Confused, nervous and in need of advice

[BeyondGood&Evil]

This is a big thing for me coming here and asking for advice, I've never been so scared posting on an Internet message forum before. Apologies if I'm posting in the wrong section, these forums are confusing and very, very, plenty.

I've basically found myself drawn towards god for some months now, thought that I was missing "something" from my life. I spent some time searching for the differences between the denominations, and even asked a christian online for the differences, and he didn't know and I found it hard to find the differences. What exactly are the differences?

I guess the basis of my post is that I want some help. I suppose I've been hanging around waiting to be "blinded by the light". But I would think that only happens to the few. Or perhaps me thinking about god a lot means it has already happened?

I admit I don't live anything like a christian life, haven't been to church for any reason since I was a child, and have never preyed in any way since the generic way at school.

I think in a way I'm jealous of the comfort and hope worshipping god brings, though the "fear" aspect of christianity is not something what appeals or indeed impresses me. Maybe I'm messing up lots of things here, and its not god I'm looking for, maybe I'm being really selfish hoping this can solve my problems or something. If I'm not being selfish though, I need a starting point, somewhere to go. At least a denomination I can believe in. I think I just need help and advice. Please.

 

[JaimeMan]

Do you go to a church currently?

 

[BeyondGood&Evil]

Do you go to a church currently?

Well as I said, I haven't been to church since I was a child, and that wasn't as any kind of belief, just a tagging along with parents thing. I'm 29 now.

 

[Mykoet]

I am young, and although I have been a Christian since birth, i feel skeptical and are ashamed of it. But just today, I asked for help. It was given to me. I asked that it might snow. And it did. Simply the comfort of someone always listening to you is wonderful.

 

[caitlincares]

There are different forums for the different denominations.
You will probably want to spend some time on each of them to learn.
They are very open to answering questions for those searching.

Welcome to Christian Forums ...

There is a link to the FAQ on the navigation bar which includes the rules.
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To see full list of forums click on "Christian Forums" in upper left hand corner.

 

[He_Lives]

Hello BeyondGood&Evil and welcome to Christian Forums. I'd like to answer your questions about denominations, but to be honest, there are so many I don't know all the differences. I can tell you one thing for sure though, a denomination, no matter which one it is, cannot get you eternal life. Only salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ can accomplish this. I believe that "tug" you've been feeling is the Holy Spirit calling you to share in God's eternal kingdom. This is very easy to do. The bible tells us exactly how.
Romans 10:9 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. 10:10 For with the heart man believes to righteuosness; and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.

Look to the Lord in prayer, and from your heart admit that you have sinned. Ask Him to forgive your sins and to come to live in your heart. Let Him know that you need him to be in all aspects of your life, and that you trust him to lead you to the places you should go. Thank Him for saving you through his beloved Son Jesus Christ. If you do this, you will then be a member of a church....The Church of the Body of Christ. What a free gift !! Find a good Bible based church to learn and grow in. I will keep you in my prayers.
May the Lord keep you!!!

 

[Saint2be27]

Welcome,

I agree with He_Lives. I think the first thing you should do is pray, ask God where he wants you to be...He will open the doors for you, he's brought you this far . Step 2 get in God's Holy Word, let the Lord minister to your heart.

As far as denomination, I think you can find a lot of help in the denominations section. Do you have a local church you feel drawn to? If so, give a little visit and see if it feels right. Before you go, you can check their website and look under their doctorine and see if they have similar values/beliefs as you.

 

[labellady]

Hi! Welcome to CF!


I'm in agreement with He_Lives and Saint2be27. I'll keep you in my prayers....

 

[CynthiaSpeaks]

Hello BeyondGood&Evil and welcome to Christian Forums. I'd like to answer your questions about denominations, but to be honest, there are so many I don't know all the differences. I can tell you one thing for sure though, a denomination, no matter which one it is, cannot get you eternal life. Only salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ can accomplish this. I believe that "tug" you've been feeling is the Holy Spirit calling you to share in God's eternal kingdom. This is very easy to do. The bible tells us exactly how.
Romans 10:9 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. 10:10 For with the heart man believes to righteuosness; and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.

Look to the Lord in prayer, and from your heart admit that you have sinned. Ask Him to forgive your sins and to come to live in your heart. Let Him know that you need him to be in all aspects of your life, and that you trust him to lead you to the places you should go. Thank Him for saving you through his beloved Son Jesus Christ. If you do this, you will then be a member of a church....The Church of the Body of Christ. What a free gift !! Find a good Bible based church to learn and grow in. I will keep you in my prayers.
May the Lord keep you!!!

Absolutely, positively, this is right on! . Denominations do not save us. Faith in Jesus Christ does. Yes, a bible based church. Which ones are those? Foursquare churches are always good, you can't go wrong there and a Baptist church is good, as well. Also check your phone book for a Christian book supplier and go on down. They can help you choose a bible and in talking to them you may find a church to go to.

Here are some scriptures to consider:

Isaiah 59:2-But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.

1 John 1:8-If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

Romans 3:23-For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 6:23-for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

John 1:12-13-Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--the children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of god.

Romans 10:9-That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord,: and believe in your heart that god raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Acts 4:12-Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

1 Timothy 2:5-6-for there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men-the testimony given in its proper time.

Revelation 3:20-Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Romans 10:13-"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

The Lord is calling you, sweetie. We're here for you...

 

[challe]

Hi and WELCOME To the Forum !

I hope you will enjoy in here !

GOD BLESS !

Challe /

 

[Angel of Harmony]

Hello! Hello! I'm the Angel of Harmony! Here I am sprinkling angel dust on you and spreading harmony all around!


WELCOME to the CF membership! We are glad to meet you! God bless you and keep you! We pray the Holy Spirit will lead you to the correct denomination for you.


I am forever,
your Angel of Harmony

 

[*missy*]

hi and welcome i will pray for u

 

[BeyondGood&Evil]

Thanks everybody for your kind words and advice but I don't really feel ready yet. I don't want to go to church yet, certainly in my local area incase I see somebody I know. I'd also be going alone, which doesn't appeal to me and I still haven't got a clue which church would be best to go to. Somebody mentioned Baptist, but aren't they very harsh and prominent on the "fear" aspect of christinanity, something I don't agree with. I'm actually church of england *officially* (though I was never christened), but that's a denomination put onto me by my parents, not one through choice. I'm still pretty confused to be honest

 

[CynthiaSpeaks]

Hi Beyond, it was me that mentioned Baptist and I did so because they are bible based that that is what I believe to be very important. I thought it would be a denomination that would be familiar. There are many "different" Baptist churches, and yes, many can be very hard line. Not all, however, and the more relaxed ones are wonderful. All I can say is keep trying different churches until you find one you like. And pray about it. I had settled in for the long haul when shopping for a new church last year, after being away for 10 years. As it happened, the first church was "it". You just never know.

As for going alone, that is pretty common. The son of a friend of mine asked her why Daddy's don't go to church! You will be amazed at how many women go to church alone. My husband works Sundays so I am always alone.

Don't worry about people you know seeing you at church. After all, they're there too and I'd be willing to bet they will welcome you with open arms. Despite what we think our sin or our insecurities are not visable to others.

Satan will do all kinds of head trips on you telling you everyone "knows" whatever is going on with you, tell you you are unworthy or a hypocrite. Or what if so-n-so sees you, or talks about you, or whatever. That is the enemy talking and is not of the Lord. Jesus loves you as you are. So don't let the head games stop you. Don't "think" so much, follow that still, small voice, that is how the Holy Spirit calls us.

All that being said, may I make a suggestion? Copy down the scriptures I gave you, tuck them some place safe and simply read your bible. When the time is right, you'll know. We'll all be praying for you.

Never forget you are special in the eyes of God.

 

[Izzy23]

Greetings and Salutations

You are at a fork in the road. The choice is yours.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

 

[StarSapphire]

Welcome, and hope you have great times on these forums!

It is always wonderful to meet new people. We have some great discussions, and uplifting times. Some of us get very wordy, and some of us are very concise. We hope you enjoy this and make it a daily practice.

 

[AdJesumPerMariam]

WELCOME!

 

[Organist]

Happy to meet you! Welcome to the CF ! We hope you have a delightful time here, and meet many new people from all places. We are here to discuss great Bible topics, and to help you pray for your needs. Do not hesitate to ask...we are your friends already!

 

[mostie]

Pull out a bible and start reading- ask God to lead you where He wants you to go, and I know He will honor that- meanwhile, welcome to cf- lots of friendly, helpful people here!

 

[Sharleen]

Hello! How are you? Hope you are having a wonderful time here at CF. God bless you.