So.... when do I take the next step to Christ?

[AllworthThunder]

This is going to be sort of my counter-post to an earlier thread I posted here, just about me and my concerns with Christianity.

Anywho, I have been going to a Thursday Night young adults group for exactly a year. I have only gone to Sunday services twice, only because I consider Sundays my sleepy time (yeah, I admit, I'm stubburn) but I really enjoy my time here, and I have gotten to know a lot of people who I now consider my friends, my only friends. During this time, I've learned more and more about Christianity and Jesus. When I joined the group, I was depressed. I look back and think that if I never went to these meetings, I probably would be dead. I still am depressed right now, but I now have a positive outlook at life but at the same time I continue to reflect to what made me depressed (read my previous thread and you'll know why)

I feel that I have learned enough and understood enough of Christianity to committ my life to Jesus Christ and dedicate my life to Him. But I am held back from being a Christian...

I cannot committ to a religion which beliefs I don't believe in.

Abortion? I don't share the same views.
Homosexuality? I don't share the same views.
Heaven? Hell? Different views

I also have to say that in my time of going back to these young adult meetings, I've yet to feel "The Holy Spirit" or "God's healing powers", and I never felt God.

And it's now pressure on me to go ahead and take the next step by some of my friends, who consistently want me to be saved, noting that my next breath isn't promised, and some of my friends say to wait until you think the time is right. I realize that I can fall down off this chair where I'm sitting while typing this thread and die. If it's my time, it's my time, and nothing can be done about it. I also don't exactly know when the time is right.

Help?

 

[salida]

Allworth---

No one is going to be "talked into" being a christian. The person hungers spiritually to come to Christ by repenting and asking Christ to forgive them of their sins. Next they ask God to give them the Holy Spirit. Its a real experience that can't be expressed into words.

Would you be open minded enough to read these books? You will be very very surprised if you do. These books have objective facts in them. You see the Bible is the most true book in the world. And if one were to chose a religion by intellect alone - it would be christianity. Like Examine the Evidence by Muncaster (went from an athiest to a christian). And "A Ready Defense by Josh McDowell. "The Case for Faith" by Lee Strobel (also went from an athiest to a christian).

These books have information in them like the "law of gravity information" - it can't be denied intellectually. But the human Will does deny it because they don't want to believe it - because they think if they change and the Holy Spirit into their lives they will be losing something. I have been on both sides of the coin and after Christ came into my life there is NO WAY - I will go back without Him. Its like asking me to eat steak, lobster and then go back to eating dirt and vomit in a spiritual sense. (Its a real spiritual experience and is unspeakable)

The Bible is the only religious book that has hundred of detailed prophesies that have come true; more historical evidence than any book that exists , etc. etc. It interprets itself and proves itself over and over. Did you know they find continuous archaelogical evidence that support it. Recently they found pottery that had Goliths name on it - the one David hit with the sling shot. This is on a CNN editorial.

I said a pray for you. After the Holy Spirit comes into a person life their perspective changes radically. You see things the way God sees them.

 

[rocklife]

You don't have to change your beliefs on abortion and etc if you don't feel the conviction. Just don't hang on to them so closely. Be open.

Bible reading, especially New Testament is very helpful to see what Jesus is really talking about and teaching. Unfortunately many in churches even, miss a lot of his teaching, including political evangelicals in my opinion.

bible on walkmen tapes are also great help. I recommend bible reading more than church attendance. churches are great fellowship, but you should know the bible too, so you will be able to see the bad from the good. Jesus even warns against church leaders a lot in the New Testament.

And baptism is another step to Jesus.

I don't recommend the "feel" of the Holy Spirit your friends are emphasizing. Be prayerful and go with your conscience, but feelings are not a great measure of much truth.

 

[DonVA]

What a blessing CF can be for you now! I would suggest hanging out in forums with people of different faiths and asking questions. Remember that you cannot debate, but you should be able to ask questions in open threads (right?). If you can identify yourself as a Christian, more doors will open for you. In The Ancient Way-Eastern Orthodox Forum, we have people visit us and ask questions ALL THE TIME. We love visitors almost as much as we love a sinner!

And, like you, we are all learning together how to better ourselves on our walks with Christ.

 

[PaulAckermann]

Abortion? I don't share the same views.
Homosexuality? I don't share the same views.
Heaven? Hell? Different views

To commit yourself to Christ, you must commit yourself mind, body, and spirit. In commiting your mind to him, you must be willing to change your position on your views. This is the essence of true conversion. Humble yourself to God and be willing to have your views change.
This is not to say that your views are wrong and the views of the Christians are right. I do not know what your views are. But you must be humble before God. Prayerfully read His Bible. The Bible says that we should be "transformed by the revewing of mind". Be open for God to change your mind about these things, if they need to be changed. True conversion is radical. It is not just a change of lifestyle but a change in the way we think about things.

I also have to say that in my time of going back to these young adult meetings, I've yet to feel "The Holy Spirit" or "God's healing powers", and I never felt God.

Do not trust in your feelings. The Bible says that the devil can disguise himself as an angel of light. And sometimes God withholds those feelings in order to test our sincerity.
The question should not whether this group makes me feel a certain way, but whether this group has the truth. Truth, not feelings, should be your guidance.
Also, look and see if you see any fruit of holiness. It they are close to the truth, they will be Christ-like, since Jesus is the Truth. Look for qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control. But if you see pride, arguments, egos, gossip, then look for another group.

And it's now pressure on me to go ahead and take the next step by some of my friends, who consistently want me to be saved, noting that my next breath isn't promised, and some of my friends say to wait until you think the time is right. I realize that I can fall down off this chair where I'm sitting while typing this thread and die. If it's my time, it's my time, and nothing can be done about it. I also don't exactly know when the time is right.

Do not rush! Jesus talked about taking your time and counting the cost. If you die while you are sincerly pursuing God and His Truth, I am sure God will have mercy on you. The worst thing you can do is rush into it. I do not condone these high-pressure tactics.

 

[AllworthThunder]

You don't have to change your beliefs on abortion and etc if you don't feel the conviction. Just don't hang on to them so closely. Be open.

Bible reading, especially New Testament is very helpful to see what Jesus is really talking about and teaching. Unfortunately many in churches even, miss a lot of his teaching, including political evangelicals in my opinion.

bible on walkmen tapes are also great help. I recommend bible reading more than church attendance. churches are great fellowship, but you should know the bible too, so you will be able to see the bad from the good. Jesus even warns against church leaders a lot in the New Testament.

I've read The Bible. I've learned a lot, but not enough to overturn most of my own opinions of life.

To commit yourself to Christ, you must commit yourself mind, body, and spirit. In commiting your mind to him, you must be willing to change your position on your views. This is the essence of true conversion. Humble yourself to God and be willing to have your views change.
This is not to say that your views are wrong and the views of the Christians are right. I do not know what your views are. But you must be humble before God. Prayerfully read His Bible. The Bible says that we should be "transformed by the revewing of mind". Be open for God to change your mind about these things, if they need to be changed. True conversion is radical. It is not just a change of lifestyle but a change in the way we think about things.

Do not trust in your feelings. The Bible says that the devil can disguise himself as an angel of light. And sometimes God withholds those feelings in order to test our sincerity.
The question should not whether this group makes me feel a certain way, but whether this group has the truth. Truth, not feelings, should be your guidance.
Also, look and see if you see any fruit of holiness. It they are close to the truth, they will be Christ-like, since Jesus is the Truth. Look for qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control. But if you see pride, arguments, egos, gossip, then look for another group.

I'm not going to explain my opinions on abortion, etc. on this forum as I know debates are not allowed over here.. However if you want to know and want to discuss, please send me a PM or an instant message. I will say that I won't change my opinions just because one book says so. I believe what I believe in because of either my own personal experience in the issue or information that I have learned over time. I am however open mided and I do respect people who believe differently.

Would you be open minded enough to read these books? You will be very very surprised if you do. These books have objective facts in them. You see the Bible is the most true book in the world. And if one were to chose a religion by intellect alone - it would be christianity. Like Examine the Evidence by Muncaster (went from an athiest to a christian). And "A Ready Defense by Josh McDowell. "The Case for Faith" by Lee Strobel (also went from an athiest to a christian).

I was suggested to read "Examine the Evidence", but never heard of "A Ready Defense" or "The Case for Faith". I'm sure they are good books and I will check them out when I make my next stop to B&R. But the legitimacy of Christianity is the least of my concerns. I realize that The Bible is mostly a historically correct piece of writing. Heck, there are writings outside of The Bible that talk about things said in The Bible.

 

[salida]

Allworth-

Everyone has different personal experiences and the Bible isn't just a book. These experiences won't always verify the Bible because we live in a fallen world. The Bible can only be verified spiritually if one experiences it spiritually. Until then - a person won't be able to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit until its inside of them and they accept Christ as their redeemer.

If you really study it you will find that only God could have written it. Some christians including myself call it (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) - BIBLE.

But God gives us all a choice. Bye and I wish you well.

 

[InnocentOdion]

I was in your shoes once.
I dabbled in Occult, this, that, the other, blah blah blah. I tried most religions, except for Christianity. The Bible is open to your interpretation. You won't go to Hell for thinking it's a a place where all who go there cease to exist, or if it's freezing cold, or if it's temporary, etc.

I don't view Hell as a lake of brimstone, fire and sulphur in the air. Nor do I view Heaven as a place in the clouds where we all become angels. I have gay friends. I don't go to gay parades with them or anything to overly support it, nor am I the one on the corner throwing food at them. I let them be - I wouldn't want a gay person forcing their belief that homosexuality is the only right way to be, and I'm sure they don't like being told that being straight is the only right way to be.

God loves us all the same!

We all know that you don't consciously choose to be gay, straight or bi. It's just one of those things - and God knows better than us.

As for the last one, I'm a dad now, and even though I was a Christian it was something I condoned. Now I don't. I watched my baby grow and I watched what happened to my friend who had it done.

But others will support it, and that's your opinion and nobody on Earth has the right to take it away from you. So go you for your strong will. But don't decide you can't be a religion because of its teaching on a few things that most modernists are fine with.

To know Christ, you have to be willing to know him. This is about a personal relationship with him. The time to convert is when you feel most comfortable. It took me a long time myself.

Try praying to God, confessing you have done wrong in your life [sinned - that sounds like such a harsh word!] and would like to be a righteous man, and ask to feel the Holy Spirit dwell within you. You could try praying with a devout Christian you know. That's always nice.

I've felt the power of God, and that is something else, I can't describe it even if you give me all of the words in every language. You'll be glad when you do feel it!

Hope this helps!

IO

 

[Merlin]

Being a Christian is about a relationship with Jesus.

 

[duskiness]

I cannot committ to a religion which beliefs I don't believe in.

Abortion? I don't share the same views.
Homosexuality? I don't share the same views.
Heaven? Hell? Different views

As you probably already know, negative standing on abortion and homosexuality is NOT a Christian belief. It is just common moral judgment held by Christians. By joining the "club" you are not asked to leave you morality outside and accept everything you are being told.
The rule in the "club" is that we search for God, try to listen to Him, and obey Him.
If I can add my personal pov: I'm against abortion, don't care for sexual orientations and I often struggle with hell. My faith doesn't give me answer to many questions and "doubting Thomas" is my second name
But I believe in Jesus and I try to keep my eyes on Him even when the rest of my faith is a mess.
In the end it's not about abortion, homosexuality or even heaven/hell. It's only about HIM.

And it's now pressure on me to go ahead and take the next step by some of my friends, who consistently want me to be saved, noting that my next breath isn't promised, and some of my friends say to wait until you think the time is right.

Don't do anything because other push you!!! I would say: take your time! Be patient with yourself. But I'm coming from different tradition then your friends and I see "being saved" as a progress. It for sure was case with me. The faith was simply growing with me, until one morning i had to finally admit to myself that I'm Christians and tell Him "now You got me"
all the best on your way

 

[calidog]

This is going to be sort of my counter-post to an earlier thread I posted here, just about me and my concerns with Christianity.

Anywho, I have been going to a Thursday Night young adults group for exactly a year. I have only gone to Sunday services twice, only because I consider Sundays my sleepy time (yeah, I admit, I'm stubburn) but I really enjoy my time here, and I have gotten to know a lot of people who I now consider my friends, my only friends. During this time, I've learned more and more about Christianity and Jesus. When I joined the group, I was depressed. I look back and think that if I never went to these meetings, I probably would be dead. I still am depressed right now, but I now have a positive outlook at life but at the same time I continue to reflect to what made me depressed (read my previous thread and you'll know why)

I feel that I have learned enough and understood enough of Christianity to committ my life to Jesus Christ and dedicate my life to Him. But I am held back from being a Christian...

I cannot committ to a religion which beliefs I don't believe in.

Abortion? I don't share the same views.
Homosexuality? I don't share the same views.
Heaven? Hell? Different views

I also have to say that in my time of going back to these young adult meetings, I've yet to feel "The Holy Spirit" or "God's healing powers", and I never felt God.

And it's now pressure on me to go ahead and take the next step by some of my friends, who consistently want me to be saved, noting that my next breath isn't promised, and some of my friends say to wait until you think the time is right. I realize that I can fall down off this chair where I'm sitting while typing this thread and die. If it's my time, it's my time, and nothing can be done about it. I also don't exactly know when the time is right.

Help?

Because God lives and can hear you talk to Him, ask Him for faith.

 

[gratis]

Hmm - you can't be forced into the next step. I don't want you to make a decision that isn't fully your choice. God want's you to submit to him because you want to, not out of duty. He can work in your life either way, but your own satisfaction will be delayed if you make the choice out of duty.

As far as these issues:
Abortion
Heaven/Hell
Homosexuality

Most of those beliefs are made from man - they are not purely God derived. Just because in most circumstances the focus is on the issue instead of the grace that should surround the issue.

It's okay to have varying beliefs. The goal is to not get caught in these beliefs like many do. They are not the end all and be all to Christianity. The main focus in Christianity is grace, hope and love!

Don't worry about missing Sunday services either - church can take place anywhere. And it sounds to me like you are getting it at your weekly gatherings.

Lastly, but not least - you are wise to ask your questions! I hope you'll find answers that satisfy your curiosity.

 

[Merlin]

Christianity is often described using the metaphor of a marriage.
When getting married, one does not need to change everything first.
It's OK to disagree on movie preference, Food preference, etc.
One chooses to marry for other reasons than perfect agreement on everything.

Likewise when becoming a Christian.
Coming "as is" is the desired method.

 

[AllworthThunder]

Hello all!

And so after thinking about it. And then thinking some more. And then talking to some Christians from the church I go to, I made the decision to no longer pursue Jesus Christ and move on with my life. After all of the fact finding my head could handle, it all come down to once again, my beliefs in contrast to the Christian belief. I have found nothing in Christianity that makes me think that my life will be any better if I convert to a Christianity than if I remained agnostic. My life is crap, I'm depressed, and don't see Christ as a way to help myself. I don't believe the same beliefs as what Christianity teaches in terms of Homosexuality. I don't believe the same beliefs as what Christianity teaches in terms of Abortion, and in the after-life, and the list goes on. I don't want to go into a church, and have to assume all of these opinions that are not mine. While I have read your comments here, but the vast majorit of things I have heard and read from all which-ways of life is "Christianity should be the base and everything that is in your life". I think that has turned me off more than anything.

I have read all of your messages and spoke with some of you via private messaging. I appreciate you all.

I have the need to thank you all for helping me learn what Christianity is all about and helping me learn the religion. I respect the religion, I just don't want to call it my own. If you want to talk, the avenues are above. If you do want to talk, I personally perfer instant message, but that is just one man's opinion.

 

[InnocentOdion]

What a shame. I hope you can think about it some more, sometime soon. It's okay to have differing opinions.

Just remember, Christianity isn't a cult and it doesn't make you change your mind, so you don't have to disagree with homosexuality, I don't. It's in my opinion that God loves us how we are. Love the sinner, hate the sin.

My life was awful, too, but since I've put my life in Christ's hands, I've been happy and my life has turned around for the better. I have a friend who would testify to that as well, who God has helped turn his life into a much better one.


We're all here if you ever have any questions. I'm glad we've been helpful to you.

 

[Harlan Norris]

This is going to be sort of my counter-post to an earlier thread I posted here, just about me and my concerns with Christianity.

Anywho, I have been going to a Thursday Night young adults group for exactly a year. I have only gone to Sunday services twice, only because I consider Sundays my sleepy time (yeah, I admit, I'm stubburn) but I really enjoy my time here, and I have gotten to know a lot of people who I now consider my friends, my only friends. During this time, I've learned more and more about Christianity and Jesus. When I joined the group, I was depressed. I look back and think that if I never went to these meetings, I probably would be dead. I still am depressed right now, but I now have a positive outlook at life but at the same time I continue to reflect to what made me depressed (read my previous thread and you'll know why)

I feel that I have learned enough and understood enough of Christianity to committ my life to Jesus Christ and dedicate my life to Him. But I am held back from being a Christian...

I cannot committ to a religion which beliefs I don't believe in.

Abortion? I don't share the same views.
Homosexuality? I don't share the same views.
Heaven? Hell? Different views

I also have to say that in my time of going back to these young adult meetings, I've yet to feel "The Holy Spirit" or "God's healing powers", and I never felt God.

And it's now pressure on me to go ahead and take the next step by some of my friends, who consistently want me to be saved, noting that my next breath isn't promised, and some of my friends say to wait until you think the time is right. I realize that I can fall down off this chair where I'm sitting while typing this thread and die. If it's my time, it's my time, and nothing can be done about it. I also don't exactly know when the time is right.

Help?

You have yet to truly embrace the fact that there is a God,and that you are subject to his rule. When a person comes to Christ in truth,they want salvation more than anything in this world. The issues you speak of become immaterial.It will just go without saying that you yourself will not be part of this behavior. Bear in mind that as a Christian,one is not to judge others. Only themselves,and how their life compares to the life of Jesus.The gospel is actually quite simple. Love God with all your heart and all your strength and all your mind,and love your neighbor as yourself. That's it. Two commandments to follow. However one will never do it if their heart is not in it. God looks at our heart,not just our deeds. The saved individual,is a living witness to the gospel. By that I mean they live according to the gospel,from the heart. They witness their faith,in both word and deed. This in the hope that some might be saved.Saved from hell,which is one of only two possible destinations one's soul will inhabit,at the end of one's life.Therefore, choose life,and live for Jesus. This does not require one to condemn others,in fact,judgeing others, is forbidden. By the way, church will not get one into heaven. Only the sincere desire to receive salvation,will cause one to repent or turn their life around. There are plenty in church that have not done this. Salvation is not about half measures,but the true desire to live a new life in Christ Jesus,which is harmless to others. In the heart of the true believer, love,replaces fear and hate. This change will deliver one from depression,drug addiction,or any other blight one may be living with. You are doing the right thing. You are very close. Do not turn away now. Take the step of faith. You will never regret it. I will pray for you.

 

[ebia]

This is going to be sort of my counter-post to an earlier thread I posted here, just about me and my concerns with Christianity.

Anywho, I have been going to a Thursday Night young adults group for exactly a year. I have only gone to Sunday services twice, only because I consider Sundays my sleepy time (yeah, I admit, I'm stubburn) but I really enjoy my time here, and I have gotten to know a lot of people who I now consider my friends, my only friends. During this time, I've learned more and more about Christianity and Jesus. When I joined the group, I was depressed. I look back and think that if I never went to these meetings, I probably would be dead. I still am depressed right now, but I now have a positive outlook at life but at the same time I continue to reflect to what made me depressed (read my previous thread and you'll know why)

I feel that I have learned enough and understood enough of Christianity to committ my life to Jesus Christ and dedicate my life to Him. But I am held back from being a Christian...

I cannot committ to a religion which beliefs I don't believe in.

Abortion? I don't share the same views.
Homosexuality? I don't share the same views.
Heaven? Hell? Different views

There are a variety of Christian views on each of the above.

Following Christ isn't about assenting to a particular set of views about particular things, it's about accepting Christ as "the Way, the Truth and the Life" and embarking on a journey with him.

Any worthwhile church encourages people to think for themselves, and we should all be open to the possibility of changing our views on a topic whether our views are mainstream or not; anyone who isn't open to change is not open to the transforming power of Christ.

I also have to say that in my time of going back to these young adult meetings, I've yet to feel "The Holy Spirit" or "God's healing powers", and I never felt God.

It's different for different people. God isn't about feelings - great as they are they come and go at the best of times. Anyone who tells you that you should be able to feel God is putting you and God in a box; everybody's journey is different.

And it's now pressure on me to go ahead and take the next step by some of my friends, who consistently want me to be saved, noting that my next breath isn't promised, and some of my friends say to wait until you think the time is right. I realize that I can fall down off this chair where I'm sitting while typing this thread and die. If it's my time, it's my time, and nothing can be done about it. I also don't exactly know when the time is right.

Help?

Commit as soon as you think you can. There is no point making a committment you don't feel ready to make, on the other hand it's very easy to find reasons to put off anything.

 

[Boltwave]

Well, I have yet to be a Christian, however I wanted to bring up some of these points just to persuade your thinking a little.

Abortion? I don't share the same views.

You don't share the same views over abortion as Christians do? So are you implying that you are for abortions? In that case, you should know that a fetus is a living life, abortion is nothing short of murder, some of us wouldn't consider the fetus as "living" but it nonetheless is, it's not just something you can "discard" (would you do put a dog to sleep without giving it painkillers?) the usual excuse is "it's a woman's body and she can decide what to do with it", actually yes, it is a woman's body, so why abuse it in the first place? If you're so worried about it, go out and buy a condom, use some sense, try sticking with a single partner, be careful who you sleep around with, etc...... Abortions are one of the worst atoricities that society permits, another famous excuse is "why give birth to something that will grow up knowing you didn't want to take care of it"? Listen, I live with my brother-in-law who was adopted by what he calls "his parents" and he couldn't imagine anything else, it would be better to have that person grow up knowing "someone cared about me enough" than to be tossed aside like a piece of garbage, it's just sick.

Homosexuality? I don't share the same views.

I don't know about homosexuality, but I do think it should be kept privately, they can have their marriages and so on, but please, keep it away from children, don't encourage someone's kid to be gay, don't tell you're kids that they're gay, it's their personal choice to decide for themselves, or to find themselves, whatever you believe.

I won't answer the one about Heaven and Hell because that's more faith based than anything else.

 

[AllworthThunder]

Well, I have yet to be a Christian, however I wanted to bring up some of these points just to persuade your thinking a little.



You don't share the same views over abortion as Christians do? So are you implying that you are for abortions? In that case, you should know that a fetus is a living life, abortion is nothing short of murder, some of us wouldn't consider the fetus as "living" but it nonetheless is, it's not just something you can "discard" (would you do put a dog to sleep without giving it painkillers?) the usual excuse is "it's a woman's body and she can decide what to do with it", actually yes, it is a woman's body, so why abuse it in the first place? If you're so worried about it, go out and buy a condom, use some sense, try sticking with a single partner, be careful who you sleep around with, etc...... Abortions are one of the worst atoricities that society permits, another famous excuse is "why give birth to something that will grow up knowing you didn't want to take care of it"? Listen, I live with my brother-in-law who was adopted by what he calls "his parents" and he couldn't imagine anything else, it would be better to have that person grow up knowing "someone cared about me enough" than to be tossed aside like a piece of garbage, it's just sick.



I don't know about homosexuality, but I do think it should be kept privately, they can have their marriages and so on, but please, keep it away from children, don't encourage someone's kid to be gay, don't tell you're kids that they're gay, it's their personal choice to decide for themselves, or to find themselves, whatever you believe.

I won't answer the one about Heaven and Hell because that's more faith based than anything else.

I will not argue with your points in this thread because I am aware of the rules regarding this forum. I'll shoot you a private message shortly with rebuttals.

 

[rocklife]

This is going to be sort of my counter-post to an earlier thread I posted here, just about me and my concerns with Christianity.

Anywho, I have been going to a Thursday Night young adults group for exactly a year. I have only gone to Sunday services twice, only because I consider Sundays my sleepy time (yeah, I admit, I'm stubburn) but I really enjoy my time here, and I have gotten to know a lot of people who I now consider my friends, my only friends. During this time, I've learned more and more about Christianity and Jesus. When I joined the group, I was depressed. I look back and think that if I never went to these meetings, I probably would be dead. I still am depressed right now, but I now have a positive outlook at life but at the same time I continue to reflect to what made me depressed (read my previous thread and you'll know why)

I feel that I have learned enough and understood enough of Christianity to committ my life to Jesus Christ and dedicate my life to Him. But I am held back from being a Christian...

I cannot committ to a religion which beliefs I don't believe in.

Abortion? I don't share the same views.
Homosexuality? I don't share the same views.
Heaven? Hell? Different views

I also have to say that in my time of going back to these young adult meetings, I've yet to feel "The Holy Spirit" or "God's healing powers", and I never felt God.

And it's now pressure on me to go ahead and take the next step by some of my friends, who consistently want me to be saved, noting that my next breath isn't promised, and some of my friends say to wait until you think the time is right. I realize that I can fall down off this chair where I'm sitting while typing this thread and die. If it's my time, it's my time, and nothing can be done about it. I also don't exactly know when the time is right.

Help?

It is best to follow Jesus' advice, let God change you from the inside first, then the outer things (like opinions about abortion, etc will come). We don't have to live in automatic agreement with the established church. The bible New Testament warns so much to watch out for church leaders, so many are just pretending, they are just getting rich, power, ambition, etc. I didn't come to christianity with a mind that was just following along whatever people say. I still don't. But God has proven Himself right to me, and what I don't know about, I am not going to be judge over others, that is His job. I don't judge those who have abortions, I do try to help offer solutions (years ago I have been very tempted to get an abortion also, God is gracious to save sinners like me).

going to church doesn't make anyone a christian. And many just go with the flow. I hope you continue to seek truth for yourself, and remember popular opinions can be wrong (in all sorts of contexts and ways). The New Testament has shown me a different christianity than I have seen at many church gatherings unfortunately. God bless