http://www.christianforums.com This forum is for new Christians to ask questions and be encouraged by other Christians. Here you can post your questions and talk about issues relating to new believers. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:03:13 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.christianforums.com/style/misc/rss.jpg http://www.christianforums.com http://www.christianforums.com/t7419141/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:13:52 GMT hello im wondering if i should now abstain from alcoholic beverages since the bible in some places says its ok and and in others says its not... whats the procedure here?... with explainsation would be good for my understanding please hello

im wondering if i should now abstain from alcoholic beverages since the bible in some places says its ok and and in others says its not...

whats the procedure here?... with explainsation would be good for my understanding please ]]> For New Christians TR1 http://www.christianforums.com/t7419141/ http://www.christianforums.com/t7419129/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:28:34 GMT There has been something that has been bothering me for a long time or should I say I've been thinking about... Do you guys find yourself talking about God all the time? I mean every topic that you guys talk about is it about God? I work with this lady who is constantly talking about the lord, we talk about different things, things that are going on in the world. Just discussing the everyday event and she is always saying its not the people doing it - these are demons jumping into people. I mean I don't mean to judge , Im just making an observation.....Please God forgive me If im wrong for doing this... but can she be fanatic to the religion? The reason to my questions is because she got divorced due to her husband cheating on her, she went out with this other guy who she says is in love with her and vice versa, but she tell us we shouldn't trust any man and she will use protection with him even when she is marry to him.... she says, he doesn't got to church and I guess she is trying to find someone like her. I told her maybe if he sees her going he will follow. I mean from what she tells us he is a good man. Then she says I will do whatever God tell me to do- even if it means me being alone.

A couple of yrs ago my sister in law went crazy she started saying she was a profet, she was making 100k a year, she lost her job, gave away everything, she said, God told her to do these things. Not too long ago the same thing happen to my cousin. I think there is nothing wrong to speaking to God and speaking to God to others, but I think there is a thin line between being religious and being fanatic to the point that someone can go crazy. Till this day my sister in law is not right... I mean I truly believe that was not God speaking to her... I think God can ask us to give him everything, but he is not going to want us struggling, I think if we are obedient to him he will compesate us.... any advise or input? ]]> For New Christians Trinity78 http://www.christianforums.com/t7419129/ http://www.christianforums.com/t7419128/ Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:28:01 GMT There has been something that has been bothering me for a long time or should I say I've been thinking about... Do you guys find yourself talking about God all the time? I mean every topic that you guys talk about is it about God? I work with this lady who is constantly talking about the lord, we talk about different things, things that are going on in the world. Just discussing the everyday event and she is always saying its not the people doing it - these are demons jumping into people. I mean I don't mean to judge , Im just making an observation.....Please God forgive me If im wrong for doing this... but can she be fanatic to the religion? The reason to my questions is because she got divorced due to her husband cheating on her, she went out with this other guy who she says is in love with her and vice versa, but she tell us we shouldn't trust any man and she will use protection with him even when she is marry to him.... she says, he doesn't got to church and I guess she is trying to find someone like her. I told her maybe if he sees her going he will follow. I mean from what she tells us he is a good man. Then she says I will do whatever God tell me to do- even if it means me being alone.

A couple of yrs ago my sister in law went crazy she started saying she was a profet, she was making 100k a year, she lost her job, gave away everything, she said, God told her to do these things. Not too long ago the same thing happen to my cousin. I think there is nothing wrong to speaking to God and speaking to God to others, but I think there is a thin line between being religious and being fanatic to the point that someone can go crazy. Till this day my sister in law is not right... I mean I truly believe that was not God speaking to her... I think God can ask us to give him everything, but he is not going to want us struggling, I think if we are obedient to him he will compesate us.... any advise or input? ]]> For New Christians Trinity78 http://www.christianforums.com/t7419128/ http://www.christianforums.com/t7418756/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:08:34 GMT I'm a 25 year old college student about to finish my Russian degree in December. I was raised in an atheistic family that not only rejects the idea of God or an afterlife (or anything spiritual for that matter) but is hostile toward religion. They believe that faith is a synonym for ignorance, because it "ignores logic." What they don't understand is that faith does not replace logic, that they go hand in hand. They don't understand because they've never experienced faith. I've always been different: I've always searched for the ultimate truth and for God. I was always shot down and laughed at when I was honest about my interest in developing my spiritual life. I met my boyfriend about a year ago and he is a devout Christian. He never pushed his beliefs on me or talked about it much because he knew how uncomfortable it made me, but I began asking him about it. That began my spiritual journey (about 4 months ago) and about a month ago I accepted Christ into my heart as my Lord and savior. Unfortunately, I have to keep it a secret because I still live with my parents and cannot deal with the onslaught of judgment and ridicule that will ensue when they find out. I will eventually tell them, but for the time being I'm more than content to continue my walk with God with my boyfriend and with support from other helpful Christians. I joined these forums so that I can get a little support and encouragement and to have access to helpful resources. Thanks for listening! :amen: ]]> For New Christians Ruzalkah http://www.christianforums.com/t7418756/ http://www.christianforums.com/t7418646/ Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:33:22 GMT Hello again you guys. I have come to realise that I feel Im being pulled into various different areas of sin. Im weak and not strong. Im still a relatively new christian and start my confirmation classes on monday. I feel so guilty as if I should read the bible prior to that in its entirety... Hello again you guys.

I have come to realise that I feel Im being pulled into various different areas of sin. Im weak and not strong. Im still a relatively new christian and start my confirmation classes on monday.

I feel so guilty as if I should read the bible prior to that in its entirety or I need to lead a completely sin free life.

Im confused. What should I do about confirmation?

As for sin, I remember when I first started going to church, and I basically made a covenant with god for three weeks to give up a particular sin and I was tempted and tempted and even had some physical pain but I lasted to all but one day because the physical pain got too much.

Now Im just tempted without pain and I give in far too easily.

I think I need to re-do my covenant.

I feel I need to be devoting more time, more strength, more energy to Christ, Im beginning to feel Im christian in practice but not in spirit, I feel that satan/evil has too much influence and control, and he can be present making you think you're doing everything necessary when really you're failing.

What do I do?

Thanks
Simon ]]> For New Christians sjdean http://www.christianforums.com/t7418646/ http://www.christianforums.com/t7417971/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:21:34 GMT Hi guys I got somewhat of a situasion, Ive got this friend who I don't really know that long, but she is not a Christian, but is knows there is something more out there. She sees herself as spiritual , but what pains me is she wants to become a Buddist. Although I love her very much to me this is not an option. How can I show her the diffrence between religion and doing and this Amazing Realionship that Jesus want to have with us. The second part of my proble is that im leaving the country where she stays for good , so I want her when she is ready or got that ephiphany we all got to find a nice church that won't spoil it for her. Any advice and prayers will be appreciated. ]]> For New Christians WJ777 http://www.christianforums.com/t7417971/ http://www.christianforums.com/t7417922/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:54:56 GMT Hey guys, im new here but my life suddenly turned upside down, i was 22 in my second year of college when i was younger my parents decided to hold me back a few years so i could be in school with my sister and they thought it was cool that id be older than all the older students however it only... Hey guys, im new here but my life suddenly turned upside down, i was 22 in my second year of college when i was younger my parents decided to hold me back a few years so i could be in school with my sister and they thought it was cool that id be older than all the older students however it only really made me feel apart from all the other students being 2 years older they didnt like having me around, well i was in college i had my own apartment and was starting a new job when i suddenly started having terrible pains long story short i ended up having 3 surgeries each a year apart to keep from damaging my system too much and ive ended up being 26 in physical therapy and ive moved back home into my parents house i still have to see a nerve specialist for the damage the surgeries caused and an acupuncturist.

Well that just explains my situation and now the question, my parents are in their 60s now and theyve adopted 2 girls one is 2 and the other 6, their mom used to sleep with them in the same room and would hold the baby while she slept she was a druggie and lived in a homeless shelter my parents wanted them to break off so they put them in my sisters room the baby in the crib and the older girl in her own bed. First problem is that the baby wakes up at 6am and cries and screams she crawls out of her crib and comes to wake me up, my parents keep their door locked because they want the girls to become more detached and dont want to be woken up early in the morning, they also think that since im staying home i should help out by helping them get back to sleep when they wake up at 2am and 3am and the baby is very good at waking up ever night at 3am and then waking me up so i can put her back to bed and it takes atleast an hour for her to settle down again. Its become very trying on me since my parents have me get up at 6am to help them get the kids off to school and then i have to get to work by 8am i get home at about 5pm somtimes 6pm and on the way i pick the girls up when i get home i cook for the girls my moms a teacher and by the time she gets home usually 6-7 after grading and excetra she falls asleep immediatly and my dad has always been one of the late workers he come home around 8-10 pm so the girls have gotten used to me putting them to bed.

Its only been 2 months and im surviving on lots of coffee and little sleep i never was a good sleeper and the girls usually wont fall asleep untill 10pm and with my physical therapy ive become really aggitated but i always try to keep it in check ive begged my parents to put the baby back in their room so she wont wake up crying but they dont want to be woken up ither leaving me as the one who always puts the baby back to sleep, and she never misses a night. Im unable to move out yet because i still have massive medical fees from all the many scans and treatments their putting me through so im stuck in this situation, the older girl is the devil himself in a her lol, i swear, she bites and scratches my parents and me usually drawing blood we have many pictures on file of cuts and scratches she has given us over time being a christian family were trying to raise her as a christan girl aswell so when she cusses or throws a fit there is time out and she will kick scream scratch and bite to try and get out of it, shes also trying to walk home to her mom so we have to guard the doors vigiantly, her mom still lives on the streets but she has delusions of grandure thinking she can find her mom and everything will be ok.

Well she for one like to lie alot and when im in the bathroom my mom will send her to look for me when my mom needs a chore done or needs help and ill tell her hey im in the bathroom hold on, and every time she goes back to my mom and tells her that i refused to come, my mom isnt the brightest person and she falls for it so i explain it to her and she forgives me but this has also been trying for me, when im taking showers she rattels the doorknob untill it opens or the same for when im in the bathroom and she will turn off the water or try to get me off the toilet to go and help my mom it takes alot of prayer to deal with her, and im having a very hard time with her.

So with all this happening around me ive been very ill tempered from the lack of sleep and the way the girls treat me, today the older girl threw a tin with uno cards inside of it at me and hit me so i picked up and chucked it denting the ceiling and spilling the cards everywhere.

Im in a bad place at the moment, im hoping the situation will get better but i feel guilty for letting out my temper, What should a christan do when they need to Vent?? ]]> For New Christians DamagedLivingStrong http://www.christianforums.com/t7417922/ http://www.christianforums.com/t7417847/ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:52:31 GMT Hello. My Name is Alan and yesterday on 14/11/2009. I prayed the prayer accepting Christ as Lord and I am now a christian. I have been searching for just over 1 year. During which I have read books by evangelists and also sceptics and came out on the positive side. I cannot wait for my relationship... Hello. My Name is Alan and yesterday on 14/11/2009. I prayed the prayer accepting Christ as Lord and I am now a christian. I have been searching for just over 1 year. During which I have read books by evangelists and also sceptics and came out on the positive side. I cannot wait for my relationship to grow stronger and stronger. Such an exciting place to be right now!

Thank you Lord! ]]> For New Christians albomofo http://www.christianforums.com/t7417847/ http://www.christianforums.com/t7417346/ Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:22:34 GMT I was wondering if anyone else has in-laws that are non-Christian, or other religions that do not support your beliefs?

My situation is this: I am originally from SC. My husband is from England. We currently live in the UK. I was raised in church etc, he wasn't. His mother is very very nice, polite etc. but not religious at all & gets very uncomfortable if anything "Christian" is brought up around her. She won't tell you that she is, you can just see that she is by her body language etc.
He has two older sisters. TOTALLY different story all together. One is passive aggressive.... just snide and "better than anyone on earth" - the other sister is confrontational, a know it all. Both are very what I like to call Politically Correct etc. If anyone makes any comment about any world events and misuses the word muslim, or islam they cut their eyes and give you the whole PC speech.
They expect us to support them in everything that they do, without question. Example: The passive aggressive one had a "non religious naming day" for her daughter. We commented to each other how odd it was - considering that it was held in the church hall ! We never said anything to her or the rest of the family. For my husbands birthday I bought him his very first Bible. She called that night and asked what he did for his birthday etc. & what I got for him. He happily told her a Bible. Her comment was "Oh, that's nice, if you're into that sort of thing" My husband has had no exposure to church or Christianity until 2 years ago when I came back to Christ (after turning my back 20 yrs ago) He is now a believer and is really keen to learn. I noticed that after he spoke to his sister that he went a bit cold and backed off.
This morning I noticed that my mother (in the USA) sent my husband an invite to join a group on Facebook called something like "I love Jesus and am not ashamed to admit it" he accepted it and it was posted on his wall. There was a comment from the confrontational sister saying "Brother….What the f***" ?

My mother saw it, and so did his 185 friends. This is the same sister that 2 months ago had to be christened in order to be godmother to her friends baby. I find it REALLY offensive. Actually, a personal attack on my family and our beliefs. I know that he won't say anything to them - I am still the heathen American (to them) - so I know that if I said something that would be the reason that they have been looking for to maybe tell me what they really think of me...? They are BIG on drama! Then, as well I have to consider his elderly mother. I don't want to upset her. Any thoughts?? :confused:
]]> For New Christians dizzychick70 http://www.christianforums.com/t7417346/ http://www.christianforums.com/t7417110/ Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:48:27 GMT I'm not sure where this goes, but I'll put it here and see if it's the right place.

I have gone through many changes in the last 3 weeks. One was that I took the leap (baby step) of faith and believe that God exists, loves me and forgives me.

Last Sunday during the church that I have been attending, the Pastor talked about strongholds.....those things that keep us stuck with evil. Each week it will be a different topic on what keeps us stuck. Last week the sermon was about anger. He showed why people get angry.

If anyone is interested in what he said (because it's kinda long to put here) here's the link to the audio (I hope it's ok to put this here).
Collin Creek Community Church | Current Sermon Series

But I realized while listening to his sermon that here I was forgiven for all the atrocities I committed and I was still angry and bitter over what others have done to me in the past.

I make movies that try to convey what I'm thinking and feeling so I made a movie about forgiveness to say I'm sorry to those to whom I've held anger against for so long. It's called Forgiveness (you have to turn the sound off before playing the video and it's on the right top) Lifewanderer .....The Effects of Abuse - Lifewanderer

I'm ready to let it go. I've forgiven them. I now know that God is going to forgive them also if they will believe and accept.

If you knew me, you would know that this is WAY off from what I was taught, from who I've become in my life, and how big of a step for me. Some know me and I hope they will forgive me also because I am truly sorry.

Cindy ]]> For New Christians lifewanderer http://www.christianforums.com/t7417110/ http://www.christianforums.com/t7416767/ Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:53:10 GMT hello i am a born again Christian, and i have a couple of questions that i cant seem to get a striaght answer from anyone. 1: who do i pray to? God or Jesus? 2: is god and jesus the same person? 3: are Pagans and Wiccans bad people? 4: and what was the original sign for holyness(like the cross)? ... hello i am a born again Christian, and i have a couple of questions that i cant seem to get a striaght answer from anyone.
1: who do i pray to? God or Jesus?
2: is god and jesus the same person?
3: are Pagans and Wiccans bad people?
4: and what was the original sign for holyness(like the cross)?

If anyone could answer these questions for me i would greatly appreciate it. Thank you and God bless. ]]> For New Christians Samuel Cane http://www.christianforums.com/t7416767/ http://www.christianforums.com/t7415594/ Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:56:15 GMT Might as well give some background information....

When I was younger I went to church often. I never really understood it though considering I was so little. I then just stopped. Our family stopped going. Now, 10 years later I'm returning this sunday. (I'm looking forward to it)

Since I haven't really been connected with God for a long while I really lost all faith in him. I really want to get my connection back with God. The person I am today is not who I want to be. I have prayed. Confessed of my sins, and asked for Him. Though it wasn't until two nights ago I let it all out. I said: "I've tried changing by myself, and that didn't work. I know you can help. I can't do this on my own."

I honestly don't know if he exists or not. But I am certaintly willing to do go through anything to get a relationship with Him so I can believe.

Basically I just want to say Hi and hear about how some non-believers came to God. :) ]]> For New Christians checkplease http://www.christianforums.com/t7415594/ http://www.christianforums.com/t7414940/ Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:09:26 GMT Hello everybody I have a question for you, and hope that you can give me some words of encouragement. I have never really been very religeous, but I quite enjoy the ideas of Paganism, with observing the turn of the seasons, and being grateful for what the land and different times of the year... Hello everybody

I have a question for you, and hope that you can give me some words of encouragement. I have never really been very religeous, but I quite enjoy the ideas of Paganism, with observing the turn of the seasons, and being grateful for what the land and different times of the year gives to us, although my family our Christian, but do not regulary attend church. I always loved singing at school though, and was part of the choir until I was 15.

I have recently started going to our local Methodist Church with a friend of mine, and we also go to a Singing group, and a wonderful "Celebration" Service at our local college for theology students and the community.

I really enjoy going to these meetings, and really feel good being part of something so wonderful and good! Although listening to these people who have such a firm belief, and passion for their love of God - I feel like a bit of a fraud going there.

Although I can accept most things, and I do feel that I would like to commit to God - I just don't belive that he has got time to listen to every one of us praying - and it just seems weird for me to think about people praying and asking him for help, or giving him thanks. I just think it's almost arrogant of us to think that he has got time for us.

Can someone please put me right because I really feel although there is some secret about this that I do not know about.

Thank you,
Sarah ]]> For New Christians LotsOfQuestions http://www.christianforums.com/t7414940/ http://www.christianforums.com/t7414895/ Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:37:48 GMT GOD BLESS TO ALL MY NEW BROTHERS AND SISTERS: I JUST RECENTLY FOUND OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, IN PRISON. SOME OF YOU MIGHT BE THINKING I AM JUST A CONVICT WHO USED GOD WHILE IN JAIL, AND STILL USING HIM BECAUSE I HAVE A TRIAL DATE AND PRAISE HIM TILL I GET FOUND NOT GUILTY, NOT HAPPENING I HAVE NEVER... GOD BLESS TO ALL MY NEW BROTHERS AND SISTERS:
I JUST RECENTLY FOUND OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, IN PRISON. SOME OF YOU MIGHT BE THINKING I AM JUST A CONVICT WHO USED GOD WHILE IN JAIL, AND STILL USING HIM BECAUSE I HAVE A TRIAL DATE AND PRAISE HIM TILL I GET FOUND NOT GUILTY, NOT HAPPENING I HAVE NEVER FELT SO CLOSE TO GOD, MY WIFE AND MY CHILDREN. I LOVE THE FEELING OF KNOWIG THE LORD HAS FORGIVEN MY SINS AND HAS ALLOWED ME TO FEEL THESE THING FOR THAT IM GREATFUL. I PRAY EVERYDAY, AND SO DOES MY WIFE AND 7 CHILDREN THAT I AVOID GOING TO PRISON, BUT WE ALSO KNOW ITS UP TO THE LORD WHERE I END UP. IT SCARES ME TO THINK I COULD GO TO PRISON BUT ITS MORE FRIGHTENING TO GO ANY WHERE WITH OUT MY LORD JESUS CHRIST. IF YOU CAN PLEASE PRAY FOR ME AND MY FAMILY.
GOD BLESS US ALL:amen: ]]> For New Christians ReBorn Sinner13 http://www.christianforums.com/t7414895/ http://www.christianforums.com/t7414533/ Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:48:41 GMT Hello Everbody Hello Everbody ]]> For New Christians demetriceedwards http://www.christianforums.com/t7414533/