Need Help Establishing Myself

[newlyconverted101]

I’m a 23 year old, very newly converted Christian. I spent most of my life exploring other faiths from New Age philosophies, Hinduism, Buddhism, Eastern spiritualities etc. Yet, I somehow found my way to Christ. I also spent portions of my life as an Atheist, sometimes Agnostic too. So my head has really been all over the place.

I experimented with some drugs, just cannabis but also some psychedelics. Mushrooms and DMT. Which I guess is also partly how I ended up here too. There’s really ALOT to my story, which I cant really fit into this post, without making it novel length haha.

So, I really want to try with Christianity. My trouble is coming from a background based in the sort of conditioning whereby I try to find logic in everything before belief. But I’m very new to the Bible and trying to understand it’s credibility. I’ve met preachers who’ve told me unless I denounce my homosexual friends, I’ll be a “fake” Christian. I don’t want to become someone who hurts other people as a result of my belief system. I’m also looking for “experienced” Christians to, I guess, teach me a thing or two about WHY it is they believe in the Bible as being a credible source of truth. I want to believe. But I want it to come from a genuine place of belief and not just me “hoping” that this is the right way. Idk if this all makes sense. Like I say, there’s a lot I could talk about right now but I guess I need to find a basis to start from. And I guess thats me looking for the WHY’s here.

 

[MartyF]

https://thebibleproject.com/

the best online resource. A church can be helpful too.

 

[Anhelyna]

Well - that's quite an introduction !

Welcome to CF newlyconverted

My advice at present is have a really good look round this Site - it's huge !! Have a good look into all the Boards and sub-boards and find a few areas where you might feel comfortable , and then start posting there.

You might also try posting in https://www.christianforums.com/forums/christian-advice.232/ and also https://www.christianforums.com/forums/for-new-christians.43/

Hope you benefit from your stay here

 

[Shadow]

So, I really want to try with Christianity. My trouble is coming from a background based in the sort of conditioning whereby I try to find logic in everything before belief. But I’m very new to the Bible and trying to understand it’s credibility. I’ve met preachers who’ve told me unless I denounce my homosexual friends, I’ll be a “fake” Christian. I don’t want to become someone who hurts other people as a result of my belief system. I’m also looking for “experienced” Christians to, I guess, teach me a thing or two about WHY it is they believe in the Bible as being a credible source of truth. I want to believe. But I want it to come from a genuine place of belief and not just me “hoping” that this is the right way. Idk if this all makes sense. Like I say, there’s a lot I could talk about right now but I guess I need to find a basis to start from. And I guess thats me looking for the WHY’s here.

I can't speak as a Christian, but not wanting to hurt someone because of your beliefs is an admirable trait and nothing to be ashamed of. Probably the best advice is to accept in advance your going to make mistakes and you will go through doubts from time to time, but this is part of the growing process. Faith isn't static but gets us through the best and worst of times, and it is the process of growing up with a set of beliefs that will make you more of an "experienced" Christian and find that it is credible.

...And Welcome to the forums Newly Converted 110. I hope you have a great time here.

 

[salt-n-light]

I’m a 23 year old, very newly converted Christian. I spent most of my life exploring other faiths from New Age philosophies, Hinduism, Buddhism, Eastern spiritualities etc. Yet, I somehow found my way to Christ. I also spent portions of my life as an Atheist, sometimes Agnostic too. So my head has really been all over the place.

I experimented with some drugs, just cannabis but also some psychedelics. Mushrooms and DMT. Which I guess is also partly how I ended up here too. There’s really ALOT to my story, which I cant really fit into this post, without making it novel length haha.

So, I really want to try with Christianity. My trouble is coming from a background based in the sort of conditioning whereby I try to find logic in everything before belief. But I’m very new to the Bible and trying to understand it’s credibility. I’ve met preachers who’ve told me unless I denounce my homosexual friends, I’ll be a “fake” Christian. I don’t want to become someone who hurts other people as a result of my belief system. I’m also looking for “experienced” Christians to, I guess, teach me a thing or two about WHY it is they believe in the Bible as being a credible source of truth. I want to believe. But I want it to come from a genuine place of belief and not just me “hoping” that this is the right way. Idk if this all makes sense. Like I say, there’s a lot I could talk about right now but I guess I need to find a basis to start from. And I guess thats me looking for the WHY’s here.

First off welcome!

Feel free to DM me if you have questions. There are also threads here tailored for those new in the faith and also for those who desire to grow deeper. So anything you need some advice and stuff from others, a good place to start here. But nothing beats taking time to study the Word for yourself and investigating things. Many make the mistake to solely rely on people, and make it the deciding factor. The harder thing is to actually put your life against the Word for yourself.

You'll find that this walk is not going to be like any other religions or beliefs you have partaken, because it sheds light on everything. EVERYTHING. You will find that the Word is not clean in terms of storyline like the other religions, since these are accounts, accounts of different people with different backgrounds and different timelines, and not Hollywood storybooks to make you feel better. But the message throughout is consistent, that God loved this world that He gave His Son, so that we might have eternal life with Him.

And get comfortable in the idea that this walk will have times where you are offensive to others even in pure intentions. Jesus time and time again say that we will be persecuted for the faith. Jesus was, all the apostles but John were persecuted. Its not a bed of roses. Expect that naturally, it will happen. This is what light does when people want to hide from Truth, it forces people to examine themselves, to see the world for what it is, and not everyone wants to be exposed. Not everyone wants to admit that there is alot of darkness in this life. But its something that if you are reading on the Word and renew your mind and heart, that you won't be able to help exposing. Not saying to try to be offensive, but it comes with the territory. Feelings (including yours) will get hurt.

I'm guessing that is what the preacher is getting at. Not that you should be malicing or look down on some of the friends you have, but because of the change in mindset and heart, it may call for you to distance yourself, naturally. But oh the reward is far greater than anything this world can offer. Life is a vapor, and people come short, but God is everlasting and never fails.

 

[συνείδησις]

You need to read and study the bible and pray for understanding. The more of it you have in your mind and heart, the more the spirit of GOD will transform you on the inside.

 

[theophile]

Hi there! The very very very best thing you can do is read your Bible faithfully daily. It is God's letter to us. It will draw you closer to Him. Ask the Lord to help you understand if you find a difficult passage. and always pray before you begin.

John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

It is not enough to go to church or receive counsel from a pastor. You have to study yourself. You need to double check any doctrine preached to you.
I Thess 5:21
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Remember, when Jesus answered Satan in the wilderness, He said It is written. That is the place to put your faith.

2Tim 2:15
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

There are concordances free online,as there are free Bibles.

Your journey to God was quite extensive. Hold on to that.

Rev 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which you have, that no man take your crown.



God Bless you in your studies.

 

[“Paisios”]

I’m a 23 year old, very newly converted Christian. I spent most of my life exploring other faiths from New Age philosophies, Hinduism, Buddhism, Eastern spiritualities etc. Yet, I somehow found my way to Christ. I also spent portions of my life as an Atheist, sometimes Agnostic too. So my head has really been all over the place.

I experimented with some drugs, just cannabis but also some psychedelics. Mushrooms and DMT. Which I guess is also partly how I ended up here too. There’s really ALOT to my story, which I cant really fit into this post, without making it novel length haha.

So, I really want to try with Christianity. My trouble is coming from a background based in the sort of conditioning whereby I try to find logic in everything before belief. But I’m very new to the Bible and trying to understand it’s credibility. I’ve met preachers who’ve told me unless I denounce my homosexual friends, I’ll be a “fake” Christian. I don’t want to become someone who hurts other people as a result of my belief system. I’m also looking for “experienced” Christians to, I guess, teach me a thing or two about WHY it is they believe in the Bible as being a credible source of truth. I want to believe. But I want it to come from a genuine place of belief and not just me “hoping” that this is the right way. Idk if this all makes sense. Like I say, there’s a lot I could talk about right now but I guess I need to find a basis to start from. And I guess thats me looking for the WHY’s here.

Welcome to CF. I shared some of your experiences when I was young. Though some here will disagree, I found that CS Lewis’ book Mere Christianity was quite helpful for me - I met God, but then wanted to figure out a bit about Him, and that book helped.

I am sure you will find a lot of information in these forums, though as a new believer (or indeed, like me, as a reasonably experienced, one) some of what is posted is confusing, controversial, debated or even wrong. So, test and think about all things said here.

If you are not attending a church yet, you might find it beneficial to start checking some out.

Again, welcome. I am sure you will find many helpful and friendly people here. I have.

 

[paul1149]

So, I really want to try with Christianity.

I had a similar background of some drug use and then studying many different religions. My testimony is similar to Keith Green's - Christianity was at the bottom of his list when he started looking for God, but he found that God has ways of getting us to the bottoms of our lists. After a while, he noticed that all the great mystics pointed to Jesus as a great religious leader, but when he read Jesus, He only pointed to Himself. This began to bug him enough to do a thorough study of the NT and Bible, and he came to the inescapable conclusion that Christ is who He says He is.

I would say you don't need to "denounce" homosexual friends. We say, "love the sinner, hate the sin", and that's a good rule to live by. In 1Cor 5 Paul says that if we want to escape mingling with sinners we'd have to leave the world! If hanging with them has a deleterious effect on you, that may call for separation though.

Welcome, and peace.

 

[Dirk1540]

Hello. There are some brilliant Christians in here! I’m in awe of some of them at how much they know, not just Biblical knowledge either but many disciplines. If your questions are technical you definitely have, as you say “Experienced” Christians in here.

 

[Tigger45]

Welcome to CF!

By the way, you can disagree with homosexuality without denouncing homosexuals.

 

[ananda]

Welcome, @newlyconverted101

 

[faroukfarouk]

Hi; good to see you.

 

[Southernscotty]

Hello Friend and welcome to the forums, We are glad that you are here

 

[salt-n-light]

Hello. There are some brilliant Christians in here! I’m in awe of some of them at how much they know, not just Biblical knowledge either but many disciplines. If your questions are technical you definitely have, as you say “Experienced” Christians in here.

I agree, you are in access of people with different testimonies, different journey, of different denominations and experience in age and level of biblical knowledge and different personalities all here in the forum. You'll also find @newlyconverted101 that this is not a walk that is one note. Although the base of the message is the same, people minister in different ways.

People pay great money and go to great lengths to acquire this much access to resources, so utilize us!

 

[JIMINZ]

I’m a 23 year old, very newly converted Christian. I spent most of my life exploring other faiths from New Age philosophies, Hinduism, Buddhism, Eastern spiritualities etc. Yet, I somehow found my way to Christ. I also spent portions of my life as an Atheist, sometimes Agnostic too. So my head has really been all over the place.

I experimented with some drugs, just cannabis but also some psychedelics. Mushrooms and DMT. Which I guess is also partly how I ended up here too. There’s really ALOT to my story, which I cant really fit into this post, without making it novel length haha.

So, I really want to try with Christianity. My trouble is coming from a background based in the sort of conditioning whereby I try to find logic in everything before belief. But I’m very new to the Bible and trying to understand it’s credibility. I’ve met preachers who’ve told me unless I denounce my homosexual friends, I’ll be a “fake” Christian. I don’t want to become someone who hurts other people as a result of my belief system. I’m also looking for “experienced” Christians to, I guess, teach me a thing or two about WHY it is they believe in the Bible as being a credible source of truth. I want to believe. But I want it to come from a genuine place of belief and not just me “hoping” that this is the right way. Idk if this all makes sense. Like I say, there’s a lot I could talk about right now but I guess I need to find a basis to start from. And I guess thats me looking for the WHY’s here.

.
Hi and welcome to the Forum.

You have listed yourself as a Christian, but the way you sound in your post, your asking for advice on how to become a Christian.

You can explore all of the Philosophies and other World Religions, but you don't and can't just decide one day to explore Christianity.

You must understand, you don't explore Christianity on the grounds you will find something which is compatible with you and something which you can live with as a Philosophy or Ideology, no not at all, Christianity is something you are brought to and become before you begin to explore and delve into it's workings.

Christianity is a way of life, because it is a life in the Spirit, totally different than how you have lived up until the point you become a Christian.

If and when you do become a Christian, it will not be because you have chosen to become one, it will be solely because God Himself chose you, to become one of His Children.

Eph. 2:8,9
8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.

John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

I'm sorry if this sounds crude or uncaring to you, but I can only go by what you have presented, therefore my advice to you is, become a Believer, and get Baptized before you go any further with anything else.

In other words, be sure of where you stand, before you assume you have arrived.

Mar 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.


If you have questions on how to proceed from here, ask.

Be Blessed

 

[AvgJoe]

I spent most of my life exploring other faiths from New Age philosophies, Hinduism, Buddhism, Eastern spiritualities etc. Yet, I somehow found my way to Christ. I also spent portions of my life as an Atheist, sometimes Agnostic too. So my head has really been all over the place.

My trouble is coming from a background based in the sort of conditioning whereby I try to find logic in everything before belief.

Here is a good article that shows how to determine which religion/worldview is correct~~~> www.gotquestions.org/correct-religion.html .

But I’m very new to the Bible and trying to understand it’s credibility.

If the Bible is true, then Christianity is true, and the God, described within it's pages, is true.

The Bible was written over a period of 1,600 years, by 40 God chosen men, who lived on multiple continents and they all wrote about the same thing, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There were no mail delivery trucks, no drop ship planes, no Federal Express, no UPS and no email, yet when all of the writings were put together they present one unified message. The Bible is truly the Word of God.

Following are some topics and links I hope you will look into, concerning the validity of the Bible. Please see what the evidence has to say.

An excellent ebook on the subject: http://www.apologeticspress.org/pdfs..._pdf/idobi.pdf

Proof of Textual Evidence
Old Testament: The Dead Sea Scrolls and Biblical Integrity
New Testament: http://www.carm.org/questions/textualevidence.htm
More on the Bible: http://www.carm.org/bible.htm

Proof of People Living at the Time of Christ
http://www.carm.org/questions/extrab...l_accounts.htm
http://www.carm.org/questions/Josephus.htm

Proof of Archaeology
http://www.christiananswers.net/arch...e.html#general
http://www.carm.org/questions/eviden...aeological.htm

Proof of Science: Statements Consistent With Paleontology, Astronomy, Meteorology, Biology, Anthropology, Hydrology and Geology
www.clarifyingchristianity.com/science.shtml
http://www.carm.org/bible/ms_science.htm
http://www.eternal-productions.org/101science.html

Proof of Prophecy (Messanic & dealing with nations)
https://www.gospeloutreach.net/bibsuper.html
http://www.clarifyingchristianity.co...ophecies.shtml
http://www.clarifyingchristianity.com/fulfill.shtml
http://www.carm.org/bible/prophecy.htm
http://shoreshdavidbrandon.org/pdf/I...ose-Jewish.pdf (awesome eBook)
http://www.clarifyingchristianity.com/b_proof.shtml

If the Bible is true, Christianity is true. In Christianity, faith is required but it does not have to be a blind faith.

 

[Athanas]

Im new here too haha, but welcome. I have heard of (and know) people, especially in europe (should i say 'near europe' now?), with this problem and about how hard it can be to overcome. To be honest, I dont know the best way around it, but I would love to hear more of your story if you have the time

 

[mnorian]

Mod hat
The OP started a thread in
Christian Advice
here:
https://www.christianforums.com/threads/need-help-establishing-myself.8072174/#post-72910879

you may want to join the conversation.
Carry on.​