Telling your problems to mortals

[Guest]

"Frequently I receive letters from individuals, telling me of their troubles and perplexities, and asking me to inquire of God as to what is their duty. To those for whom the Lord has given me no light, I have often replied: I have not been appointed by God to do such a work as you ask me to do. The Lord Jesus has invited you to bring your troubles to One who understands every circumstances of your life. p. 17, Para. 1, [sPTB09].

"What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”p. 17, Para. 2, [sPTB09].

I shall not dishonor my Lord by encouraging people to come to me for counsel, when they have a standing invitation to go to the One who is able to carry them and all their burdens, p. 17, Para. 3, [sPTB09].

"It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father cometh unto Me. ... I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”p. 17, Para. 4, [sPTB09].

God deals with men as individuals, giving to every one his work. All are to be taught of God. Through the grace of Christ, every soul must work out his own righteousness, maintaining a living connection with the Father and the Son. This is a genuine experience that is of value, p. 18, Para. 1, [sPTB09].

[Michelle]

Ed, thanks for posting these. I've never read them, but there have been times when I've felt so lonely because there was NO ONE PERSON I could go to about my problem, and all of a sudden I realized that there was ONLY ONE PERSON I could go to, and turned to Jesus. I try not to discuss my problems with people, but, I must confess, I do sometimes.

M

[Nicodema]

Excellent and uplifting quotes, Ed. Thanks for posting these.

[Guest]

Don't read me wrong now, I think there is nothing wrong to identify your problem with another mortal, but a true friend will immediately point you to Jesus which is "the Comforter", but those so trained by the state are not allowed to tell of the wonderful enabeling power of Jesus. So that means they are handcuffed and must jump through the states rules to keep the money flow postive. If these marriage counselors got out of the way between a man & his wife many marriages could be saved. But like most all of the attornies out there, they are trained to create more problem for the very people they are paid to protect.

[Neil D]

Michelle-

Quote:

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I try not to discuss my problems with people, but, I must confess, I do sometimes.

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It sounds like you are NOT willing to talk with people, and yet the bible says this-

Quote:

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Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. [:"blue"] 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. [/]

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Life on this planet is sick enough as it is. We need the help of God and each other...So, regarding life in general, as the saying goes, " Handle with prayer"....

[Stan]

I do tend to think that too often, people try and pass our problems on to someone else to fix, ignoring the seek and you will find.

BUT she because EGW was not one to do this, does not mean that no one else was. She made in clear that SHE was not the one.

To talk 21th century, if people asked her for advise on how to fix computers, and she said she did not, does not mean that no one else should.

There are also texts like "confess your faults to one another"

[Guest]

Neil said this gross error. "16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."

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This my friend is 100% Catholic teaching, this is a Protestant forum, try and find a real bible to quote from next time. There is a big difference between confessing your "faults" & sins to a mortal. Faults? yes that is OK, but sins, only God should hear those!!! Maybe that the problem, those that are high & lifted up, THINK they are God.

[David_McQueen]

What do we do with those who are losing faith in God or dont share our faith and need someone to talk to or need counsel?

[Neil D]

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Faults? yes that is OK, but sins, only God should hear those!!! Maybe that the problem, those that are high & lifted up, THINK they are God.

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Let's see..

Michelle, correct me if I am wrong, but didn't you say that you felt alone with your problem and then remembered God and talked to him about your problems?

I think the answer is "yes". And Ed, if you have talked to many people, you would find that what you concider "faults" [aka "iniquities"] are concidered "sins" by the individual. My quote from the NIV of James, uses sins in the sense of relationship problems, which is what Michelle is describing.

What she needs is a trusted person to talk to so that she can bounce things off this other person and find that her looming 'sins' are problems that can be solved and she can be healed of her problems.

And Ed, That is not exclusively a Catholic teaching...but also a Chirstian teaching, as evidenced by other bible texts.

[:"blue"] Romans 10:10

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. [/]

[:"green"] 1 Kings 8:33

"When your people Israel have been defeated by an enemy because they have sinned against you, and when they turn back to you and confess your name, praying and making supplication to you in this temple, [/]

[:"blue"] Matthew 6:15

But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. [/]

[:"green"] Genesis 50:17

'This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.' Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father." When their message came to him, Joseph wept. [/]

[:"blue"] Matthew 18:15

[ A Brother Who Sins Against You ] "If your brother sins against you, [ Some manuscripts do not have against you.] go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

[/]

[:"green"] Daniel 9:16

O Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our fathers have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us. [/]

I think I have given enough biblical examples to show where I am coming from...

[jasd]

Because your posts are so provocative:

1 Thess 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

The context is of someone sorrowing for the loss of a loved one. BIG Problem!

Speaking of which…

Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Hmm, sounds burdensome to me. But if I don’t know of me brother’s burdens (read: problems), I won’t have to h’ep ‘im out, now will I? he has Jesus…

It is my understanding that one ought to seek out the burdens/problems of his brother/sister in Christ (that is, without their self-manifesting), much as the Bishops in Mormonism do for their wards (or parishes, as it were). That, would be the Xtian thing to do, as many are constrained from mentioning their need(s) and continue to endure without nar’ a concern by his or her Xtian body of fellowship.

Sure Jesus loves, but He also said that you have the poor with you always. Why does He not just shove a cinnamon roll into the hungry mouth? a wad of cash in the piggy bank to pay the rent? a ride to the doctor?

The doin’ of it is the responsibility of those who take His name -- even Holy Rollers.

>>This my friend is 100% Catholic teaching, this is a Protestant forum, try and find a real bible to quote from next time.<<

Did you just, in the above, share/confess your ‘problem’ with the rest of us in cyberspace? [/your favorite grinnin’ fool] ;-)

KJV Jn 20:22 …Receive ye the Holy Ghost: v23 Whose soever sins {#266} ye remit, they are remitted unto them; [and] whose soever [sins] ye retain, they are retained.

Except for Mk 3:28, sins -- #266 is used exclusively throughout the entire Gospels… no differentiation, no nuance, no obliqueness, no latency, no other inference implied, no nada but the revealed word of Gd. Remit -- is pretty universally understood; and, Strong’s takes no exception.

But it’s so Catholic! Is it? or is it soooo Jesus…? Those are His words. Perhaps, it turns upon verse 22, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost”? Perhaps, we all might ask ourselves, “Have I received the HS?”

Who typed sin as leprosy? “Every visit he made to the world was painful to him. He saw and understood something of the leprosy of sin.” [ed.]

Sound familiar?

The OT priests had authority to remove leprosy from its victims.

The Johannine (Jn 20:22) passage almost reads as a preamble to the Great Commission doesn’t it?

Though Jesus might question if He were to find faith on earth when He comes, might he not also question if we were not yet able to bear what He might have to say to us? (Jn 16:12)

[Michelle]

Hmmm. I didn't want to open a can of worms, here.

There are different issues that have been raised.

1) sorrow--we are told to help each other in sorrows.

2) sins--in most cases I don't feel it's appropriate to tell others of our sins (there are probably exceptions)

3) Marriage counseling--I would have a difficult time recommending someone go to a non-Christian counselor, but sometimes a counselor is what is needed in a marriage relationship.

4) counseling in general--ummm---I have very mixed thoughts on this due to many many many acquaintences/family members who have been in "counseling."

There are times when my personal hardships will come across as complaining about another person--my spouse, my kids, my co-workers, my students. Is it right to share this? I don't think so (and this is what I had in mind when I originally wrote). I don't think it is right to talk with my best friend about my frustrations with my dh--I know many people do this, but I have always felt this betrayed trust between my dh and myself, or my children and myself, etc. Perhaps I'm wrong, but this has been my feeling, and is where I was coming from when I originally wrote.

Clear as mud?

M

[Michelle]

I've been thinking since I added the above--I think there are two situations in which people should be able to share with other people: 1) in a healthy marriage and 2) parents and children. Children should always be able to approach their parents, because godly parents are a way of teaching who/what God is like. Outside these relationships, my OPINION is to exercise caution.

M

[NormF]

Dear Michelle,

"Talkin' about your troubles" is not a one-size-fits-all, do-or-don't-ever proposition.

Troubles come in a variety of weights - some are fluff and some impossibly heavy to lift alone. Likewise, other peoples' abilities to help others cope vary from extreme to extreme - some are worse than useless, they're positively toxic and destructive; others cover a wide range of helpfulness, from just a gentle shoulder to cry on to those who are both highly trained and greatly gifted and can seemingly help you move mountains.

With that in mind, match the problem with the helper. And obviously, be careful. You're right about that. But don't eliminate mere mortals, just because they are not God. It's not for nothing that He gives gifts. And if someone has the gift of helping where you hurt, their gift is there for a reason; use it: He (God) wants that for you. This is where the answer lies to your question, is it right to share your problems.

When you think about it in these terms, obviously there are a lot more times, both great and small, than just two instances when sharing is appropriate.

And one thing more, He doesn't necessarily label them (these helpers) as being from Him. Nor do they label themselves. But all good gifts come from God.

Regards,

Norm

[Guest]

"Unless you are wrought upon by the Spirit of God in a special manner to confess your sins of a private nature to man, do not breathe them to any human soul. Christ is your Redeemer, He will take no advantage of your humiliating confessions. If you have a sin of a private character, confess it to Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man."

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The harlot church members are instructed from day one to confess their SINS to man. Adventism cultivated tendence over the years is to CONFESS their neighbors SINS [gossip] to their pastor.

[Guest]

Don't it just warm your heart to read those inspired words above, especially these words. "He [Jesus] will take no advantage of your humiliating confessions." What that means is that when you confess your sins to man, HE/SHE will take advantage of you!!! The do/they do, we have all seen it. If you haven't seen or read about this leverage mortals use, then you are stone blind.

[NormF]

I believe you are talking here about the Catholic church's model of confession of sins to a priest. That and the inappropriateness of gossip. I don't have much faith in the Catholic confession process either (as in zip/nada), and nothing but disdain for gossip.

My reply to Michelle dealt with a couple of her previous posts, under the more general heading of talking to and with other people about your own problems.

I do see a fair amount of difference between those two. Perhaps you wished to keep this thread contained to a discussion of the former, in which case, my post was off-topic. If so, I apologize.

Regards,

Norm

[Guest]

Brother I have no problem with a thread being diverted, all I know how is to utter truth, so be it! Many younger people that I know personally must protect the generation of deceived people [that were trained wrong] due to them paying their school bills. It would sure be to the human counselors ADVANTAGE to know of people sins due to a heart felt confession in his/her ears, they may consider backsliding someday and pull out their little black book.

[LifeHiscost]

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Ed White said:

"Unless you are wrought upon by the Spirit of God in a special manner to confess your sins of a private nature to man, do not breathe them to any human soul. Christ is your Redeemer, He will take no advantage of your humiliating confessions. If you have a sin of a private character, confess it to Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man."

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The harlot church members are instructed from day one to confess their SINS to man. Adventism cultivated tendence over the years is to CONFESS their neighbors SINS [gossip] to their pastor.

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[:"red"] "And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein" [/] Acts 14:15 KJV

[:"red"] "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime." [/] Dan 6:10 KJV

[:"red"] "And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God" [/] Dan 9:20 KJV

[:"red"] "Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." [/] 1 Tim 1:16

[:"red"] "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."[/] John 13:15 KJV

[:"red"] "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." [/]

2 Cor 12:9 KJV

[Gail]

Talking about confessing...

Doesn't the Bible talk about confessing one's FAULTS to one another, as opposed to confessing one's sins?

The way I see it, is that a person's sins is between him and God and perhaps the person he has injured.

Confessing one's faults might help us to become more accountable to each other and might help us to be careful not to place a weaker brother where he might be especially tempted

[Amelia]

Can we always tell the difference between a fault and a sin?

[Nicodema]

I'd say a fault is a general weakness; a sin is a specific instance of giving in to that weakness. Don't ask me for a concrete example.

[LifeHiscost]

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Ed White said:

"**Unless you are wrought upon by the Spirit of God in a special manner to confess your sins** >>of a private nature<< to man, do not breathe them to any human soul.

If you have a sin >>of a private character<<, confess it to Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man."

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Re: >> << [:"red"] "If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death.

There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death." [/] 1 John 5:16,17 KJV

[:"red"] "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." [/]James 5:16 KJV

[:"red"] "Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

" [/] James 5:16 NASB

[:"red"] "Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

" [/] James 5:16 AMP

[:"red"] "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results." [/] James 5:16 NLT

Take your pick. Re: ** ** It appears our Father gives more options than His earthly taskmasters.