Christians, do you ever feel like you're trading in one weakness for another?
I know that I'm not perfect and that I must have faith and depend on God's grace, but I find myself apologizing all day long for the ridiculous things that I do...I am constantly worried that I have done something that will bar me from the rapture or heaven (if I die before that).
I can't believe that I'm not truly a Christian - could that be the problem though? I believe with all my heart in Jesus Christ but I constantly feel that I'm letting Him down in so many ways. It is very discouraging and makes me feel like I'll never grow spiritually.
Does anyone else feel like that - ever?
2008-10-14T20:21:09Z
Omni, I messaged you with this same response, but I'll post it here as well:
How is it trollish that i ask a question pertaining to my faith in the "RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY" section of Yahoo Answers?
If it bothers you that much that someone does not subscribe to YOUR point of view (which, by the way, is wrong if you do not believe in one way to God), then I suggest you answer questions that are limited to your faith.
Defender of the Word2008-10-15T06:24:28Z
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It is so coincidental that i find this very question here. My husband and I were discussing this very same concern last night. This arose from an incident that occurred 2 weeks ago that caused us to stop and ponder our faith, beliefs in Jesus Christ, our salvation, and our Christian walk. Let me just answer your question...YES! I feel the exact same way, and i can safely say, my husband just as well, as do many other Christians but fear backlash from some believers and nonbelievers alike if they would admit to such a thing! My husband, would feel just as bad as you do because he is sharing with me how he feels that almost everyday, HE lets the Lord down. I was listening to a Christian radio show, where a man asked a question very similar to yours. He was so worried about the fact that he might not be saved at all. He said he loved God with all his heart but he struggled with everyday issues that caused him to sin. and believe me, he is not the only one out there. This man shared how he felt, the harder he tried, the harder he fell and felt horrible afterwards. that sounds like me too. and i will never forget what the pastor told him. He said, that first of all, heaven will be filled with people who truly love and worship God. So if you truly love God, you will follow His commandments. and second, a true repentant person will fight off sin everyday but it won't be easy. That is why we have our redeemer our Advocate, Jesus Christ. And i realize he was right! i kept beating myself up but then i realized that it was a form of pride. i asked for forgiveness of God and i began to undersand what grace was truly all about. That is why the apostle Paul talks about how we should grow in the grace and knowledge of God. I thought, i know i can grow in knowledge of His word but how do i approach grace? my hubby asked the same question. growing in grace is an everyday thing. We all have no idea how much God's grace abound but we do beleive and know that salvation is by faith alone through His grace. A true characteristic of a believer in God and HIs word and who has assurance of salvation is one is one who has professed the sin in their life and who continually professes and asks for forgiveness to God. Now, although a Christian has come to the realization how he/she is a sinner in God's eyes and repents, he/she must continue to acknowledge and confess their sin everyday but it by no means he/she has a license to sin nor are they powerless against it. Sin can and should be conquered through the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet the enemy, Satan, himelf, will try by any means to persecute believers night and day for their sin. But we have and "advocate" which is Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for those who would repent and believe. A person who never admits to being a sinner in the eyes of God can never result in gaining the assurance of salvation. a person who continues in sin . a true christian recognizes their sin and ask the Father for forgiveness and the strength to overcome that sin. So, i dont know if you understand what i wrote but i do too at times feel what you are going thtough and you are not alone. we will stumble and we will fall but that by no means we are not Christian. Yes we are all sinners and fall short of the Glory of God but who are now in the light, are not "practicing sinners" meaning our everyday walk is about pleasing God and following His ways and His word. those times that we let Him down should be times that we seek Him even more.
There are so many verses to quote here but i don't want to overwhelm you. please feel free to email me with any questions you might have. Take care and God Bless you in your walk. Keep your eyes on Him because He will never fail you. and know that you are not alone, that is why we are sisters and brothers in Christ, to encourage each other in our walk and to draw closer to our God.
Der: This is a life of testing. You are here to learn. If you were perfect, then you would be in Heaven,not here. Jesus said that there is no Judgment. He does not Judge not does God. You will be judging yourself when you look back on what you have done with your life. At least you are looking at yourself and realizing that you need to change some things. Good, now go and sin no more as Jesus would say. Just know that when you mess up and ask for forgiveness, the door is open to you. It is when you turn your back on God your light will go out and it is not God's or Jesus's Love that will be lost. It will be your own undoing that would keep you from the House of God. He wishes none should parish. Will you sin again, yes! will you be forgiven, yes. Jesus said himself, how many times must I forgive someone. Not just 7 but 70 times 7. Do the best you can, go and sin not, work on it, that is what he is telling you. Be as perfect as your father in Heaven is perfect. It is when you accept the Christ light inside that you realize you are a child of God and as you connect with God daily and ask for protection from temptation, your light will brighten and the darkness will gradually eliminate the selfish desires that cause a separation from God. Just know that he Loves us all and wished none to parish. His Love is unconditional. Rev. TomCat
Bottom line-you can't out-sin God. Whatever you have done or will do is not too big for God's grace to cover. The fact that you recognize your shortcomings is a good sign. You're doing better than a lot of other people.
It's because there's nothing you can do to get into Heaven or anything to keep you from Heaven that you can keep growing in your faith. God's grace allows you to grow from your mistakes because you don't have to be punished for it. Just keep on reading your Bible, and staying involved with church. The Holy Spirit will convict you of your sin, but know that you are free from it as well.
You can hear the term over and over again in the presidential debate.
You feel that way because you are not doing much of what bible tells you to do and you are losing the connection with god.
First, if you are christian, being born again.
[John 3 : 3] 3. In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."
If you look at this verse closely, it say if you are not a born again christian you can not go to heaven ..
So, in a way.. it is very important to be born again christian.
You have to pray hard and every morning, it will meka you feel close to god, and if you do not know how to pray. simply repeat "The Lord's Prayer"... it will make you feel closer to god and understand him better, therefore feeling less worried.
[John 1 : 1] 1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
In christianity, the word is considered God himself.. so it has all the power you need to fight the demon.. so repeat those prayer,, because then God will be with you and protect you always
Yes I think everyone (all christians) feel that in some way. It is also part of Gods awesomeness, forgiveness, grace & love that you should believe in, as he is so great, that he loves you, even when you make mistakes. You can't be perfect, and as long as the 'mistakes' you are making aren't intentional, then don't beat yourself up about it. If you realise you make a mistake along the way, then ask for forgiveness, God will always forgive a sincere heart. Maybe go to your church (if you are going to one, or find one) and find someone to talk to about this issue. They could pray for you to have peace in your heart for the times you are worrying about how perfect you are not. Good luck, God Bless!