Confused

[Shunt]

Well as the title puts it I've come to a point in my life where I'm very confused about my beliefs. Not sure how long this post will be but at the moment I'm feeling its going to be a lengthly one.

I was baptized as a child and grew up going to a church of England primary school were i learned about the bible and mostly the things children understand such as about Noeh and Moses etc. Not really understanding anything too deep into the subject.

I guess through shared fault between me and my parents i never went to church on Sunday and after moving to a new town and going to high school my connection with my religion was all but lost and i continued growing up only believing in things that could be proved, i defenatly believed there could be a god but i always wanted proof about it, and would have countless discussions with my math teacher who was a Christian.


Well i am now in my first year at university and have spent about half the year the same as i always was, but recently and I'm not really sure why but I'm starting to accept that god is real that it all really happened. I've been searching the Internet for a few days now about being a Christian and what it is truly about.

I have tried praying a few times but am still uncomfortable with it but I'm trying. I not really sure i feel confused about what to do, I'm thinking about going to church on Sunday but feel i might be rejected, I see some of my friends have bibles on their shelves in yet they never go church and don't seem to believe in any of it. I consider talking to them about this but i felt they might just dismiss it all so thats why I came here so i could talk about it.

I think i want to become a Christian ,but again its only a thought as I still feel uncomfortable about the whole issue especially after living so long dismissing the whole idea of it all. I have been considering god, Jesus and the bible and am getting closer to believing everytime i spend time on my own thinking about it , but then i think about what a change it will have on my life. None of my family go to church, i haven't really talked to them about their beliefs yet last time i can remember they considered themselves Christians infact last time i was asked i considered myself a Christian but i know that not to be true i guess that just came as a reaction to the question i never really thought about it.

Well if you read that all your probably just confused but i guess i just need some advice about what i should do next, if anyone replies thanks for reading this

Simon

 

[Deb7777]

Well as the title puts it I've come to a point in my life where I'm very confused about my beliefs. Not sure how long this post will be but at the moment I'm feeling its going to be a lengthly one.

I was baptized as a child and grew up going to a church of England primary school were i learned about the bible and mostly the things children understand such as about Noeh and Moses etc. Not really understanding anything too deep into the subject.

I guess through shared fault between me and my parents i never went to church on Sunday and after moving to a new town and going to high school my connection with my religion was all but lost and i continued growing up only believing in things that could be proved, i defenatly believed there could be a god but i always wanted proof about it, and would have countless discussions with my math teacher who was a Christian.


Well i am now in my first year at university and have spent about half the year the same as i always was, but recently and I'm not really sure why but I'm starting to accept that god is real that it all really happened. I've been searching the Internet for a few days now about being a Christian and what it is truly about.

I have tried praying a few times but am still uncomfortable with it but I'm trying. I not really sure i feel confused about what to do, I'm thinking about going to church on Sunday but feel i might be rejected, I see some of my friends have bibles on their shelves in yet they never go church and don't seem to believe in any of it. I consider talking to them about this but i felt they might just dismiss it all so thats why I came here so i could talk about it.

I think i want to become a Christian ,but again its only a thought as I still feel uncomfortable about the whole issue especially after living so long dismissing the whole idea of it all. I have been considering god, Jesus and the bible and am getting closer to believing everytime i spend time on my own thinking about it , but then i think about what a change it will have on my life. None of my family go to church, i haven't really talked to them about their beliefs yet last time i can remember they considered themselves Christians infact last time i was asked i considered myself a Christian but i know that not to be true i guess that just came as a reaction to the question i never really thought about it.

Well if you read that all your probably just confused but i guess i just need some advice about what i should do next, if anyone replies thanks for reading this

Simon

Hi Simon, welcome, its so easy to live life without God because we're so busy and distracted with with so many things. It looks like God has been able to stop you for a moment in your life and think about thoughts that include your spirit and soul. Jesus keeps us focus on the fact we are indeed body and soul, created in the image of God. He tells us how to keep the soul healthy and to always have before our eyes the will of God so as to fulfill our purpose according to God's plan and not our mere human inspirations that are most likely driven by health, weath and success, instead of holiness, purity and love. Jesus offers another way of living and glorifying God in this world with virtue. You will find no greater life than that of a Christian. Christ will transform you into a person who loves God, loves one neighbor as oneself. A life long process but the most fulfilling way to live in this world, to love and to know that you are loved by God. God does love you and wants you to know his beloved Son who he sends on his behalf to show you the Father and to lead you home. Christ will present many sons and daughters to the Father, life is short and passing and we pray all will come to know God before life is over. You have a Creator and one of the things you can always do and should do is be thankful, for everything is a gift. If people were thankful for all their gifts, truly thankful, they would look up and give thanks. So, look up and give thanks, you have much to be thankful for and your Creator wants you to live in union with his wisdom in creating the world and all of his purposes. You will truly dicover who you are when you are able to turn your back on yourself and follow Christ, easy, no but self- discovery in God is the greatest gift for our heart and soul to know who we are. Many that contemplates coming closer to God has reservations at first because of the fear of what they will lose, I too had that fear but decided to keep going on the journey with God and am so happy that I did not turn back out of fear of how this would effect my life. I could have never imagined the place I'm at now compared to before, I'm just thankful that I didn't let the world or my personal fears stop me. Its so much easier living life in the sense no matter what comes our way, Jesus is with me, he knows struggles and hardships, he loves me and everything is passing. Death is not a disaster for a Christian so we have so much hope and how we long for our true homeland. I would get to know Jesus in the bible, prayer, fellowship with others, visit the congregations here, study Church history and ask the Holy Spirit everyday to help you come closer to knowing the blessed Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God bless.

 

[Shunt]

Thanks that means alot to me that you've taken the time out to reply.

 

[mcm_ham]

Hi Simon, I would encourage you to join a church. No one will consciously reject you but they may be a bit insecure at first to talk to someone new like yourself as you no doubt will be to them. But persevere and see if you can find out if they are running home groups during the week and go alomg. These typically are smaller groups that meet at someone's house and is a great way to get to know people and eventually share your experiences and questions.

 

[Annoula]

maybe it is a time of your life that things are confusing in general.
maybe it's not just religion and God.

anyway... have a look in here and try to find something that comforts your soul.

i think prayer is a good thing to try even if you don't feel comfortable in the beginning. give it a try.

we are all here you know... and we can listen to you...

 

[Shunt]

i'm not sure maybe i am just confused in life in general and barking up the wrong tree. But i feel like i'd be able to notice that and sort it out rather than push my thoughts onto something else.
I guess i feel kind of insecure about my thoughts and there isn't alot of people to talk to about it.. at least it feels like there isn't im sure there are lots of people, but those closest to me wouldn't understand.

Theres a christian group in my hall at university that get together every week to pray i might meet and talk with them about it all but again i feel like i could just be rejected.


It just feels like im the only one going through this at the moment, how did you lot find your belief or were you just born into and accepted it?

Simon

 

[starelda]

i'm not sure maybe i am just confused in life in general and barking up the wrong tree. But i feel like i'd be able to notice that and sort it out rather than push my thoughts onto something else.
I guess i feel kind of insecure about my thoughts and there isn't alot of people to talk to about it.. at least it feels like there isn't im sure there are lots of people, but those closest to me wouldn't understand.

Theres a christian group in my hall at university that get together every week to pray i might meet and talk with them about it all but again i feel like i could just be rejected.


It just feels like im the only one going through this at the moment, how did you lot find your belief or were you just born into and accepted it?

Simon

Hey Simon
You've no need to worry about being rejected. I promise you that no one will reject you. Yes, some people are born into Christian families and raised Christian...though some are not. You don't have to know everything about Christianity and you certainly don't have to be born into it.

My parents are both atheists and I was raised atheist. When I was about 11, a friend and I got curious and went to a Christian fellowship club at school one day. We kept going to that though I can't say i ever really understood it all at that time and looked into other things during my teens. Then a few years ago I started reading the bible and began to believe. I wanted to go to church and like you I was scared...I'd never stepped foot in a church in my life! Wanna know what I found in the church? A bunch of lovely friendly people, all wanting to worship God. No one rejected me at all and in fact a church should do the complete opposite and welcome you with open arms and joy!

 

[heron]

Hi Simon -- glad you're here!
Most churches like to have new people around, just like most people on CF won't mind if you private message them with questions. If someone is rude to you, then move on to a better fit.

It's always a little adjustment to know what to expect culturally--when to sit and stand and open the hymnal--but that will only take a visit or two to figure out.

The change might not be as drastic as it appears. You are already thinking about God, praying, learning...you already know quite a bit. It's mostly the visible time you spend going to services and meetings that people will notice.

God is always at work in us, and He's usually making less abrupt transformations than we would. I believe that He's been with you all this time, even when you had drifted in other directions. He's with you now, helping you with the decisions.

Keep talking with Him. Write things down if you're hesitant to pray...intentions, interests, questions, desires. Writing is just as effective as talking.

Some of your friends who have Bibles might be skipping church just as a rite of passage--setting their own rules and schedules as adults. They might be afraid of what others at school think of them--so it might be a relief for them to see you participating.

I think the meeting sounds like a great start. If you don't like it, there might be a Bible study at a local church that is less peer-conscious...less tied in to your social life, more focused on individual growth. But it's probably a fun group.

Anyway...stay here and keep talking. If it's uncomfortable here, there are plenty of subtopic areas (some block you if you don't have a Christian icon).

God is listening!

 

[InnocentOdion]

Hi Simon,

I feel completely for you. I had the same fate. I was extremely resilient at ignoring God's subtle little signs, it took a lot to make me a Christian. I've never felt so happy though. I'm so comfortable with my life - even though I may be judged by people - it's their problem.

If your heart wants you to become a Christian, then do it - it's our heart which hears God's voice, and our mind which fills us with doubts (I heard that somewhere else on the forum but I forgot where). Try and pray two or three times a day for a week. See what happens.

I too am a university student, first year. I'm in a class full of God-hating agnostic-y atheist-people things - the oxymoron people who hate God, but believe he doesn't exist. I'm always here if you need someone to talk to.

Hope this helps,
God bless.

IO

 

[Shunt]

Thanks for the replys,

so far the things i've done im enjoying like praying despite being a bit uncomfortable at first, its actually quite nice like having someone you can always talk to.
I went to play football today and spent some time just looking up into the blue sky at the clouds... made me think of heaven and the sterotypical veiw of it being in the clouds etc...
does the bible say what heaven / eternal life is like? if not whats your idea of what its like?

Simon

 

[christianmomof3]

Thanks for the replys,

so far the things i've done im enjoying like praying despite being a bit uncomfortable at first, its actually quite nice like having someone you can always talk to.
I went to play football today and spent some time just looking up into the blue sky at the clouds... made me think of heaven and the sterotypical veiw of it being in the clouds etc...
does the bible say what heaven / eternal life is like? if not whats your idea of what its like?

Simon

I am glad you are enjoying praying. It would be good for you to read the Bible too. As far as what the Bible says about heaven/eternal life, that is a topic that you will get a variety of answers on I imagine. It is best to read it for yourself.
I understand it is a bit difficult to want to become a Christian when your family is not at least not practicing Christians. My family was Jewish. It was a bit difficult for me to turn to Christ because I felt like I was betraying my people or something. But, as a Jew, I did not know God in an intimate way. In fact, I was not even sure if He existed. When some friends shared the gospel with me and had me pray to Jesus and accept Him as my God and ask Him to forgive my sins, I actually was not sure at the time if He was God or not. I just figured either He was God, or He was not and if He was not I was just wasting a little time and breath praying to Him and it was not going to hurt anything. What happened was incredible. I was so happy and I knew God exists because He lives in me now. I love that I can enjoy Him when I pray and enjoy Him when I sing hymns and when I read the Bible and when I get together with other Christians. I love that I can enjoy God! He wants us to enjoy Him! Philippians 4:4 says "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice." I think in the book Pollyanna she counted all of the joy verses in the Bible and there are a lot. The Lord wants us to live a life of rejoicing in Him!
I don't worry much about life after death. I am not sure exactly what all the details are, but I will find out when it happens. I will be with the Lord then also, but what is really terrific is that I can enjoy Him right now! We don't have to wait until we die to enjoy the presence of the Lord! We can enjoy Him all of the time and He is so wonderfully enjoyable! I pray that you will come to know and enjoy Him as well.
In Christ, Dana

 

[Deb7777]

Thanks for the replys,

so far the things i've done im enjoying like praying despite being a bit uncomfortable at first, its actually quite nice like having someone you can always talk to.
I went to play football today and spent some time just looking up into the blue sky at the clouds... made me think of heaven and the sterotypical veiw of it being in the clouds etc...
does the bible say what heaven / eternal life is like? if not whats your idea of what its like?

Simon

Hi Simon, that's great. The nice thing about God is he has no limitations, so he knows all and sees all and hears all. We are always in his presence and its good to acknowledge his nearness in creation, in the many ways he touches us in life. Heaven is total union with God. We will see him face to face and rejoice in our Creator. Our whole being will be blessed with sharing his love and joy which is infinite as a stream flowing through us and into our neighbor. God will be all in all. We will love like never before and be filled with so many spiritual gifts that will bless our heart and soul, overflowing to the brim with love and unity for God and one another, nothing like we ever experience here. We will inherit the Kingdom of God and I'm sure take possession of this world when Christ comes again. We like this world and its gifts, I'm sure we will love Heaven and all of its blessings, God bless.

 

[matthewgoh]

Hello Simon,

Just treat God as your father in heaven. Learn to love him and have a close and personal relationship with you. Let the Holy Spirit transform you and fill your heart with love. Being the infinite God, what our father can give us in heaven is just unimaginable. Take care and God bless.

 

[heron]

its actually quite nice like having someone you can always talk to.

I forgot what a really great thing that has been to me. It's such a core to my faith...just knowing God is there and listening. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[sunshinejennii]

You know what, you sound like the vast majority of people who come to CU in their first year, but you're more honest, and that's really good.

I've grown up in a christian family and I can't not believe there's a God, because everything I've learnt I've learnt based on the assumption theres a God, and I'm someone who sees themself as a scientist and demands proof for everything. But while I definatly believe in God there have been times when that's as far as it goes, I believe he's there and don't really care. I've seen a lot of people in the last 7months who call themselves Christian and go to church and things but I'm guessing if they really thought about it might not quite believe in God or in the purpose of Jesus death, and it's so sad that they can't see that. If you were to go to a church or CU I don't think you'd be rejected, I think your honesty would be welcomed, I think they'd wanna answer your questions and it could be very helpful. yeah some churchs and CUs are a bit pants, ive heard some horror stories about the way they've treated seeking people, but they are in the minority.

It's great that you're more comfortable praying, I bet you pray more than most people who call themselves Christians, as far as I see it if you have the oppurtunity to know someone fantastic why would you pass up the oppurtunity to talk to them when you know they find anything you say fascinating and want you to come talk to them. Would you feel comfortable praying about having the courage to go to CU or a church? How about if we prayed for you. I can find out information about stuff in loughborough for you, I can put you in touch with someone who goes to loughborough uni (he's really cool, top bloke) and I am quite happy to pray for you, especially that evening that you'll find strength to go and discover how much fun it can be (even ignoring the whole God thing, CUs have a lot of fun.)

 

[heron]

Shunt, some reading material for you: (as if you need more this month!)

http://ship-of-fools.com/Mystery/2001/286Mystery.html

 

[bfly]

Well as the title puts it I've come to a point in my life where I'm very confused about my beliefs. Not sure how long this post will be but at the moment I'm feeling its going to be a lengthly one.

I was baptized as a child and grew up going to a church of England primary school were i learned about the bible and mostly the things children understand such as about Noeh and Moses etc. Not really understanding anything too deep into the subject.

I guess through shared fault between me and my parents i never went to church on Sunday and after moving to a new town and going to high school my connection with my religion was all but lost and i continued growing up only believing in things that could be proved, i defenatly believed there could be a god but i always wanted proof about it, and would have countless discussions with my math teacher who was a Christian.


Well i am now in my first year at university and have spent about half the year the same as i always was, but recently and I'm not really sure why but I'm starting to accept that god is real that it all really happened. I've been searching the Internet for a few days now about being a Christian and what it is truly about.

I have tried praying a few times but am still uncomfortable with it but I'm trying. I not really sure i feel confused about what to do, I'm thinking about going to church on Sunday but feel i might be rejected, I see some of my friends have bibles on their shelves in yet they never go church and don't seem to believe in any of it. I consider talking to them about this but i felt they might just dismiss it all so thats why I came here so i could talk about it.

I think i want to become a Christian ,but again its only a thought as I still feel uncomfortable about the whole issue especially after living so long dismissing the whole idea of it all. I have been considering god, Jesus and the bible and am getting closer to believing everytime i spend time on my own thinking about it , but then i think about what a change it will have on my life. None of my family go to church, i haven't really talked to them about their beliefs yet last time i can remember they considered themselves Christians infact last time i was asked i considered myself a Christian but i know that not to be true i guess that just came as a reaction to the question i never really thought about it.

Well if you read that all your probably just confused but i guess i just need some advice about what i should do next, if anyone replies thanks for reading this

Simon

Christian Forums - FAQ: Become a Christian#faq_christian

Shunt, here you will find answers. Please read it and think about what it says. It is on this forum and tells you how to become a Christian.


Hello and Welcome

We are so proud to have you join our family.
May your time here be spent well and you find all your answers.
Please come often and invite all your friends.
Your will find the most wonderful refreshments provided free.
I pray your cup will be full and running over with:
Love, Joy, Peace, Kindness, Patience, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.
and may the
Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
be with your spirit.

 

[Shunt]

I am feeling amazing, and i want to share it with you all

Whether the 2 are connected or not i don't know all i know is that it has led me to a great place.
About a week ago still being confused about my faith and religion i prayed asking for help, i struggled going to any churches because i was on my own and i just prayed for help to meet people to get me on the right track.
About 3-4 days ago a slip of paper comes under my door, it was a flyer being posted in everyones door from the christian union of my university. It was about a few talks coming up in this week, 4 talks in all over 4 days
-What is Christianity
-The God Sex Guide
-A leap of Faith
-Look at the World... where did god go wrong?

so immediately i decided that i would go down, which i did about 3 hours ago...
listening to the talk was amazing and it made me feel really happy about myself and it defenatly changed me, i talked with him after saying how it made me feel and that i know i want to be a christian, i said a prayer with him about what christ did on the cross for us and that i give my life to christ and ask for forgiveness.
I still have a bit to go but i am on the path and have the faith.

Thank you to everyone who has replyed to me, i read everything you have said and everything helped me in one way or anouther may god bless you all and thank you for everything you've done for me


Simon

 

[heron]

Simon, that's great!! What a funny coincidence! Thanks for letting us know.

Have you ever heard that the angels rejoice when you join the family of God?

(Luke 15:10)

i just prayed for help to meet people to get me on the right track.

This is the kind of prayer I always find God answers faster than I'd imagine.

Remember that God will not turn you away. You are a valid part of His kingdom now! So glad you're enjoying it.

 

[christianmomof3]

I am feeling amazing, and i want to share it with you all

i talked with him after saying how it made me feel and that i know i want to be a christian, i said a prayer with him about what christ did on the cross for us and that i give my life to christ and ask for forgiveness.
I still have a bit to go but i am on the path and have the faith.

Simon

That is wonderful! Enjoy Christ! I am glad you are pursuing Him! I pray you will continue to grow in Him and enjoy His life!