Becoming a Christian...

[whitevanman88]

Ok, firstly I'm sorry if this is in the wrong section, it seemed like the only one that suited my post.

Secondly, I am nominally Christian already. I was born into a Christian family, have attended Church (yes, I realise there is a huge difference between attending Church and being a Christian) and generally believed in God as I have grown up.

I regularly attended a large civic Church (C of E). I was a regular contributor and looked after the Church's website. However both me and my family were treated very badly by some of the Church 'big-wigs'. I ended up leaving completely, however my family are still regular contributors. I guess I feel that this drove me away from Christianity somewhat.

Recently I have been introduced to Michael Yousseff & his Ministry in Atlanta. Despite me being half way around the world I have watched his webcasts. He has made me realise that Christianity is something I very much agree with, and the Church (again, C of E) is something I very much disagree with. Far too 'tea & biscuits' orientated.

I'm here really because I feel that now is the beginning of my Christian journey. I have had various problems one after another for the last 12-18 months and honestly, that was the time I walked from the Church.

I am somewhat struggling to understand which denomination I should be looking at, if at all? As I said, I don't think the Church I went to was preaching the Gospel. Everything seemed very 'watered down' so as not to offend anyone? I don't think that's faith.

Also can anyone recommend any other online ministries / webcasts that I should be watching? 'Leading The Way' with Michael Yousseff really has appealed to me, and confirmed what I believe.

Sorry for rambling, and thank you for reading.

 

[tansy]

Hi and welcome. I don't know how useful my comments might be...it looks like you're on the right track....but may I ask you a couple of questions?
Firstly, do you know whether you've actually got a relaionship with God through Jesus? Have you actually "given your life" to Him, or asked Him to be your Lord and Saviour? Born again? Soryy, if that's not the best way of putting it. A lot of these expressions can seem somewhat trite.
Anyhow, you can always try different churches..you can ask God to guide you in what He wants you to do or where He wants you to go. He says seek Him and you will find Him.
I expect others will be able to give you far better advice than I.

 

[satriani7]

Hi whitevanman88,
I guess all you have to know now dude, is just what exactly is 'THE GOODNEWS?' Just what was Christ sent by his Father to do, i.e., what was Christ's M.O.?

The billion dollar question of course is,
"Do you think Christ can and will fully accomplish what he was sent to do?"

Tough questions, because the way you see Christ & God depend on how you answer them.

Happy thinking.

 

[whitevanman88]

Hi whitevanman88,
I guess all you have to know now dude, is just what exactly is 'THE GOODNEWS?' Just what was Christ sent by his Father to do, i.e., what was Christ's M.O.?

The billion dollar question of course is,
"Do you think Christ can and will fully accomplish what he was sent to do?"

Tough questions, because the way you see Christ & God depend on how you answer them.

Happy thinking.

I believe that Christ was sent to save us from our sins. I believe there are currently many spiritual battles, and I believe that the devil is pretty strong right now.

I know that through these battles anyone that truely believes in God and Jesus will be protected from the bad things that are happening around us, eventually leading to Jesus returning once more.

I absaloutely 100% believe Jesus will return again and it will be a time of great Joy. No matter how much Christians are made fun of at the moment, I can see a time when many people will convert back to Christianity.

I hope this answers your questions.

 

[Criada]

It sounds as though you are in england?
If I am right, PM me and I can possibly put you in touch with a local non-denominational church, depending where you live.
If you type churches in.... into google you should find out what is around, and you can visit and see whether you feel at home in any of them.
Keep reading the bible and praying, and God will lead you to the place He wants you to be.

 

[seashale76]

Also can anyone recommend any other online ministries / webcasts that I should be watching? 'Leading The Way' with Michael Yousseff really has appealed to me, and confirmed what I believe.

I really like Our Life in Christ: Our Life In Christ - Orthodox Christian Ministry

I also listen to Ancient Faith Radio and there are a lot of great podcasts there as well: Ancient Faith Podcasts - Ancient Faith Radio

 

[ebia]

I am somewhat struggling to understand which denomination I should be looking at, if at all? As I said, I don't think the Church I went to was preaching the Gospel. Everything seemed very 'watered down' so as not to offend anyone? I don't think that's faith.

Not all CofE churches are like that. It does vary from parish to parish and diocese to diocese.

 

[believetheunseen]

if you go to a website known as sermonaudio there are a lot of great pastors who record their weekly sermons from various denominations. It may help define which denomination you'd agree with, and is also just a great way to learn. May I suggest looking up Pastor Brian Carpenter of the PCA on that website. I'm not of the PCA denomination, but he is intellegent and biblical.
Sorry if this is late or not what you are looking for! Just wanted to offer what I knew! Blessings to you on your rededicated life.

 

[Sketcher]

I go to a non-denominational church, which basically means we don't answer to national or regional councils or anything like that. It is not a denomination in and of itself, since the churches are on their own as far as human authority goes. But it's similar to Baptist churches and Evangelical Free churches. So if I had to recommend a denomination to you, that's the vague direction I would point you in.

 

[Ryft]

I am somewhat struggling to understand which denomination I should be looking at, if at all? As I said, I don't think the Church I went to was preaching the Gospel. Everything seemed very 'watered down' so as not to offend anyone? I don't think that's faith. Also can anyone recommend any other online ministries/webcasts that I should be watching?

Most everyone is going to recommend the tradition or denomination that they are comfortable with in their faith, which is going to vary widely because people are at different stages of their spiritual journey and have different levels of conviction about what is important. Someone who is brand new to the faith and just recently joined a local Baptist church may have a passion for Christ and the gospel but be unaware of many theological issues; their views will be uniquely different from someone who is 35 years into their faith within an historic tradition and who has confronted and settled a number of theological issues (or may even be a clergyman). What particular tradition or denomination satisfies their spiritual or theological concerns may likely be different from what addresses yours, so keep that in mind as the recommendations come in.

And remember that no one you talk to—not one of them—sits on God's throne. They don't judge the decisions of faith you make; the Lord your God in heaven does, whose Spirit is actively involved in the sanctifying work of this journey you are on. Heed their advice, question their propaganda (if any). Hold fast the faith in the sovereign power of the Shepherd to guide you in your spiritual maturity.

(P.S. Speaking of "watered-down" sermons and such, I would love to recommend to you Christless Christianity: The Alternative Gospel of the American Church by Michael Horton. It is nearly prophetic in its identification of the problems Christianity is facing today, which are certainly not unique to America.)

 

[Bible2]

whitevanman88 posted in message #1 of this thread:

I feel that now is the beginning of my Christian journey.

Greetings.

Jesus "said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny
himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23).
Christians must follow Jesus himself, by being his disciples
(students): "the disciples were called Christians" (Acts 11:26). True
Christians/disciples of Christ continue to accept as true all of Christ's
teachings in the Bible: "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my
disciples indeed" (John 8:31); "All scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect,
throughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:15-17).

True Christians do not just study the Bible intellectually, but also
put it into daily practice: "be ye doers of the word, and not hearers
only, deceiving your own selves" (James 1:22). Jesus said:
"whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will
liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And
the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and
beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a
rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth
them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house
upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and
the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great
was the fall of it" (Matthew 7:24-27). Only those Christians who
actually obey Jesus' teachings in the Bible will end up with eternal
salvation, for Jesus "became the author of eternal salvation unto all
them that obey him" (Hebrews 5:9).

Those who are disobedient without repentance, no matter whether
they're Christians or not, will not end up with eternal life, but God's
wrath instead. For God "will render to every man [including a
Christian] according to his deeds: To them [Christians] who by
patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and
immortality, eternal life: But unto them [whether Christians or not]
that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey
unrighteousness, indignation and wrath" (Romans 2:6-8). "For if we
[Christians] sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge
of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain
fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall
devour the adversaries" (Hebrews 10:26-27); "except ye repent, ye
shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). "For if ye [Christians] live after
the flesh, ye shall die" (Romans 8:13).

So the first step in becoming a Christian is to repent from all of one's
sins and be baptized: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in
the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). And
if one subsequently commits a sin, one must repent from it and
confess it to God in order for it to be forgiven: "If we confess our
sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). For Christ's sacrifice on the
cross for our sins does not cover unrepentant sins, sins which are
presently being continued in, but only covers repentant sins, sins
which are in the past: "Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation
through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the
remission of sins that are past" (Romans 3:25).

 

[Bible2]

whitevanman88 posted in message #4 of this thread:

I know that through these battles anyone that truely believes in God
and Jesus will be protected from the bad things that are happening
around us, eventually leading to Jesus returning once more.

Not all true Christians will be physically protected during the coming
tribulation, for some will be imprisoned and beheaded by the
Antichrist: "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints,
and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds,
and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall
worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the
Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear,
let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity:
he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is
the patience and the faith of the saints" (Revelation 13:7-10); "Here
is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the
commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice
from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die
in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may
rest from their labours; and their works do follow them" (Revelation
14:12-13). "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall
kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And
then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall
hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall
deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many
shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall
be saved" (Matthew 24:9-13); "and I saw the souls of them that
were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God,
and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither
had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and
they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years" (Revelation
20:4).

 

[SinclairJ]

Man created religion so you can go to whatever one that you want. Just so long as you know that all denominations are man made and will fail you. You are becoming a Believer!!! That is what Christ said... He who believes in me. You are already part of the body of Christ. Seek out the truth and read your bible for yourself. Being a believer is easy..... you just have to get out of the way and believe that God has already done everything!!! He has you know.... read Galations 2:20 and Romans 6:6. When He talks about death it is in the past tense. Therefore your flesh is dead on the cross with the law and you haven risen also with Christ. Accept it by faith

 

[ephraimanesti]

I am nominally Christian already. I was born into a Christian family, have attended Church (yes, I realise there is a huge difference between attending Church and being a Christian) and generally believed in God as I have grown up.

MY DEAR FRIEND,

As i am sure you realize by now, there is no such thing as a "nominal christian" any more than there can be someone who is "nominally pregnant." (Actually, being a Christian and being pregnant have a lot of similarities.)

I'm here really because I feel that now is the beginning of my Christian journey. I have had various problems one after another for the last 12-18 months and honestly, that was the time I walked from the Church.

Perhaps God trying to get your attention?

I am somewhat struggling to understand which denomination I should be looking at, if at all? As I said, I don't think the Church I went to was preaching the Gospel. Everything seemed very 'watered down' so as not to offend anyone? I don't think that's faith.

Being a Christian is based ENTIRELY upon developing a personal--face-to-face, mind-to-mind, heart-to-heart--relationship with our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ. My advice to you would be to avoid all denominations, teachers, belief systems, etc. until this is accomplished. GET TO KNOW YOUR LORD--AND THEN WHERE HE WANTS YOU WILL BECOME CLEAR. If you put the cart before the horse you will end up back where you started.

The best way to get to know Jesus Christ is through a thorough and prayerful reading and re-reading and re-re-reading of the Gospels, if possible fasting while you do so. Everything you need to understand about our Lord is spelled out in Matthew, Mark, Luke, AND ESPECIALLY John.

To supplement the Scriptures and, as it were, help pull them together for you, i would recommend reading Phillip Yancey's wonderful book THE JESUS I NEVER KNEW which is available in all Christian, and most secular, bookstores.

MAY YOU BE BLESSED TO FIND WHAT YOU ARE SEEKING!

A Bond-slave/Friend/Brother of our Lord/God/Savior Jesus Christ,
ephraim

 

[Stephen Kendall]

Ok, firstly I'm sorry if this is in the wrong section, it seemed like the only one that suited my post.

Secondly, I am nominally Christian already. I was born into a Christian family, have attended Church (yes, I realise there is a huge difference between attending Church and being a Christian) and generally believed in God as I have grown up.

I regularly attended a large civic Church (C of E). I was a regular contributor and looked after the Church's website. However both me and my family were treated very badly by some of the Church 'big-wigs'. I ended up leaving completely, however my family are still regular contributors. I guess I feel that this drove me away from Christianity somewhat.

Recently I have been introduced to Michael Yousseff & his Ministry in Atlanta. Despite me being half way around the world I have watched his webcasts. He has made me realise that Christianity is something I very much agree with, and the Church (again, C of E) is something I very much disagree with. Far too 'tea & biscuits' orientated.

I'm here really because I feel that now is the beginning of my Christian journey. I have had various problems one after another for the last 12-18 months and honestly, that was the time I walked from the Church.

I am somewhat struggling to understand which denomination I should be looking at, if at all? As I said, I don't think the Church I went to was preaching the Gospel. Everything seemed very 'watered down' so as not to offend anyone? I don't think that's faith.

Also can anyone recommend any other online ministries / webcasts that I should be watching? 'Leading The Way' with Michael Yousseff really has appealed to me, and confirmed what I believe.

Sorry for rambling, and thank you for reading.

Tolerate weaker Christians even if they are as big as a word called Christendom with plus 30,000 denominations. Our journey is pretty much alone, unless we learn to tolerate each other and only return love for each offense to us. The right denomination is one on one, you with your Father and through your personal faith by leading of the Holy Spirit. The right faith is the one that actually listens to the son of God and follows him, with loads of tolerance & love for all people, even the proud less-than-humble ones. May God bless you always.

 

[JohnDeereFan]

Ok, firstly I'm sorry if this is in the wrong section, it seemed like the only one that suited my post.

Secondly, I am nominally Christian already. I was born into a Christian family, have attended Church (yes, I realise there is a huge difference between attending Church and being a Christian) and generally believed in God as I have grown up.

I regularly attended a large civic Church (C of E). I was a regular contributor and looked after the Church's website. However both me and my family were treated very badly by some of the Church 'big-wigs'. I ended up leaving completely, however my family are still regular contributors. I guess I feel that this drove me away from Christianity somewhat.

Recently I have been introduced to Michael Yousseff & his Ministry in Atlanta. Despite me being half way around the world I have watched his webcasts. He has made me realise that Christianity is something I very much agree with, and the Church (again, C of E) is something I very much disagree with. Far too 'tea & biscuits' orientated.

I'm here really because I feel that now is the beginning of my Christian journey. I have had various problems one after another for the last 12-18 months and honestly, that was the time I walked from the Church.

I am somewhat struggling to understand which denomination I should be looking at, if at all? As I said, I don't think the Church I went to was preaching the Gospel. Everything seemed very 'watered down' so as not to offend anyone? I don't think that's faith.

Also can anyone recommend any other online ministries / webcasts that I should be watching? 'Leading The Way' with Michael Yousseff really has appealed to me, and confirmed what I believe.

Sorry for rambling, and thank you for reading.

I think you're putting the cart before the horse. Before you start looking for a denomination or a church, you need to figure out where you stand with Christ. Are you born again? If you were to die today and stand before Christ to be judged, would you go to Heaven or to Hell? Please explain why.

 

[JohnDeereFan]

Also can anyone recommend any other online ministries / webcasts that I should be watching? 'Leading The Way' with Michael Yousseff really has appealed to me, and confirmed what I believe.

Sorry for rambling, and thank you for reading.

There are some excellent sermons here:

Sermons | HeartCry Missionary Society

and here:

Sermons By Date :: Desiring God Christian Resource Library

 

[aiki]

There are certainly a wide variety of denominations from which to choose, but you'll find that many Protestant denominations hold more in common than not. Mennonites, Baptists, E-Free, Alliance, and a fair number of non-denominational churches, all hold more or less the same theological and doctrinal views. You'll encounter folk who toss around the 30,000 Protestant denominations thing as though it is cold, hard fact, but as you can read here:

Alpha and Omega Ministries, The Christian Apologetics Ministry of James R. White

this is not the case at all! The actual number of Protestant denominations has been inflated some 300% by those who throw out the 30,000 number.

Anyway, being a Christian has much more to do with Christ and a lot less to do with a particular denominational choice. Here's what the Bible has to say about what it means, and how to become, a Christian:

How does one become a Christian?

Here's what the Bible has to say:

1. Salvation is God's gift to us, undeserved and unearned, received by faith alone in Christ alone. It begins with a confession of the truth that Jesus Christ is Lord and Saviour of one's life.

Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Romans 10:9-11
9 That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.
10 For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture says, Whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed.

Acts 4:12
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name (Christ's) under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

1 John 5:11-13
11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

2. Genuine salvation always necessarily involves a turning away from one's former godless lifestyle to a new, holy manner of living. This requires a humble admission of one's sinfulness to God and one's desperate need of His grace and mercy.

Matthew 4:17
17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Acts 3:19
19 Repent you therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out...

Ephesians 1:7
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

1 John 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Acts 17:29-31
29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent:
31 Because he has appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he has ordained; whereof he has given assurance unto all men, in that he has raised him from the dead.

James 4:6-10
6 But he gives more grace. Wherefore he says, God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.
9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

1 John 1:5-7
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.

3. Genuine salvation always entails submission of one's entire life and being to God. God does not take a back seat to anything. When He enters one's life it as He is: the Ruler of All.

1 Peter 5:6
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

John 15:4-5
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in me.
5 I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.

4. While salvation requires a laying aside of one's old values and morals and an embracing of a new Christ-centered existence, the new believer gains far more than he/she may lose.

Ephesians 3:17-19
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fulness of God.

John 10:9-11
9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
10 The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Psalms 37:3-5
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shall you dwell in the land, and truly you shall be fed.
4 Delight yourself also in the LORD; and he shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Psalms 16:11
11 You will show me the path of life: in your presence is fulness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

(All emphases in the above passages are mine).

God's blessings upon you.

Peace.