New believer looking for more of Christ!

joechristianwarrior said:

It's great that you are keen on Christ, though I think you are at a phase where you have to be careful. And that's because there are so many churches and denominations out there these days claiming to be Christian, when the truth is far from it. I suggest you watch this video:

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Hi Joe!
This was very informative, thank you so much for sharing. I can see how easy it is to be led astray in a world that priorities money, power, and politics over the true Gospel of Christ. That’s why having a community is so crucial in this walk but discernment of who you are walking with is equally as important.
God bless you.

67_Reasons said:

Looking for a church?

NO | YES
We are a big church | We are a small congregation​

Big churches that seem to have a lot of money and little emphasis on Christ and more on the traditions. Easter V Resurrection Day, etc...

We are the united denomination | We are an independent denomination​

Denominations that are owned by a single entity tend to get run over by outsiders and spread to individual churches that don’t support LGBT+, QT, CRT, Abortion and other cult activity that consumes innocent establishments...

We are a good church | “We are a disobedient church”​

This is mainly in the standard Methodist hymnal on page 13 if I’m not mistaken. Churches that can’t identify a problem won’t seek to fix them...

We will help you get to heaven | Focus on Jesus for forgiveness​

A church should never be judged on size of congregation but how many people seek baptism and are compelled to pray and read from the Gospel if not the Word of the Bible as well and focus on Jesus, Holy Ghost, and more Jesus...

I wish you find your hope in Jesus and find good signs from God along the way.

He that has a mustard seed of faith, a righteous passion, and desperate need for God will taste his presence and want more of it...

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Hi there! This is a great compare and contrast on the importance of Biblical teachings in the community of Christ. I think modern religious traditions can be harmful for new believers, as it sets the tone for following a set of rules or rituals rather than understanding Jesus’s teachings on grace, discernment, and repentance. It’s disheartening to know that many churches embody cult-like mentalities that can steer people in the wrong direction…

I actually have a funny (but serendipitous) story about how I came to my church. It’s long but to make it short, I was led to drive around after staying in bed for weeks just crying and contemplating taking my life. That’s when I saw a sign that said FREE CAR WASH! I went to the bank to pull out some cash for whatever fundraiser they were hosting, and found out it was a local high school that I used to speak at when I first started my career in mental health. Then, while I was getting my car washed, I looked around and noticed I was in a church parking lot!! It was all too real, as I have never been to church consistently before that, but I was desperately seeking relief and comfort and He found me in the thick of it. I looked up online when the next service was and attended the following morning. I was baptized a little over a month later in the same church after being encountered by the Holy Spirit in that same bedroom that I spent weeks upon weeks crying in, searching for a way out.
God is so good!

JacquelineDeane55 said:

I welcome you to the forums.

Being that you are a new Christian, I don't suppose you have ever read the Bible before, or have even read it cover to cover?

I don't think of myself as a Bible scholar, but I have read it cover to cover several times and memorized some Scriptures out of it.

Here is a website for beginners understanding the Bible:

How to Read the Bible in 6 Simple Steps for Beginneres

If you're looking for how to read the Bible, here is an easy 6 step beginners guide to help you get the most out of your time with God's Word!

www.crosswalk.com

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Hi friend! Thank you so much for your warm welcome!
You are correct, I have not read the Bible cover to cover. I’ve read many different books of the Bible by jumping around but am dedicated to reading it in its entirety
This is a great resource! I’m excited to look into it.
God bless you.

67_Reasons said:

Reading the Bible is one thing, understanding the Bible and its back stories is another.

All four Gospels preach of the Feast of the Five-Thousand. Only John talks of the details about the bread Jesus served in the baskets. Did you know that the bread that was served was barley bread? You see, back stories and details say a lot about Jesus' journey through Judea, and it's those details that make marks on our understandings of who Christ was and was not...

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That is true! And I never noticed this slight nuance between the Gospels. I always try to pray before reading Scripture that my eyes, ears, and heart will be open to what He is trying to teach me through His Word.
Sometimes it feels like the Word is speaking directly to me and my situation, and other times it feels like I am just reading the stories. I trust that all His messages will be revealed to me in His timing.

AceWestfall08 said:

My advice. try not to get too bogged down with 'theology'.....try to have an active relatinship with god, as opposed to following the law/theology.
The law killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

These are the commandments jesus says to do. you do this, and you will follow the 10 commandments.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

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This is great advice!!! From the wise words of Jesus himself.
I appreciate your response and pray that you have a blessed evening. I will keep your words in mind and spirit as I continue on my journey with the Lord!