Hi all,
First off, this thread is based around my understanding of the Christian faith, so apologies if my views may conflict with yours-- I'll try my best to explain clearly as I can.
I've never really been a devout Christian/or religious individual, my family are not particularly followers of any faith and are more akin to atheists, although weirdly my mother had a fairly disciplined upbringing and was made to go to Sunday school. I think this was more out of it being the 'done thing' of the times, as opposed to following a doctrine.
Nowadays, my mum would probably laugh at me in skepticism if I told her some of the stuff I believe.
I had never always been a follower, and never took any religion seriously and so wasn't really into 'faith'- but until age 14, around the time my Father had passed away. I hung about with this girl who was a Christian and attended this summer school- and so, that summer I attended this venue on the beach of my hometown. They as a group prayed for me- prayer of salvation- in that very moment I have a profound feeling come over me. An odd feeling- indescribable, but joyous.
I prayed regularly (however never really was a church goer because of social anxiety/shyness), and I looked for signs of him answering me. I asked for signs, and once I was so sick of not having any money (selfish I know)- I prayed to him with all my heart. One day I was stood at the bus stop- looked down and saw a pound coin on the floor- immediately i had this good feeling in my heart and I knew it was Gods will- it was a subtle message- a pure symbol that he had answered my prayer. For the rest of the day I was really jolly and happy. It was as if he was giving me the green light.
Years later and as I got older, I stopped praying, life got hectic (im now 25) had a lot of mental health issues, relationship breakdowns and drink a lot.
Me and a work colleague of mine were talking about God and how he answers our prayers. I made it clear to my colleague I wasn't really a stone cold devout religious guy. He understood and is actually very liberal about it.
Me and him sort of shared a joke or two, whilst talking about our individual beliefs about the doctrine. I told him about the incidence at the bus stop and I sort of joked in my head that I wished I actually had some damn money- sincerely. Later on, toward the end of my shift I walked out to put out the rubbish, and a old couple as me if I have seen a lost handbag, I immediately say yes I have. I go to get it. Give it to them, and immediately the gentleman gives me £2 for helping them. I say no no its fine. He insists!
Would any of you deduce that this was him answering my prayer? Giving me sign of optimism?
I was very elated indeed and it has kind of awakened a good feeling in me.
Also, how do you guys deal with the daily sinful acts that we succuub to day to day? I.e. Masterbation, drinking and sex before marriage? Is it okay to do any of these things?
Conventionally many Christians would disagree, but I've spoken to some very liberal followers, and they seem to think that following Christianity shouldn't be robotic or too controlled by scriptures. I,e, if God didn't really allow lustful thoughts, or masterbation then we wouldn't be able to feel it, or do it in the first place. I struggle will all of these issues daily.