Where to begin?

[MaxMunro84]

This is probably going to be a little long, I’m sorry about that.

When I was a child, I very much believed in God and Jesus. Religious Education was one of my favourite subjects in school. However my family were non believers and after the death of my brother when I was 18, I believed less, though deep down I didn’t stop.

In the last couple of years, I began investigating other religions, a curiosity and a desire to find a spiritual life where I belonged. I have ended up coming full circle and ended up where I began, with Christianity.

I think because, deep down, I know God exists. There have been times where I have asked things of Him and He has never let me down. I cannot deny His existence and as I’ve grown older, I’ve cared less about other people’s opinions and more about how He has granted my prayers yet I have done nothing to deserve it.

I strongly wish to begin a Christian life. However I have been married and divorced and now remarried. I have strained family relationships that I don’t know how to fix. These things I know are not in line with the commandments.

Everyone around me are non believers and I don’t know where to even begin with Christianity. I am sure there are people on here that have been where I am just now and I’d be very grateful if someone could give me some advice on where to start. Almost like a step by step as I struggle to just dive straight into anything, I prefer structure and routine.

Thank you for reading, and for any advice given.

 

[Basil the Great]

I would suggest that you start by finding a local church and talking to the pastor or priest. He might be able to help with some counseling re: your strained family relationships and he can also get you started on your Christian walk. As to what church, I leave that entirely up to you. Unlike some here on Christian Forums, I believe that it matters very little which Christian body that you decide to join. May God bless you very much and Happy Easter weekend.

 

[Bluerose31]

This is probably going to be a little long, I’m sorry about that.

When I was a child, I very much believed in God and Jesus. Religious Education was one of my favourite subjects in school. However my family were non believers and after the death of my brother when I was 18, I believed less, though deep down I didn’t stop.

In the last couple of years, I began investigating other religions, a curiosity and a desire to find a spiritual life where I belonged. I have ended up coming full circle and ended up where I began, with Christianity.

I think because, deep down, I know God exists. There have been times where I have asked things of Him and He has never let me down. I cannot deny His existence and as I’ve grown older, I’ve cared less about other people’s opinions and more about how He has granted my prayers yet I have done nothing to deserve it.

I strongly wish to begin a Christian life. However I have been married and divorced and now remarried. I have strained family relationships that I don’t know how to fix. These things I know are not in line with the commandments.

Everyone around me are non believers and I don’t know where to even begin with Christianity. I am sure there are people on here that have been where I am just now and I’d be very grateful if someone could give me some advice on where to start. Almost like a step by step as I struggle to just dive straight into anything, I prefer structure and routine.

Thank you for reading, and for any advice given.

Greetings brother. I would suggest praying to the Lord everyday morning and night and throughout the day, reading the Bible daily and going to church on Sundays. These things honor the Lord and will bring you comfort.

 

[LucyFlora]

A deep and unrelenting belief is a great start.

Don't put too much pressure on yourself to be a perfect Christian. We are all human and we make mistakes. If we try our best, it doesn't matter when we fail - As long as we always believe then we can take comfort that God will forgive us.

I will pray that God will help guide you to a happy future.

 

[Innerfire89]

Becoming a Christian is all about new life in Christ, your sin doesn't disqualify you, but is the reason you need the Lord and Saviour.

 

[Not me]

This is probably going to be a little long, I’m sorry about that.

When I was a child, I very much believed in God and Jesus. Religious Education was one of my favourite subjects in school. However my family were non believers and after the death of my brother when I was 18, I believed less, though deep down I didn’t stop.

In the last couple of years, I began investigating other religions, a curiosity and a desire to find a spiritual life where I belonged. I have ended up coming full circle and ended up where I began, with Christianity.

I think because, deep down, I know God exists. There have been times where I have asked things of Him and He has never let me down. I cannot deny His existence and as I’ve grown older, I’ve cared less about other people’s opinions and more about how He has granted my prayers yet I have done nothing to deserve it.

I strongly wish to begin a Christian life. However I have been married and divorced and now remarried. I have strained family relationships that I don’t know how to fix. These things I know are not in line with the commandments.

Everyone around me are non believers and I don’t know where to even begin with Christianity. I am sure there are people on here that have been where I am just now and I’d be very grateful if someone could give me some advice on where to start. Almost like a step by step as I struggle to just dive straight into anything, I prefer structure and routine.

Thank you for reading, and for any advice given.

It does sound like you are already in the school of Christ (being taught by him personally) That inner personal relationship with Christ (which is what Christianity is), I can only suggest and recommend that every time your heart calls you to Him, you answer the call. It is that desire after Him that will teach you all things. Keep feeding your personal relationship with Jesus and you will get your “well done thou good and faithful servant”

Much love in Christ, Not me

 

[Brotherly Spirit]

All here is great advice for beginning; for every person I believe faith in Christ is it. Not letting your doubts and fears in yourself be reasons you deny coming to him. Remember he's there with you and not against you; lean on him when needed, and when possible return his love. (Matthew 11:28-29, Matthew 11:4-5) Don't let it become a self-centered exercise of what's expected for yourself or others; have faith to let the Lord call you personally, but let it have meaning and purpose from prayer to fellowship. Ultimately it's about believing and loving, to me this is our faith; just always trust him before yourself, and be there for all of God's children when it matters most. (Matthew 12:7-8, Matthew 12:11-12)

 

[ToBeLoved]

My best advice is walk WITH God everyday, knowing He loves hearing from you and delights in you. Place a higher focus on prayer and worship and try not to get caught in the trap of trying to please people (other Christians or care what they ‘think’), but worry about what God thinks because most people do not really know you and because no one knows your true heart but God.

 

[MaxMunro84]

Thank you everyone, I appreciate the replies. I still feel stuck as to where to begin but I’m going to pray for guidance and look into my local church.

 

[1watchman]

Thank you everyone, I appreciate the replies. I still feel stuck as to where to begin but I’m going to pray for guidance and look into my local church.

This is probably going to be a little long, I’m sorry about that.

When I was a child, I very much believed in God and Jesus. Religious Education was one of my favourite subjects in school. However my family were non believers and after the death of my brother when I was 18, I believed less, though deep down I didn’t stop.

In the last couple of years, I began investigating other religions, a curiosity and a desire to find a spiritual life where I belonged. I have ended up coming full circle and ended up where I began, with Christianity.

I think because, deep down, I know God exists. There have been times where I have asked things of Him and He has never let me down. I cannot deny His existence and as I’ve grown older, I’ve cared less about other people’s opinions and more about how He has granted my prayers yet I have done nothing to deserve it.

I strongly wish to begin a Christian life. However I have been married and divorced and now remarried. I have strained family relationships that I don’t know how to fix. These things I know are not in line with the commandments.

Everyone around me are non believers and I don’t know where to even begin with Christianity. I am sure there are people on here that have been where I am just now and I’d be very grateful if someone could give me some advice on where to start. Almost like a step by step as I struggle to just dive straight into anything, I prefer structure and routine.

Thank you for reading, and for any advice given.

The true Christian life is all about a relationship, I think you know, and not just head knowledge. If one has received the Lord Jesus into their heart, and is devoted to Him and walking and talking with Him daily, then they will receive the Holy Spirit from God and be sealed by God-the Father (meditate on John 14 in KJV or NKJV). Just make the Lord Jesus your best Friend, and God will truly receive you and bring peace and blessings.

We can have much peace and happiness if we hold fast that communion daily and keep reading your Bible. I always recommend the venerable KJV, but the NKJV is fairly good for Gospel truth, though I see it not dependable for much else ---like also the other modern version types. If we neglect God, we will get deceived by Satan and led astray. Its all about the relationship! Keep looking up, friend, and write me personally if you wish to discuss the Bible; and I know some Bible-only gatherings in England. --1watchman

 

[Vital Discipleship]

I think there are some good points people have made here already.

As mentioned above, ultimately Christianity is about deepening your knowledge of (not knowledge about - knowledge of) and your relationship with Christ.

There are four especially awesome tools that the Lord has provided us to help that relationship along. They are, in no particular order:

1. the Bible;
2. the Church (that is - the body of other believers);
3. Prayer; and
4. The Holy Spirit.

If you can try and put your attention in those areas then I think you'll be in a good place. I'd encourage you though not to simply ignore one of those areas in preference for others. Each of them are there to work together, feeding from and into each other to bring you closer in relationship with the Lord.

I noticed you said that you didn't have a lot of believers around you. Fear not! I'm sure that it won't be too long before the Lord puts you in touch with other Christians with whom you can meet, be encouraged and learn how to walk more and more with Christ.

Of course each of the four things I've mentioned above is a large topic in and of itself, but hopefully that gives you some food for thought (and food for prayer).

Best,
Chris

 

[discipler7]

Everyone around me are non believers and I don’t know where to even begin with Christianity.

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Here's my summary of the Bible or Word of God.

0. God is Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient. God has His throne in heaven.(EZE.1, REV.4) Satan and his demons rebelled against God.(ISA.14:12, EZE.28:17, REV.12:4-9)
....... God-in-heaven desired to replace the spiritual rebels with S'piritual humans. Earth is like a test-bed for this purpose.

1. On earth, all humans are born sinful/evil/satanic because of Adam's Original Sin = unclean/dirty/unholy = bound for hell when they die.(ROM.5:12)

2. No humans on earth can see the true face of God and live.(EXO.33:20, JOHN.1:18 & 5:37)

3. To save fallen humans, God-in-heaven endeavoured to come down to earth in lesser forms as the invisible Spirit or as the visible human(= Angel of God or Jesus Christ). (JOHN.8:58/EXO.3:14, JOHN.1:1 & 14, 1TIM.3:16, 2COR.3:17, ISA.9:6)
....... As the Spirit, God-in-heaven gave His Law to Moses and the Jews, in order to curb humans' inborn tendency to commit sins/evil-deeds/satanic-deeds.(DEUT.28)
....... As Jesus Christ, God-in-heaven gave the apostles and Christians the sacrificial Lamb of God on the Cross(JOHN.1:29), in order to save them from hell when they die = the free gift of salvation or the kingdom of heaven through faith.(JOHN.3:16, MATT.4:17, GAL.2:16)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _

A good analogy of our One and Only God is our one and only sun.
... God-the-Father-in-heaven sends His invisible Spirit and His visible Son-Jesus to earth to sustain immortal life = the sun-in-outer-space sends her invisible warmth/heat and her visible light to earth to sustain mortal life.
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The Bible or Word of God can be broken down into 2 parts, the Old and New Testaments/Covenants, ie,

(i) if you wanna have a good n long life on earth, you need to keep the Law/Word of God.(DEUT.28, MATT.19:21, ACTS.15:24-29, cf; 1COR.5:1-5 & 11:30, 1JOHN.5:16-19),

(ii) if you wanna go to heaven when you die, you need to be saved from hell by Jesus the Christ/Messiah/Savior.(MATT.5:27-30, ROM.5:12, LEV.17:11, HEB.9:22, JOHN.3:16, 1COR.6:9-11, REV.22:12-15)

Christians should aim to achieve both, ie to gain both blessings from God, eg MATT.19:23.
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Bc of our inherited Adam's Original Sin, we have the dual problems of INVOLUNTARY satanic/evil/sinful thoughts, eg immoral lust, hate, anger, greed, selfishness, jealousy, fear/worries, doubts, etc, ...and VOLUNTARY satanic/evil/sinful deeds, eg blasphemy, idolatry, murder, adultery/fornication/rape, stealing, lying/cheating/defrauding, etc.
....... The former resulted in being cursed/sent to hell when we die(GEN.3:14-16) and the latter resulted in being cursed by God with a sad and short life on earth. God's Law solved the latter and God's Son solved the former.
....... Usually, before someone committed murder, he/she had originally harbored hate or greed or lust or jealousy or etc in his/her heart and mind.(source is spiritually from Satan - JOHN.8:44, MATT.16:23 & 23:27, MARK.7:21, 1JOHN.3:8)) IOW, all humans are born satanic/evil/sinful/unclean, from their hearts to their feet.
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At ACTS.15:24-29, God/Jesus requires Gentile Christians to begin their born-again lives of the Spirit by keeping 4 easy or non-burdensome laws of Moses, ie avoid eating blood, strangled animals, foods sacrificed to idols and sexual immorality = minimum legal requirement. They r then given time to learn to gradually keep the other laws of Moses which are not a burden, esp morality laws, eg the Ten Commandments at EXODUS.20, LEVITICUS.10:9, DEUTERONOMY.18:9-14, etc.
....... In comparison, Jewish Christians are required by God/Jesus to continue to keep Moses Law, as many as possible, because it is not a burden to them.
....... Eg, Gentile Christians should still avoid homosexuality and continue to eat non-kosher foods because the former is not a burden but the latter is a burden(ie it's a burden for them to keep the food laws).
... Faith in God's Son, Jesus = faith in God's Word/Law/commandments because JOHN.1:1 says the Son is the Word and is also God.

We need to properly differentiate between involuntary satanic/evil/sinful thoughts and voluntary sins/evil deeds, and between involuntary or inborn Gentile and Jewish Christians.

Analogy about involuntary evil/satanic thoughts and voluntary evil-deeds/sins - black crows often squawks noisily over our heads but we should not let them build their dirty nests on our heads.