Question:
Not sure if this goes in advice or theology, so mods feel free to move if I have placed it inappropriately.
Those who are saved by God must first be called by Him. I grew up in a Christian home but I don't feel God's call. I believe in God, Satan, Heaven, Hell, and all that, but I feel like God is very distant from me. Believing in God is just the first step, we must also have a true love for Him, but with the distance between us it's hard to know him. I feel as if He has hardened my heart to Him because he hasn't chosen me. I've asked Him to give me a love for Him and I've tried to read His word, but it does nothing for me. Even though I'm seeking, nothing is happening. Could it be true that God is simply not allowing me to come to him, or is redemption still possible?
Answer:
It looks like your drawn to him, and I guess it just takes time. Just make yourself read the bible and that will help alot. And well just keep searching.
Answer:
I guarantee that God isnt refusing to save you and he is not ignoring you. The first step is to un-harden your heart. I know that you can find God if you keep trying and keep an open heart to him. Maybe this verse will help you:
James 4:8 - "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you."
And i'm sure you've heard this next verse, but i'll put one word in bold for emphasis:
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. "
I hope i've offered some help or comfort. Don't give up hope, and i'll be praying for you.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Dirt Not sure if this goes in advice or theology, so mods feel free to move if I have placed it inappropriately.
Those who are saved by God must first be called by Him. I grew up in a Christian home but I don't feel God's call. I believe in God, Satan, Heaven, Hell, and all that, but I feel like God is very distant from me. Believing in God is just the first step, we must also have a true love for Him, but with the distance between us it's hard to know him. I feel as if He has hardened my heart to Him because he hasn't chosen me. I've asked Him to give me a love for Him and I've tried to read His word, but it does nothing for me. Even though I'm seeking, nothing is happening. Could it be true that God is simply not allowing me to come to him, or is redemption still possible? Hello, Dirt. It's good to see you here.
There's one thing we've got to get straight, because this is very, very important: emotions aren't everything. Now, I'm not saying that emotions are bad or even that emotions are just some extra "cherry on top" that is pretty but ultimately meaningless, but I am saying that emotions aren't everything.
The Bible never says that when God calls a person, that person feels God tugging at his or her heartstrings. It never says that. Calling isn't about God emotionally appealing to you or emotionally moving you. Emotions are not the primary indicator of spirituality. If you do not feel extremely emotional, it might say more about your personality than it says about whether or not God has called you.
When the Bible says that only those whom God calls will come to Him, it does not mean -- let me re-emphasize that -- it absolutely, positively does not mean that you could be desperately coming to God and He is turning you away because He's an unwelcoming kind of guy.
When Jesus decided to spend His time, who did He hang out with? The majority of the time Jesus was hanging out with whores, drunks, tax collectors, and the like. What is that all about? The point is that those who are near to the Kingdom of God are the people who seek God as if they have an empty cup. They seek God in Christ, as if they have no hope and no possible avenue for help to come from. And just when they think there is no hope, Jesus decides to invite them to His feast. Likewise, think about the Apostles. They were a total mixed bag; nobody was particularly rich or intelligent or powerful. They were just average joes. There was only one thing that they shared -- they were crazy enough to follow Jesus. They were crazy enough to trust in Jesus with their lives.
Seek the Lord where He may be found. He has come to us in the person of Jesus. Jesus does not appear to us merely in our private emotions. Instead, when you engage the Bible, there Jesus is present to you. When you were baptized, there Jesus is present to you. When you go to a Bible study or listen to a sermon or hear the Bible read, there Jesus is present to you. When you participate in the Lord's Supper, there Jesus is present to you. There Jesus invites you to His feast. He says that He loves you and welcomes you to eat at His table with Him, just like the whores and drunks and tax collectors who were crazy enough to trust Him with their lives.
Jesus may be found in these places because He is at work in the Spirit. The Spirit is not about hyped-up emotional experiences so much as the Spirit is about bringing dead things to life. A lot of times we don't even realize what the Spirit is doing when He is doing it; we don't understand His life-giving work until much later. In John 3 Jesus compares the Spirit to the wind, saying that we never know where the wind will blow, and in the same way we can't predict where or how the Spirit will work. Know that there is life in Christ, by the Spirit, and that true life is not merely about emotions.
Answer:
Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (NIV)
I don't think that needs much explanation... also pardon me for asking this but what denomination are you associated with? I just wanna find out where you get this idea that God turns people away... God calls us all...
Revelation 3:20 - Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Answer:
Originally Posted by AXguitar Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (NIV)
I don't think that needs much explanation... also pardon me for asking this but what denomination are you associated with? I just wanna find out where you get this idea that God turns people away... God calls us all... I agree. We aren't supposed to run on emothins.
Dirt, have you repented (turned from your sin) and are you trusting in Christ?
Acts says that we need to repent towards God (turn away from our sin and turn to God) and trust in Jesus Christ. Have you done this?
Revelation 3:20 - Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. This verse is being taken out of context. This verse is for the church of Laodicea who had left Jesus out of the church. Jesus was knocking on the door, so to speak, asking if they would let Him back in.
Answer:
Originally Posted by WorshipJesus This verse is being taken out of context. This verse is for the church of Laodicea who had left Jesus out of the church. Jesus was knocking on the door, so to speak, asking if they would let Him back in.
I don't think context is particularly relevant in regards to that verse being used in this context.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Dirt Those who are saved by God must first be called by Him.
I grew up in a Christian home but I don't feel God's call. I believe in God, Satan, Heaven, Hell, and all that, but I feel like God is very distant from me. Believing in God is just the first step, we must also have a true love for Him, but with the distance between us it's hard to know him. I feel as if He has hardened my heart to Him because he hasn't chosen me. I've asked Him to give me a love for Him and I've tried to read His word, but it does nothing for me. Even though I'm seeking, nothing is happening. Could it be true that God is simply not allowing me to come to him, or is redemption still possible?
All that really should matter to you is this: do you believe the Gospel? Do you believe that you are a sinner who stands in need of forgiveness through the blood of Jesus?
Rom 10:8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);
Rom 10:9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Rom 10:10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

My advice to you is to quit trying to figure out if God has called you or not, for this is to concentrate on the wrong thing. Predestining, Calling, and Justifying....these things are God's business. To try to determine these things is futile. God has presented you with a decision. The only thing you have to do is respond.
Chris
Answer:
Originally Posted by Dirt Not sure if this goes in advice or theology, so mods feel free to move if I have placed it inappropriately.
Those who are saved by God must first be called by Him. I grew up in a Christian home but I don't feel God's call. I believe in God, Satan, Heaven, Hell, and all that, but I feel like God is very distant from me. Believing in God is just the first step, we must also have a true love for Him, but with the distance between us it's hard to know him. I feel as if He has hardened my heart to Him because he hasn't chosen me. I've asked Him to give me a love for Him and I've tried to read His word, but it does nothing for me. Even though I'm seeking, nothing is happening. Could it be true that God is simply not allowing me to come to him, or is redemption still possible?
Luk 11:9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Luk 11:10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
Luk 11:11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent;
Luk 11:12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
Luk 11:13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Dirt, I'm a Calvinist. I absolutely agree with you that only those who are called will come to Christ, and that they will only come because He has chosen them. But look at Luke 11. I believe that Jesus' words are true. Here's something you may not have considered: Perhaps you are looking for emotional assurance of salvation, when you ought to be looking to Jesus for your confidence. If Jesus is the Christ, then trust Him for salvation instead of looking for some other evidence of your election.
Answer:
Forget all this "believing" stuff, let's get down to business.
Acts 17
29"Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man's design and skill. 30In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
James 2
14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
1 John 4
12No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
God call you to repent. This means not just believing and praying but living a life of love, seeing what he is doing in the lives of others, how he wants to help and heal them, restore them to dignity and joinging him in that. A faith without works is dead, if you have no works your faith will die off, but when God's people live in love this is when he comes and is known in and among us through that love.
What have you been doing in your actions? Is your life lived for him? Is it walking in his love towards others? If not then it is no wonder that you are having trouble finding him. He is best found in situations where people do that in righteousness to his glory.
1 John 4
13We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. 16And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
You see and can testify that he sent his son to be the savior of the world, right? Well you are from the world so you're included in that. You acknowledge that Jesus is the son of God? Well there you go, you can be assured. However sometimes your heart will condemn you, and try and tell you that you are not saved or in fellowship with God, what then?
1 John 3
11This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 12Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous. 13Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. 14We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 15Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.
16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 19This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence 20whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
21Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. 23And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 24Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.
It is a Spirit of love, and these are his fruits, and we must keep in step with that Spirit.
Galatians 5
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Skeeter I don't think context is particularly relevant in regards to that verse being used in this context. context is always relevant, that verse is not talking about salvation, to use it with reference to salvation is not being faithful to Scripture and it's purpose.
Answer:
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’”
seems to be in context to me... verse 22 confirms that the message is to all whom the description of the church applies...
you know what you call a lukewarm christian? lost...
16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Dirt Not sure if this goes in advice or theology, so mods feel free to move if I have placed it inappropriately.
Those who are saved by God must first be called by Him. I grew up in a Christian home but I don't feel God's call. I believe in God, Satan, Heaven, Hell, and all that, but I feel like God is very distant from me. Believing in God is just the first step, we must also have a true love for Him, but with the distance between us it's hard to know him. I feel as if He has hardened my heart to Him because he hasn't chosen me. I've asked Him to give me a love for Him and I've tried to read His word, but it does nothing for me. Even though I'm seeking, nothing is happening. Could it be true that God is simply not allowing me to come to him, or is redemption still possible?
No no, God never refuses people to come into his house. He wants people to believe and follow him and his word. I think it might just be that you have to start to develop a better relationship with him and don't stop. I know you have doubts (I do too) but it's all about faith. Faith is a gift that he has given to you in order for you to believe.Are you following me?(Don't be shy to aks me a question or give me a holla).
He has loved you as he loved himself.Keep believing no matter how hard it may get or feel that your alone and devoid of.
Answer:
[quote] Originally Posted by Dirt Not sure if this goes in advice or theology, so mods feel free to move if I have placed it inappropriately.
Those who are saved by God must first be called by Him. I grew up in a Christian home but I don't feel God's call. I believe in God, Satan, Heaven, Hell, and all that, but I feel like God is very distant from me. Believing in God is just the first step, we must also have a true love for Him, but with the distance between us it's hard to know him. I feel as if He has hardened my heart to Him because he hasn't chosen me. I've asked Him to give me a love for Him and I've tried to read His word, but it does nothing for me. Even though I'm seeking, nothing is happening. Could it be true that God is simply not allowing me to come to him, or is redemption still possible? ][/QUOTE
God definitely accepts anyone who sincerely wants to obey and trust in Him and obey Him. I guess you could say that people who are saved must be called by God, because he calls everyone!! He loves everyone so much that he wants everyone to be able to be blessed by Him and find rest in Him.
As far as reading the word and not finding much that hits the spot for you, i can definitely relate with that! But when i hear speakers (granted they do have to be the right kind of speaker) telling the stories with a little extra flavor to get my imagination going so that i can actually kinda picture it, i realize these are awesome stories! i think it just takes a bit of time (and a bit of work for your imagination) to try and make these stories come alive! but once you are able to do that, you won't be able to stop your self from reading it! i used to be exactly like you, where i had to force myself to read the Bible, because i got so bored doing it. But now that i actually understand and can picture these things happening, i have to make myself stop because i can't spend the whole morning reading it! granted there are some spots that get kinda long when they list names, and what they built where, but i just want to encourage you that i think things will get better for you!
so i have a very serious question for you:
are you absolutely positive that you are seeking Him with your whole heart?
if you have things that your holding back, they're getting in your way of your relation ship with God. It's a hard and long process of trying to give up everything to Jesus. i think that it's one that you never really end, you just have to keep on giving everything up, over and over.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Dirt Not sure if this goes in advice or theology, so mods feel free to move if I have placed it inappropriately.
Those who are saved by God must first be called by Him. I grew up in a Christian home but I don't feel God's call. I believe in God, Satan, Heaven, Hell, and all that, but I feel like God is very distant from me. Believing in God is just the first step, we must also have a true love for Him, but with the distance between us it's hard to know him. I feel as if He has hardened my heart to Him because he hasn't chosen me. I've asked Him to give me a love for Him and I've tried to read His word, but it does nothing for me. Even though I'm seeking, nothing is happening. Could it be true that God is simply not allowing me to come to him, or is redemption still possible? You say you are seeking but the question is what are you seeking? There has never been a sinner who has come to Christ seeking mercy who didn't find mercy. We can seek forgiveness without seeking mercy. Wanting to have a few sins forgiven isn't seeking mercy. To seek mercy you must know that you have no hope but in the mercy of God. When you can come to Christ as that leper did and say Lord if You will You can make me whole you will hear the same answer he did, I will be thou whole.