I'm not sure if this is the right forum

[Paul]

I know someone, not personally, but through the Internet and he had been and is struggling with his faith. He used to be a Christian, a Catholic. But he doesn't believe in Christianity anymore. I think he was strugging with how we can know that Jesus is the Messiah.

I just saw him refer to himself as an apostate and yes I know what Hebrews 6 says about apostates, but I still have hope for him in the blood of Jesus.

I was just wondering if you thought this might be a good place for him to hang out. I'm kind of hoping that his faith would be restored. I am Catholic so I naturally would hope that he would be Catholic again. But right now he's not even a Christian. If he came here and became a God-fearing Presbyterian, I would be happy. I don't know whether that would be theologically acceptable (for me to be happy that is; but that's how I'm feeling right now).

I don't know what to do. But I believe in God's promises. He is good, good indeed!

And specifically I was wondering if there were people here who would be equipped to give as scripture says a reason for the hope that is within us in relation to his struggles. I think he still believes in God.

Thanks.

[Bill the Cat]

Paul, this is a good place to hang out. there are several extremely knowledgable people here and they can answer his questions, as most doubting their faith seem to have. Just link him up with www.theologyweb.com and have him register and post his questions.

Thanks for making us aware of this and we will pray for this friend of yours. :pray2:

[Xmansmommy]

Paul,
What is your friend's name so we might pray for him by name? If you don't feel comfortable giving it, that's understandable. I'll be :pray: for him regardless. Thanks for sharing your request and yes this is a great place for Christians to fellowship and be uplifted in Him. I hope he joins and we can help build him up again in faith.

In Him,
Linda

[Paul]

12-02-2003 @ 04:22 AM post located here (http://www.theologyweb.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=322994#post322994)
Xmansmommy:

Paul,
What is your friend's name so we might pray for him by name? If you don't feel comfortable giving it, that's understandable. I'll be :pray: for him regardless. Thanks for sharing your request and yes this is a great place for Christians to fellowship and be uplifted in Him. I hope he joins and we can help build him up again in faith.

In Him,
Linda

Thank you Linda.

His name is Michael. I think in scripture that means "Who is like God?" IIRC. Maybe that is part of his problem :) God is so transcedent that we need something solid to believe in His message, His word.

On a human level and also on the level of grace, I know our God: Father Son and Holy Spirit -- as I see Him in my own life experiences and in the way Mary praised or magnified Him in her Magnificat or Song of Mary and in a most special way in what Jesus did. I have come now to a greater realization than I have ever experienced of how awesome the Father is! And I have given thanks to Jesus now in my signature :)

Do you ever listen to Christian music? Right now actually I'm listening to: My Deliverer by Rich Mullins. He was a Protestant but he was contemplating conversion to Catholicism ... but he died in a car accident. I don't know whether he is in heaven or not, but the longings of his heart are apparent in his songs.

You really should listen to My Deliverer! :) There's two versions -- one sung by Mullins himself and the other which is sung by others -- Mullins died before the album could be completed and polished.

Another song I like is by John Michael Talbot. He I believe was first a non-Christian or at least not as conscious a follower of Jesus Christ as he ended up becoming. Then he became an evangelial Protestant. And then he became a Catholic. In both Mullins and Talbot's cases they were attracted to St Francis of Assisi. If you've only heard about Francis from the environmentalist or the liberals who like to cite a quotation of him which actually doesn't even exist! then you should really look into his life. Jesus Christ was his love! I once took a class from a very liberal Episcopalian woman priest. And she recognized this -- she's liberal but she's not an idiot or dishonet :). She said that Francis was one who was first and foremost madly in love with Jesus Christ -- those her very words: madly in love with Jesus Christ. And indeed Francis cired out Love is not loved! And he wept for his sins -- not out of fear of Hell, but because he wanted to give God his all. He said God is our all and all! Well I won't go on about him :)

Anyway the song I like by JMT is called Holy Is His Name -- it's entirely from scripture -- the Magnificat or Song of Mary I mentioned. I think there's two versions of it. The one I have doesn't include the whole scripture and instead ends with some instrumental praise of God. If anyone knows which album contains the other one -- PLEASE let me know!

Anyway I don't know what will happen to Michael. But I trust in my Father. I know He is a good dad, the best of dads. He even sent His Son to ransom or rescue us from the dominion of Satan and through Jesus, He showed me Who He Is. And in Him is my peace.

Sorry this was so long :)

[Jaltus]

For the record, this is the right place for that kind of stuff.

And I will be praying.

[Xmansmommy]

Paul I will be praying for Michael. And I want to let you know I feel your heart for the Lord in your posts. Thank you. :smile: