I USED TO HAVE A STRONG FAITH IN GOD...

[rocel23]

YES. you read it right. I used to have that faith in God. You know, that kind of faith which gives you a feeling of hope and love in everything that surrounds you. You know, that faith which gives you a feeling of assurance that whatever you do and wherever you go, you know that 'God' will protect you? That faith that tells you that whoever you meet, and no matter color of skin they have, you are all children of God.

After having lived in a rich country, my eyes did not only see the beauty of the blessed land. I also saw the ugliness of where I come from. And from then on I started asking questions such as, "why is there such a huge difference between us and them?" "Why do people live peacefully here when back there many are suffering and in trouble?"

The questions are endless.

And it became worse when being around these people from the wealthy lands make you feel different and small....because they discriminate.

Then the old tune "If God exists why does he let this happen?" rings.

Now I know my faith is not the same as before. As long as this questions are unanswered, i know I can't call myself a real Christian.

But I still want to have that same faith again. Cause I know that without it I cannot have love and hope in me.

I hope real Christians out there can help me relive my faith! Thanks!

[angelos]

Why does God let us use the free-will we have? Sure he could fix everything in a blink but as long as humans have free-will it will just start over again. We make our choices to do evil things.

[QuestionTime]

YES. you read it right. I used to have that faith in God. You know, that kind of faith which gives you a feeling of hope and love in everything that surrounds you. You know, that faith which gives you a feeling of assurance that whatever you do and wherever you go, you know that 'God' will protect you? That faith that tells you that whoever you meet, and no matter color of skin they have, you are all children of God.

After having lived in a rich country, my eyes did not only see the beauty of the blessed land. I also saw the ugliness of where I come from. And from then on I started asking questions such as, "why is there such a huge difference between us and them?" "Why do people live peacefully here when back there many are suffering and in trouble?"

The questions are endless.

And it became worse when being around these people from the wealthy lands make you feel different and small....because they discriminate.

Then the old tune "If God exists why does he let this happen?" rings.

Now I know my faith is not the same as before. As long as this questions are unanswered, i know I can't call myself a real Christian.

But I still want to have that same faith again. Cause I know that without it I cannot have love and hope in me.

I hope real Christians out there can help me relive my faith! Thanks!

The only real answer to this question Rocel, is free will. God has given people free will. The countries typically where Christianity has flourished are also typically countries with more civil liberty and peace.

God showed me recently that I blamed Him for all of these wrongs against me, but I don't anymore. I'm not going to blame God or Adam for my sins anymore. I am taking full responsibility for my own actions from this point forward.

As for the actions of others around me, I know that God has given them free will. God is not to blame, they are to blame for their own actions and God will bring justice against them at the Judgment.

John 15:25 (King James Version)
25But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

Quest

[DinoDillinger]

Because this place is cursed and men are wicked.

Genesis 3:17-19 (New King James Version)


17 Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’:
“ Cursed is the ground for your sake;
In toil you shall eat of it
All the days of your life.
18 Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you,
And you shall eat the herb of the field. 19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread
Till you return to the ground,
For out of it you were taken;
For dust you are,
And to dust you shall return.”

Genesis 6:5-6 (New King James Version)

5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
6 And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.

We are not all children of God. I think the fallen state of the world is to show mankind that we are separated from God. This is meant to warn men of the conquences of rebellion. Men naturally are at war with God because we are evil and God is good. If we did not see the results of sin then people would have no warning before ending up in hell.

[brotherdee]

Hi everyone, I'm new here, nice to meet you all, I think alot of whats being discussed here can be more clear in1 Cor1:26-31
there is an explainable reason why people fair differant than others and why God has each of us where we are!

[loveschild]

Seems your taking the wrongs people do and blaming it on God. Why? He didn't make them do wrong. God had given us all faith. Sometimes our faith does get weak. That doesn't mean your not saved. Because of the bad people do do you want to turn your back on God and go to hell? I sure pray not! Just ask God to help you with your faith. You can even ask for strong faith. But put things in order. People are being wrong. You are to pray for people doing wrong. You are to love them. Thats your job. Plus partly you are feeling sorry for yourself cause they have more than you?? Ask God to help you with this bitterness. You must forgive ok. God bless you!

[Sheye_Anne]

[quote=rocel23;312177]YES. you read it right. I used to have that faith in God. You know, that kind of faith which gives you a feeling of hope and love in everything that surrounds you. You know, that faith which gives you a feeling of assurance that whatever you do and wherever you go, you know that 'God' will protect you? That faith that tells you that whoever you meet, and no matter color of skin they have, you are all children of God.

After having lived in a rich country, my eyes did not only see the beauty of the blessed land. I also saw the ugliness of where I come from. And from then on I started asking questions such as, "why is there such a huge difference between us and them?" "Why do people live peacefully here when back there many are suffering and in trouble?"

The questions are endless.

And it became worse when being around these people from the wealthy lands make you feel different and small....because they discriminate.

Then the old tune "If God exists why does he let this happen?" rings.


this post reminds me of how I feel so much at times...

its difficult to believe in an all powerful God that ALLOWS such injustice to happen to innocent..who allows such "class distinction"...among the peoples of its countries..

BUT.....I have come to realize...that ..when God gave us free will..it was an incredible gift..that we do not quite comprehend..the "freedom" of it.....and many humans are subject to the free will of "others"

Does this mean God does not care??..

NO..it means Giod is a genteman..and keeps his promises...

He does not order us to bow to him..he invites us..

I truly believe if our souls and hearts sincerely want to know the heart of Christ..and understand His Father..and the HOLY SPIRIT that guides them...

all we need do is ASK>>>and INVITE....Our Father wishes for ALL His children to invite HIm into their hearts and minds..

This is very tough at times..to understand..when we see so much corruption..and perversion..and greed around us...but..good soldiers learn to carry the crosses of Christ..and persevere...

[Sheye_Anne]

[/QUOTE][/QUOTE][/QUOTE][quote]

YES. you read it right. I used to have that faith in God. You know, that kind of faith which gives you a feeling of hope and love in everything that surrounds you. You know, that faith which gives you a feeling of assurance that whatever you do and wherever you go, you know that 'God' will protect you? That faith that tells you that whoever you meet, and no matter color of skin they have, you are all children of God.

After having lived in a rich country, my eyes did not only see the beauty of the blessed land. I also saw the ugliness of where I come from. And from then on I started asking questions such as, "why is there such a huge difference between us and them?" "Why do people live peacefully here when back there many are suffering and in trouble?"

The questions are endless.

And it became worse when being around these people from the wealthy lands make you feel different and small....because they discriminate.

Then the old tune "If God exists why does he let this happen?" rings.

this post reminds me of how I feel so much at times...

its difficult to believe in an all powerful God that ALLOWS such injustice to happen to innocent..who allows such "class distinction"...among the peoples of its countries..

BUT.....I have come to realize...that ..when God gave us free will..it was an incredible gift..that we do not quite comprehend..the "freedom" of it.....and many humans are subject to the free will of "others"

Does this mean God does not care??..

NO..it means Giod is a genteman..and keeps his promises...

He does not order us to bow to him..he invites us..

I truly believe if our souls and hearts sincerely want to know the heart of Christ..and understand His Father..and the HOLY SPIRIT that guides them...

all we need do is ASK>>>and INVITE....Our Father wishes for ALL His children to invite HIm into their hearts and minds..

This is very tough at times..to understand..when we see so much corruption..and perversion..and greed around us...but..good soldiers learn to carry the crosses of Christ..and persevere...

[Meridoc]

YES. you read it right. I used to have that faith in God. You know, that kind of faith which gives you a feeling of hope and love in everything that surrounds you. You know, that faith which gives you a feeling of assurance that whatever you do and wherever you go, you know that 'God' will protect you? That faith that tells you that whoever you meet, and no matter color of skin they have, you are all children of God.

After having lived in a rich country, my eyes did not only see the beauty of the blessed land. I also saw the ugliness of where I come from. And from then on I started asking questions such as, "why is there such a huge difference between us and them?" "Why do people live peacefully here when back there many are suffering and in trouble?"

The questions are endless.

And it became worse when being around these people from the wealthy lands make you feel different and small....because they discriminate.

Then the old tune "If God exists why does he let this happen?" rings.

Now I know my faith is not the same as before. As long as this questions are unanswered, i know I can't call myself a real Christian.

But I still want to have that same faith again. Cause I know that without it I cannot have love and hope in me.

I hope real Christians out there can help me relive my faith! Thanks!

I came across this via my GF not too long ago and it is one of the best explanations for that question:

. . . the student continues. 'Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?'

Now uncertain, the professor responds, 'Of course, there is. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.'

To this the student replied, 'Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.'

Every human being in the world makes a choice every day to include God in their lives or not. It is not God's fault many do not choose him. He could have made us all robots forced to love him, but then it would have as much value as if I programmed my computer to say that it loves me every time it booted up.

[Sheye_Anne]

hmmmmm


are there monkeys that play with posts after posted on this website as well....??


say it ain't so bro..say it ain't so...(tears up)



I need to hire a fulltime bot of my own..who can moniter my posts when away..and record any changes made without my permission..?

hopefully not..this is a christian site after all..




I will try to keep it respcetful from my end..but at the same time..hopefully my posts will be treated with respect...

is that too much to ask..from a lowly christian...????

Thankyou for understanding my concern...I pray that it is unwarranted



(sighs)....(hopefully you can get past the tiny errors in typing...it is not a strong suit of mine..but I am working on increasing the 3 finger typing method I have developed quite skillfully over time)

[jimmydiggs]

I ponder this too. Often.

I ask. Why do those who claim to be christian (whether they are or are not is between them and god), live in big houses, drive fancy new cars, buy big boats, go to the lake every weekend, built huge megachurches, buy their kids brand new cars when they turn 16, have a television in every room, subscriptions to 200 magazines, fancy brand new name brand clothing, run around with the latest gadgets, over two thousand songs on their ipod, and many many many more profound wastes of their time, money, and energy!!?!?!?!

I resolve, they are fools. They will get what is coming to them.


The Rich Man and Lazarus:
Parable or Prophecy?


Lazarus and the Rich Man (Lu. 16:19-31)


“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

“But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

“Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

“And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead”.




As always, when you criticize the actions of one, you must offer an alternative, that you percieve to be the moral standpoint. What do I plan to do with my life? Small house. All I need, is a bedroom big enough, for a bed, a dressor, and maybe a closet. Closet is totally optional. I would like some sort of underground shelter, but could do without. I would only need one full bath, and a kitchen. The kitchen would be simple. One sink. One stove/oven. I don't need a microwave. It is a waste of money. It is unhealthy, and the food just doesn't taste that great in my opion. I would have a small area for a small table, which would double as my desk. I don't plan on a TV, I would have one laptop, as in the future I expect technology to take over life more and more. I would simply take the same chair from my small kitchen table outside, and I would enjoy my evenings outside. Without gadgets, without music. I would just enjoy the evening. I do this sometimes now, but in Missouri, it is often very hard for someone with allergies to do this with no complaint.

In Modern American Society, I think we have lost touch with Morality as a whole. I think this is evident in so many ways. Drop me a message if you care to hear what I think.

I will say one thing to any American out there. If you don't need it, don't buy it. Want does not constitute need. No one seems to use this concept. We wear the full suits, and the American Eagle, and other expensive clothing. I thought Jesus taught to be humble and modest, yet earnest.

I would very much like to find a "house-church". I believe that the church is the people, not the brick. We spend too much money tething away to build these megachurches, and even large churches in small towns. This money is not being adequately used to feed and cloth the poor.

Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Matthew 6:2

Too often, charitable works are paraded. Don't parade, Don't ask for recognition, don't reject recognition though, be humble and accept it, but use it as a chance to glorify God.





As the original poster stated, my faith is weak too. Probably the weakest of all people on these forums. I look around at the "Chrisitan America", and I think.. "Oh Lord, how could this be?" "Why do so many make exscuses for their actions?" "They simply say, God will forgive me, so I can do whatever, as long as I am sorry." It's just like what my parents would say, "Are you sorry for the action, or for being caught?"


EDIT: Just gunna add this at the end, instead of putting it where it belongs, so you can see the original version as was. I could also go without air condition, heating, and possibly hot water. I've lived outdoors. I'm a Boy Scout. A Scout is prepared. I'm pretty tough. Ain't no wimpy kid here.

Scout Oath (or Promise)

On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scout Law

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly,
courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty,
brave, clean, and reverent.

[Sheye_Anne]

I ponder this too. Often.

I ask. Why do those who claim to be christian (whether they are or are not is between them and god), live in big houses, drive fancy new cars, buy big boats, go to the lake every weekend, built huge megachurches, buy their kids brand new cars when they turn 16, have a television in every room, subscriptions to 200 magazines, fancy brand new name brand clothing, run around with the latest gadgets, over two thousand songs on their ipod, and many many many more profound wastes of their time, money, and energy!!?!?!?!

I resolve, they are fools. They will get what is coming to them.

WOW..those words ring true to my heart Jimmydigs..

hows your crib?

I haven't a square inch of land to my name...and at the rate its driving up..it looks like I might never..and maybe my children as well..but then again..many rich people..do help others..afterall..its a TAX writeoff..so...

it does pay to give..to the needy..when you're filthy rich..

(sighs)......I think all religious organizations should be forced to pay taxes...or else they get no vote (winks)..thats ALL of the TAX exempt organizations...ALL...

ok..not so popular with the preachers now?..

well..money should not be your GOD..should it now???

God bless you all

[Meridoc]

I ponder this too. Often.




WOW..those words ring true to my heart Jimmydigs..

hows your crib?

I haven't a square inch of land to my name...and at the rate its driving up..it looks like I might never..and maybe my children as well..but then again..many rich people..do help others..afterall..its a TAX writeoff..so...

it does pay to give..to the needy..when you're filthy rich..

(sighs)......I think all religious organizations should be forced to pay taxes...or else they get no vote (winks)..thats ALL of the TAX exempt organizations...ALL...

ok..not so popular with the preachers now?..

well..money should not be your GOD..should it now???

God bless you all

I would take God over the right to vote any day!

[jimmydiggs]

WOW..those words ring true to my heart Jimmydigs..

hows your crib?

I'm only 17. I am still very different from the christians where I go to school, I do not let anyone know whether I do or do not believe, not even in my own home(i live in a secular home). I have grown up with genuinely less. Most of them have already wrecked their first car, and own their second. Don't pay a dime. Typically they drive brand new cars.

What do I drive?

I don't currently drive, to save money. Next year I will have to as I will be taking dual credit classes. What will I be driving? Either a 1986 GMC Sierra 1500 that if you put a another dent in it, you would take two out. Another scratch would only make it cheaper to get a new coat of paint. It has a saddle-back gas tank. One on the left, one on the right. At one point the right side got a leak, so we only used the left side, left side got a leak. Was fixing it with my dad one day, "why don't we just not use the left tank, and use the right tank? Been doing that." Now we just run on the left tank.

If not that, it'll be a 1991 Dodge Ram. Good condition, I like it. It still is definitely "certified used".

I've lived in rental houses since 2003.

My parents own 750 acres. We used to farm in Western Kansas. Aren't rich by any means. The equipment was junk. Still is.

My parents own a Chevy Silverado 2004, and a Chevy Venture 2000ish. They Silverado was bought up-front by my dad, when the GMC was no longer reliable, and we had a good crop that year.

I wear a white t-shirt and blue jeans everyday. Need nothing more, or less. I see no point to wearing expensive clothing. It's a waste of money, and is done only to show status. I love how the christians I go to school with complain, "why do you wear the same clothes everyday?" "don't you want to wear something more stylish". What need is there for style? It changes every year.


My parents own some land, but don't have any real money. The land is being paid for, on top of student loans, and they don't have any retirement money. We have lived on a strict budget for several years now.

I do not work a regular job, but anything other than what my parents provide, (housing,clothng,food,school stuff) if I want something, I have to work for it. The computer I am on, was valued at 1200, I spent 800. Got a great deal on it. It was new, in 2007. I plan to continue using it even through college.

I have lived on less. It has benefited me greatly. I wish I had grown up with even less. My mother grew up with nothing. Where she lived in Eastern Kansas, the local bank hated her family. They were dirt poor, and always owed money. Didn't spend money either.

[Sheye_Anne]

I'm only 17. I am still very different from the christians where I go to school, I do not let anyone know whether I do or do not believe, not even in my own home(i live in a secular home). I have grown up with genuinely less. Most of them have already wrecked their first car, and own their second. Don't pay a dime. Typically they drive brand new cars.

What do I drive?

I don't currently drive, to save money. Next year I will have to as I will be taking dual credit classes. What will I be driving? Either a 1986 GMC Sierra 1500 that if you put a another dent in it, you would take two out. Another scratch would only make it cheaper to get a new coat of paint. It has a saddle-back gas tank. One on the left, one on the right. At one point the right side got a leak, so we only used the left side, left side got a leak. Was fixing it with my dad one day, "why don't we just not use the left tank, and use the right tank? Been doing that." Now we just run on the left tank.

If not that, it'll be a 1991 Dodge Ram. Good condition, I like it. It still is definitely "certified used".

I've lived in rental houses since 2003.

My parents own 750 acres. We used to farm in Western Kansas. Aren't rich by any means. The equipment was junk. Still is.

My parents own a Chevy Silverado 2004, and a Chevy Venture 2000ish. They Silverado was bought up-front by my dad, when the GMC was no longer reliable, and we had a good crop that year.

I wear a white t-shirt and blue jeans everyday. Need nothing more, or less. I see no point to wearing expensive clothing. It's a waste of money, and is done only to show status. I love how the christians I go to school with complain, "why do you wear the same clothes everyday?" "don't you want to wear something more stylish". What need is there for style? It changes every year.


My parents own some land, but don't have any real money. The land is being paid for, on top of student loans, and they don't have any retirement money. We have lived on a strict budget for several years now.

I do not work a regular job, but anything other than what my parents provide, (housing,clothng,food,school stuff) if I want something, I have to work for it. The computer I am on, was valued at 1200, I spent 800. Got a great deal on it. It was new, in 2007. I plan to continue using it even through college.

I have lived on less. It has benefited me greatly. I wish I had grown up with even less. My mother grew up with nothing. Where she lived in Eastern Kansas, the local bank hated her family. They were dirt poor, and always owed money. Didn't spend money either.

(smiles...)...I like your style Jimmyd

I hope you're still wearing a white Tshirt..and a pair of blue jeans when you are 99

and you still like fixing old cars...

[jimmydiggs]

(smiles...)...I like your style Jimmyd

I hope you're still wearing a white Tshirt..and a pair of blue jeans when you are 99

and you still like fixing old cars...

My parents, who are relatively secular, encourage knowing how to "do it yourself", as we have saved a lot of money that way. My dad, my two brothers, and I get our hair cut at home, with a buzzer. I like it. It's cheap too.

I don't know much about fixing vehicles, but I know more than most kids my age. Most kids have no clue what a Solenoid is. I can atleast point to one on a 1991 Dodge Ram, and tell a little bit about what it does.

The white T-shirt and blue jeans may not last much past college, depending on what career I chose. I am currently thinking about the business world(bad place for a follower of god to avoid tempation, huh), technology, or accounting. Haven't solidified for anything. Thought about Public Administration, or political science. Not sure. Whatever I do, I hope I will stay strong in my convictions.

[QuestionTime]

I've linked to this video in a couple other posts here at CC, but I think that this thread also warrants the link.

This video blew me away, and reading Jimmy's comments reminded me of it:

Crazy Love Videos

Quest

[NEVEAH]

Go back to your first LOVE.


Revelation 2:2-5 (New International Version)

2I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. 5Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.