and can respond to God with love and with remorse over our sin.
An unsaved person is spiritually dead and doesn't want God. They don't love Him or want to follow Him, and they don't feel remorse over their sin. Stand on a dead man's chest and see if he feels it. He won't.
If you long for God, even a little, if you desire to follow Him or know Him, even a little, then that is God working in your life. You are spiritually alive. No one can take you out of God's hand (look that up using www.biblegateway.com). So say "thank You" and rejoice that you are His.
_____________________________
Want to know where a certain word or phrase in the Bible is found? www.biblegateway.com Yay!
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RE: Self-Doubt - 11/11/2008 11:21:45 PM
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His_4_Ever
Posts: 599
Joined: 10/4/2008
From: Idaho
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: 19ramman85
I have often wondered about my own salvation from time to time, especially in regards to whether I am actually - "saved", or not.
In one regard - I believe that I am because;
Would someone who - "ISN'T" saved;
a) have religious jingles running thru their mind, like today for example - they've had the song - "Days of Elijah" floating around, and even singing it.
b) Wonder - "why", hasn't God changed some of their - "other", bad habits (occassional cuss words, for example).
c) Have a basic good grasp on Scripture? (although this one could be argumenative - I know some who AREN'T saved - by their own design, and yet they can quote it just as good as I can, if not better!).
d) Wonder - "WHY", does God put up w/ a sinner such as them, and what does he want w/ a loser like them?
e) Pray and give God praises probably more times during the day, than they can actually count?
f) Wonder - "IF, God is Actually listening to their prayers?
g) And like it ...... How coincidental is it - to pray with faith of the Angels, Moses, Abraham, etc - and have a prayer or two answered within or right on the 40th day?
h) Get rather ticked-off because they missed Church more than they should have, or when theywanted to go - but couldn't?
i) Listen to religious radio a good chunk of the time?
j) Wonder/worry if they are tithing correctly?
k) Look up into the sky and occassionally - ponder seeing Jesus returning?
l) Say things right out of the Bible to other people? (although sometimes slightly different than presented in the Bible)
m) Wonder - "WHY", they feel like the seed that fell between the thorns, and or wonder if they are (at least) somewhat like the person with the one talent?
n) Wonder how, if at all, to get their family to get reconnected with God?
o) Feel personally insulted, at times- when others use God's name in vain (themselves included!)
And sooooo much more! So much more, than there really is time (and letters of the alphabet! lol) to list them all!
Yes - I do have faith and trust in God - that isn't the issue. No, not by a long shot.
I have actually prayed to God on this issue, yet- really haven't gotten a satisfactory answer - yet (mostly because it really isn't that high priority on my prayer list).
So I would appreciate your insight, mostly because I have often thought about bringing it up before, whether here or elswhere.
Just been too darn stubborn to do it - till now!
-charles
You know what your problem is, it's your like keeping some sort of scorecard. Stop, just live your life as you interpet God's word to be. If you keep worrying about every little petty thing in your life, your going to die a young death. I'd be surprised if you didn't have an ulcer already. Just put it all in God's hands and forget about it. I mean that's what it all really comes down too. Put your trust in God and let him handle the rest.
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RE: Self-Doubt - 11/12/2008 2:16:16 AM
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atruefaith
Posts: 320
Joined: 6/18/2005
Status: offline
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19ramman85, not a single item in your list is a proof positive sign that you're saved. You may indeed be saved, but not due to any reason on that list.
Scripture alone determines true faith.
Perhaps the greatest book written on this subject (outside of Scripture) is Edwards' Religious Affections some 250+ years ago. An excellent paraphrase of Edward's difficult-to-read writing style can be found here:
http://www.amazon.com/Signs-Spirit-Interpretation-Religious-Affections/dp/1581349327/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226474108&sr=8-1
More importantly, I'd encourage you to read 1 John over and over again. It is the quintessential book in Scripture all about having assurance in faith. Here are three passages that have turned my life upside down by the way they have challenged my faith and humbled my self-perceptions and pride:
We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. - 1 John 2:3-6
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. 10Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. 11But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him. - 1 John 2:9-11
If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 19This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence 20whenever our hearts condemn us. - 1 John 3:17-20
_____________________________
A series of short stories depicting the Christian faith....
www.atruefaith.com
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RE: Self-Doubt - 11/12/2008 1:57:05 PM
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bravjim
Posts: 395
Joined: 10/8/2008
Status: offline
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Sounds to me like you are struggling with the difference between salvation and sanctification. If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He took your sin and died with it for you, was buried and raised again the 3rd day, then you are saved. There is no arguing with this fact.
Sanctification is what comes after your salvation, and it is a life long process. Just as a baby hasn't got any real strength, the new believer does not have the power to walk in strength. Only as the baby continues to grow does he/she grow stronger. First, a baby cannot move. Then they learn to roll over. Then they learn to crawl. Then they learn to walk. It is an ongoing process created by resistance.
The fact that you are struggling with whether you are saved is part of the process God uses to build your faith. Think of it like exercise. When you exercise, you push yourself through various types of resistance in order to grow stronger. The same thing with faith. When you are questioning your salvation, you are questioning your faith. That is resistance. In order to grow strong, remind yourself and confess out loud that you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for your sins, and was resurrected into a new life. Remind yourself, that just as you shared in His death, you will also share in His resurrection (the new life). As you remind yourself of these things, you are overcoming the resistance in your mind, and building your faith. As your faith strengthens, and you begin to discover who you are in this new life, through God's word, which tells us that we are a new creature in Christ, the old man has passed away, and all things are made new, that you are the head and not the tail, and able to overcome all things through Christ Jesus, you begin to believe it and live it out.
That doesn't mean that you will not stumble or fall. You will. (Just as a baby will fall when learning to walk) Do not beat yourself up over the occasional swear word, or failure; get up, dust yourself off, and begin to walk in victory again.(Confess, repent, and move on) To not get back up is the greatest failure that you can have, because it can lead to remaining where you are, or let your "spiritual muscles" atrophy, and not growing stronger in the Spirit or your faith. The more that you confess God's word over your life, the stronger you will become, and the less doubts about salvation you will have.
< Message edited by bravjim -- 11/12/2008 2:04:23 PM >
_____________________________
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfilll the lust of the flesh.
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RE: Self-Doubt - 11/12/2008 5:13:57 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
Posts: 910
Joined: 2/13/2008
From: the poconos
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: bravjim
Sounds to me like you are struggling with the difference between salvation and sanctification. If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He took your sin and died with it for you, was buried and raised again the 3rd day, then you are saved. There is no arguing with this fact.
Sanctification is what comes after your salvation, and it is a life long process. Just as a baby hasn't got any real strength, the new believer does not have the power to walk in strength. Only as the baby continues to grow does he/she grow stronger. First, a baby cannot move. Then they learn to roll over. Then they learn to crawl. Then they learn to walk. It is an ongoing process created by resistance.
The fact that you are struggling with whether you are saved is part of the process God uses to build your faith. Think of it like exercise. When you exercise, you push yourself through various types of resistance in order to grow stronger. The same thing with faith. When you are questioning your salvation, you are questioning your faith. That is resistance. In order to grow strong, remind yourself and confess out loud that you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for your sins, and was resurrected into a new life. Remind yourself, that just as you shared in His death, you will also share in His resurrection (the new life). As you remind yourself of these things, you are overcoming the resistance in your mind, and building your faith. As your faith strengthens, and you begin to discover who you are in this new life, through God's word, which tells us that we are a new creature in Christ, the old man has passed away, and all things are made new, that you are the head and not the tail, and able to overcome all things through Christ Jesus, you begin to believe it and live it out.
That doesn't mean that you will not stumble or fall. You will. (Just as a baby will fall when learning to walk) Do not beat yourself up over the occasional swear word, or failure; get up, dust yourself off, and begin to walk in victory again.(Confess, repent, and move on) To not get back up is the greatest failure that you can have, because it can lead to remaining where you are, or let your "spiritual muscles" atrophy, and not growing stronger in the Spirit or your faith. The more that you confess God's word over your life, the stronger you will become, and the less doubts about salvation you will have.
This is great advice Jim.
I tend to have this problem myself. Sometimes we will let our failure to overcome a sin begin to wear us down, and break us. It can lead to a walk that is not productive.
But we have no need to fear because Jesus said so Himself
John 16
33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
_____________________________
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: Self-Doubt - 11/12/2008 6:52:11 PM
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19ramman85
Posts: 134
Joined: 4/10/2008
Status: offline
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Hi Gang!
Y'all are gracious in your responces, and they are very uplifting - indeed!
I don't have a whole lotta time 2nite to adeqautly respond, because of - "LIFE", but I do promise to reply to most of the posts 2morrow nite.
Thanx again for the encouragement, and support!
May God Bless ya's "RICHLY"!
'N I plan on hitting 1 John a bit more intensly
-charles
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RE: Self-Doubt - 11/12/2008 10:36:03 PM
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Dancre
Posts: 1307
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
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You know, Charles, you said you prayed and God answered the prayer within 40 days and you pray with the faith of angels and the men of faith in the OT. You do know that 40 is a very important number to God. Look it up, see how many times God used the number 40 in the word, lots!! you seem to have a great annointing on you, the devil's scared to pieces of you, which is why you keep seeing yourself as a loser, loser, loser. Pick up your sword and put on your armor and fight, fight, fight. See yourself as God sees you in the Word, not as Satan wants you to see yourself. you want a word from God? Here it is: Stop it!!! How's that?
quote:
ORIGINAL: 19ramman85
Hi Gang!
Y'all are gracious in your responces, and they are very uplifting - indeed!
I don't have a whole lotta time 2nite to adeqautly respond, because of - "LIFE", but I do promise to reply to most of the posts 2morrow nite.
Thanx again for the encouragement, and support!
May God Bless ya's "RICHLY"!
'N I plan on hitting 1 John a bit more intensly
-charles
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RE: Self-Doubt - 11/13/2008 6:30:55 PM
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19ramman85
Posts: 134
Joined: 4/10/2008
Status: offline
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OK - as promised, I have returned!
I have no clue as to where to start, so I'll just do it this way;
LivingParadox - Yes, I do believe, and so do others- believe I have a good grounding. But, however - that's a good ? about what is the high priority in my life. Not really a question nobodys asked, nor of myself, nor is there an easy answer.
In one sense, about the only answer I- Can, give is this; to fullfill my lifes-long goal of being a truck driver, and trying to be the best person (husband, father, yada-yada) I can be.
Dancre - you are wise beyond your years!
I especially like, no- Love your; "If he keeps on whispering, then tell him to speak to Jesus. He'd love to hear it. :)". I'm gonna have to try it!
misty & cambe - Hmph, funny thing now - in regards to reading/interpreting the Word. When I was younger, we were taught that the Church's interpretation was the only interpretation we needed, and that was that!
Well, as time marched on - I had serious doubts about my religion (Catholicsm)and their version and other versions of interpritation. Which lead to more questions AND confusion. Well, about a dozen or so yrs ago - I was told by a Protestant Minister or Teacher something like - "God gave us the ability to interprute Scripture, as WE (meaning ourselves) are able. The rest - we need help.
Now that's not exactly the way I heard it - but its close (@ least in the same ballpark,anyways - lol)! Which definitly put me at odds w/ the church - because what I was reading, and what they were telling me on a few points - sounded contradictatory. And the more I thought/studied on it, well- lets just say I am now a proud Protestant (Free Methodist).
SavedByGraceMD - Welcome to the club.
Gee, thanx for the reality check that I aint alone! 
As for your comments about unanswered prayer - I'm not really sure - although I do find myself telling God, that - His, will be done, and not mine. maybe I'm not doing that enough? I dunno! Mostly because I really don't pray for myself nearly as much as I do others. ANd there's really not a whole lot to pray for that I really want down here on good old terra-firma.
And I must pray at least a dozen times to God about any unconfessed sins, or such in my life. Plus I love to take to heart about what David (?) said about searching his heart, so that he can be free of sin that hasn't been confessed.
And really, of late - I have come to the conclusion - that, IF - there was anything hiding or lurking in the shadows, and after taking what David sadi, plus my own praying - don't you think God Would've answered by now? Because I believe He has already answered me, more than once! After all- you know what they say about silence being golden?!
And I also know that there are times when God - for whatever reason - chooses to be completely silent on our prayer concerns. I compare it to as being a dad who acts like he is listening to his kids question, and just either shrugging it off, or ignoring it. Now, I know He doesn't do it like that - but wouldn't you agree its similar to it? I think it is.
deermousie - I really do truly believe God is active in my life:
1) there are just too many - "coincidences", where I've asked God for something - and its happened.
2) I have felt moved by the Holy Spirit on a few occassions (well, ok -more than that, lol)
and ...
3) I hate that feeling I get, yes - its called guilt, that I get when I do something wrong - and God doesn't let me forget it till I make it right!
And campbe33, kmowing me - I wouldn't be surprised, if even in the recesses of my mind - I am trying to keep some sort of score card.
In one mrespect - I did that up to a few yrs ago, in regards to tithing. And needless to say - after carefull thought/study. and listening (and I mean - REALLY, listening to other teachers/pastors discussing tithing - i figured out what I was doing - was more than less a form of legalism. Which I have since stopped doing!
And funny you should mention - {i]ulcers.
I have a history of them going back to when I was a child. And, although I haven't had one in 20 some-odd yrs - I do suffer from occassional bouts of acid reflux, thanx in part to many yrs of heavy drinking.
atruefaith - I completely disagree with your - not a single item in your list is a proof positive sign that you're saved. You may indeed be saved, but not due to any reason on that list.
Like the others have said, and I agree w/ them, because I have pretty much told myself those same things, as well as from other believers not in this forum, - that someone who ISN't, saved is not gonna give a rats rip about anything that I listed.
And s far as 1 John goes;I've always cosidered that to be the - Spirit Book, amen?
bravjim/SavedByGraceMD - I wouldn't be a bit surprised if I am somehow mixing the two - salvation/santification.
So in addition of 1 John, I should be taking to heart Hebrews 5:12-14, eh?
Yeah, I know for a fact I will stumble and fall - I got the bruises to prove it! lol
But I really believe we all go thru that - trying to be - Perfect, like He is. And only landing on our backsides. The difference between us and them, though - is quite obvious; we just get up (although some of us are a bit slower than others,lol), dust ourselves off and go on. While there are those who stumble and fall - and could care less if they vever get back up. Amen?
Dancre - Yes, I am well aware of the major significants of the number 40!
A true story of Faith! ............
Years ago, I got fired from a job. And it couldn't have happpend at a worse time -in the dead of Winter! And not only was it Winter outside - it was also Winter inside, in regards to our family's situation (mostly financial).
Well, about a week after I got canned - I started to pray to God about finding a job within fourty days (Lent was just about to begin). I told God, myself - as well as Satan, that there was absolutly no way i was going to be undermined in my determination to have God interceed on my behalf to help me get a job within 40 days.
I prayed every chance I could get, and ferverantly, that I would get, a job- within 40 days. And whenever a negative thought popped-up about it - I would squash it immediately, and move on.
And wouldn't cha know it!
Right on the 40th day, I landed a job!
you want a word from God? Here it is: Stop it!!! How's that?
Like the dose of reality I need!
See? God DOES work in mysterious ways!
Once again - thanx all for your responses. And may God Bless ya all for your kindness!
I gotta run, 'n besides I've spent waaa-aaaaaay too much time on this old pc this afternoon!
-charles
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RE: Self-Doubt - 11/14/2008 1:19:50 AM
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atruefaith
Posts: 320
Joined: 6/18/2005
Status: offline
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quote:
Like the others have said, and I agree w/ them, because I have pretty much told myself those same things, as well as from other believers not in this forum, - that someone who ISN't, saved is not gonna give a rats rip about anything that I listed.
But can you prove this by Scripture? Consensus is never a stand-alone proof for determining whether something is true or not.
The Pharisees obsessed about sin and moral deficiencies, yet Christ tells us that it does not/did not save them in the end. If we are saved by works, then your list would be evidence. But salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
There are millions on the wide road to hell today who experience all these things you've listed through a heart that is desperate and deceitful above all things.
_____________________________
A series of short stories depicting the Christian faith....
www.atruefaith.com
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RE: Self-Doubt - 11/14/2008 11:17:19 PM
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Dancre
Posts: 1307
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
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Well, just to be in Charles' defense, he was grieved when he sinned or missed church, etc. The Pharisees weren't grieved in their hearts and basically that became a law. Charles is speaking of that deep down inside stab of grief b/c he's not doing what God called him to do. There is a big difference.
quote:
ORIGINAL: atruefaith
quote:
Like the others have said, and I agree w/ them, because I have pretty much told myself those same things, as well as from other believers not in this forum, - that someone who ISN't, saved is not gonna give a rats rip about anything that I listed.
But can you prove this by Scripture? Consensus is never a stand-alone proof for determining whether something is true or not.
The Pharisees obsessed about sin and moral deficiencies, yet Christ tells us that it does not/did not save them in the end. If we are saved by works, then your list would be evidence. But salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
There are millions on the wide road to hell today who experience all these things you've listed through a heart that is desperate and deceitful above all things.
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RE: Self-Doubt - 11/14/2008 11:20:24 PM
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Dancre
Posts: 1307
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
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And Charles, I still say God's annointing is on you big time. Don't waste it, now that we are in the end times. The bus is pulling out of the station and you don't want to waste your time listening to the devil instead of God. Write down all your self-doubt thoughts that plague you and find at least 3 verses that counterdict each one. When those thoughts come up again, take them captive like Paul said in Eph, make them obedient to the Word of God. Soon those doubts will disappear and only the verses will remain. Hang in there, brother. I rebuke that thing off of you and pray God takes you farther down your road.
kim
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RE: Self-Doubt - 11/15/2008 12:10:42 PM
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19ramman85
Posts: 134
Joined: 4/10/2008
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: atruefaith
quote:
Like the others have said, and I agree w/ them, because I have pretty much told myself those same things, as well as from other believers not in this forum, - that someone who ISN't, saved is not gonna give a rats rip about anything that I listed.
But can you prove this by Scripture? Consensus is never a stand-alone proof for determining whether something is true or not.
The Pharisees obsessed about sin and moral deficiencies, yet Christ tells us that it does not/did not save them in the end. If we are saved by works, then your list would be evidence. But salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
There are millions on the wide road to hell today who experience all these things you've listed through a heart that is desperate and deceitful above all things.
So, let me throw your statement right back at cha.
What makes you so darn tootin' sure I'm (Possibly -NOT), saved?
Yes- I CAN prove I am saved or not - By Scripture, and by conviction of the Holy Spirit. But just like the millions of - "other". plain-jane average everyday run of the mill Christians, sometimes we have our periods of time when we question our faith. Which is quite normal, if my psycology serves me right.
I know - YOU, never said whether you are saved or not - but how would - "WE" know? Remember - Satan knows the Bible better than us humans!
Or better yet -
How do - "YOU", know you are saved?
-charles
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RE: Self-Doubt - 11/15/2008 2:03:00 PM
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BenQuebec
Posts: 1464
Joined: 2/28/2005
From: Québec, Canada
Status: offline
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If you have a relationship with God, you're okay.
Personally, I believe that all the points you mentioned are conceivably possible without being in a right relationship with God. There are many who will go so far as do might wonders in His name, but will ultimately not enter Heaven, since Jesus never knew them.
If you know Him and He knows you, who have gained access to Him in Jesus' name, you can be assured that your name is in the Lamb's book of life and you are saved. :-)
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RE: Self-Doubt - 11/15/2008 4:54:34 PM
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rcjames
Posts: 5771
Joined: 7/15/2005
From: Oklahoma
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: 19ramman85
So I would appreciate your insight, mostly because I have often thought about bringing it up before, whether here or elswhere. -charles
I do not think it is a bad thing to consider whether one is saved or not; Scripture says;
(2Co 13:5) Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
And that verse says that when we examine ourselves we should know.
I would suggest that the first question one should ask themselves would be are you obedinet to Scripture;
(Luk 6:46) And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
For if you are not obedientg to what Christ said; aka the New Testament then you have no right to call Him Lord.
Secondly I would suggest you examine yourself in light of; | | |
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