1st post, just some advice needed

[LearnforHim]

Hi, this is my first post and I'm a little overwhelmed by the sheer size of this forum, but I hope to learn a lot from it.  I'm 22 and currently in college, I'm somewhat recently saved but I want to learn more about Jesus and the Bible.  I just thought that many of the people here could help me learn more and strengthen my relationship with Christ.  Help me by telling me how you learn.  I want to thank anyone who replies in advance.   I look up to many of you.

Billy

 

[Cheriton]

Hi firstly find a church that you feel conftable in with people that are your own age. Dont be afraid to move around churches or go to one that may seem a litle out of the way. You have got to have a church that is firstly going to chalenge you and secondly put the message forward in a way that is going to be intresting to you. Try and find one that has lots of people your own age that you can make freinds and have fun with.

Im 20 and work with a youth network and I dont think I would be anywhere without them. Form a circle of freinds and meet regually to discuss problems offer and recieve prayer. Maybe get together with your pastor and arrange regular meetings.

Hardest part try and read the bible every day and pray! If you think of prayer and bible study as food and air for your spirit the more you do the closer your relationship with god will develop and the stronger your spirit will become.

im going to go on and on here but I see your situtation in a lot of young people Surrond yourself with christain freinds but at the same time dont forget your non christain freinds. Try and run from the things that you know are going to cause you to sin. not always easy

Also dont be afraid to give anything to god. He meets us where we are at and places us where he wants us to bloom. Talk to him as you would a normal person dont thing you need to have a certain spritual language you need to use, the bible actually states that

 

[wvmtnkid]

Hi LearnforHim! Welcome to the forums!

One of the best things I have done is to get into a bible study group. I have been in several groups where the members are at different places in their walk. Some were new, some had been Christians for awhile and were just going deeper into study, and some were very mature and wise Christians. I learned a lot from those studies and the people in the study. It is neat to get different interpretations from other people.

I also like to read. Two authors I would recommend are CS Lewis and Lee Strobel. Very good at explaining things. Oh, and of course, the bible! I would suggest acquiring a good commentary to go along with your bible study to help explain things that may be a little hard to understand. I use the "Life Application Bible". It has commentary at the bottom of each page that really aids in my study. It also gives a lot of history that also puts events into perspective when I read.

Hope this helps!

 

[Blessed-one]

yep, first find a good church to settle into, one that you feel comfortable in. Join in a fellowship and a bible study group, most of the times they have bible study for new christians only.

Pray daily and get close to God, He'll lead you through step by step. Read some Christian books, although listening to tapes aren't bad either. I myself would love reading Christian novels and autobiographies, also books by Chuck Swindoll and Philip Yancey.

 

[wvmtnkid]

Oh, I just remembered one more author-Max Lucado. His books are very down to earth and easy to read!

 

[pax]

I would advise you to look at the history of Christianity. I would really advise you look into Catholicism (the Mass is Heaven on Earth, what can I say). There have been many misunderstandings in the past between Catholics and other Christians and they cause a sad division. Look into it, it may surprise you.

 

[GraftMeIn]

The best way to learn more is to pray for understanding, and read the bible, look to the Lord for his guidance.

 

[Gerry]

Get your hands on a copy of the JB Phillips Translation of the New Testament. It is extremely accurate and spoken very highly of by the leading Bible Scholars of the day. You will fall in love with it and find it irresistable. The Word will come alive in your hands and heart.

 

[Thunderchild]

LearnforHim - The best way to learn is by doing. Pointers on what is to be done are gained by reading the Bible. To do so effectively start with two or three good versions - recommended are AKJV, NAS, and Concordant (that is pricey though) or Literal.

Use a topic based study procedure - for that you will need a Concordance (Strong's comes at a low price, and it is as good as any). Look up the word you are interested in (baptism as an example) and trace every occurrence of that word. In your reading - work out which questions each passage is answering. Example of the procedure and a basic introduction to the procedure and baptism is available at
http://pub43.ezboard.com/fwayrunnersfrm16.showMessage?topicID=10.topic

 

[DaveKerwin]

Hey Billy,

You made a wise decision to post my friend. I remember just a few short years ago being a new christian. You and I would have to sit down for weeks for you to hear all that has gone on in my life since. I admire that you want to grow, so keep up the good attitude and the Godly desire!

It is very very important that you get hooked up with a local group of believers. Find that home church and build friendships there. Ask if they have a college-aged program there. I am not talking about a single's group, I mean a ministry. There you will find some awesome christians (hopefully) and grow with them. I know at the college-aged group at my church, a few people have come from out of town or whatever, and buddied up with us no problem. Since then we have watched these people grow. So find those people, and continue to seek God in his word and in prayer. Peace to you !!

 

[mel3]

You have been given some really good advice. I would like to add that you check into your college and see if there is a Campus Crusade for Christ. This group of believers can help you so much in your walk with Christ. Find a small group of people your age if you do not have campus crusade. Friends who share your interest and your love for Him will work wonders for you.

 

[sbbqb7n16]

Make sure that you don't just read the Word, but that you apply it to your life as well Joshua 1:8. "Pray on all occasions"