Still Not Saved

[Guest Your_love_is_the_anchor]

Okay, I'm kinda having issues...I live in a completely Christian home and am surrounded by Christian and "Christian" people...I've read a lot of the Bible...I'm constantly involved in Christian stuff..etc...but I'm STILL NOT SAVED!!

In the summer I was sure that God existed and Jesus died for me..but now I don't always know..and my best friend Amy, who's also supposedly "Christian", isn't, and I think she's a bad influence on me even though she's my best friend in the whole world!!

..I want to work at a Christian day camp again this summer..but I don't think I should: how can I help people to get to know Christ when I don't even know him! I'm such a hypocrite. I need prayers!!

[Constant]

Okay, I'm kinda having issues...I live in a completely Christian home and am surrounded by Christian and "Christian" people...I've read a lot of the Bible...I'm constantly involved in Christian stuff..etc...but I'm STILL NOT SAVED!!

In the summer I was sure that God existed and Jesus died for me..but now I don't always know..and my best friend Amy, who's also supposedly "Christian", isn't, and I think she's a bad influence on me even though she's my best friend in the whole world!!

..I want to work at a Christian day camp again this summer..but I don't think I should: how can I help people to get to know Christ when I don't even know him! I'm such a hypocrite. I need prayers!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You need to accept him into your life and heart. Sometimes it is hard to know that He is there. Maybe you shouldn't hang out with your friend if she isn;t a good influence on your beliefs. I will pray.

[Orr v'emet]

What's holding you back?

(If you want to pm me instead of posting it all here feel free. I'll be glad to help! )

[Guest Your_love_is_the_anchor]

I don't know..I want to make sure it's real

[Guest NewPilgrim]

Anchor, thats probably the best attitude you could have. I was raised in an entirely christian family and had very similar experiences to the ones you describe. I went my own a way at about 14 and started searching sincerely for answers in God when I was about 24 (6 years ago). During those 6 years, like you I wanted to be sure its real and more importantly that my commitment was real. If I couldnt give myself sincerely and totally to God then I would be hypocritical and most likely, my commitment would not endure. In my experience there are two thinks that God seeks in a potential follower before he is saved: One is a preference for God, the desire for him to trully exist and for all the things we've learned to be true, and the other is that when we commit our lives to him, when we are saved, we should have an "all or nothing" attitude. That is that it should be a deeply genuine desire to give our life to God and serve him with every breath. If you have these two attributes, God will call you at the perfect moment. Endure, little sister, he is faithful

Edited March 24, 2005 by NewPilgrim

[Guest baby_blair]

About your friend..... I struggle with the same thing constantly. Majority of my christian friends don't act very christian and because I hang around them I found myself doing things I really don't want to do. One of my friends is pagan and I go to her for advice a lot which I've learned is only ok in certian situations. I (as you do) don't really want to give up any of my friends so I laid down some limits. My friends know where they are and they tend not to push me.

I think if you set down some limits on what you will do/say/whatever and your friend accepts them, then she's a great friend. And by keeping her as a friend when you do find your faith in God you can help her (Mine tease me and call me mommy because I don't let them do stuff to get in trouble ). If she still doesn't listen when you ask her not to do certian things around you or ask you to do certian things, then she's not a very good friend and that's when I'd say being her friend isn't very good for you.

I don't know if what I said made any sense to you but if you have any questions about it, or if you have any questions about Jesus/christianity feel free to pm or email me. I would love to help!

blair

[Keith]

Letter to Sarah, from Jesus:

My Dear Sarah:

My love, I love you (John 15:9). I have called you by your name, you are mine (Isaiah 43:1). Before I formed you, I knew you. And before you were born, I consecrated you (Jeremiah 1:5). You did not choose me, I chose you (John 15:16). Beloved, I wish above all things that you prosper and be in good health, even as your soul prospers (III John 2).

Because you are precious to me, and honored, I love you (Isaiah 43:4). I have loved you with an everlasting love and I will continue my constant love (Jeremiah 31:3). How can I abandon you? My love for you is too strong (Hosea 11:8). I love you so much that I hung on the cross at Calvary. I died for you, and if you believe in Me, you will have everlasting life (John 3:16). Can a woman forget her own baby and not love the child she bore? Yet, even should she forget, I will never forget you. I cannot forget you. I will hold you in the palm of my hands (Isaiah 49:15-16). For I, the Lord your God, am holding you by the right hand (Isaiah 41:13). I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS UNTIL THE END OF THE WORLD (Matthew 28:20).

Do not let your heart be troubled, trust in me (John 14:1). I will help you (Isaiah 41:14). When you pass through the deep waters, I will be with you. Your troubles will not overwhelm you. The hard trials that will come will not hurt you. (Isaiah 43:2). When you walk through the valley of the shadows of death, do not be afraid because I am with you. My rod and my staff will comfort you. I will lead you in the path of righteousness (Psalm 23).

I will give you peace in the midst of a storm, not as the world giveth. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27). Peace I give which will pass all understanding and shall keep your heart and mind (Philippians 4:7). When you lie down, do not be afraid. Your sleep shall be sweet (Proverbs 3:24). My love for you will keep your dwelling safe (Psalm 4:8).

Beloved, my eyes are upon you and I will give you hope, for I am merciful (Psalm 33:18). You will have access to my grace and rejoice in hope while sharing in the glory of my Father (Romans 5:2). I will give you joy and peace. The mountains and hills will sing, and the trees will clasp their hands before you (Isaiah 55:12). You may have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice and no one will take your joy from you (John 16:22).

Do not worry (Luke 12:9). Even the hairs of your head have all been counted, so there is no need to be afraid of anything (Matthew 10:30). The mountains may depart and the hills will be shaken, but my steadfast love for you will never end (Isaiah 54:10). Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

Come, my love. Come, I will lead you into solitude and there I will speak tenderly to your heart. I will be true and faithful. I will show you constant love and make you mine forever. I will keep my promise, and you will really know me then as never before. I am who I am (Exodus 3:14). I am the Lord your God (Hosea 13:4).

Your Faithful Friend,

Jesus

[ann2]

OH,Keith that is so beautiful,I wish someone had sent that to me when i was struggling with my faith. Leah.this letter is an open invitation from God to come and make your soul at rest in him.Dear little sister heed His call.

[apothanein kerdos]

Salvation isn't a pit stop but a journey. We do not accept Christ one day and the next we are Billy Graham. We accept Christ as our Lord and at that point He begins to transform us into who we are supposed to be on this earth. This transformation will never be complete until death.

I suggest you read "Messy Spirituality" by Mike Yackoneli or "The Jesus I Never Knew" or "What's So Amazing About Grace" both by Philip Yancey.

[Guest Your_love_is_the_anchor]

Dear Constant, Orr v'emet, NewPilgrim, blair, Keith, ann, and Super Jew:

My real name is Sarah, not Leah. Thank you SO much for your encouraging words. They were the building blocks that led me to accept Christ into my heart this Thursday, March 24, 2005 . You're right, SuperJew, this is a journey, and I have much further to go. Thank you all, and may God bless you.