Post by jlr1701 on Sept 30, 2017 11:32:54 GMT -6
I have been a Christian since March 7, 1985. Yes, I still remember the date of my salvation, the day that I asked Jesus Christ into my life to be my Lord and Savior! But my faith life has been a very rocky road. It wasn’t long after I got saved that I began to struggle with doubts about my faith and about the reality of it all. It’s a long story that I have shared to some extent elsewhere on this site, but the short version is that by early 2000, doubts and questions about my faith had built up to the point that I couldn’t ignore them any longer. So… I got on the Net and went looking for answers. I ran across a few atheists sites, and after reading them I lost my belief in God and my faith in Jesus Christ. The end result of listening to the wrong people — people who hate God and His Word and everything He stands for — was 17 years of outspoken and often militant atheism. And yes, I was unhappy and yes those were miserable years. Outwardly, I may not have appeared to be suffering much, but inwardly I was suffering a great deal, and I often lashed out online and took it out on others.
Not long ago, my atheism ground to an unexpected and screeching halt when I encountered the www.unsealed.org website and began to read and consider what they had to say. God opened my blind eyes so that I could see things much more clearly than I had in a very long time, and He completely restored my faith in Him and in His Word. That being the case, why am I writing about the doubts that once plagued me and that led to so many unhappy years of atheism? The reason is because… I still have doubts! I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t. Even Christ’s disciple Thomas wouldn’t believe in His resurrection until he had proof. As he said in John 24:25:
God has done some pretty amazing things in my life over the last year or so. He miraculously freed me from the festering internal pit of anger and rage that I lived with for many years. He used the Unsealed website to bring me back to faith in Him and His Word. He has sent many books, other websites, movies, study Bibles, and all kinds of other stuff my way to confirm my faith and to confirm to me the fact that He really does exist, His Word really is true, and that there really is a wonderful Heaven waiting for me where I will have the honor and privilege of worshiping Him FOREVER!! And yet… after all of that, all that has happened to me that you would think would erase all doubt… it’s still there. And last night, God spoke to my heart and gave me the antidote for those very human doubts that still plague me. Here it is:
1) I am to let the Word of Christ dwell in me richly (Colossians 3:16)
2) Always remember that the Joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 28:7)
3) Realize who I am in Christ and confess it and meditate on it so that it becomes real to me and stays real to me
It stands to reason that after so many years of hardcore atheism, a major change in thinking and belief such as a return to religious faith would take some time to adjust to. It is indeed taking some time for me to wrap my once atheist mind around the reality that God does indeed exist, the Bible is indeed His Word, Jesus really is God, and world events and the condition the world is in strongly indicate that He really is returning soon! WOW… 🙂 But let’s elaborate on those three points stated above…
To me, this means that the Word of God, which is alive (Hebrews 4:12), should be the primary weapon I wield against the doubts the devil sends my way. The Word says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). As Christians, we are to put on the whole armor of God, and we are to bring every thought into the captivity of Christ (Ephesians 6:13-18, 2 Corinthians 10:5). Let’s take a closer look at the verses from Ephesians:
Every morning, we should start the day off in prayer, and we should put on the whole armor of God, so that we can withstand the attacks the devil throws at us. And check out the emphasis in verse 16: ABOVE ALL take the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And what is faith? Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as, “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” By faith, we believe in God and in His Word, and faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Faith is a magnificent gift from God! It is by faith that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8), and it is by faith that we follow Jesus Christ and live the Christian life. We walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)! When the devil fires a fiery dart at us, we lift up the shield of faith and we arm ourselves with the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and we march into battle already knowing that we will be victorious in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57, Romans 7:24-25, Romans 8:26-39, 1 John 5:4)!
The Joy of the Lord is our strength! We should rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 3:1)! Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Philippians 4:8). The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). We should rejoice always and pray without ceasing, for this is the will of God for us in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)!
And, finally, we should know who we are in Christ and we should meditate on these incredible, amazing truths and live them! Ask God to make the reality of who you are in Christ come alive in your heart and in your life!
If you are a Christian, then the statements below are true of you.
I am accepted…
John 1:12 I am God’s child.
John 15:15 As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1 I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ’s body.
Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
I am secure…
Romans 8:1-2 I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39 I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4 I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
I am significant…
John 15:5 I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16 I am God’s temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10 I am God’s workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
SOURCE: ficm.org/about-us/#!/who-i-am-in-christ
You can find out much more about your identity in Christ through Neil T. Anderson’s wonderful books, The Bondage Breaker and Victory Over the Darkness.
These three things — letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly, living in the Joy of the Lord, and knowing who we are in Christ — are all a sure-fire antidote for the doubts that the devil sends our way. Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will surely quench every fiery dart the devil sends our way. As Mylon LeFevre said while he was ministering at a concert many years ago, speaking about faith and salvation, “I hope that settles in your heart, man. You don’t have to take my word for it, but you can take God’s.”
I know this has been a long post, but I hope this has been helpful and that it’s been a blessing to you. God bless you! Take up the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and live victoriously in Jesus Christ! Amen. 🙂
Here's the link to the full article:
faithinjesusrestored.com/the-antidote-for-doubt/
Hope this is a blessing to you, and of course as always, feedback is welcomed.
Jeff
Not long ago, my atheism ground to an unexpected and screeching halt when I encountered the www.unsealed.org website and began to read and consider what they had to say. God opened my blind eyes so that I could see things much more clearly than I had in a very long time, and He completely restored my faith in Him and in His Word. That being the case, why am I writing about the doubts that once plagued me and that led to so many unhappy years of atheism? The reason is because… I still have doubts! I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t. Even Christ’s disciple Thomas wouldn’t believe in His resurrection until he had proof. As he said in John 24:25:
“Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”
God has done some pretty amazing things in my life over the last year or so. He miraculously freed me from the festering internal pit of anger and rage that I lived with for many years. He used the Unsealed website to bring me back to faith in Him and His Word. He has sent many books, other websites, movies, study Bibles, and all kinds of other stuff my way to confirm my faith and to confirm to me the fact that He really does exist, His Word really is true, and that there really is a wonderful Heaven waiting for me where I will have the honor and privilege of worshiping Him FOREVER!! And yet… after all of that, all that has happened to me that you would think would erase all doubt… it’s still there. And last night, God spoke to my heart and gave me the antidote for those very human doubts that still plague me. Here it is:
1) I am to let the Word of Christ dwell in me richly (Colossians 3:16)
2) Always remember that the Joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 28:7)
3) Realize who I am in Christ and confess it and meditate on it so that it becomes real to me and stays real to me
It stands to reason that after so many years of hardcore atheism, a major change in thinking and belief such as a return to religious faith would take some time to adjust to. It is indeed taking some time for me to wrap my once atheist mind around the reality that God does indeed exist, the Bible is indeed His Word, Jesus really is God, and world events and the condition the world is in strongly indicate that He really is returning soon! WOW… 🙂 But let’s elaborate on those three points stated above…
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:16-17 NKJV)
To me, this means that the Word of God, which is alive (Hebrews 4:12), should be the primary weapon I wield against the doubts the devil sends my way. The Word says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). As Christians, we are to put on the whole armor of God, and we are to bring every thought into the captivity of Christ (Ephesians 6:13-18, 2 Corinthians 10:5). Let’s take a closer look at the verses from Ephesians:
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 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, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 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, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
Every morning, we should start the day off in prayer, and we should put on the whole armor of God, so that we can withstand the attacks the devil throws at us. And check out the emphasis in verse 16: ABOVE ALL take the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And what is faith? Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as, “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” By faith, we believe in God and in His Word, and faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Faith is a magnificent gift from God! It is by faith that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8), and it is by faith that we follow Jesus Christ and live the Christian life. We walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)! When the devil fires a fiery dart at us, we lift up the shield of faith and we arm ourselves with the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and we march into battle already knowing that we will be victorious in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57, Romans 7:24-25, Romans 8:26-39, 1 John 5:4)!
Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV)
The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. (Psalm 28:7 NLT)
The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. (Psalm 28:7 NLT)
The Joy of the Lord is our strength! We should rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 3:1)! Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Philippians 4:8). The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). We should rejoice always and pray without ceasing, for this is the will of God for us in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)!
And, finally, we should know who we are in Christ and we should meditate on these incredible, amazing truths and live them! Ask God to make the reality of who you are in Christ come alive in your heart and in your life!
If you are a Christian, then the statements below are true of you.
I am accepted…
John 1:12 I am God’s child.
John 15:15 As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1 I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ’s body.
Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
I am secure…
Romans 8:1-2 I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39 I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4 I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
I am significant…
John 15:5 I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16 I am God’s temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10 I am God’s workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
SOURCE: ficm.org/about-us/#!/who-i-am-in-christ
You can find out much more about your identity in Christ through Neil T. Anderson’s wonderful books, The Bondage Breaker and Victory Over the Darkness.
These three things — letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly, living in the Joy of the Lord, and knowing who we are in Christ — are all a sure-fire antidote for the doubts that the devil sends our way. Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will surely quench every fiery dart the devil sends our way. As Mylon LeFevre said while he was ministering at a concert many years ago, speaking about faith and salvation, “I hope that settles in your heart, man. You don’t have to take my word for it, but you can take God’s.”
I know this has been a long post, but I hope this has been helpful and that it’s been a blessing to you. God bless you! Take up the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and live victoriously in Jesus Christ! Amen. 🙂
Here's the link to the full article:
faithinjesusrestored.com/the-antidote-for-doubt/
Hope this is a blessing to you, and of course as always, feedback is welcomed.
Jeff
