Looking for faith:(

[Dave Ash]

Some of you know me very well some do not so for those of you that do not know me please understand I shoot from the hip. (in other words please do not be offended)

For years and years I have been looking for a faith any faith. I will not lie in the fact that i have doubts, but I also belive in A god. My problem is that that god seems to elude me more then anythign I have ever been looking for.
Tried going to church the only thing i have found there is hypocritical political morons. Tried to go to friends but only got the if you dont belive now your going to hell type speach, because you just are suppost to deal.

It feels to me that there is no middle ground even in the search of finding faith if that makes any sence. I am honestly here not to start a fight, so please do not take it as so because it is not my intention.

Anyone have some feedback or ideas

[lookin for the gills]

The best advice I can give you is that if your looking for faith and you believe that Christ died for our sins, then no matter what religion you are, faith will find you. It found me about 3 years ago. It was plain as day. Trust me. If you really want to try to find it, the best thing I can tell you to do is to volunteer at a homeless shelter or just do something nice for someone that doesnt involve money or then doing something in return for you. That usually helps.

[Fog0fWar]

Dear Dave:


Just ask God to increase your faith. He is faithful even when we are not. He is Love even when we turn our back on Him. He will never leave us or forsake us. Even while we were yet sinners He died for us that we may live in Him.

God has faith in you.....


Fog

[Ferg]

Go watch the vids on the 'Inspired' thread - the guy speaking there is Rick Burgess - he lost he 2.5 year old son in an accedent last week, you want faith? Take the 30+ minutes it takes to watch those three vids and then, if you your not inspired to God's love - I don't know what to do next ? -

Faith is believeing in those things that can not be explained or touched in phyiscal way - listen to those vids and open your heart -

ferg....

[Rubber1]

I believe I know where you'er coming from. As a boy, my parents took me to church alot, they gave a good foundation. Still, as a young man, I began having my doubts. My way of thinking was: You want me to believe a guy died & then raised from the dead 3 days later just because the bible said so!?! Are you people nuts!!! Next thing you know UFO's will be picking us up!!! After several years of living life selfishly, I decided to look into this Christian thing a little closer. I ended up studying the facts of biblical history. One article that helped me out was this one by Josh McDowell.

http://www.leaderu.com/everystudent/easter/articles/josh2.html

Let me know what you think

Hypocrites in church!!!! Guilty!!! Every one of us. We are all natural sinners. Just because someone excepts Christ, does not mean they will be wearing a white robe w/ purple trim on thier way out of church. We are all a work in progress. Everyday trying to be the person God wants us to be. I quit chewing tobacco two months ago!!! Ive almost gotten rid of my Navy language!!! It's progress. And so is Faith. Read the Bible, speak the Bible, do the Bible. Feel free to email or PM me. I don't have all the answers, but I do have faith.







Some of you know me very well some do not so for those of you that do not know me please understand I shoot from the hip. (in other words please do not be offended)

For years and years I have been looking for a faith any faith. I will not lie in the fact that i have doubts, but I also belive in A god. My problem is that that god seems to elude me more then anythign I have ever been looking for.
Tried going to church the only thing i have found there is hypocritical political morons. Tried to go to friends but only got the if you dont belive now your going to hell type speach, because you just are suppost to deal.

It feels to me that there is no middle ground even in the search of finding faith if that makes any sence. I am honestly here not to start a fight, so please do not take it as so because it is not my intention.

Anyone have some feedback or ideas

[wapiti777]

Similar situation for me for 20 some odd years after I went to college and started working. "found God" in high school, it was real, but the buzz faded away. When I turned 40 something, I realized there was something missing, and tried forcing faith. When I stopped trying on my terms or a single religion of Christianity, and let God in, then things started to change. I ain't perfect, won't be till heaven, but His grace makes it happen, not our trying on our terms. Hope this makes sense.

[Crowhunter]

You will only find faith in THE WORD OF GOD ,seek and you will find .(FAITH COMES BY HEARING AND HEARING FROM THE WORD OF GOD). Bud

[Westlakedrive]

I would also add (not that you have to go to church etc) but keep looking for a church you feel good about being at. I think I visited about every church in town before I found the one I was looking for. IN doing so God will speak to you.

[Tunedown]

Hello Dave,
I am also form Holland. I am involved in a little local church and am currently serving the Lord as a Deacon. It has been life changing being able to serve God. If you would like to talk to someone about your faith or faith in general please PM me. I will gladly get you into contact with some of the finest Christian men I know.
(do you also post on the ATO website? I think I've seen you there)

Andy

[theredmission]

Hypocrites in church!!!! Guilty!!! Every one of us. We are all natural sinners. Just because someone excepts Christ, does not mean they will be wearing a white robe w/ purple trim on thier way out of church. We are all a work in progress. Everyday trying to be the person God wants us to be. I quit chewing tobacco two months ago!!! Ive almost gotten rid of my Navy language!!! It's progress. And so is Faith. Read the Bible, speak the Bible, do the Bible. Feel free to email or PM me. I don't have all the answers, but I do have faith.

Great response rubber

[STEINFISHSKI]

His grace makes it happen, not our trying on our terms.

We paid a price for Jesus to die for our sins. Nothing we can do on this earth can get us into Heaven. Only the grace of out LORD is enough to save us. Rejoice, celebrate and praise Him, that is what He desires most from us.

The peace and joy God has brought into my life once I decided let Him in has been incredible!

[DangerDan]

For years and years I have been looking for a faith any faith. I will not lie in the fact that i have doubts, but I also belive in A god. My problem is that that god seems to elude me more then anythign I have ever been looking for.


Ever notice that no matter what, you always get through it? You worry and worry over something to find it works itself out? Man, if that doesn't give you faith then I have to ask, what more do you want? It's all here for us. all we have to do is ask.

Secondly, You say that GOD, (capital letters please) seems to elude you and you have been looking. 10 out of 10 times it is us, that we are eluding GOD.

Instead of praying for faith, perhaps praying for guidance to see from Christ's eyes. Perhaps soon you will see things in a better light and changes will come. Perhaps not but I bet you will develope patients and grace through turmoil until it comes.

Many don't know me as religious. I'm not. Religions for those who are afraid of hell...Spirituality is for those that have been there. I'm sure many have heard that one. to each thier own.

Have a good day man, and don't worry, it'll get better.

[buckshot-0]

The only fault in having doubts is turning to the world for answers. Seek spiritual answers for spiritual questions.

[snowman11]

Dave...

Listen to Christian radio.

It helps.

Especially if they have a good talking person on there.

What you'll find is that a lot of your concerns are not isolated to yourself.

my wife and i are still looking for a church, albeit not that hard.

[Ferg]

The only fault in having doubts is turning to the world for answers. Seek spiritual answers for spiritual questions.

Awesome answer buckshot -

ferg....

[xdetroitx]

My best answer is to be honest with God. I have had a few fights with Him, and have had more than my share of wrestling matches with Him. I have cussed God out, I have cried to God, and in the end....this is the honest communictation He desires. Just tell Him where you are at, and He will meet you on the road to your search (chances are, He's been with you every step of the way so far). God is not bothered by honest doubting with searching, but he is bothered by fake devotion without searching.

[justthinking]

My best answer is to be honest with God. I have had a few fights with Him, and have had more than my share of wrestling matches with Him. I have cussed God out, I have cried to God, and in the end....this is the honest communictation He desires. Just tell Him where you are at, and He will meet you on the road to your search (chances are, He's been with you every step of the way so far). God is not bothered by honest doubting with searching, but he is bothered by fake devotion without searching.

That's the truth spoken right there....

[Firecracker]

Much good Advice here, one other thing listen to youre heart.
Some of the guys here really surprise me :)

I am not even close to being where you guys are, still fighting my own demons.
Not sure wether I am ready for another Church yet either. But that does not mean, I can pray and believe:)

Wish you OP the best in finding youre way

[Erik]

"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God".
Read the bible, pray, and listen for Gods voice. Don't give up if you don't hear it right away. Keep reading and praying. If you are honest with yourself, and in your endeavor, eventually you will hear him. If your like me, you will probably find out he was speaking to you all along, you just never recognized him.

[xdetroitx]

And, in case you have not noticed....God just reached out to you about 15 times through the people on this forum.:D

[itchn2fish]

Dave, You have been given some good, sound advice.
I am an "all rivers lead to one ocean" kind of believer. While I am a Christian with a strong faith, I cannot fatham that Christians have the monopoly on heaven.
There are more similarities than differances between the world's religions.
Hang in there. While God may seem like he is eluding you He IS always there. And as soon as the piers are clear again, you can heed Christ's words when Jesus said, "Now go and fish."

[Westlakedrive]

"Now go and fish."

AMEN!

[Flash]

To the original poster -

There is no rush in my opinion to join any particular congregation. When and if you wish to be a part of a particular denomination and thus a particular congregation, then it will just happen. The Lord has a way with these things.

I personally spent many years criticizing and chastizing scripture. Finding fault and avoiding the responsibilities with being a "believer". About 20 years ago, there was a yearning for "truth" that wasn't being met by my other pursuits of philosophy, transcendental meditation, hedonistic lifestyle, and pure self reliant reason. I wanted and needed more. I found it during a very intense 3 year self directed biblical research process that included attending and studying with some very fundemental denominations, some denominations considered by some as "fringe", some quite liberal denominations and yes even with those "dreaded catholics" ;). Long story short is; I do not today belong to any one congregation, yet recently spent several months on another site thoroughly discussing (with several atheists) the merits/shortcomings of christianity. I am an ardent believer in the powers of the Lord (evidenced by such historical events as those at Fatima and additionally the 66 Miracles at Lourdes) plus many personal accounts where he has simply answered my requests.

1. Pick up an easy to read Bible. For me it was an NIV (New International Version). It reads in modern common english and is in my opinion easier to read than some others. I had initially spent several weeks comparing a King James, a New Jeruselum, a college literature class Bible and lastly a NIV - verse by verse to determine what the differences were via the various translaters. I couldn't tell enough of a difference for it to matter to me so I went with the NIV as it was easier for me to read. If you can, pick up a "red letter" edition. It will have any direct quotes of Christ in red letters, which just makes it easier to pick out his dierct teachings, which I found to be helpful when interpreting some passages. If my understanding was consistent with his red letter words, then I was likely on tract.
2. Begin with the 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). I would also suggest a book called a Harmony of the Gospels. It takes each of the 4 Gospels and lays them out side by side so that you can read them as individual books or as one continuous book.
3. Pick up a "Handbook of Denominations". It will help you understand the various doctrines and subtleties between denominations.

Lastly, just learn. Talk to others who are believers and ask them questions. Remember, it is ultimately your decision to accept or reject what someone else says or teaches. Study it for yourself. You will be made whole.

Seek - knock - ask.

Flash

[RoadKillCafe]

I also liked the books "A case for Christ" and "A case for Faith" (in addition to the Bible) :)

[fastwife]

Ever notice that no matter what, you always get through it? You worry and worry over something to find it works itself out? Man, if that doesn't give you faith then I have to ask, what more do you want? It's all here for us. all we have to do is ask.

Secondly, You say that GOD, (capital letters please) seems to elude you and you have been looking. 10 out of 10 times it is us, that we are eluding GOD.

Instead of praying for faith, perhaps praying for guidance to see from Christ's eyes. Perhaps soon you will see things in a better light and changes will come. Perhaps not but I bet you will develope patients and grace through turmoil until it comes.

Many don't know me as religious. I'm not. Religions for those who are afraid of hell...Spirituality is for those that have been there. I'm sure many have heard that one. to each thier own.

Have a good day man, and don't worry, it'll get better.


That's a really good way of putting it. Someone once told me "I am not religious but I do have a relationship with GOD.":fish:

[mi_sportsman]

Dave,

I believe that we are at our best with the Lord, when we are at wits end. At our most humble times when we have exhausted all of our ideas, thoughts on how things should be, or where they should be at there is nothing more comforting than to know it's still ok, because our Lord, My God, How Great Thou Art!

Thanks Rubber for the link to the article, I found it very interesting. And Firecracker, I'm glad you found responses from men interesting. I think most people have misconceptions that a good man is one who has no feelings, or beliefs. I find this so disturbing in todays day and age. (Another subject in it's self)

Also, Dave.....I don't know how much of a reader you are. I am really bad at it, I find it hard to just pick up a bible and start reading. I have just recently started reading Our Daily Bread. http://www.rbc.org/odb/odb.shtml It is free to anyone who asks for it, I find that given a short part of scripture along with a general idea of what it is about doesn't make it so overwhelming.

I also have a brother who lives in your town, and a real great Outdoorsman, who is also a Christian. I know he would be anohter for you to visit. If you would like to know more, let me know.

God Bless!

[Mickey Finn]

Dave, Like alot of others have posted
1, Start reading the bible. Also look at other liturature pertaining to faith. There is alot of it.
2, Spend time concentrating on doing good works. For your family and for others. The homeless shelter was a great suggestion. Also, Soup Kitchens, Hospitals, especially the V.A. If there is a congregation your curious about. Look into the charities they run. This may be your best bet. If you feel comfortable with their pastor. Talk to him. He may be able to provide guidance.
3, Finding and keeping faith can be a life long struggle. Don't quit it. If you lose track, go back to the last place you felt it and start again.
Good Luck.

[the rapids]

the best thing about finding a religion when you are unsure of what to believe is you can learn about many of them. try to approach them all with an equal perspective, because really there isnt one which is above another. there are so many religions, one will surely have the answers to what you are looking for. if you profess belief in a singular god, start researching the traditions of monotheistic religions. each religion is equally founded on faith, so really you cannot go wrong in choosing any of them. good luck and have fun learning.

[Ninja]

I was raised in Church......4 times a week plus extracurricular activities, singing at nursing homes, going to hospitals, many missionary trips to 3rd world countries....etc.

I wasn't real enthused about it as a kid.....

I still do not attend Church regularly, but I pray every day, I thank God for the blessings and opportunities he has given me, and most of all, I BELEIVE.

Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, and when I die, I will be in Heaven.
That is my faith.....right, wrong or indifferent, it is what I have faith in.

I am nowhere near perfect, and I don't do the things I know I should, but my God has no other conditions but accepting Jesus....I accepted him, and he will accept me.

[michigandeerslayer]

Just allow your mind to open up, there is no time frame there is no "perfect church" There is no one that can tell you what you want out of faith except what god tells you.

I for the longest time didnt think that god was on my side, well Let me tell you Ask and he shall come.Just go at your pace god isnt out to race you to the finish line, he will be there right next to you as you take your walk through life

Dont let anyone force it on you it has to come at your pace, not there's

Im not sure if you have ever heard of frank turner, he was a local newscaster. He has his own ministry now and if you get a chance look him up. Im not saying he is the best advise giver but listen to him and where has has been and how he allowed god into his life. He is very down to earth when talking about it

God bless

Rich

[garyrodbender]

First of all, thank you Ferg for your work to get this area in our great forum...Instead of a profile of my entire life,I will try my best to express how my faith in Jesus Christ has lead me to were I am today.Born,baptized,and raised a Catholic.In my early teens my family stopped participating in the church.(mom`s reasons)which were never questioned...Years past by.As with all of us having to deal with highs and lows in general.Personally only speaking to God when things got REAL difficult.Some of you may know what I mean ? More years past by...Know i`m in my middle 20`s,still a young man coping with life`s ups and downs.Was involved in a horrible motorcycle accident in `83. How I lived? It was only by the grace of God. Since that mid august day in Gainsville Fl,I`ve not missed a day asking God for forgivness(for my sins) and praising Jesus Christ .I`m 52 years old , and have quit smoking(15 years),and drinking(11 years)...Both cold-turkey! To end this , I will say from my heart through Jesus Christ - that my life has completely turned around.My wife and her very faith-based lifstyle has gone (10 years) sober. Also cold turkey.It`s a wonderful thing,being a Christian...Sure can deal with life so much better.Thanks for sharing and God bless you all...Gary

[Far Beyond Driven]

Dave: if you want, drop Trent Walker at Harderwyk Christian Reformed a note with your concerns. He's always been a big help in the past for me.

KE

[Gina Fox]

Surrender yourself....put yourself in God's hands.