Christianity Oasis Forum

[JohnKing67]

Hi all,

Although I've prayed for salvation probably more times then I could count through the years, I've never had a life changing (or born again) experience. I've never really felt connected to or accepted by God. Other than asking God for forgiveness or saying a "sinner's prayer", what else is required to find God? I realize you have to have faith but do you also need an intense sorrow for your sins? I really don't feel that kind of sorrow. Any help would be appreciated.

John

[mlg]

Hi JohnKing67,

Welcome to Christianity Oasis. I'm glad you are here.

So you ask what it is that makes someone a Christian. The answer is simple....and found in the Bible John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall have everlasting life. It's more than just asking for forgiveness of sins, it's the love that one has for Jesus Christ, and the wanting to be more like Him. If one asks for forgiveness of sin, but doesn't believe in Jesus, then ultimately they are seeking forgiveness in vain. If you believe in Jesus, and ask for forgiveness then you have to be willing to accept His forgiveness, and want to make changes in your life that are more Christ like and less worldly. No one is perfect, and we all have moments that we let the world creep in on our flesh. Satan doesn't go away just because you are a Christian....in fact he often will try to tempt or harm us even more if he can find a way to do so.

I would encourage you to seek the Truth about Jesus. I'm curious if you read the Bible? What do you know about Jesus? Do you know that He died on the cross to set you free from sin? Do you seek to have a closer relationship with God by prayer?

Please share any questions you have JohnKing67. You will not find any condemnation here...only love, support and friends.

Take care

[Dora]

John there is a spiritual counseling here that helped me to understand that I'm saved and I stopped saying the sinner prayer over and over out of fear that I did something wrong or I'm not saved. Consider reading through the spiritual counseling.

The enemy is the one who places that thoughts and fears in your mind that you're not saved.

Read this.... http://www.christianityoasis.com/CCCC/Forum.htm

God bless.

[JohnKing67]

I'm curious if you read the Bible? What do you know about Jesus? Do you know that He died on the cross to set you free from sin? Do you seek to have a closer relationship with God by prayer

Hi and thanks for the reply. Regarding what I know about Jesus: yes, I do know he died for my sins and I do seek a closer relationship with God. It's the main reason I've been praying for salvation, but I think I'm either not sorry enough for my sins and/or I'm not convinced that I'm saved after prayer. It doesn't seem like an easy problem to fix.

[JohnKing67]

John there is a spiritual counseling here that helped me to understand that I'm saved and I stopped saying the sinner prayer over and over out of fear that I did something wrong or I'm not saved. Consider reading through the spiritual counseling.

The enemy is the one who places that thoughts and fears in your mind that you're not saved.

Read this.... http://www.christianityoasis.com/CCCC/Forum.htm

God bless.

Thanks Dora, I'll check out the link.

[mlg]

Hi Johnking,

Just as an outsider....I feel unbelief is what you are struggling with. You honestly have to want to be saved and believe in Jesus.

Do you believe that Jesus saves? Also, do you believe you are a sinner? You state that you don't feel sorry for your sins....I wonder if you feel justified in living in a sinful life. Do you want salvation?

Just some more thoughts for you to ponder as you seek the Truth.

I am praying for you. Please keep sharing with us.

Take care

[mlg]

I just received your comment on my profile and wanted to reply to your questions. A born again experience can be different for each individual. For me it was a feeling of relief. I knew that my past sins could no longer hurt me and I also knew that if I died tonight I would be in Heaven with God. I hope others will share their salvation experience with you also.

God Bless

[Mackenaw]

Hello JohnKing67,

God bless you this day.

I know my response is late, but I hope you return to the site and read additional responses to your post.

As the other responders have state in several different ways, you need only confess with a sincere heart to The Lord your sins and acknowledge that Christ Jesus is the Son of God and He died for your sins and was resurrected and is Alive, in order for you to be Born Again.

At the time you confess and aksed, The Holy Spirit took up residence within you. The Holy Spirit now indwells you. Essentially, you are marked as a child of God. Hallelujah!

What may not have happened yet is that you may not have received the baptism of The Holy Spirit. No, it not the same as water baptism. This baptism is described in The Bible, particularly in the Book of Acts. There is a particular passage in Acts I hope you'll read: Acts 19:1-10. I think it will help you and bless you.

I, too, was late in receiving the baptism of The Holy Spirit -- nearly 22 years late. I was still Born Again for those 22 years, but, I basically didn't change much. There were subtle changes, but, I basically carried on as before.

Perhaps the reason was that, God knew I'd drag my feet. However, I'll be honest, I knew very little about The Holy Spirit. In fact, I knew little more than the reference to Him in prayers often recited at church, etc.: "Father, Son and Holy Spirit" references.

Another thing: when I finally did learn the much precious Truth about Him, and I prayed for God to baptize me with The Holy Spirit, I was completely alone and I didn't hear anything, nor see anything. But, I kept waiting for Him -- looking for Him, sort of. And about 10 days later (again, while I was alone), suddenly I felt the peace of God fall on me and it was unlike anything else I had ever experienced. I knew it was Him. Thank You Lord: God The Father, God The Son and God The Holy Spirit. Wooooooohoooooooo!

One taste, so to speak, and I wanted more and more. It is the work of The Holy Spirit that truly humbles us and opens our eyes to our faults, as well as the work of The Lord Who cleans us up. Thank You Holy Spirit!!!

JohnKing67, I hope you'll talk to The Lord and earnestly ask Him to baptize you with The Holy Spirit.

Prayers are rising to The Lord in the name of Jesus on your behalf. God's will be done.

God bless and keep you,
Sister Mack