This may be quite lengthy so bear with me. I am 19 year old female who was raised baptist but come freshman year converted to agnostic and stayed that way for quite a while, though at the same time occasionally questioned if there may be a god and would sometimes even feel bad for labeling myself agnostic when I still thought it may be possible for there to be a god. A few months ago I had a dream that was extremely frightening to me. I died somehow I don't know how and was raised to the sky and thought I had made it to heaven when I saw either god or an angel I didn't really know and was rejected from the heavens and fell straight down and woke up immediately before anything else could happen. This was a recurring dream though things were a bit different in the others it was the same idea. I believe it was a sign from god telling me to wake up and that there really is a god. I would like to consider myself christian now but for some reason I am terrified of the bible. I want to read it and learn more but I'm so scared, I don't know why. Ever since I was little I've been scared of anything related to religion even though I've always believed. Maybe it's just because I'm so terrified of death, I don't know. But I know I need god in my life. I have many problems that I know I can't deal with on my own and would like to become a better person and believe that god can help me. I've had a couple dreams around when I had the first one where I just felt something wasn't right, like something evil was present even though nothing bad had really happened I just knew. And it was one of those dreams where it felt very real so while I was asleep I prayed and begged for god to take away the evil and let me wake up from this dream that had felt so evil, and he did, it took some time but he did I woke up terrified but felt comfort at the same time knowing he had listened to my prayers. I know many people would think I'm just crazy if I told them that but I really believe it was him. What can I do to be less scared and start practicing being a christian again?

I know how you feel. I have scary dreams all the time, and approaching the God who created the universe, is a little terrifying.

The Bible is a collection of historical documents, there is nothing to be afraid of. If you are afraid of death, look through the bible and find verses that tell you not to fear. There are TONS of them!

I have a feeling you are very focused on the "practices" of Christianity. But Christianity is not a religion- it's a relationship. Focus,instead, on getting to know Jesus, treat him like a friend, spend time with him, talking to him, reading his words, listening to him. It's about cultivating a relationship.

Yes, church and the Bible are helpful, but right now, I would focus on learning more about this god that you have always sensed was present.

Review:Psalm 23

And pray, Lord that I could be all you created me to be. Restore my soul, and lead me in doing your will Lord. That evil bow down, and flee from me, so that no harm can be cause. In Jesus name I ask, and call unto the Shepherd and Bishop of my soul. Amen

We all get terrified of death at some point and time, it is how we deal with that fear,

Not all Christians face the fear of death as good as others, since of course most of us do not want to leave where we are now and the love ones around us.

But we remember that we will always have some doubts, look at the aposltes who lived and learned under Christ. They got angry, they bickered for power and authority, when they came for Jesus, they used weapons at first to protect thierself.

Peter as he started walking on water ( he was on it) started to doubt at that point) And while Thomas gets a bad rap for his doubt, all of the followers doubted and were hiding in fear, till Jesus appeared.

Doubts is part of faith, believing even if there is no real reason to believe,

Confession cleanses the mind and soul. Effectual fervent prayer is very
powerful and can do for us what we cannot do on our own. Our sin
is like a poisons to our body, and can bring death. Sin is of satan,
and he came to steal, kill and destrory us and he will if we don't call
on the Lord. Jesus came that we might have life and have it more
abundantly." "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind," Rom: 12:2
Picture in your mind every fear, every inferiority feeling, every destructive
thought, as draning out of your mind, then see Jesus with outstretched
arms saying, "I am come that you might have life, and that you might
have it more abundantly." John 10:10 "For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and sound mind."
Keep reminding yourself that God is with you, that He will never fail you,
that you can count upon Him. "I am far from oppression, and fear does not come nigh me" Isa. 54:14 "I am delivered from the evils of this
present world for it is the will of God" Gal. 1:4
Say these quotes I have given you, write them down and say them
often and also read the 91 Psalm. God loves you and hates sin.
"I will fear no evil for thou art with me Lord, your Word and your Spirit
they comfort me." Psalms 23:4

Blessings Maggie 3

Doubts is part of faith, believing even if there is no real reason to beleive,


Faith is given to those that do believe..doubt plays no part in faith

Gal 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.


Doubt is the pawing of satan to tempt man. Peter was said to question the word Jesus spoke.

Matthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Stedfast in Faith

Scripture:
The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.
(2 Chronicles 15:2)

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. (Isaiah 41:13)

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)

The list goes on and on!

~Stand in assurance of God's love.

Surely you know what you need to do but a place to start is to pray,
LORD, REVEAL YOURSELF TO ME, REMOVE MY DOUBTS AND RENEW MY FAITH.
Follow that by a confession of who Jesus is and if you don't know, read the Gospels again.

modernromance09,
Your dreams are not unusual. In fact they are classics that many have experienced.
The evil you feel is from Satan or his devils. They are working on you to keep you away of chase you from God.
You have so far received some very good advice, follow it.
Read the bible without fear, particularly about loving gentle Jesus and how He deal with both good and bad people, also with those who had faith.
Pray a lot for God's help an protection.
When face with temptation one of the best and shortest of prayers is, Lord God, please, take this temptation from me."
You will find that the temptation is greatly lessened or gone right away.
If it comes back, pray it again, relentlessly.
God loves you more than any human can.
Love Him in return and call on Him for strength an faith.
Peace and kindness,
Fred.

doubt plays no part in faith
Doubt is integral to faith. In fact, doubt is the ants-in-the-pants of faith. I would fear for the soul of someone who claims to have no doubt. Even Luther said, "Lord, I believe, Help thou mine unbelief."

I suggest you go to the library and check out books that contain stories from the Bible -- perhaps Egermeier's Bible Story Book - certainly books from the children's department, books that keep the stories simply worded and have lots of illustrations. Just immerse yourself in those stories. Read about the Old Testament heroes and kings. Read about Jesus' life and miracles. Read the stories from the New Testament including the story of the Good Samaritan plus the other parables Jesus taught. I say this because I learned the most about the Bible by being a Sunday School teacher for young children and preparing/teaching each week's lesson. Gradually, as you get to know the stories, delve into the Bible itself to find those same stories.

Another idea is to check out books on the various topics presented by the Bible -- prayer or hope or missions or forgiveness or suffering or contentment or service to others. Be sure to talk with a reference librarian and include him/her in your search for helpful and interesting books.

Doubt is integral to faith. In fact, doubt is the ants-in-the-pants of faith. I would fear for the soul of someone who claims to have no doubt. Even Luther said, "Lord, I believe, Help thou mine unbelief."

Thus you doubt the Word of God, that says Rest in ME ? (Matthew 11:29)

Matthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

It is the man Luther, and his words that you post

Doubt is integral to faith. In fact, doubt is the ants-in-the-pants of faith. I would fear for the soul of someone who claims to have no doubt. Even Luther said, "Lord, I believe, Help thou mine unbelief."

I think Wondergirls thoughts,including the quote, show insight into the nature of faith and doubt. "Lord, I believe, Help thou mine unbelief"

How is it possible to believe and not believe at the same time?

This apparently contradictory reasoning was a standard method of discourse in Greek philosophy. Even though there may exist two opposing views there is always a common ground which can be reached. Once this common ground is found then progress is possible. This dialectical method of reasoning can be between two people or within ones own mind.

I think there is a need to distinguish between two types of doubt. Firstly, there is the type of doubt we are familiar with. We could call this the strong formulation of doubt.Secondly, there exists a weaker formulation of doubt. This formulation is a type of divided mind, or being in two minds.

The weaker formulation allows for (and expects) there will be a positive outcome. The outcome being a reaffirming of faith. I think this is what the Luther quote is getting at.

I am definitely NOT a biblical scholar but I would be surprised if we didn't find doubt being used in two different ways in the bible.

I think there is a need to distinguish between two types of doubt.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

Matthew 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

Doubted "distazō" greek word meanings to waiver

James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

double minded "dipsychos" greek word meaning: wavering, uncertain, divided in interest, doubting


Matthew 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

little faith "oligopistos" greek word meaning trusting too little

wherefore didst thou doubt/waiver


If the mind is assured of loving chocolate after tasting it, then the heart accepts what the mind has registered as truth.

Christ said it was what comes from the heart and out of the mouth that defiles a man (Matthew 15:8)


Col 2:2-3-4 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ, In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

sndbay,
Very interesting.
Thanks,
Fred

sndbay,
Very interesting.
Thanks,
Fred


I agree Fred, it is interesting, as well as important for us to trust in God, and not be double minded or doubt.

God wants us to stand stedfast on both legs for example, not on one leg unbalanced.

Hebrews 3:14-15 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear HIS voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

Remember it took very little for those that followed Moses out of Egypt to doubt even though they had already seen the sea open to allow them to cross. They doubted, and mistrust God and His promises to instead follow foolish talk of men gathered together.

We must study the Word of God, and pray for God's divine power to gift us in fruitfulness. Allowing us to be all He created us to be.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

God wants us to stand stedfast on both legs for example, not on one leg unbalanced.
We will never, in this life, stand on both legs. That's unrealistic as long as we are travelers on this planet. God loves us and cares for us and supports us even when we struggle and have doubts. He accepts our humanness; we should too. No Christian is 100% steadfast. Did you ever read the "Footsteps" poem?

God wants us to stand stedfast on both legs for example, not on one leg unbalanced.


1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Hebrew 6:16 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil



We will never, in this life, stand on both legs. That's unrealistic as long as we are travelers on this planet. God loves us and cares for us and supports us even when we struggle and have doubts. He accepts our humanness; we should too. No Christian is 100% steadfast. Did you ever read the "Footsteps" poem?

Psa 78:8 And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.

1 Peter 1:5, 1 Peter 5:10, 1 Peter 1:16, Hebrew 6:16, Psa 78:8
Do people object when you pound then over the head with your Bible and then turn their backs when you deny them their humanity?

Psa 78:8 And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
Could you explain in plain english what that means and how it relates to standing on two legs?

Could you explain in plain english what that means and how it relates to standing on two legs?

Someone not standing on two leg(metaphorically speaking) not stedfast, is easily beguiled by strange doctrine, and they waviers in what their heart accepted in belief. Doubt minded and unsure, easily tipped over in their faith toward false teaching.

I used both feet as metaphorically speaking, both feet on the ground being anchored by Christ Jesus not to fall. We following One Lord Christ Jesus, hearing His voice. And walk having the spirit in full assurance of One Faith and not easily beguiled. We walk in righteousness, as one with Christ who dwells within.

The entirety of God is easy to know.(I did not say UNDERSTAND)

Jesus showed us what the Father is like, and that is loving, forgiving, willing to be entreated.

If you have a family member or friend who exhibits some of these traits, are you afraid of that person? I doubt it.

Then you should not feel afraid of God, in the sense that you cannot approach Him.

The only person who needs to be afraid of God is the stubborn rebel or the hypocrite, pretending to be what he has no desire to be.

Someone not standing on two leg(metaphorically speaking) not stedfast, is easily beguiled by strange doctrine, and they waviers in what their heart accepted in belief. Doubt minded and unsure, easily tipped over in their faith toward false teaching.

I used both feet as metaphorically speaking, both feet on the ground being anchored by Christ Jesus not to fall. We following One Lord Christ Jesus, hearing His voice. And walk having the spirit in full assurance of One Faith and not easily beguiled. We walk in righteousness, as one with Christ who dwells within.

Hi Sndbay,


It would seem that the various scholars of the New Testament would have had a variety of discourses available to them. As I mentioned one of these was the dialectical method. Such a method would appear to be "double minded". In the formative years of the Christian church such a method would have been effective in bringing opposing views together.

The other style available was Rhetorical (not to be confused with the modern definition) This style was opposed to anyone being in two minds.
This is the style most commonly quoted when we want people to "stand on two feet".

The variety of styles available would suit the historical situation and the intended aim. It depends how selective one wants to be in the looking process.

sndbay,
I agree somewhat with your statement about firmly standing on both legs.
I try very much to do so but there have been time when I wavered.
Next month I will be 77 years old and for the past 12 years my health has been going down hill.
I do realize that my age has much to do with that but it seems that every once in a short while something new goes wrong.
Now I have developed a very painful hernia that must be dealt with via a surgical procedure.
But first I must go through with a test on the strength of my heart with has cause me to have had 3 heart attacks.
In the past each new thing going wrong with me has caused me to waver, but not this time.
I have grown to accept the fact that my conditions are the consequences of living in this world and the choice I and others have made with our free will.
So now I do stand on both feet as well as I possibly can.
So far God has decided to have me stay in this world thus far, whatever His reason may be, and it is up to Him about how much longer I am to continue to be one of His servants here.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

I try very much to do so but there have been time when I wavered.
We've all wavered, Fred, and will have those moments until we finally meet at His throne. Look for me. I'll be the redhead grinning and handing out freshly made chocolate cupcakes with chocolate fudge frosting and colored sprinkles.

sndbay,
I agree somewhat with your statement about firmly standing on both legs.
I try very much to do so but there have been time when I wavered.
Next month I will be 77 years old and for the past 12 years my health has been going down hill.
I do realize that my age has much to do with that but it seems that every once in a short while something new goes wrong.
Now I have developed a very painful hernia that must be dealt with via a surgical procedure.
But first I must go through with a test on the strength of my heart with has cause me to have had 3 heart attacks.
In the past each new thing going wrong with me has caused me to waver, but not this time.
I have grown to accept the fact that my conditions are the consequences of living in this world and the choice I and others have made with our free will.
So now I do stand on both feet as well as I possibly can.
So far God has decided to have me stay in this world thus far, whatever His reason may be, and it is up to Him about how much longer I am to continue to be one of His servants here.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Just yesterday Fred, I spoke with my granddaughter. And my words to her were that being accountable in life is all apart of growing up. Where we place ourselves in life, is determined by the decisions we make. Those decisions are sometimes hard to bear. So we learn in older age and growth to use causion in those decisions, watching carefully.

One very important decision is that Jesus asked us to deny ourselves, to follow HIM. Your confession in belief, knowing it will be HIS will done is assuredly Faith In God.
Follow the firstborn Christ Jesus who is the begotten Son of God, and you can be begotten again of Christ, an adopted child of God.

Fred, I pray that your surgery goes well. And that you may be stedfast in comfort knowing God is with you.
May God bless Fred in being all He created him to be. And all harm bow down and flee from him. "IN JESUS NAME", the power that can move moutains, I ask this of you Lord. Amen

~in Christ

Fred, God created the universe by His Words, He released His faith in
Words. We also create and put into motiont by the words we speak,
Because we were made in His image. "I speak the truth of God in love and I grow up into the Lord jesus Christ in all things" Eph. 4:15
I receive the Spirit Of wisdom and revelation of Him, the eyes of my understanding being enlightened. And I am not conformed to this world but am transformed by the renewing of my mind. My mind is renewed by
The Word of God. Eph1:17,18----Rom 12:2
"Iwill not let the Word of God depart from before my eyes for it is life to me for I have found and it is health and healing to my flesh." Pro. 4:21,22
We must be renewed in God's Word continually so we will not fall in to
Wrong thinking, The weakness of the flesh, taste good, feels good, looks good. etc.---
The more I deepend on the Lord the more I love Him and
In joy and serve Him.
My husband will be 84 in April and I am 78. My husband is a chaplain
At our regional hospital and serves there most every day of the week.
We know God's word is the power that keeps us physically and mentally
Well. Some days are tougher than others but we keep our hearts and mines on God 's promises. If you don't have a book containing God's promises it might be helpful to purchase one. It is very helpful to have a book that only contains the promises of God.
I let the peace of God rule in my heart and I refuse to worry about anything.

Love and Blessings, Maggie 3

Wondergirl and sndbay,
Thank you very much.
May God bless you all days in all ways,
Fred

First off is knowing what the Bible says about what happens when we die. Ecclesiastes 9:5,10... Psalms 146:4,, to learn what the concept of hell, hades, or sheol is look to Job 14:13,, now if Jesus was faithful and true and perfect in every way, why would God send him to hell if it was a place of torment,, Acts 2:25-27,31,32,, early translators of the Bible used hell as way of scaring people into religion, when hell really means the common grave. That is why Jesus was in "hell,hades" or the common grave for three days. Would you consider a father to be just if he put his child's hand on a stove to punish him... now since as a punishment God made it so we would be in this imperfect state, and if he punished us in this way, would it be wise for the wicked who are already imperfect to be then punished for all eternity! Doesn't this seem contradictory of a loving father. Another scripure that may help you is found at Genesis 3:19... Wouldn't Adam who was perfect and then sinned be first in line to go to this hell or a place of torment.. no he was simply returned to the dust.. If we sinn and do not repent then we simply put die... Ezekial 18:4,, But if we find God, and his name, and follow his rules we will gain life,, Psalms 83:18,, psalms 37:29,, some go to heaven but that is a select few, the earth will have a day when no wicked will be left. And life will be abundant,, Revelation 7:4-8,, Isaiah 45:18,, Revelation 21:3,4, psalms 37:11,20

now if Jesus was faithful and true and perfect in every way, why would God send him to hell if it was a place of torment,, Acts 2:25-27,31,32
God the Father didn't. Christians believe Jesus appeared there under His own steam in victory over Death.

now since as a punishment God made it so we would be in this imperfect state
We did this to ourselves. God didn't do it to us.

no he was simply returned to the dust... some go to heaven but that is a select few, the earth will have a day when no wicked will be left. And life will be abundant
Are you a Witness?

Med-josef "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your
ways, My ways," says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

I believe our Father knows best.

med_josef,
Jesus went to hell to prove that the gates of hell would not stand against His Church which job is to help save souls.
Some believe that He went to the Purgatory portion when sins are purged.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

God the Father didn't. Christians believe Jesus appeared there under His own steam in victory over Death.

We did this to ourselves. God didn't do it to us.

Are you a Witness?

No not yet, I have been studying with them for six months, I mean I just like how every comment they make a scripture backs it up, this may be the wrong site for me I like all of your opinions but I need a scripture to back what ever it is you say. Call me crazy, I wanted to see what you all would say to this. Satan is the father of the lie, and he has done a good job. May you have peace, and continue your search for the only true God... bye

med_josef,
Jesus went to hell to prove that the gates of hell would not stand against His Church which job is to help save souls.
Some believe that He went to the Purgatory portion when sins are purged.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Where does it mention purgatory in the Bible? Didn't Paul himself say when we die our sins are forgiven, why would a place of torment be needed if death in itself would clear us of our sins. Romans 6:5,,
May you keep on the search for the only true god

i need a scripture to back what ever it is you say
Christians do. Witnesses interpret Scripture differently from Christians.

med_josef,
Jesus went to hell to prove that the gates of hell would not stand against His Church which job is to help save souls.
Some believe that He went to the Purgatory portion when sins are purged.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

That is a denominational belief of the Catholic church Fred.

I trust that Christ died on the cross to set us free from sin and the curse Adam and Eve caused. Christ once in hell was able to deliver those that had died, (dead in their sins) so in prisoned before He was crucified. So the gates of hell could not provail against them or us. This shows the the fulfillment culminates in Messiah being the key of Spiritual Truth, Christ is the Key of David. The Lord of our Salvation.

This should be thought of as metaphorically speaking because we were all once doomed before Christ was crucified. The gulf that is referenced in scripture speaks of a place, half in torment, and the other half in the bosom of Abraham's care. (Luke 16:25-26)

2 Peter 3:14-15 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

2 Peter 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

sndbay,
The point I was tryi8ng to make was. "Jesus went to hell to prove that the gates of hell would not stand against His Church which job is to help save souls.
The mentioned of Purgatory was just to show another belief.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

No not yet, i have been studying with them for six months, i mean i just like how every comment they make a scripture backs it up, this may be the wrong site for me i like all of your opinions but i need a scripture to back what ever it is you say. call me crazy,, i wanted to see what you all would say to this. satan is the father of the lie, and he has done a good job. May you have peace, and continue your search for the only true God... bye

Be careful with that study! I know how it works.

A statement is made that no one will disagree with, and a page or more of scripture references will be given to back it up.

Then one or two paragraphs will state something that they want you to believe, with absolutely NO scripture to back it up.

Followed by another page of non-controversial scripture quotations.

Check out those lone paragraphs. That is where the deception is.

galveston,
That's very good advice.
Fred