Renewed faith, looking for guidance

[certainofuncertainty]

Hi there, I've recently rededicated my life to Christ and I'm looking for a little guidance. It's been a long time since God and I have spoken, or rather since I've listened and I'm not sure where to start. He's been trying to get my attention for some time and I've been so centered on doing things myself and my way. I have finally allowed myself to let Him have control over my life, and thus far quite a bit has come of it. I prayed about finding a good church with a good young adult/youth ministry and that nigt I received a call from a friend to go to their youth group. I have to admit it surprised me and was definitely the experience of a lifetime. However at this point I'm a little lost.

I'm not sure of where to start in terms of getting to relearn God and when it comes to reading my bible I'm lost for sure. It's been well over 5 years since I've even picked one up and I'm a little lost. I am praying on this hoping for some guidance from Him but any advice from people in the meantime would really help me. Any suggestions on where to start are greatly needed and appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

[Lord Herdsetk]

I think it depends on what kind of person you are really, as different people learn about God in different ways. What have you been going through, why did you leave God in the first place (as in, what put you off from God, so what would help address your reasons for leaving),

For me personally, I began reading some of 1st Corinthians, in particular chapter 13 which explains love. At the time, I had become quite cruel towards others, shutting everyone out of my life. This really spoke me to me and softened my heart.

If you want just a basic starting place though, John is good, Romans as well. Genesis is good, but may not really speak to you unless you want the grounding, the foundation, of how things came into being.

 

[certainofuncertainty]

Well it's a long story really but basically it was doubt and the circumstances in my life at the time. I felt He had abandoned me when I needed Him most.

 

[singpeace]

A good Internet guide to Bible study is:

biblestudyguide.org

 

[RedLioness]

I think it depends on what kind of person you are really, as different people learn about God in different ways. What have you been going through, why did you leave God in the first place (as in, what put you off from God, so what would help address your reasons for leaving),

For me personally, I began reading some of 1st Corinthians, in particular chapter 13 which explains love. At the time, I had become quite cruel towards others, shutting everyone out of my life. This really spoke me to me and softened my heart.

If you want just a basic starting place though, John is good, Romans as well. Genesis is good, but may not really speak to you unless you want the grounding, the foundation, of how things came into being.

You say you have read the Bible I would like to know how much. i have read the new testament several times but never have really been through the old testament.

 

[habibi_rait]

Hey, I am in the same situation as you, except I was never really christian before, I found this website though:
Now a Christian - short email course for new Christians
They send an e-mail daily and although its very basic, it does allow you to think deeper
I hope it helps

 

[rjc34]

Any suggestions on where to start are greatly needed and appreciated.

The beginning. Read it cover to cover. Picking and choosing little pieces to read is all nice and happy, but you should get a good decent grounding in whole bible before you continue on your spiritual journey.

 

[rjc34]

You say you have read the Bible I would like to know how much. i have read the new testament several times but never have really been through the old testament.

You should read through it (the Old Testament). It may show you a side of God that they don't like to brag about in church much.

 

[habibi_rait]

The only issue is it is a library of many books, so I've been told many times not to do that... but it is the first time I really picked up a bible! I started in Genesis and actually really love it, but I got told to read mark, then John, then luke, then matthew, then the letters of paul.
(I literally asked my pastor this yesterday )

 

[rjc34]

The only issue is it is a library of many books, so I've been told many times not to do that... but it is the first time I really picked up a bible! I started in Genesis and actually really love it, but I got told to read mark, then John, then luke, then matthew, then the letters of paul.
(I literally asked my pastor this yesterday )

...Someone told you not to read the whole bible?

What an utterly absurd concept.

 

[habibi_rait]

nono I have to read it all
just not in one sitting Because Ive never really picked up a bible until recently I was told it would be very off putting to sit through the geneologies without knowing the stories, also because I didnt really know the parables I got told to start with Jesus

 

[rjc34]

nono I have to read it all
just not in one sitting Because Ive never really picked up a bible until recently I was told it would be very off putting to sit through the geneologies without knowing the stories, also because I didnt really know the parables I got told to start with Jesus

Yeah, it does drag on at parts, but you'll get through it

 

[habibi_rait]

thanks
I find it amazing that someone defined as a secular humanist is so encouraging so thankyou for being very refreshing I have much respect for you

 

[rjc34]

thanks
I find it amazing that someone defined as a secular humanist is so encouraging so thankyou for being very refreshing I have much respect for you

I was a Christian once myself

I encourage all Christians to read their bible, as if anything it'll give them a much better understanding up their religion, as well as questions to ask and answer.