Becoming a Christian

[FireDragon76]

Did you?

Most folks don't stop to consider than nobody reads the Bible in a vacuum. In a great many places in the US, where Evangelicalism is popular, cultural ideas about Christianity are commonplace, and inform how people read the Bible, whether they are religious or not. A good example is the so-called "rapture" doctrine.

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

Most folks don't stop to consider than nobody reads the Bible in a vacuum. In a great many places in the US, where Evangelicalism is popular, cultural ideas about Christianity are commonplace, and inform how people read the Bible, whether they are religious or not. A good example is the so-called "rapture" doctrine.

Had I asked the question of people in Japan the answer might be, "Why would I think of the bible at all, I do not really know what "the bible" is." But here, in the "west", bibles abound, the culture is bible infused, and religion is almost by definition Christian. It's quite likely that exposure to the gospel through culture, books, or other forms precedes Bible reading.

 

[FireDragon76]

Had I asked the question of people in Japan the answer might be, "Why would I think of the bible at all, I do not really know what "the bible" is." But here, in the "west", bibles abound, the culture is bible infused, and religion is almost by definition Christian. It's quite likely that exposure to the gospel through culture, books, or other forms precedes Bible reading.

Indeed. The Bible permeated our culture so much that in the 19th century, many Americans, living on the frontier of civilization, didn't even formally belong to a church, and church membership in the 19th century was actually low by today's standards. Abraham Lincoln, for instance, was never formally a member in any church, yet you can tell observing his writing and speeches he was deeply influenced by this kind of informal religious sentiment.

But folk religion is no guarantee that ones beliefs reflect truth or reality, and I think that is the point you are getting at. At least in a church community, there are shared hermeneutical traditions, ways of reading the biblical text and testing ones behavior against reality. You can know a tree by its fruits but it's alot easier to get fruit when you have a fruit tree in the first place.

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

Indeed. The Bible permeated our culture so much that in the 19th century, many Americans, living on the frontier of civilization, didn't even formally belong to a church, and church membership in the 19th century was actually low by today's standards. Abraham Lincoln, for instance, was never formally a member in any church, yet you can tell observing his writing and speeches he was deeply influenced by this kind of informal religious sentiment.

But folk religion is no guarantee that ones beliefs reflect truth or reality, and I think that is the point you are getting at. At least in a church community, there are shared hermeneutical traditions, ways of reading the biblical text and testing ones behavior against reality. You can know a tree by its fruits but it's alot easier to get fruit when you have a fruit tree in the first place.

Yes, you have rightly discerned the point and it is clear: without a community to teach and support, faith can be a lonely journey filled with many pitfalls. There is only one God, one faith, one baptism, and God has one church, blesses the truth, and desires no divisions.

 

[FireDragon76]

Yes, you have rightly discerned the point and it is clear: without a community to teach and support, faith can be a lonely journey filled with many pitfalls. There is only one God, one faith, one baptism, and God has one church, blesses the truth, and desires no divisions.

It is here I must part ways. God has obviously providentially allowed differences in religion to take place. Religion itself is a part of human culture, which is not monolithic. I do believe religion contains revelation about God (partially), and many can be considered wisdom traditions in many cases, but that isn't the same as saying religion is the revelation of God. God isn't Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, etc.

I believe the unity we should have, isn't a unity in institutions, or religions, but a unity in love. That is the unity that actually has theological significance.

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

I believe the unity we should have, isn't a unity in institutions, or religions, but a unity in love. That is the unity that actually has theological significance.

Ephesians 4 emphasizes the importance of unity within the church, highlighting that unity in love must also manifest as unity in governance. The passage urges believers to live a life worthy of their calling, maintaining the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. This unity is rooted in shared beliefs and values, such as one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all.

I therefore, a prisoner in the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation in which you are called: With all humility and mildness, with patience, supporting one another in charity. Careful to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. One body and one Spirit: as you are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all. But to every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the giving of Christ. Wherefore he saith: Ascending on high, he led captivity captive: he gave gifts to men. Now that he ascended, what is it, but because he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended above all the heavens: that he might fill all things. And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and other some evangelists, and other some pastors and doctors: For the perfecting of the saints, for the word of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Until we all meet into the unity of faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the age of the fulness of Christ: That henceforth we be no more children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the wickedness of men, by cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive. But doing the truth in charity, we may in all things grow up in him who is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body, being compacted and fitly joined together, by what every joint supplieth, according to the operation in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body, unto the edifying of itself in charity.​

(Ephesians 4:1-16 DRB)
I believe the passage is both instructive and prophetic. I underlined the instructive portion at the beginning and the prophetic portion at the end. The middle part describes our current state, led by both godly and ungodly men, guided by the Spirit and by wicked men who are cunning in their craftiness. As a result, we are now divided by mistrust and divisions, longing for unity but unable to achieve it.

 

[FireDragon76]

Ephesians 4 emphasizes the importance of unity within the church, highlighting that unity in love must also manifest as unity in governance. The passage urges believers to live a life worthy of their calling, maintaining the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. This unity is rooted in shared beliefs and values, such as one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all.

I therefore, a prisoner in the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation in which you are called: With all humility and mildness, with patience, supporting one another in charity. Careful to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. One body and one Spirit: as you are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all. But to every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the giving of Christ. Wherefore he saith: Ascending on high, he led captivity captive: he gave gifts to men. Now that he ascended, what is it, but because he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended above all the heavens: that he might fill all things. And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and other some evangelists, and other some pastors and doctors: For the perfecting of the saints, for the word of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Until we all meet into the unity of faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the age of the fulness of Christ: That henceforth we be no more children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the wickedness of men, by cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive. But doing the truth in charity, we may in all things grow up in him who is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body, being compacted and fitly joined together, by what every joint supplieth, according to the operation in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body, unto the edifying of itself in charity.​

(Ephesians 4:1-16 DRB)
I believe the passage is both instructive and prophetic. I underlined the instructive portion at the beginning and the prophetic portion at the end. The middle part describes our current state, led by both godly and ungodly men, guided by the Spirit and by wicked men who are cunning in their craftiness. As a result, we are now divided by mistrust and divisions, longing for unity but unable to achieve it.

Why do you think unity must be uniformity?

Also note that St. Paul emphasizes a unity in the Spirit. The primitive Church's institutional structure is a far cry from the manifestation of a half dozen prominent Christian traditions, each with seemingly equally valid claims to unique authority, embedded within their own historical circumstances.

 

[ARBITER01]

Becoming a Christian​

I think it just depends on what GOD wants to do with an individual.

I had a Damascus road experience with Jesus when I was led into the sinners prayer one early morning back in '92, and have had certain aspects of that happening to me for over 30 years so far. I thought my experience was the same that everyone else had. I quickly found out that that was not the case and couldn't really talk about such things with most people.

Some people are called, some people are chosen. The thing that matters in the end is if He has come into your life, that you begin having a real time personal relationship with Him. That divine love from Jesus is more than anything anyone could offer you down here, and you must have it once you finally experience it.

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

Why do you think unity must be uniformity?

Also note that St. Paul emphasizes a unity in the Spirit. The primitive Church's institutional structure is a far cry from the manifestation of a half dozen prominent Christian traditions, each with seemingly equally valid claims to unique authority, embedded within their own historical circumstances.

Unity doesn't necessarily mean uniformity. Unity is about forming a community with a common purpose and shared beliefs, while uniformity implies everyone being the same, like undifferentiated clones. St. Paul's emphasis on unity in the Spirit highlights the importance of shared beliefs and values, rather than identical practices or structures.

The early Church's structure was indeed simpler and less divided than the various Christian traditions we see today. Each tradition has developed its own unique authority and practices based on historical and cultural contexts. This diversity can be seen as a strength, reflecting the richness of Christian faith across different communities and times. What matters most is the underlying unity in core beliefs and the Spirit.

 

[BibleBeliever1611]

One of the best ways of becoming a Christian is by watching this video

 

[Dan Perez]

If you decide to explore Christianity, you might visit a Catholic Church and inquire with the priest or another leader about embracing the faith.

• Pay attention to their recommended steps.
• Engage with the literature they propose, such as the Bible and any guide to Catholic teachings they provide.
• After a period of guided group study with a Catechist and fellow seekers, you'll be in a position to determine if Christianity resonates with you.
• Remember, you're free to withdraw at any point, and the Catechist and priest will support you throughout your exploration until they believe you're prepared for baptism and confirmation.

In summary, that is the beginning; the remainder of the path is a lifelong communion with the Lord Jesus Christ and a faith rich in love and virtue.

And CHRISTIAN // CHRISTIAMOS , just means a Follower !! I ask , as what you will devote your LIFE TO ??

So , who are you to follow Matthew , Luke , Mark , John , or Peter ??

1 Cor 11:1 says who we are to FOLLOW !!

You become IMITATORS of me , just as I am of Christ ,

The next verse is in 2 Tim 2:15 says , Study to present yourself ACCEPTED by God , a workman Having no cause for Shame

RIGHT DIVIDING the Word of Truth .

Also remember that Paul is the ONLY APOSTLE for the GENTILES and that means and EXCLUDES , Matthew , John , Mark and Peter .

Even Peter says that what Paul WROTE was Hard to Understand , 2 Peter 3:15-17 !!

And what he PETER wrote was under the Law of Moses !!

What Paul wrote , is salvation is by GRACE of God in Eph 2:8 and NOT // OU , is a DISJUNCATIVE PARTICLE NEGATIVE

and that means NEVERRRRRRRRRR EVER by WORKS , PERIOD !!

dan p

 

[Xeno.of.athens]

that means NEVERRRRRRRRRR EVER by WORKS , PERIOD !!

James 2:24

 

[Dan Perez]

James 2:24

Why explain James 2:24 ?

Here some of it !!

Verse 24 says , you see how that by WORKS a man is justified , and NOT // OU , is a DISJUCATIVE PARTCLE NEGATIVE .

by faith , , and all should have to be careful of the words , NOT , CANNOT , LEST or NEITHER and Gal 3:28 has three of them

and one in 1 Cor 1:17 come to mind .

And always check the James 1:1 says who Jams is speaking to !!

Who is it , why , to the 12 TRIBES which are scattered abroad , greeting , meaning Israel .

Verse 25 and 26 will explain , better , !!

dan p

 

[Jonaitis]

If you decide to explore Christianity, you might visit a Catholic Church and inquire with the priest or another leader about embracing the faith.

• Pay attention to their recommended steps.
• Engage with the literature they propose, such as the Bible and any guide to Catholic teachings they provide.
• After a period of guided group study with a Catechist and fellow seekers, you'll be in a position to determine if Christianity resonates with you.
• Remember, you're free to withdraw at any point, and the Catechist and priest will support you throughout your exploration until they believe you're prepared for baptism and confirmation.

In summary, that is the beginning; the remainder of the path is a lifelong communion with the Lord Jesus Christ and a faith rich in love and virtue.

It would be more appropriate to say if you want to become a Roman Catholic from your perspective. Christianity is diverse and the steps you have provided does not fit every Christian sect.