Question for the Christians here...

[ead79]

Just like some of the other posters, I was saved at a young age. I had grown up attending church and my parents are both Christians. There really wasn't a time in my life when I didn't believe, but I had to make the beliefs my own, if that makes sense. Following a revival at our church, my parents asked me if I wanted to ask Jesus into my heart to be my Lord and Savior. At first I wasn't quite sure, but then I just knew I needed Him. I don't know how to explain it, but God just knocked at the figurative door of my heart. I prayed to receive Christ as my Savior with my parents in my bedroom. I have since been so blessed to grow in my faith and develop a closer relationship with the Lord. I also enjoy hearing about others who accepted Christ as Savior as adults came to the decision--it inspires my faith as well. You can certainly PM me if you have any questions for me.

 

[Lanshark]

I too believed with my head at an early age but it wasn't until much later that I felt it with my heart. At that moment I knew Jesus was not just a historical figure but the Son of God who asks only that I believe in him to gain my Salvation.

I was baptized Greek Orthodox, went to a Catholic school, married in a Lutheran church and joined the Methodist church. I was exposed to many flavors of Christians. I considered myself a Christian.

It wasn't until I developed a personal relationship with Jesus and began studying God's Word and devoting time to prayer that I truely felt "born again".

The best online Bible research tool I've found is www.biblegateway.com. I recommend the NIV version because the language is more up to date.

I will say a prayer that you will find what you are searching for.

John 3


Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."
3In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.[1] "
4"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"
5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[2] gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You[3] must be born again.' 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

 

[Mercy]

Treesinger... the Bible says that it is the Holy Spirit that draws men unto God. I believe the Holy Spirit may be working on you

My story is similar to Big Dude's. I too was raised Catholic. I had always been drawn to spiritual things even as a small child. As a Catholic I always felt separated from God, like I could never really reach Him, that was only for the priests and nuns. So I always felt like I wanted to be closer to God but didn't know how to.

Then when is was in my 20's, some friends presented the Gospel to me and how I could have a "personal" relationship with God through Jesus. When I heard this I was really drawn to the idea and wanted that.

When I was 29 my brother, out of the blue, went to a church and got "saved". He invited my DH and me to church one Friday night and I heard the Gospel in a way I never had before and met people who really "loved" Jesus. I knew then and there that I wanted to make that commitment, my DH did also.

That was 18 years ago. I have NEVER regretted my decision or looked back. Knowing Jesus is truly knowing peace.

 

[LScot]

I remember as a very little girl receiving a Gideon's Bible and I read the back and knew right then that I was God in my life.

At 10, I felt God's Spirit moving me in church but I didn't act upon it. I was afraid it was a "heat of the moment" type of feeling and we all know *feelings* can't always be trusted. Later I went to my preacher's office and spoke with him. He led me through answering some important questions to Christ. I was saved then and there.

Through the years though, many changes have taken place. And not all uphill, either, as I have slip backwards from my goal of Christlikeness. But that is OK because God still loves me and is still working on who I am to become. It is wonderful having a relationship with God.

 

[Otto's Doll]

I was brought up by a Christian mom and an unbelieving dad.. dad was a great dad, but there was something "different' about mom. We did go to church and Sunday school. I knew who God was, but didn't know HIM. Mom was diagnosed with lung cancer when I was 28. I remember her telling me that God was going to use this for good. I remember breaking down and thinking "He is going to take my best friend, and it will be for good?" When she passed away a year later, she was so calm, and had such peace about her that I wanted that for myself.. and I wanted the assurance that there is a heaven and that I would be with her again.. and that there was something more (meaning Jesus, but not really knowing at the time that He is what I was seeking.) I went to my brother's church (he had been saved years before) and for 2 months I heard the Good News (salvation through Jesus Christ) preached and realized that was what I needed to fill the God shaped void (great way to describe it) in my life. I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior on 3/16/97 and my life has not been the same since. I have lost all the anger, and fear, and distrust that I had been carrying around with me for 28 years. Jesus did that for me. When my DH saw the changes in me, and the changes that brought about in our marriage (that was good, but is now terrific) he sought Jesus himself. Both of our children are saved as well. My Dad goes to church, I believe God is working on him, just as I believe God is working on you and is using all of us to minister to you.
I would also recommend reading the Book of John, I personally use the New Living Translation, which is very basic and very easy to read. (My Dh started by reading the kids story Bibles, to get a basic knowledge of God's Word to us.)
Feel free to PM if you have any questions. I am going to be keeping you in my prayers! (I am happy to pray with you as well.)God bless you.

 

[jimmiej]

Originally posted by treesinger
But during this gradual process, did you recognize any "zero hour" between being saved and not?

I think I have always "believed," but like another poster said, it finally just became clear to me that I needed to acknowledge & accept God's free gift of salvation. I don't remember feeling a "zero-hour."

If you're interested, I have some information about the Biblical plan of salvation on my website. Just click on the www below. My family & I are leaving for WDW tomorrow (June 12). I'll be interested to check back on this thread when I return.

 

[nancyL]

I was raised Episcopal and always felt I had a relationship with God- I prayed, I talked to Him and I asked him for stuff- I even said thanks a few times. As an adult I had some tough times- (still do- grin). My marriage was nothing that I had planned it to be and I was truly just looking to be loved. I had come from a very loving home where I was a cherished child and I guess I just expected that from my husband. One night I was in bed alone (my husband wasnt with me) and I was really low- I wasnt necessarily thinking about God and being lonely, I was just "funking out" as I called it. (I was a bit of a "bad girl" for a few years in my past too). I still dont know if I dreamed it or not but a mans voice came into my head and a mans hand touched my cheek and he said "You are not alone". I fell into a really really refreshing and sound sleep and woke up wondering if ti was a dream. I started trying to read the bible but didnt have much luck- for whatever reason it just dosnt hold my attention- and Ive tried reading it hundreds of times. Then a friend sent me the first Left Behind book- Im an avid reader and became hooked on the series- I found some Christian website communities and started asking questions (legitimate ones) and on their recommendation, I enrolled in a local bible study group. One day I was just perusing the message board and came across a post titled "If you are new here, please read" and it was a prayer asking Jesus into my life. Well, I read the prayer out loud and felt the weight of the world lift from my shoulders. Since then my situation hasnt really changed but my outlook has. ALOT. I do feel Jesus took my troubles upon his shoulders- He carries my load and helps me to live my life to the fullest. He helps me enjoy my children, enjoy each day and see the beauty in everything. I think I cry more, but I also think that its a good crying- My life has changed. Really- actually asking Him into your life really makes a huge difference. I was honestly shocked at how much the "inside me" changed. All I want now is for Him to use me to do His will. And Im happy to do it. He just has to ask and I will serve Him. Truly amazing.
So, theres my story- Im just a normal late 30 something Jersey mom who loves all things Disney plus I also happen to live in a wonderful fellowship with my Lord.
NancyL

 

[Otto's Doll]

Nancy, what a wonderful testimony... actually all the testimonies on this thread have been very touching. I am so glad HE found me and changed my life. I was never interested in helping anyone else, was always out for me, me, me. God has completely turned me around, has given me a ministry and is still teaching me day by day ~ and sometimes hour by hour!

 

[FroggyinArk]

treesinger, there are already several here who have beaten me to recomending you read 1 john in the NIV version of The Bible, As a christian who was saved at 11 at bible school and then back slid away from God during my teen s and college years,, even my first attempt at marriage was with out His help i realized in the early 90'2 that his input was missing and with out it i wasnt going anywhere, so i asked him back in, i was not n church, wasnt in a really christian atmosphere, or relationship. with in few days of me sitting on a river bank and asking him to came help me figure it out,, my married girl friend went back to her husband i met the lady i am now married to and stopped drinking, i have since then found church home that we feel at home in, I have accep;ted that he wants me to speak for him and he has saved my life, taken away my bad habbits and opened my eye to his current presence and i am in h is hands as for getting my life back, heres a link to my own story that showed his presence in my life and all, and the story of wha t he has brought me through http://www.geocities.com/froggy_in_ark1/

i give all credit to my being alive to him, and to his intervention.

 

[treesinger]

Originally posted by N.Bailey
For me, I felt that there was just something missing. I knew what salvation was for quite awhile. I think sometimes, looking back, that I was afraid to accept the Lord for many years. I felt if I did, I'd have a bigger commitment than I felt like dealing with. I even wanted to sin at that time and I didn't want the guilt that I felt would come with salvation. As I matured though, it all seemed so much clearer to me. It didn't hurt that my now MIL taught Sunday school at her church and my husband's whole family was a source of great inspiration for me. No matter what my question, they always had an answer for me. My mother in law is quite frankly, an amazing lady. She has a way (sort of like you do) of being able to really express herself and really make you understand what it is that she's trying to say. I know that if anyone on this board or anywhere else would ask me a question about the Bible, I know I could call her and she would have an answer. Funny thing though, even she says there is a lot more to know in that book!

I can tell you this about salvation, God will take you as you are right this minute. There is nothing you need to do other than to accept Christ as your savior. Acknowledge that he died on that cross, so YOUR sins could be forgiven. Know that his blood did not cover your sin, but rather that it washed all your sin away. Before Christ, that's what the animal sacrifices were, they were to cover man's sin and needed to be done quite regularly to keep the sin covered. Christ's blood however did NOT cover the sin, it washed it away. You need to believe that. It can't be head knowledge. It MUST come from the heart.

If you do that, I can guarantee you, the Lord will then be in you and he'll teach you what you need to know and he'll slowly change you into the person he wants you to be. It won't happen overnight, but it will happen. I think it's still happening with all of us that have been saved. It's probably a lifetime of learning and changing.

Just curious, did you happen to see The Passion of the Christ?

Feeling it in my heart is a problem. I don't know that I, in my current condition, CAN ask because I'm "just not feeling it". Not that I don't want to. I try to live by His rules anyway. I try to go to church (I'm not entirely comfortable there. Being at church as a non-believer is unnerving). My wife is Christian and we're raising the kids to be so. We plan to homeschool to help keep those morals intact.
You see, I'm not exactly turning away from it. I'm surrounded by it by choice. But my heart just doesn't feel it. And I don't understand that because I don't think I'm closing myself off to it.

Yes, I did see "The Passion." My reaction? It was numbing. This may sound oxymoronic, but for me, it lacked spirit.

I know, you're probably completely flabbergasted now...

I left feeling numb about the whole thing. The largest impression I left with was that Jesus could take a beating like no other man on earth, then or now. Never averted my eyes, though I wanted to. (The way I figure, Jesus went through this, the least I can do is watch, even if I don't believe in the spritual aspects of his actions).

I guess if I were a believer, I would see the spirit in the movie. It's probably shrouded from view if you do not believe, much the same that God's word eludes many that don't believe and they suddenly see it after accepting it all.

 

[treesinger]

Originally posted by Bwalker
Dear Treesaver,

I'm so excited reading the different posts here. It sounds like there are a lot of us who are only too willing to email you or pm you or whatever.

And that's becasue we would like everyone (and that includes YOU) to have what we have! It's a free gift from God and He really fills that God shaped void.

I didn't even know I had one until it was filled. But now I can look back on my pre-Christian life and see where I really did try to fill it with "stuff" that didn't work.

God works

Aloha,
Bwalker

Thanks, and again, call me Jason (or at least get my username right, LOL!)
I know what you mean by the void. I can't point to it, measure it, describe it, or draw you a picture, but it's there. Mind you, it isn't a depressing feeling. I don't feel purposeless. It's kinda like a cell phone call that;s breaking up. You hear the voice, it sounds familiar, you can even make out a couple words. But the message is incomplete.

It's like this. Imagine a path. It ends at the end of our lives. Believers and nonbelievers can walk this path. One lane is completely clear with the best view and a known ending. One lane is fairly pretty, a few bumps, but nothing too hard to traverse. We don't know where this road takes us, but it's still pretty nice. This lane forks to the nice lane and the other, rougher path at different points. Some Middle laners veer right, some left, some maintain the status quo. Myself, I think the middle lane is just fine, thanks, and I can change lanes down the road. I think I'd LIKE to change lanes, but that toll booth on the fork in the road is asking for currency that I'm not sure my heart has enough of. Sometimes, I take a step on that fork only to turn around after a couple steps. So I stay in the middle lane looking forward to the next toll.

**Edited to say that y'all are welcome to PM me if you wish**

 

[treesinger]

Originally posted by Lanshark
I too believed with my head at an early age but it wasn't until much later that I felt it with my heart. At that moment I knew Jesus was not just a historical figure but the Son of God who asks only that I believe in him to gain my Salvation.

I was baptized Greek Orthodox, went to a Catholic school, married in a Lutheran church and joined the Methodist church. I was exposed to many flavors of Christians. I considered myself a Christian.

It wasn't until I developed a personal relationship with Jesus and began studying God's Word and devoting time to prayer that I truely felt "born again".

The best online Bible research tool I've found is www.biblegateway.com. I recommend the NIV version because the language is more up to date.

I will say a prayer that you will find what you are searching for.

I wasn't raised in any religion, so every step has been hard-earned.

And thanks for the link! That's gonna be handy for so many different reasons.

Being Born Again...it's not that I can't SAY the words, it's believing in the words and putting my heart into it. Simply saying the words wouldn't save me. And if saying the words suddenly turned my heart and it worked, I would feel like I was cheating my way into heaven, becasue REAL believers had it in their hearts, while I only had it on my lips.

 

[treesinger]

Originally posted by LScot
I remember as a very little girl receiving a Gideon's Bible and I read the back and knew right then that I was God in my life.

At 10, I felt God's Spirit moving me in church but I didn't act upon it. I was afraid it was a "heat of the moment" type of feeling and we all know *feelings* can't always be trusted. Later I went to my preacher's office and spoke with him. He led me through answering some important questions to Christ. I was saved then and there.

Through the years though, many changes have taken place. And not all uphill, either, as I have slip backwards from my goal of Christlikeness. But that is OK because God still loves me and is still working on who I am to become. It is wonderful having a relationship with God.

That's very interesting. My wife has started going to a new church and I tried it with her. It's a hand-waving, loud singin', "Praise Jesus!" type of place. A lot of fun. What I always thought church should be. And the Pastor was inviting people up to be saved, right there. I felt an alternate push and pull. I felt compelled to go up there, but felt that if I did, I wasn't doing it for me. It could very well be that God was calling me up there, but I was pushing back as if to say, "It's not right." Even if God is calling me up there, I don't think I SHOULD go up there because I think God is seeing moe faith in me than I feel is really there. And if I go up there without a full-hearted motivation to be there, I would be disservicing God, even though He wants me up there.

Or, the compulsion I feel is more of the group involvement variety. I want to be part of the group, but I don't share their faith. I just don't know.

 

[treesinger]

A couple things...
First, thanks everyone for the stories. Every story, great or small, has something in it that adds to the tapestry of my efforts. If only the knitting were easier...
I've read the Left Behind series (still on the last book, no spoilers please!) and love them.

I've favorite placed all of the links for a later date when I have more time to read them, rather thean rush through them. Thanks all!

 

[goofy4tink]

Well Jason, welcome to my life!! My mom, passed last fall and is finally at Home, used to say to me..."Well dear, you just aren't in the same place as others in your walk with Christ. He will talk to you when he is ready and knows you will listen." Hmmm. Kinda pithy, don't you think? But, at almost 55, I'm still waiting for that 'life changing' moment. I've heard other people witness to when Christ came into their lives. I'm beginning to think that Christ is already in mine and is just choosing to work a little differently. I'm very active in my church, Episcopalian, I'm the altar guild directress, a job I took over from my incredibly spiritual mom, I'm in our choir. It's wonderful to see all the evangelizing that's happening here. I'm not the 'rolling in the aisles, waving my arms around' kinda person. But, I choose to believe that Christ is working through me, in some small way. Have I accepted him as my Lord and Savior? I guess not in some ceremony, other than my baptism, comfirmation/first communion. But He is here, with me at every moment of the day and night. Does He answer my every prayer? Sometimes I think not. But, that remains to be seen. Wow, I'll just bet my mom is up there, saying..."Hey, did you see/hear that? I think she's getting it!!"

Jason, I think you're closer than you think you are. I have the feeling you already are walking with Christ!!!

 

[Otto's Doll]

Jason, you made it clear in your posts that you "aren't feeling it" and I have to tell you that while my mom was sick I professed a faith in Jesus so I could tell her I did it... the problem was I NEVER felt it. Never. Even though I sat and read the Bible (hard to do as an unbeliever) and I told God that I wanted to be His.. I still never felt anything. I just felt empty. One day after mom died, I finally broke down (I was on my knees scrubbing my kitchen floor) and just cried and said "why, God, why don't I feel anything?!? and it felt just like God put His hand on my shoulder and said "Because you were doing it for your mom, not for yourself." It was the most amazing thing, because that is so true. The following Sunday, after I had time to really think about all of this, I answered an altar call and accepted the Lord Jesus into my life. I had to learn that it had to be for me, not for anyone else. Not my mom, not my dad, not my kids, just for me. Wait until you are ready, Jason, until you truly feel the Father's call upon you. This does not mean He is not working in your life... because obviously He is.

Goofy4Tink, it is not that God is not answering your prayers, He may be saying No or Wait, but He does answer. You may not see the answers for a long time, but He absolutely answers prayer in ways we just don't anticipate.

 

[heart4pooh]

Dear Treesinger, thank you for starting this thread. It has been great reading everybody's posts. It is amazing to me how God reaches us in so many different ways. It makes it more real to me. If it was a man-made thing it would have more of a one size fits all approach. I was raised as an atheist. At thirteen I confronted my mom and told her I believed in God. She said if he's real then why doesn't he just reveal himself and stop all the confusion. My answer was immediate. I told her you can feel the wind and see it move by how it moves the things it is passing through. I had never read the Bible and when I did and saw that Jesus used the wind to describe the Spirit I got goosebumps. He must have been with me at that moment. But I didn't understand the need for Jesus. God seemed to fill the void. At 29 I was moving to NC, driving down Highway 17 listening to Van Morrison's 'The Mystery'. It's about the Trinity. I had heard that song hundreds of times but all of a sudden a LIGHT went on and I began to cry. The fears I had about moving were washed away and I felt comforted. I was by myself. My son was with my sister in another car. I spent the next few hundred miles wondering what really happened. I finally decided it was my Jesus moment and began asking questions and reading the bible and praying. Prayer really does work. Even if the painful answer is 'No'. Nine years later, my love and faith in Christ fills me and sustains me. And it's beautiful. And it's real. My suggestion to you is to stop worrying about the degree of your faith. You want it to be real. So does Christ. His Spirit is within you, I believe, from what you have said. It seems you are just having a hard time handing him the steering wheel. Don't worry. He has a firm grasp on it already. Your'e just holding it too, just incase he doesn't. My husband is the same way. He needs to be in control. And from his childhood, I understand why. So does Jesus. My husband almost died in a hunting accident and had a near death experience. The doctors can't believe he's still alive. He KNOWS why because he was face to face with Christ and asked to stay. His faith is unshakeable it's just expressed differently than mine. Again, there is the beauty in it. It's unique and different for each of us. Yours may never be like your wife's. It will be yours.

 

[momm2four]

Jason,
I personally think "feeling it" is overrated. (Now, keep in mind, this is coming from a person who feels emotions at a high range, so much so that it becomes a physical thing sometimes) However, I grew up in a church that put a high value on "feeling it". I was constantly seeking this elusive "thing" I was supposed to be feeling. It turned me into a roller coaster Christian, since I would go to an emotional service, be moved and give my life to Christ...again. So, I guess you could say, I've been saved about 236 times, lol

From 19 to about 23 years of age, I pretty much did what I wanted, with no regard for what God wanted for my life. However, I was dealing with the Holy Spirit's conviction of my sins. I knew that living for Jesus was my only hope for real peace and eternal salvation, but I would always think "I'll just wait until later". Then one ordinary night, I thought "You know, later is never going to happen. Satan is never just going to say, 'OK, Lori this is your moment'. I CHOOSE now" That was the first time, I had ever decided with my will and not my emotions.

I got to my knees and told God that if he still wanted me, I was his. No fireworks, no fuzzy warm feeling, but I did feel relief that I had drawn my line. In my head, regardless of proof, regardless of how I felt, I knew I would live for the Lord for the rest of my life, even on those days when I didn't feel saved.

I have had doubts, and sometimes I don't feel close to God at all, but usually that is b/c I have stopped working on our relationship (I guess the same thing would happen if I stopped talking to my DH) I still envy the people who all seem so sure that God speaks to them or that they know what their mission in life is, b/c I feel like a failure in those departments, but you know what, it doesn't matter, because, I cast my lot back in 1991 to make Jesus the Lord of my life and no feelings, or lack thereof, can change that.

God doesn't ask us to come to him in a perfect condition. He justs asks us to come. Once, we've made the decision to live for him, THEN he can begin to work on our hearts, attitudes, etc. If we could become perfect on our own, then there would be no need for a Saviour.

I hope this made a little sense. When I talk from the heart, I may tend to ramble.

Lori P.

 

[Mercy]

Originally posted by treesinger
Feeling it in my heart is a problem. I don't know that I, in my current condition, CAN ask because I'm "just not feeling it". Not that I don't want to.

Jason, I've been touched by your posts and everyone else's testimony. I can tell you that believing in Jesus and accepting Him as your Lord and Savior really has nothing to do with feelings, but everything to do with faith.... "It is through faith that we are saved..." If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for your sins, rose on the third day and want to CHOOSE to follow Him, it really doesn't matter if you "feel" anything or not.

God works on each of us in different ways, some of us have very dramatic conversions, others have had very quiet types of conversions. If you truly want to follow Christ and you have prayed that, said that... whatever, by faith you need to know that God has accepted that prayer and you belong to Him now.

If I had to rely on my feelings as a gage of my "salvation", I would probably doubt it every other day. But I've been a Christian for 18 years now and I've had low days and high days, but throughout it all, I KNOW that Jesus is with me. The Bible says He will never leave me or forsake me. My salvation is a faith walk... everyday! God Bless you.

 

[missyc]

Ok, now I am really yearning for so much more!
I know that empty feeling all too well. I am a Christian. I read the Bible, pray, teach my kids, etc. But I just feel like I'm missing something more. I know one problem I have is that I haven't found "my church" yet. I have visited several, but just feel like the Holy Spirit isn't there. The messages are always good, but I always just feel like He's missing. I've been wondering for quite a while if it's the churches I've gone to, or is it me? And more troublesome is that if it IS me, what do I do to change it?