When I was young I was bought up as a catholic. I hated church because it was boring, but I did believe in what I was taught about God and the Bible at my catholic school. When I was about 13 or 14 I started going to a Pentecostal church with my gran and I enjoyed the less formal, warmer atmosphere it gave me. However at the age of 15 I lost faith, I prayed and prayed to God for him to show me what to do with my life, I felt lost and alone, my parents had divorced, I was bullied at school and the friends I did have were tedious to me. When I got no answer from God I decided to change paths and explore a different faith, namely witchcraft. I was into Wicca for a while and it made sense to me and I enjoyed it, my confidence seemed to grow and I made more friends and started having fun at school, although I never told anyone I was a witch because I didn’t want people to take the piss.

So anyway, I kinda lost interest in witchcraft and now I don't follow any faith.

However, lately I have been feeling like my soul is telling me to turn back to Christianity, I don't know why, my life is ok , I have a loving bf, I go to a good college and get money to spend on what I want. Every time I hear someone talking about Christianity or I find something about it on the net I feel like I want to believe again, but my brain keeps saying NO. My brain is thinking 'Hey come on, it’s a conspiracy or something, the church is filled with hypocrisy, it’s your life live it how you want to, don't let these bible bashers suck you in’ but something deep down is still drawing me back, its like a yearning to have the safety and love of God with me again.

So this morning after I woke up ( but was still kinda half asleep) I gave in, I prayed to God to tell me what is the true faith, to lead me to his side, so I empty my mind and I see this old man or something say 'soy up soy down' and I'm thinking this is nonsense, yet at my college I went to some Christian alpha thing (there was free food and drink) and they said when God is trying to tell you something sometimes he puts thoughts in your head that seem like you have thought them yet you know you didn't because they are so random and unrelated to what you are thinking. So I figure 'what the hell' and I type the phrase into Google, and wouldn't you know it I find a whole lotta stuff about Soya, so I click some link about Soya being bad for you because my mum drinks Soya milk and I wanted to make sure its safe (this was this first link I clicked aswell). But here is the weird thing; this totally random link that I pressed leads me to an article which at the very bottom says this 'The Church at Cane Creek 1000 Pearl Road, Pleasantville, TN 37147 www.NoGreaterJoy.org’ (http://www.NoGreaterJoy.org’) which is a Christian church. Do you think this is God's answer to me, that he knew being the internet junkie I am I would type his ridiculous phrase into the Google search engine and find the link?

Or is this all in my head and it’s just the brainwashing from when I was younger re-surfacing? I know it’s my decision in the end, but I thought I would get some outside opinions first, thanx.

I am a Christian.. just wanted that out so that you know my perspective.

I know God talks to us all the time. And generally, we either ignore or dont recognize that He is talking to us.

If it were me, i think that i would be inclined to pay attention, and "listen", and pray. When He asks questions, He provides the answers.

quote:Originally posted by Silly Stick:

it’s just the brainwashing from when I was younger re-surfacing

Beware of the voices.

Look what happened to Charlie Manson

http://www.charliemanson.com/

This is obviously something that has been placed in the path of your life, but it's up to you to decide whether or not you're comfortable with it. That website is obviously a more liberal and less strict Christian ministry. Maybe this is god's way of telling you that there is no one true faith, that you don't have to follow some strict Catholic guidelines?

I didn't read your post, but I say this: drugs, and fucking lots of them.

Okay, I read your post. Now I say: suicide.

Snoopy I have taken lots of drugs allready, that is not the point. And no, I dont think suicide is an option for me.

Thanx for everyone else who has bothered to read my post and give a proper answer.

You can't ever take too much. I say go for it.

I would have to say that if at 15 you lost your faith, that is pretty typical. Generally, we lose our MINDS when we are teenagers !

I also dabbled in the dark arts, and I must say that while it is very real, it's reality proves that there is a God, since everything in our universe is a product of balance...for good there must be bad, for light there must be darkness, and so on.

I also know for a fact that God will never stop waiting for you to come back - He loves His creation.

Matthew 18:10-14 - "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost."

At this point, you can consider yourself that one sheep.

Whether or not what you "saw" in your head was from Him or not is irrelevant to the fact that He is waiting for you to come back.

Matthew 7:7 - "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

Revelation 3:20 - "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

Likewise, you should read the parable of the Prodigal Son.

Luke 15:11 - "Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.

13 "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20 So he got up and went to his father.

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.

25 "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'

28 "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'

31 " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "



God go with you, all of your days.

http://www.totse.com/bbs/smile.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/smile.gif)

How does balance prove there is a God? Stupid people are funny. That's like saying: oh my, there is all this air and I'm such a dumb whore I don't know where it came from, so it must mean God put it here.

Stupid.

quote:Originally posted by Silly Stick:

When I was young I was bought up as a catholic. I hated church because it was boring, but I did believe in what I was taught about God and the Bible at my catholic school. When I was about 13 or 14 I started going to a Pentecostal church with my gran and I enjoyed the less formal, warmer atmosphere it gave me. However at the age of 15 I lost faith, I prayed and prayed to God for him to show me what to do with my life, I felt lost and alone, my parents had divorced, I was bullied at school and the friends I did have were tedious to me. When I got no answer from God I decided to change paths and explore a different faith, namely witchcraft. I was into Wicca for a while and it made sense to me and I enjoyed it, my confidence seemed to grow and I made more friends and started having fun at school, although I never told anyone I was a witch because I didn’t want people to take the piss.

So anyway, I kinda lost interest in witchcraft and now I don't follow any faith.

However, lately I have been feeling like my soul is telling me to turn back to Christianity, I don't know why, my life is ok , I have a loving bf, I go to a good college and get money to spend on what I want. Every time I hear someone talking about Christianity or I find something about it on the net I feel like I want to believe again, but my brain keeps saying NO. My brain is thinking 'Hey come on, it’s a conspiracy or something, the church is filled with hypocrisy, it’s your life live it how you want to, don't let these bible bashers suck you in’ but something deep down is still drawing me back, its like a yearning to have the safety and love of God with me again.

So this morning after I woke up ( but was still kinda half asleep) I gave in, I prayed to God to tell me what is the true faith, to lead me to his side, so I empty my mind and I see this old man or something say 'soy up soy down' and I'm thinking this is nonsense, yet at my college I went to some Christian alpha thing (there was free food and drink) and they said when God is trying to tell you something sometimes he puts thoughts in your head that seem like you have thought them yet you know you didn't because they are so random and unrelated to what you are thinking. So I figure 'what the hell' and I type the phrase into Google, and wouldn't you know it I find a whole lotta stuff about Soya, so I click some link about Soya being bad for you because my mum drinks Soya milk and I wanted to make sure its safe (this was this first link I clicked aswell). But here is the weird thing; this totally random link that I pressed leads me to an article which at the very bottom says this 'The Church at Cane Creek 1000 Pearl Road, Pleasantville, TN 37147 www.NoGreaterJoy.org’ (http://www.NoGreaterJoy.org’) which is a Christian church. Do you think this is God's answer to me, that he knew being the internet junkie I am I would type his ridiculous phrase into the Google search engine and find the link?

Or is this all in my head and it’s just the brainwashing from when I was younger re-surfacing? I know it’s my decision in the end, but I thought I would get some outside opinions first, thanx.

If you feel that way, it wouldn't at all hurt to be open-minded and try again, right?

BTW, it isn't the people of the church you should look at, it's Jesus. Humans have a sinful nature, and Jesus was perfect so we wouldn't have to be. The church is full of a religious attitude. You try telling a religious person Jesus went to Hell for 3 days and Ascended from Hell to Heaven then came back for 4 days to teach his disciples, they get VERY religious, and say "He didn't go to hell." Even though, the bible says he did.

Psalms 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Acts 2:27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

I mean people will fight you over the word of God. Which isn't right, it's religious. Jesus never sat down and argued with the pharisees either. However, you have church memebers who think "Go into the world and preach the gospel." Translates as, "Go into the world and fight for what you believe until you can get em saved." Actually the bible tells us that they will knows us as Christ, by our love walk and..

John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Not many people believe in the miracles done today, because the media doesn't cover them, and because they lack the faith that it requires to recieve and be a vessel and let it flow through. Every religion will tell you Jesus is the same today, as he was yesterday, and forever. However, they'll get offended when you ask them, if Jesus was preforming miracles 2,000 years ago, why aren't they now. The problem isn't in the people, it's the religion they BLINDLY follow. If you ask people at church how many times they've read the NT or the OT, they usually haven't even read it through once. Well, if you're not reading the bible, how do you know if what's being taught to you is of the bible or not?

Basically, what you feel right now, is what I did go through and if you feel the pull, don't deny it. I strongly encourage you not to. God's calling you back to fellowship with him. Don't get into a religious church. I urge you, if you decide to get back in fellowship, to attend a Word Faith church.

quote:Originally posted by Snoopy:

You can't ever take too much. I say go for it.



we agree with you. can't ever take too damn much. i mean, if you overdoes, you just go on an extra long trip, fly away, and never ever come down. fucking rocks.

to whoever said something about church hypocrisy, you are like right on. i'm hoping to create a post some time soon which will sort of i dunno make some kind of sense, or whatever. fuck it, christians in general are hypocrites. and dickheads. and assholes. fucking bitches. yeah. if i ever come down i might create the post. bye. guys.

quote:Originally posted by crazed_hamster:

we agree with you. can't ever take too damn much. i mean, if you overdoes, you just go on an extra long trip, fly away, and never ever come down. fucking rocks.

You're an idiot.

quote:Originally posted by Snoopy:

You're an idiot.



i appreciate the compliment.

quote:Originally posted by Digital_Savior:

I would have to say that if at 15 you lost your faith, that is pretty typical. Generally, we lose our MINDS when we are teenagers !

I also dabbled in the dark arts, and I must say that while it is very real, it's reality proves that there is a God, since everything in our universe is a product of balance...for good there must be bad, for light there must be darkness, and so on.

I also know for a fact that God will never stop waiting for you to come back - He loves His creation.

Matthew 18:10-14 - "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost."

At this point, you can consider yourself that one sheep.

Whether or not what you "saw" in your head was from Him or not is irrelevant to the fact that He is waiting for you to come back.

Matthew 7:7 - "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

Revelation 3:20 - "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

Likewise, you should read the parable of the Prodigal Son.

Luke 15:11 - "Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.

13 "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20 So he got up and went to his father.

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'

22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.

25 "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'

28 "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'

31 " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "



God go with you, all of your days.

http://www.totse.com/bbs/smile.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/smile.gif)

But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel: Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die.--Dt.22:20-21 [/fucking sounds]

[ http://www.totse.com/bbs/eek.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/eek.gif)]22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.[/ http://www.totse.com/bbs/eek.gif (http://www.totse.com/bbs/eek.gif)]

*angel raping mob*

quote:Originally posted by Snoopy:

How does balance prove there is a God? Stupid people are funny. That's like saying: oh my, there is all this air and I'm such a dumb whore I don't know where it came from, so it must mean God put it here.

Stupid.

Your logic is sharp like the anus of a mollusk.

Maybe you should get yourself crucified.

Might be a sign, maybe not. I'm sort of wary about signs, but I do think God is calling you to Him as He calls everyone. Just keep praying. And if You have a Bible read it. Just open it up and read a verse every once in a while. Maybe go to that Church, maybe go to Mass. God has a plan for you.

quote:Originally posted by Silly Stick:

... I feel like I want to believe again, but my brain keeps saying NO. My brain is thinking 'Hey come on, it’s a conspiracy or something, the church is filled with hypocrisy

Life is often filled with hypocrisies...

I don't believe in signs, myself. I think that can be dangerous.

Whatever you're looking for...it's already there...you just have to stop looking for it outside.

Just my opinion...

I was christian once but have since then lost my faith. But that is not important.

You should do what you want. Go for it but don't be afraid if questioning your faith and the faith of others. Don't just turn a blind eye and "take it in faith." Its good to know what is going on. Good luck.

I was raised as a catholic, and converted to paganism at around 15. I no longer subscribe to either, and honestly think religion is a sham to keep the population in line, but I do beleive in Zen Buddhism (Not a religion, by the way). All I can tell you that is for certain is you need to question everything. Question authority, question religion, question choices, question yourself, question your conclusions. Even question this. After you question everything in an unbiased way then you will find the answer (The Truth), but it probably won't be what you want it to be, not even close.

EDIT: Grammar

[This message has been edited by KolmeK (edited 07-05-2005).]

quote:Originally posted by xtreem5150ahm:

I am a Christian.. just wanted that out so that you know my perspective.

I know God talks to us all the time. And generally, we either ignore or dont recognize that He is talking to us.

If it were me, i think that i would be inclined to pay attention, and "listen", and pray. When He asks questions, He provides the answers. Just....just stop talking....

quote:Originally posted by Silly Stick:

Or is this all in my head and it’s just the brainwashing from when I was younger re-surfacing? I know it’s my decision in the end, but I thought I would get some outside opinions first, thanx.

I think this is just your subconscious mind. Think of it this way: what has god to benefit for you worshipping him? 10% of your taxes going to his church? Him gaining a Christian army to prepare for an armageddon?

If you want to make yourself and/or god proud, go do something worthful. Charity, humanitarian service, community work, etc.

I am not making fun of Christianity, but you have experience of being Wiccan/Christian/Pentec't, why go back? You know it would be a waste of time... unless you need to experience something there... Follow your instinct.

thanx, for all the advice, I'm still not sure what path to take, but I haven't been feeling the need to go back to christianity for a while. This is all so confusing lol.

I'm going to do some seriouse thinking over the next few days and maybe come to a conclusion.

What i find funny is that you all say that god anwsered you or you saw the light or somethin similar but you never explain how he contacted you. by phone?

quote:Originally posted by Silly Stick:



I'm going to do some seriouse thinking over the next few days and maybe come to a conclusion.

don't try to rush a conclusion, though, but yes do some thinking

quote:Originally posted by Sandbox:

Originally posted by xtreem5150ahm:

I am a Christian.. just wanted that out so that you know my perspective.

I know God talks to us all the time. And generally, we either ignore or dont recognize that He is talking to us.

If it were me, i think that i would be inclined to pay attention, and "listen", and pray. When He asks questions, He provides the answers. Just....just stop talking....





why?

are you a sign?

I'm going to let you in on the real secret: Me, and all these other posters...we're not real people. We're figments of your imagination...tiny little AIs in the depths of your subconscious presenting all the various viewpoints of life. Everything around you is a joke, simple memories pieced together thousands of times over in your immortal mind to create what you call 'life'. Enjoy the truth, I'm the only figment crafted with the ability to present it to you.

quote:Originally posted by Televangelism Rapist:

I'm going to let you in on the real secret: Me, and all these other posters...we're not real people. We're figments of your imagination...tiny little AIs in the depths of your subconscious presenting all the various viewpoints of life. Everything around you is a joke, simple memories pieced together thousands of times over in your immortal mind to create what you call 'life'. Enjoy the truth, I'm the only figment crafted with the ability to present it to you.



If that were true I think I would place simple memories that make reality fun, full of love and warmth and without all the war and sadness in the world, instead of the reality that actually is.

i think its a sign your gay

quote:Originally posted by DaStupidestNameEva:

i think its a sign your gay

Im a bi female actually, not that anyone cares.

I care.

Just another example of how religion is idiotic.

quote:Originally posted by Silly Stick:

When I was young I was bought up as a catholic. I hated church because it was boring, but I did believe in what I was taught about God and the Bible at my catholic school. When I was about 13 or 14 I started going to a Pentecostal church with my gran and I enjoyed the less formal, warmer atmosphere it gave me. However at the age of 15 I lost faith, I prayed and prayed to God for him to show me what to do with my life, I felt lost and alone, my parents had divorced, I was bullied at school and the friends I did have were tedious to me. When I got no answer from God I decided to change paths and explore a different faith, namely witchcraft. I was into Wicca for a while and it made sense to me and I enjoyed it, my confidence seemed to grow and I made more friends and started having fun at school, although I never told anyone I was a witch because I didn’t want people to take the piss.

So anyway, I kinda lost interest in witchcraft and now I don't follow any faith.

My brain is thinking 'Hey come on, it’s a conspiracy or something, the church is filled with hypocrisy, it’s your life live it how you want to, don't let these bible bashers suck you in’ <---[that=truth/good idea]

So this morning after I woke up ( but was still kinda half asleep) I gave in, I prayed to God to tell me what is the true faith, to lead me to his side, [youre a dumbass for doing this] I empty my mind and I see this old man or something say 'soy up soy down' and I'm thinking this is nonsense [and you were right], yet at my college I went to some Christian alpha thing (there was free food and drink)[bad idea] and they said when God is trying to tell you something sometimes he puts thoughts in your head that seem like you have thought them yet you know you didn't because they are so random and unrelated to what you are thinking. So I figure 'what the hell' and I type the phrase into Google, and wouldn't you know it I find a whole lotta stuff about Soya, so I click some link about Soya being bad for you because my mum drinks Soya milk and I wanted to make sure its safe (this was this first link I clicked aswell). But here is the weird thing; this totally random link that I pressed leads me to an article which at the very bottom says this 'The Church at Cane Creek 1000 Pearl Road, Pleasantville, TN 37147 www.NoGreaterJoy.org’ (http://www.NoGreaterJoy.org’) which is a Christian church. Do you think this is God's answer to me, that he knew being the internet junkie I am I would type his ridiculous phrase into the Google search engine and find the link?[sure god spoke to you,but saying that i am god,do whatever the hell you want]

Or is this all in my head and it’s just the brainwashing from when I was younger re-surfacing? [yes,yes it is] I know it’s my decision in the end, but I thought I would get some outside opinions first, thanx.



this has been edited to what needs read and and needed comentary added as well

quote:Originally posted by Silly Stick:

Im a bi female actually, not that anyone cares.

Then god hates you and will never take you back.

From what I've read, you're just another attention-whoring teenage girl. Come back in 5 years.

Do what feels right to you.

If practicing Christianity feels right to you right now, go for it. It doesn't mean you can't change your mind again later.

And for the record, I don't think it's all brainwashing. I think if you feel drawn to it, there's probably an instinctual, spiritual, reason.

Cheers,

Lost

quote:Originally posted by devil's haircut:

Then god hates you and will never take you back.

From what I've read, you're just another attention-whoring teenage girl. Come back in 5 years.

God will always forgive sins apparently, thats why he sent Jesus to die on the cross. God doesn't hate, he is all loving. And I'm not taking advise from the devils haircut thanx.

quote:Originally posted by outcast:

Whatever you're looking for...it's already there...you just have to stop looking for it outside.