Advice for faith

Eggbertx · 10-10-2010, 01:28 AM

I have recently come to the conclusion that I have been something of a faith zombie for the past while. I don't really know what else to do, so I'm going to pretend I'm an atheist (though I still believe in God, and will pray for help, and for God's forgiveness for me being so ignorant).

A couple questions (please try to be understanding. I'm only asking because I need help):
1. How can a loving god sentence someone who never heard about Him to eternal damnation and punishment, even if they were a good person? Yes some say that all have felt that tug, and I remember I did when I was atheist, but how do we "know" that. Isn't that being a bit yesman-ish? I want to trust God because I know he is right, not because I am blindly following him (I may have just answered my question but I'll continue)

2. More on "faith". I'll try and ask without making myself sound like a complete idiot, partially because I'm not exactly sure how to ask. Basically I guess it just comes down to this: what is the difference between faith, and blindly following? Like terrorists, yes I know Christians aren't supposed to kill, but the terrorists only do what they do out of faith that it is what Allah commands. We don't kill, but what is the difference between our faith and theirs?

3. How can you be sure that when you hear from God, that it isn't "wishful thinking", or that we believe in God, because we honestly believe it, and not because we have heard it enough times that we assume it is true

I think I may have not read the Bible enough, and listened to Christian music too much, like eating too much tasty food and not enough healthy food, and now I'm not even sure if the good food is even good.

**redbaron** · 10-10-2010, 10:51 AM

Hard to be in depth from my phone...

The difference in #2 is that faith in Islam is placed in works, wrath punishment & destruction. While there is certainly wrath and destruction in the bible our faith is in a God of forgiveness, grace, redemption and life.

there's certainly more to this morning but not having a full size keyboard stinks.

rcbako · 10-12-2010, 05:12 AM

I know that God is loving to all of us. I remember a verse in the book of Peter in the New Testament that when Jesus died his spirit visited the spirit prison and taught them his gospel. I know that He is fair thus he will make a way for Him to justify his punishments.

Gaining our own testimony is not easy. We need much time in searching His words, pondering its teaching and most of all applying what we have learned.

**Thrash** · 10-12-2010, 10:30 AM

These are all good questions.

I am currently bogged down in school, having several papers and tests this week. However, this weekend I will hopefully be able to address what I see as some answers to your questions, or at least information which may produce a dialogue.
Perhaps one of our resident theologians will notice this thread soon...

burningtr33 · 10-12-2010, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eggbertx

1. How can a loving god sentence someone who never heard about Him to eternal damnation and punishment, even if they were a good person? Yes some say that all have felt that tug, and I remember I did when I was atheist, but how do we "know" that. Isn't that being a bit yesman-ish? I want to trust God because I know he is right, not because I am blindly following him (I may have just answered my question but I'll continue)

This is somewhat debated topic to my knowledge. I may be wrong so if anyone sees that I am saying heresy please stop me. Many people would argue for infants or the mentally challenged (John Piper is one) since they do not have the mental capacity to understand that God saves them. For infants I believe it is called the age of accountability or something like that.

In regards to the lost tribe in some lost mountain side jungle in South America, this is also a controversial topic as well. However there is a passage in Romans 1:20 that says this: "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Sounds harsh, but I think the Bible makes it pretty clear. Also I believe Ravi Zacharias mentioned that on his trips to the world he came across several people who said that they saw the gospel in their dream and therefore came to Christ through that means. I'm pretty sure that is what he said, but than again I could be wrong so please someone correct me.

Your first question is more on the "fairness of God" question and does not really deal with faith. And ultimately the first question falls under the "If God is so loving, how could he let evil in this world?" type of question.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eggbertx

2. More on "faith". I'll try and ask without making myself sound like a complete idiot, partially because I'm not exactly sure how to ask. Basically I guess it just comes down to this: what is the difference between faith, and blindly following? Like terrorists, yes I know Christians aren't supposed to kill, but the terrorists only do what they do out of faith that it is what Allah commands. We don't kill, but what is the difference between our faith and theirs?.

Just like redbaron says, the Muslim extremist's faith is in his or her works. Our faith is in Jesus Christ. Like the bible says your works CANNOT save you. only your faith in Jesus can save you. True Christianity is the only religion that says faith in anything else will bring you death, but faith ONLY in Jesus Christ and HIS work on the cross will save you. True Christianity states that faith in works, deeds, accomplishments and whatever else will bring death.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eggbertx

3. How can you be sure that when you hear from God, that it isn't "wishful thinking", or that we believe in God, because we honestly believe it, and not because we have heard it enough times that we assume it is true.

This is a tough area that a lot of people struggle with because like you said before lot of people kill and do destructive behavior in the name of God. The common reasoning is i heard a voice from God.

Although this is a tricky topic to explain, I'll do my best. When we say we hear a voice or we have a feeling Christians must first off test it. 1 Thess 5:21 says "Test EVERYTHING". So first we have to test what we feel and hear against Scripture. Second seek the counsel of mature and close Christian brothers and/or sisters and pastors so that you may have some external perspective of where you are at life. And third is to observe your current situation in light of scripture and the counsel of your pastors and brothers and/or sisters. This is not a set formula, but this is a general guideline.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eggbertx

I think I may have not read the Bible enough, and listened to Christian music too much, like eating too much tasty food and not enough healthy food, and now I'm not even sure if the good food is even good.

Interesting that you bring this up. Yes we should be reading the scripture more and be doing more activities that are more wholesome and nourishing to our spirits. But remember if you are not living under grace than you are living under the law. That will not save you. I am not saying that you should be rampant in your sin, but what I am saying is that if you think that you can get even with God by reading your bible more and listening to more christian music than my friend you are deceived.

Perhaps this is a season in your life where you are not feeling "close to God". Suffering and trials in this life is a normal thing. It seems today even Christians see suffering and trials as a bad thing. Trials and Sufferings are good things because it reminds us that we are not home. It reminds us that this world is fallen, broken, and ephemeral.

I would post more but I got homework.

but I will try to revisit this sometime.

Eggbertx · 10-13-2010, 08:08 AM

Thank you for the replies.
@burningtr33: I know that reading the Bible and listening to Christian music doesn't make me a Christian. The only reason I've ever listened to Christian music or read the Bible was not because I wanted to get "even" with God, but to get closer to God in understanding. And I'm not going through any outstanding trials, I just had a "wait a minute, what am I doing" moment, like an extended panic attack.

burningtr33 · 10-13-2010, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eggbertx

Thank you for the replies.
@burningtr33: I know that reading the Bible and listening to Christian music doesn't make me a Christian. The only reason I've ever listened to Christian music or read the Bible was not because I wanted to get "even" with God, but to get closer to God in understanding. And I'm not going through any outstanding trials, I just had a "wait a minute, what am I doing" moment, like an extended panic attack.

So if I'm reading correctly, what you are trying say is that you came to a realization of "why am I following God?"

Trials come in all different shapes and sizes and colors. Is what you are going through (from what I am reading) is a spiritual dry period? It sure sounds like it because it seems as if you lost all focus and purpose to follow God.