Struggling. Am I a true Christian?

[Jesusismyfriend]

I am just so confused right now. I know most Christians don’t doubt to the extent that I do. I’m getting frustrated. It seems like every Christian church is attacking at least one other church, calling the members heretics or “wolves in sheep’s clothing,” and stuff like that. I have actually been trying to do the right thing lately, and trying to be more genuine. Like I try to be more loving towards others. But I don’t feel like I am making a whole lot of progress. I still fall into sin and complain and get angry.
It’s like Paul said. I do the total opposite of what I want to do, which is following Christ. I feel like I have no self control, and am bearing little or no fruit at all. I am getting ticked off at myself and God. I feel like God does not want me to be a Christian and like he’s condemning me (I know it says, “No condemnation for those who are in Christ,” but I wonder, am I really in Christ? If I wasn’t, then I would be condemned.
I wonder, can any church be trusted anymore? Are things going to just get worse in the world? How can a believer stay a believer in these days? How do you not become distracted?
Don’t worry. I don’t see myself falling away from the faith, but I am struggling for understanding.
And everyone says, Whether you are or are not a Christian is between you and God. So if you are saved you should know. If you are not saved, you should know. So I should know but I’m not so sure I do.

 

[cc42]

Don’t worry all people struggle with their faith. Some of the people who had to struggle the most are the saints becasue God uses struggles to help us conform to the image of His Son. St. Theresa of Avila saw that she was impotent to the power of sin. It is important to recognize that we can do nothing without God. He wants you to recognize that you are totally reliant upon Him. If you thought you were doing everything right then there is actually a problem because we are all sinners.

The Catholic Church is the Church founded by Jesus Christ and is the church, that while is full of sinners like every church, is guided by the Holy Spirit. Christ left the church with seven sacraments in order to help people attain salvation. Unfortunately the Catholic Church is the only church who believe in all seven of the sacraments. The sacraments of confession and Holy Communion are received often by Catholics and they impart grace on the ones who receive them and help with spiritual struggles. If you are not Catholic I would suggest you look into joining the Church and pray about it because a person’s soul needs the grace of God, which is readily recieved in the sacraments, the way a body needs water.

 

[onceablasphemer]

I have been Catholic for about 2 years now and I have not heard much bashing, from Rome or the Pulpit towards other churches. It seems that the most bashing comes from the Protestant world. Be careful with the once saved always saved doctrine. Jesus makes it clear that just believing is not enough.

Matthew 7:21-23 - Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me you evil doers.’

That is a pretty clear explanation refuting the once saved always saved doctrine. When the Catholic Church speaks out against these things it is not to be hateful towards the churches who preach it but to help all the faithful gain a better understand of our Lord’s teachings. Being angry does not necessarily put you into sin. Jesus got angry and drove out the money changers in the temple, and we know that He was free from all sin. Don’t beat yourself up over that. Keep praying and asking for help, it is all we can do.

 

[Gods_Peace]

God wills for all to be saved, and it seems like you need to keep your heart where it’s at, if you sincerely desire to do everything God will’s, and are going to do what is needed to bring his will to fruition. Remember God in everything you do, and do what God wills always.
++Hear Gods Voice+:+
[BIBLEDRB]John 3:16-17[/BIBLEDRB]
[BIBLEDRB]1 Thessalonians 5:14-18[/BIBLEDRB]
+Prayalways+

 

[Love_is]

I know most Christians don’t doubt to the extent that I do.

key word there, Christians. Most Protestant Christians from my experience don’t think much about it. “I accept Jesus as my Saviour and Lord…ok, let’s get on with life, I’m saved now” Not saying everyone does that, just that that seems to be how some people go about it. And perhaps those are the kind of people that have been accusing others as heretics. And if they are those kind of people then they wouldn’t second guess anything or even give anything another thought, therefore, they wouldn’t have doubts.

I’ve been through so, so many doubts that at times it drove me crazy, but I know that if I didn’t have those doubts I wouldn’t have wanted to learn why or how. I think the important thing to do is just keep praying and never assume something someone says that upsets you (about religion) as the truth. Maybe they’re misinformed. How many people say that Catholics “worship” Mary? Read, study, pray! That’s how one’s faith grows! I might mention a really good website that explains many Catholic truths and the priest is really good. It’s called wordonfire.org and Fr. Robert Barron also has videos on Youtube that might help if you are struggling with doubts. God bless, I’ll be praying

 

[BListon]

I am just so confused right now. I know most Christians don’t doubt to the extent that I do. I’m getting frustrated. It seems like every Christian church is attacking at least one other church, calling the members heretics or “wolves in sheep’s clothing,” and stuff like that. I have actually been trying to do the right thing lately, and trying to be more genuine. Like I try to be more loving towards others. But I don’t feel like I am making a whole lot of progress. I still fall into sin and complain and get angry.
It’s like Paul said. I do the total opposite of what I want to do, which is following Christ. I feel like I have no self control, and am bearing little or no fruit at all. I am getting ticked off at myself and God. I feel like God does not want me to be a Christian and like he’s condemning me (I know it says, “No condemnation for those who are in Christ,” but I wonder, am I really in Christ? If I wasn’t, then I would be condemned.
I wonder, can any church be trusted anymore? Are things going to just get worse in the world? How can a believer stay a believer in these days? How do you not become distracted?
Don’t worry. I don’t see myself falling away from the faith, but I am struggling for understanding.
And everyone says, Whether you are or are not a Christian is between you and God. So if you are saved you should know. If you are not saved, you should know. So I should know but I’m not so sure I do.

I would say you should be more worried if you don’t have your doubts. Doubt is the devil’s way of trying to persuade you that your faith is too strong.

 

[babochka]

Last week in Confession, I was talking to my priest about this very thing. I feel like I never make any progress in the battle against sin. I feel like I am not transformed by the Holy Spirit. I look around, and others seem to have stronger faith, better lives, (much) more self control, a better relationship with God, etc. He told me “If you could hear what I hear, you would know that you are no worse off than any of us. This life is truly a valley of tears.” I don’t know that it made me feel any better, but it made me feel less alone in this journey. I have gone through phases lasting years, in which I think I’m just “going through the motions” of faith, and then I see God again, and see him working in my life. I will pray for you and I ask for your prayers as we “work out our salvation in fear and trembling.”

 

[Link0126]

Well, let me put it to you this way. You aren’t saved… yet. None of us are, not until we are in heaven. It is a process, not a one time event. This is why Paul said he was saved, being saved and hoped to be saved. But we have to continue to run the race lest we be disqualified. Meaning we have to put our faith into action.

If you have been validly baptized you are a Christian, so don’t worry about. I believe most Protestant denomination have a valid baptism. There is no other litmus test for who is a “true” Christian etc…

 

[PJM]

=Jesusismyfriend;9360861]I am just so confused right now. I know most Christians don’t doubt to the extent that I do. I’m getting frustrated. It seems like every Christian church is attacking at least one other church, calling the members heretics or “wolves in sheep’s clothing,” and stuff like that. I have actually been trying to do the right thing lately, and trying to be more genuine. Like I try to be more loving towards others. But I don’t feel like I am making a whole lot of progress. I still fall into sin and complain and get angry

First be ASSURED you NOT alone in what your feeling. Quite possible the HS is TRYING to share a truth with you,
.

It’s like Paul said. I do the total opposite of what I want to do, which is following Christ. I feel like I have no self control, and am bearing little or no fruit at all. I am getting ticked off at myself and God. I feel like God does not want me to be a Christian and like he’s condemning me (I know it says, “No condemnation for those who are in Christ,” but I wonder, am I really in Christ? If I wasn’t, then I would be condemned.

Truth can only “BE ONE” per issue. Does God WANT [and even command] you to be a “Christian” or something of HIS OWN Making; His own Choosing:shrug: THAT really is the right question isn’t it?

I wonder, can any church be trusted anymore? Are things going to just get worse in the world? How can a believer stay a believer in these days? How do you not become distracted?

Only One can WHY?

And this is proveable through the Bible [which happens to be a catholic Book]

Never Ever; not one time can anyone point to authorization from or by God for:

Belief in more than One God [Triune]

Of MORE than only One set of Faith beliefs [see Mt. 28:16-20] THAT IS REALLY THE PROBLEM YOUR STRUGGLING WITH THOUSANDS of differing belief systems. The CC still has ONE: and only 23 brances connected to the Vine / Christ/ and His CC after 2,000 years. ALL Holding the same Doctrines and Dogma’s.

Or more than Only One Church [the NT alone has more than 100 proofs of this fact]

Or did Christ found more than One Church [today’s CC] which can be historically proven to date bak to Jesus and the Apostles themselves. [John 20:19-23]

Don’t worry. I don’t see myself falling away from the faith, but I am struggling for understanding. And everyone says, Whether you are or are not a Christian is between you and God. So if you are saved you should know. If you are not saved, you should know. So I should know but I’m not so sure I do.

Questioning weater or not you are saved is the VERY Question the HS is trying to get you to ask yourself. WHY?

Because the ONLY way to salvation is God’s WAY! All of the man made myths are only that hopeful thinking of men who think they know more or perhaps better than God. either God IS in chatge or we are. the responsibility cannot be sharred.

If you’d even more evidence send me a private message. Maybe I can help?

I’ll pray with and for you!

pat/PJM

 

[Isaiah45_9]

We all struggle, some more than others.

Like Peter walking in the water towards Jesus,

Keep your eyes on Him and let Him guide you. Ignore the storm around you and you’ll stay afloat. Pay attention to it and you’ll sink. Just keep in mind that He is not going to let you drown.

And pray, pray until it hurts. Don’t listen to everything, keep Paul’s words in your mind: “Test everything” and look at the fruit of the teachings. Being well-intentioned doesn’t mean being right or the good-intention equaling truth. A lot of times, truth is very uncomfortable. And remember that it is not about you, or me, or anyone else other than Jesus for the Glory of God.

I pray your mind is renewed and that you can find comfort in Him and that your prayers help you reach a place where He can guide you through His Holy Spirit.

Peace,

Jose

 

[Reuben_J]

I am just so confused right now. I know most Christians don’t doubt to the extent that I do. I’m getting frustrated. It seems like every Christian church is attacking at least one other church, calling the members heretics or “wolves in sheep’s clothing,” and stuff like that. I have actually been trying to do the right thing lately, and trying to be more genuine. Like I try to be more loving towards others. But I don’t feel like I am making a whole lot of progress. I still fall into sin and complain and get angry.

Hi. If it is any consolation maybe it is alright to know that the content of the world are not exactly in agreement with each other too - war, poverty, hopelessness and diseases. I know you don’t mean that but being a Christian does not mean that the problem around us would just simply go away. They are still there except that now we look at it through our faith in God so that they may not be as important or as distracting to us as before.

God is more important than those problems or things that irritate or disappoint us and these are many. Even in a church while worshipping we can get offended when a person sitting next to us on the pew would not return our peace sign or when we get scolded for inadvertently blocking a car in a church compound.

The thing to get over this is really to look up to Jesus and focus on him. Praying is like magic, it will take away all the pain. Ultimately we may want to have peace and remembering that Jesus gives us the peace that the world cannot give.

It’s like Paul said. I do the total opposite of what I want to do, which is following Christ. I feel like I have no self control, and am bearing little or no fruit at all. I am getting ticked off at myself and God. I feel like God does not want me to be a Christian and like he’s condemning me (I know it says, “No condemnation for those who are in Christ,” but I wonder, am I really in Christ? If I wasn’t, then I would be condemned.

Personally I feel glad for you that you are aware of it. You are in the right direction to holiness. I would be more worried if you do not realize your shortcoming. Well, Jesus said he is the physician – we are all sick one way or the other. I have no answer for you but Jesus certainly does. Good for you because you will be alright.

I wonder, can any church be trusted anymore? Are things going to just get worse in the world? How can a believer stay a believer in these days? How do you not become distracted?

Things in the world, like I said, will probably not get any better and that would be just about anything. There would be people even within the church – clergies, religious and the laities who fall short and disappoint us. However, the promise of God is that the Church will overcome and the gate of Hell will not prevail against it. So there is hope. In fact there are lots of positive even in the imperfect church with all its failings. It is better to focus on the positives and try to live out wherever and whenever that take you.

Don’t worry. I don’t see myself falling away from the faith, but I am struggling for understanding.

Believe me, none of us are spared of this in our journey of faith. The good news is we will overcome. St Paul says we are conquerors in Christ Jesus.

And everyone says, Whether you are or are not a Christian is between you and God. So if you are saved you should know. If you are not saved, you should know. So I should know but I’m not so sure I do.

God does not come for the righteous but for the sinners. Thanks God we are qualified. We don’t if we are righteous and he did not have to come at all but he has come for people like us. It takes grace and humility however to know that we are inadequate on our own and sinners through and through as we fall short on the glory of God.

Cheers, for God is with you.

 

[Anna_Scott]

I am just so confused right now. I know most Christians don’t doubt to the extent that I do. I’m getting frustrated. It seems like every Christian church is attacking at least one other church, calling the members heretics or “wolves in sheep’s clothing,” and stuff like that. I have actually been trying to do the right thing lately, and trying to be more genuine. Like I try to be more loving towards others. But I don’t feel like I am making a whole lot of progress. I still fall into sin and complain and get angry.
It’s like Paul said. I do the total opposite of what I want to do, which is following Christ. I feel like I have no self control, and am bearing little or no fruit at all. I am getting ticked off at myself and God. I feel like God does not want me to be a Christian and like he’s condemning me (I know it says, “No condemnation for those who are in Christ,” but I wonder, am I really in Christ? If I wasn’t, then I would be condemned.
I wonder, can any church be trusted anymore? Are things going to just get worse in the world? How can a believer stay a believer in these days? How do you not become distracted?
Don’t worry. I don’t see myself falling away from the faith, but I am struggling for understanding.
And everyone says, Whether you are or are not a Christian is between you and God. So if you are saved you should know. If you are not saved, you should know. So I should know but I’m not so sure I do.

Jesusismyfriend,

You would be surprised how many of us go through the same doubts, and as others have said, the Saints have as well.

Moving away from the once-saved-always-saved idea can leave one feeling vulnerable. It has been that way for me. I would seek the counsel of a Priest and consider Confession. That might be a good place to start.

Peace,
Anna

 

[Anna_Scott]

. . .Unfortunately the Catholic Church is the only church who believe in all seven of the sacraments. . . .

Anglo Catholics believe in all seven Sacraments, too.

Peace,
Anna

 

[PJM]

=Anna Scott;9363509]Anglo Catholics believe in all seven Sacraments, too.

Peace,
Anna

yes indeed!

But there remaINS THE ISSUE of Direct Apostolic succession needed to make them valid AND Licit.

I have REALLY enjoyed your post. Delighted to have you with us:thumbsup:

God Bless,
pat /PJM

 

[Anna_Scott]

yes indeed!

But there remaINS THE ISSUE of Direct Apostolic succession needed to make them valid AND Licit. . . .

PMJ,

What took you so long? lol.

Anna

 

[PJM]

=Anna Scott;9364114]PMJ,

What took you so long? lol.

Anna

Peter HAD TO DIE before a successor was named Some waits are with “the wait”

The List of Popes
See also POPE, PAPAL ELECTIONS, ELECTION OF THE POPE.
St. Peter (32-67)
St. Linus (67-76)
St. Anacletus (Cletus) (76-88)
St. Clement I (88-97)
St. Evaristus (97-105)
St. Alexander I (105-115)
St. Sixtus I (115-125) Also called Xystus I
St. Telesphorus (125-136)
St. Hyginus (136-140)
St. Pius I (140-155)
St. Anicetus (155-166)
St. Soter (166-175)
St. Eleutherius (175-189)
St. Victor I (189-199)
St. Zephyrinus (199-217)

I have the entire list; but you get the idea

God Bless and again we are delighted to have you with us:thumbsup:

pat /PJM

 

[Anna_Scott]

Peter HAD TO DIE before a successor was named Some waits are with “the wait”

The List of Popes
See also POPE, PAPAL ELECTIONS, ELECTION OF THE POPE.
St. Peter (32-67)
St. Linus (67-76)
St. Anacletus (Cletus) (76-88)
St. Clement I (88-97)
St. Evaristus (97-105)
St. Alexander I (105-115)
St. Sixtus I (115-125) Also called Xystus I
St. Telesphorus (125-136)
St. Hyginus (136-140)
St. Pius I (140-155)
St. Anicetus (155-166)
St. Soter (166-175)
St. Eleutherius (175-189)
St. Victor I (189-199)
St. Zephyrinus (199-217)

I have the entire list; but you get the idea

God Bless and again we are delighted to have you with us:thumbsup:

pat /PJM

PJM.
I’m familiar with the list; but I appreciate your sharing. Information is a good thing and your post may benefit others who have not seen the list.

Peace and blessings to you PJM,
Anna

 

[marcoroy21]

Here’s an advice to you my friend. Try to read from the book of Isaiah 45:20-22. This might help you overcome your struggle of being a true Christian. This passage helped me a lot during my times of struggle. It also guided me in my search for true faith.

 

[packermann]

I am just so confused right now. I know most Christians don’t doubt to the extent that I do. I’m getting frustrated. It seems like every Christian church is attacking at least one other church, calling the members heretics or “wolves in sheep’s clothing,” and stuff like that. I have actually been trying to do the right thing lately, and trying to be more genuine. Like I try to be more loving towards others. But I don’t feel like I am making a whole lot of progress. I still fall into sin and complain and get angry.
It’s like Paul said. I do the total opposite of what I want to do, which is following Christ. I feel like I have no self control, and am bearing little or no fruit at all. I am getting ticked off at myself and God. I feel like God does not want me to be a Christian and like he’s condemning me (I know it says, “No condemnation for those who are in Christ,” but I wonder, am I really in Christ? If I wasn’t, then I would be condemned.
I wonder, can any church be trusted anymore? Are things going to just get worse in the world? How can a believer stay a believer in these days? How do you not become distracted?
Don’t worry. I don’t see myself falling away from the faith, but I am struggling for understanding.

Your experience is so similar to mine before I converted to the Catholic Church. Read my testimony mycatholictestimony.synthasite.com/

On the surface, the Catholic Church seems to be just one more church calling other churches “heretics” and “wolves in sheep’s clothing”, but that is only true superficially. The original meaning of “heretic” is one who holds to private opinion over against what Christians have believed throughout the ages. Also, unlike other churches who use the word heretic as one who is damned to hell, the Catholic Church teaches that many “heretics” will make it to heaven.

For a person to be culpable for a mortal sin, he must do it willingly and with full knowledge that it offends God. Most people in other churches sincerely do not believe the Catholic Church is the true church. So they are not staying out the Catholic Church with the knowledge of offending God. So God will not hold it against them. In comparison, many Protestant churches, mostly in your Fundamentalist Church, see us Catholics as going to hell. It does not matter to them how sincere we are.

Also, the Catholic Church teaches that anyone who is baptized under the Trinitarian formula is Christian. It does not mean that the baptized person is automatically saved, however. He must avoid committing deliberate mortal sin. But still the yardstick is very objective.
In contrast, Evangelical may boast that they are “absolutely certain” of their salvation. But in my experience as an Evangelical for 12 years and a minister for 3 years, this is simply not true. Most Evangelical Christian are haunted by self-doubt, just as you are. “If the mark of a true Christian is that he is absolutely certain of his salvation, do my doubts mean that that I was never saved in the first place?” “If becoming a Christian means personally asking Jesus to be my Lord and Savior, how do I know that I did not hold back something from Jesus, so that never really accept Him as my Lord?” Their lives are filled with introspection.

So if you are saved you should know. If you are not saved, you should know. So I should know but I’m not so sure I do.

That is your problem. You have fallen into the Evangelical trap that a person can and should be absolutely certain of his salvation. And then when you experience doubt, that confirms to you that you were never saved at all.

But Jesus said that, although your faith is necessary for salvation, your faith can be as small as a mustard seed. When a Roman soldier came to Jesus and said “I believe, help my unbelief”, it was enough for Jesus to grant his request. Instead of worrying whether you have enough faith, work on having more love.

And everyone says, Whether you are or are not a Christian is between you and God.

That is what Protestants say. But the Catholic Church teaches that if you are baptized under the Trinitarian formula, you are a Christian. Period. You may be Catholic, Baptist, Seventh-Day Adventist, or Presbyterian, you are still a Christian. It does not mean that all Christians will go to heaven, but they are still Christians. If they retain the mustard-seed faith and avoid mortal sin, they will go to heaven. And the more they seek to grow in love to God and others, the more likely they will avoid mortal sin.

 

[cc42]

Sorry I don’t know much about Anglican Catholics. Does the church believe in Transubstantiation?