Do I have Jesus?

This is not a romantic story, but it is a passionate one, in a spiritual sense. I was baptised, with water, in 1998. But, my sins since then have gotten worse and stronger. At times I don't know if I am backsliding or never accepted Christ. So, I was wondering if I could get some advice?

I was baptised July 19, 1998 after attending my fist Promise Keepers convention. Don't get me worng, I loved it, at the time. But now, it's like I was there just to watch a show. I got baptised having never spoken aloud to Jesus or to any human my sins. I didn't repent like I hear from testamonies. I am too ashamed of my sins to tell another person so in the past 3 or 4 months I have talked to Jesus.

I still sin. The same sin. Over and over again. The only way I can see to stop sinning is to avoid all internet activity. I have been thinking about being baptised with the Holy Spirit. Redo everything. Only right this time.

Any ideas or advice? I need some help.

Comments From Readers

A reader says ... Interesting.  I  am the first poster and only wish to clarify that there are differences between what well intended Christians believe with regard to baptism and salvation.  In no place in the Bible does it say you must invite Jesus in to your heart to be saved.  It says you must repent of your sins and confess Him as Lord.  The Bible does not say Baptism is a symbol.  I do not believe it is either, as the Bible states the the act of Baptism connects us to Christ's death and resurrection. I believe what it says.  Faith is a gift and when you look to any of your own actions for salvation, even generation of faith , you will find yourself lacking and discouraged, possibly even to the point of losing your faith.  I do not wish to start a flaming debate but only to encourage you to Read the actual words of the Bible and decide for yourself.  I know I am weak and only strong in Christ. I create no strength or faith of my own.  He is faithful. God bless!

A reader says ... Have you ever asked Jesus to come into your heart? That is how you become a Christian. Being baptized is a symbol, like a wedding ring, showing that your old sinful self is dead and the new you, clean and pure from Christ's blood, has been raised through Jesus. Being baptized does not make you a Christian, just like a single person wearing a wedding ring does not make them married. We need to ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior and to ask him into our hearts. Then you begin a relationship with your God. You speak to him in prayer and he guides you and speaks to your heart. But you need to beleive with all of your being that he is Lord. We Christians still sin, because we are human. The difference is we feel the conviction of it on our hearts. We know what we are doing is wrong, so we try with God's help not to sin anymore. If you know what you are doing is wrong and sinful, then talk to Jesus and ask him for strength to resist temptation. If you have never accepted him into your heart then there is no better time than now. You may not ever have another chance. You could die tomarrow and it would be too late.  

A reader says ... The Bible say repent of your sins and confess Christ as Lord and you will be saved.  If you were baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit , you are baptized.  Keep Praying. Start an association with other Christians and ask them to hold you accountable.  Chritianity is not dependent on your feelings or personal strength but Christ alone and he loves you and has enough strength for all of us.  I will Pray for you.  Remember to fleeing temptation is more successful than fighting it.