AboutDana Expertise Hi. I would like to help with any problems you are having living out your life for Jesus. I am born again, and have been since I was in 4th grade. I came from a dysfunctional family, and Jesus sought me out. As a teen, I really struggled with many things. It was hard being the christian in my family, and trying to be a good example of Christ to them. My heart is now to help those struggling the same ways I did. I want to be able to help guide them through, and let them know there is light at the end of the tunnel. If you are struggling, I am here to help. Or if you just have a question about being born again. I hope I can help.
Experience I have taught 5th grade Kids Club for 16 years.
Education/Credentials The Pittsburgh High School for Creative and Performing Arts
LaRoche College: Graphic Design
Expert: Dana Date: 5/8/2008 Subject: Heaven And Hell.
Question A good friend of mine said he believes I'm going to hell, he also says he believes he's going to hell as well. I wanna be a good christian, but sometimes I feel like I've sinned so much that God will never forgive me and I'll never get in heaven. I don't want to burn in hell for all eternity, I mean, I have nervous breakdowns because of that and even cry because I'm so scared of hell. What can I do to start talking to god again to save my soul? It feels like he's distant now and I can't reach him.
Answer Hi Karen. First of all I want to apologize this took so long to answer. But my internet was down for a while, so I had no way to get back to you.
Now for you questions... please don't fear! God promises He will forgive us. No matter the sin, as long as we truly repent. We have to ask forgiveness, (and really mean it.) But He keeps His promises. Jesus didn't die on that cross in vain. He died for YOU. He already has kept so many promises, as recorded in the Bible. He isn't going to stop keeping His promises with you. Sometimes God might "feel" distant, but He is not. It is up to us to pursue a relationship with Him. I'd like to share some verses from the bible with you. Maybe you have heard them, maybe you haven't.
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
We all have sin in our hearts. We all were born with sin.
We were born under the power of sin's control.
- Admit that you are a sinner.
Romans 6:23a "...The wages of sin is death..."
Sin has an ending. It results in death. We all face physical death, which is a result of sin. But a worse death is spiritual death that alienates us from God, and will last for all eternity. The Bible teaches that there is a place called the Lake of Fire where lost people will be in torment forever. It is the place where people who are spiritually dead will remain.
- Understand that you deserve death for your sin.
Romans 6:23b "...But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Salvation is a free gift from God to you! You can't earn this gift, but you must reach out and receive it.
- Ask God to forgive you and save you.
Romans 5:8, "God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!"
When Jesus died on the cross He paid sin's penalty. He paid the price for all sin, and when He took all the sins of the world on Himself on the cross, He bought us out of slavery to sin and death! The only condition is that we believe in Him and what He has done for us, understanding that we are now joined with Him, and that He is our life. He did all this because He loved us and gave Himself for us!
- Give your life to God... His love poured out in Jesus on the cross is your only hope to have forgiveness and change. His love bought you out of being a slave to sin. His love is what saves you -- not religion, or church membership. God loves you!
Romans 10:13 "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved!"
- Call out to God in the name of Jesus!
Romans 10:9,10 "...If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."
- If you know that God is knocking on your heart's door, ask Him to come into your heart.
Jesus said,
Revelation 3:20a "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him..."
- Is Jesus knocking on your heart's door?
If you believe this and pray that prayer, you have been born again. (See John chapter 3)
Your body has become God's temple.
Your heart is where He lives.
Forgiveness is yours in Jesus.
And you belong to Him.
You were sin's slave.
But now...
You are a child of GOD!
John 1:12
"As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name!"
So Karen, maybe you have heard that all before, and are already born again. But you are just not sure you belive it all. I am not sure your exact situation. But if you are born again, then you belong to Him, and nothing can remove you from Him, once you have found Him. Hold tight to that truth. Cling to Jesus and don't let go.
I think you need to talk to a youth pastor at your church and share your thoughts with him. He can personally help you more than I can. If you don't have a church, then you should find one. And go, even if you are going by yourself, it is nice to be surrounded by other belivers, and have people you can ask these questions too.
I hope this was helpful, and I again apologize for the lateness.
Have a great day!
Dana
