I just need to talk to someone...

Voice Of Reason · Nov 19, 2003

Kingsize, please try to gather all of your thoughts into one post.

Ksiv, it depends on the sect of Christianity on whether you need to go to Church or not. Some believe that you're just saved through faith.

KennySe · Nov 19, 2003

Ksiv said:
That's cool, I'm looking for a copy of The Bible, but I'm afraid if my father finds me with one, he'll cut me, is there anywhere on the internet where I can find it in digital form?

Peace be with you, Ksiv.

Here is a link to an online Bible. The Bible has been translated into English many times, so there are several English versions available.

This is the New Revised Standard Version.
http://www.devotions.net/bible/00bible.htm

I would suggest you read the "New Testament" books first. Beginning with "Matthew", "Mark", "Luke" or "John". These first 4 books of the New Testament are about the Life of Jesus. I recommend "John" for your first book. Then "Acts of the Apostles".

This will be the "history of Christianity".

Then the "Book of Romans" onward is instructions to Christians via written letters.

****

Be well, and be careful.

Kenny

Tracie · Nov 20, 2003

Another good online bible is www.biblegateway.com.

My advice is to learn what you can while obeying your parents. God does want you to obey your parents..even if they are not right. You do NOT have to go to church to be a Christian. It is important because of the fellowship aspect...it will help you grow as a Christian. All you have to do to be a Christian, though, is to tell God that you are a sinner, HONESTLY repent for your sin, tell Him that you want Him to be Lord of your life, and thank Him for the sacrifice of His Son Jesus.

Hopefuly when your parents see a change in your life they will understand that God is good. That is another reason you must obey your parents as a Christian (#1 is because God told you to)...because they will see Jesus through you. You will be the light to them. Don't let them discourage you. God may use you in a powerful way in their lives...even if it is because you have obeyed them.

And by the way...the whole "Christian's don't like African-Americans" thing is something I have never heard in my life! I am white and our church is mostly white because of the community, but we do have African-American families. I take some neighborhood kids to church on Wednesday and they are all African-American. There are entire African-American churches! This is something that should never ever worry you.

I am going to say a prayer for you right now that you will have opportunities to learn about God while obeying your parents. I will also pray for your parents that they will change their minds and understand that your search for God is a WONDERFUL thing!

Tracie

water_ripple · Nov 20, 2003

Ksiv said:
Can I still be a Christian without going to Church?

I am.
Right now though I am seeking a church to attend. Your situation though is quite different than mine. I do encourage you to go as much as you can. The Lord God has something to say about the notion that He can only be found in a building..Acts 7:48-50 Howbeit, the most highdwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, (49)HEAVEN IS MY THRONE AND EARTH IS MY FOOTSTOOL: WHAT HOUSE WILL YE BUILD ME? SAITH THE LORD: OR WHAT IS THE PLACE OF MY REST? (50) HATH NOT MY HAND MADE ALL THESE THINGS?God is everywhere and not limited to a building. By faith we can find him..which you had done before you went to church.

Let me say that you are a very courageous person, and that God will provide a way for you if you seek Him out. You were lead here, and we offer you help and love in the Spirit of Christ. If you ever want to talk privately my PM box is always open!

A completely free online bible is available on www.e-sword.net I suggest that in your current situation that you load it (or any bible software you choose) onto a disk so that it does not remain on the hard drive.

I will keep you in my prayers. I pray that Christ protect you, and bestow blessings on you.

Here is a great big

draper · Nov 20, 2003

Can I ask, how old are you?

Anyways...hmmm. Seems like your parents are pretty screwed up, no offense intended.

Depending on how you feel I'm certain they're doing something illegal somewhere in there. JUst generally making you afraid is enough. physically harming you is probably illegal too, as long as they actually hurt you.

Anyways I mean I'm certainly no Christian but I'd assume based on Jesus teachings that you'd still be saved even if you didn't attend Church.

Early Christians had to hide from the Romans, so I guess you'd be like them in a way.

I mean I don't believe that Jesus walked the earth and that God is real but if you wanna do so then thats your choice and youre parents restricting you like that is stupid.

Even when I was still living with my parents they accepted my being an Agnostic just fine. Obviously yours have very stereotyped views on Christians and breaking those stereotypes would be a good start, though I have no idea how to do it. I mean sure they are right that some CHristians are downright filthy - the ones who lose sight of God's true message, simply loving each other. But on the whole Christians are OK people I guess, so you should try to show your parents that.

Tracie · Nov 20, 2003

Draper - That was a tad harsh , but you did have a good point in there. There are still many places around the world that Christians have to meet and worship in secret. I know a guy who is a missionary and if we email or write to him we cannot even mention God or anything Christian related or that he is a missionary. There are countries where if the government finds out you are a Christian and you won't renounce your faith they will execute you on the spot. We are so blessed to live in the US where we can freely worship. Of course we are sometime persecuted, but nothing to the extent of a lot of the world. Great point, though.

Tracie

Serapha · Nov 20, 2003

Ksiv said:
Hi all, I'm a little nervous posting this, but I'm just going to spill:

I'm not a Christian, I'm an Athiest, but lately I've been having many troubles in my life and I've even gone so far as to attempt suicide. In an attempt to pull my life together I've decided to seek comfort in the word of Christ. However, when I informed my parents one Sunday that I planned to go to Church and learn the word of the Lord, they were less than happy.

Needless to say, I was not allowed to visit the Church. I got grounded for a few weeks and when I asked my parents why I was not allowed to become a Christian they said that the Church does not allow African Americans inside it, they told me that if I was allowed in, it would only be so I could be molested and abused. I was told that the Church is full of money-grubbing pigs who would like nothing more than to kill those who do not listen to their strict ideals.

I did not believe my parents, after many months of lurking these forums I could not believe that they would think such a thing. So the next Sunday I snuck into Church while my dad was out drinking and my mother was at her sister's house. I was accepted into the Church, but I did get alot of strange stares... Is it true that Christians hate African Americans? You all seem like nice people, but I don't understand why everyone in the Church was staring at me strangly, I'm just afraid to go back, because first of all my father will take the belt to me, and I'm afraid his words may have some truth in them... Could someone please help me to solve my problem?

Hi there!

I welcome you into the family of God. I would do that no matter what your sex, race or age would be.

You need to find a church in your and begin reading God word. If you are afraid of returning to the church, or afraid of your father or mother, or what they will do to you...

then .... you have a computer, you can talk to Christians online... and you can get godly teachings through that computer.

Why... you can even go to church online...

http://www.faithforthefamily.com/live_services.cfm

and get Christian music 24 hours a day...

http://wwgm931.com/

What you put in your mind is what your Christian talk will reveal. What you put in your heart is what your Christian walk will reveal.

Hang in there, you got the whole world at your fingertips.

~malaka~

Ken · Nov 21, 2003

ideally you should go to church, but you are in a less than ideal situation.... you are in the difficult position of needing to honor your parents, but needing to obey God in any case where they tell you to directly disobey God's word. For now, Kingsize has offered to do online Bible studies with you.. take them up on their offer..... in a few years, you will be able to live on your own and go where you want to go....

and remember, the stares you got by just as likely been for no other reason than you were new, and they did not recognize you... with your father's words echoing in your mind, it would be easy to misinterpret an innocent person looking at you as something far more than it really is.... blessings to you....

looksgood · Nov 21, 2003

LOL, I got to tell ya for some reason my heart was jumping up and down when I was reading this. I keapt saying I WANT TO HELP! I WANT TO HELP! LOL I still do.

Is there anything I can do? If you are unable to go to church don't worry too much about it. I am sure the early christians couldn't go either, what with being in jail half the time lol. But if you can talk in secret here online thats great to do.

About those funny looks lol, some people, even christians, are still fighting an upbringing of prejudece. But I am here to tell ya God delivered me from that by causeing a love in me. I used to not would even eat in a resturaunt where the people were mostly black. Now I am happy to call black, red, yellow, or whatever friends.

Real christians are nothing like you have been told. And can I also tell you, you are important to us? You are important to God as well.

Love ya

pentecostal girl · Nov 21, 2003

Ksiv,

I'm really sorry that you have to choose between listening to your parents and goig to church. I can't even begin to imagine how hard it must for you.Your a very brave person!! If I were you I would pray about it. Pray that Jesus will soften your parents heart and that they to might come to know Jesus. Always abide in Jesus, he will always help you through! Oh, and to answer your question about "Do you have to go to church to be a christian" no you don't have too. Although it is important to go church because then your able to learn more about Jesus and make friends with people who are christians. Christians have to build up one another! That's one of our jobs. Whenever one hurts, we all hurt. Well I guess I quit jabbering. I leave you with this verse "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement giveyoua spirit of unity among yourselvesas you follow Jesus Christ, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorift the Lord Jesus Christ."Romans 15:5

eunice · Nov 22, 2003

awwww....my parents dont like it so much that I'm going to church either (well, my youth group) but they still let me go...i hope things would get better for you! anyway there are lots of online bibles (already mentioned) and i guess we're all here to help! and btw, the "christians dislike african american" thing or whatever your dad said isn't true..at least they SHOULDN'T....but not all christians are..well you know, a good example...and there are a lot that are though..okay what am i saying...good luck and pray lots! May God be with youuuuu

Krazeekkc · Nov 22, 2003

It's not true about the African American thing. Christians don't care about skin color! They love everyone! Also, you don't have to go to church to be a Christian! but if you evr want to talk about Christianity or have any questions about it you can always pm (private message) me! I'd love to talk with you!
I'll be praying for you !

Photini · Nov 22, 2003

Ksiv said:
Is it true that Christians hate African Americans? You all seem like nice people, but I don't understand why everyone in the Church was staring at me strangly, I'm just afraid to go back, because first of all my father will take the belt to me, and I'm afraid his words may have some truth in them... Could someone please help me to solve my problem?

God Bless You!

No, Christians do NOT hate African Americans. In fact, I could provide you with some stories of great African Christian Saints that lived through ALL the centuries, if you'd like. One of my favorites is the life of St. Mary of Egypt.

Also this site is nice: www.stmaryofegypt.net

Irocc · Nov 24, 2003

Ksiv said:
Is it true that Christians hate African Americans?

Tell you a secret, I'm all African and I have nothg against anyone coz of their race. If someone professes to be a christian, they should not descriminate against ppl, irrespective of their color, race, tribe or whatever.

Matthew22:39
And the second is like to it, You shall love your neighbour as yourself.

I don't know if there are christians that hate African Americans, but if there are, that is not what they should be doing; coz it's not what Jesus did.
Blessings

secretdawn · Nov 24, 2003

You don't have to go to church to be christian. Church is just a way for fellow christians to gather together and worship and learn about Jesus/God. Although there are other purposes to the church, coming to this website serves the same purpose. Christ is not about church. It is about realizing that you are not alone, you are loved and created to be loved. You are here to serve the Lord, so that He may be glorified. Listen...I am new to all this, and honestly, I don't know a thing about the Bible, aside from generalizations. But what I do know is I believe. Like a child believes in Santa Clause almost. Once you believe, ask for forgiveness...you can talk directly to Jesus, whisper or think it, if you are afraid of you parents, and he WILL forgive you. That is the hard part. The scariest part. Then for awhile you will struggle with the people around you and the way your life has been led, but you will know in your heart, if you pray, what is ok and what you need to do...
And let me tell you this...finding a church can be hard, because there are a lot of judgemental people out there, so i recommend going online to find churches in your area, then email them and ask about their church, a good one will want to talk to you and answer your questions, and won't judge you. I enjoy Assembly of God, because they seem to open their doors to everyone, I am an unmarried mother and have been turned away and looked down on plenty by many different churches and Assembly welcomed and encouraged. I don't go as regularly as I feel compelled to, but that doesn't mean I am not saved.

secretdawn · Nov 24, 2003

One more thing...i just finished reading all this, and did you really just say you are afraid your dad would cut you? And he drinks a lot? Do they do drugs too, and how old are you. You are in an unsafe environment. You need to get out. Talk to a teacher, a police officer, or go to a church and find a pastor. Tell someone, cause you need to be safe, and you aren't. Go to a friends house, just make sure you tell someone, so you can be removed from this dangerous home.

oworm · Nov 24, 2003

Ksiv, The Lord of all creation is with you in this battle, he will NEVER let you down or desert you. You have shown tremendous courage which would be the envy of many a mature child of God. He is your strong deliverer and he will not be thwarted in his plans for your life, you can rest assured on that. God is stronger than any man and he will protect you because you are his child. My heart leaps for joy at your courage and determination to seek out fellowship here and your youth group and church. BTW the people were probably staring because you are young and coming to church on your own. Continue to pray for Gods guidance and show nothing but pure respect to your parents. Go the extra mile for them and they cannot fail to see the change in your life. Your behaviour will be your witness to them without your having to say anything. I am praying for you as im sure others here are too.

MT 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

MT 5:11 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

1PE 3:13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
you can get some free downlodable bible software from http://www.e-sword.net/downloads.html

Heartsolove · Nov 24, 2003

I'll help u too...
u've come a long way...2 get here...don't give up!!!
until u are old enough 2 be on ur own...
I'm sure he'll understand if u can't make it 2 church regularly.

tkoman · Nov 28, 2003

That's cool, I'm looking for a copy of The Bible, but I'm afraid if my father finds me with one, he'll cut me, is there anywhere on the internet where I can find it in digital form?

Don't know if y'all glossed over this.

Ksiv - contact me immediately if this is true.

Blindfaith · Nov 29, 2003

Moderation:

Unbelievers are not allowed to answer any questions in this particular forum. Only believers and Staff are allowed to. Please re-read the rules.

Ksiv, this is your thread, and we're all here to love and support you. Regarding your parents - is there anyone you can go to for help? Your home doesn't sound safe and stable. And you bet you can seek Jesus from your room, and you can go to church when you're able to. But God doesn't want His child (you) to be harmed. You can fellowship with us, and there are a lot of awesome Christians on here who will answer your questions.

And as far as the whole African American thing - if I saw any discrimination in my church, I'd have to blow a gasket on someone.

You pm me anytime you want.

I just need to talk to someone...

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