Needing some Christian advice.

[Naterade]

I am not sure if this is where this goes, but I wanted to ask some of you guys a question.

Due to the pandemic, and lack of a decent church around the area, I haven't been attending church services for a while now. I truly believe I am saved, as I believe in Jesus as my only means of salvation. My problem is, I feel like the Lord doesn't hear my prayers and I feel quite distant from him most of the time. I know, or believe, that I have had answered prayers in the past.

I have grown closer to Him during the pandemic, praying more often, and in the recent weeks, reading His Word more consistently. I was saved around age 8, but due to moving a lot, and living with my grandparents at times and mother at other times, I never attended a church regularly growing up. The most consistent that I ever attended a church was a local Methodist church with my mother and grandmother about 18-20 years ago, (where I was also baptized) until my grandmother passed and there was a dispute between my mother and the pastor about something related to the funeral, and we stopped attending shortly after.

While I haven't attended church regularly since then, I have always listened to solid Christian teaching and programming on TV, Youtube, and the radio, and have attended one local church sporadically now and then. I recently found a church with a new Pastor, and I feel this may finally be a church I can attend regularly at least, and for that I am excited.

Over the last couple of decades, even though I was a Christian, I struggled with sin. It wasn't until this past year that I have been able to resist habitual sins, and I am thankful for the Lord helping me overcome some of those issues in my life.

However, for years, I have prayed for the Lord to guide my life, show me what I should do with my life, career choices, and just general guidance, but I feel like I have not received any sort of response from Him. Almost daily, I am asking the Lord to help me and my family with leading us, but I just feel like He is far from me. This has made me remember something, that concerns me, and I wonder if I committed the unforgivable sin. A few years back, I was watching a video that was critical of the Word of Faith and Prosperity Gospel. It showed a scene where Kenneth Hagin and Kenneth Copeland were hissing and laughing hysterically and slithering out of their seats into the floor. They were talking about people at their church levitating etc... and I made a comment that this seemed demonic. I fear, even though I did not and still do not believe this was from God, but I sometimes have a fear that I may have said something against the Holy Spirit.

Anyway, do any of you have any ideas or advice for me? I really need it, as I feel so depressed, and really want the Lord in my life and have a strong relationship with Him, but I feel like He doesn't hear me. I don't have any close Christian friends (not attending church regularly caused this) and feel isolated on spiritual matters.

Sorry for the long post, but I appreciate any help.
Thanks.

 

[Everlasting Life]

https://gracethrufaith.com/ask-a-bible-teacher/an-unforgivable-sin/

Q
I’m scared I’ve committed the unforgivable sin. About a month ago I stopped listening to my inner voice because I had been wrong about the guy I was dating. I thought the spirit was telling me to marry him, but it turned out that wasn’t the case. So by not listening did I turn my back on the spirit? I still love God with all my heart and want him to lead my life. I’m worrying myself to death. I’m so scared God has left me. I never wanted that to happen. I just wanted to make sure I was doing Gods will.
A
If everyone who thought they were hearing from the Holy Spirit when they weren’t (or ignored Him when they were) lost their salvation, none of us would be saved. But the fact is that it’s impossible for a believer to commit any unforgivable sin.
The Bible makes it very clear that at the moment you first believed, you received the seal of the Holy Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing your inheritance. There’s nothing you or anyone else can say or do that will ever change that. Ephesians 1:13-14 is one of the clearest examples of this promise.
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession–to the praise of his glory.”
If you feel that you’ve sinned against God, confess and you will immediately be forgiven and that will be the end of it.
According to 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”



https://gracethrufaith.com/ask-a-bible-teacher/unforgivable-sin-follow/

Q
Re: Matt. 12:31. I have always understood the unforgivable sin as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, because when Christ was on earth, the religious leaders were attributing his miracles to demonic powers when they were the product of the Holy Spirit.
A
The Pharisees were life long students of the Scriptures and knew better than to say the Lord’s miracles were coming from Satan, because their Scriptures foretold that the Messiah would perform the miracles Jesus performed. Therefore they were deliberately bearing false witness, a violation of the 9th commandment.
But they didn’t have the Holy Spirit sealed within them as we do. Because of our relationship with the Holy Spirit it’s not possible for a believer today to say such a thing (1 Cor. 12:3), and every sin an unbeliever commits will be forgiven when he or she comes to the Lord (Colossians 2:13-14).

 

[Everlasting Life]

Anyway, do any of you have any ideas or advice for me? I really need it, as I feel so depressed, and really want the Lord in my life and have a strong relationship with Him, but I feel like He doesn't hear me. I don't have any close Christian friends (not attending church regularly caused this) and feel isolated on spiritual matters.

ing Naterade. I was in a hurry earlier and wanted to at least get a couple of articles out that would help with the 'unforgivable sin' concern.

I'm sorry you are struggling and feeling down in regards to your relationship with the Lord. I always have to remember that my feelings are not really good barometers as to whether God is hearing my prayers or not and have found that praying, even when feeling limited in my own relationship doesn't mean that God isn't listening or hearing.

I do often pray before reading God's Word that He'll open my mind in understanding. That's when His Word really speaks to me and I find myself responding in prayer to God as I read His Word. There is for me more of a connection feeling for me in that He's talking to me, I'm talking to Him, in response to His Word speaking to me. A kind of conversation. I'm just sharing some things that have been positive for me.

I also pray throughout my days asking God questions that I have and simply wait for His answers. That may come that very night in His Word (that's really neat) or in a few days through a sermon or some good article.

With that being said, it's been a stressful year with covid and all that it's entailed and I wouldn't be surprised if that's affecting people much like you are describing in your prayer life. Stress can do that. But, I'd say, don't give up Naterade because God's here and He's faithful. I know He cares. And be aware that perhaps our enemy would have you discouraged with prayer.....especially since our prayers are actually pretty impactful as it says in James: ...The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 When one who believes in Christ, He has given them His righteousness and on this we can have confidence in our prayers.

I'm sure that others will chime in to be of encouragement to you too as this thread gets noticed.

In the meantime, I'm ing for you and your family.

 

[mattfivefour]

Brother, your reaction to the Hagin and Copeland video was in no way offensive to God. I have had the same reaction to similar videos (and actual real life experiences with charlatans and demon-led people like that.) These people make my blood boil. They are the ones blaspheming.

I can guarantee you --based on Scripture-- that you have NOT blasphemed the Holy Spirit. Satan is just doing a number on you. Resist him and move on.

 

[Baby Yoda]

I have always understood the unforgivable sin as blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, because when Christ was on earth, the religious leaders were attributing his miracles to demonic powers when they were the product of the Holy Spirit.
A

That's what I have understood also.

 

[Tall Timbers]

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

 

[Naterade]

ing Naterade. I was in a hurry earlier and wanted to at least get a couple of articles out that would help with the 'unforgivable sin' concern.

I'm sorry you are struggling and feeling down in regards to your relationship with the Lord. I always have to remember that my feelings are not really good barometers as to whether God is hearing my prayers or not and have found that praying, even when feeling limited in my own relationship doesn't mean that God isn't listening or hearing.

I do often pray before reading God's Word that He'll open my mind in understanding. That's when His Word really speaks to me and I find myself responding in prayer to God as I read His Word. There is for me more of a connection feeling for me in that He's talking to me, I'm talking to Him, in response to His Word speaking to me. A kind of conversation. I'm just sharing some things that have been positive for me.

I also pray throughout my days asking God questions that I have and simply wait for His answers. That may come that very night in His Word (that's really neat) or in a few days through a sermon or some good article.

With that being said, it's been a stressful year with covid and all that it's entailed and I wouldn't be surprised if that's affecting people much like you are describing in your prayer life. Stress can do that. But, I'd say, don't give up Naterade because God's here and He's faithful. I know He cares. And be aware that perhaps our enemy would have you discouraged with prayer.....especially since our prayers are actually pretty impactful as it says in James: ...The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 When one who believes in Christ, He has given them His righteousness and on this we can have confidence in our prayers.

I'm sure that others will chime in to be of encouragement to you too as this thread gets noticed.

In the meantime, I'm ing for you and your family.

Thank you so very much. Those articles were helpful indeed. It's been a couple of weeks since I posted this, and in the meantime, I have researched some and prayed about it as well. The second article in particular coincided with something I had come across. A pastor was saying a key component to blasphemy was not believing the Word and prophets of God. As that second article stated, the Pharisees should certainly known of the timing and the signs that Jesus did, but they chose to deny it and attribute it to Satan. I see now, and I do believe, that I didn't commit this, nor would I ever be able to.

This has indeed been a stressful time, and I think the enemy has used any means he could to make the church feel attacked, and I believe I was suffering some of that due to the fact I have been trying to draw closer to the Lord, and Satan didn't like that. I like your method, of praying before reading the Word. I will do this too! So far, I would just begin reading where I left off, but I will ask the Lord to guide my reading and to show me what He wants me to see in it.

Thank you for the prayers, I believe they were answered, as I feel much more at peace now, than I did a couple of weeks ago. God bless you and thank you!

 

[Naterade]

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

Thank you Tall Timbers!

Brother, your reaction to the Hagin and Copeland video was in no way offensive to God. I have had the same reaction to similar videos (and actual real life experiences with charlatans and demon-led people like that.) These people make my blood boil. They are the ones blaspheming.

I can guarantee you --based on Scripture-- that you have NOT blasphemed the Holy Spirit. Satan is just doing a number on you. Resist him and move on.

Thank you for this! I am glad to see someone else who had a similar reaction. I truly feel Satan was taking advantage of my moment of weakness to try and cause fear in me. I feel much more at peace today thanks to you guys for your prayers and comments. God bless you!

 

[Everlasting Life]

Thank you so very much. Those articles were helpful indeed. It's been a couple of weeks since I posted this, and in the meantime, I have researched some and prayed about it as well. The second article in particular coincided with something I had come across. A pastor was saying a key component to blasphemy was not believing the Word and prophets of God. As that second article stated, the Pharisees should certainly known of the timing and the signs that Jesus did, but they chose to deny it and attribute it to Satan. I see now, and I do believe, that I didn't commit this, nor would I ever be able to.

This has indeed been a stressful time, and I think the enemy has used any means he could to make the church feel attacked, and I believe I was suffering some of that due to the fact I have been trying to draw closer to the Lord, and Satan didn't like that. I like your method, of praying before reading the Word. I will do this too! So far, I would just begin reading where I left off, but I will ask the Lord to guide my reading and to show me what He wants me to see in it.

Thank you for the prayers, I believe they were answered, as I feel much more at peace now, than I did a couple of weeks ago. God bless you and thank you!

I'm so glad you were helped by those articles and the encouragement here at RF! Yes, we do have an enemy who would love for us to doubt our salvation, attempt to make us feel that we are disconnected from God somehow (usually through lies....he's the father of lies) and anything to keep us from growing in the Lord. Good for you in pressing on, enlisting help and not giving up!

Praise God you are feeling more at peace and biblically confident in your relationship with the Lord, that's wonderful!

You're going to have some really nice bible reading time as the Lord causes you to notice passages, maybe flip through to other places for broader understanding and also great aha! moments. I'm excited to see how God will speak to you through His word!

 

[JamesSuth]

Due to the pandemic, and lack of a decent church around the area, I haven't been attending church services for a while now. I truly believe I am saved, as I believe in Jesus as my only means of salvation. My problem is, I feel like the Lord doesn't hear my prayers and I feel quite distant from him most of the time. I know, or believe, that I have had answered prayers in the past.

I just want to give you some encouragement . Don't feel that church attendance is related to salvation in the slightest. I know that you don't see it that way, but many Christians almost imply it. It is better not to attend a church than attend a bad one. I was a regular church attender for many years after getting saved. More recently I've not attended a church, and either way it didn't affect my salvation, nor my relationship with the Lord. Just concentrate on reading your Bible, and I pray that God will give you insight into learning to hear Him speak to you. In my own case I was discipled (if that is even the right term) in Calvinist church and theology which left me with no idea about hearing from God or living the Christian life. But over the years as that false teaching has faded and been replaced with good teaching that is now available through the internet and radio, and I have learned to listen to the Lord.

The Lord, Jesus the Christ, is alive and has His Spirit living inside us. He wants to spend every day with us. Something that has been really helpful to me is to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18). By that I mean that as I go about my day I'm always asking God, what do you think about this or that. Or saying thank you for a thousand different things, and gradually over time I learned to hear that God was talking to me. I joke that I used to talk to myself, now I talk to the Maker of the Universe.

Years ago a very Godly friend of mine (who is now with the Lord) told me he was building a wall and he asked God how much water to put in the cement. I thought, wow, I would be content to just know what job and life God wants me to live! But over the years I have learnt that God is speaking to me just as much and I've learnt to hear Him. I pray it will happen to you too . As an example, this morning I thought to check a file that I'd prepared at work and found a mistake in it - that was God. I was worried about a parcel arriving while I was at work, and the thought then came into my mind to leave a note on the door - that was God. I asked God how to reply to you and 1 Thessalonians 5 came to mind - that was God. I looked outside and saw a beautiful sky above the fields and thanked God - that was God. I'm not boasting in the slightest, just giving you encouragement from one person who 'can't' hear from God to another that He can help us. May God bless you too.

Finally I'd say don't worry too much about the big questions - what job to take, where to live etc. I've always found that when I have big questions for God, He instead speaks to me about my attitudes, passages from the Bible and other things that seem to have nothing to do with what I was asking. But when I talk to God about what He wants to talk to me about an amazing thing happens - He also answers my questions also. Matthew 6: "33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

I hope that helps.

 

[thatguykeek]

Faith is exactly what you have described! Wanting something badly that you can't see directly. You are not as far off as you think. Please read Hebrews 11 in its entirety and continue to trust and hope in Christ with gratitude and expectation. You may not feel anything! God is using that to strengthen you friend.

 

[Batman]

Here is my advice to you.......seek an expository doctrinally correct NT church that loves their members........get into the Word daily on your own.........find other devout brothers and sisters to have a regular weekly Bible study with.........be at every Sunday service and Wednesday if it is offered and you have the ability.........and continue to look for and draw close to brothers and sisters outside the church and in that can be your every day friends and will provide you (and them) the iron-sharpens-iron benefits that we get in such relationships.