Lukewarm?

[BubbleBoy]

I have lived my whole life in a Christian home - a Christian home with enough money to pay for anything I could really want. Most of my life, I've thought of myself as being saved, but lately I really have been questioning that. I was sort of taught that if you just recite a prayer saying, "I want you in my heart," then you go to heaven, but I've always known there must be more to it than that. And lately the same Biblical teaching has been brought up many times, which is that if you are a true follower of Christ, people should be able to see it in your works. And if you aren't suffering, you aren't doing your job right.

I am certainly not bringing glory to God through my works. And I'm definitely NOT suffering, at least not physically. I'm not sure whether this means I am yet unsaved, but I just don't know what to do about it. I definitely don't want to give up on God or anything, but I can't feel any kind of connection to Him, no matter how much I try to pray to and obey Him. I know He has given me so much, and I thank Him for it, but it just means nothing to me if He isn’t even there.

But to bring myself to the real reason I posted this, besides just your prayers that God might induce some spiritual growth within me, I would like to request a good Bible verse to read. I’ve realized recently that I don’t read my Bible. I do Bible studies and stuff, and I listen to people talk about the Bible and what it means, but I never really read my Bible, and I hardly have any verses memorized, besides the classic John 3:16 and Romans 3:23.

I've grown comfortable with a system in which I whine about things I don't even know what God has to say about. Please, I don’t want to die lukewarm.

[TheKarazyvicePresidentRR]

I'd suggest memorizing Psalm 23. Its an old staple memory chapter but it also brings great comfort.

A I'm praying for you and understand what you mean. I'm trying to rely on God more and more to help establish a better connection, it may sound silly but if you rely on someone enough, you become closer. Also you're on the right track with the bible reading. Getting to know someone (God) helps strengthen the connection as well.
B I would not say if you are not "Suffering" you are not doing your job right. Yes you WILL have trials, issues, persecution, etc. but just because life is going good that does not mean you are doing wrong.
C Do not base how close you are on how you feel. Period. Emotions make no sense.
D As silly as it sounds, have you tried reading 1 proverb a day with a notepad and pen near by to write down insights God gives you? I would encourage it before you wake up. Quiet time always helps. (Which, adhd, I've had a bad week, and guess what I didn't do this week. Just some proof for ya.)
E Persevere.

[Prof Underwood]

RR gave you some great advice.  I would add to it:

1 - Instead of focusing on what God can do for you, focus on what you can do for God.  Look for opportunities to minister to others.  Volunteer to serve a meal at a homeless shelter.  Visit with some people at a nursing home.  Ask your pastor what you could do to help out the church.  You'll discover that when you serve others that you will see God at work in a more powerful way.

2 - You're on the right track about reading your Bible.  It is a great way to get to know God better.  Make sure that you commit yourself to follow whatever you discover there.  If you obey what God tells you do, then He will talk to you more often.  Try the gospel of John and the book of Philippians to start with.

3 - Get into a small group for some accountability.  They will challenge you to not give up when the going gets tough.  They will be able to help answer questions that you may come up with.  And you will be able to help them in the same way.  Don't try to be a Lone Ranger for God.

[TheJaylor]

RR gave you some great advice.  I would add to it:

1 - Instead of focusing on what God can do for you, focus on what you can do for God.  Look for opportunities to minister to others.  Volunteer to serve a meal at a homeless shelter.  Visit with some people at a nursing home.  Ask your pastor what you could do to help out the church.  You'll discover that when you serve others that you will see God at work in a more powerful way.

2 - You're on the right track about reading your Bible.  It is a great way to get to know God better.  Make sure that you commit yourself to follow whatever you discover there.  If you obey what God tells you do, then He will talk to you more often.  Try the gospel of John and the book of Philippians to start with.

3 - Get into a small group for some accountability.  They will challenge you to not give up when the going gets tough.  They will be able to help answer questions that you may come up with.  And you will be able to help them in the same way.  Don't try to be a Lone Ranger for God.

1 it's true if you help others God helps you

2 I agree that the Gospel of John is a good place to start

3 even if you're just with a friend who you can trust to help you on your way.

God works wonders and knows all things. Our mighty God

[uthminister [BR]]

Another book that would be beneficial to read (which will lead you to other places in the Bible to consider) is Crazy Love by Francis Chan. The perspective he offers is certainly biblical and supremely challenging and speaks directly to your questions and concerns about your current lifestyle and what it could be if you were not "lukewarm"...  If you want to PM me I would even ship you a copy of the book for free.

[BubbleBoy]

Thanks everyone for your advice! I am going to start reading the gospel of John today, and I will also try to remember to read some Psalms and Proverbs before bed and take notes on them. I will also take uthminister up on his offer.

One more question: What would be the best version of the Bible for me to read? Right now, I have a copy of the New Scofield Study Bible, KJV, but King James really seems to me more like the "official" version, not really a good daily reading version. I think NIV seems the best for me...

[TheKarazyvicePresidentRR]

If you are comfortable with the NKJV or KJV then I'd say go with that, if you're more comfortable NIV use that.

Crosswalk.com could be of help.

[Alex_Olijar]

I personally like the ESV.

I'd suggest reading Ecclesiastes. There's a lot in there, and in my expirience with both myself and a close friend, both of whom have had similar epiphanies and worries, Ecclesiastes helped a lot. At first glance some of the stuff might seem very counter intuitive, but when you look into it and pick it apart, you realize what God is saying to the world today.

[SomeKittens]

I use NLT (New Living Translation) for my daily read.
I know what you're going through, PM me if you want personal support.

[Red]

i may be in a minority but I recomend the KJV.

[SomeKittens]

I like KJV, just not for daily reading

[drb1200]

I like NLT as a daily-reading bible but as a study bible NKJV is far superior.

[BubbleBoy]

Well, I can't seem to find any other Bibles right now anyway, but thanks for the recommendations.

[BubbleBoy]

Okay, I have been reading this Crazy Love book, as well as the Gospel of John, and I have concluded that can't possibly be saved. I don't know what loving God is supposed to feel like, but I don't think it's happening for me, and I don't know how to change that. I need help badly.

[SomeKittens]

I need help badly.

This much is true.  Wanna talk?

[BubbleBoy]

Wanna talk?

Yes, I do.

[jtay]

I have felt the way that you do on many occasions.  Love of God is something that I simply do not understand.  For understanding love, I recommend 1 John.  As for doubting your salvation, here are a few verses:

"And He said, 'Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.'

From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.  Then Jesus said to the twelve, 'Do you also want to go away?'

But Simon Peter answered Him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' "

~John 6:65-69

Despite whatever lack of emotion, love, etc. that you may be feeling at the moment, take heart in Simon's reply.  Upon hearing Jesus ask the question, "Do you want to go away," I believe any true Christian's response would be very similar to Simon's.  After you're sure of what your answer is to that question, then I would direct you to 1 John where you can learn about love and obedience.

[SomeKittens]

Really, who's going to tell you you're not saved?  The enemy, that's who.  He's only got whatever power you give him, and you've got all authority in the name of Jesus.
Yeah, that sounds cheesy and straight out of Kidz church, but I'm going to keep repeating it until everyone gets it.
John 10:10 - Jesus is here to help you out in this very situation.

[BubbleBoy]

Really, who's going to tell you you're not saved?  The enemy, that's who.

That is if that person knows that I am saved, and is trying to discourage me. If someone does not think that I am saved, and tells me so, and tries to lead me to the path of righteousness, is there any higher act of love?

[TheHobbit13]

Dude don't worry, this verse helps me out a bit sometimes.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. I Peter chapter 5 verse 7

"which is that if you are a true follower of Christ, people should be able to see it in your works."
Every time I hang out with you I see it in your works. Your just a good guy.
Also the mere fact that you bring this topic up is a good sign that you are not exactly lukewarm. Dude every christian goes through hard times and the best thing you can do is to pray and read your bible and try to find a passion or a part of Gods heart that you can serve (that is what I did).

Glorifying God doesn't neccessarily mean you have to read the bilble every day or walk through the hoops perfectly, God wants your heart and that is the most important thing.

[BubbleBoy]

Thank you so much Nathan. That really means a lot to me coming from you.

[uthminister [BR]]

So how far have you gotten in Crazy Love?

[BubbleBoy]

So how far have you gotten in Crazy Love?

I'm about halfway. I'm a slow reader.

[D-man]

I don't know if this has been said already, but emotions can be a huge stumbling block.  At first, you will not reliably feel love and passion for God.  You CANNOT count on it and only do "spiritual" things when you "feel" spiritual.  Consistently read the Bible and pray (preferrably a lot ) even if you don't feel like it.  Hope this helps. 

[BubbleBoy]

Well, I finished the book a long time ago, as well as the gospel of John. I'm still feeling just really crummy. My life is guided by sin. I really wish it wasn't. I really wish I could just say no to the world. I really wish that I trusted in God for everything. I really wish I could live for my eternal life rather than my present one. But I can't. I'm getting really frustrated, almost angry, although I'm not sure at whom. Myself? My environment? God?

So what am I missing? The whole doctrine of love seems so simple. I mean, I believe that Jesus died for our sins, and raised from the dead, that we might live with Him forever. But where's the ooey gooey feeling that's supposed to come with that? Is there anything that I can do? I mean, if we're saved by grace, maybe this is how I'm supposed to feel.

I dunno, I'm just really confused. I would love to just sit down and talk to someone with some answers, but everyone around me seems to be as absorbed with their own satisfaction as I am. Call me unobservant or whatever, but I don't think I'm really sure what a godly person is. I don't know what it looks like for someone to be fully devoted to God, and for His hand to be working directly in their lives. That seems like all the more reason for me to want to be that person, but it also makes it all the more difficult. I also would like to read just about anything but a King James Bible...ugh.

So what do I do now? I'm not sure how much longer I can go on feeling like this.

[Alex_Olijar]

I've lived the large majority of my life feeling similarly. I am not one to post a large message or anything (you can PM me if you want) but I think it woudl suffice to say that you have to do. For example, it is psychologically proven that if you attempt to smile more you become happier. Similarly, you become more loving as you do loving acts (even with a bad inward attitude). That's the best I have for you here.

[Prof Underwood]

My life is guided by sin. I really wish it wasn't. I really wish I could just say no to the world. I really wish that I trusted in God for everything. I really wish I could live for my eternal life rather than my present one. But I can't.

It sounds to me like you would really benefit and enjoy being part of an accountability group.  Does your church have these available to join?

But where's the ooey gooey feeling that's supposed to come with that?

Christianity is not about ooey gooey feelings.

I don't know what it looks like for someone to be fully devoted to God, and for His hand to be working directly in their lives.

Then you need to get to know some different people.  Often there are some elderly saints in your church who would be great examples and mentors.  If there aren't any, then you need to find a different church.  Another option is to read some biographies about people who fit your description above.  I would suggest George Mueller, John Wesley, Mother Theresa, and David Livingston.  For a fictional account of what this could look like, I suggest the book called "Into His Steps".  It's an easy read and is really good.

[Daniel TS RED]

I would encourage you to listen to an online message each day.  These do not take place of church, but for a lot of people, church is once a week and then you're kinda out of teaching until the next week.

The thing that gets us from where we are to where we want to be is God's word. Something also that I've failed miserably to do is to focus on the good things you do for God.  Acts of obedience and times when you follow God's commands.  If you're always looking at your sin, it's hard to see the Peace, Forgiveness, and Love that God has given to you. Ask for Forgiveness when you sin and always try to be Christlike, but don't spend a bunch of time focus'n on your sin because that's what the Devil wants you to do.  Ask for Forgiveness and make the right decision the next time.

Try this out:

http://www.calvaryftl.org/AWMedia/archive/index.cfm

Daniel

 

p.s. I'm not sure where you're at in your walk with the Lord, but to ask for Help in becoming closer to God shows you're heading in the right direction.

p.s.s. The first 20 mins of each video is singing and annoucements, so you can skip that if you'd like.  Also Each new weekly video has only audio for a couple days.  So you might want to watch each one a week late, so you can actually watch em and not listen only.

[TheKarazyvicePresidentRR]

BB if you need help/just wanna talk/has been through stuff like this before, feel free to PM me. I will be more than willing to help the best I can. The basics are simple, figuring out how to work them is hard. I really feel for you, its a constant struggle for all believers everyday. I know I'm not super holy myself but I understand what you're going through and really do care for you. It can be so enfuriating.

[uthminister [BR]]

I would love to tell you that it gets easier, but the simple fact is that we are in the middle of a battle. The thing we need to realize is that our battle matters even though the war has already been won. In contradiction to what I have heard so many times in my life, I think that if you are not saved then Satan would not want to make you aware of it, but would rather leave you in a state of false security. Therefore any time I feel as though I have something that needs to move out of the way or go altogether, I generally attribute it to the Holy Spirit. I know that when I read Crazy Love with my High School group, I don't think that anyone walked away thinking they had the Christian walk nailed down. Dude, I would love to have another guy like you in our Discipleship Group who really wants to be a follower of Jesus. Feel free to PM me, but as was so easy to do when I read that book, don't miss the grace. For some reason our holy God involves us even though he knows we are tainted by sin...figure that one out.