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Virious

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Hello, my name is Joey. I have a long story but for brevity I am 45 years old and I just now finally understand with great clarity my purpose in life. I feel so excited I can barely contain myself. This behavior is not normal for my "old self" for lack of understanding. This might sound silly but I believe very deeply my purpose in life right now is to lead my family to my state of bliss. But in my excitement i believe I have made them nervous. I want to learn more about what I'm going through and any dangers that are known for people doing their own research. I have a fear or at least I've VERY uncomfortable in a group of people. I've always been a loner and just figured things out for myself. Anyways, I'm getting long winded... If anyone actually reads these I'd sure like some positive advice please. I don't even know what version of Christianity I am. This is my first post on my first ever discussion forum. Please be gentle lol.
 

devin553344

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Welcome to CF I always like this verse: Matthew 10:32:

"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven."

And the way I interpret that is that I can also confess Jesus to others simply by being like Jesus.
 
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St_Worm2

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Hi Joey, first off, WELCOME TO CF I'm glad that you found us

I noticed that you mentioned "dangers" and "people doing their own research". So I'd also like to ask if you have begun to attend church regularly yet, or perhaps a Bible study?

There's more that I'd like to discuss with you, but I think I'll wait to hear from you first. I am certainly excited for you

God bless you! (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

--David
 
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Jeshu

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Hi Joey glad meeting you here and hearing your excitement of your new found faith. i know how hard and frustrating it can be to get the family to come along in your new found joy. That is because your joy is not theirs yet and seems over done to them. At least that is how my family responded when i wanted to lead them to into the kingdom.

What i learned was that a lot of work by the Spirit of truth was needed. i had to learn to love like Jesus and except the sinners they could be and not be pushy, demanding or preachy. Honest it was a hard lesson learned.

i had to put myself on the back ground and live my life an example of Christ and not just push my exited views upon them like i had been so good at doing. i had to be patient and let Christ do the work and not think it was my job to take them into the kingdom.

What i learned from this was that to live the truth is far more powerful than try and convince them of truths they can't see or experience.

So please submit to God's Spirit and let the Word of God teach you how to love your family into His kingdom. This way you will learn to focus on Christ and not your feelings. Try to pray for them in love, grace and forgiveness and see where The Spirit of God takes your efforts.

Peace.
 
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Virious

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Thank you for taking the time to respond to my query. I understood you completely and I do want to submit to Gods will. I'm his and I'm bringing my family in tow haha. I know he will lead me to the right place I'm just trying to get prepared. I have reached out to a few different Churches in my area but none have responded back. I probably scared them off as well.
 
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Virious

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Sadly I do not yet attend a Church. I am looking. By dangers I was referring to watching or studying something that could mislead my new outlook.
 
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maintenance man

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Welcome to the forums! I loved reading your story. All followers of Jesus have experienced something similar. I suggest you take some time to learn and grow in the Lord before you go to far as an evangelist. Let the Holy Spirit guide you one step at a time.
 
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devin553344

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Sadly I do not yet attend a Church. I am looking. By dangers I was referring to watching or studying something that could mislead my new outlook.

You will get a much better spiritual experience attending a church.
 
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Sketcher

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The feeling eventually goes away. Just remember that when it does, Christianity - all of it - is just as real as the day you encountered it, and going further back, New Testament times.

One of the aspects of Christianity is that we are interconnected through the Universal Church. Therefore, I have to tell you that you'll need to acclimate yourself to being part of a local church. A good one will be welcoming and understanding, among other things. It may take some time for you to get comfortable, but it's worth it.
 
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Radagast

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Mathetes66

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"I have reached out to a few different Churches in my area but none have responded back. I probably scared them off as well."

Welcome to CF & that you are excited about Christianity. One concern I have is in the above statements. You mention that your own research is the message that you are preaching & it is making both your family & some different churches uncomfortable & nervous.

What is the gospel message that you have learned from your own study that you are sharing? What are you teaching? One must check to make sure it is the gospel message as found in the Bible.

I Cor 15:1-11 Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, and in which you stand firm. 2By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that He appeared to Cephasa and then to the Twelve. 6After that, He appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth.

9For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11Whether, then, it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

2 Cor 4:1-11
Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.

4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”a made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.b

Treasures in Jars of Clay
(Romans 6:1-14)

7Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. 8We are pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always consigned to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal bodies.

Romans 10:1-13,17 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is for their salvation. 2For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge. 3Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.

5For concerning the righteousness that is by the law, Moses writes: “The man who does these things will live by them.” 6But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down) 7or, ‘Who will descend into the Abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).”

8But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”d that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.

11It is just as the Scripture says: “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” 12For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him, 13for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Consequently, faith comes by hearing & hearing by THE WORD OF GOD.

Hope this helps.
 
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Peter J Barban

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For Chrsitian self-study, I recommend starting with this book:https://www.amazon.com/Basic-Christianity-Classics-John-Stott/dp/0830834133

Here is the top review:
This is a classic book by the excellent author John Stott. It is a great book for a newer believer or for someone advancing in their faith. It is very well written about the most important topics in Basics of Christian faith. I enjoy reading John Stott because it isn't just a writing "about Christianity" in a theological or intellectual way but written by a person with a vibrant real faith. I bought it because I wanted to keep a copy to refer to.
The book was well packaged and came in the stated time period. The condition was exactly as stated.
 
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St_Worm2

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Hi again Joey/@Virious, we are called to be witnesses from the moment that we become Christians, but just like witnesses are in a courtroom setting, it's our purpose to tell people about what we've experienced and what we now know to be true about God, His word and the faith, since becoming a Christian. So, while you do need to begin to grow in the faith, just remember that you don't need a lot of new knowledge about God and/or Christianity to tell people about the God and Savior who you now know, what He means to you and why, what you were like before you became a Christian, how your life has been changed, and how those who you are talking to can come to know and believe Him just like you have if they want to.

Remember too that it is our calling to be faithful "witnesses", but the Holy Spirit is the only One who can change people's hearts, so be sure to pray before, during and after you witness for the salvation of those you are witnessing to, and for the best words to say to them while you are witnessing (and perhaps for the opportunity to talk with them again, whether they surrender their lives to Christ at that moment or not).

BTW, try not to become frustrated if the people you are talking to don't respond favorably to what you are saying. It's our job to be loving/faithful witnesses for God, not the One who changes their hearts (that's God's job). Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ .. Romans 10:17, and we are the ones with the "beautiful feet" who bring the Good News .. Romans 10:13-15, but He's the only One who can cause men and women to be able to hear it and believe it

Oh, and another thing is this, be transparent and honest, because that's what most people are looking for in a Christian. If you can't answer a question for them, no worries, just tell them that they've asked a great question that you, who are new to the Christian faith, would like to know the answer to as well, and that you'll get back to them with the answer as soon as you know it.

This will give you another opportunity to talk to them about Jesus, so things could definitely be worse, yes?

Also, if you are being attacked and abused, and especially if the people you are talking to begin to mock God and His word, then it's probably time to politely end the conversation that you are having with them and pray for another opportunity (for you and/or for someone else) to speak with them again at a later date .. Matthew 7:6.

Finally, we are always to speak the truth to others ~in love~ .. Ephesians 4:15, with gentleness and reverence .. 1 Peter 3:15. See 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, as well, taking particular note of what St. Paul had to say there in v's 1, 4 and 6 (v4 begins with what I believe are the two principle "ingredients" of love, patience and kindness, and v6 reminds us that tickling someone's ears with a lie so that they'll feel better about themselves and they sin they are living in, or so that they'll like us, is not being loving).

This is very important to consider, as a brand new believer, there is nothing wrong with simply sitting at the Savior's feet and spending time with Him (learning about Him/getting to know Him better). The Christian life is, after all, all about knowing and having a relationship with God .. cf John 17:3.

Here's an interesting story about this that you will probably enjoy.

Luke 10
38 As they were traveling along, Jesus entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.
39 She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word.
40 But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.”
41 But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things;
42 but only one thing is necessary, and Mary has chosen the good part which shall not be taken away from her.”

--David
p.s. - if you don't know about some of these online resources, they may be helpful to you, especially as a new believer

Spiritual Boot Camp - this is a 4-part series by Dr. John MacArthur on four of the most important of our Christian disciplines, and practical ways to best apply them to your walk as a Christian, 1. How to Study the Bible 2. How to Pray 3. How to Function in the Body (Fellowship) 4. How to Witness (check out the entire website that this free teaching series comes from, as well, Grace to You/gty.org). You can buy the series, or listen to it for free online, as you can most things there

Renewing Your Mind - Dr. R. C. Sproul

Insight for Living - Dr. Chuck Swindoll

Bible Hub - Bibles, Commentaries, Word Studies, Languages, etc.

Online Audio Bibles - if you like to listen (and there's plenty more at this site, so explore it if you'd like to)

Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Gregory Koukl (you can buy this book at Amazon .. it will help you learn how to ask people the kind of questions that will help them think through what you are saying and come up with their own answers, instead of you giving them the answers all the time .. I think this may be referred to as the Socratic method of teaching and it is an excellent way to present the Christian faith to others, especially skeptics)
.
 
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Jeshu

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My pleasure.

About finding a Church. Please understand that it is important to share your faith in God with others ho believe in Him. However it can be very difficult finding a bible believing Church and even then there will be wolves among the sheep. So we have to be very careful choosing.

Please choose carefully! Do take you time and search around for a good loving and bible believing Church. It is essential you be directed to Sola Scriptura - Through God's word alone - and in His Holy Spirit - and not the teachings or ideas of people. Simply let Jesus teach you trough his truth and share your love, faith and hope as well as talents with as many people as God directs on your path especially among the body of believers.

Much love.
 
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Rescued One

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Sadly I do not yet attend a Church. I am looking. By dangers I was referring to watching or studying something that could mislead my new outlook.

I know exactly what you're talking about. Do like I did after leaving Mormonism. It takes a long time to study God's word and I think God puts people on our paths that can point out some outstanding verses. One thing I did was look up statements of faith about a lot of churches; that helped me eliminate some denominations.
 
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St_Worm2

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Sadly I do not yet attend a Church. I am looking. By dangers I was referring to watching or studying something that could mislead my new outlook.
I thought that might be the case. Church is a place that we, as "aliens and strangers" in this world now .. 1 Peter 2:11, step back out of it (once a week or more) to remember who we are/Who we serve, to be a blessing to others and to receive blessings from others as needed (including protection from our common enemy, from false teaching/teachers, or even unintentional misunderstandings about God, His word and the Christian faith that we all have when we are new Christians), and MANY other wonderful things as well, of course.

It's where we hear God's word preached from God through His underservents (our pastors) directly to our ears, where we worship as a community of believers and pray together, where we find Christian fellowship, and where we normally receive the sacraments, the Lord's Supper (weekly/monthly) and Baptism (once).

You can church shop for awhile. Don't hesitate to call the pastor of each church and/or email him and get him to tell you about his church (pastors like doing that kind of thing ). Check out their website, listen to one of their online sermons, etc., and then come and meet with the other believers who go there and see if you feel at least somewhat at home.

Considering the questions you've been asking, and the direction that it seems the Lord has given you, I would look for a church that teaches that the Bible is inerrant/infallible and holds it, therefore, in very high regard, like God does in the Bible itself .. e.g. Deuteronomy 11:18-21; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-3; 119:9-11; 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16-17.

God bless you!

--David
p.s. - remember that you don't need to rush into most things. You have the time, so take the time you need, remembering that you came into possession of "eternal life" from the moment that you first believed Here's some of what Jesus has to say about this:

John 5
24 He who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

.
 
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mukk_in

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Hello Joey, welcome to CF. Congratulations on your new birth and welcome to the family of God. You're in the right place to explore and understand your new faith. Take it easy on your family as not everyone has been prepared by God to accept your faith (I faced a similar situation with my family). They'll learn in God's good time. Peace in Christ.
 
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