I have always believed in God for as long as I could remember, but I don't ever remember having a life changing experience with him:a rapture dream, speaking in tongues, etc. Although I have heard him speak to me a few times and I have felt his presence once. I have repented of sin and have been baptized but I'm not sure if I have the holy spirit. How can I know if I'm truly born again? I am also struggling with being religious instead of spiritual (reading the Bible and praying because I have to, etc). How can I stop being religious and start being spiritual?
How you can know? Knowing begins with one word: FAITH
Hebrews 11:6 without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
You must have FAITH in the gospel (Good News) about Jesus Christ:
1 Corinthians 15:
1 Moreover, brethren, ""I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you"", which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 ""By which also ye are saved"", if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how ""that Christ died for our sins"" according to the scriptures;
4 And ""that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day"" according to the scriptures:
Vrs 1-4 Recap: The Apostle declares the gospel/good news.
The good news/gospel by which also ye are saved is:
Christ died for your sins (paying your sin debt), that he was buried (proof Jesus died) & that he rose again the third day (Father's receipt, sins payment received & accepted)
Once you believe/have FAITH in the 4 verses above. How do you increase/build your FAITH?
Romans 10:17 faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
We increase/build our FAITH by hearing, reading & believing God's word.
Final though:
Begin every prayer & study, thanking your Heavenly Father for revealing Jesus sin payment, thank Him for the understanding, wisdom & faith increase He will bless your next prayer & study with. Best wishes JJ.