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Member
Hi everybody, I'd like to hang out with you and talk about Christianity.

I was involved with faith a few year's ago, but thing's happened to me that disturbed my mind and none of my beliefs helped me.

I then began to question the almighty, but I never got an answer. So I lost faith in him and tried to work out my problems for myself.

I've tried many times to return to my beliefs and accept the Bible as the truth, but it is all so painful for me.

I've left things as they are for now, overall I think I have done the best to believe in Jesus.
 
Active
Welcome! It is a journey but ultimately the answer is truly accepting Christ as your personal savior and receiving God's free gift of grace!
 
Member
Welcome! It is a journey but ultimately the answer is truly accepting Christ as your personal savior and receiving God's free gift of grace!
Please try to understand what I am concerned about here. Your reply is not something I am unfamiliar with. It is possible to accept something as truth, but later be skeptical of it.

Christianity was mental illness for me, and the last 3 years a nightmare. I have recently let go of the idea of hell, but before that it caused me such heighten panic attack's I couldn't do anything but lie in bed and cry.

I don't like what Christian theology has done to my mind, I don't like how deeply judgmental it makes me when I see everyone as sinners. But I am not plagued by those thoughts anymore.
 
Active
I found over the years, that if some one is troubled...it is more likely than not a bondage to untruth. Maybe it is not Christian Theology that is your trouble... maybe it is untruth.
 
Loyal
Hi everybody, I'd like to hang out with you and talk about Christianity.

I was involved with faith a few year's ago, but thing's happened to me that disturbed my mind and none of my beliefs helped me.

I then began to question the almighty, but I never got an answer.
Or you did receive an answer and did not recognize it for what it was? While God has spoken to people in an audible voice, we should not expect such an answer. He knows what we are and He knows what we need. We do not know what we are nor do we know what we need until we are drawn to Him and begin to hear His voice [not necessarily audibly].

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" John 10:27

When you do start to hear things after or while praying and reading the Bible you may reject them because they are not what you want to hear.

The answer is given to us here:

"I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" Jerem 10:23

If you have decided that you know what you need for your problems when you approach God, you are already in error and God recognizing this will not argue the point with you.

We cannot dictate to God what His answer should be according to our own logical deductions:

"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss... " James 4:3

Oh, but don't stop asking! Simply come to God humbly using the words of Jesus when he prayed to the Father:

"And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." Matt 26:39

So I lost faith in him and tried to work out my problems for myself.

I've tried many times to return to my beliefs and accept the Bible as the truth, but it is all so painful for me.

I've left things as they are for now, overall I think I have done the best to believe in Jesus.

Again you are reflecting on your own apparent failure to receive what you have decided God should give you. in the verses I quote above Jesus asked that the pain and suffering and death [the cup] which was before him be removed , but that was not the will of God. Don't come to God expecting always a painless life without trouble. Rather ask of God to help you endure whatever it is that He requires of you... even if what He is requires will be painful physically, mentally, emotionally, etc.

Don't pray a selfish prayer. Pray for God's will, whatever it may be!

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Prov 3:5-6
 
Member
I found over the years, that if some one is troubled...it is more likely than not a bondage to untruth. Maybe it is not Christian Theology that is your trouble... maybe it is untruth.
I understand your reasoning though, I once defended the faith from anyone who would put up a defence against it.

I would disregard what they said about my religion, I mean how could I be mistaken (I had the truth) and I knew it.

But did I really know it?
 
Member
Or you did receive an answer and did not recognize it for what it was? While God has spoken to people in an audible voice, we should not expect such an answer. He knows what we are and He knows what we need. We do not know what we are nor do we know what we need until we are drawn to Him and begin to hear His voice [not necessarily audibly].

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" John 10:27

When you do start to hear things after or while praying and reading the Bible you may reject them because they are not what you want to hear.

The answer is given to us here:

"I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" Jerem 10:23

If you have decided that you know what you need for your problems when you approach God, you are already in error and God recognizing this will not argue the point with you.

We cannot dictate to God what His answer should be according to our own logical deductions:

"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss... " James 4:3

Oh, but don't stop asking! Simply come to God humbly using the words of Jesus when he prayed to the Father:

"And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." Matt 26:39



Again you are reflecting on your own apparent failure to receive what you have decided God should give you. in the verses I quote above Jesus asked that the pain and suffering and death [the cup] which was before him be removed , but that was not the will of God. Don't come to God expecting always a painless life without trouble. Rather ask of God to help you endure whatever it is that He requires of you... even if what He is requires will be painful physically, mentally, emotionally, etc.

Don't pray a selfish prayer. Pray for God's will, whatever it may be!

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Prov 3:5-6
I have had time's I have heard Jesus voice, but later I discovered that it was due to schizophrenia. Medication took away his voice, now I hear nothing.
 
Moderator
Staff Member
Greetings @cmd73

No matter what your situation is
No matter what your state of heart or mind
No matter what antipsychotic medication you have been on.....

Jesus is able to save you
His saving power is far greater than anything within you.

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:10
 
Member
Greetings @cmd73

No matter what your situation is
No matter what your state of heart or mind
No matter what antipsychotic medication you have been on.....

Jesus is able to save you
His saving power is far greater than anything within you.

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:10
Salvation does not interest me anymore, the idea I need saving is repulsive to me now.

There was a time I felt so awful all I wanted was to be saved daily, but the awful didn't go away.
 
Moderator
Staff Member
That is very sad to hear @cmd73

May I ask why you are here?

I rejoice that the Lord still loves you and is seeking to save the lost.
 
Loyal
Perhaps the faith you once knew was nothing more than fear of God and punishment. Then trying to be harsh to others in how you thought God was harsh to the world. Or perhaps many other things... the point is, my spirit tells me you were twisted inside and laid the fault in faith in God. How can you fault someone whom you do not believe exists?
 
Member
Perhaps the faith you once knew was nothing more than fear of God and punishment. Then trying to be harsh to others in how you thought God was harsh to the world. Or perhaps many other things... the point is, my spirit tells me you were twisted inside and laid the fault in faith in God. How can you fault someone whom you do not believe exists?
Because you believe they do, well I wouldn't find fault with you if I never met you.
 
Moderator
Staff Member
Welcome to Talk Jesus @cmd73
Always a joy to welcome someone whether they are a believer or not to Talk Jesus!

The difficulties we all have in life are not without a source. Even the believer is not promised to be without issues in this life. Folks have always looked that somehow when one believes in Jesus Christ, that all that has been wrong with them, up to this point will magically disappear or that nothing will ever go wrong with their lives from that moment forward. When that doesn't happen, it then makes some work even harder at it (whatever that "it" may be), in an attempt that things will change for the better. We believe this should be for the better, because we look at others and their testimonies, as well as scripture verses that reflect the possibility! So, seeking what we want to happen in our own lives and not seeing the results. Discouragement sets in, and even more. A questioning of what we believed in the first place takes place.

So, then we must ask ourselves and look back to the beginning. What did we believe in the first place? What was it that occurred in our life that had me believe the truth of the Gospel? I hope you have asked yourself these questions and truly looked at that first moment when/if you came to Jesus Christ. For me, the initial experience that I had, will not change. Now others can rationalize it as something else, but I know what I experienced in a little Baptist Church in Germany to be true. From that moment on things changed. Initially for the better, then for the worse. What did not change was that one moment in time, when darkness became light, and that knowledge that I was important to God.

Somehow, people with mental illnesses, have the hardest time of it, in reconciling their belief against their illness. They start believing, and I will tell you that in many cases doctors are no help with this, unless they happen to also be believers. That is that their belief & the illness must be mutually exclusive. Meaning that you can't belief in Christ Jesus and be ill at the same time, or that belief is the byproduct of the illness. Especially if it's with schizophrenia. I ask you. Why must this be so? Did that first time you came to the Lord, and recognized yourself as a sinner, and that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for you, and rose again. Has that one moment somehow changed? Did it not happen? What part of your illness have to do with this recognition? Why are others with this illness and other illness', still believers in Jesus Christ, when you have chosen not to be?

Now, you can continue to choose/believe that it was the illness that made you believe that moment to be true, or not. Just don't stand on the belief that it was an illness that made you believe. That belief & illness must somehow require one or the other to be true, and not both. This is a falsehood, of an enemy that has no Love for you, and likes you just where you are and does not want you have Jesus Christ as part of your life. To be your life.

If you can't even recall that first moment in time, when you came to the Lord. Then you must ask yourself, will, believing in Jesus Christ as your Savior change the illness you have? Maybe, yes, maybe no, even as the future is still to unfold for you. I would just hope, pray, and ask that you include Jesus Christ in it. One can easily look at the world and realize that there is no hope to be had there. Even as the world crumbles, and people start grasping at straws, or whatever new thought makes itself available to try or even numb themselves to everything else, because it says that this "life" is all there is. Yet, one truth that has stood the test of time that is available to all, and has changed a world and each person who believes. And that is that Jesus lived, Died on the Cross, and Rose Again! You either believed this at one time or did not.

However, keeping oneself parked in one place as everything else passes by, may seem the best recourse at the moment, but to everyone regardless of the condition they happen to be in when their turn comes up will have a choice to make. Accept Jesus Christ as their Savior or reject His gift freely given.

I will pray for you.

With all that being said, I truly am happy that you are here and welcome you once again to Talk Jesus!!!!
With the Love of Christ Jesus.
Nick
<><

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
 
Member
Welcome to Talk Jesus @cmd73
Always a joy to welcome someone whether they are a believer or not to Talk Jesus!

The difficulties we all have in life are not without a source. Even the believer is not promised to be without issues in this life. Folks have always looked that somehow when one believes in Jesus Christ, that all that has been wrong with them, up to this point will magically disappear or that nothing will ever go wrong with their lives from that moment forward. When that doesn't happen, it then makes some work even harder at it (whatever that "it" may be), in an attempt that things will change for the better. We believe this should be for the better, because we look at others and their testimonies, as well as scripture verses that reflect the possibility! So, seeking what we want to happen in our own lives and not seeing the results. Discouragement sets in, and even more. A questioning of what we believed in the first place takes place.

So, then we must ask ourselves and look back to the beginning. What did we believe in the first place? What was it that occurred in our life that had me believe the truth of the Gospel? I hope you have asked yourself these questions and truly looked at that first moment when/if you came to Jesus Christ. For me, the initial experience that I had, will not change. Now others can rationalize it as something else, but I know what I experienced in a little Baptist Church in Germany to be true. From that moment on things changed. Initially for the better, then for the worse. What did not change was that one moment in time, when darkness became light, and that knowledge that I was important to God.

Somehow, people with mental illnesses, have the hardest time of it, in reconciling their belief against their illness. They start believing, and I will tell you that in many cases doctors are no help with this, unless they happen to also be believers. That is that their belief & the illness must be mutually exclusive. Meaning that you can't belief in Christ Jesus and be ill at the same time, or that belief is the byproduct of the illness. Especially if it's with schizophrenia. I ask you. Why must this be so? Did that first time you came to the Lord, and recognized yourself as a sinner, and that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for you, and rose again. Has that one moment somehow changed? Did it not happen? What part of your illness have to do with this recognition? Why are others with this illness and other illness', still believers in Jesus Christ, when you have chosen not to be?

Now, you can continue to choose/believe that it was the illness that made you believe that moment to be true, or not. Just don't stand on the belief that it was an illness that made you believe. That belief & illness must somehow require one or the other to be true, and not both. This is a falsehood, of an enemy that has no Love for you, and likes you just where you are and does not want you have Jesus Christ as part of your life. To be your life.

If you can't even recall that first moment in time, when you came to the Lord. Then you must ask yourself, will, believing in Jesus Christ as your Savior change the illness you have? Maybe, yes, maybe no, even as the future is still to unfold for you. I would just hope, pray, and ask that you include Jesus Christ in it. One can easily look at the world and realize that there is no hope to be had there. Even as the world crumbles, and people start grasping at straws, or whatever new thought makes itself available to try or even numb themselves to everything else, because it says that this "life" is all there is. Yet, one truth that has stood the test of time that is available to all, and has changed a world and each person who believes. And that is that Jesus lived, Died on the Cross, and Rose Again! You either believed this at one time or did not.

However, keeping oneself parked in one place as everything else passes by, may seem the best recourse at the moment, but to everyone regardless of the condition they happen to be in when their turn comes up will have a choice to make. Accept Jesus Christ as their Savior or reject His gift freely given.

I will pray for you.

With all that being said, I truly am happy that you are here and welcome you once again to Talk Jesus!!!!
With the Love of Christ Jesus.
Nick
<><

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
The truth is that I have seen what I'm like while I'm following Jesus, then what I'm like when I'm not. I have far greater psychology issues when I am believing in Jesus than when I don't.

So you ask yourself, what would you do?
 
Member
When I focus on following Jesus theology I start to become concerned with everyone's salvation, and start thinking everyone is a sinner. From here I feel knots in my stomach, I then find it hard to connect with people. I assume that everyone is wicked and I can't seem to trust anyone, so I inevitably have to stop believing. Then my mind calms down and I can accept things as they are.
 
Moderator
Staff Member
The truth is that I have seen what I'm like while I'm following Jesus, then what I'm like when I'm not. I have far greater psychology issues when I am believing in Jesus than when I don't.

So you ask yourself, what would you do?

A lie with peace of mind or a truth with a constant mental battle? Is that what you're asking me to decide on?

Difficult choice, but one that ultimately is made by looking to the Cross. The Cross that Jesus Christ who did not have to die, but choose to allow it to happen, for us. This was an awful death to imagine, much less to go through.

Many have followed since. Experiencing both physical, mental torture and finally death, for the sake of the Cross. A burden that each of us who believe and trust in the Lord, deal with in one way or another every day and a choice we make is yes. (James 1:12)

This is a choice that you must make.

When I focus on following Jesus theology I start to become concerned with everyone's salvation, and start thinking everyone is a sinner. From here I feel knots in my stomach, I then find it hard to connect with people. I assume that everyone is wicked and I can't seem to trust anyone, so I inevitably have to stop believing. Then my mind calms down and I can accept things as they are.

Oh, dear brother. Tears would roll down my face in contemplating that those without Jesus Christ as their Savior would go to hell! As a child it was barely tolerable. This is when I had head knowledge but no spiritual knowledge of the Word of God. What part outside of being a vessel by which the Gospel may touch another makes you a part of their Salvation? Your heart was transformed from stone to flesh. You can't help but feel for those who are not Saved, and because of the World we live in, it makes it even more difficult to contemplate that there are any who are Saved!

As I continue to grow in the Word of God, it became apparent that worry was not part of the equation that God intends for us who trust in Him. Rather prayer is the recourse for we know that it is in His power to touch the hearts of those who are yet to know His Son Jesus as Savior. (Philippians 4:6)

Also, understanding that we don't live their lives for them or can change anyone else. Just as I can't live your life for you, and you can't live mine. Yet, as believers, we can pray for each other. Laugh, cry, rejoice in the knowledge that we are not alone, but united with others in a way that is so special! (Romans 12:4-5) (John 17:20-23) We also suffer one for another, which has my heart go out to you. (1 Corinthians 12:26)

So, rather then assume that everyone is wicked, realize instead that everyone needs the Love of God that they can receive through Christ Jesus His Son. All of us are sinners, but God's great Love was showered upon us through Christ Jesus so that we no longer have to be nor does anyone else. As far as trust. Trust in the God, don't put your trust in man. I won't ask you to trust me, but go to God's Word and seek the truth that can be found there. Trusting in man, instead of God, will only pave the way to disappointment. God, will not lead you astray, but will provide you a path that He desires for you to follow.

That is one reason your post has touched me. Also, that my older brother died in a mental institution when he was in his 20's. It was never easy, for my family, but just because of the state he was in. It never had me question, even after coming to the Lord, that there was not a purpose to it all, though I may still not see the reasons for it all to have occurred. My trust is in God, and not in my own understanding. I don't need all the answers, to believe, or everything to be just so that I continue to believe. Like a child that has that complete trust in their parents. I have that in Him, because like a child that knows that their parents either love them or don't. I know that God does, because He gave His Son Jesus Christ to die on the Cross for me, you, the World. No greater love has a man but to give their lives for another. God, loves you, and He has proven it and shown this Love through Jesus Christ. Who Lives even as we communicate. So, don't let this world or the lack of complete understanding on why things are the way they are in your life, have their way with you, and have you turn away from Him. Just walk in love with Him and you will be okay. (Ephesians 5:2).

Praying for you.
With the Love of Christ Jesus.
Nick
<><

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things [are] noble, whatever things [are] just, whatever things [are] pure, whatever things [are] lovely, whatever things [are] of good report, if [there is] any virtue and if [there is] anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8






We do not save people! The Holy Spirit through belief in Christ Jesus is what will Save a person, through the Grace of God.
 
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