Wrestling with past baggage.

[Gorship]

Question for you guys. This is something that I wrestle with ; I wish there was a General board for questions like this anyway.

So something Im trying to work though - it was brought up slightly in one of the many polls that was posted a while back.

I will try to not make this to "Testimony"ish as that isn't the point. However - listening to Ray Comforts "True and false conversion today" reminded me of a time past where for a season or 2 I acted as a harlot while only a year and a half ago earlier. I remember hating everything about the things I was at that time doing and ditched them to embrace Christ. What does one do with this baggage? I hear people like Ray Comfort, and Paul Washer, Todd frield etc, (these Preachers and Speakers I have a lot of respect for) say things like "if you backslide you never slid forward", But here Im looking at my life and I can see to whom I owe everything I understand my sins committed in my time of life and im sitting here going, well what do i do? As a Christian I still repent for the mistakes I make during the day and week and the things i remember from my past. So I ask myself this question.

What do I do with this baggage? Does a rule of "backsliders never slid forward" have a "exception" to the rule where we may have seasons of failure?

What about struggles with sin? If we struggle are we not saved?

I understand sanctification is not being perfect but heading that direction over time.
I can think of "excuses" (I use that term lightly) for reasons why I may have stumbled for that time period.

So what does a person who has baggage - Do with this baggage? I have talked with my Pastor about it - I've sent out emails - Yet if I feel like Ive dealt with it - a few days later it shows up at my doorstep. So what does a person do with something like this?

 

[RLBosley]

Regarding the "backsliding" issue. I think the confusion comes over how that word is defined. As I define it, a backslider is a someone who professes Christ but falls into sin for a period of time. This person may or may not be saved. I believe Ray Comfort in particular means a backslider is someone who used to claim to be a Christian but now repudiates all Christian beliefs. That individual was never saved.


To me it sounds like you were under conviction during your 'backsliding' and God chastised you and brought you back. Of course I am not in any position to say what state you were in or are now in. The important thing is are you NOW right with God? Are you AT THIS MOMENT justified in His sight?

Believers always struggle with sin. Paul struggled with sin:

So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? May it never be! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by effecting my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful. For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin. - Rom 7:12-25 NASB

 

[Gorship]

Regarding the "backsliding" issue. I think the confusion comes over how that word is defined. As I define it, a backslider is a someone who professes Christ but falls into sin for a period of time. This person may or may not be saved. I believe Ray Comfort in particular means a backslider is someone who used to claim to be a Christian but now repudiates all Christian beliefs. That individual was never saved.


To me it sounds like you were under conviction during your 'backsliding' and God chastised you and brought you back. Of course I am not in any position to say what state you were in or are now in. The important thing is are you NOW right with God? Are you AT THIS MOMENT justified in His sight?

Believers always struggle with sin. Paul struggled with sin:

So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? May it never be! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by effecting my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful. For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin. - Rom 7:12-25 NASB

Definitely a better Idea to focus on where im at now, I appreciate the response

Hebrews 12 gives me a lot of comfort as well:

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.

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

 

[Arbo]

What about struggles with sin? If we struggle are we not saved?

Show me a true Christian who does not struggle with sin. Cannot be done.

Remember who the Accuser is.

 

[RLBosley]

Definitely a better Idea to focus on where im at now, I appreciate the response

Hebrews 12 gives me a lot of comfort as well:

Amen! We are to constantly examine ourselves that we be in the faith. But you will know that you are in the faith if you are continually looking unto Jesus. It doesn't matter if you are looking to Him from the highest of Christian heights or if you are in the valley fighting for your life. Keep looking unto Jesus!

 

[Gorship]

Show me a true Christian who does not struggle with sin. Cannot be done.

Remember who the Accuser is.

I mean, I fully agree with you. I suppose that sometimes I feel like from a lot of the "Big Dog" Preacher guys - they make it out as if because we are tempted and are getting pummeled by bullets we must not be saved, its extremely disheartening at times.

 

[RLBosley]

I mean, I fully agree with you. I suppose that sometimes I feel like from a lot of the "Big Dog" Preacher guys - they make it out as if because we are tempted and are getting pummeled by bullets we must not be saved, its extremely disheartening at times.

Sometimes it can seem that way, but I think it is like that because they are so focused on fighting the easy-believism that is so prevalent in American churches today. There are multitudes who are false-converts that are convinced that they are on their way to heaven because one time they sincerely prayed and asked Jesus into their heart.

Frankly, take it as a good sign that sin bothers you! Take it as a good sign that God is still convicting you. Repent when needed but don't let guilt weigh you down.

 

[The Archangel]

Question for you guys. This is something that I wrestle with ; I wish there was a General board for questions like this anyway.

So something Im trying to work though - it was brought up slightly in one of the many polls that was posted a while back.

I will try to not make this to "Testimony"ish as that isn't the point. However - listening to Ray Comforts "True and false conversion today" reminded me of a time past where for a season or 2 I acted as a harlot while only a year and a half ago earlier. I remember hating everything about the things I was at that time doing and ditched them to embrace Christ. What does one do with this baggage? I hear people like Ray Comfort, and Paul Washer, Todd frield etc, (these Preachers and Speakers I have a lot of respect for) say things like "if you backslide you never slid forward", But here Im looking at my life and I can see to whom I owe everything I understand my sins committed in my time of life and im sitting here going, well what do i do? As a Christian I still repent for the mistakes I make during the day and week and the things i remember from my past. So I ask myself this question.

What do I do with this baggage? Does a rule of "backsliders never slid forward" have a "exception" to the rule where we may have seasons of failure?

What about struggles with sin? If we struggle are we not saved?

I understand sanctification is not being perfect but heading that direction over time.
I can think of "excuses" (I use that term lightly) for reasons why I may have stumbled for that time period.

So what does a person who has baggage - Do with this baggage? I have talked with my Pastor about it - I've sent out emails - Yet if I feel like Ive dealt with it - a few days later it shows up at my doorstep. So what does a person do with something like this?

Mark Dever said something in his little book What Is A Healthy Church that deals well with this question, I think.

Mark describes two different "mindsets," if you will. One mindset is of a Christian who sins and the other is of a non-Christian who sins.

The non-Christian who sins will always take sin's side against God while the Christian who sins will always take God's side against sin.

My question for you is this: During your "season" did you affirm that God calls what you were doing sin? If so, it certainly doesn't make it OK, but it does suggest that you were likely a believer during that time and were struggling and failing.

Remember, Paul tells us to "crucify" our sins. Crucifixion is a slow painful death. We must all be working on killing our sins. Sometimes it's 5 steps forward 1 step back. Sometimes it's 1 step forward and 5 steps back. Sometimes we take a giant leap forward; sometimes we take a giant leap backwards.

Yet, who we side with--sin or God--tells us if we are even on the path.

Hope that helps.

Blessings,

The Archangel

 

[Arbo]

Frankly, take it as a good sign that sin bothers you! Take it as a good sign that God is still convicting you. Repent when needed but don't let guilt weigh you down.

Ditto this.

BaptistJG- Try to remember that your salvation is not based on the feelings of the moment.

 

[Gorship]

Ditto this.

BaptistJG- Try to remember that your salvation is not based on the feelings of the moment.

Just drives me nuts to think about

anyway.. Appreciate the responses :1_grouphug:

 

[agedman]

There is no doubt that addiction is forever. You, like all who have faced any addiction, must guard you heart and especially your mind.

The opening of Psalms 119 has this to say:

"How blessed are those whose way is blameless,"
​

(note it is not saying you have never sinned - the believer is blameless through the blood of Christ.)

Who walk in the law of the Lord.
2 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies,
Who seek Him with all their heart.
3 They also do no unrighteousness;
They walk in His ways.
4 You have ordained Your precepts,
That we should keep them diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may be established
To keep Your statutes!
​

(That is surely the heart cry of every believer and especially those who have struggled with an addictive lifestyle.)

6 Then I shall not be ashamed
When I look upon all Your commandments.
7 I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart,
When I learn Your righteous judgments.
8 I shall keep Your statutes;
Do not forsake me utterly!
​

There is a time when we all have known heaven as brass and our prayers bouncing back - However, our blessed Savior said, "I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you."

The next verses are also very important to keep with you in every moment.

9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word.
10 With all my heart I have sought You;
Do not let me wander from Your commandments.
11 Your word I have treasured in my heart,
That I may not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, O Lord;
Teach me Your statutes.
13 With my lips I have told of
All the ordinances of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts
And regard Your ways.
16 I shall delight in Your statutes;
I shall not forget Your word.

​

See how the psalmist has determination.

It isn't easy, but the more the Scriptures dwell in you and are part of your mind, the more defense you have from the attacks of Satan and his forces.

Paul stated when the armor was placed upon a believer that they are to hold out (cling, verbally and mentally state...) the Word. That is the ONLY weapon against the fiery darts of the Devil.

One last comment.

There are 31 psalms. Each day corresponding to the day of the month read that psalm. Then do the same with the book of John (though it only has 21 chapters).

The reason is to give you solid principals in which you can bring to mind the Scriptures when you are attached both by the old nature that you will wrestle and have to dominate, and the forces of evil (both spiritual and material) as you live from day to day.

I am thrilled that you have taken the first early steps.

Do not be dismayed - whatever you sow, you will reap. That applies not only to the past life of "playing the fool" (so to speak) but also abundantly applies to a person who determines to "cleans their mind," "present their bodies a living sacrifice," and "trust in the Lord with all your heart, don't lean to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him - He will direct your path."

I do hope this long post not only spurs you into greater faithfulness, but will let you know that every believer (especially you) are a trophy of Christ living in you. A light to shine, a testimony to live, and learning to become a true trail blazer to help other hurting, misguided lives back to Christ.

But remember, in order to achieve all that, you must abide in Him and He in you - to sustain, cleans and be your best buddy.

 

[Gorship]

There is no doubt that addiction is forever. You, like all who have faced any addiction, must guard you heart and especially your mind.

The opening of Psalms 119 has this to say:

"How blessed are those whose way is blameless,"
​

(note it is not saying you have never sinned - the believer is blameless through the blood of Christ.)

Who walk in the law of the Lord.
2 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies,
Who seek Him with all their heart.
3 They also do no unrighteousness;
They walk in His ways.
4 You have ordained Your precepts,
That we should keep them diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may be established
To keep Your statutes!
​

(That is surely the heart cry of every believer and especially those who have struggled with an addictive lifestyle.)

6 Then I shall not be ashamed
When I look upon all Your commandments.
7 I shall give thanks to You with uprightness of heart,
When I learn Your righteous judgments.
8 I shall keep Your statutes;
Do not forsake me utterly!
​

There is a time when we all have known heaven as brass and our prayers bouncing back - However, our blessed Savior said, "I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you."

The next verses are also very important to keep with you in every moment.

9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word.
10 With all my heart I have sought You;
Do not let me wander from Your commandments.
11 Your word I have treasured in my heart,
That I may not sin against You.
12 Blessed are You, O Lord;
Teach me Your statutes.
13 With my lips I have told of
All the ordinances of Your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
As much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on Your precepts
And regard Your ways.
16 I shall delight in Your statutes;
I shall not forget Your word.

​

See how the psalmist has determination.

It isn't easy, but the more the Scriptures dwell in you and are part of your mind, the more defense you have from the attacks of Satan and his forces.

Paul stated when the armor was placed upon a believer that they are to hold out (cling, verbally and mentally state...) the Word. That is the ONLY weapon against the fiery darts of the Devil.

One last comment.

There are 31 psalms. Each day corresponding to the day of the month read that psalm. Then do the same with the book of John (though it only has 21 chapters).

The reason is to give you solid principals in which you can bring to mind the Scriptures when you are attached both by the old nature that you will wrestle and have to dominate, and the forces of evil (both spiritual and material) as you live from day to day.

I am thrilled that you have taken the first early steps.

Do not be dismayed - whatever you sow, you will reap. That applies not only to the past life of "playing the fool" (so to speak) but also abundantly applies to a person who determines to "cleans their mind," "present their bodies a living sacrifice," and "trust in the Lord with all your heart, don't lean to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him - He will direct your path."

I do hope this long post not only spurs you into greater faithfulness, but will let you know that every believer (especially you) are a trophy of Christ living in you. A light to shine, a testimony to live, and learning to become a true trail blazer to help other hurting, misguided lives back to Christ.

But remember, in order to achieve all that, you must abide in Him and He in you - to sustain, cleans and be your best buddy.

Definitley appreciate the response! My pastor told me "Even though its a cliche, either the Bible will keep you from Sin, or Sin from the Bible", I can tell a difference since i started making an effort to spend a chunk of time just reading.

I mean ; on the positive side, all of this has thrown me to get heavily involved in my church and study theology deeper etc. Just have days like today for example where its like .. (not to sound mystical ) i can almost hear Satan just laughing and saying "dont you remember when you said you loved Jesus and acted like this?" Uhg!

regardless, thanks again everyone. Much appreciated.

 

[righteousdude2]

Me thinks.....

Question for you guys. This is something that I wrestle with ; I wish there was a General board for questions like this anyway.

So something Im trying to work though - it was brought up slightly in one of the many polls that was posted a while back.

I will try to not make this to "Testimony"ish as that isn't the point. However - listening to Ray Comforts "True and false conversion today" reminded me of a time past where for a season or 2 I acted as a harlot while only a year and a half ago earlier. I remember hating everything about the things I was at that time doing and ditched them to embrace Christ. What does one do with this baggage? I hear people like Ray Comfort, and Paul Washer, Todd frield etc, (these Preachers and Speakers I have a lot of respect for) say things like "if you backslide you never slid forward", But here Im looking at my life and I can see to whom I owe everything I understand my sins committed in my time of life and im sitting here going, well what do i do? As a Christian I still repent for the mistakes I make during the day and week and the things i remember from my past. So I ask myself this question.

What do I do with this baggage? Does a rule of "backsliders never slid forward" have a "exception" to the rule where we may have seasons of failure?

What about struggles with sin? If we struggle are we not saved?

I understand sanctification is not being perfect but heading that direction over time.
I can think of "excuses" (I use that term lightly) for reasons why I may have stumbled for that time period.

So what does a person who has baggage - Do with this baggage? I have talked with my Pastor about it - I've sent out emails - Yet if I feel like Ive dealt with it - a few days later it shows up at my doorstep. So what does a person do with something like this?

....this is an appropriate place to discuss things, or matters of the heart. So, discuss away!