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Welcome, Chgz!
I agree with the responder who suggested you might find all the varied answers confusing. I also agree with Percivale that starting with reading the New Testament is a good idea. Here's my take on the best things you can do for yourself:
Truly believe that God is real and that he is described accurately by the Bible. Why you should trust the Bible and not something else is a huge topic. The short answer is that "it works." Everything in it is true, and various people alive today have experienced most of the hard-to-believe (usually supernatural) things described. God speaks to millions or tens of millions of Christians around the world every day. The "mad fit" you refer to sounds similar to a supernatural experience that many (not all) Christians have. (There's also supernatural experiences that aren't from God, plus experiences that are from God but are twisted in some fashion because of human sin. Discerning which is which is a highly controversial topic among Christians.)
The first responder to your original post did a great job, and if you are reach information overload, I'd go back to that.
It is important to note that it isn't your actions that save you, but actions will always result if you are saved. Part of what it means to believe in Jesus, be born again, be saved (there's many ways to refer to it) is to yield control of every area of your life to the will of the Lord Jesus. When that results in actions, it is evidence you are born again and are on the right path.
One difficulty is when someone wants to become a Christian, but "just doesn't believe." God requires obedience (because he loves you and it is what will be best for you in the long-term), but one effect of taking obedience seriously is that he will grant you to genuinely believe in him through it.
There's a million things that will work against you continuing your path to Jesus. One way or another, it comes down to a daily decision of whether to follow (obey and imitate) the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Developing the habit of reading the Bible and praying (talking to God) frequently (every day is best) will help you grow in your knowledge of God and your strengthen (your two-way) connection to him (a relationship). By the way, it is valuable to lean on God himself when you are trying to choose a church to go to. It's worth asking where he wants you to go regularly during your daily prayer time.
I watched a Louis Theroux episode, where he went to go find out what born again Christians in America are like. The episode didn't fully explain what one is, and I was left a little confused. Before watching this I had never even heard of a born again Christian and I think it expected me to have already heard about them. To be honest I don't think it was serious and probably aimed to take the Mickey out out of how crazy they can come across.
I was left rather impressed by how these people came across though, they seemed like the most happy and peaceful people ever. I was amazed at how sincere and devoted to Jesus they where. I can't help but want to share the same passion they have for Jesus and life!
One thing that really sticks in my head was seeing people "accepting Jesus" and then start having some kind of mad fit after a priest touched their heads.
I was baptised and raised Christian until I was about 12, then I converted to wiccan until I was about 17 when I started following the bible again. Dose this make me a born again Christian or do I have to go through some kind of ritual? I don't go to church but I feel very spiritual and try to find the time each day to pray to god and thank him for everything he made.
If I am not a born again Christian, then how to I become one? Do I have to go to church or anything special?
Hi check out my website right here http://www.iansideas.com and find the post. How I came to know Jesus. You can come to know Jesus todayYou might need to add to your conversion a definite time place and physical experience, which God has provided for you. We talk about being “Born again”, which comes from Nicodemus encounter with Christ (John 3 :1-21):
Being “born again” is what Jesus told Nicodemus he need to do. This requires some thinking, because Jesus does not address the questions or comments that are verbalized, but directs his comments to the persons next step in their personal spiritual development (what is on their heart spiritually). Jesus is not making some general philosophical statement (like Buddha might make) but is always addressing the audience He is talking to. We have to get into the context.
What did Nicodemus need to do next in his spiritual development?
What does Nicodemus need to be doing next? (study the Old Testament, become one of the followers of Jesus right then and there, Confess, repent, etc.)
The first thing Nicodemus might do at least is what he already knows he should do? Is that not where you would start? So what is that?
Since Nicodemus is still part of the Sanhedrin, he would not have been immersed baptized by John’s baptism. That would have got him thrown out of the Sanhedrin.
John’s baptism would have been a hot topic among the religious scholars, yet the answer was obvious and they all know it (remember Jesus using it against them and causing them to quit asking him questions?)
Jesus is not going to blare the answer out to Nicodemus, since Nicodemus knows the answer, but he will make Nicodemus think about it hard, since it would already be on his mind.
Christian water baptism as seen in scripture: Is always adult (there are only two examples that “might include infants” but nothing definite, all the others are adult believers) water immersion to be a physical outward representation of what had or is happening spiritually in the person being baptized. It is mainly to help the individual being baptized to better grasp what is going on, but it can “witness” to others observing the baptism. It has the elements of going down under the water (burying the old man), placing your dependence in another; the person baptizing you (surrendering your life to God), being washed (having your sins washed away), rising out of the water (rising from the dead), and stepping forth out onto the earth (a new person). The person is walking out into the hugs of his new family. It is also a sign of your humility, since it is a humbling act anyone can simple allow someone to do it to them (so not a work) and since humility has been shown in the accept of charity (God’s free gift of undeserving forgiveness) it should just support and add to the memory of that acceptance. To refuse Christian water baptism when it is readily available might mean you are not ready to handle other responsibility like having the indwelling Holy Spirit.
The Western “Christian” Churches are all over the board, but other countries experiencing sever persecution of Christians (Underground churches: China, Southeast Asia, some of India, Iran) are for as far as I can see consistently requiring adult believer immersion baptism. These churches are growing rapidly (estimated at 100 million in China).
Is the real problem with humility, since adult water baptism is a humbling act?
Is the problem with “witnessing” since baptism help other Christians remember what they went through?
The whole “argument” about the “one” baptism having to be “spiritual baptism” so we do not need to (or even shouldn’t) be water immersed is not supported by scriptural examples, since everyone that was “baptized” by the Holy Spirit seems to have also been water baptized.
In an effort to emphasis God’s unconditional (salvation), water baptism of believers has been avoided as a subject. People have “argued” that water baptism is a work and since “works” are not required for salvation, water baptism must be avoided. Most “Christian” religious groups “allow” immersion of believers if they want it.
The problem with this reasoning is adult believer immersion is not something you “do” (work), but is something you allow to be done to you. It is not something “done” as some requirement, but is something you get to do for your sake (to help you) and the sake of others.
What you speak of is "religion" while we are called by the Word to come to God in a personal relationship. One must search His Word prayerfully, testing what one hears in church against His inspired Word. No one is capable in this life of knowing the fullness of God yet we are invited to lay Dow self and turn to Him.Well, I wouldn't exactly want to be a "born again Christian." As those types are Protestant and although Protestantism has a lot of truth it doesn't have the fullness of the truth.
But who will tell her what the Word means? She has to have a faithful interpreter of that Word to properly understand it.
No where in the Word...no where...does it tell us to have an "interpreter"! We have teachers but it is OUR responsibility to " study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (from Greek: t handle correctly) the Word of truth.". 2 Timothy 2:15. Our understanding comes through the Holy Spirit.
Even Satan and his demons "believe"... " FAITH is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1.The specifics of what you believe or what church you belong to does not matter.Belief alone will not save you.What is important is how you live your life.
Jesus was very clear on this-https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjzsICXz7fLAhUN02MKHfaLDrAQFggfMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.biblegateway.com%2Fpassage%2F%3Fsearch%3DMatthew%2B25%3A31-46&usg=AFQjCNEkvkudtz8QIo-E9ugnUDf-KCvqEA&sig2=zzsN9l94CsrYp5x6nzH3cQ
I watched a Louis Theroux episode, where he went to go find out what born again Christians in America are like. The episode didn't fully explain what one is, and I was left a little confused. Before watching this I had never even heard of a born again Christian and I think it expected me to have already heard about them. To be honest I don't think it was serious and probably aimed to take the Mickey out out of how crazy they can come across.
I was left rather impressed by how these people came across though, they seemed like the most happy and peaceful people ever. I was amazed at how sincere and devoted to Jesus they where. I can't help but want to share the same passion they have for Jesus and life!
One thing that really sticks in my head was seeing people "accepting Jesus" and then start having some kind of mad fit after a priest touched their heads.
I was baptised and raised Christian until I was about 12, then I converted to wiccan until I was about 17 when I started following the bible again. Dose this make me a born again Christian or do I have to go through some kind of ritual? I don't go to church but I feel very spiritual and try to find the time each day to pray to god and thank him for everything he made.
If I am not a born again Christian, then how to I become one? Do I have to go to church or anything special?
I watched a Louis Theroux episode, where he went to go find out what born again Christians in America are like. The episode didn't fully explain what one is, and I was left a little confused. Before watching this I had never even heard of a born again Christian and I think it expected me to have already heard about them. To be honest I don't think it was serious and probably aimed to take the Mickey out out of how crazy they can come across.
I was left rather impressed by how these people came across though, they seemed like the most happy and peaceful people ever. I was amazed at how sincere and devoted to Jesus they where. I can't help but want to share the same passion they have for Jesus and life!
One thing that really sticks in my head was seeing people "accepting Jesus" and then start having some kind of mad fit after a priest touched their heads.
I was baptised and raised Christian until I was about 12, then I converted to wiccan until I was about 17 when I started following the bible again. Dose this make me a born again Christian or do I have to go through some kind of ritual? I don't go to church but I feel very spiritual and try to find the time each day to pray to god and thank him for everything he made.
If I am not a born again Christian, then how to I become one? Do I have to go to church or anything special?
It is acknowledging that one is a sinner who cannot by one's own actions ...
I watched a Louis Theroux episode, where he went to go find out what born again Christians in America are like. The episode didn't fully explain what one is, and I was left a little confused. Before watching this I had never even heard of a born again Christian and I think it expected me to have already heard about them. To be honest I don't think it was serious and probably aimed to take the Mickey out out of how crazy they can come across.
I was left rather impressed by how these people came across though, they seemed like the most happy and peaceful people ever. I was amazed at how sincere and devoted to Jesus they where. I can't help but want to share the same passion they have for Jesus and life!
One thing that really sticks in my head was seeing people "accepting Jesus" and then start having some kind of mad fit after a priest touched their heads.
I was baptised and raised Christian until I was about 12, then I converted to wiccan until I was about 17 when I started following the bible again. Dose this make me a born again Christian or do I have to go through some kind of ritual? I don't go to church but I feel very spiritual and try to find the time each day to pray to god and thank him for everything he made.
If I am not a born again Christian, then how to I become one? Do I have to go to church or anything special?
I watched a Louis Theroux episode, where he went to go find out what born again Christians in America are like. The episode didn't fully explain what one is, and I was left a little confused. Before watching this I had never even heard of a born again Christian and I think it expected me to have already heard about them. To be honest I don't think it was serious and probably aimed to take the Mickey out out of how crazy they can come across.
I was left rather impressed by how these people came across though, they seemed like the most happy and peaceful people ever. I was amazed at how sincere and devoted to Jesus they where. I can't help but want to share the same passion they have for Jesus and life!
One thing that really sticks in my head was seeing people "accepting Jesus" and then start having some kind of mad fit after a priest touched their heads.
I was baptised and raised Christian until I was about 12, then I converted to wiccan until I was about 17 when I started following the bible again. Dose this make me a born again Christian or do I have to go through some kind of ritual? I don't go to church but I feel very spiritual and try to find the time each day to pray to god and thank him for everything he made.
If I am not a born again Christian, then how to I become one? Do I have to go to church or anything special?
I watched a Louis Theroux episode, where he went to go find out what born again Christians in America are like. The episode didn't fully explain what one is, and I was left a little confused. Before watching this I had never even heard of a born again Christian and I think it expected me to have already heard about them. To be honest I don't think it was serious and probably aimed to take the Mickey out out of how crazy they can come across.
I was left rather impressed by how these people came across though, they seemed like the most happy and peaceful people ever. I was amazed at how sincere and devoted to Jesus they where. I can't help but want to share the same passion they have for Jesus and life!
One thing that really sticks in my head was seeing people "accepting Jesus" and then start having some kind of mad fit after a priest touched their heads.
I was baptised and raised Christian until I was about 12, then I converted to wiccan until I was about 17 when I started following the bible again. Dose this make me a born again Christian or do I have to go through some kind of ritual? I don't go to church but I feel very spiritual and try to find the time each day to pray to god and thank him for everything he made.
If I am not a born again Christian, then how to I become one? Do I have to go to church or anything special?
I watched a Louis Theroux episode, where he went to go find out what born again Christians in America are like. The episode didn't fully explain what one is, and I was left a little confused. Before watching this I had never even heard of a born again Christian and I think it expected me to have already heard about them. To be honest I don't think it was serious and probably aimed to take the Mickey out out of how crazy they can come across.
I was left rather impressed by how these people came across though, they seemed like the most happy and peaceful people ever. I was amazed at how sincere and devoted to Jesus they where. I can't help but want to share the same passion they have for Jesus and life!
One thing that really sticks in my head was seeing people "accepting Jesus" and then start having some kind of mad fit after a priest touched their heads.
I was baptised and raised Christian until I was about 12, then I converted to wiccan until I was about 17 when I started following the bible again. Dose this make me a born again Christian or do I have to go through some kind of ritual? I don't go to church but I feel very spiritual and try to find the time each day to pray to god and thank him for everything he made.
If I am not a born again Christian, then how to I become one? Do I have to go to church or anything special?
I watched a Louis Theroux episode, where he went to go find out what born again Christians in America are like. The episode didn't fully explain what one is, and I was left a little confused. Before watching this I had never even heard of a born again Christian and I think it expected me to have already heard about them. To be honest I don't think it was serious and probably aimed to take the Mickey out out of how crazy they can come across.
I was left rather impressed by how these people came across though, they seemed like the most happy and peaceful people ever. I was amazed at how sincere and devoted to Jesus they where. I can't help but want to share the same passion they have for Jesus and life!
One thing that really sticks in my head was seeing people "accepting Jesus" and then start having some kind of mad fit after a priest touched their heads.
I was baptised and raised Christian until I was about 12, then I converted to wiccan until I was about 17 when I started following the bible again. Dose this make me a born again Christian or do I have to go through some kind of ritual? I don't go to church but I feel very spiritual and try to find the time each day to pray to god and thank him for everything he made.
If I am not a born again Christian, then how to I become one? Do I have to go to church or anything special?
Typos:Hey great question. Your story sounds similar to mine. I went to the way of spirituality and always categorized myself as a spiritualist until I was 21. I had gotten sick and fed up with everything in this world even religion. One night I prayed and asked God to send me someone to show me the way back to him. I admired being too stupid to handling my own life and send God to just show me if he was real and if so to show me a way to Him.
About 3 days later a man from Nepal started working with me. At first I didn't like this gut but long story short; he showed me things and shared things with me about myself that he had no way of knowing.
Basically to be born again you have to admit to God that he is going to be in control of your life and not you. That's the scary first step. Then you have to reject everything in this world you were ever taught to believe and be open minded and soft hearted and receptive to the Gospel. Being a try believer means that you believe Jesus is literally alive and is the Messiah that was the only capable human to die for your wrongs. He rose again to show us that if we follow him that we to will have that glorious redirection.
The extreme joy and peace you saw were Christians that are spiritually mature. I didn't experience this until a couple of years after giving up my life. The scariest thing in this world is being able to give up this life for the sake of Gods kingdom. The peace I have is from the unconditional love God has for us. He loves us more than even our own earthly parents do. I have faith that Gods love will never be taken away from me. Faith comes from constant prayer and fasting. Also being a christian means you'll have to endure longsuffering until the day you die. This suffering is even considered a joy to a true christian.
I literally wanted to die; so I decided to follow Jesus. Now I have a new life that is beautiful with new friends and everyday is a new hope in Jesus. Isn't that odd that I went from wanting to die to having a life full of joy and peace?
Don't get me wrong I have many struggles in this world. I have a lot of things that I suffer. I get rejected by even my own family. But; now this is a big but; But the peace and joy is an inward joy. Its like joy and peace just comes of my heart as naturally as I breathe. I don't have the feeling of being weighed down with guilt or shame any more.
Yes you can have that experience but you have to be genuine with God. You have to mean what you pray and you must pray as often as possible. Not because you have to but because you want to.
Sorry for so many words.
Pray to God and pray often.
All you have to do is believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. You don't have to do anything else (such as go to church or go through any ritual). Salvation is a free gift through Jesus; He paid the full price for your sin on the cross.I watched a Louis Theroux episode, where he went to go find out what born again Christians in America are like. The episode didn't fully explain what one is, and I was left a little confused. Before watching this I had never even heard of a born again Christian and I think it expected me to have already heard about them. To be honest I don't think it was serious and probably aimed to take the Mickey out out of how crazy they can come across.
I was left rather impressed by how these people came across though, they seemed like the most happy and peaceful people ever. I was amazed at how sincere and devoted to Jesus they where. I can't help but want to share the same passion they have for Jesus and life!
One thing that really sticks in my head was seeing people "accepting Jesus" and then start having some kind of mad fit after a priest touched their heads.
I was baptised and raised Christian until I was about 12, then I converted to wiccan until I was about 17 when I started following the bible again. Dose this make me a born again Christian or do I have to go through some kind of ritual? I don't go to church but I feel very spiritual and try to find the time each day to pray to god and thank him for everything he made.
If I am not a born again Christian, then how to I become one? Do I have to go to church or anything special?
How is that so?One can be born again in many ways, it has to do with a change in attitude, belief. I once met a former Christian who was upset with many teachings the Christian religion has to offer. What happened? He became a born again Atheist.
Oh well, Kutte
No where in the Word...no where...does it tell us to have an "interpreter"! We have teachers but it is OUR responsibility to " study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (from Greek: t handle correctly) the Word of truth.". 2 Timothy 2:15. Our understanding comes through the Holy Spirit.
God answers prayer! Amen brother or sister!Typos:
I meant to say; I admitted to God that I was too stupid and asked him to send someone to show me the way. Sorry about that, auto correct strikes again.
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