New To Christianity

I believe in God and I believe that I feel him in my heart. I just don't understand the bible. I don't understand the meaning of life and why there is so much evil. I tried to watch the Passion of Christ and couldn't finish watching it. It was so too horrific to watch what happened to Jesus. I don't understand how the holocaust happened or how there is murder everyday. Why would God create us and then leave a tree to test us. Why does he let all of this evil happen? Why are we born to be tested? I'm really not trying to be rude, I just want to understand. I have prayed to God for answers, but I haven't gotten any. I just started reading the bible and will start going to church. I was hoping to see if anyone online could mentor me.
 
It's easy to blame God since He's all powerful. God loves us very much, so much that He died for everyone, but in order to be saved we have to lose our independence and trust in His abilities. Evil happens in the world because of sin - disobedience. Now, God could force everyone to do His will but how loving would that be. God richly rewards those that live in faith - trusting in Him. You're trying to judge God for His inaction when in reality He's done all He can except to remove choice. The wages for sin is death, and we are born into sin, and the loving part of God saw that wasn't very fair so He came to the earth, lived like us, never sinned, and died for us on the cross and to show His ultimate power, rose from the dead three days later. God loves you and everyone, but He's not going to force people to love Him. If people don't believe in Him why should He act on their behalf? It's easy to blame others rather than ourselves.

As to understanding the bible, it's easy to run out to some church or listen to some sermon online, but how can you identify counterfeits from the real thing if you've never been trained. The Holy Spirit is given to us to help us understand the word of God and much more. God has already written His Law into your heart. We call it a conscience. Our parents were supposed to teach us right from wrong, but many of them nowadays don't know themselves, so the cycle of confusion continues. You cannot read the bible like a novel or reference book. You must take a single verse and study each word and what it means. It's called meditation and requires time. Our society has sacrificed good food for quick, cheap in quality microwave food. The sin within us is lazy and we don't want to take the time to study - that's why so many cheat in school and at work and in life. But you cannot cheat in the life of a follower of Christ. You must do your own homework and the Holy Spirit will help you find the truth. People will suggest all kinds or things or people to study, but what is it they're doing - your homework. Yes, you can listen to them but how can you identify the phonies?

Because we are bombarded day in and day out with the things of this world, it is imperative we keep in the Word of God (Jesus) not just the word of God (written Scriptures). To do that one must meditate, not like the Hindi with legs crossed and an empty mind, but the scriptural way:

Joshua 1:8 (KJV) This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

The word meditate is literally: To be in continual contemplation over a matter. The matter to contemplate is the word of God. Take a verse and meditate on it. Here's an example:

Psalms 1:2-3 (KJV) But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Before I begin, the word law here is actually means teaching - Torah - teachings of God, not just the Ten Commandments. So... one that meditates is one like a tree STOP. A tree. Pondering a tree. A tree with deep roots isn't easily toppled by a storm. A tree hosts a place for birds to live and sing. The bark of a willow tree has the same chemical compound as aspirin. The tree sings when the wind blows through it. A tree provides shade when the heat gets too tough. A tree is immovable. Next: a tree planted STOP. A tree planted implies there's a gardener and not just some wild tree, but one cultivated and cared for. If cared for then there must be a Caretaker. A good Caretaker will prune the tree to help it grow stronger and focus on the importance of growing roots instead of just showy heights. A Caretaker will put stinky manure to give the tree the nutrients it needs to grow. Next:a tree planted by the rivers of water STOP. By the rivers of water. Water is essential to proper growth. So the supply is never ending, usually next to a river, but here it says rivers, more than one. So the supply exceeds the demand and by a lot! Everyone wants to enjoy sitting next to a river of moving water. Moving water is fresh and clean. Peace reigns there on a warm sunny summer day and the river sings during the cold quiet days of winter speaking of the abundant supply of the Supplier when everything around seems dead. Next: that bringeth forth fruit STOP. Before it gives fruit a tree must bloom with flowers. But just flowers isn't enough to produce fruit. Bees are necessary. They go from flower to flower pollinating the tree so the seed produces a seed within and sweet flesh around it. Bees... an interesting word in Hebrew. The word for bee in Hebrew is Deborah, yes, the name in English. But in Hebrew it also means the word word. As the bee (word) goes from tree to tree (person to person), it spreads the pollen. Just like the word of God planted in the soul brings forth salvation to those willing to accept the Word! This word for fruit in Hebrew also means wealth. Do this meditation on Psalms 23 to understand. Next: bringeth forth his fruit in his season STOP. ...in his season. There is a time of planting, time of growing, time of hibernation, time of flowering, time of fruit. A strong tree grows very slowly while a weak tree grows tall quickly, but then is easy to topple in a storm. Time allows for growth and rest. Time allows for events to occur: energy to produce a flower; time to process the seed from the flower; time to grow the flesh around the seed; time for the flesh to sweeten; time to add new leaves to catch the sun for food and the wind to strengthen the wood. Next: his leaf also shall not wither STOP. ...shall not. An absolute negative command. To wither means to die, to become corrupt, to become diseased. What leaf doesn't wither? An evergreen tree! And lastly, because he meditates on the word of God, whatsoever he does shall prosper. That person shall not lack anything because he puts his trust, faith, and confidence, in God.

The word meditate literally means to mutter, as in to speak under your breath, to mubble. Why would that be important?

Romans 10:17 (KJV) So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

So, meditate on the word. Speak the word. Grow your faith! We all must do it! God Bless!
 
I believe in God and I believe that I feel him in my heart. I just don't understand the bible. I don't understand the meaning of life and why there is so much evil. I tried to watch the Passion of Christ and couldn't finish watching it. It was so too horrific to watch what happened to Jesus. I don't understand how the holocaust happened or how there is murder everyday. Why would God create us and then leave a tree to test us. Why does he let all of this evil happen? Why are we born to be tested? I'm really not trying to be rude, I just want to understand. I have prayed to God for answers, but I haven't gotten any. I just started reading the bible and will start going to church. I was hoping to see if anyone online could mentor me.
Very frankly, not sure if you will get any convincing answers from men or women! Bible has the answers.. I would suggest to read Bible with an open heart.. That is, a heart open to hear what Lord wants to show you.. Before reading, pray that Holy Spirit will throw light on the scripture.. Because Bible would be foolish when we read it as just a book..

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God"
 
I believe in God and I believe that I feel him in my heart. I just don't understand the bible. I don't understand the meaning of life and why there is so much evil. I tried to watch the Passion of Christ and couldn't finish watching it. It was so too horrific to watch what happened to Jesus. I don't understand how the holocaust happened or how there is murder everyday. Why would God create us and then leave a tree to test us. Why does he let all of this evil happen? Why are we born to be tested? I'm really not trying to be rude, I just want to understand. I have prayed to God for answers, but I haven't gotten any. I just started reading the bible and will start going to church. I was hoping to see if anyone online could mentor me.

Finding a Bible believing church is the 1st step. Then I encourage you to continue to read your Bible.

1. I just don't understand the bible.

The Bible is not so much to be understood as it is to be believed.

2. I don't understand the meaning of life and why there is so much evil.

We all have been trying to answer those questions my friend. I certainly do not have the answer but it seems to me that the Bible encourages the hearts of believers as we gather or try to gather a clear understanding of God's power and His desire to create something of great beauty and also of extreme mystery.

As for evil, we know that the devil is the prince of the power of the air. Remember, God gave us the freedom of choice which of course allow for us to love God.

3. I tried to watch the Passion of Christ and couldn't finish watching it. It was so too horrific to watch what happened to Jesus.

That would be normal. The scenes are vivid and depict the awfulness of sin and the price which had to paid for it by Jesus.


4. Why would God create us and then leave a tree to test us?

Tree, rock, bird....does it really matter? The point is that we (Adam-man) failed to do as we were told and a price has to be paid for disobedience.

5.
I don't understand how the holocaust happened or how there is murder everyday.

Because men are depraved. Men wanted someone to blame for their inability to succeed, and someone to blame for their failures and when Hitler came along (an Antichrist) he gave them the perfect opportunity to do what they wanted to do.

The real question is why did all the other countries allow such a thing to happen.


6. Why are we born to be tested?

How else will YOU know where you are in your walk of life and relationship with God?

Titus 2:14 tells us...................
"Who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works".

It was part of God's plan because this principle is so vital to our relationship with the Father. He allow us to be tests or sifted in order to bring glory and honor to Himself. He uses weak and imperfect people. Testing grows us and matures us. God continually pushes us beyond our abilities. Then He lets us fail at times so that we do not lose sight of our frailty and need for Him.

Testing and sifting takes us from the heights of human self sufficiency to the awareness of God's firm hand in conforming us to His image.
 
I believe in God and I believe that I feel him in my heart. I just don't understand the bible. I don't understand the meaning of life and why there is so much evil. I tried to watch the Passion of Christ and couldn't finish watching it. It was so too horrific to watch what happened to Jesus. I don't understand how the holocaust happened or how there is murder everyday. Why would God create us and then leave a tree to test us. Why does he let all of this evil happen? Why are we born to be tested? I'm really not trying to be rude, I just want to understand. I have prayed to God for answers, but I haven't gotten any. I just started reading the bible and will start going to church. I was hoping to see if anyone online could mentor me.


I am going to say this: let's not try to figure out all the answers to the questions you're asking about murder and the meaning of life. As for understanding the bible, I still don't understand it much myself. And that's the fun of it. You learn about it all throughout your walk with God. So, don't try to understand it. If you understood it , then it wouldn't be any fun to read and discover new things. And welcome to the family of Christ. May HE bless you while you are taking this journey with us.
 
I don't understand the meaning of life and why there is so much evil.
Mankind is evil. Fallen angels are evil. You are evil. 1 John 1:8. God is not evil. In His love and desire for an intelligent creation to live with Him, He tolerates the evil /cursed world for a moment. One thing we are not, is a simple experiment by Him. We know this because of His sacrifice on the cross.
I tried to watch the Passion of Christ and couldn't finish watching it. It was so too horrific to watch what happened to Jesus.
One thing that always puzzled me was, why did Jesus's sweat turn to blood? Think about it. Many have been crucified and yet nothing close. It is because something worse then the cross happened to Him. God who hates sin, now took it upon Himself for us. This terrible movie / event should help us understand exactly how much God hates sin. He sweats blood in anticipation of it coming upon Him and gives His life to uphold the law He has in place on it, ''wages of sin is death''.
I don't understand how the holocaust happened or how there is murder everyday.
Devil hates the Jews. Murder everyday = humans are evil.
Why would God create us and then leave a tree to test us.
What should He have left? The angels fell when they followed Lucifer. Humans are a lessor creation, yet with equal accountability. Us falling was inevitable. In fact everyone of us fell. God knew this would happen. Hence Jesus was planned before the foundations of the world. You have to try understand the tree is a symbol of our decision to rebel. It could have been anything else. God chose a tree.
Why are we born to be tested
It comes with being the creation we are. Would you prefer God made you a monkey with no accountability?
I'm really not trying to be rude, I just want to understand. I have prayed to God for answers, but I haven't gotten any. I just started reading the bible and will start going to church. I was hoping to see if anyone online could mentor me.
Before an online mentor you need the Holy Spirit John 14:26 and scripture Rom 10:17. We can say all the right answers, but, it will all remain a blur. He will teach you if you come to Him on His terms. Psalm 51:17, James 4:6.
 
Thank you for all of these answers. I know that everyone says just believe...but I need to know why we were created in the first place. How was God created and why did he create us, animals, bugs etc. Why are there remains of dinosaur bones and it is never talked about in the bible? How were Angels created? God creates all so he also created evil to tempt us? I will continue my journey and I have been listening to an audio book of the bible before I go to sleep. I'm only on genisis, so I have a lot more to go. My sister is a Jehovahs witness and said that I am not allowed to see a psychic. Is this true for Christians as well? I met a psychic who is Christian and says she follows God. My sister said thats not possible.
 
why there is so much evil.
Mankind is evil. Fallen angels are evil. You are evil.

Reminds me of reading a Shakespeare novel…..

Have I experienced to have seed of negative thoughts in my heart that grows into rage, to blindness, to murder?

Not that I can remember : )........... but I can relate …..

My point: something is wrong … we search for salvation…for righteousness....
 
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Thank you for all of these answers. I know that everyone says just believe...but I need to know why we were created in the first place. How was God created and why did he create us, animals, bugs etc. Why are there remains of dinosaur bones and it is never talked about in the bible? How were Angels created? God creates all so he also created evil to tempt us? I will continue my journey and I have been listening to an audio book of the bible before I go to sleep. I'm only on genisis, so I have a lot more to go. My sister is a Jehovahs witness and said that I am not allowed to see a psychic. Is this true for Christians as well? I met a psychic who is Christian and says she follows God. My sister said thats not possible.


First:

Romans 9:18-24 (ESV) So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory- even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?

Second:

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (ESV) There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you.

Finally:

Titus 3:9-11 (ESV) But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Sometimes there's no answer and what is required of you is faith that God knows what He's doing.
 
Being a Christian is not an easy life; in fact Jesus Christ pretty much says that if we choose to be a Christian in this world we will be persecuted.

But the benefits outweigh the torment in the eternal spectrum- if we have faith....

We live in a 'fallen world'. We live in the leftovers from the flood and with each generation, the human race degenerates-the opposite of what we think is happening. So the earth, our kind, gets worse as time goes on. If the Church fails, there will be no more Christians-and that will be an even scarier world.
 
This is really quite simple. In the garden there was the Tree of Life and the tree of good and evil. "The LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground--trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." Genesis 2:9. Adam and Even could chose the Tree of Life (eternal life) or the tree of good and evil (self will). They went with their own will and chose the latter.

It is the same today. Humankind can chose Jesus, the Tree of Life (John 14:6) or he can chose his own will and way. "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." John 3:18. God wants all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4) but out of Love He will not force His will upon them.

Ask the Spirit for the details - and if you let Him - He will teach you. 1 John 2:27.

Understanding the Word should come as you grow in Christ and read more and more with His Spirit. A newborn Christian is given the milk the Word first, and than the meat! 1 Corinthians 3:2.
 
I believe in God and I believe that I feel him in my heart. I just don't understand the bible. I don't understand the meaning of life and why there is so much evil. I tried to watch the Passion of Christ and couldn't finish watching it. It was so too horrific to watch what happened to Jesus. I don't understand how the holocaust happened or how there is murder everyday. Why would God create us and then leave a tree to test us. Why does he let all of this evil happen? Why are we born to be tested? I'm really not trying to be rude, I just want to understand. I have prayed to God for answers, but I haven't gotten any. I just started reading the bible and will start going to church. I was hoping to see if anyone online could mentor me.

Maybe your question should be if good has always existed does evil therefore have always had to exist, since good can only be known as good as a counter to evil. If it were possible for evil to be non existent, why doesn't God cause it to be non existent in all realms rather than just separated to another realm, out of the existence of good in the end?

Real faith in God is really only faith because of the the existence of evil (because without evil, faith is not real) likewise love is only love because of the existence of sin and evil. If Eve had not sinned, even with the existence of evil, that evil would never have been known, so it was powerless.

However because Eve sinned the meaning and depth of Christ's love and sacrifice comes to life because his love and sacrifice is seen against the backdrop of evil. In perfect trust (faith in God's love pain is unnecessary). It is the existence of evil that makes the sacrifice so beautiful for it is the willingness of Christ's suffering and pain for us that really shows us God's love. Without knowing evil we would have known God's love, but by knowing evil God made a way for us to know his love.

God created us to love us and communicate with us. Rather than have us as robots, he gave us choice so those of us who choose to love him, have real love for him, not some type of facade.

If Eve had faith it would have been because she believed in God's perfect love for her. Because she doubted God's motives were love, she didn't know God's love as truth. Only by allowing the choice and going through sin and salvation by faith are we fully convinced of God's love for us.

So why doesn't God intervene in horrendous things. It is only by understanding the devastation of sin which includes separation from God and horrible earthly things is it that we recognize sin's consequences. God offers believers in faith the same secure state that Adam and Eve would have had if they didn't sin (the fruit of the Spirit with its infinite love, joy, and peace etc.). The unsaved need to know the consequences of sin to bring them to understanding God's real love. It needs to be a choice. If sin didn't have consequences it would be the Adam and Eve story over and over for God because Adam and Eve show that it is the failed test (knowledge of good and evil) that shows God's love is truly pure and real. Setting up earth as God did has caused all of us who are with him after this life to have chosen faith willingly and we will have real love for God eternally because we know for sure and believe it to be true that God is real love.
 
Maybe your question should be if good has always existed does evil therefore have always had to exist, since good can only be known as good as a counter to evil. If it were possible for evil to be non existent, why doesn't God cause it to be non existent in all realms rather than just separated to another realm, out of the existence of good in the end?

Real faith in God is really only faith because of the the existence of evil (because without evil, faith is not real) likewise love is only love because of the existence of sin and evil. If Eve had not sinned, even with the existence of evil, that evil would never have been known, so it was powerless.

However because Eve sinned the meaning and depth of Christ's love and sacrifice comes to life because his love and sacrifice is seen against the backdrop of evil. In perfect trust (faith in God's love pain is unnecessary). It is the existence of evil that makes the sacrifice so beautiful for it is the willingness of Christ's suffering and pain for us that really shows us God's love. Without knowing evil we would have known God's love, but by knowing evil God made a way for us to know his love.

God created us to love us and communicate with us. Rather than have us as robots, he gave us choice so those of us who choose to love him, have real love for him, not some type of facade.

If Eve had faith it would have been because she believed in God's perfect love for her. Because she doubted God's motives were love, she didn't know God's love as truth. Only by allowing the choice and going through sin and salvation by faith are we fully convinced of God's love for us.

So why doesn't God intervene in horrendous things. It is only by understanding the devastation of sin which includes separation from God and horrible earthly things is it that we recognize sin's consequences. God offers believers in faith the same secure state that Adam and Eve would have had if they didn't sin (the fruit of the Spirit with its infinite love, joy, and peace etc.). The unsaved need to know the consequences of sin to bring them to understanding God's real love. It needs to be a choice. If sin didn't have consequences it would be the Adam and Eve story over and over for God because Adam and Eve show that it is the failed test (knowledge of good and evil) that shows God's love is truly pure and real. Setting up earth as God did has caused all of us who are with him after this life to have chosen faith willingly and we will have real love for God eternally because we know for sure and believe it to be true that God is real love.
To simplify,

It isn't the existence of evil that is the problem. It is the knowledge, belief in, and faith in evil that is. A believer has God to have their faith in and he will shield them.
 
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Thank you for all of these answers. I know that everyone says just believe...but I need to know why we were created in the first place. How was God created and why did he create us, animals, bugs etc. Why are there remains of dinosaur bones and it is never talked about in the bible? How were Angels created? God creates all so he also created evil to tempt us? I will continue my journey and I have been listening to an audio book of the bible before I go to sleep. I'm only on genisis, so I have a lot more to go. My sister is a Jehovahs witness and said that I am not allowed to see a psychic. Is this true for Christians as well? I met a psychic who is Christian and says she follows God. My sister said thats not possible.
First, God was not created. He is the I AM, the eternal being upon who all life and existence rest. He created everything but he himself has no beginning.

Second, the bible doesn't tell us how angels were created, if God wanted us to know, he'd have told us.

Third, God did not create evil itself. Evil is just an absence of his ways and truth. Just like how darkness is really just the absence of light.

Fourth, psychics are really demon consultants. God forbids all forms of divination and spirit contact outside of him. Deuteronomy 18:10-11

Fifth, a big part of Christianity is having faith in God and his son. We know that all things work together for the good of those who love him. Romans 8:28 So if you have any fears about evil and death, don't. With him it is all a small part of his big plan of salvation. He promises everlasting life in those who have faith in Christ. I know you have questions, but they will all be answered in time. Your only duty is to trust God and his word.
 
I believe in God and I believe that I feel him in my heart. I just don't understand the bible. I don't understand the meaning of life and why there is so much evil. I tried to watch the Passion of Christ and couldn't finish watching it. It was so too horrific to watch what happened to Jesus. I don't understand how the holocaust happened or how there is murder everyday. Why would God create us and then leave a tree to test us. Why does he let all of this evil happen? Why are we born to be tested? I'm really not trying to be rude, I just want to understand. I have prayed to God for answers, but I haven't gotten any. I just started reading the bible and will start going to church. I was hoping to see if anyone online could mentor me.
This post is Allie from 11 years ago, are you a time traveller!?

No but seriously, continue to be faithful-- these things will be revealed to you. Small bible studies helped me a lot while I was new. <3
 
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