[buzzoff1031]

This is going to be tough for me. I have never fully commited to Jesus. I play at it and then check out other religions. My wife is also unsaved. I know the truth in my head, but don't follow. Of course my wife thinks I'm dumb for this. Advise welcome

[George]

Originally Posted by buzzoff1031

This is going to be tough for me. I have never fully commited to Jesus. I play at it and then check out other religions. My wife is also unsaved. I know the truth in my head, but don't follow. Of course my wife thinks I'm dumb for this. Advise welcome

Aloha brother,

First things first - NO ONE (in the flesh) is ever "fully committed" to Jesus. The greatest Christian that ever lived confessed:

Romans 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Read Romans Chapters 5-8. These are some of the things that the Apostle Paul wrote, of which the Apostle Peter said: ". . . . which are some things hard to be understood, . . . ." [2 Peter 3:16], but if you can get a hold of the truth in these passages, you will stop trying to please the Lord in your flesh (i.e. "fully committed") and start to walk in the Spirit.
[Romans 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.]

Read and re-read the Psalms - they are a great help and support in a Christian's walk; and don't forget to continue to pray for your wife's salvation. Don't be "pushy", it took about 4 years for my wife to get saved from the time that we married. {A steady and reliable testimony is the most effective means for seeing a spouse saved - far more than "words" without "fruit". Lost people know that we Christians are supposed to bear "fruit" (they're not impressed with "works") in our lives.}

And always remember to: "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." [ Proverbs 3:5]

And keep looking unto the Lord Jesus Christ:

Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

[buzzoff1031]

The problem is more that I haven't been faithful to Christ. It's like one day I want to follow him, the next I'm a buddhist. Add to that the fact that I have an addiction to porn and I can't blame her. How do I become more solid in my faith?

[Here Am I]

buzzoff, I have a question for you:

Do you ever recall a time when you asked God to save you, really wanted Jesus Christ to be your Saviour?

We all have the head knowledge, but many don't get beyond that, don't truly become born again children of God.

Tell us about when you think you first became a believer. That will help me, for one, to better discern your spiritual condition, and be able to offer advice.

BTW, reading the Bible, as George suggested, is an excellent way to avoid the sinful things that tempt us, whether it is porn or gluttony or smoking or gossip or ...

"Sin will keep me from the Bible, but the Bible will keep me from sin"

[buzzoff1031]

I recall a time when I was a kid when I said "the prayer." But as far as actually repenting and making Christ the Lord of my life...I'm not sure I know how. I've gone to church my whole life (until I was 18, I'm 28 now and still don't), and don't know.

[buzzoff1031]

I also wanted to add that, as of now, I still don't go to church. I allow any doctrine or belief that comes across to influence me. I want to know I'm saved, and I want my wife (who's completely against religion) to be saved with me. What must I do?

[Kiwi Christian]

Originally Posted by Here Am I

BTW, reading the Bible, as George suggested, is an excellent way to avoid the sinful things that tempt us, whether it is porn or gluttony or smoking or gossip or ...

"Sin will keep me from the Bible, but the Bible will keep me from sin"

Yes, and some Christians with addictions need to read the Bible in an unfurnished room with just a table and chair, while handcuffed to the table!

[Luke]

Did I come here and join up in my sleep or something? It's like I am watching myself post, but it's someone else.

I have, for the longest time, struggled with assurance of salvation because of sin in my life and my lack of total and complete devotion to Christ.

[George]

Originally Posted by Luke

Did I come here and join up in my sleep or something? It's like I am watching myself post, but it's someone else.

I have, for the longest time, struggled with assurance of salvation because of sin in my life and my lack of total and complete devotion to Christ.

Dear brother Luke,

IF our Salvation is dependent on our being "sinless"; or IF our Salvation is dependent on our "keeping it"; or IF our Salvation is dependent on "our devotion to the Lord" - then we ARE ALL LOST! For "all have sinned and come short of the glory of the Lord".

But the Lord Jesus Christ said: "IT IS FINISHED"! WHAT was finished? Why - OUR SALVATION! He did (for us) what we couldn't do in the flesh.

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Brother, your general "assessment" of the net is true. However, this Forum (although imperfect) is one of the few places on the net where one can find people (not all) who are directing others to God's Holy words. And if there be some that don't do that; or if there is some confusion in the advise that is given, Christian men (brethren) like Stephanos, Bro. Parrish, Forrest, Josh, Kiwi Christian, MC1171611, and sister "Here Am I" and even myself (Post #2) are trying to help out a young man who obviously is crying out for help.

Some of us have lived long enough to know that in this present world we (Christians) are going to have TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS:

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Our HOPE is in the Lord Jesus Christ, for He is the ONE (THE ONLY ONE) Who has "overcome the world"!

Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

The above verses tell us WHY and to WHAT purpose "Tribulations" serve. The longer you live, the more you will understand this (take my word for it). I have been particularly hard-hearted, and it has taken me far to long to understand many of these truths, that I should have understood decades ago. But, praise be to God, He has broken through my stubbornness and hard heart and has gotten me to understand things out of His Holy word that I had no "inkling" about even five years ago!

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Brother, don't despair over sin in your life - at least your conscience hasn't become "seared", or "defiled" (you're still aware of sin). At least your conscience hasn't become "evil" (where you justify sin). Keep praying and be aware:
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

And remember to keep:
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin."
[Hebrews 12:2-4]

May God bless you brother for having an honest and sincere heart. I pray that God will always bless you in your "walk" with Him, and throughout all of your trials and temptations, and that He will make His presence known to you.

Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

[cb6445]

I'll be praying for you brother. I've been in worse shape. But God's GRACE is SUFFICIENT for THEE! Quit trying to do anything and just call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you're not sure if you're saved, ask the ONLY one who can give you the answer, the LORD JESUS CHRIST! Don't try to quit lookin at porn or try to quit any other sin in your life. Give it the Lord, he can handle it you cannot! Self reformation is just a waste of time. If you do manage to give up porn, you'll just get hooked on something else. Humble yourself before the Lord, hit your knees in prayer and beg the Lord Jesus to give you peace with your salvation. He'll show you! I would be more concerned with that right now than I would be your individual sin. "Examine yourself, whether ye be in the faith..." (1 Cho 13:5). The Bible says you in 1 John 5:13 "...that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life..." Do you know for a FACT you are saved? Do you have Godly sorrow, does the Lord chastise you for your continued sin? I just worry, 'cause I repeated a little prayer when I was a boy and have lived my whole life in sin, but thought I was saved. There's a whole generation of sinners with a false profession of faith w/out repentance. You cannot get saved without being drawn/convicted by God through the Holy Ghost and you cannot get saved w/out repentance. I'm sure plenty of you will disagree, but that's the truth!