Hi, I'm new here + some questions

SomeMightSay · Nov 29, 2020

Hi,

I'm a 38 y/o married man & father who was brought up without religion and for the most part considered myself agnostic.

I have, for some reason found myself attracted to Christianity in recent times and I have attended online virtual church services for the past few weeks, as well as reading the bible for the first time in my life. I never previously attended church services with exception of weddings and funerals.

In short, the online church services have been enlightening and what I have read in the Bible so far makes a lot of sense (I must admit, I wasn't expecting it too).

I wholeheartedly want to embark on embracing Christianity and follow the word of God, but I have a few questions if anyone could help?

I have a wide choice of churches in my local area with different Protestant denominations, Methodist, Baptist, Gospel, Fellowship and so on. How does one choose which denomination they become part of? Do they all follow the same principles, is it a matter of which one suits your culture? Do the different denominations 'get on' with one another or is there any animosity between them? In short, is it important which Church I decide to become part of, and what factors should I weigh up when choosing one?

And another question, at what point do I call myself Christian? Once I've read the Bible start to finish maybe? and is it important to be Christened before calling myself Christian.

Apologies if these questions are a little silly! Just I have had very little input, partly due to my ignorance with regard to religion in general.

Thanks for reading!

tturt · Nov 29, 2020

Welcome to CF. Your questions aren't silly at all. I have to go but sure others will respond. Just wanted to extend greetings. Hope your times here are rewarding.

rockytopva · Nov 29, 2020

Salvation in itself is very easy....

if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. - Romans 10:8-10

Finding a church may be a bit more challenging. I believe in the seven churches congregations that came down as ages... And according to the first three chapters of Revelation...

Ephesus - Messianic - Beginning with the Apostle to the Circumcision, Peter
Smyrna - Martyr - Beginning with the Apostle to the Un-Circumcision, Paul
Pergamos - Orthodoxy formed in this time... Pergos is a tower... Needed in the dark ages
Thyatira - Catholicism formed in this time - The spirit of Jezebel is to control and to dominate.
Sardis - Protestantism formed in this time- A sardius is a gem - elegant yet hard and rigid
Philadelphia - Wesleyism formed in this time - To be sanctioned is to acquire it with love.
Laodicea - Charismatic movement formed in this time - Beginning with DL Moody, the first to make money off of ministry

I believe the Lords word to Sardis, “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” Can describe any church congregation in its time.

I would recommend prayer and when you find a good church to be a blessing your time there. I believe any church you listed with the potential of being good churches.

Aussie Pete · Nov 29, 2020

Your questions are fine. When I was a very young believer, and before I could be indoctrinated by a denomination, I travelled a lot and visited many different denominations. I found few differences in teaching. I suggest you find a welcoming, Christ centred and Bible teaching church. Most church attendees are not interested in denominational distinctions. If you aspire to leadership, that becomes an issue.

You become a Christian when you accept Christ as Saviour and Lord. If you have been convicted that you are a sinner and that only Jesus can save you, then you qualify to be saved. I suggest that you read the gospel of John, written specifically that we might believe.

kingsdaughter85 · Nov 29, 2020

Welcome and God bless you

Albion · Nov 29, 2020

Hello...and Welcome.

No, there's nothing silly about your questions, but the answer could be a bit complicated if we were to delve right into every aspect of the faith and then the variations which explain why there are different denominations.

I sometimes give the following advice, but I really feel that you are in the situation that is most appropriate for the advice I'm going to give.

For starters (and that's all it is), go to the library or in some other way read up on a general history of the Christian story--an overview of the origin of the faith, who Jesus was and what he taught, etc.. Don't try to become an expert at that point, but just familiarize yourself (which you may well already have done).

Then get a reference work that compares the beliefs and history of the main branches (denominations).

If you start "picking people's brains" at random about this (and I suspect that the replies you will get here on this discussion will, in time, amount to that), it's likely that you'll wind up with a mass of conflicting information and personal views, some of it dead wrong.

So while it is sometimes a good idea to get all the information possible from whatever source, that's not necessarily going to be helpful when it comes to choosing a church.

When you have handled the basic information, do ask us about the particulars that may be confusing, etc.

tdidymas · Nov 29, 2020

Welcome, and your questions are important.

1. Various churches and denominations emphasize different angles on the Christian faith. For example, some places emphasize emotional expression, some biblical truth and doctrine, some rituals, some family programs. Each one has a voice and something to be learned from. I am partial to Bible churches, because I love the Bible and its stories and teaching. Anywhere you go, the leadership has a lot to do with the style and form of worship and what is emphasized. You might need to attend several to find out if they can meet your needs. Be careful of churches that are liberal, seem spiritually dead, or teach strange things, as there are plenty of them out there. Chances are, the larger churches are more established and cater to new Christians.

2. I suggest you start calling yourself a Christian when you start believing that Christ died to free you from your sins. But officially, you can do it when you're baptized.

Happy hunting, and God bless!
TD

FirstbornMiddleChild · Nov 29, 2020

FirstbornMiddleChild · Nov 29, 2020

Christ is the physical manifestation of The Word of God. The more time you spend in His word the, the more your understanding will grow. It doesn't mean all your questions will be answered. I find myself with more questions than answers. Yet I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. He is the only real answer to all questions.

Norbert L · Nov 29, 2020

Here is an opinion about that exact question given by a Christian scholar who visits many different kinds of churches in giving his lectures.

Ancient of Days · Nov 29, 2020

Following God and Jesus Christ is a very serious decision. First you need to count the costs, Are you willing to serve him for the rest of your life and all eternity? This is something God takes VERY seriously. Are you willing to take up your cross and follow him daily? Are you ready to put God and Jesus FIRST in your life? Before your wife and before your children? and before yourself? I encourage you to get a King James bible, read through Genesis first, for it is the very foundation of Christianity. Then read through the books of: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John which are also known as the gospels. Continue to read through the new testament after that while going back to the old testament and reading Psalms, Proverbs and Job.

Pray, on your knees and ask God for wisdom. And when you pray it should start with and end with "in the name of our lord Jesus Christ" You can start with this prayer: "Heavenly father, In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I ask for wisdom, guidance, and that you open the eyes of my heart as I seek you through your words" In Jesus's name, Amen.

Denominations are man made ideas. Follow Jesus Christ, period...

Christianity is not a religion, its a relationship with the Living God and his one and only son. If you have questions that you would rather ask one on one then please send me a personal message at anytime. God Bless!!

hedrick · Nov 29, 2020

There aren’t hundreds of different approaches, but there are a few.

Generally we recommend to new Christians that the details don’t matter. Any church is better than none. But there are a few things to look for:

* There are differences in worship, which have at least some connection with belief. There are more structured, formal services, and more informal ones.

* There are churches that I would call legalistic, that emphasize not just basic principle such as love, forgiveness, and fidelity, but details. All churches give guidance on how to live, but some end up making all their members feel guilty for everything they do.

* There are differences in how we approach Scripture. These affect not only how we approach science (e.g. whether we accept the usual scientific view of how the universe started), but how we treat LGBT people, and even women. (Many churches don’t accept female leaders, and some emphasize women submitting to their husbands.) Liberal Christians think that the Bible describes God’s work with humanity, but that it also reflects the culture and beliefs of the people who wrote it. Conservative ones think that it’s entirely God’s word, and thus if it seems to reflect things about the world that we no longer believe, it’s the modern belief that’s wrong.

You can usually tell fairly quickly from the web site or worship services about major features like this.

While I don’t think it’s good to move around from church to church a lot, still, you don’t need to feel that you’re making a permanent decision. You may find later that an approach that is useful when you are a new Christian is no longer helpful.

UnpopularOpinion · Nov 29, 2020

Hey , actually it's God who does calling , he sends at appointed time Holy Spirit to convince you and give you choice to become one that's why you feel like you want to explore and learn things about Christianity.

Choosing denomination or attending church service is thing you shouldn't worry about now but first understand what it is about.

1.You need to get saved , sealed by Holy Spirit to become Christian , it has nothing to do with what church you attend or what bible you read, after Christ resurrected he told apostles to spread the gospel of salvation to people , there were no churches or even bible written yet and people were getting saved left and right .

2.Gospel of salvation is simple , that Jesus Christ died for your sins , was burried and resurrected according to Scriptures ( according to Old Testament prophecy).
Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

If you believe this , you will get sealed with Holy Spirit
Read Ephesians 1:13-14

and it is free gift provided by God for these who believe so they can be forgiven and ressurected and live forever
Ephesians 2:8-9

If you believed this you become Christian the time you believe.
You obtain Eternal life ,that means if you go out tommorow and get hit by car or something you go to Heaven after death.

What about prophecy?
Simple God talked to prophets who didn't know what things meant when they spoke them , just passed the words and they were written , over thousands of years.
So when Christ came , he validate that :
a) God exist
b) God knows future
c) He himself is the promised sacrifice

example of prophecy 700 years before Christ
Read Isaiah 53

I would suggest reading bible cover to cover , most important New Testament and learn things from it , then find Church denomination which you think is correct from the Bible. You can simply google church denomination you want to get information of and add "statement of faith " example Baptist Statement of Faith, and you will know what they believe.
If you have any questions just reply to me

MickeyJo · Nov 29, 2020

Hi dear SomeMightSay,
I have joined recently and though I have been Born Again with my relationship with Jesus since my young 30's - I am in my 60's now.... I would be happy to help if I can.
Due to difficulties with my church, and now it will be closing for a season I am again looking. What I knew in my 30's was not alot.... what I know in my 60's I am simply humbled by. I am excited about the adventure again but this time on my own without my beloved.
So when a heart wants to know Jesus, oh how wonderful it is to seek Him.
A church body that loves the Lord I have found has different ways of singing His Name is how my heart looks at it.
I have read some of the responses, which are good advice from seasoned believers. I would simply repeat some of what they have shared: pray, keep reading, and seek Him. He wants you to know Him.
I was very blessed to have a Mentor when I first found my relationship with Jesus. I do not know what I would have done without her. She loved me as I was, but encouraged me not to stay there.
And welcome! I too am searching around the forum and not very successfully due to not enough time.
I will close with this:
God loves us even if we haven’t loved Him....
“In this is Love, not that we loved God, but that He Loved us and that He loves you SomeMightSay”
(1 John 4:10)

God wants us to know him.
His Word, The Bible, says God is at work in everyone’s life.
“So that we should seek the Lord, in the hope that we, you and I, might seek/search for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.” (Acts 17:27)
And for that I am so glad.
I too would be happy to answer any questions you might have, if I can, but more important I would be happy to encourage you. What a blessing it will be for you and your family to know such a wonderful Jesus. Sincerely, MickeyJo

sunshineforJesus · Nov 29, 2020

Hi and welcome here.

Deade · Nov 29, 2020

Hello SomeMightSay,
welcome to CF.

I hope you'll enjoy your stay here.

coffee4u · Nov 29, 2020

Welcome to both CF and to Christianity.

Since intro is not the place really to answer questions I will keep it brief.

Becoming a Christian means you have felt Gods call in your spirit and that you have repented of your sin and have asked Jesus to be Lord of your life.
Romans 10:9-10
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Once you have become a Christian pray for the Holy Spirits leading and learn to know the scripture. Join a church where the preaching aligns with scripture.

Once you are a Christian, yes you should be baptized.

Not silly at all, very good questions!

SomeMightSay · Nov 30, 2020

Apologies for taking so long to reply, I am genuinely thankful to everyone who took the time to respond, I feel very welcome. I would love to reply to each one individually, but there are so many!
Although it seems there are no straight forward answers, it is much clearer in my mind and feel I have a bit more direction with regards to how I will embark on this journey.

Anthony2019 · Dec 7, 2020

Hello SomeMightSay and welcome to the forums.
Hope your time here will be a blessed and happy one.

Hi, I'm new here + some questions

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