Be proud of being a Christian?

[RyanB92]

Hi guys.

I have been receiving lots of advice, and seeing this written lots of places, that one of the first steps you should do after turning to Christ is to share the good news and tell someone. I absolutely see why people say to do this, because I do feel like I want to share this excitement. But I don't feel able to do this without being embarrassed? Not sure if that's the best way to phrase it, but as someone living in a very secular society, not having any Christian friends (at least not openly Christian), this is something hard to bring up in conversation. I am also someone who has been out spokenly against religion and Christianity in the past, and I worry about how people will react to be suddenly showing such a change.

It's not that I'm embarrassed or ashamed to follow Christ, and if there is a small part of me that is, I want to move past that and be proud to have faith in Him.

I think I also worry that this might be a "phase"? Since I have explored other religions in the past as well, and none of them stuck, I am scared of being judged for being an outspoken Christian and then stop again. I already feel like I would come off as a hypocrite because I have spoken out against Christians and Jesus in the past, so I really worry how it will look to suddenly be open about Christianity.

 

[Dave L]

Hi guys.

I have been receiving lots of advice, and seeing this written lots of places, that one of the first steps you should do after turning to Christ is to share the good news and tell someone. I absolutely see why people say to do this, because I do feel like I want to share this excitement. But I don't feel able to do this without being embarrassed? Not sure if that's the best way to phrase it, but as someone living in a very secular society, not having any Christian friends (at least not openly Christian), this is something hard to bring up in conversation. I am also someone who has been out spokenly against religion and Christianity in the past, and I worry about how people will react to be suddenly showing such a change.

It's not that I'm embarrassed or ashamed to follow Christ, and if there is a small part of me that is, I want to move past that and be proud to have faith in Him.

I think I also worry that this might be a "phase"? Since I have explored other religions in the past as well, and none of them stuck, I am scared of being judged for being an outspoken Christian and then stop again. I already feel like I would come off as a hypocrite because I have spoken out against Christians and Jesus in the past, so I really worry how it will look to suddenly be open about Christianity.

If love motivates you to speak, it will come out right.

 

[carp614]

There are phases. We (in my church) often call them seasons. We go through seasons where we are on fire for the Lord and strongly growing in faith and then it changes.

I suggest that the best way for you to tell people about Jesus is to show them how the Lord has changed you by the way your conduct yourself. Your best opportunity to preach the Gospel will come when someone says to you, "what happened to you?" or "You sure have changed" or something like that.

Act in obedience to the Lord and out of the abundance of God's love for you and you will probably have opportunities to tell people about your faith.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

Hi guys.

I have been receiving lots of advice, and seeing this written lots of places, that one of the first steps you should do after turning to Christ is to share the good news and tell someone. I absolutely see why people say to do this, because I do feel like I want to share this excitement. But I don't feel able to do this without being embarrassed? Not sure if that's the best way to phrase it, but as someone living in a very secular society, not having any Christian friends (at least not openly Christian), this is something hard to bring up in conversation. I am also someone who has been out spokenly against religion and Christianity in the past, and I worry about how people will react to be suddenly showing such a change.

It's not that I'm embarrassed or ashamed to follow Christ, and if there is a small part of me that is, I want to move past that and be proud to have faith in Him.

I think I also worry that this might be a "phase"? Since I have explored other religions in the past as well, and none of them stuck, I am scared of being judged for being an outspoken Christian and then stop again. I already feel like I would come off as a hypocrite because I have spoken out against Christians and Jesus in the past, so I really worry how it will look to suddenly be open about Christianity.

I think just saying that you are a Christian is a good start. Over time the Holy Spirit will guild you into all truth and as situations come up He will be there to help you share the message of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Blessings

 

[Dansiph]

Hi guys.

I have been receiving lots of advice, and seeing this written lots of places, that one of the first steps you should do after turning to Christ is to share the good news and tell someone. I absolutely see why people say to do this, because I do feel like I want to share this excitement. But I don't feel able to do this without being embarrassed? Not sure if that's the best way to phrase it, but as someone living in a very secular society, not having any Christian friends (at least not openly Christian), this is something hard to bring up in conversation. I am also someone who has been out spokenly against religion and Christianity in the past, and I worry about how people will react to be suddenly showing such a change.

It's not that I'm embarrassed or ashamed to follow Christ, and if there is a small part of me that is, I want to move past that and be proud to have faith in Him.

I think I also worry that this might be a "phase"? Since I have explored other religions in the past as well, and none of them stuck, I am scared of being judged for being an outspoken Christian and then stop again. I already feel like I would come off as a hypocrite because I have spoken out against Christians and Jesus in the past, so I really worry how it will look to suddenly be open about Christianity.

It get's easier as you do it. I tell people without thinking nowadays. Just say you were wrong before.

Paul persecuted Christians and became one of the hardest working Christians that has lived.

 

[StephenDiscipleofYHWH]

Hi guys.

I have been receiving lots of advice, and seeing this written lots of places, that one of the first steps you should do after turning to Christ is to share the good news and tell someone. I absolutely see why people say to do this, because I do feel like I want to share this excitement. But I don't feel able to do this without being embarrassed? Not sure if that's the best way to phrase it, but as someone living in a very secular society, not having any Christian friends (at least not openly Christian), this is something hard to bring up in conversation. I am also someone who has been out spokenly against religion and Christianity in the past, and I worry about how people will react to be suddenly showing such a change.

It's not that I'm embarrassed or ashamed to follow Christ, and if there is a small part of me that is, I want to move past that and be proud to have faith in Him.

I think I also worry that this might be a "phase"? Since I have explored other religions in the past as well, and none of them stuck, I am scared of being judged for being an outspoken Christian and then stop again. I already feel like I would come off as a hypocrite because I have spoken out against Christians and Jesus in the past, so I really worry how it will look to suddenly be open about Christianity.

Hello brother, first I would like to say that it is not pride that we should feel, or hope to feel for having faith in Christ,as we are told that pride is a bad thing(James 4:6-8, Psalm 138:6, Proverbs 8:13, 1 Peter 5:5, Isaiah 2:12, Isaiah 23:9, Proverbs 15:25; Proverbs 11:2; Proverbs 16:5,18; Proverbs 29:23; Mark 7:20-23; 1 John 2:16; Daniel 4:37). We should hope for humility in Christ and Joy in the Faith regardless of the Situation.

Now as to your situation I would recommended that you first study the word of God extensively before going out to speak about it. The more you study the more confident you will be in the doctrine. Build yourself on a strong foundation and you will lose any apprehension you have about speaking to others where God's word is concerned. I would also recommend that you go to different Churches, wherever you can find them, and sit through services and study with them. Having fellowship with other Christians, even those you do not necessarily agree with, will help to give you confidence and to understand fully how many others have gone through the exact same situation you are going through right now.

After doing these things for some time you won't be worried about what your friends or anyone else thinks about your faith. If someone brings up that you used to speak out against Christianity just say the Lord called you and you answered, then show them how many others even just within scripture were called to the Lord after being more against the Gospel than you ever were(Paul is the Best example). If your friends or others that you know do not understand or do not accept your change of Heart towards the Lord and his word ask yourself if they are truly the right company to be keeping.

And don't worry about this just being a Phase, dive into the Scripture and a Godly lifestyle. Fully embrace the spiritual and Godly way of living, give it your 100% and trust in the Lord in all things. Do this and the Lord will send you his Holy spirit and turning from the Gospel and the passion/love you feel for the Lord will be the Last thing on your mind. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom fear him and love him, and he will guide you.

 

[friendl]

Hello,

There are some good advice already from fellow Christians who've posted on this thread.

My POV as a new Christian also like yourself is, would be to go to different Church services at numerious Churches and experience Christian there around you.

Have you been Baptised yet? That is something I would say worth considering, as I'm on that journey too right now.

Also try to read the Bible as often as you can - daily if possible for 20 minutes or more, but it is important as a new Christian to get to grips with that.

Also I would recommend one of the Churches that you've visited, to arrange a meeting with the local priest to tell him about your new faith.

Good luck.

 

[RyanB92]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I have been reading my bible daily during my commutes, and listening to audio recordings and worship music throughout the day. Its helping me to continue to build faith and connect with God in more areas of my life.

I havent been baptised yet. It is something I would really like to do. But like the difficulties Ive talked about here, baptism is such a public display of faith and I dont feel strong or brave enough yet to be so open about following Christ. Hopefully someday God will give me the strength to do this.

 

[samwise gamgee]

I am also someone who has been out spokenly against religion and Christianity in the past, and I worry about how people will react to be suddenly showing such a change.

If you have spoken out against Christianity in the past it is important that you speak out for it now in order to undo any harm you have done. Those who are aware of your past beliefs might be even more influenced by what you say than those who know nothing of what you have said in the past.

Being a Christian is not something we can or should take pride in. The credit for what we are now belongs entirely to Jesus Christ. He is the one who chose us and brought us to faith in him. You should be concerned with his glory rather than with your own.

 

[Sketcher]

I havent been baptised yet. It is something I would really like to do. But like the difficulties Ive talked about here, baptism is such a public display of faith and I dont feel strong or brave enough yet to be so open about following Christ. Hopefully someday God will give me the strength to do this.

For what it's worth, baptisms tend to happen at church services. By definition, that will be a safe and supportive environment. The only reason to delay it would be if you are not ready to commit to obeying Christ for the rest of your life.