I became a Christian tonight

[October Redmond]

This probably sounds very hokey, but tonight, I was watching the second Left Behind movie and I just felt very moved to get up a pray. Usually, if I have those feelings, I shove them aside and get on with life. This time, though, I kneeled down by my bed and prayed for salvation, repented my sins and asked for faith. Of course, I didn't just decide this because of watching one movie. I've been thinking about religious concepts and what is true for years. I've always felt such conflict and insecurity about my choice, worried about it, and sometimes so frustrated and confused I've scrapped searching and proudly declared agnosticism. Tonight, I just decided to accept that I have noticed things missing in life, I have had enough of being uncertain and confused. I'm sick of watching like, those Ray Comfort and other videos and feeling uneasy about where I could end up, and I've never been able to totally convince myself that it's all just fictional or silly.

I have a long way to go, of course. I decided I'm going to give myself this chance to listen to God and my conscience, even if I feel doubtful. Anyway, what suggestions do you have for a new Christian? I've been raised in a Christian home, always had Bibles even though I didn't read them with a lot of dedication. I know quite a lot about apologetics, from the other side. What are some useful things for someone like me, who has learned about Christianity a lot from an outsider's POV but not lived it?

Thanks

 

[savedbygracebre]

First off welcome to the Family. The first and most important thing is to strengthen yourself by immersing your self in the Bible. Consider your Bible like food for your body. Food makes your body stronger and provides nourishment for better health. Without your food(Bible)you would become very weak and would not be able to grow. Through God's Word He will speak to you and put you on the right path. Have been saved nearly seven years now and can tell you that when I veer off from reading my Bible daily I tend to find myself falling from God's path. His written Word is the key for a Christ-fulfilled life.

 

[Sketcher]

Welcome.

Start going to church, start reading your Bible. What sort of church/Christian home were you raised in?

 

[SoldierOfSoul]

Welcome to the family of God!

The best advice I can give you is to READ THE WORD, this may sound like a cliche' but trust me it is a lifeline to your spiritual life. If you hope to grow in faith and a personal relationship with God through Christ you must stay in the Word.

Here are a few sites I would suggest for study, encouragement and sound teaching.

Biblos.com: Search, Read, Study the Bible in Many Languages

A search index of inspirational biblical teaching, help and encouragement for born again Christians: Theologically sound spiritual resources exalting the Lord Jesus Christ

A Christian Thinktank

God bless you sister!

 

[paul1149]

It's similar to physical fitness. You can't just eat, even if you're eating well. You need to exercise too, and get enough sleep, and avoid bad substances, etc. So prospering spiritually is a balance of things like prayer, fellowshipping with mature, loving believers, reading and studying the Word, and meditating continually on what the Lord is saying and what He's doing in your life.

Work on developing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5), and a circumspect faith (Hebrews 11). Do your best to be diligent, but at the same time keep turning yourself over to the Lord. Over time, with patience and perseverance, you will make very real progress.

 

[October Redmond]

Welcome.

Start going to church, start reading your Bible. What sort of church/Christian home were you raised in?

Hi, my parents were saved and joined the Christian Reformed Church when I was little. Until I was seven, though, we didn't go very much at all. Like, our family would get dressed for church but not be excited about it, and we'd get to the parking lot and my dad would say why don't we just go out to breakfast instead. Obviously, I got the message that churchgoing wasn't very important, more a chore than anything. Then we moved a lot, and so we didn't have a church home for a while. My mother decided to return to RC which is what she was raised in herself, and that's where she goes now. My dad is Orthodox Presbyterian. Most of my family are Christian and either OPC, CRC or another fairly conservative, evangelical denomination. My mother is the only RC person. When I am home with them, they do encourage me to go to either church, usually I say I'm going to another church and then, as when I was young, actually go shopping or something. However, yesterday I did make the decision for myself, not just because of my parents. I don't know yet what kind of church to go to. I liked the OPC church near them but I don't live near them.

 

[Peripatetic]

First of all, welcome, and I'm very happy for you!

I have a long way to go, of course.

You are not alone there... we all have a long way to go. A common misconception is that "wise" Christians have finished their journey and are cruising along while others struggle. If you accept Jesus as your savior, you passed the most important hurdle. Life will still have ups and downs, but if you stay with it, you'll get new perspectives, inner strength, and hope to help you get through.

 

[salida]

I'm glad you decided this.

Take one day at a time and get some inspirational friends that love God by their actions. Read the bible and pray daily. Get involved in a serious church. Its a life long lifestyle and you will know God more and more. True faith is demonstrated by actions then the feelings will come. Feel free to email me if have questions.

No its not fiction at all-its a spiritual decision first but there are intellectual reasons:

The credibility of the bible concerning overwhelming evidence which is very high.
Read,The Evidence That Demands A Verdict by Josh McDowell a former agnostic- (its overwhelming circumstantial evidence of bible) and Examine the Evidence by Muncaster a former athiest/The Case for Christ and The Real Jesus by Lee Strobel a former athiest.

I have more info here but I don't want to overwhelm you.

 

[IesuGristAmddiffynwr]

As all have said, welcome. The general advice would be to read your Bible, attend church weekly, to keep in line with God.

Also, on here, everyone is ready to give you support at any point during your Walk of Faith. Praying for you. God bless.

 

[pilgrimgal]

With the others here I welcome you and rejoice in your decision. Some have suggested already just what I would suggest..i.e. getting into reading and studying your bible (a good bible study with a group would be beneficial and supportive). Getting into a church which has good worship and fellowship..one that goes beyond the basics and actually helps you to live the Christian lifestyle. And, of course, continuing to pray and ask God questions.

What I want to share that sure did help me when I first became a Chrisitian was to seek the company of others (namely Christians) who will understand, give support, encouragement, and even criticism when needed. Even if you start out with just one or two..spend time with that person or persons and share with them and, of course, be a friend for them also.

In the following scripture verses which are from different versions think of the three - fold cord as you, a friend, and Jesus!


The Cord Of Three Strands comes from the Old Testament. King Solomon wrote about it in Ecclesiastes 4:12:

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (NIV)
"And one standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer; three is even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." (TLB)
"And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken." (KJV) ​

 

[s_s]

YAY!

Lots of good advice already.

Gather some christian people of your own age around you - and dedicated ones at that - you don't have to lose your old friends but they may leave you, AND can drag you down a bit if you aren't careful. You'll find that alright if you join a church that suits you and teaches the truth of scripture in its fullness.


Oh and also, don't worry about your salvation sounding "hokey". It doesn't at all! I can assure you that my conversion was far more weird, I got saved for ALL the wrong reasons, in a very dubious way, but here I am, strong and confident in my faith - so you're fine

 

[heymikey80]

Welcome!

The denominational backgrounds you mention have a range. You might find a home in any of a number of Presbyterian denominations, given the range between CRC and OPC. Across that range include two larger denominations, the EPC and the PCA, as well as the CRC and OPC, of course.

 

[LaShae]

Dear October Redmond,
Welcome! I am so proud for you. I'm not sure if this will help or even if this is the kind of suggestion you are looking for, but I hope you find it helpful. I know that with the size family I have and the day-to-day schedules in my life, it can be hard to set aside time daily for God and myself. I work night shift so my schedule is completely backwards. I set aside 10-15 minutes in the morning when I get off work to talk with God and thank him daily for all the blessing I have in life. I try to keep a journal to write down inspirational thoughts and scriptures to read. Talking with the Lord daily definately helps me. May God bless you. Have a wonderful day, and again, welcome

 

[Logeth]

YAY! The heavens are celebrating for you, and we are too!. If you need a friend to talk with anytime, you can add me on fb. My address is at my contact info!

 

[Revived]

Awesome!

 

[marianess]

Go to church every sunday and attent the mass.

 

[marianess]

Go to church every sunday and attend the mass.

 

[meinabox]

Read the Bible, of course. "Seek and you will find"
1 Corinthians 13 is amazing...

But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

www dot openbible dot info/topics/
is a helpful website. try to read everything in context.

Congratulations!!!

 

[HiroProtagonist]

Welcome! Like you I am also new to the faith. Try reading at least a little of the Bible every day and PRAY! I cannot stress prayer enough. Before opening your Bible and reading pray to God to fill you with the spirit to help you understand and accept his word.

 

[AzMom81]

Congrats on your decision! I am new as well and I have purchased a women's study bible and also have a bible app on my iphone as well and I can read on the go. I started going to church last weekend with my son and we loved it and have been counting down the days till Sunday! Good luck with everything!

Blessings!
Heather