flowergirl67

Active Member
May 17, 2020
32
17
21
Goodlettsville
✟10,436.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
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?
 

God is good

Well-Known Member
Oct 4, 2016
844
984
27
Michigan
✟201,885.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
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?[/QUOTE. As long as you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour and you have repented of your sins and you trust in Jesus to save you then you're saved. God loves you
 
  • Like
Reactions: April_Rose
Upvote 0

eleos1954

God is Love
Supporter
Nov 14, 2017
9,698
5,614
Utah
✟713,703.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Politics
US-Others
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?

with him:a rapture dream, speaking in tongues, etc.

It's not about this.

Your relationship with the Lord is personal .... He works through His Holy Spirit ... largely through the studying of His Word. The Holy Spirt is the teacher and again largely through His Word.

You need to relax and delight in His Word ... when studying always pray that for Him to send you His Holy Spirit to guide you through and to help you understand what you are studying.

When you open His Word have the mindset of .... Lord ... what would you have me learn about you today? When you study ... really think about what you read ... how do I apply this to my life? ... what is the message that is being brought forth?

Topical studies are a great way to go .... especially for new believers .... here is a resource that might help you get started. By studying topically you will get an overall viewpoint (OT & NT).

At the top you can change the topic ... not all scriptures will 100% apply to what you are seeking .... but many of them will.

What Does the Bible Say About Spiritual Life?

May the Lord lead you through His Word. Amen.
 
Upvote 0

Broken Fence

God with us!
Supporter
May 1, 2020
1,837
1,424
TX to New Heaven, New Earth, New Jerusalem
✟142,605.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
Politics
US-Constitution
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?
All very good questions. If you have asked Christ into your heart. Believe that He died for your sins on the cross. Believe that He was raised from the dead for your justification. You are saved. Sometimes if believers did not receive Holy Spirit, there was the laying on of hands.

Lord we lay hands on @flowergirl67 through faith. Lord we ask that You fill her with Your Holy Spirit in Jesus's name. Amen.
 
Upvote 0

flowergirl67

Active Member
May 17, 2020
32
17
21
Goodlettsville
✟10,436.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
It's not about this.

Your relationship with the Lord is personal .... He works through His Holy Spirit ... largely through the studying of His Word. The Holy Spirt is the teacher and again largely through His Word.

You need to relax and delight in His Word ... when studying always pray that for Him to send you His Holy Spirit to guide you through and to help you understand what you are studying.

When you open His Word have the mindset of .... Lord ... what would you have me learn about you today? When you study ... really think about what you read ... how do I apply this to my life? ... what is the message that is being brought forth?

Topical studies are a great way to go .... especially for new believers .... here is a resource that might help you get started. By studying topically you will get an overall viewpoint (OT & NT).

At the top you can change the topic ... not all scriptures will 100% apply to what you are seeking .... but many of them will.

What Does the Bible Say About Spiritual Life?

May the Lord lead you through His Word. Amen.
Thank you for your response! It has helped alot!
 
  • Like
Reactions: April_Rose
Upvote 0

crossnote

Berean
Supporter
May 16, 2010
2,903
1,593
So. Cal.
✟250,151.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
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?
I would ask myself, 'has there ever been a lasting change (at any time in my life) where my attitude toward Jesus and His Word had changed'?

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
(2Co 5:17)

Had you ever gone from indifference or disdain to truly loving Him?
 
  • Like
Reactions: April_Rose
Upvote 0

flowergirl67

Active Member
May 17, 2020
32
17
21
Goodlettsville
✟10,436.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
I would ask myself, 'has there ever been a lasting change (at any time in my life) where my attitude toward Jesus and His Word had changed'?

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
(2Co 5:17)

Had you ever gone from indifference or disdain to truly loving Him?
I would say that I personally haven't seen a dramatic change although at one point I did feel led to read his word more. Even now, I feel like I'm only following him because I'm supposed to not because I actually love him. It seems like I'm trying to save myself instead of trusting in him alone. I also tend to feel like if I stop reading his word or praying and let him take hold of the situation, then I wouldn't be interested in Christianity anymore and that's what worries me.
 
Upvote 0

crossnote

Berean
Supporter
May 16, 2010
2,903
1,593
So. Cal.
✟250,151.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Others
I would say that I personally haven't seen a dramatic change although at one point I did feel led to read his word more. Even now, I feel like I'm only following him because I'm supposed to not because I actually love him. It seems like I'm trying to save myself instead of trusting in him alone. I also tend to feel like if I stop reading his word or praying and let him take hold of the situation, then I wouldn't be interested in Christianity anymore and that's what worries me.
Jesus in His discourse about being born again with Nicodemus (John 3) also pointed to the brazen serpent in the wilderness...
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up (Joh 3:14)

Brass speaks of judgment and lifted up speaks of Christ's resurrection. I believe our rebirth is a matter of grasping the message of the Cross where our sins were judged (in Christ) and new life offered through the resurrection of Christ.

  1. When I survey the wondrous cross
    On which the Prince of glory died,
    My richest gain I count but loss,
    And pour contempt on all my pride.
  2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
    Save in the death of Christ my God!
    All the vain things that charm me most,
    I sacrifice them to His blood.
  3. See from His head, His hands, His feet,
    Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
    Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
    Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
  4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,
    That were a present far too small;
    Love so amazing, so divine,
    Demands my soul, my life, my all. -Isaac Watts
 
Upvote 0

hedrick

Senior Veteran
Supporter
Feb 8, 2009
20,250
10,565
New Jersey
✟1,147,348.00
Faith
Presbyterian
Marital Status
Single
It's misleading to expect everyone to have the same experience. People who have grown up as Christians often don't have conversion experiences.

Jesus' statement is probably better translated "born from above." (In the Gospel of John, it's common to show how people misunderstood Jesus. The same word could be "again" or "from above." It's likely the Nicodemus reaction is a typical example of a misunderstanding.) In John, Jesus connects being born from above with two things: water -- which is almost certainly baptism, and the Holy Spirit. (Yes, I know Protestants try to interpret their way around the reference to baptism, but that's almost certainly what it is.) In John 3:8, Jesus says again that he means being born of the Spirit.

So what does it mean to be born from the Holy Spirit? For that, you want to look at the whole Gospel, since the whole of John's Gospel is really about how the Holy Spirit worked in Jesus ministry and how it is given to Christians. That starts with love, and includes worshipping in Spirit and in truth.

I really don't think being born from the Spirit means anything other than following Jesus and worshipping in his name, so I would hope it's true of all Christians. After all, Jesus saw things like loving, forgiving, and reconciliation as things we do in response to God's love for us, and Paul sees everything we do as a Christian as a result of faith and being in Christ.
 
Upvote 0

ViaCrucis

Confessional Lutheran
Oct 2, 2011
37,341
26,785
Pacific Northwest
✟728,215.00
Country
United States
Faith
Lutheran
Marital Status
In Relationship
Politics
US-Others
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?

"Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, 'Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.' Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.' Nicodemus said to him, 'How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?' Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, "You must be born again." The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.'" - John 3:1-8

Jesus tells us what the new birth is in John ch. 3, it is a new birth which is "of water and the Spirit".

It is not a private, dramatic, experience, a feeling, or anything like that. It's simply Baptism.

If you have been baptized, then you have been born again. Every baptized Christian has received the new birth from God as an act of pure grace, apart from our works.

As St. Paul says in his epistle to Titus,

"But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." - Titus 3:4-7

Being born again isn't something we do, it isn't some dramatic profound spiritual experience we feeling deep down somewhere inside of us--it is the objective, outward, external, work of God. It is from God to you, in which you passively receive what God has promised you--and this God does of Himself through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.

If you were baptized as an infant, then you were born again.
If you were baptized as an adult, then you were born again.
It doesn't matter when or where you were baptized, because that baptism wasn't your work, it wasn't something you did for God. It was God's work.

-CryptoLutheran
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Jord Simcha

Well-Known Member
Nov 30, 2019
457
529
47
Groningen
✟60,922.00
Country
Netherlands
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
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?
You can ask God for the Holy Spirit if you aren't sure you have it (or Him).

I recommend it to everybody. I did it myself and it was the best decision I ever made.

If you do you'll feel His presence all the time, especially if your mind is on spiritual things, or if you're serving Him.
 
Upvote 0

JIMINZ

Well-Known Member
Apr 13, 2017
6,600
2,358
79
Southern Ga.
✟157,715.00
Country
United States
Faith
Charismatic
Marital Status
Married
There are two events which make a person a Born Again Believer in Christ.

Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;

1) The Non Believing person Must Believe, Jesus is the Sacrifice for their sins, at which point, they will be Forgiven.

2) The now Believer Must become Baptized, in order to receive the Holy Spirit into their Being.

Gal. 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
 
Upvote 0

BrotherJJ

Well-Known Member
Jul 23, 2019
1,120
424
North America
✟166,413.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Private
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.
 
Upvote 0

CaspianSails

Well-Known Member
Jan 30, 2019
579
302
65
Washington DC metro area
✟27,746.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
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?

A great question. How do I know? As others have posted if you believe and have Christ as Lord of your life the answer is yes regardless of whether or not you have visions or dreams or speak in tongues. Those are not required to be a Christian. Some things are required though. Take a look at 1 John chapter 1. If we walk in darkness we are not in Him. If we are in Him then He becomes evident in our lives as He increases His way in us and we decrease our will. We will display the fruits of the Spirit of 1 Corinthians 13. Love, joy, peace, meakness, kindness, longsuffering, humbleness and so on. Does your life look like that and does it look like the life of Christ? What drives you and what motivates you? Is it Christ?

To stop being religious and being spiritual, do you mean how do I stop being religious and become like Christ. That is the goal not any form of what some may call mysticism. Also not dreams or visions or tongues. Those things exist but they are not what Christ wants from us. He simply wants us to become like Him. This is the primary work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is not the only work, He also gives us things like power and boldness and such. Look for Christ's likeness in your life not spiritual manifestations of any kind.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Grandma J
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Victor in Christ

Jehovah Tsidkenu
Jun 9, 2020
1,151
439
British Isles
✟17,662.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
waiting, having patience with faith, always praying and thanking and praising him even during the times of your hardship and he will never fail you. You may think it a struggle, never ending, but the Lord knows best and will bless you when he see's fit too. God Bless you.

Waiting
 
Upvote 0

NothingIsImpossible

Well-Known Member
May 22, 2015
5,615
3,254
✟274,922.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
As with everything else everyone believes differently. For example I don't believe you have to speak in tounges at all. Or that baptism matters. However I do believe if you truly believe in Him in your heart, you are saved. However I also believe you can lose your salvation or at the least "rewards" in heaven. And by that I mean you need to ask yourself have you felt you have made changes in your life since becoming saved.

For example lets say you had a swearing problem before, or maybe an addiction to inappropriate content. Is it gone now? If so you have made changes and you know you are doing well. Of course if you are early in your christianity it may be a work in process. Then again we will forever be a work in process since perfection is impossible.

Most importantly, you asked how do you know if you are born again. If you weren't born again then you wouldn't ask that question. Asking means you truly want to make sure you are doing the right thing. Which shows your heart is in the right place. :)
 
Upvote 0

JIMINZ

Well-Known Member
Apr 13, 2017
6,600
2,358
79
Southern Ga.
✟157,715.00
Country
United States
Faith
Charismatic
Marital Status
Married
Most importantly, you asked how do you know if you are born again. If you weren't born again then you wouldn't ask that question. Asking means you truly want to make sure you are doing the right thing. Which shows your heart is in the right place.

If your not Born Again then it really does not matter either way what you might call belief.
 
Upvote 0

Victor in Christ

Jehovah Tsidkenu
Jun 9, 2020
1,151
439
British Isles
✟17,662.00
Country
United Kingdom
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
As with everything else everyone believes differently. For example I don't believe you have to speak in tounges at all. Or that baptism matters. However I do believe if you truly believe in Him in your heart, you are saved. However I also believe you can lose your salvation or at the least "rewards" in heaven. And by that I mean you need to ask yourself have you felt you have made changes in your life since becoming saved.

For example lets say you had a swearing problem before, or maybe an addiction to inappropriate content. Is it gone now? If so you have made changes and you know you are doing well. Of course if you are early in your christianity it may be a work in process. Then again we will forever be a work in process since perfection is impossible.

Most importantly, you asked how do you know if you are born again. If you weren't born again then you wouldn't ask that question. Asking means you truly want to make sure you are doing the right thing. Which shows your heart is in the right place. :)

That's a great post. We know in the depths of our heart Christ has changed us, its about 'Dying unto sin and Living unto Righteousness' til our last breath on this earth. We will always have struggles in this life, sometimes doubting our faith, adversaries within our own mind, facing opposition to our faith by others in our Christian walk while spreading the Gospel for the furtherance of the Gospel. Philippians 1:12-18.
 
  • Like
Reactions: flowergirl67
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

flowergirl67

Active Member
May 17, 2020
32
17
21
Goodlettsville
✟10,436.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
A great question. How do I know? As others have posted if you believe and have Christ as Lord of your life the answer is yes regardless of whether or not you have visions or dreams or speak in tongues. Those are not required to be a Christian. Some things are required though. Take a look at 1 John chapter 1. If we walk in darkness we are not in Him. If we are in Him then He becomes evident in our lives as He increases His way in us and we decrease our will. We will display the fruits of the Spirit of 1 Corinthians 13. Love, joy, peace, meakness, kindness, longsuffering, humbleness and so on. Does your life look like that and does it look like the life of Christ? What drives you and what motivates you? Is it Christ?

To stop being religious and being spiritual, do you mean how do I stop being religious and become like Christ. That is the goal not any form of what some may call mysticism. Also not dreams or visions or tongues. Those things exist but they are not what Christ wants from us. He simply wants us to become like Him. This is the primary work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is not the only work, He also gives us things like power and boldness and such. Look for Christ's likeness in your life not spiritual manifestations of any kind.
Thank you for your insight! It's very helpful! I believe that I am walking in the spirit but I just tend to feel defeated easily whenever I make mistakes. I believe that I just need to walk in faith and not by feelings. As far as being religious, I tend to follow God or read his word because I know that I'm supposed too. It doesn't seem like it truly flows from the heart.
 
Upvote 0