Dealing with a sinful past ?

[pinkstars19]

Hello! I'm brand new to the forums, very glad to be here! I am not a new Christian as I have been a Christian all my life, but rather now I am born again. I actually went to a Catholic school growing up, but have converted (not baptised though) to Baptist. I am 21 years old, and have realized that God is calling me to be a better Christian. My issue now is dealing with this past that I have. For the past 3 years my life has not been led the best that I could have. My friends and I partied all the time (just alcohol, I am and have been against drugs), I have had sex with the people I was in relationships with. I took up smoking when I started drinking. I also have not been to church in YEARS.

I am ready to start a new chapter and lead a better life that does not include sex, smoking, or drinking. The only problem is that I am afraid I will be judged for this. It's not a past I'm proud of, but it's also one that I do not regret as it led me to this point in my life where I fully want to accept God into my life. I have learned from my mistakes. I just do not want to be judged. I will also have to let go of many friends that I know will not be very accepting of this new chapter in my life. That scares me. But all they do is drink all the time and have sex with multiple partners. I don't want to be around that anymore so I don't have much of a choice.

Also, I haven't found a church yet. I am afraid to go alone. Like I said, my current friends would not go to church. I have a friend from a place I used to work that goes to a church nearby that I am in the process of contacting to see if maybe I can tag along with her.

Is there anyone here who has 'started over'? I'm sure I cannot be alone, I would like to hear from others who have done this and what your life is like now.

 

[dtg]

Just forget your past and if the people around you cannot except this move.

 

[rejectreality]

First of all, welcome to CF!! There are a lot of great people here who are blessed with wonderful hearts.

Secondly, I'm sorry I can't comment on starting over, as I never really have, but I commend and admire you for doing so. I know it can't be easy. Also, like mentioned above, forget your past, God has. I can't help but remember Luke 15:7 - I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in Heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

Nobody should judge you on your past, but celebrate your future with God in your life. I hope that you find CF to be helpful and faith-building.

God bless

 

[snoochface]

Yes, I have started over like you're talking about. I have a history of significant drug and alcohol use, and I didn't blink at sleeping with guys I met while I was partying, regardless of their marital status. And like you, my friends tended to be the ones partying with me.

I won't say it was a painless transition, but it was easier than I thought it would be. I gave away all my paraphernalia and flushed the drugs, and I pretty much stopped drinking at all. I would love to apologize to all the people I hurt with my behavior, but it's just not possible without hurting them again, or more. I trust that God has forgiven me, and I put it behind me. It's my old life now.

Finding a good church is so important. You get good Bible teaching and realize that anyone who might judge you for your past really doesn't understand the concept of grace and forgiveness -- kind of key issues in Christianity. The result is that most people aren't going to judge you because they do understand grace.

Find a church that has a ministry for people in your age group, young singles Bible studies and events. You'll be surprised at how much you have in common.

 

[christianmomof3]

Welcome to CF! It is good that you are turning back to the Lord. I pray that you will find some good Chrisitan companions to help you on your journey with Christ. You will find that you may have to cut ties with many of your friends. But you need to pray and follow the Lord's leading. I know a very dear sister in Christ who used to be a drug dealer. When she was saved and began her Christian life, she preached the gospel to many of her friends and while some of them thought she had gone off of the deep end, others were also saved. So, you just never know.
I pray that you will give yourself completely to the Lord and He will care for all of your concerns.

 

[Sketcher]

Just speaking as someone from the other side of the fence, who hasn't led that kind of lifestyle but has friends who have: Don't be too concerned about that. If you're around quality Christians, they'll be happy to have you around, and rejoice that God delivered you from living that way. You're a sister now, worthy of friendship. You'll have perspectives that I won't, and you'll be able to reach out to certain people in ways that I cannot. You belong here, God has a good future mapped out for you.

 

[Vasichko]

Hello! I'm brand new to the forums, very glad to be here! I am not a new Christian as I have been a Christian all my life, but rather now I am born again. I actually went to a Catholic school growing up, but have converted (not baptised though) to Baptist. I am 21 years old, and have realized that God is calling me to be a better Christian. My issue now is dealing with this past that I have. For the past 3 years my life has not been led the best that I could have. My friends and I partied all the time (just alcohol, I am and have been against drugs), I have had sex with the people I was in relationships with. I took up smoking when I started drinking. I also have not been to church in YEARS.

I am ready to start a new chapter and lead a better life that does not include sex, smoking, or drinking. The only problem is that I am afraid I will be judged for this. It's not a past I'm proud of, but it's also one that I do not regret as it led me to this point in my life where I fully want to accept God into my life. I have learned from my mistakes. I just do not want to be judged. I will also have to let go of many friends that I know will not be very accepting of this new chapter in my life. That scares me. But all they do is drink all the time and have sex with multiple partners. I don't want to be around that anymore so I don't have much of a choice.

Also, I haven't found a church yet. I am afraid to go alone. Like I said, my current friends would not go to church. I have a friend from a place I used to work that goes to a church nearby that I am in the process of contacting to see if maybe I can tag along with her.

Is there anyone here who has 'started over'? I'm sure I cannot be alone, I would like to hear from others who have done this and what your life is like now.

I did it about 3 years ago. Sounds like me back then. I didnt decide this on my own, I started dating a girl and shared her values and she got me into it. All I know is I feel like I am a better person now, and I am much happier.

Dont be scared bro, just go, relax, listen, and learn. Jesus didnt judge anyone so why would he judge you now?

 

[Johnnz]

God's forgiveness means your past is buried.

John
NZ

 

[pinkstars19]

Thanks to everyone who replied. It means a lot to have so much support already!

 

[_Ricky_]

I was in the same boat as you were.I lived a sinful life but claimed to "know" God, until finally one day I just snapped and Jesus made himself real to me. Now I intend to never look back because I know my past is just that, past. Gone, forgotten.

 

[iannassah]

"Come out from among them
And be separate,
says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you
I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the LORD Almighty."
II Corinthians 6:17-18​

Shalom,
Iannassah

 

[JPPT1974]

We all live sinful lives but
With the Lord's help and His guidance
And forgiveness and repentance
Accepting Him as Savior & Lord
He will cleanse us from within
To begin a brand new start.

 

[pinkstars19]

Thanks everyone for the encouraging posts.

 

[JKid]

read 2 corinthians 5:17 I also had a messed up past b4 i came to Christ this helped me alot i hope it helps you alot aswell GOD bless.

 

[Elijah2]

God's forgiveness means your past is buried.

John
NZ

Yes, but HE also said that I won't forgive you if you do not forgive your brethren.

 

[ephraimanesti]

Is there anyone here who has 'started over'? I'm sure I cannot be alone, I would like to hear from others who have done this and what your life is like now.

MY DEAR SISTER,

Every Christian for the past 2000 years up until as we speak has their own sinful story to tell regarding the past that our Lord, through His undeserved Grace and unmerited Love, has delivered them from.

Take a look at the Apostle Paul's story--a man who called himself the "chief sinner" (I Timothy 1:15). Talk about "starting over"--WOW! Beside what he did by trying to destroy God's Church, your past is pretty tame. Do what he did--AND DON'T LOOK BACK!

A BOND-SLAVE OF CHRIST,
ephraim

 

[Elijah2]

A sinful past mean unconfessed, and unrepented sin, and unforgiveness in their life!

 

[Catholic Wife]

Is there anyone here who has 'started over'? I'm sure I cannot be alone, I would like to hear from others who have done this and what your life is like now.

I started over after living a life that was definitely un-Christian. Of course, it involved finding the "right" church for me and actually repenting of my sins and changing my ways.

 

[dimwhitt]

god forgives the past (present and future) so dont sweat that

we all experience a little riducule as Christs people just like He did (you will recieve your reward)

press on good and faithful servant ENDURE

 

[OneKing77703]

I had find me a christ centered life. which in every aspect try to find God in it somewhere. like Friends find friends that are christains. they will help u alot. trust me. ive been there before many times. God said If u look for me with all ur heart u will find me................. just think bout this, pray that god would burn this verse into ur heart.