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Post by Natalie on Jul 1, 2019 14:17:34 GMT -6
I had most of this typed up for a women's thing at our church, but reworked it a bit and expanded some things at the end. I think it's good to look back and see what God has done.
I grew up in a Christian home, and we attended church every Sunday. I don't remember a time that I did not believe in Jesus. I was a “good” kid and tried to do what was right. One reason being that I didn't want to disappoint my parents, but I also wanted to please God. I knew that it wouldn't earn me anything, I couldn't get myself to heaven, but I wanted to make choices that honored Him. I didn’t always get it right, but I believe this mindset kept me from doing many things that I'd regret later. When I was almost eleven, I publicly professed my faith in Jesus as my Savior and was baptized.
In high school, I never really felt like I fit in. I had a small group of friends, but we weren't in many of the same classes. Being in a small school (about 150 kids), I took art and they didn't, therefore, our schedules were very often very different. I was also shy and quiet, and thought most of the guys in my school were morons. The guys I went to church with didn’t interest me either. They liked to either talk about sports or farming. But my senior year I started dating a guy from the neighboring town. He went to church and had a close family.
After graduating High School, I went on to a small college over two hours away. For the most part, I loved it. There were about 500 students, and I knew no one. I could be me. There were rough times and lonely times, but for the most part, I really liked being there. I found a church to attend, found some good friends, attended a small Bible study. I also had some interesting experiences because of following Jesus. I remember one time sitting in the dining hall with a few friends and they were trying to get me to say a swear word. It didn’t matter which word, just any word. The whole thing was done good-naturedly, but it just showed that people could tell I was different.
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Post by Natalie on Jul 1, 2019 14:20:23 GMT -6
After two years at that school, I transferred to a much bigger university closer to home. I was still dating the guy I met in high school. One Sunday we went to church in my hometown. The preacher made a comment about Jesus being God. My boyfriend turned to me and whispered something like, “He is not.” Thus started my journey to discover what I truly believed. I discovered that, yes, the Bible does teach that Jesus is God. My faith became my own and not just something my parents and church taught me. Sadly, my boyfriend did not choose to read the Bible and study on his own. He clung to the false gospel he had always been taught. Our relationship ended. Many people did not understand why. Throughout my time in college, I read the Bible and spent time in prayer. It wasn't consistent, but it was more than I had done previously. I became involved with the campus ministry, went on a mission trip, learned much, graduated, did some substitute teaching, and got married. We then moved to a larger town, found a church, and were busy with our jobs. Two years later we moved into a house and had our first child. I left my job to stay at home, and two more children followed. We went to church on Sunday but my relationship with Jesus just got pushed to the edge of my life. I was trying to live a “good” life that honored God, but I wasn't really seeking Him.
But God would correct that.
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Post by Natalie on Jul 1, 2019 14:26:46 GMT -6
Several things then changed. I was raising three children with a husband who traveled a lot. (As in, he would be gone a week or even 2 or 3 weeks at a time, for a total of 26-28 weeks a year). The two boys were not easy. For example, I found out that a child can be asked not to come back to VBS. My oldest got in trouble a lot; we then started him on ADHD meds which helped some. He was also a very unhappy child. I don’t really know how to describe it. But one of the meds we tried failed at helping him concentrate, but it did wonders for his mood. We think that he might have been suffering from depression, but at age 4, 5 and 6 a child does not know how to express that. (He no longer has to take that one. Thankfully now he is just a typical moody teen.  ) The second child also got diagnosed as ADHD. His behavior was different than my oldest, but when he was in third grade he had a wonderful teacher. She suggested us getting him evaluated as he exhibited behaviors much like her daughter had. Just two days on medicine, and she could see a difference in him. The thing was, we thought it was a behavior issue. So, we were disciplining him at home (with early bedtimes and long timeouts). He had started complaining of his stomach hurting. It was about this time that his teacher called me. She said, “Samuel is trying really hard, but he just can’t do it.” He was trying so hard to obey and work hard that he was giving himself a stomach ache! I felt so bad, but I am so thankful that God put him in that teacher’s class. So, back up about three years before this...God got my attention about events going on in the world and the things going on in the church. I started reading my Bible more. I was so hungry. So, after ten years at the same church, we left to attend a different one. I had really started paying attention to who he was quoting, and to the fact that the gospel wasn’t getting preached. The church had gotten big, and loud, and “seeker sensitive”. And because I was hungry for God’s word and wanted to grow, I felt that it was best if we went elsewhere. Thankfully, my husband trusted my judgment. But I was still trying to do it all on my own. I was struggling with these boys He had given me, with my husband being gone a lot, and one day I just shut myself in the bathroom and broke down. I finally came to the point where I told God that without His strength, I couldn't do it. I admitted to trying to do it on my own, and it wasn’t working. Things didn't magically get better, but a work was being done. I became more patient, less angry, more understanding, less exhausted. In turn, things were smoother between the kids and I. I enjoyed my kids again! My husband could see the change. It’s not perfect, and God is still working on me. |
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Post by Natalie on Jul 1, 2019 14:30:07 GMT -6
I know God has worked in many ways in my life. But there is one thing that He did that I haven’t really told anyone about. Maybe I don’t think they would understand? Or maybe it’s just too personal? Back a couple of years ago, I started having chest pains – like my heart would beat really hard. Painfully so at times. It was mainly when I would lie down at night. This went on for about two weeks and seemed to be getting worse (occurring during the daytime, too) My doctor listened to my heart and didn’t hear anything weird, but it didn’t act up when I was at my exam (of course!) BUt, over the course of a couple of days it became clear to me that I had some things in my heart I needed to deal with...mainly that I was holding too tightly to my kids. I guess, more specifically, that I was holding too tightly to the idea that they would not be okay if something happened to me. So, two nights in a row I talked to God about it. The second night, I told Him, “Ok, Father, they are yours. I know You will take care of them no matter what. Please take them.” And I went to sleep. And the chest pains stopped. For the next month I would get a little flutter every once in a while, a couple of times a week maybe. But it just reminded me of what I had prayed. After that they have completely gone away. It’s kind of weird that my husband was having similar issues at about the same time. His heart would start beating really fast for no reason. He ended up in the ER in Atlanta, GA, during one of his work weeks, and had to have the paddles used to reset things. But God gave me Isaiah 26:3 and peace that passes all understanding. (I posted more details about this part of my story here: board.unsealed.org/thread/1652/raise-mine-ebenezer)And over all, I believe that God has been teaching me to let go. Through all these things, through Sept 23, through seeing the flooding this summer...this world is not my home. I am so thankful for Unsealed and the people here and the time I have been here. I have learned so much from the people here and from my own studies. It has so strengthened my faith and my confidence in defending the Truth. I am very thankful. |
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Post by mike on Jul 1, 2019 15:03:43 GMT -6
Natalie all that the Lord has done shows sister! You are a solid rock and inspiration for me. I am thankful for you!
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Post by Natalie on Jul 1, 2019 15:07:02 GMT -6
Thank you, Mike! He's been good to me. I am very thankful for you and your friendship.
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Post by stormyknight on Jul 2, 2019 9:29:18 GMT -6
You have been an inspiration and encouragement for me as well, Natalie. You've always brought a level-headedness to the threads and firmly stood your ground, which I admire. I can't wait to meet you and everyone here!!! |
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Post by Natalie on Jul 2, 2019 9:50:15 GMT -6
Thanks for the kind words, stormyknight! I can't wait to meet you all either! |
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Post by kjs on Jul 3, 2019 12:40:32 GMT -6
Natalie, Thank you for sharing............
I love getting a chance to learn about everyone and what God is doing in your life.
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If you get a chance -- can you expand on your "boyfriend" and why he did not believe Jesus was God?
I am unaware of anyone in the USA Christian circles that would proclaim Jesus was not God........
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Post by mike on Jul 3, 2019 13:07:04 GMT -6
kjs - not to answer for Natalie, but I had heard it was partly to do with Jesus not knowing the time of His return. If He were equal to God He would know this
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Post by Natalie on Jul 3, 2019 13:51:04 GMT -6
Sure, KJ. As best as I can, that feels like it was a lifetime ago. From what I remember, going to their church I didn't really ever hear anything too "weird", but looking back afterwards, there were small things...like, words to familiar hymns were different. For example, Holy Holy Holy did not have the line "God in three persons, blessed Trinity." I don't remember asking him exactly who Jesus was if He was not God. But I remember asking him about the verse in Genesis that says, "Let us make man in Our image," and he didn't know how to explain it. Shortly after this I did get some materials from his pastor to look through. It was what they did for membership classes. I remember asking the pastor about John 1:1. He gave me a very vague..."well, if you studied it in the original language" basically telling me that it doesn't say what I think it says. At that point, I put my trust in what I was reading in the Word and not what this church was saying. I had also found many other verses that also pointed to the fact that Jesus is God. I looked up their church online. It has the long name of Church of God of the Abrahamic Faith. I don't find that they have their own website anymore, but a facebook link sent me to coggc.org. The church is listed on this website. The belief statement is here: coggc.org/index.php/about-us/statement-of-faithHere is the first three: the oneness of God (1 Cor. 8:6) that the Holy Spirit is God’s power (Acts 1:8) Jesus Christ is God’s only begotten Son (Matt. 16:16), and is our Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5) That third one is better explained by what I found on wikipedia about this group of churches: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_God_General_ConferenceDoctrines of the Church of God General Conference include belief in the authority of the Bible as the rule of faith, one God, who is the Father, Jesus is God's Son, who came into existence beginning with his miraculous conception in Mary's womb, repentance is lifelong change, the literal premillennial second coming of Jesus Christ, those who have accepted the gospel will be resurrected at the return of Christ, and that the promises of God to Abraham will be literally fulfilled, referred to as the "Kingdom of God" being established on earth. It seems that it is a smallish group of churches. Wikipedia also states: According to the Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches, the Church of God General Conference had 89 churches and 5018 members in 2002.
From what I bolded, it seems they believe that Jesus is God' son, but is a created being (I don't know for sure how they interpret "begotten") and not equal with God. He did not exist previous to His conception.
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Post by kjs on Jul 3, 2019 14:40:11 GMT -6
Sure, KJ. As best as I can, that feels like it was a lifetime ago. From what I remember, going to their church I didn't really ever hear anything too "weird", but looking back afterwards, there were small things...like, words to familiar hymns were different. For example, Holy Holy Holy did not have the line "God in three persons, blessed Trinity." I don't remember asking him exactly who Jesus was if He was not God. But I remember asking him about the verse in Genesis that says, "Let us make man in Our image," and he didn't know how to explain it. Shortly after this I did get some materials from his pastor to look through. It was what they did for membership classes. I remember asking the pastor about John 1:1. He gave me a very vague..."well, if you studied it in the original language" basically telling me that it doesn't say what I think it says. At that point, I put my trust in what I was reading in the Word and not what this church was saying. I had also found many other verses that also pointed to the fact that Jesus is God. I looked up their church online. It has the long name of Church of God of the Abrahamic Faith. I don't find that they have their own website anymore, but a facebook link sent me to coggc.org. The church is listed on this website. The belief statement is here: coggc.org/index.php/about-us/statement-of-faithHere is the first three: the oneness of God (1 Cor. 8:6) that the Holy Spirit is God’s power (Acts 1:8) Jesus Christ is God’s only begotten Son (Matt. 16:16), and is our Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5) That third one is better explained by what I found on wikipedia about this group of churches: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_God_General_ConferenceDoctrines of the Church of God General Conference include belief in the authority of the Bible as the rule of faith, one God, who is the Father, Jesus is God's Son, who came into existence beginning with his miraculous conception in Mary's womb, repentance is lifelong change, the literal premillennial second coming of Jesus Christ, those who have accepted the gospel will be resurrected at the return of Christ, and that the promises of God to Abraham will be literally fulfilled, referred to as the "Kingdom of God" being established on earth. It seems that it is a smallish group of churches. Wikipedia also states: According to the Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches, the Church of God General Conference had 89 churches and 5018 members in 2002.
From what I bolded, it seems they believe that Jesus is God' son, but is a created being (I don't know for sure how they interpret "begotten") and not equal with God. He did not exist previous to His conception.
Hmm.... Thanks for that update ... maybe it is just me, but I never really heard of any denomination like that.
For the record, while I do not fully understand how God is three persons (God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit) -- I do believe it.....
And I know without a doubt that in the Gospel of John -- it teaches Jesus the Son of God was with God in the Beginning and was God.....
And in my mind that is Core Christian belief ........ but I guess it is not so "Core" if some do not believe it.
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Post by boraddict on Jul 3, 2019 20:06:53 GMT -6
Natalie, thank you for sharing some of your life experiences and God's work in your life.
The other day I was watching a documentary about an American guy traveling in India and he happened across a gypsy man. Then he was invited to travel to the family of gypsies and he stayed with them for several days. During the course of events they told him that they had never seen a foreigner, also they captured a copra snake like it was nothing. There were several hundred gypsies; so kind, so beautiful, with beautiful clothes that they make themselves.
I wondered how they could survive as nomads in India, close to the Pakistani border. It was truly an amazing story of family, love, friendship, peace, and beauty. The women were amazingly beautiful.
In comparison to our advanced society we are the big losers. We are not so loving, not many friends, do not have peace, and do not participate in a beautiful life style. What happened? We stopped loving each other, we distanced ourselves from friendships, we engaged in things that do not bring peace, and we lost our beauty as a people.
As a society that is; we have lost our place with God. Yes there are a few stragglers like those here at Unsealed. But as a US society in general, we are lacking so very much.
One thing that I love about you Natalie is that you are well grounded. You are fair, loving, peaceful, firm, and a friend to all. Thank you for being a great example.
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Post by Natalie on Jul 3, 2019 20:57:28 GMT -6
Thanks for the kind words, Bora. Reminds me of "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Rom 12:18)
I think heaven will be a bit like your documentary...colorful, peaceful, loving, accepting.
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) The second child also got diagnosed as ADHD. His behavior was different than my oldest, but when he was in third grade he had a wonderful teacher. She suggested us getting him evaluated as he exhibited behaviors much like her daughter had. Just two days on medicine, and she could see a difference in him. The thing was, we thought it was a behavior issue. So, we were disciplining him at home (with early bedtimes and long timeouts). He had started complaining of his stomach hurting. It was about this time that his teacher called me. She said, “Samuel is trying really hard, but he just can’t do it.” He was trying so hard to obey and work hard that he was giving himself a stomach ache! I felt so bad, but I am so thankful that God put him in that teacher’s class. 
