Here we go!

[HashedBrowns]

Hey there, HashedBrowns here.

My purpose here and Background with Christ:

I stumbled upon this forum by mere chance. After lurking about for a bit my curiosity has been sparked, and I decided that I wanted to do what I suppose is referred to as " interfaith dialog" in the noobs section.

I am an Agnostic. I was raised Evangelical and all my biblical education was done through a Bob Jones University homeschooling education, until my senor year. My senor year was to be completed in public school due to family issues, but then I got my GED due to other issues that came up.

I believed faithfully in God and easily spent a third of my waking hours reading the bible and doing research until I lost my faith between the ages of 16-17. The only Bible I have ever had is a King James bible I got as a present when I was around 7 years of age.

I lost my faith due to an internal conflict that I couldn't resolve.

Other things to know about me:

I am Male.

I am Asexual. This means that I have no attraction to men or women, and that sex has no inherent value to me. When I look at a man or woman I feel no attraction. I do no fantasize, I do not masturbate. I desire no ones company in my bed. Sex is just an empty and fulfilling thing for me.

I am inquisitive. I like to ask questions, big and small. Expect tons and tons. They all have relevance, I promise.

As for my actual age, I am old enough to vote and be drafted. That is all you really need to know.

Political Views:

Not actually going to get into this one. Not yet at least. Especially considering I'm not to sure myself. Haven't found a party that instantly gives a good image of what I believe


Anything I forgot to mention that should be known?

[Talitha]

Re: Here we go!

Welcome.
Why are you here?
Are you looking for Salvation?

[Purge the Unfaithful]

Re: Here we go!

Hey there, HashedBrowns here.


I am Male.

I am Asexual. This means that I have no attraction to men or women, and that sex has no inherent value to me. When I look at a man or woman I feel no attraction. I do no fantasize, I do not masturbate. I desire no ones company in my bed. Sex is just an empty and fulfilling thing for me.

Praise Jesus that you're male! We need more soldiers for Christ in the fold. As to the no attraction the Holy Spirit will move you towards one of our submissive and obedient wives here and Landover Baptist Church. Betty Bowers (America's Best Christian) will joyously steer you to one of our blessed virgin young women once you have been properly baptized!

Praise Jesus and Welcome Young Brother!!

[Levi Jones]

Re: Here we go!

Hey there, HashedBrowns here.

My purpose here and Background with Christ:

I believed faithfully in God and easily spent a third of my waking hours reading the bible and doing research until I lost my faith between the ages of 16-17. The only Bible I have ever had is a King James bible I got as a present when I was around 7 years of age.

Such a pity. All that wonderful knowledge wasted.

I lost my faith due to an internal conflict that I couldn't resolve.

Tell us the nature of this conflict.

I am Asexual. This means that I have no attraction to men or women, and that sex has no inherent value to me. When I look at a man or woman I feel no attraction. I do no fantasize, I do not masturbate. I desire no ones company in my bed. Sex is just an empty and fulfilling thing for me.

Wonderful news. Paul was the same way.

1 Corinthians 7
1Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
8I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide (abstain) even as I.

I am inquisitive. I like to ask questions, big and small. Expect tons and tons. They all have relevance, I promise.

Welcome and feel free to ask.

[HashedBrowns]

Re: Here we go!

Welcome.
Why are you here?
Are you looking for Salvation?

Why am I here? I answered that in my post.

I am here for interfaith dialogue. I want to go about the forum, read what the people of this congregation believe, ask questions, talk, gather information, and overall better myself through learning in the process.

As for whether or not I am looking for salvation, that is an interesting question. I'm not entirely sure anymore. Had you asked me in my youth I would have told you yes immediately. I've not believed faithfully in years though. Hence the Agnosticism.

[HashedBrowns]

Re: Here we go!

Tell us the nature of this conflict.

Well, the problem as it stands, is that I never believed in God. I was raised in a very fundamental Christian family, and as such I was made to believe in God. Unfortunately I never really did. I only pretended to believe in God, and did all my bible lessons because I wanted to please my parents.

Into my teen years this started to tear at me. You see the problem was this:

I had no belief in God. I have never heard his voice. Never seen a miracle. Never felt his presence. I couldn't find a reason to believe in God without some sort of experience. I didn't even have that void that Christians say only God can fill. I felt no need for God.

At the same time I wanted God badly. I wanted that presence in my life. By not having it I felt I failed as a human. It tore me up. I honestly and wholly invited Jesus into my life as my savior many times. I begged and cried many of those times. To no avail. No matter how much I begged and prayed I felt nothing. I wanted nothing but to be able to believe in him.

After years with no response from God, I decided I couldn't keep trying to believe. I prayed one last time. I asked for Christ to come into my life and make himself real to me. I told him the day I feel him, or hear him, or have a need for him that nothing else could fill, I would return to the church and give myself to him instantly.

Until then, I am an agnostic.

[Youth Pastor Marty]

Re: Here we go!

Why am I here? I answered that in my post.

I am here for interfaith dialogue. I want to go about the forum, read what the people of this congregation believe, ask questions, talk, gather information, and overall better myself through learning in the process.

As for whether or not I am looking for salvation, that is an interesting question. I'm not entirely sure anymore. Had you asked me in my youth I would have told you yes immediately. I've not believed faithfully in years though. Hence the Agnosticism.

Well you have certainly come to the right place then! We are sorry to hear that you have turned your back on the Lord. I had a suspicion that the Bob Jones curriculum just wasn't quite up to par and this might as well prove it.

HashedBrowns, let's get you right with the Lord and turn you back into a ripe potato for Him. Praise!

[Chris T]

Re: Here we go!

Well, the problem as it stands, is that I never believed in God. I was raised in a very fundamental Christian family, and as such I was made to believe in God. Unfortunately I never really did. I only pretended to believe in God, and did all my bible lessons because I wanted to please my parents.

Into my teen years this started to tear at me. You see the problem was this:

I had no belief in God. I have never heard his voice. Never seen a miracle. Never felt his presence. I couldn't find a reason to believe in God without some sort of experience. I didn't even have that void that Christians say only God can fill. I felt no need for God.

At the same time I wanted God badly. I wanted that presence in my life. By not having it I felt I failed as a human. It tore me up. I honestly and wholly invited Jesus into my life as my savior many times. I begged and cried many of those times. To no avail. No matter how much I begged and prayed I felt nothing. I wanted nothing but to be able to believe in him.

After years with no response from God, I decided I couldn't keep trying to believe. I prayed one last time. I asked for Christ to come into my life and make himself real to me. I told him the day I feel him, or hear him, or have a need for him that nothing else could fill, I would return to the church and give myself to him instantly.

Until then, I am an agnostic.

My brother, at one time, was also an "agnostic".
He came to me for help, and I do what God would want me to do, I directed him to the Authorized KJV 1611 Bible. After much frivolous study, he finally accepted The Lord into his life. I'm pleased to say, he is now a great Christian! God is there, waiting for you to accept Him. Staying out of Hell is also a definite upside to being a True Christian™

I pray that one day you make the right choice, and accept Jesus as your Personal Lord and Savior!

[Levi Jones]

Re: Here we go!

I had no belief in God. I have never heard his voice. Never seen a miracle. Never felt his presence. I couldn't find a reason to believe in God without some sort of experience. I didn't even have that void that Christians say only God can fill. I felt no need for God.

Your chief complaint revolves around the fact that God hasn't performed any miracles for you? Isn't what Jesus did in His time on earth enough for you?

Matthew 16:4
A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas.

At the same time I wanted God badly. I wanted that presence in my life. By not having it I felt I failed as a human. It tore me up. I honestly and wholly invited Jesus into my life as my savior many times. I begged and cried many of those times. To no avail. No matter how much I begged and prayed I felt nothing. I wanted nothing but to be able to believe in him.

After years with no response from God, I decided I couldn't keep trying to believe. I prayed one last time. I asked for Christ to come into my life and make himself real to me. I told him the day I feel him, or hear him, or have a need for him that nothing else could fill, I would return to the church and give myself to him instantly.

Until then, I am an agnostic.

It sounds as if God has hardened your heart. What a shame.

Mark 16:14
Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

[HashedBrowns]

Re: Here we go!

I figure as well, because it is asked of most the other threads, that I should post my favorite Bible verse.

There are few I can recall by memory any more, but there are still some.

2So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding;
3Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, [and] liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as [for] hid treasures;
5Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

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Levi Jones: No, you misunderstood me. I am not asking or demanding God perform a miracle in order for me to believe.

Most Christians will tell you they believe in God because they have felt his presence, heard is voice, had prayers answered, seen miracles, had a void in their life, and many more similar things.

I have often heard Christians , when I asked them when and why they converted and decided to believe, give these things as the answers.

I have NEVER had this sort of experience, and that is my problem. In fact, most Christians don't simply say they "believe", but say they "know" and these are the reasons why.

I told God that I would believe and come back when he was real to me. I'm will to settle for simply feeling his presence, of having a void that only he will fill. I'm not demanding He perform a miracle for me. Though that would be ok too. Whatever God wants.

Also, why would he harden my heart?

[HashedBrowns]

Re: Here we go!

I pray that one day you make the right choice, and accept Jesus as your Personal Lord and Savior!

In all honestly, I actually hope he is.


Note:

In my previous post, the quote, is from proverbs chapter 2.

[Levi Jones]

Re: Here we go!

Levi Jones: No, you misunderstood me. I am not asking or demanding God perform a miracle in order for me to believe.

Most Christians will tell you they believe in God because they have felt his presence, heard is voice, had prayers answered, seen miracles, had a void in their life, and many more similar things.

I have often heard Christians , when I asked them when and why they converted and decided to believe, give these things as the answers.

I have NEVER had this sort of experience, and that is my problem. In fact, most Christians don't simply say they "believe", but say they "know" and these are the reasons why.

I guess I'm different. I know because the Bible tells me so and that is good enough for me. My lot is not to question God, but to fear and love Him as He commands us to. I don't feel the need to fall down and start shaking and foaming at the mouth based on a "feeling". I look at such Christians suspiciously.

2 Timothy 2:16
But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

I told God that I would believe and come back when he was real to me. I'm will to settle for simply feeling his presence, of having a void that only he will fill. I'm not demanding He perform a miracle for me. Though that would be ok too. Whatever God wants.

The LORD always answers our prayers. Sometimes we don't like the answer.

Also, why would he harden my heart?

I don't know. It's most likely because of your sins. At least you have come to the right place.

Hebrews 3:12-13
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

[HashedBrowns]

Re: Here we go!

I guess I'm different. I know because the Bible tells me so and that is good enough for me. My lot is not to question God, but to fear and love Him as He commands us to. I don't feel the need to fall down and start shaking and foaming at the mouth based on a "feeling". I look at such Christians suspiciously.

Quoting from memory again, please correct me if I am wrong.

Gospel of John I believe.

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

This is said after Jesus shows Thomas, who doubted the resurrection and thought Jesus to be dead. Note that while yes, those who believe without seeing are blessed, Jesus still showed Thomas. Jesus still made himself real to Thomas, and Thomas believed.

I feel I am as Thomas. Not in the sense that I want to put my hands inside of Christ's wounds in person, but in the sense that I want to see in some way.

[Levi Jones]

Re: Here we go!

I feel I am as Thomas. Not in the sense that I want to put my hands inside of Christ's wounds in person, but in the sense that I want to see in some way.

I see your point, but Jesus appeared to Thomas so others would not doubt. If Thomas was won over by the overwhelming proof, we all should be. Shout Glory!

I would have to refer you back to the verse I posted from Matthew 16 about demanding sign after sign.

As it stands, I'm afraid your portion will lay in the lake of fire with nothing to alleviate the burning except for the occasional poke from satan's trident.

Revelation 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Turn or burn, sinner!

[HashedBrowns]

Re: Here we go!

I see your point, but Jesus appeared to Thomas so others would not doubt. If Thomas was won over by the overwhelming proof, we all should be. Shout Glory!

I would have to refer you back to the verse I posted from Matthew 16 about demanding sign after sign.

As it stands, I'm afraid your portion will lay in the lake of fire with nothing to alleviate the burning except for the occasional poke from satan's trident.

Revelation 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Turn or burn, sinner!

I understand the turn or burn statement. Should God be real I understand that my beliefs warrant me eternity in hell.

Now, as for scripture, I'm gonna have to open my Bible for the first time in years. Gimme a second....

Here we go. I thought it was in John, but it is First John.

1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

Here it tells me to test all spirits that speak to me, to see whether or not they are of God.

This here, is likely the only test approved in the Bible for determining whether or not you are hearing from God. Since I hear no spirits, I cannot believe in them. I have to hear from the spirit of God before I can believe.

10Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].

Here it asks me to test God in tithing as well. A habit I've kept from my days being raised evangelical, is that I tithe 10% or more of my money to local churches and charities to support my community. If I have no money to tithe I tithe 10% or more of my weekly time (17 hours, which is 10% of a week, minimum.) to the church and charity for labor.

I've been testing, as it tells me to do.

2So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding;
3Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, [and] liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as [for] hid treasures;
5Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

And now we have my favorite verse again. I hold knowledge most dear in my life. Wisdom is the only thing I honestly hold precious to me. Material objects hold little value considering my mortality, and without belief in God, the only thing I have to hold dear and seek with all my heart is knowledge.

Because I tithe, I search for knowledge of the world and of God, and because I desire to test the spirits I listen to, so that I know I worship the one true God, I feel that he will make himself real to me one day. I have faith that I will feel or hear God, and know him when I do, and be saved before my death.

Should I not though, and should God exist, and I stand before Him on judgment day, than my only desire is to inquire where he was when I cried out for him, and except my fate in Hell. I would deserve Hell for my horrible misunderstanding.

Should God not exist then I only desire to live my life and die without regret.