New Christian.....need advice....

[The Walker]

I recently decided to become a Christian but I'm not sure what I should do next. I'm bed bound so I'm unable to go to Church. I did discover a church that streams its services online on Sunday so I watch it. I know that's not the same as going to services but it'll have do. Where should I start reading the Bible? Are there sites that can better me with my understanding in my growth? Are there any books that will help me better understand the Bible? Any other advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Farine]

I recently decided to become a Christian but I'm not sure what I should do next. ....Any other advice would be greatly appreciated!

The Bible says there is a party going on in Heaven right now... Angels are celebrating!! And I can celebrate too!! I have no worries that many people will answer your questions. I think the best place to start is to thank you for your decision. OH GOD BLESS YOU! Yay!!!!

 

[longwait]

Yes, listening to live streaming of Bible services is good. Which one are you listening? Minister Paul live streams his home church services. You can listen to him too. Recently he had done water baptism service. If you can have someone to baptise you in your bathtub that will be great. I don't know the extent of what you are suffering from. If you are a new christian I would suggest that you start and finish the new testament and then go on to the old testament. If you have a study Bible it will further help you at what you are reading. God Bless you. By the stripes on Jesus's body you are healed.

 

[jacksknight]

I recently decided to become a Christian but I'm not sure what I should do next. I'm bed bound so I'm unable to go to Church. I did discover a church that streams its services online on Sunday so I watch it. I know that's not the same as going to services but it'll have do. Where should I start reading the Bible? Are there sites that can better me with my understanding in my growth? Are there any books that will help me better understand the Bible? Any other advice would be greatly appreciated!

You best bet for the Bible is to start with the book of John. Then after that read Luke, then Acts. That will give you a good solid foundation for the gospel of Jesus Christ and then what comes after the gospel. Since you are a new Christian i would just stick with reading your Bible. You don't need any websites or other books. God knows what they will say anyway. You can always post questions here if you have any, or message one of use directly.

I would recommenced you find a local church, even if you can't go. Call them up and explain your situation, many churches do home visitations. It's a world of difference having other people to support you and help you grow.

 

[graceandpeace]

I recently decided to become a Christian but I'm not sure what I should do next. I'm bed bound so I'm unable to go to Church. I did discover a church that streams its services online on Sunday so I watch it. I know that's not the same as going to services but it'll have do. Where should I start reading the Bible? Are there sites that can better me with my understanding in my growth? Are there any books that will help me better understand the Bible? Any other advice would be greatly appreciated!

Welcome.

I would suggest contacting a local church to see if they can minister to you where you are. For example, some churches can bring you the Eucharist, & some may offer other forms of visitation. You should consider being baptized, as that is the normative means of joining the Christian faith. (Many churches request members are baptized before receiving the Eucharist/communion). A local church can help explain necessary steps for their particular tradition.

It may be too soon to suggest a denomination - you may want to educate yourself on this matter - or of course you can just see what's available near you. If you want suggestions, some can be offered.

If you haven't already, I would suggest reading further about Christianity - its history, etc. Patheos has a decent, neutral page: http://www.patheos.com/Library/Christianity

You could also check out a church history book, such as this one: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/mobile/w/church-history-in-plain-language-bruce-l-shelley/1100416320

(^This book mainly deals with Western history in the church)

As for where to start in the Bible, I would focus on the Gospels, since they cover Jesus's life, teachings. Matthew & Luke are good places to begin. Mark is the shortest read. John is the most different from the others & also the most difficult.

I'm not a fan of most products marketed as "study Bibles," but I think this one is excellent: http://www.christianbook.com/nrsv-a...ardcover/9780195289558/pd/289558?event=CBCER1

It contains helpful commentary, as well as charts, essays on topics like biblical interpretation, etc.

 

[The Walker]

I was brought up in the Catholic Church but after my teenage years I stopped going for several years. I tried going back in my late twenties but found I couldn't reconcile myself to a lot of the teachings of the Church. Before I became disabled I tried various churches, including wicca, but found they didn't mesh with what I believed. Most churches just seem to teach what they want to from the Bible and leave out other things. I'm aware that all things wouldn't apply to today's society but I found that some teach that being gay and transgender is fine and how can that be when the Bible teaches not to mutilate ones body and not to lie with another man as one would a woman? Anyways, now that I'm older I decided to come back and start over. That's why I'm asking where I should start that way I can get off on the right foot this time. As far as my disability goes I can't walk like most people because my legs cannot support weight for long distances at a time., I have epilepsy, not sure what it's called but I freak in crowds, I probably should take medicine but I hate being doped up, I use a wheelchair to get around but I can only be in it for short periods of time, I have tuberous sclerosis, there are a few other things but those are the main things.

 

[crossnote]

I was brought up in the Catholic Church but after my teenage years I stopped going for several years. I tried going back in my late twenties but found I couldn't reconcile myself to a lot of the teachings of the Church. Before I became disabled I tried various churches, including wicca, but found they didn't mesh with what I believed. Most churches just seem to teach what they want to from the Bible and leave out other things. I'm aware that all things wouldn't apply to today's society but I found that some teach that being gay and transgender is fine and how can that be when the Bible teaches not to mutilate ones body and not to lie with another man as one would a woman? Anyways, now that I'm older I decided to come back and start over. That's why I'm asking where I should start that way I can get off on the right foot this time. As far as my disability goes I can't walk like most people because my legs cannot support weight for long distances at a time., I have epilepsy, not sure what it's called but I freak in crowds, I probably should take medicine but I hate being doped up, I use a wheelchair to get around but I can only be in it for short periods of time, I have tuberous sclerosis, there are a few other things but those are the main things.

I would take Jacksnight advice and stick with your bible. My closest time with the Lord in 42+ years was when I was sentenced to 30 days in jail the day after I fully turned my life to Christ. I had no where to go in jail but to read about my new found faith in the Scriptures and pray. And boy, He met me there big time.
I would after reading John, read at least through chapter 22 of Genesis, preferably all, as this lays down a solid foundation and history of our faith and the world's desperate condition of sin.
Having an ex Catholic background you will eventually want to tackle Galatians.

 

[graceandpeace]

I was brought up in the Catholic Church but after my teenage years I stopped going for several years. I tried going back in my late twenties but found I couldn't reconcile myself to a lot of the teachings of the Church. Before I became disabled I tried various churches, including wicca, but found they didn't mesh with what I believed. Most churches just seem to teach what they want to from the Bible and leave out other things. I'm aware that all things wouldn't apply to today's society but I found that some teach that being gay and transgender is fine and how can that be when the Bible teaches not to mutilate ones body and not to lie with another man as one would a woman? Anyways, now that I'm older I decided to come back and start over. That's why I'm asking where I should start that way I can get off on the right foot this time. As far as my disability goes I can't walk like most people because my legs cannot support weight for long distances at a time., I have epilepsy, not sure what it's called but I freak in crowds, I probably should take medicine but I hate being doped up, I use a wheelchair to get around but I can only be in it for short periods of time, I have tuberous sclerosis, there are a few other things but those are the main things.

It's okay to be a seeker.

Regarding homosexuality, we can't have a fair conversation in this forum per website rules. To learn about some different Christian perspectives here, I would suggest the Gay Christian Network. The site offers two different essay perspectives; one of the essays is a good starting point for understanding why some Christian denominations are affirming of gay persons & their relationships.

The larger point with this example is that there are different beliefs & perspectives in different denominations. I think it helps to research why a group believes as it does. All mainstream Christian groups are seeking to follow Jesus, even if there are areas of disagreement about what all that looks like.

Since you're starting over in a sense, it might just be okay to focus on learning basic Christian tenets again before exploring other issues. Really, it's up to you.

I do again suggest reaching out to a local church to see if they can meet you where you are, without requiring you to come to their meeting place. I attend the Episcopal Church, & I know sometimes the Eucharist is brought to people who can't make it to church, & members sometimes visit people in their homes as well.

Best of luck to you.

 

[jacksknight]

Regarding homosexuality, we can't have a fair conversation in this forum per website rules. To learn about some different Christian perspectives here, I would suggest the Gay Christian Network.

And if you feel like killing people i would suggest the Murderers Christian Network.

 

[hedrick]

I was brought up in the Catholic Church but after my teenage years I stopped going for several years. I tried going back in my late twenties but found I couldn't reconcile myself to a lot of the teachings of the Church. Before I became disabled I tried various churches, including wicca, but found they didn't mesh with what I believed. Most churches just seem to teach what they want to from the Bible and leave out other things. I'm aware that all things wouldn't apply to today's society but I found that some teach that being gay and transgender is fine and how can that be when the Bible teaches not to mutilate ones body and not to lie with another man as one would a woman? Anyways, now that I'm older I decided to come back and start over. That's why I'm asking where I should start that way I can get off on the right foot this time. As far as my disability goes I can't walk like most people because my legs cannot support weight for long distances at a time., I have epilepsy, not sure what it's called but I freak in crowds, I probably should take medicine but I hate being doped up, I use a wheelchair to get around but I can only be in it for short periods of time, I have tuberous sclerosis, there are a few other things but those are the main things.

I suspect a debate on homosexuality would be a distraction from what you need. Much of the New Testament is letters. That means they were written to specific people in specific circumstances. People don’t always agree how to translate that into answers to today’s questions. However we do agree that Jesus is God’s son, who was sent to show us what God is like and to establish the Kingdom of God.

I certainly agree with the suggestion to read the Bible. I’d start with the Gospels. To some extent in the Gospels but much more in the letters you’ll find that knowing the historical circumstances makes a lot of difference in understanding it. Think of someone from an alien culture trying to understand newspaper headlines, and even the articles. For that reason I’d suggest using something that will help fill in that background. My favorite for the New Testament is a series of short books by N T Wright, with titles like “Matthew for everyone.”

But it’s important to notice that Jesus’ message was social. He gathered a group of disciples around them and trained them. He said his purpose was to set up a Kingdom of God, not to save individuals in isolation. Until the end, when the whole earth becomes God’s Kingdom, the preliminary form of that Kingdom is the Church. I think it’s important for new Christians to participate in the Church. I can’t recommend a specific one without knowing more about you. Usually your choice will depend more on your reaction to the specific congregations near you than to choosing exactly the right denomination.

You should also pray. Often people read the Bible devotionally. That is, they read a chapter, or just a paragraph, and think how it may have a message that applies to them. But you should also think about your life, ask what you have to give thanks for, what you might need, and what others around you might need.

 

[The Walker]

I suspect a debate on homosexuality would be a distraction from what you need. Much of the New Testament is letters. That means they were written to specific people in specific circumstances. People don’t always agree how to translate that into answers to today’s questions. However we do agree that Jesus is God’s son, who was sent to show us what God is like and to establish the Kingdom of God.

I certainly agree with the suggestion to read the Bible. I’d start with the Gospels. To some extent in the Gospels but much more in the letters you’ll find that knowing the historical circumstances makes a lot of difference in understanding it. Think of someone from an alien culture trying to understand newspaper headlines, and even the articles. For that reason I’d suggest using something that will help fill in that background. My favorite for the New Testament is a series of short books by N T Wright, with titles like “Matthew for everyone.”

But it’s important to notice that Jesus’ message was social. He gathered a group of disciples around them and trained them. He said his purpose was to set up a Kingdom of God, not to save individuals in isolation. Until the end, when the whole earth becomes God’s Kingdom, the preliminary form of that Kingdom is the Church. I think it’s important for new Christians to participate in the Church. I can’t recommend a specific one without knowing more about you. Usually your choice will depend more on your reaction to the specific congregations near you than to choosing exactly the right denomination.

You should also pray. Often people read the Bible devotionally. That is, they read a chapter, or just a paragraph, and think how it may have a message that applies to them. But you should also think about your life, ask what you have to give thanks for, what you might need, and what others around you might need.

I do understand about the need for Church but at this time it's just not feasible. As I stated I have a problem with crowds especially when enclosed in a small area. I don't think it would be good if I freaked out in the middle of the the services. I do know that the Bible says that Jesus said that where two are in my name I am there or something like that. So I know that if I meet with at least one other person and have a'meeting' in his name that is the same as going to Church. After all the Church is not the building it's the people.

 

[Razare]

Hi Sir,

Welcome to the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Here are some of the basics of entering the kingdom and becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ:

- Make Jesus your Lord - Romans 10:9-10 - If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

- Acts 2:38 - Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (because you recognized him as your Lord) for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

- Acts 19:6 - And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.

I believe there are ways for water baptism for people bound in beds. You just need a disciple of Christ to administer it.

So with the Baptism in Water, and Baptism of the Holy Ghost, I would suggest eventually doing communion with other believers. If you need people to come to you directly, and minister to you, there is a network of believers from around the world from all walks of life, you can find them on the google map on this website: https://thelastreformation.com/

And if you want an amazing movie to watch about becoming a disciple of Christ, see this:

 

[aiki]

If you want straight-up, biblical, conservative-evangelical Bible teaching check out the following:

www.ttb.org - Dr. Vernon McGee takes you through the Bible in a five-year course. Daily, half-hour audio lessons are available for free on the site. The culmination of many decades of teaching and preaching on the Bible, Dr. McGee's course is comprehensive, highly biblical and very listener-friendly.

www.reasonablefaith.org - Dr. William Lane Craig's "Defender's Course" blends systematic Christian theology with Christian apologetics to create a one-of-a-kind Bible course that I would highly recommend. The site offers video of the class and a host of other apologetics-related material.

www.str.org - Greg Koukl offers Christian theology and apologetics through a series of podcasts, webcasts, articles and short response videos. Solidly biblical and very accessible to the average layperson.

Selah.

 

[aiki]

.

 

[The Walker]

If you want straight-up, biblical, conservative-evangelical Bible teaching check out the following:

www.ttb.org - Dr. Vernon McGee takes you through the Bible in a five-year course. Daily, half-hour audio lessons are available for free on the site. The culmination of many decades of teaching and preaching on the Bible, Dr. McGee's course is comprehensive, highly biblical and very listener-friendly.

www.reasonablefaith.org - Dr. William Lane Craig's "Defender's Course" blends systematic Christian theology with Christian apologetics to create a one-of-a-kind Bible course that I would highly recommend. The site offers video of the class and a host of other apologetics-related material.

www.str.org - Greg Koukl offers Christian theology and apologetics through a series of podcasts, webcasts, articles and short response videos. Solidly biblical and very accessible to the average layperson.

Selah.

If you want straight-up, biblical, conservative-evangelical Bible teaching check out the following:

www.ttb.org - Dr. Vernon McGee takes you through the Bible in a five-year course. Daily, half-hour audio lessons are available for free on the site. The culmination of many decades of teaching and preaching on the Bible, Dr. McGee's course is comprehensive, highly biblical and very listener-friendly.

www.reasonablefaith.org - Dr. William Lane Craig's "Defender's Course" blends systematic Christian theology with Christian apologetics to create a one-of-a-kind Bible course that I would highly recommend. The site offers video of the class and a host of other apologetics-related material.

www.str.org - Greg Koukl offers Christian theology and apologetics through a series of podcasts, webcasts, articles and short response videos. Solidly biblical and very accessible to the average layperson.

Selah.

Thanks for the links. I'll start reading them this evening.

 

[aiki]

One of the reasons I posted these links is that the sites offer a lot more than just reading materials. Enjoy! And God's blessing upon you!

 

[The Walker]

One of the reasons I posted these links is that the sites offer a lot more than just reading materials. Enjoy! And God's blessing upon you!

I noticed that. Which should be really helpful. God bless!

 

[Greg J.]

Cool thing about Jesus Christ being real is that he himself will teach you. Seeking to know him through Scripture, doing your best to be obedient, and talking to him reverently is your side of the relationship—that includes asking him for things you need.

Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one Teacher, the Christ. (Matthew 23:10, 1984 NIV)

“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (John 16:12-13, 1984 NIV)

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5, 1984 NIV)

I am of the mind that sticking to the Bible alone is not a bad idea until you understand enough that you can tell when someone is speaking hogwash about the "core" beliefs regarding God and Jesus Christ.

The advantage of an "approved" study bible is that it will sometimes help you understand some of the cultural differences of thousands of years ago that are needed to understand a reference or expression. A lot of the time you can figure it out just from the passage itself, though. Just as valuable, if not more valuable, is to have two different English translations of the Bible, because it makes it easier to figure out what the meaning of a paragraph is. Get one that is somewhat literal (word-for-word translated) and one that is dynamic (priority was to translate the meaning).

I urge you to not listen to a preacher regularly unless you are getting to know more about God/Jesus Christ through what he talks about regularly. You should find what he says consistent with what you read in the Bible. He will often give you the book, chapter, of verse of what he's basing his thoughts on. Read the passages around those verses to understand the context and see if he is using the verses in a way that makes sense to you.

Trust that God meant it when he said he will guide you into all truth. Just be willing to follow him to where he wants you to go. Ask him for what you need to get on and stay on the right track. You could ask him for a copy of the Bible(s) he wants you to study.

 

[The Walker]

Thanks, Greg, I appreciate your input. My only problem right now is finding people or a preacher who will come into my home to study the Bible.

 

[Greg J.]

Oh, I was thinking a TV or web preacher.

Reading the Bible is enough for now. After you've read it a while, you'll be more equipped to handle other options.

A Bible overview is valuable however, which will probably be in any study Bible. Here's the short version:

God created everything. He created mankind and the universe in His image. Our universe works such that doing things contrary to God's nature makes bad things happen (in the long-term) and doing things consistent with God's nature makes good things happen (in the long-term). Our universe works this way even when he isn't passing judgment on anyone or any action (i.e., blessing, disciplining, or punishing). Amidst the natural course of things, he himself also does bless, discipline, and punish. He never acts contrary to his loving nature, but sometimes he's acting for people not on the immediate scene or for the short-term benefit of anyone.

To save mankind after they acquired a nature that was inherently contrary to God, he sent Jesus to die for our sins, but he prepared for this enormous event by first revealing himself to the world. He chose to reveal himself to the Jews. He promised the Jews things and they accepted the deal. When the Jews enjoyed prosperity, they became less interested in God and started doing what they wanted instead of what God said was good for them (because of our past actions, we live in a world that is trying to separate us from God and kill us). God then either allowed them to be punished or punished them himself so that they would return to the understanding of how much they needed God. They would repent and turn back to God. Then they would grow prosperous again, and so on. This cycle happened many times. People at this time could be saved if they genuinely trusted that God would save them. This is what the Old Testament is about.

When the exact right time came, He made his Son human so that he would be able to fulfill a way to save people from the penalty of their sins. This was needed, because God would allow someone of the same family (the family of humans in this case) to pay for the release of another in the family from slavery (every human is born a slave to sin), but not someone from outside the family. (A slave couldn't save a slave, anyway.)

The story of the last 3.5 years of Jesus Christ's life (his public ministry) is found from 4 different viewpoints in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—the beginning of the New Testament. Just like God had made a covenant with the Jews, he made a new covenant with those that would believe in Jesus and entrust themselves to his Lordship. He made much better promises to be given to those people, which are downright incredible, and we read about all throughout the New Testament.

The rest of the New Testament is about the spread of the news that God has forgiven everyone their sins through Jesus Christ. Groups of people that believed this "good news" formed churches. The apostle Paul traveled around the ancient world sharing the good news ("the gospel") and starting churches. He also supported the churches through letters he wrote. Other leaders wrote letters to help people understand what happened with Jesus better and how it affected them. The New Testament ends with a (hard-to-understand) book of some of the events that will eventually come to pass. They are inspirational for those who trust God, but it's easy to get caught up in trying to understand exactly what and when things will happen (which God hasn't revealed to anyone). It is more than enough, and desirable, and necessary really, to learn to trust that God is in control, loves you, and will take care of you no matter what (read Psalm 91 [and many other places]).

A lot of the principles in the New Testament are exemplified in the Old Testament, so in many cases, we understand things we find in the New Testament by recognizing how the narratives in Old Testament demonstrate them. It's much easier to correctly understand the Old Testament by reading the New Testament first, than the other way around. It's good to read Genesis, then the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), then the rest of the New Testament. Rereading parts or all of a gospel any time you feel like it is good, because they contain Jesus' own words. The word faith is used a lot. It is a reference to trusting God. Don't objectify it and let it become something you seek. Seek God and faith will result.