Mick513

I wonder if you’d be kind enough to try and answer another few questions for me. I am struggling to understand the bible. I don’t just mean a given passage, I mean all of it. However I have to admit I have not attempted to read more than a few sections. Can I be a Christian and believe in God, and Jesus, but not understand the bible? This troubles me a little. I just find it so hard going. Firstly the old language that is used, but secondly I find it so hard to get any clear meaning from it. I have however just read the first 3 chapters of genesis. I think it is the new international version, which does seem a little easier reading. Please bear in mind it’s the first time I’ve read these passages although I have some prior knowledge of the content. If what I say seems a bit obvious, I apologise. I understood the first part of the text about the 7 days of creation, and the creation of man, woman, and animals. The tree of knowledge was forbidden. Was the implication that man was not to study science? Or I wonder if the meaning is different? and what the tree of knowledge symbolizes. And if it was God’s will for the apple not to be eaten, I wonder why the serpent tempted eve to do it. Was the serpent inherently evil? I understand then that the serpent, man, and women were punished for the deed, as the original sin. This seems to change the world forever. But was it Gods intention for man to remain pure forever, if the sin was not committed? And if so I wonder what kind of world we would live in. Anyway enough questions for now. Thanks for reading. Mick.

thank you so much for the replies to my question. Particularly, it struck a chord with what Willamina said about praying for Needs rather than desires. This encourages us not be selfish. I will continue to pray and learn as I go. Thank you to Bethany for clarifying I am on the right track with praying. sometimes it seems frustrating that acknowledgement of our prayer seem sometimes delayed, but I know God has a reason for everything, probably beyond my understanding. I do still find very much a great difficulty in interpreting the meaning of quotes from the bible. I'm sure i'll be asking more questions soon.

Greetings, I want to strengthen my relationship with God and feel more purposefully in prayer. When I pray I feel confused about what I should say. I make a point of never asking for anything for myself , as it seems wrong to use God as a kind of wishing machine. Although I’m sure if I was really desperate I would. In prayer, I ask for forgiveness for my sins, and always offer thanks for what has recently happened to me. I do however ask for specifics regarding the health and happiness of those around me. I also ask for guidance or for signs that God is looking out for me, or a direction for me to take. I’m frustrated that I don’t see signs or understand any guidance that may have come my way. Is this a common feeling? My question is how do you manage your prayer, and get to feeling closer to God, like a friend or father? For me often it feels like I’m going through to motions and I feel formal and no quite relaxed as I would talking to a friend. Many thanks for your reading of my post. Mick.

Anna Maria, You've had a terrible time. I dont know what you must be going through,as i've not suffered like that, but i did have a painful divorce. Whist going through the divorce the process kept me going and kept my busy even though i was distraught, but when everything was concluded i felt so empty like a burnt out shell. I fell apart. I can say though the time is a healer, and now 10 year later i can cope again. I'm sure you will never forget the pain of the loss of your mother but just hang in there. You will get your life back. I have to be strong. Look to God for guidence, and listen for his answers, they will come, thats a promise. Mick.

I think you have suffered enough worrying about this. Pray to god and try to get closure on this then you can move on. I guess we can spent too long worrying about past sins when the future is important and we have a chance to conduct ourselves well. Wishing you happiness. Mick.