question-Ist this for real?

[ocean]

Well, I am considering converting to Christianty, mostly out of fear of hell. Is am still skeptical and don't know if this is "for real". I was a Christian earlier in life (I was raised that way) and I don't know if this will last.

 

[papakapp]

you checking this thread now? if so, you wanna go to the chat room?

...what's on your mind exactly?

 

[Mr.Cheese]

I remember reading about Jesus in the gospels when I was young. I didn't become a believer in Church or anything like that. I became a believer one night in 8th grade when I was alone in my bed. Jesus was the most amazing person. I decided I needed to follow him. I haven't been disappointed.
It's all about love.

 

[papakapp]

About the fear of hell thing...
God is real, and hell is real, and yeah, I guess hell might be a motivator for some people, but there's a whole lot more to God than just "it's better than going to hell."

Anyway, where do we start? How about this: You wanna read a couple passages out of the Bible? Read them as if they are true. Doubts are fine, God will shape your thinking over time. Just start by assuming the Bible is true, and see what He has to say to you. By the way, I was raised Christian too. After I became a Christian, it was like I was reading the Bible for the first time.

Maybe John 3 is a good place to start. It's a dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus. Nick gets converted.
Maybe write down everything that doesn't quite make perfect sence in the story. If you were raised a Christian then you propably know people that you trust that could answer whatever questions for you. If not, ask them here.

 

[psycmajor]

Is there anything in particular you're skeptical about?

 

[Erwin]

Congratulations, ocean.

I am happy that you have taken this important step in your life.

Feel free to speak to myself, or anyone on the CF staff, if you have any questions regarding what you have done. I, the whole CF staff, and the whole site, is at your disposable.

God bless you, ocean. It's a day for you to remember for eternity.

 

[Blessed-one]

i think regarding hell and heaven, it's pretty realistic, but as papakapp said, there's more to Christianity than just hell and heaven. Reading the gospel would be a good place to start. Prayers and seeking help from church would be helpful to further your understanding of what it means to become a christian, and what is the christian life about.


Congratulations on accepting Christ (or giving it a go as it seems)! got any questions or confusion... just ask away.

 

[ocean]

I won't be in the chat room because I can't get a good connection!

Thanks for all the encouragement, but I'm not sure if it's for me. I know I don't want to become a fundie or right wing extremist, and I know I don't like the label 'Christian'. But I will give it a chance.

 

[Lanakila]

Well ocean us fundies aren't so bad, LOL. Actually I can see you not wanting that, and no one including God is asking that of you. Doubts will come, but remember that scripture I gave you to read in pm. John 1:12 says if you have received Jesus, you are a child of God. That is the amazing part, we are really born again like Jesus tells Nicodemus. That means as a new born believer, you are what we call a baby Christian, but thats not an insult at all, its actually quite amazing. We were all baby Christians once, and that just means you have so much to learn. Please don't feel overwhelmed. Growing up in the Lord doesn't happen overnight, anymore than becoming an adult from a child does. All this takes time. Its not an easy road, but it sure is a joyful road (I can tell you from experience).

Not only would I encourage you to get into the Bible, and a good place to start reading is the gospel of John, but finding some good Christian friends is helpful as well. We are your friends, but you need much more than we can give on the internet. God Bless you in your new found faith. We love you ocean, and only want the best. (Forgive me if I am being too pushy, because that is so not my intention)

 

[ocean]

I have Christian friends, I also have some atheist and non-religious friends. The thing that bothers me about Christianity is that it's so conservative. Most Christians are very right-wing, and (no offense) prejudiced about certain races and groups of people. I really don't think it's for me, I'm a very liberal person.

I also don't like the close-mindedness of Christianty, as it claims that all other religions are wrong. I just don't believe that. If God really exists, then there has to be more than one way to him. I know that verse about Jesus being the only way, but a lot of other religions recognize Jesus. I just can't get into the idea that Christianity is the only way to God.

I also can't get into young earth creationism or that 'great flood' theory, simply because it's not true. It has been falsified and I can't believe in it just because the bible says so. The bible is not a science book, it is a spiritual book.

I will read that chapter tonight, thanks for all the help and suppport.

-ocean

 

[Icystwolf]

I have Christian friends, I also have some atheist and non-religious friends. The thing that bothers me about Christianity is that it's so conservative. Most Christians are very right-wing, and (no offense) prejudiced about certain races and groups of people. I really don't think it's for me, I'm a very liberal person.

I also don't like the close-mindedness of Christianty, as it claims that all other religions are wrong. I just don't believe that. If God really exists, then there has to be more than one way to him. I know that verse about Jesus being the only way, but a lot of other religions recognize Jesus. I just can't get into the idea that Christianity is the only way to God.

I also can't get into young earth creationism or that 'great flood' theory, simply because it's not true. It has been falsified and I can't believe in it just because the bible says so. The bible is not a science book, it is a spiritual book.

I will read that chapter tonight, thanks for all the help and suppport.

-ocean

Congradulation in taking the steps in Christianity. I too find the Bible as being highly spiritual.

One of the steps in Christianity, that I found very interesting, is taking an adventure and learn as you go.

It's exciting to learn how much Jesus has changed the world, how his words was the very hammer to pull down the cruel Roman empire. When the Barbarians came around to pull Rome down, the Roman force had been weaken, when the citizens learnt of compassion and love for each other. So they chose not to join the force in the Roman army and eventually it all crumbled. The gladiators had been freed...all slaughter in the stadium were demolished, all because Jesus' word.

I find that very amazing!

I hope you enjoy your journey as much as I'm having!

 

[kimber1]

ocean, we're all behind you here!! it's an awesome step that you want to take adn one that you won't be sorry for making!! i've been a christian since childhood, backslid a TON, adn then rededicated about 3-4 years ago. I STILL to this dya have questions adn periods of doubt, you're not alone. Anytime you want to talk feel free to email or pm okay!!

 

[ZiSunka]

It won't be long and you'll get to know God so well that you will have faith not only because you fear hell, but because you love God.

It's the beginning of an exciting adventure, ocean! Enjoy and God bless you richly!

 

[JesusServant]

Praise God ocean! Although there's a lot more to it than 'avoiding hell' as you will find out. Remember to pray and that you can speak to God as a friend thanks to Jesus and you don't have to be super-formal. You can pray in the car on the way to work or sitting in the park, where ever. God is the best friend you will ever have, I assure you of that. God bless you and yours and PM me any time you have a question or would just like to chat.

 

[JesusServant]

Oh, and Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and no one comes to the Father but by Him. So regardless of what religions think or say, it's the truth. Just be glad you know the truth and are investigating it with an open mind!

Also, Chrisitianity isn't as much a religion as it is a relationship with God.

 

[GREG]

I have Christian friends, I also have some atheist and non-religious friends. The thing that bothers me about Christianity is that it's so conservative. Most Christians are very right-wing, and (no offense) prejudiced about certain races and groups of people. I really don't think it's for me, I'm a very liberal person.

I also don't like the close-mindedness of Christianty, as it claims that all other religions are wrong. I just don't believe that. If God really exists, then there has to be more than one way to him. I know that verse about Jesus being the only way, but a lot of other religions recognize Jesus. I just can't get into the idea that Christianity is the only way to God.

I also can't get into young earth creationism or that 'great flood' theory, simply because it's not true. It has been falsified and I can't believe in it just because the bible says so. The bible is not a science book, it is a spiritual book.

I will read that chapter tonight, thanks for all the help and suppport.

-ocean

i am glad of your choice.... but you mention the flood. explain the Rio grande gorge in new mexico. water was all over the place. a fish fossel on a mountain top or in the plains of west texas. how has the Bible been falsified? there is only one book.. the bible... the creation of who we are...Christianity isnt the way to God. it is through Jesus that is the way to our Savior.

 

[ocean]

i am glad of your choice.... but you mention the flood. explain the Rio grande gorge in new mexico. water was all over the place. a fish fossel on a mountain top or in the plains of west texas. how has the Bible been falsified? there is only one book.. the bible... the creation of who we are...Christianity isnt the way to God. it is through Jesus that is the way to our Savior.

I will be happy to provide an explanation for the science topics in the science forum. Thanks for the support, but I'm still searching and I'm not sure if I will actually become a "Christian" or not. I don't know if it's for me yet.

 

[GREG]

I will be happy to provide an explanation for the science topics in the science forum. Thanks for the support, but I'm still searching and I'm not sure if I will actually become a "Christian" or not. I don't know if it's for me yet.

why do you say that? what has changed your mind in your past?

 

[GodOwnsMe]

mhhhh. well what my beliefs are..........
I believe God is really there & He reveals himself to us through the bible & Jesus.....and I believe He's perfect & just really, really good & loved the world tons so He gave His own son (you prolly know all that... I mean...it's kinda hard to get what it really means He has done).

so, what I am trying to say. Don't look too much about what the people do or think, cause it's more about you & God, and He doesn't have faults like being prejudiced etc, and He can protect you from that...

yeah....... about Jesus being the only way to God....uhh I don't have a lot of time now.....gonna return laters, well to me it makes sense cause ..I think Jesus didn't die 'just for fun', it was necessary & well IF the bible is true the other stuff just can't be right the same time. (Like yeah, you quoted that verse..)

well. what I think is def. a cool thing to do: tell God how you feel & ask Him for help, keep knocking, seeking, asking....

yeah I'm wondering too about all the science stuff, etc, well I try & concentrate on the basics & trust God to show me what I need to know !
(uhh. well I should do that some more *cool idea, lol*)
God Bless you
Karen
oh if u ever wanna know anything/ talk, just contact me

 

[PuppyforChrist]

What do you mean it's not for you yet? Ocean, Christianity was made for all of us. Take a look at God's Word sometime. That should really help you in your walk with Christ. If you ever want to talk, just PM me.