please help me grow

[ttreg]

i dont know if this is the correct place to put it but if it isnt just put it where its ok to put it. i need help growing in Christ i am and have been a Christian but it seems like hes a million miles away and im tired of it i want to grow in him please some one help me

 

[eoe]

If you want to grow towards Christ then:

1. Read his word. If your Girlfriend wrote a book would you read it? Do you love God more than some girl? Read the book.
2. Read about the lives of those who came before you. They are lamps along the path.
3. Read about the church fathers. Read about the problems that they faced, there heresies they faught and the way that they died.
4. Learn how to pray and then never stop doing it.
5. Learn how to listen and never stop doing it.
6. Fast. Not only from food but from sin, passions and entertainment.
7. Serve others.

 

[tall73]

Find a mentor that can help you in your church. this can be a bit akward at first, but find someone who you see is living a Christian life, and ask them if they will meet with you and discuss things.

The early church seemed to do this kind of spiritual paranting often.

The other things that EOE mentioned are all necessary.

A small group, while some frown on them, can also help. Fellowship is a huge factor.

 

[ttreg]

Find a mentor that can help you in your church. this can be a bit akward at first, but find someone who you see is living a Christian life, and ask them if they will meet with you and discuss things.

The early church seemed to do this kind of spiritual paranting often.

The other things that EOE mentioned are all necessary.

A small group, while some frown on them, can also help. Fellowship is a huge factor.

I am currently looking for a church so i cant do that until i get into a church

 

[Leah]

i dont know if this is the correct place to put it but if it isnt just put it where its ok to put it. i need help growing in Christ i am and have been a Christian but it seems like hes a million miles away and im tired of it i want to grow in him please some one help me

God bless you.

You wanna know what I did when I was going through what you're going through now? All I did was talk to Him and tell Him exactly what was in my heart and mind. I let Him know about all my pains, my doubts, fears and an undieing desire to go after Him. He heard me, and let me tell you, He came through for me 110%. Not once did He let me down nor will He ever. So now, I can say with all my heart that I'm His for the rest of my life and can't no one take me away from Him, ever.

He knows you love Him and want to go higher in Him like no other. All you gotta do it trust Him and let Him do the rest. He will and He wants to. And trust me, if this is what you truely want, He'll let you know when He's talking to you and you can't help but listen to Him. Guarantee!

You're not alone and we're all here to help and support you when you need it.

 

[Dragons87]

Eoe is right. I would also put reading God's Word the first and foremost important thing to do.

 

[IgnatiusOfAntioch]

If you want to grow towards Christ then:

1. Read his word. If your Girlfriend wrote a book would you read it? Do you love God more than some girl? Read the book.
2. Read about the lives of those who came before you. They are lamps along the path.
3. Read about the church fathers. Read about the problems that they faced, there heresies they faught and the way that they died.
4. Learn how to pray and then never stop doing it.
5. Learn how to listen and never stop doing it.
6. Fast. Not only from food but from sin, passions and entertainment.
7. Serve others.

eoe pretty much nailed it. I would start with prayer, though. As the Heavenly Father to guide you in your Faith journey. Direct, oh Lord God, our ways in thy sight.

Your brother in CHrist.

 

[Leah]

And yes, read God's Word. It helps a great deal, no doubt!

 

[Theophorus]

If you want to grow towards Christ then:

1. Read his word. If your Girlfriend wrote a book would you read it? Do you love God more than some girl? Read the book.
2. Read about the lives of those who came before you. They are lamps along the path.
3. Read about the church fathers. Read about the problems that they faced, there heresies they faught and the way that they died.
4. Learn how to pray and then never stop doing it.
5. Learn how to listen and never stop doing it.
6. Fast. Not only from food but from sin, passions and entertainment.
7. Serve others.

Great advice.

For a specific and pragmatic approach, "pray" the psalms. Especailly Psalm 51. And fast. At least try to stay away from meat on wednesdays and fridays, and see what happens.

 

[ttreg]

thats one thing im wondering about: what is fasting?

 

[dcyates]

i dont know if this is the correct place to put it but if it isnt just put it where its ok to put it. i need help growing in Christ i am and have been a Christian but it seems like hes a million miles away and im tired of it i want to grow in him please some one help me

ttreg, it takes a great deal of courage and honesty--not to mention humility--to ask for help in this manner. But it's also exactly what one should do in such a situation.

I can only speak for myself, of course, but I think there are at least three mediums through which we may learn about, and thereby grow in our relationship with, our God.

First, God is a person with whom we may enjoy a personal relationship. Thanks to his love for us, for Christ's sacrificial redemption of us, and the Spirit's indwelling of us, we are able to freely approach the Creator and Lord of the entire universe! Hence, just as we may grow in our relationship with another human person by being with them and conversing with them, so may we grow closer to God by being with and conversing with him.

As well, just as we may learn more about somebody who has authored a book, or has had a book written about them, we have God's revelation in the Bible (which is kind of a combination of both). We can learn more about him, and thus grow closer to him, as we read and study his inspired word.

Lastly, we may learn more about somebody by talking with others who have spent more time with them than we have. So also can we learn more and grow closer to God by spending time and speaking with others who are further along the road than we in their own relationship with God.

 

[eoe]

On Fasting

WARNING: Do not attempt a fast without the guidance of a spiritual father.

 

[Theophorus]

thats one thing im wondering about: what is fasting?

There are different forms. eoe is correct. It is best pursued under the guidance of a spiritual father. But I would say meatless fridays in memory of Christ's crucifixtion would be ok.

Serious attempts at prayer and fasting have some dangers. The combination is very powerful, as Christ testified to. There are many aspects to it including humility, and obediance.

But do be warned, when I start either of the 2 great fasts, all hell breaks loose, literally.

 

[ttreg]

here is another question of mine:when someone gets saved are they appose to feel different? like i hear that some churches beleive there will be a burning in the boosom

 

[hlaltimus]

I Peter 2:1-3
(1) Therefore, laying aside all malice, all guile, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,
(2) as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,
(3) if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

In verse 1 we find that to know the God of Holiness, repentance is absolutely necessary. In verse 2 we find that this God of Truth is progressively known in just that manner, by the nourishment of truth or His Holy Bible. In verse 3 we find that all this labor of yours will be well worth the trouble. It may seem like a rather simple formula, but it has been working miracles for over two milleniums.

 

[Theophorus]

here is another question of mine:when someone gets saved are they appose to feel different? like i hear that some churches beleive there will be a burning in the boosom

This may happen, or a sensation of peace, or other manifestations such as tears, joy. These are all gifts of grace. But it is measured out. And sometimes it is withdrawn to chastise or strengthen us. Ultimately, one should want to be virtuous. To agree with the ideals of Christianity. To want to change. To want to identify with Christ, by embracing His ways. Feelings and mysticism are a part of this, but a very small part.

 

[HisKid1973]

Great thread..this is how the church ie. the body Christ should function .This is decipleship in action..No agenda's, no-one pushing thier own sect, denom, camp or whatever..Just encourage a beliver in their walk with Christ..May the Lord bless you all abundantly in your walks. Reps to all..For all who are in Christ, one day we shall banquet together seated before the Lamb...pax..kim

 

[tall73]

I am currently looking for a church so i cant do that until i get into a church

On a personal note, I would say that you have been very sincere in your search from the part I saw of it. You were fair in looking at our beliefs both where you agreed and disagreed. And I commend you for that.

But a mentor must not agree in every doctrinal respect. I agree that doctrine is important. But walking in Christ is more than doctrine

You might check out some books on spiritual disciplines for more information on fasting.

Celebration of Discipline, by Foster, a Quaker work, is one that goes into both some of the theological and practical aspects. Others might recommend their favorites too.

You might also want to read some of the Catholic/Orthodox treatments of the subject as they have been at it for a long time . I have read some that were helpful, but forget the titles at the moment.

 

[Akathist]

I moved this thread from GT to the SDA congregational areas. That is why there are posts of other faiths here.

From this point on however, only SDA members should be posting here.

 

[moicherie]

Just to add get to know Christ as your Saviour as your personal friend do things to develop the relationship like any relationship but recognising this One is paramount. People with good intentions will tell you to do this and that based on what they do or did some of it may work for you and some may not but bear in mind this does not mean you are less Christian than they or they are more closer to God than you. A Godly experience is not based on length of church membership or list of things or how often one reads the bible or what one eats. May God bless you in your walk with Him.