God saved me

[JumpIntoInfinity]

Hello everyone. I'm a really new believer in that I have only begun to believe in the last few days truly. That probably seems silly to many people that I have joined a Christian forum so soon, but let me explain what happened to me that made me believe in God.

I suffer from depression - rather badly. And last friday, I was really bad. I felt suicidal and wanted to take my own life. I was even planning it, but then on a whim I turned on my ipod and on it was a podcast from a preacher preaching about God. Instantly, I felt much better. I was happy again. There was something about God that made me happy.

Before this, I considered myself an atheist, but I was always searching for something more (hence why a Christian podcast was on my ipod). I have gone through every conceivable religion - buddhism, hinduism, paganism, islam, etc., but never Christianity. I was born a Christian (Catholic to be exact), but my family were never religious. To be honest, they are more than confused as to why I would suddenly become religious when I claimed I was an atheist. They are against me being religious, and I'm unsure what to do. I feel I should listen to my parents, but I also feel I should listen to God.

I really believe God saved me last friday because I think I would have killed myself if given the chance. For that, I owe God everything. However, I still feel very confused myself. How can I know what religion to believe? How is Christianity the correct religion? I feel a connection to Christianity, but how can I know that Islam or Judaism isn't right? And am I only being delusional here? Am I kidding myself that God saved me? And with so many denominations out there how can I possibly be sure which is right?

 

[timf]

How can I know what religion to believe?

Pray to God and ask Him to lead you in truth. As you read the words of Jesus, see if you can hear words of truth and life.

After Jesus said some things that were hard to understand, Jesus asked His disciples if they were going to leave as well. Peter responded;

John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

 

[Nails74]

How can I know what religion to believe? How is Christianity the correct religion? I feel a connection to Christianity, but how can I know that Islam or Judaism isn't right? And am I only being delusional here? Am I kidding myself that God saved me? And with so many denominations out there how can I possibly be sure which is right?

If I were you (and if consistency is important), I would believe in the truth, not a religion. As you explore God's revelation to His creation (The Bible), you will find that Christianity is the only worldview that makes any sense out of reality.

As far as denominations, start with one that uses The Bible as its sole infallible rule of faith. As long as you use God's word as your standard of truth, you cannot go wrong.

 

[trulyconverted]

Hello everyone. I'm a really new believer in that I have only begun to believe in the last few days truly.

Hello jii, welcome to the family! I am also a new true believer. Have been in Christianity for more than a decade but only became a true born again a few months ago. I am very happy for you and thank the Lord that I have met you here in ChristianForums.

That probably seems silly to many people that I have joined a Christian forum so soon

I myself do not think that it is silly. I think it is wonderful for you to be here where you can share your experience with the Lord with all of us.

but let me explain what happened to me that made me believe in God.
I suffer from depression - rather badly. And last friday, I was really bad. I felt suicidal and wanted to take my own life. I was even planning it,

I think most of us do get into very difficult situation at one point or the other in our lives. But the Lord works in His own ways in our lives.

but then on a whim I turned on my ipod and on it was a podcast from a preacher preaching about God.

Everything that happens or do not happen in our lives is arranged or ordained by God. Nothing happens by accident. We are all under God's sovereignty.

Instantly, I felt much better. I was happy again. There was something about God that made me happy.

In the bible it says every good thing comes from God.
James 1: 17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

Before this, I considered myself an atheist, but I was always searching for something more (hence why a Christian podcast was on my ipod). I have gone through every conceivable religion - buddhism, hinduism, paganism, islam, etc., but never Christianity.

Praise the Lord that He has given you the grace to search for that 'something more' because usually when we are contented with where we are in life we would only stay there and not look to God.

I was born a Christian (Catholic to be exact), but my family were never religious. To be honest, they are more than confused as to why I would suddenly become religious when I claimed I was an atheist.

I was also born a catholic in a catholic country. But the Lord arranges our situations with the purpose of fulfilling whatever purpose He has for our lives.

They are against me being religious, and I'm unsure what to do. I feel I should listen to my parents, but I also feel I should listen to God.

First and most important commandment in the bible is in Luke 10:27
'.... "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, .... '

But do not forget that you should honor your father and your mother that is also one of the commandments of the Lord. But always remember the first and most important commandment in Luke 10:27 (bible).

I really believe God saved me last friday because I think I would have killed myself if given the chance.

Praise the Lord for His grace and mercy and love towards you.

For that, I owe God everything.

That is so true. The bible says in Psalms 24:1 "The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,"

However, I still feel very confused myself. How can I know what religion to believe? How is Christianity the correct religion?

Being a born again believer in Christ means one becomes a member of Christ's body (the true Church). It is not joining a religion.

I feel a connection to Christianity, but how can I know that Islam or Judaism isn't right?

You can only know and see the truth if God opens your eyes. God is a living God. Talk to Him.

And am I only being delusional here?

That is EXACTLY what I said to myself.

After experiencing God's salvation in reality, every time I shared it with others it seemed that they did not understand me. Some would say this and that but I could not really connect and share my experience properly... Until one day I asked that same question to the Lord... "Lord, am I delusional?" As nobody seemed to know what I was about. But the Lord is good and he impressed on my heart things He wanted me to know.

Then in the end I said to myself that I believe the Lord and if He says He saved me then He saved me. No matter what other people say about it or even if they question my experience. It is between me and the Lord.

Then later I have met with others who know exactly what I was talking about, by the Lord's arrangement.

Am I kidding myself that God saved me?

Now this is very important. Do not let any other person tell you that you are saved or that you are not saved. In the bible it clearly says that the Spirit of God is the only one who can pronounce to us that we are now a child of God - Romans 8:16 "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God"

If anybody says to you that you need to pray a prayer of acceptance (which they also quote from the bible) to accept Jesus in order to be saved, do not be deceived. If and when you are already saved you pray, believe, receive, and accept Jesus in your heart as a byproduct of your salvation.

We are saved by God alone, in the bible it clearly says in Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Nothing ever can be contributed by us. Salvation is purely from God Himself. I cannot save myself by praying a prayer because that would mean it came from my work (my praying) - this is what people usually do now.

And with so many denominations out there how can I possibly be sure which is right?

When we have been made born again by God, the Holy Spirit in us helps us discern things.

We do need to read the bible to know what God's commandments are and to know Him more. And most importantly we do not get deceived easily by others because we know the truth, the Word of God in the bible. Even with what I am telling you now - you always go to God and the bible to know if you can believe what I am telling you.

Trust in the Lord, not in men.

And you do not need to rush to attend any congregation, wait on the Lord to lead you as to where He wants you to attend. I would advise that you read the bible constantly, by books and not just picking out verses. You can start in the new testament which is the book of Matthew and just continuing on until you finish the new testament and the old testament, then repeat.

Written in Love.

All glory to God!

 

[toLiJC]

Hello everyone. I'm a really new believer in that I have only begun to believe in the last few days truly. That probably seems silly to many people that I have joined a Christian forum so soon, but let me explain what happened to me that made me believe in God.

I suffer from depression - rather badly. And last friday, I was really bad. I felt suicidal and wanted to take my own life. I was even planning it, but then on a whim I turned on my ipod and on it was a podcast from a preacher preaching about God. Instantly, I felt much better. I was happy again. There was something about God that made me happy.

Before this, I considered myself an atheist, but I was always searching for something more (hence why a Christian podcast was on my ipod). I have gone through every conceivable religion - buddhism, hinduism, paganism, islam, etc., but never Christianity. I was born a Christian (Catholic to be exact), but my family were never religious. To be honest, they are more than confused as to why I would suddenly become religious when I claimed I was an atheist. They are against me being religious, and I'm unsure what to do. I feel I should listen to my parents, but I also feel I should listen to God.

I really believe God saved me last friday because I think I would have killed myself if given the chance. For that, I owe God everything. However, I still feel very confused myself. How can I know what religion to believe? How is Christianity the correct religion? I feel a connection to Christianity, but how can I know that Islam or Judaism isn't right? And am I only being delusional here? Am I kidding myself that God saved me? And with so many denominations out there how can I possibly be sure which is right?

Hi and congratulations for having God and Jesus saved you,

only the true God and Jesus are Lord God, all other gods/lords such as: krishna, brahma, vishnu, shiva, buddha, allah, etc., are false, then Jehovah was not 100% the true Lord God only, but satan also had a part therein, because in the time before the New Testament the devil had an inner/domestic power, and that is why there were many imperfect ordinances such as "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth", now the only Lord God are the Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ, for as much as They actually are the only Lord God from the beginning

John 10:30 "I and my Father are one(i.e. namely I and my Father are the Lord God).",

John 13:13 "Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.",

John 17:5-24 "And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was..... for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.",

John 8:58 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.",

Hebrews 1:1-14 "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;..... But unto the Son he saith..... Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:.....",

Genesis 1:26-28 "And God said, (Jesus, Son of mine) Let us make man in our image, after our likeness(i.e. let Us make user of the(Our) system of life and love):..... So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him(i.e. so the true Lord God created the human(-s) as user(-s) of the(His) life and love); male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth(i.e. the world of users), and subdue it:",

Genesis 2:7 "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.",

Revelation 19:16 "And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.",

Ecclesiastes 5:9 "the king himself is served by the field.",

Mark 10:45 "the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.",

Acts 4:10-12 "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.....whom God raised from the dead..... This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.",

1 Timothy 2:5 "there is one God, and one mediator(also: one Lord) between God and men, the man(i.e. the ensouled being) Christ Jesus;",

Hebrews 7:25 "he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.",

John 14:6-31 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me..... he that hath seen me hath seen the Father;",

1 John 5:20 "we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.",

1 Corinthians 8:1-8 "Now as touching things(i.e. as regards the religious/spiritual things) offered unto(i.e. which are (a) service/ministry to/of) idols(i.e. spiritual/religious iniquities), we know that(i.e. usually the human tendency in this regard so far was that maybe) we all(i.e. all clerics/believers) have knowledge(i.e. spiritual knowledge and abilities). Knowledge puffeth up(viz. in the faith), but charity(i.e. but Love/Good(-ness)) edifieth(or: humbles). And if(i.e. and if in this regard) any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God(i.e. the true Lord God), the same is known of him. As concerning therefore the eating(i.e. the following/practicing) of those things(i.e. of those spiritual/religious things) that are offered in sacrifice unto idols(or: which are unrighteous), we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords(or: and christs) many,) But to us(i.e. but the setup is such that to all humans of whole this universe) there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in every man(i.e. yet there is not in every cleric/believer/worshiper) that knowledge(i.e. that conscience/understanding): for some(i.e. for some of them by reason of this) with conscience of the idol(or: by notion of spiritual iniquity) unto this hour eat it(i.e. unto this moment follow/practise the faith) as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak(i.e. becoming thus weak) is defiled. But meat(i.e. but the occultism/idolatry/knowledgeable faith) commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat(i.e. if we follow/practise it), are we the better; neither, if we eat not(i.e. if we do not follow/practise it), are we the worse.",

Revelation 19:9-10 "And he(i.e. upmost Saint/Angel) saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus(i.e. of the only (true) Lord): worship God(i.e. That One Who really is the true God): for(i.e. because only) the testimony(or: the Spirit which comes direct(-ly)) of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy(i.e. of the true prophecy)."

Blessings

 

[paul1149]

That same spark of hope and peace and love that illuminated you will continue to lead you. You can continue to be a good family member and still follow God, but there may be points of division. It's not always easy. Tests will come.

I too came up through many other religions. Keith Green did also. He once said that when he began searching for God, Christianity was at the bottom of his list. But he then added that God has ways of getting us down to the bottoms of our lists.

Every other religion ultimately relies on our works to save us. Christianity starts with the premise that we are incapable of saving ourselves and must accept the completed perfect works of Jesus on our behalf in order to be acceptable to God. You have a lot of questions. Be patient, but persistent, as you pursue answers. Hebrews 13 tells us that Jesus is both Author and Finisher of our faith. You are in good hands with Him. What He has begun in you, He will continue to perfect until you are completely transformed (Phil 1.6). Find His promises in His word and stand confidently on them.

 

[Alive_Again]

I suffer from depression - rather badly. And last friday, I was really bad. I felt suicidal and wanted to take my own life.

Oh, please don't do that! You are of great value and beauty to God. You've been living within a clash of 2 kingdoms. The answers are contained in scripture. You are living in a fallen world (not to hard to figure out?). The kingdom of darkness (many fallen angels) work to steal, kill, and destroy. they hate man, because he/she is made in the image and likeness of God.

God sent us into this world to know Him. He sent His Son into the world in human flesh to pay the penalty for man's sin, with His blood sacrifice. That enemy that is afflicting everyone is now defeated at the cross of Calvary.

The depression you suffered from is caused by demonic spirits. (Not too freaky.) When Jesus was on the earth, He went about "destroying" the works of darkness. Healing the sick and delivering people from demonic oppression. When people sin, they give the enemy (these spirits) a legal right to oppress you. Even the many religions you dabbled in, are byproducts of deceiving spirits. It's actually good to find this out because Jesus did not leave the church powerless. He gave us His Word and His name. The clouds that oppress can be removed in the mighty name of Jesus!

Churches like Catholicism and many other denominational churches, do not really teach spiritual warfare, even Jesus, Paul, Peter, Jude, James, and John ALL spoke of it. That is why many in these churches continue to suffer sometimes from the afflictions they do.

Why is Christianity the only path to life? Christianity is the consummation of promises made by God to Abraham, God's friend. The Jews as scriptures declare, received the "oracles of God". God spoke by inspiring certain people with truth from above. That truth all pointed to one who would come and deliver His people. Jesus Christ! Sadly, most Jews do not receive their own messiah. This story is told in the gospels. I strongly encourage you to read the gospels with a heart that desires truth. If you do this your heart will hear His "voice". Your inner man will bear witness to the truth of God's Word.

Jesus will come and live inside you along with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. No other religion offers God to you in your heart. Read the Word of God for answers. Give God a chance to speak to your heart as you read it. Pray and ask God to reveal truth to you and to set you on the path to freedom. Don't give up! People get depressed with a lot of storm clouds and coldness. When that dissipates, you sun burns brightly and God can warm you on the inside by His Spirit.

You are just beginning and have so much to discover. There is a difference from "religion" and "relationship". God wants you to know that it's about family (not formula). It's about receiving and walking in love and truth. Ask God where He wants you to receive from Him and fellowship. Ask Him into your heart and be Lord of your life.

As far as your parents go, God is a higher authority. If your parents want the best for you, they'll let you choose your own path. It will be the fruits that will declare if you made the right choice, and they should be happy for you if they really love you.

I would strongly encourage you to attend a church where the power of the Holy Spirit is in manifestation. You can be delivered from the assignments you picked up from the enemy by entering into false religions, as well as the depression you suffer from. When you do, you'll have a testimony of the saving power of Jesus Christ. Your testimony is already in motion as you have started to listen to the gospel and are turned away from the destructive path you were being led too.

In America, their are some "non-denominational" churches that are often "Spirit filled". They know about spiritual warfare. Some Assembly of God or "Full Gospel" churches also know God in power. Some Catholic churches have "charismatic" prayer groups within them that also know the Lord much more closer than your typical church go'ers.

I'm not cutting down anyone's church, but people who are afflicted by spiritual oppression (really all of us from time to time) need "deliverance". They need to go to a church where they can be taught how to overcome in Jesus' name and be victorious over all the works of the enemy.


I was even planning it, but then on a whim I turned on my ipod and on it was a podcast from a preacher preaching about God. Instantly, I felt much better. I was happy again. There was something about God that made me happy.

Before this, I considered myself an atheist, but I was always searching for something more (hence why a Christian podcast was on my ipod). I have gone through every conceivable religion - buddhism, hinduism, paganism, islam, etc., but never Christianity. I was born a Christian (Catholic to be exact), but my family were never religious. To be honest, they are more than confused as to why I would suddenly become religious when I claimed I was an atheist. They are against me being religious, and I'm unsure what to do. I feel I should listen to my parents, but I also feel I should listen to God.

I really believe God saved me last friday because I think I would have killed myself if given the chance. For that, I owe God everything. However, I still feel very confused myself. How can I know what religion to believe? How is Christianity the correct religion? I feel a connection to Christianity, but how can I know that Islam or Judaism isn't right? And am I only being delusional here? Am I kidding myself that God saved me? And with so many denominations out there how can I possibly be sure which is right?

 

[asiyreh]

They are against me being religious, and I'm unsure what to do. I feel I should listen to my parents, but I also feel I should listen to God.

Jesus said the first and most important commandment was to love God with all your heart and soul.

All other commandments be they from parents, government, church etc are subject to this first Law. Obey these people above only if they don't contradict the commandments of God.

When you are newly awakened by the spirit, people will look at you funny. There dull spiritual eyes see something, but they do not know what it is they see. You've a good opportunity to witness the gospel while you're in this situation. Try to live a good life, not to earn salvation but so the people looking at you at the moment can see Christ within you.

 

[JumpIntoInfinity]

Thanks the replies everyone. They really gave me something to think about, and I thank you again for your kind and considerate answers.

 

[LilLamb219]

Christianity is the ONLY religion where man isn't required to DO something to achieve a higher level or to reach salvation. God saves us 100%.

God changed your mind about committing suicide that night and that was great...but you probably still have those issues that caused you to be depressed so I encourage you to find a therapist or counselor. There are Christian counselors you could even try.

 

[JumpIntoInfinity]

Christianity is the ONLY religion where man isn't required to DO something to achieve a higher level or to reach salvation. God saves us 100%.

God changed your mind about committing suicide that night and that was great...but you probably still have those issues that caused you to be depressed so I encourage you to find a therapist or counselor. There are Christian counselors you could even try.

I already attend a psychologist, and thanks for the reply.

 

[thesunisout]

Hello everyone. I'm a really new believer in that I have only begun to believe in the last few days truly. That probably seems silly to many people that I have joined a Christian forum so soon, but let me explain what happened to me that made me believe in God.

I suffer from depression - rather badly. And last friday, I was really bad. I felt suicidal and wanted to take my own life. I was even planning it, but then on a whim I turned on my ipod and on it was a podcast from a preacher preaching about God. Instantly, I felt much better. I was happy again. There was something about God that made me happy.

Before this, I considered myself an atheist, but I was always searching for something more (hence why a Christian podcast was on my ipod). I have gone through every conceivable religion - buddhism, hinduism, paganism, islam, etc., but never Christianity. I was born a Christian (Catholic to be exact), but my family were never religious. To be honest, they are more than confused as to why I would suddenly become religious when I claimed I was an atheist. They are against me being religious, and I'm unsure what to do. I feel I should listen to my parents, but I also feel I should listen to God.

I really believe God saved me last friday because I think I would have killed myself if given the chance. For that, I owe God everything. However, I still feel very confused myself. How can I know what religion to believe? How is Christianity the correct religion? I feel a connection to Christianity, but how can I know that Islam or Judaism isn't right? And am I only being delusional here? Am I kidding myself that God saved me? And with so many denominations out there how can I possibly be sure which is right?

Welcome to the family, sister. God did save you, that much is clear. No one comes to Jesus unless God is drawing them near:

John 6:44

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.

You can't get near to Jesus unless God has drawn you in. You have seen the evidence of the power God has to change your life. Just when you were about to kill yourself, God turned you around and made you happy again. That doesn't just happen for no reason, and it wasn't a coincidence that you listened to that Christian podcast at that time. It was God sovereignly arranging those circumstances to draw you near to Jesus. It was God showing you how much He loves you!

So, now that you know that God is real, and that Jesus is His Son, you need to give your life to Him. As a new Christian, you need to understand the gospel.

This is the gospel:

We are all sinners and have broken Gods laws. If you look at the ten commandments, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not lie, etc you will find you have broken them many times. I have too, and so has everyone else. Jesus said if you look at someone with lust you've committed adultery with them in your heart, and if you hate someone you've murdered them in your heart. Gods moral standard is very high, even reaching into the things we have thought about.

Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

So, because we are all sinners, we are facing Gods judgment. There is a day that God has set aside to judge the world, and everyone who stands before Him with sin will be found guilty and sent to a place called hell.

Rom 6:23a For the wages of sin is death,

But, God doesn't want to send you to hell, He wants you to give you eternal life and set you free from sin. That is why He sent His Son Jesus.

Jesus is God, and He came to Earth to live as one of us, as a man. He lived a perfect life, although He was tempted as we are, He had no sin. Because He perfectly fulfilled Gods laws, God the Father accepted Jesus as a sin bearer to bear all the sin ever committed, past present and future. Jesus took all of the sin of the world upon Himself and paid for it with His life on the cross. God accepted His sacrifice as payment for all sin, and He proved it by raising Jesus from the dead.

Therefore, when you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, God forgives all of your sins because of what Jesus did on the cross. Although you were guilty before God, Jesus paid your fine, therefore God declares you not guilty and gives you everlasting life.

Romans 6:23b but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

That is the gospel in a nutshell. What you need to do is repent of your sin, which means to turn away from it, and trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Don't count on your own righteousness to get into Heaven because you cannot get in by your good works. It's only because of what Jesus did that gets you into Heaven. God counts your faith in Jesus as righteousness, and so He credits your account with the righteousness of Jesus.

When you truly accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you will be "born again". What that means is that God will send the Holy Spirit to dwell within you, and He will make you a new person. He will give you a new heart with new desires. Before you accept Jesus, your spirit is dead in sins and transgressions:

Ephesians 2:1

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,

But when you accept Jesus your spirit is reborn and made alive in Christ. God will heal you on the inside and take away this depression and replace it with joy. Not only this, but you will be adopted into the family of God as a daughter. You will have the right to call God your Father. When you pray, you pray to the Father in the name of Jesus. So when you pray you can address God as Father, and when you are done, say "I ask this in the name of Jesus".

This doesn't mean there won't be any struggles. You will face many trials as a Christian. What it does mean is that you have hope, and that Jesus will always be there with you to help you overcome anything that is happening to you in life. The peace that Jesus gives surpasses our understanding.

Also, don't worry about your parents. You need to do what God wants you to do. When you start to understand these things, you can help lead your parents to know God personally. This is not about a religion, but a personal relationship with God. It is to know God intimately and to have Him with you always. I recommend you find a church that teaches the bible. Pray to God and ask Him to lead you to a church. Also join a bible study and fellowship with other Christians. There are also many people here who can answer questions. If you need anything, feel free to message me at any time. God bless you! I will be praying for you.

 

[dcb1101]

Jump,

Welcome to Christian Forums and more importantly, welcome to the Christian faith! I am so glad to hear that you were saved by God.
You have a recent belief and trust in God, but you still have a lot of questions and some doubts, that is perfectly normal! I applaud you for reaching out to find the truth!
You said yourself that you have tried some other religions but did not feel it was right. That should answer your question about which religion is right. You listened to a Christian podcast and the One and Only God saved you!
As far as denomination, this really does not matter so much in my opinion. I was born Lutheran, grew up Presbyterian, and am now Baptist. All are Protestant denominations with only slight differences in the way they do things.
Make sure you believe and go to a Church that preaches the trinity (God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit). That Jesus was crucified, died, and buried; but rose again on the 3rd day to take the punishment for our sins.
Try different Churches. Not all appeal to every person. Find a place with services you enjoy and people you get along with. The Church is just a building. The message and faith in Christ is what matters!

God Bless!

 

[Maka]

Thank you for sharing your story, I have a friend in a similar situation. I pray that he finds God as well. No you are not kidding yourself!! ^^

I'm also lost to what religion is best for me, I grew up catholic. I have lost faith in the church, but my faith in God is unbreakable. I know he will show me when the times right so I'm not worried.

God bless you!

 

[asiyreh]

Tell us your fundamental beliefs about Christ, how you view him and what types of ways you like to relate to him, and we'll see if we can point you in a general direction. I was Catholic myself, but not anymore...

 

[mandyangel]

Hello everyone. I'm a really new believer in that I have only begun to believe in the last few days truly. That probably seems silly to many people that I have joined a Christian forum so soon, but let me explain what happened to me that made me believe in God.

I suffer from depression - rather badly. And last friday, I was really bad. I felt suicidal and wanted to take my own life. I was even planning it, but then on a whim I turned on my ipod and on it was a podcast from a preacher preaching about God. Instantly, I felt much better. I was happy again. There was something about God that made me happy.

Before this, I considered myself an atheist, but I was always searching for something more (hence why a Christian podcast was on my ipod). I have gone through every conceivable religion - buddhism, hinduism, paganism, islam, etc., but never Christianity. I was born a Christian (Catholic to be exact), but my family were never religious. To be honest, they are more than confused as to why I would suddenly become religious when I claimed I was an atheist. They are against me being religious, and I'm unsure what to do. I feel I should listen to my parents, but I also feel I should listen to God.

I really believe God saved me last friday because I think I would have killed myself if given the chance. For that, I owe God everything. However, I still feel very confused myself. How can I know what religion to believe? How is Christianity the correct religion? I feel a connection to Christianity, but how can I know that Islam or Judaism isn't right? And am I only being delusional here? Am I kidding myself that God saved me? And with so many denominations out there how can I possibly be sure which is right?

GOD Bless you, I am so glad you got on the right path and that God saved you, He does that, and will do it again.

Because you had mentioned that you were previously an athesit, you probably have a lot of athesist friends, and thats great. However, that immediately jumped at me.

If they want to stay friends with you then great but dont let them get in the way of your relationship with God. Sorry if I sound like I have an agenda on this, I've just had a lot of personal experience with atheists that has been very negative, they've hated on me for things like wearing bikinis, cheerleading, and modeling so I just have that little thing that I'm worried about. But if they are great people and accept your new faith, then by all means have friends.

Just wanted to mention it, I hope your happy in this forum and as you walk with us on God's paths.

Let me know if you need help naving the boards. Love, Mandy mandyhug

 

[ErminlindaRika]

It's nice to hear about your testimony & that you're seeking after Truth. The religion to believe is the 1 that has the most credentials and evidence to back it up. The Holy Bible has such credentials. It is very unified despite being penned by more than 40 authors including Jewish prophets. It's been preserved accurately, even the oldest writings > 3000 years old. It is historically accurate. It is scientifically accurate. It is also prophetically accurate - there are 61 prophecies regarding Jesus alone. Many of these, such as His place, time, and manner of birth, betrayal, manner of death, burial, etc., were beyond His control. There are also approx. 12 detailed, specific prophecies regarding Tyre, Sidon, Samaria, Gaza and Ashkelon, Moab and Ammon, Petra and Edom, Thebes and Memphis, Nineveh, Babylon, Chorazin-Bethsaida-Capernaum, Jerusalem and Palestine. These prophecies were not ‘post-dictions’. The Bible has a civilizing influence on people, it is absolutely honest & it contains a life-transforming message.

You're not being delusional. God works in mysterious ways. You can decide on a denomination once you know what you believe in. Or you can choose to be non-denominational. It really doesn't matter. If you have any questions about Christianity, feel free to PM me ​

 

[Real Eyez]

Hello everyone. I'm a really new believer in that I have only begun to believe in the last few days truly. That probably seems silly to many people that I have joined a Christian forum so soon, but let me explain what happened to me that made me believe in God.

I suffer from depression - rather badly. And last friday, I was really bad. I felt suicidal and wanted to take my own life. I was even planning it, but then on a whim I turned on my ipod and on it was a podcast from a preacher preaching about God. Instantly, I felt much better. I was happy again. There was something about God that made me happy.

Before this, I considered myself an atheist, but I was always searching for something more (hence why a Christian podcast was on my ipod). I have gone through every conceivable religion - buddhism, hinduism, paganism, islam, etc., but never Christianity. I was born a Christian (Catholic to be exact), but my family were never religious. To be honest, they are more than confused as to why I would suddenly become religious when I claimed I was an atheist. They are against me being religious, and I'm unsure what to do. I feel I should listen to my parents, but I also feel I should listen to God.

I really believe God saved me last friday because I think I would have killed myself if given the chance. For that, I owe God everything. However, I still feel very confused myself. How can I know what religion to believe? How is Christianity the correct religion? I feel a connection to Christianity, but how can I know that Islam or Judaism isn't right? And am I only being delusional here? Am I kidding myself that God saved me? And with so many denominations out there how can I possibly be sure which is right?

God is merciful He does not want you to take your own life and perish. This is a demonic attack on your mind and thoughts to make you feel like killing yourself. I know Iv'e felt that way before when I use to smoke weed all the time. All I can tel you is that nothing else and no one else will satisfy like Jesus does. He is the only way. The way the truth and the life..Like He proclaimed about Himself. No one gets to the Father except through Him. He loves you and This God who saved you..The one and only God is love...HE IS LOVE. HE loves you deeply and thats the truth believe it or not.

Keep seeking Him and keep praying to Him and tell Him you want Him in your life. Tell Him thanks for saving you. Treat Him as a person and be transparent with Him. HE really hears you. I am living poof. You cannot be born a Christian... (you were born into a family with Christian beliefs.) When you turn your heart to God and believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior... that Is when you start the Christian walk. Your family may think your strange because you are turning to God. And when Jesus was on the Earth many of his own people hated Him and had him crucified. He said that people will hate you because they hated Him first. Jesus is God and he walked in the flesh amongst His own creations and the people hated God on Earth in the flesh. And people still hate Him today because they are focused on all of the vain things of this world and that society tells us to treasure. There is more to life than going to school, getting a career, and getting married and having kids. You are a spirit. And your spirit feels empty without God because your spirit longs for God. You want him and you need Him. He loves you and wants you and needs you, God is your true father above your biological father. In fact he created you biological father and He created you.

keep seeking Him and praying to Him and watch your life change for the better. Ask To receive the Holy Spirit (God's spirit will come to live inside of you). Once again I say ask to receive the Holy spirit. He will guide you to all truth. He fills the empty void in all of our hearts. He will fill you with a peace that surpasses all understanding and joy. You are not delusional...God is real!!

I swear because I found out that He is real too!! I had severe panic and anxiety attacks that led to my depression and when I turned my whole heart to God and asked Him to save me my panic attacks left me that instant and never ever returned. God is spirit and has a tangible presence that we can all detect. The feeling of his presence is the greatest best thing. He is so Holy and He feels like warmth and love and joy and beauty. (its hard to describe these spiritual things). You are headed in the right direction!!! You have found the one true God. Dont worry about denominations disregard them. Just seek Jesus the Son of God. Call on Him and you will be saved. Seek and believe in Him and pray to Him and ask to receive the Holy Spirit. HE will take you as you are! Then He will work on you.

 

[Real Eyez]

Thanks the replies everyone. They really gave me something to think about, and I thank you again for your kind and considerate answers.

The love that God has shown each of us is out of this world. Its a love beyond human comprehension. And all we can do is reflect this love. If you are sad or depressed..keep seeking The one true God and watch your sadness soon turn into peace and love and joy. Leave behind all preconceived Ideas about Christianity and Just seek God yourself. Keep seeking Him every day and watch how he will utterly fulfill you. With the best thing in the universe..love. And there are so many accounts of people that were going to commit suicide but God saved them. You are definitely not alone. Committing suicide without knowing God is the worst thing you could do and He loves you too much to let that happen. You are precious to Him. No matter what you think. I have already prayed for you sister and everything is gonna be alright. Just keep seeking God despite what anybody even your family says or thinks. Many people will think you are strange for now. But God is calling you out of the world and into his arms.