How can I be a Christian

[cedric1200]

OK. I have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. I have submitted my life to him. But it is clear that I am still living in the flesh. I don't know how to be a Christian. I don't hate sin like I should. I don't walk after God like I should. I don't love my neighbor as myself. I struggle with lust. I put rules and regulations on myself, but then I fail them. I gave a list of things to do. I don't know if some of you read them. But I failed every one of them.

I am suppose to be born again. But I feel like I am not. Christians have told me it is not about do's and don'ts. But I just don't get it.

 

[Albion]

OK. I have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. I have submitted my life to him. But it is clear that I am still living in the flesh. I don't know how to be a Christian. I don't hate sin like I should. I don't walk after God like I should. I don't love my neighbor as myself. I struggle with lust. I put rules and regulations on myself, but then I fail them. I gave a list of things to do. I don't know if some of you read them. But I failed every one of them.

I am suppose to be born again. But I feel like I am not. Christians have told me it is not about do's and don'ts. But I just don't get it.

There seems to be something wrong here, Cedric. When a person "signs on" to any life-changing philosophy, there is ordinarily a joyous--or at least a determined--commitment to follow the values of that philosophy (or organization). Millions of new Christians would readily agree...so it looks like you may have agreed in principle with the message of Christ but haven't made it your own, with no reservations.

I also note that you said nothing about a church. Unless you receive the sacraments, associate with others, worship, learn, etc. it is probable that you will feel, as you do, somewhat "at arm's length" from the faith.

 

[cedric1200]

Yeah, I don't know how to do that.

There seems to be something wrong here, Cedric. When a person "signs on" to any life-changing philosophy, there is ordinarily a joyous--or at least a determined--commitment to follow the values of that philosophy (or organization). Millions of new Christians would readily agree...so it looks like you may have agreed in principle with the message of Christ but haven't made it your own, with no reservations.

 

[Albion]

Yeah, I don't know how to do that.

Did you catch the second paragraph in that post? What I referred to there would be the obvious place to start, I'd say.

 

[TheoNewstoss]

OK. I have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. I have submitted my life to him. But it is clear that I am still living in the flesh. I don't know how to be a Christian. I don't hate sin like I should. I don't walk after God like I should. I don't love my neighbor as myself. I struggle with lust. I put rules and regulations on myself, but then I fail them. I gave a list of things to do. I don't know if some of you read them. But I failed every one of them.

I am suppose to be born again. But I feel like I am not. Christians have told me it is not about do's and don'ts. But I just don't get it.

I don't know anyone that claimed to be born again and at the moment they were saved became the epitome of perfection. Total depravity is a fact of reality. You have to wrestle with the flesh, you have to subdue it, and bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. That takes time and effort. You can subdue the flesh, but you have to actually work at it. You're not a slave to your desires. Set your mind on living better and follow through with it. "I can't" is just an excuse.

 

[DiscipleHeLovesToo]

OK. I have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. I have submitted my life to him. But it is clear that I am still living in the flesh. I don't know how to be a Christian. I don't hate sin like I should. I don't walk after God like I should. I don't love my neighbor as myself. I struggle with lust. I put rules and regulations on myself, but then I fail them. I gave a list of things to do. I don't know if some of you read them. But I failed every one of them.

I am suppose to be born again. But I feel like I am not. Christians have told me it is not about do's and don'ts. But I just don't get it.

being a Christian isn't about improved performance (that's a by-product), it's about a personal relationship with God where you yield to His leading rather than your own understanding; what about the list i suggested?

 

[RAnonUS19B]

I don't think I have met anyone that does not feel this way when just starting to grow there faith we all make mistakes even as born again Christians, It may take a while but the more you grow in faith the more your life will transform from your old life. I agree he probably has not adopting the principle of being born again into his heart yet, Theres more about being born again then just confessing with your mouth but not your heart. I think I was like when I first came a "actual" Christian around 3 years ago.

 

[paul1149]

OK. I have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. I have submitted my life to him. But it is clear that I am still living in the flesh. I don't know how to be a Christian. I don't hate sin like I should. I don't walk after God like I should. I don't love my neighbor as myself. I struggle with lust. I put rules and regulations on myself, but then I fail them. I gave a list of things to do. I don't know if some of you read them. But I failed every one of them.

I am suppose to be born again. But I feel like I am not. Christians have told me it is not about do's and don'ts. But I just don't get it.

Take a look at how many "I have"s, "I don't"s, "I'm not"s, etc, that you have written. Jesus did for us what we could not do for ourselves. It all starts with surrender. If we can save ourselves then Christ died in vain.

When Jesus was asked in John what were the works of God, He simply replied that they are to believe in the One He sent forth - that is, Jesus himself. Can you believe that Jesus can save you, even in your imperfection? Can you believe that if you strive even to the Nth degree in your own strength that you will only be getting in the way and gumming up the works?

That is the essence of faith. That is what Jesus was getting at when He issued the invitation, Come unto Me, you who are burdened and weary, and I will give you rest...

He who has begun a good work will complete it, because His seal is on it. Isaiah says that it is in returning and rest that we find our salvation, that in quietness and trust in our strength.

Lay down you own efforts to save yourself, and place yourself fully in His very capable hands. He hasn't lost one yet who has done so. All He asks in your heart. He will do the rest.

 

[graceandpeace]

OK. I have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. I have submitted my life to him. But it is clear that I am still living in the flesh. I don't know how to be a Christian. I don't hate sin like I should. I don't walk after God like I should. I don't love my neighbor as myself. I struggle with lust. I put rules and regulations on myself, but then I fail them. I gave a list of things to do. I don't know if some of you read them. But I failed every one of them.

I am suppose to be born again. But I feel like I am not. Christians have told me it is not about do's and don'ts. But I just don't get it.

I'm in agreement with Albion, it seems an obvious place to start would be to connect with a church to meet other Christians, receive the sacraments, worship God, etc. If you would like some suggestions on a church, I would be happy to message you ideas.

It would also be a good idea to spend some time researching Christianity, to gain a grasp on the faith's main tenets, the history, etc. Avoid propaganda stuff on the Internet & stick with scholarly sources.

Between researching the religion & plugging into a local church, you may start to gain some foundation.

 

[1watchman]

Being "born again" and saved can begin at home or anywhere, for it is a personal relationship with the Savior ---the Lord Jesus Christ. If one has not received Him and made Him Lord of one's life, then their profession of Christianity is only academic/intellectual. Be sure of life in Jesus Christ (note 1 Jn. 5:10-13 whereby one can know salvation). If one is devoted to the Lord Jesus and walking and talking with Him they can be settled as a "child of God". Read the Gospels and see the truth, then call upon the Lord and God will seal that one as His own by His Spirit.

 

[cedric1200]

being a Christian isn't about improved performance (that's a by-product), it's about a personal relationship with God where you yield to His leading rather than your own understanding; what about the list i suggested?

Your list was better then my list. That's for sure.

 

[cedric1200]

I'm in agreement with Albion, it seems an obvious place to start would be to connect with a church to meet other Christians, receive the sacraments, worship God, etc. If you would like some suggestions on a church, I would be happy to message you ideas.

It would also be a good idea to spend some time researching Christianity, to gain a grasp on the faith's main tenets, the history, etc. Avoid propaganda stuff on the Internet & stick with scholarly sources.

Between researching the religion & plugging into a local church, you may start to gain some foundation.

Thank you. I will do that.

 

[cedric1200]

Take a look at how many "I have"s, "I don't"s, "I'm not"s, etc, that you have written. Jesus did for us what we could not do for ourselves. It all starts with surrender. If we can save ourselves then Christ died in vain.

When Jesus was asked in John what were the works of God, He simply replied that they are to believe in the One He sent forth - that is, Jesus himself. Can you believe that Jesus can save you, even in your imperfection? Can you believe that if you strive even to the Nth degree in your own strength that you will only be getting in the way and gumming up the works?

That is the essence of faith. That is what Jesus was getting at when He issued the invitation, Come unto Me, you who are burdened and weary, and I will give you rest...
That is very helpful. I can do that. I need rest.
He who has begun a good work will complete it, because His seal is on it. Isaiah says that it is in returning and rest that we find our salvation, that in quietness and trust in our strength.

Lay down you own efforts to save yourself, and place yourself fully in His very capable hands. He hasn't lost one yet who has done so. All He asks in your heart. He will do the rest.

 

[cedric1200]

Did you catch the second paragraph in that post? What I referred to there would be the obvious place to start, I'd say.

I just caught the second part of that paragraph. Sorry, I don't always get everything. Yes, you are right. I need to start going to church. I can do that. Thanks

 

[BFine]

Being in regular fellowship with other believers
is a good thing... "Lone Ranger" Christian
doesn't work, it will exhaust you...and many
have wondered from the Truth.

I also encourage connecting with a bible study
group/ getting a prayer partner/or mentor...
especially one that helps new believers or those
who are struggling in the faith.

 

[Paxton25]

OK. I have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. I have submitted my life to him. But it is clear that I am still living in the flesh. I don't know how to be a Christian. I don't hate sin like I should. I don't walk after God like I should. I don't love my neighbor as myself. I struggle with lust. I put rules and regulations on myself, but then I fail them. I gave a list of things to do. I don't know if some of you read them. But I failed every one of them.

I am suppose to be born again. But I feel like I am not. Christians have told me it is not about do's and don'ts. But I just don't get it.

Your desire is noble, Cedric. Don't be discouraged. As much as we'd all like to be "born again" NOW, Christ works in his own way in his own time. Draw near to God and he'll draw near to you.

Going to a Bible-believing church is a good suggestion. Don't be afraid to ask churchfolk for advice on which churches they'd recommend. Eventually, you'll find a place to learn about Jesus and experience spiritual growth.

In the meantime, you might appreciate this "how-to" guide on accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior.
http://www.cru.org/how-to-know-god/would-you-like-to-know-god-personally.html

Ideally, these "words of allegiance" should express a spiritual transformation. Sadly, some churches make the Gospel sound like a free trial offer. Grace may be free, but it isn't cheap!

 

[DiscipleHeLovesToo]

Your list was better then my list. That's for sure.

i get all my good stuff from God

relax; stop trying to become a Christian - you'll never be happy that way because you already are a Christian.

Rom 5:1-6 KJV
(1) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
(2) By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
(3) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
(4) And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
(5) And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
(6) For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

i qualify to be a Christian because without God i am ungodly - but i'll never be without God again - neither will you

 

[Johan]

Jesus said in Luke 23:9

"And he said unto all, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

If you want to follow Jesus you need to submit yourself daily to Jesus. How do you do it?

Reading the Bible is essential because that is how God talks to us and how we get to know Him. If you do not know where to start in the Bible read the book of John.

Pray each day, that is how we communicate to Jesus. If you do not know how to pray, pray the prayer from Matthew 6:9-13.

I have also learned that you need to submit every aspect of your life to Jesus, your finances, marriage, career..... I also learned that we have a lot of idols in our life's and we need to turn from them.

But it is a journey and it takes time. Do not be discouraged when you do not see results. God works in his own time. But submit to Him and he will draw closed to you. Have faith that you will see changes eventually, you just need to take it a day at a time.

Regards
Johan

 

[cedric1200]

i get all my good stuff from God

relax; stop trying to become a Christian - you'll never be happy that way because you already are a Christian.

Rom 5:1-6 KJV
(1) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
(2) By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
(3) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
(4) And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
(5) And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
(6) For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

i qualify to be a Christian because without God i am ungodly - but i'll never be without God again - neither will you

Thank you.

 

[cedric1200]

Jesus said in Luke 23:9

"And he said unto all, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

If you want to follow Jesus you need to submit yourself daily to Jesus. How do you do it?

Reading the Bible is essential because that is how God talks to us and how we get to know Him. If you do not know where to start in the Bible read the book of John.

Pray each day, that is how we communicate to Jesus. If you do not know how to pray, pray the prayer from Matthew 6:9-13.

I have also learned that you need to submit every aspect of your life to Jesus, your finances, marriage, career..... I also learned that we have a lot of idols in our life's and we need to turn from them.

But it is a journey and it takes time. Do not be discouraged when you do not see results. God works in his own time. But submit to Him and he will draw closed to you. Have faith that you will see changes eventually, you just need to take it a day at a time.

Regards
Johan

Thank you. That was very helpful.