Am I really a Christian?

[followthestar]

I'm just going to do this in dot-point form to get my point across.

-Baptised Catholic as a baby.
-Grew up around some Pagan stuff (i.e: crystals, Tarot cards) Mum's non-practicing Catholic.
-Didn't believe in God up until 17 (I'll be 19 this year). On-and-off, it comes in obsessive waves (Basically I'll be 'yeah! Christian music! God is great' for like... a week, or a month, and I just won't care not long after)
-I never attend church (I tried attending church once with my parents, I made them go. I could just FEEL the awkwardness. I tried attending 2 youth groups but didn't like them)
-I believe in crystals, essential oils and I'm somewhat interested in astrology and horoscopes. That's all the "Wiccan" stuff I believe in, though I do love tarot-card art. Spells make me go 'eh no thanks'.
-I don't want to "evangelise". I believe that you can believe whatever you want, as long as it's not hurting anyone. You shouldn't force your beliefs down the throats of other people. Everyone will be saved, one way or another, no matter their God.
-I believe in the "spirit prison" that Mormons believe.


Blah, I hate revealing personal stuff about myself :/

 

[Martinius]

No, you are not a Christian...yet. But the fact that you asked indicates that a spark likely exists. What about you? Do you think you want to be Christian? Have you read any of the Bible, particularly the Gospels? From where do you get your ideas about God and Christianity?

 

[followthestar]

I do consider myself a Christian to some extent, because I do feel a sense of 'freedom' when I look at stuff like crystals. I try to read the bible but I just get overwhelmed. I'm using a 40 day NT plan on the Bible app but I don't plan to go through the OT yet. I get most of my info from online, podcasts, videos.

 

[ClothedInGrace]

Do you accept that you are a sinner who needs Jesus as your savior?

 

[Martinius]

I do consider myself a Christian to some extent, because I do feel a sense of 'freedom' when I look at stuff like crystals. I try to read the bible but I just get overwhelmed. I'm using a 40 day NT plan on the Bible app but I don't plan to go through the OT yet. I get most of my info from online, podcasts, videos.

Okay, fair enough. Starting with the NT is best, Gospels and some of the Epistles. Or a study app like you are using is a good way to get an intro by topics. Some online videos and sites can have confusing and contradictory info, promoting their particular view or agenda. Come back here anytime with questions.

 

[Martinius]

Do you accept that you are a sinner who needs Jesus as your savior?

I don't think she is at that point yet. You are jumping way ahead here.

 

[ClothedInGrace]

I don't think she is at the point yet. You are jumping way ahead here.

If someone wants to be a Christian then they must answer that simple question. Reading the Bible doesn't make you a Christian; Jesus being your savior makes you a Christian. If she looks to Jesus as her savior from sin and death then she is a Christian, albeit a very confused one.

 

[Martinius]

If someone wants to be a Christian then they must answer this simple question. Reading the Bible doesn't make you a Christian; Jesus being your savior makes you a Christian. If she accepts Jesus as her savior from sin then she is a Christian, albeit a very confused one.

She doesn't say she wants to be Christian. She may not be able to answer that question without the appropriate understanding. She could say it but not know what she is saying, which would be useless. She needs to work up to that point. You are proselytizing, which will just confuse her more.

 

[ClothedInGrace]

Followthestar, I want to share my testimony with you. I was once someone who was deep into crystals, astrology, tarot-cards, and spiritualism of every kind. I didn't acknowledge the existence of any god and I certainly didn't know who Jesus was. One day I was lead to pick up a Bible and I read some of the words of Jesus; that moment I believed the Gospel and the Bible with it. I believed that I was a sinner in need of a savior, and Jesus the Son of God was that savior. That same day I threw away my tarot card deck, tore down my posters, removed my astrology site bookmarks, and shipped my crystals to my mom who liked to look at them (there was about 500$ worth). I abandoned all of my lies and put my faith in God's word which revealed to me that astrology and mysticism were idolatrous and sinful.

You need to accept that you are a sinner and that God will judge you for your rebellion if you do not repent and seek Him and the truth of His Word. If you can't repent and look to Christ as your savior, then I would be hard-pressed to call you a Christian. I'm not here to judge you or to claim that I am better than you, but only to say that we are all sinners who must repent of our lies and seek Jesus, who is the Truth. Only by His grace can anyone be saved from God's Holy Judgement, and I share this so that God's Spirit might reveal that truth in your heart as well.

Romans 3:23-24
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;

John 14:6
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."

I hope you understand that I share this in love--not hate. God bless.

 

[followthestar]

Thank you, guys. That's really helpful. I do think that I can accept God as my saviour. I think I have asked God to forgive my sins in the past, but what do I do about my faith that comes in Rather obsessive waves? Do I pray?

 

[ClothedInGrace]

Thank you, guys. That's really helpful. I do think that I can accept God as my saviour. I think I have asked God to forgive my sins in the past, but what do I do about my faith that comes in Rather obsessive waves? Do I pray?

Praying is good, but faith in Jesus is the start. You have to understand that we all need God more than anything else, because only in Him is there life and everything that we need. Nothing in this world can satisfy, but Jesus is more than enough and He will bring eternal life with Him at His coming to all who believe in His name.

Maybe you could explain a bit more about these obsessive waves?

 

[graceandpeace]

I'm just going to do this in dot-point form to get my point across.

-Baptised Catholic as a baby.
-Grew up around some Pagan stuff (i.e: crystals, Tarot cards) Mum's non-practicing Catholic.
-Didn't believe in God up until 17 (I'll be 19 this year). On-and-off, it comes in obsessive waves (Basically I'll be 'yeah! Christian music! God is great' for like... a week, or a month, and I just won't care not long after)
-I never attend church (I tried attending church once with my parents, I made them go. I could just FEEL the awkwardness. I tried attending 2 youth groups but didn't like them)
-I believe in crystals, essential oils and I'm somewhat interested in astrology and horoscopes. That's all the "Wiccan" stuff I believe in, though I do love tarot-card art. Spells make me go 'eh no thanks'.
-I don't want to "evangelise". I believe that you can believe whatever you want, as long as it's not hurting anyone. You shouldn't force your beliefs down the throats of other people. Everyone will be saved, one way or another, no matter their God.
-I believe in the "spirit prison" that Mormons believe.


Blah, I hate revealing personal stuff about myself :/

I think you would be best classified as a seeker at this time.

Reading the Gospels is a good place to start because they cover Jesus's life & ministry. Mark is the shortest read, John is the most complex. If you find Jesus & His teachings compelling, you can go from there.

As you read & learn, you may want to note any questions you have, if you think that would help you. Keep in mind that Christians disagree about many things - so different Christians may offer different answers if you share your questions.

For example, you posted your inquiry in the liberal Christian forum here. Your post states a belief in universal salvation/reconciliation. Broadly, liberal Christians would probably say anything from they are open to that possibility to full agreement with that belief. More conservative Christians, however, in general would probably not be open to that possibility.

Anyway, besides reading the Gospels, it might be beneficial learn more general information about Christianity. Again, Christians disagree about many things, but you can find basic summaries of the faith & its history.

A good source online worth checking out:

http://www.patheos.com/Library/Christianity

Patheos is a site that hosts conversations & provides information about different religions.

Let us know if we can answer any questions or be helpful on your journey.

 

[Martinius]

As you read & learn, you may want to note any questions you have, if you think that would help you. Keep in mind that Christians disagree about many things - so different Christians may offer different answers if you share your questions.

This whole post was a great response. Excellent advice.

 

[AGTG]

Jesus and all of the apostles preached belief, repentance, and the forgiveness of sins. In fact, that was exactly what Jesus told them to proclaim in Luke 24:

Luke 24:46-47
46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem

Belief = belief that Jesus was the Son of God sent to die for our sins on the cross so we might be in right relationship with Father God. That blood sacrifice is like a backstage pass into Father God's throne room. When we pray by faith to Father God in Jesus' name, He receives our prayers.

Repentance = This can be a one-time act as in turning from a sinful practice (like occult activities like crystals) and towards God, but in a relationship it really equates to a humble attitude towards God which allows us to be teachable that we may learn of His ways and be changed and transformed as we follow Him and walk out our faith

Forgiveness of Sins = This is a one-time justification when we first believe which washes away every sin we've ever committed up to that point of belief, but as we walk out our faith we will make mistakes and stumble. We confess those sins and trust Jesus blood has cleansed us of all unrighteousness and keep moving forward into eternity. If we are struggling, we can call upon God to empower us by His Holy Spirit to help us break free from sinful desires.

You can become a Christian as quickly as you want, but you cannot define Christianity. God already defined it in the Bible, though plenty of people these days are attempting to co-opt the faith. In the end, as the Bible clearly states, all those who claim to be Christian will be judged by the standard of God's Word to verify if they were actually a Christian and to reward those who really ran with God as they lived for Christ.

 

[graceandpeace]

If someone wants to be a Christian then they must answer that simple question. Reading the Bible doesn't make you a Christian; Jesus being your savior makes you a Christian. If she looks to Jesus as her savior from sin and death then she is a Christian, albeit a very confused one.

Jesus and all of the apostles preached belief, repentance, and the forgiveness of sins. In fact, that was exactly what Jesus told them to proclaim in Luke 24:

Luke 24:46-47
46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem

Belief = belief that Jesus was the Son of God sent to die for our sins on the cross so we might be in right relationship with Father God. That blood sacrifice is like a backstage pass into Father God's throne room. When we pray by faith to Father God in Jesus' name, He receives our prayers.

Repentance = This can be a one-time act as in turning from a sinful practice (like occult activities like crystals) and towards God, but in a relationship it really equates to a humble attitude towards God which allows us to be teachable that we may learn of His ways and be changed and transformed as we follow Him and walk out our faith

Forgiveness of Sins = This is a one-time justification when we first believe which washes away every sin we've ever committed up to that point of belief, but as we walk out our faith we will make mistakes and stumble. We confess those sins and trust Jesus blood has cleansed us of all unrighteousness and keep moving forward into eternity. If we are struggling, we can call upon God to empower us by His Holy Spirit to help us break free from sinful desires.

You can become a Christian as quickly as you want, but you cannot define Christianity. God already defined it in the Bible, though plenty of people these days are attempting to co-opt the faith. In the end, as the Bible clearly states, all those who claim to be Christian will be judged by the standard of God's Word to verify if they were actually a Christian and to reward those who really ran with God as they lived for Christ.

Please remember that this is the liberal Christian forum. If you do not identify as a liberal Christian, you may not teach or proselytize here. However, the forum does welcome everyone to post in fellowship.

Forum's rules & purpose: http://www.christianforums.com/threads/whosoever-will-may-come-statement-of-purpose.7890671/

 

[ClothedInGrace]

Please remember that this is the liberal Christian forum. If you do not identify as a liberal Christian, you may not teach or proselytize here. However, the forum does welcome everyone to post in fellowship.

Forum's rules & purpose: http://www.christianforums.com/threads/whosoever-will-may-come-statement-of-purpose.7890671/

Was there something I said that was wrong?

 

[FireDragon76]

Calling this person's attitude "rebellion" is unhelpful. Most liberal Christians I know don't share that attitude towards so-called "New Age" beliefs. The pastors I know have a great deal of respect for other peoples religious and spiritual beliefs.

Judging by the responses (and others on other threads), it's hard-pressed to recognize this as the forum for progressive Christians. I find the proselytism unhelpful and frankly disrespectful. I know of no mainline Protestant Christians that believe that a "sinners prayer" is adequate in describing what it means to become a Christian. And it doesn't fit at all with my understanding of Christian theology on election- the issue is not our response to an offer (which will always be inadequate) but Jesus' response to us. And that response is not something that has to happen in our hearts because it happened over 2,000 years ago when Jesus took upon himself the burdens of the entire human race.

I would tell Followthestar that he or she has been baptized and that's a starting place in their Christian journey. They've been given something, they belong to something and to someone, and they can decide what they want to do with that from there.

 

[ScottA]

I'm just going to do this in dot-point form to get my point across.

-Baptised Catholic as a baby.
-Grew up around some Pagan stuff (i.e: crystals, Tarot cards) Mum's non-practicing Catholic.
-Didn't believe in God up until 17 (I'll be 19 this year). On-and-off, it comes in obsessive waves (Basically I'll be 'yeah! Christian music! God is great' for like... a week, or a month, and I just won't care not long after)
-I never attend church (I tried attending church once with my parents, I made them go. I could just FEEL the awkwardness. I tried attending 2 youth groups but didn't like them)
-I believe in crystals, essential oils and I'm somewhat interested in astrology and horoscopes. That's all the "Wiccan" stuff I believe in, though I do love tarot-card art. Spells make me go 'eh no thanks'.
-I don't want to "evangelise". I believe that you can believe whatever you want, as long as it's not hurting anyone. You shouldn't force your beliefs down the throats of other people. Everyone will be saved, one way or another, no matter their God.
-I believe in the "spirit prison" that Mormons believe.


Blah, I hate revealing personal stuff about myself :/

You have completely misunderstood the meaning of life.

We are not all born into the world to do our own thing - we were kicked out of the proverbial (heavenly) nest by our own short comings - and we either learn to fly, or we crash and burn.

All are offered wings - YEAH! But not all wings will carry you safely back to the nest. Those things you mentioned, the tarot, and crystals, etc. - that is just the trill of you in a free fall, it's short-lived, and then you die.

As for the one way back: Down through all of recorded history there are witnesses announcing the coming of the One passing out wings - getcha some...and you'll be flying so high, you'll want to evangelize.

 

[Martinius]

You have completely misunderstood the meaning of life.

We are not all born into the world to do our own thing - we were kicked out of the proverbial (heavenly) nest by our own short comings - and we either learn to fly, or we crash and burn.

Whoa, time out! You are telling someone who is searching and exploring that they don't understand the meaning of life, implying that you do? Well then, I guess you get to step to the head of the line of all philosophers and theologians in history.

Some here seem to think that supplying pat answers to someone obviously unsure of a lot of things will just resolve her questions and confusion. First, consider that followthestar (btw, I really like that handle) is 18 years old. When I was that age I had hundreds of questions about God, religion and the meaning of life. I only have slightly more than that now. Second, she apparently has very little background or experience with religion, including with the church she was baptized into or other Christian denominations. A few here want to have her make a commitment, a "decision" immediately. That's not going to work. Third, notice on which forum she posted her thread. She seems to be starting from square 1 or 2, and some want her to jump to square 12. One at a time, people, one at a time.

 

[ScottA]

Whoa, time out! You are telling someone who is searching and exploring that they don't understand the meaning of life, implying that you do? Well then, I guess you get to step to the head of the line of all philosophers and theologians in history.

Some here seem to think that supplying pat answers to someone obviously unsure of a lot of things will just resolve her questions and confusion. First, consider that followthestar (btw, I really like that handle) is 18 years old. When I was that age I had hundreds of questions about God, religion and the meaning of life. I only have slightly more than that now. Second, she apparently has very little background or experience with religion, including with the church she was baptized into or other Christian denominations. A few here want to have her make a commitment, a "decision" immediately. That's not going to work. Third, notice on which forum she posted her thread. She seems to be starting from square 1 or 2, and some want her to jump to square 12. One at a time, people, one at a time.

This is great (I mean that) - I am perhaps the first person to be brutally honest with her...and you want to tell me she needs more fluff...one step at a time. Got it!

Wait - let me highlight this - she needs to see this too.