Sincere Christians Only please - my faith is being tested and shaken

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This topic seemed to be opened up for discussion on lr7gmx's personal faith in regards to the Marduk theory, please let's stick to that. Any other concerns can be aired by use of the Alert feature.

Thank you,

Jak

Originally posted by lr7gmx
With everything that is going on in the world I am becoming more and more frightened. New Agers or scientists are preaching the Marduk theory and that messes with my mind. I am a conservative Protestant Christian and am struggling to maintain my faith. Is there anyone listening to my pleas?

Mick

You may have reached the point in your walk with Christ that you have to choose between his guidance and your "conservative" stance. Jesus Christ was the ultimate liberal and as time progresses he will be calling those who belong to him to part from the political bents and what they think is true due only to the people around them.

Christ was deeply philosophical. Remember the GREATEST commandment, love God with all your heart and all your soul and love others as you love yourself. All of the actions that the "conservative" side denounces on a daily basis such as reaching out to the poor, helping those around you, taking care of one another, all those "socialist" things.... those are the things Christ calls us to do.

Perhaps your struggle with your faith isn't what you think it is, perhaps it's a struggle to get away from those who have altered your faith and your relationship with Christ.

Your answers aren't going to come from an internet message board, they aren't going to come from your local church and they're not going to come from a conservative fundamentalist evangelican pastor or group, they can only come from Christ. Instead of asking other people, you need to ask yourself, then you need to pray and read, read, read, read, read.

Sit down away from distractions and read the Bible. Due to your status and questions, start with the New Testament, all of it, not parts and pieces or verses here and there, the whole thing, every word. After you do that, look at other interpretations than those you have been exposed to already. Keep Biblegateway.com open as you do and compare and contrast as you go.

When someone says something comes from the bible, don't just accept it, find it, then look at the context around it, not just the individual verse. Look at the history and culture behind it and think critically while doing so. Only then will you get the true message that's being given.

The Bible isn't meant to be taken a verse here and a verse there, it's meant to be taken as a whole. It's meant to be researched, to read, to be connected to the culture and the time it was written, to be poured over to be internalized. It's not a "Do this not that" instruction book, it's an epic novel that speaks to you as a whole, not in parts.

Set yourself apart from other people, read, pray, read, research, read, pray, read, read, read.... This isn't meant to tear your faith apart, it's meant to rebuild your faith in the correct aspects that direct you to Christ instead of to a social group. A "church", as we know it today, isn't the answer. The churches we have today are there for gathering to share worship of Christ, not build your faith or teach you about him, they do an extremely poor job of that. He likes the joyful noise that comes from the church when it's directed in praise of him, but other than that, it's just a gathering of people, the true church is the set of beliefs and the knowledge of his teachings, not a building.

The only needed participants in your journey are you and Christ, don't let someone else tell you which path to take, you have to find that for yourself by following Christ's influence in your life. The first thing you'll need to do is drop the labels like "conservative", "protestant", "evangelical". Those are descriptions of groups, not descriptions of faith. If you follow Christ, you are a Christian, not a grouping of those other things. Follow him, not labels.

If you are serious about you faith, first thing you need to do is talk to your pastor. If you don't have one, consult a reputible Christian group such as carm.org or gotquestions.org. ATS is not a place to inquire things concerning the one true God. There are a few bible believing born again Christians lurking around here, but they are extremely rare. The majority of members here are proof of my signature, and are vehemently opposed to all things Christ.

With that being said, I have been around here for a couple of years, and my faith is strengthened when I read some of the ridiculous threads created on this site. The general attitudes of the non believers is proof positive of what Paul writes about in Timothy as to what we are to expect from them. They are completely oblivious to the truth, just as he says in Romans: ever learning, but never able to come to the truth... professing themselves to be wise, they became fools... Etc.

As to the Marduk theory, it is just another unsubstantiated theory, that quite frankly is not compelling in the least

reply to post by lr7gmx


I still wonder as to why there are Christian/religious posts on a conspiracy website. . .

I went through this for 20 years and it only strengthened my faith in a loving God. I also came to realize that religion is a sham and works against our spirituality growth. We have a conscience for a reason and religion is not aligned but rather opposes that which we know in our hearts to be true. It is hard to let go of something that has been in your life since birth but don't stop trying. That the nonreligious are evil, is simply nonsense and can be easily tested. Keep working to communicate with your inner self and you will get there. All is well and always will be.

Maybe god is trying to tell you that you have taken the wrong path. Perhaps you should be Catholic, or Mormon. Im not religious or anything, just trying to help as if I was. Honestly.

Stay strong, and if your god does exist, then he (or she?) will show you the way. I believe the correct path will present itself, but it is up to you to follow it once it does.

Good luck, and above all, have faith in yourself and things will work out.

Originally posted by kingofmd
If you are serious about you faith, first thing you need to do is talk to your pastor. If you don't have one, consult a reputible Christian group such as carm.org or gotquestions.org. ATS is not a place to inquire things concerning the one true God. There are a few bible believing born again Christians lurking around here, but they are extremely rare. The majority of members here are proof of my signature, and are vehemently opposed to all things Christ.

With that being said, I have been around here for a couple of years, and my faith is strengthened when I read some of the ridiculous threads created on this site. The general attitudes of the non believers is proof positive of what Paul writes about in Timothy as to what we are to expect from them. They are completely oblivious to the truth, just as he says in Romans: ever learning, but never able to come to the truth... professing themselves to be wise, they became fools... Etc.

As to the Marduk theory, it is just another unsubstantiated theory, that quite frankly is not compelling in the least

Hey, I never said I opposed Christ, just organized religion. He could have been a pretty good guy for all I know. Or he could have never existed, either way, the best thing to do is believe in yourself, because you most definitely do exist.

reply to post by PurpleChiten


I really do like you PurpleChiten, but do you think Sheldon would agree with you? I am just curious, because you seem to have interest in him.

Anyways, thanks for at least spreading the word about the corruption of "the church". Some people can be deceived by them their whole life and not know it. In fact, didn't the bible say such things were likely to occur?

I am praying for you. Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eye can see. When I question, I do ask God to come in to my questions (because he knows we have them) and make the truth known to me in whatever way he wills (because if it is of him it will be OK no matter what in the end). Seek and you will find him. Here is an inspirational video I found one time in a time of questioning. May the peace that passes all understanding fill you and may God strengthen your faith.

www.theinterviewwithgod.com...

Open up video to full screen for better viewing.

reply to post by lr7gmx


The deception is getting deep out there. You have to look at the sources of these "theories". 90% of the time they are coming from gnostic Lucifarian think tanks such as free masonry, rosicrucianism, cabalistic and talmudistic zionism,the theosophical society, and even from ecumenal (counterfiet) christianity. It is important to use 1 john 1:9. Continuously confess your sins to God the Father and the holy spirit will fill you, and will act as a filter that will help you to discern truth from lie, and distortion from reality.

reply to post by lr7gmx


Shouldn't you be turning to the Word of God (bible)? You are looking to flawed humans for your answers. I am a christian, not because I go to a church (which I don't anymore), but because I believe what Jesus taught. Fear is a powerful tool for the evil one and ones. Are you afraid of death? Don't be, it will be a relief from what is to come.

Well let me tell you my story. When I first started hearing voices, they were mean mind controlling sadists. And I rarely prayed because they would get mad if I did. So I chose another way, my own way. I did psychic and mind control things to them. Somehow we got to a scenario where they were in another dimension and there were guards outside the room they were in. Eventually I heard gunshots, then I heard them from hell telling me about it and calling for my help. I used my spirit or essence, whatever it's called to reach into hell and destroy it, this made the evil one very mad at me. He attacked me with what sounded like nukes going off around me, very real sounding i assure you-I was scaired. Well i used mind control in that situation as much as i could, then I started to hear what I thought was God speaking. Around this time anomalies started occuring. Around my bed something was opening spinning vortexes that nearly tore me apart, luckily they would dissapate as my arms or head got pulled into them, they felt really wierd by the way. Like your brain is being pulled in many directions at once. My cigarretes would be crushed or displaced. And I found a message from beyond on a kleenex under my bed. When this nightmare scenario was over. I started hearing Jesus talk to me, i asked him if he could heal my brain so I wouldn't have to hear them all speaking to me. Suddenly early in the morning outside, I felt a sensation fill my mind, but only half. You see i channeled armegeddon thinking i could spare my fellow man the pain. Not knowing it would interupt the cycle of the Holy Prophecies. It does say in the bible that the heavens shall be shaken. Well the strange sounds are a sign that I believe, shows that happened. I have 100% faith in Jesus, but not in myself to not fall short of his glory. He will return when the time is right if he does at all, remember, it says hell return through the clouds, he may have already done that? It's best just to live your life ignorant and happy, unfortunately God or the evil one or whatevers out there, didn't let me have that.

I am a conservative Protestant Christian

^ I found your problem. Try being less of a traditionalist, it opens your mind more. You won't be able to unlock a door if you're not willing to try all the keys.

It's a fact of life.

In reference to the Marduk Theory, I am confused: how does one claim to be a Christian, and yet believe the theory that there are a number of gods, one being Marduk? The source I've found says that the twelfth planet was assigned to him as a celestial counterpart in reward for becoming "King of the Gods". From a Christian standpoint, this is blasphemy.

reply to post by Violater1


Wonderfully and Truthfully told,

I have nothing to add except a few Verses from the Word,

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

21 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.

23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

To Op. Maybe you are supposed to feel like this to come to the next stage of your understanding. Jesus himself even had his own amagydala fear overload that changed him . If you are not supposed to go that road then relax and take it easy. God will not give up on you on some technicality but you might prolong being unhappy and being disconnected from god because of your actions. No matter what other people say here one day you will find your way home. Wake up that spirit in you. You will know physicly when you feel the grace and know you are home.

tip: don't watch cnn.

there is a concerted effort to instil fear into the population.

and its been going on since 9/11.

Originally posted by lr7gmx
With everything that is going on in the world I am becoming more and more frightened. New Agers or scientists are preaching the Marduk theory and that messes with my mind. I am a conservative Protestant Christian and am struggling to maintain my faith. Is there anyone listening to my pleas?

Mick

Focus on what miracles you have experienced in your past that solidified your faith. My most recent was being slugged off a bar stool. Closest person was 20 feet away. I was definitely somewhere I shouldn't have been. The devil is always working on you to make you forget who and what you are. Any negative feelings he brings about within pulls you away from that. And we forget fast who we are outside of pursuing the will of God. It is human nature.
2 things I have found to be helpful are to say the Lord's Prayer, and/or to "Rebuke you demon of ?(Lust,anger,greed,envy,despair,etc) in the name of Jesus Christ!"

I used to be in the same position as you, except I fell away from my faith. I realized although I accepted Christ as a child, and it felt great, my underlying motive was the fear of hell. It wasn't within me to put my faith in a particular religion that accepts non-Christians are going to burn for eternity. I find the notion repulsive and the epitome of insanity.

I do still believe there may be a Creator/intelligent designer; I'm also on the edge about demonic entities & such, but I'm inclined to think they're real. We live in a strange reality. Our very existence as humans is confounding and a mystery, one that I want to find the truth behind.

Originally posted by Renegade2283
reply to post by PurpleChiten

 

I really do like you PurpleChiten, but do you think Sheldon would agree with you? I am just curious, because you seem to have interest in him.

Anyways, thanks for at least spreading the word about the corruption of "the church". Some people can be deceived by them their whole life and not know it. In fact, didn't the bible say such things were likely to occur?

Sheldon is often respectful of his mother's beliefs even though he doesn't agree with them

...and I'm not Sheldon so I'm allowed

A friend on here calls me Shellie because he thinks I'm a lot like Sheldon and others joined in and made the background for me so I use it in honor of them as well as liking the tv show. ...personally, I think I'm more of a "Leonard", but, I have to satisfy my "fan club" ya know

reply to post by tide335


Why shouldn't there be? There are people that are Christian that are interested in such topics. There is also some "anti"-Christian things on this site. Should Christians not be able to participate in the discussions and defend their faith?