New Christian in need of advice

[Danielrmartin87]

I am a fairley new Christian and feel as if being so new I could possibly be pointed in the wrong direction in the Christian faith. I like reading books watching shows and listening to talk radios about my new found faith. Often times though, I find myself not doing so, or walking into a bookstore and not getting a devotional because I'm not sure if the book will lead me in the wrong direction weather the author interpurates the scripture wrong or if the author just has no clue what there talking about. How do I know what Christianity shows, books, or talk shows I should or shouldn't listen too? Or am I just being too cautious?

 

[fm107]

The best book to read about the faith and yet know for sure your not going wrong is the bible. (I'm not trying to be funny about it)

I don't bother with devotionals, I just read the bible then I know I'm not reading something which will in fact be harmful to me. On top of that, I'm not losing any money! At the end of the day all Christian teaching stems from the bible.

 

[vespasia]

Start with a copy of the bible you can access to read. For some this will be the KJV as it is poetical, for others it will be a literal translation and for yet others something like the Street Bible or Message- more of the story of the bible in contempary form that allows you to grasp the essence so that when you sit down with a study bible you have an idea of the shape.

Some people find devotionals and bible study aids helpful- others do not. Do remember that such will reflect how the author thinks about Christ.

You could also pray and ask God to help you locate people and resources that will help you to get to know Christ better.

 

[Sketcher]

I haven't read anything from Navpress that isn't solid.

 

[Mister_Al]

There's nothing wrong with reading a good book (fiction, drama, etc). Read it and enjoy reading it. But, in order to renew your mind to the truth of God's Word, there is no substitute for reading the Bible.

There also isn't anything wrong with watching tv as long as your watching something "decent."

Be careful watching some of these "Church on tv" programs, though. You can very easily pick up a lot of wrong doctrine from them.


Proverbs 4:23 (New International Version, ©2010)

23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Blessings,

Alan

 

[Aibrean]

Often times though, I find myself not doing so, or walking into a bookstore and not getting a devotional because I'm not sure if the book will lead me in the wrong direction weather the author interpurates the scripture wrong or if the author just has no clue what there talking about.

That is the reason I don't really buy anything. I have my Lutheran study Bible and my Lutheran book of prayer and that is it. It's much easier when you have a denomination and know what you are, but even then there are issues. For instance, I am a part of the more conservative Lutheran branch (LCMS) but I wouldn't want to read materials coming from the ELCA because they are liberal. I don't agree with a lot they do (homosexual and women clergy, do not believe in the inerrancy of the Bible, etc). So I can't just get a Lutheran book, I'd need to get one that was published by Concordia (LCMS publisher) to make sure I didn't get one that had things I don't think are right.

 

[tturt]

We're not to be afraid. We're to test all things. Get the good out of the books, programming, etc. even a sermon. If they bring up something that seems off to you, see if it's in Scripture. Pray and ask the Lord about it.

 

[pilgrimgal]

Hi Daniel, welcome to Christian forums. I agree that the bible and biblical commentaries are the way to go. But there are many good books out there which express testimonies and experiences in faith by wonderful Christian writers. Hopefully you are in a bible believing church community and can ask your pastor or one of the church bible teachers to give you suggestions. When I was first a Christian many years ago..testimonies spoke to me a lot. But there is just nothing quite as good as the bible.

So where do you start in the bible? I think, if you haven't done so, the best place would be first the Gospels especially the Gospel of Mark since it was the first written and is easier to understand. Then the Acts of the Apostles which tell of the early church and the actions and faith of the apostles. And daily it is good to use as a devotional the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament. Eventually you may want to do a bible-in-a-year reading plan where you find a guide which directs you to daily bible readings for an entire year. I wouldn't just pick up the bible and read it like one book from beginning to end. The bible is not just a book..it is many books all put together. All are important to read in time. Every time you read scriptures you have already read new meaning comes as the Holy Spirit teaches us through God's Word..the scriptures.

Of course, pray and ask God to direct you and help you find just what you should read.

God bless you and welcome to the family of God!

Ps. 119:105 "Your Word, O Lord, is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

 

[Danielrmartin87]

Thank you so much it was alot of help, my next question would of been where should I start when I read the bible because i always get a mix of answers, but you just answered my question thank you.

 

[pilgrimgal]

Thank you so much it was alot of help, my next question would of been where should I start when I read the bible because i always get a mix of answers, but you just answered my question thank you.

You are so welcome, Daniel. I think God has great things in store for you as you explore His Word.

Merry Christmas..

pilgrimgal (Jo)

 

[vespasia]

Daniel Martin.

Why not start with one of the gospels about Christ. There are four you can choose from.
Marks Gospel is belived to be inspired by Peter Christs friend; Luke gathered as manay eye witness accounts of Christs life as he could find, Matthew gives you a taste of Jesus the Son of Man whilst John points towards the Son of God. Each gospel will give you a differing insight into who Jesus Christ was on earth as well as who he REALLY is now.

Have a chat with the Sunday School teachers who know you and ask what they would recommend to you as far as commentries and other Christian resources to help you learn more about Christ as you build a real relationship with Him.

 

[banish'd]

Hello again,

I do not appreciate being called a "hateful christian" by someone who started a thread asking for advice. You could have asked your Sunday School teacher if you wanted the Baptist point of view. Why didn't you?


.

 

[Peripatetic]

Welcome! As you will see (even in this thread), there is intolerance and discord within various denominations and different Christian schools of thought. God is perfect, man is not. The Bible is perfect, man's interpretations of it are not.

Devotionals, TV, radio, and podcasts can all be very valuable in growing our wisdom and understanding of scripture. But as you said, some are not based in truth. How do we know for sure? Well, there is no objective measure. Even the most biblically-oriented book or show still takes positions on the many debatable doctrines. There are literally hundreds of individual passages of scripture about which sincere, devout Christian scholars and theologians do not agree.

Here's what I do. First, don't be afraid to hear and read different perspectives. Don't just pick one path because it is "right"... no one has it all figured out. You'll eventually get a sense for what is solid Christian teaching with a few different views, and something that is unbiblical, completely misguided, or just plain twisted. When I come across something like that, the Holy Spirit gives me a discernment that makes my stomach feel a bit queasy. But I'm open to hearing the rest of it. I find things that I disagree with, but I'd rather understand their perspective fully before deciding. Too many Christians (new and old) reject all but their own narrow view, which is prideful.

 

[Danielrmartin87]

Hello again,

I do not appreciate being called a "hateful christian" by someone who started a thread asking for advice. You could have asked your Sunday School teacher if you wanted the Baptist point of view. Why didn't you?


.

I started a thread asking for advice from fellow Christians and I appreciate all the advice everyone has given. You on the other hand instead of giving respectful advice you were disrespectful and attacked the fact that I was a baptist. If I would attack your religion, which I have no intention to, you would have defended it just as I have and just as you defended how I responded to it. It offended me and it was disrespectful.

 

[banish'd]

I started a thread asking for advice from fellow Christians and I appreciate all the advice everyone has given. You on the other hand instead of giving respectful advice you were disrespectful and attacked the fact that I was a baptist. If I would attack your religion, which I have no intention to, you would have defended it just as I have and just as you defended how I responded to it. It offended me and it was disrespectful.

Sir:

You are not defending your Baptist faith, you are making personal attacks on me. That is against the forum rules.

.

.

 

[banish'd]

Daniel,

I found the link for Baptist Section of this Forum:

Baptists - Christian Forums

You will be protected by the, "Baptist Statement of Faith" in that Section.


.

 

[Sojourner1]

I am a fairley new Christian and feel as if being so new I could possibly be pointed in the wrong direction in the Christian faith. I like reading books watching shows and listening to talk radios about my new found faith. Often times though, I find myself not doing so, or walking into a bookstore and not getting a devotional because I'm not sure if the book will lead me in the wrong direction weather the author interpurates the scripture wrong or if the author just has no clue what there talking about. How do I know what Christianity shows, books, or talk shows I should or shouldn't listen too? Or am I just being too cautious?

You can never be too cautious. Sounds to me like you might just have the gift of discernment. Thank God that He has blessed you with that gift. Just listen to the Holy Spirit (the quiet voice in your conscience and your heart) whenever you hear or read anything. You will know whether it's right or wrong. Search the scriptures to see if what you hear or read is in alignment with what the Bible says. When I started reading a book called "The Shack" it didn't take long for me to start feeling really uncomfortable when I read it. Red flags were going up and I knew the Holy Spirit was telling me that what I was reading was a false gospel, a deception.

 

[Peripatetic]

Sounds to me like you might just have the gift of discernment. Thank God that He has blessed you with that gift.

I was thinking the same thing. This is also quite useful for secular books, TV, movies, etc.

 

[mortalministries]

I am a fairley new Christian and feel as if being so new I could possibly be pointed in the wrong direction in the Christian faith. I like reading books watching shows and listening to talk radios about my new found faith. Often times though, I find myself not doing so, or walking into a bookstore and not getting a devotional because I'm not sure if the book will lead me in the wrong direction weather the author interpurates the scripture wrong or if the author just has no clue what there talking about. How do I know what Christianity shows, books, or talk shows I should or shouldn't listen too? Or am I just being too cautious?

Just read the Bible and get plugged into church. That's it!

 

[tturt]

OP - thanks for joining the forums and it's great that you've given your heart to Yahweh!

I remember what I first came on the forum and was shocked, disappointed at some of the posts. Sometimes I would be mad, sad, hurt, offended. But after several years I offer you this for your consideration. You will learn from all the posts and from the different perspectives. You take what's good - out of it all. You'll learn from the negative posts such as I've learned/learning to forgive, learn how not to communicate with others, surer of what I believe - sometimes after reviewing Scripture again, sometimes with minor adjustments (I don't think ANYONE's theology is 100% correct). Also, the good such as Some will bless you immeasurably. Some will put into words what's in your heart. Some will bring up things you've never thought previously - sometimes you discard it, or study it, or put it on the back burner, or accept it. Some will bless you often.

OP - You are teachable and that's an important aspect - no matter how long we've been a Christian. You will be stronger in Him. Despite our differences that seems to get magnified sometimes, we are brothers and sisters in Christ. I'm so glad that you're eager to learn more about Him.