Where to Start

[nannewmx]

My parents were Catholic so as a child I was baptized and went to church every Sunday, served as an altar boy but that was a long time ago. Now I'm married and my wife is a Christian (Presbyterian) and sometimes I go to her church. But basically, I don't know what's going on and I have trouble concentrating on the long sermon. Also, after the service there isn't much mingling and rather than feeling awkward talking with people I don't know, I try to leave as soon as possible.
So the problem I'm having is, I do believe in God and the religious denomination isn't important, but how do I start picking up more interest in bringing God into my life? Sometimes I talk with my wife and try to pick her brains about her knowledge of Bible but it's not enough. I just don't know enough about it and I'm sure reading the Bible isn't going to help me. I know I sound like a snob asking this but how can I bring God into my life?

 

[texastig]

Get on Youtube and listen to Chuck Missler. He is totally awesome!!
koinoniahouse's Channel - YouTube

 

[emperormar]

Start realizing how God is already in your life. Just pray "How are you loving me today Father?"
Feel free to ask me any specific questions in PM or where ever.

 

[Peripatetic]

Welcome! You might want to read a daily devotional. They usually give you a small passage of scripture, along with some good insight into how we can learn from it.

If you scroll down, you'll find a whole bunch at this site. It's only a few minutes per day, and it can make a big difference.

Daily Devotionals and Bible Devotions, Free Online, Christian Study

 

[paul1149]

It begins in the heart. Make getting closer to God Job One, and expectantly ask Him to show you what steps to take. It may be through prayer, bible reading, or maybe it will be a different church or a home fellowship that you begin to make progress. Seek Him and be faithful according to what you know, and be open to how He might lead you.

 

[nannewmx]

Thank you all for your kind and helpful responses.

 

[thesunisout]

My parents were Catholic so as a child I was baptized and went to church every Sunday, served as an altar boy but that was a long time ago. Now I'm married and my wife is a Christian (Presbyterian) and sometimes I go to her church. But basically, I don't know what's going on and I have trouble concentrating on the long sermon. Also, after the service there isn't much mingling and rather than feeling awkward talking with people I don't know, I try to leave as soon as possible.
So the problem I'm having is, I do believe in God and the religious denomination isn't important, but how do I start picking up more interest in bringing God into my life? Sometimes I talk with my wife and try to pick her brains about her knowledge of Bible but it's not enough. I just don't know enough about it and I'm sure reading the Bible isn't going to help me. I know I sound like a snob asking this but how can I bring God into my life?

You have to realize that God is already in your life. You have the Holy Spirit, that means God is always with you. It is to the extent that you are abiding in His love that you will experience the presence of God.

John 15:10

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

You said you are sure reading the bible won't help you, but the bible is where you find His commands. Ask God to open up His word to you, so you can have a deeper understanding of who you are in Christ, and how to do His will.

The question isn't what has God done for me today, it is what have I done for God today? Have you witnessed to anyone about Jesus lately? Are you involved in the community, showing the love of God to unbelievers? God draws near to us when we draw near to Him. We draw near to Him by doing the things He told us to do.

 

[Bear.Fr00t]

I just don't know enough about it and I'm sure reading the Bible isn't going to help me.

Actually this is exactly what you need to bring God into your life. Give it a try, I think you'll find God making a move in your life when you begin to read His word. Start in the New Testament with Matthew, don't start in the Old Testament.

 

[salida]

We have groups in our church so within time they become a big family. Pray daily, go to a bible study. Also, there are online bible studies. If you have any questions, feel free to email me.

The new testament is first. Know the old too.
Why should we study the Old Testament?
Why should we study the Old Testament?
Why is God so different in the OT than He is in the NT?
Old Testament vs. New Testament - What are the differences?




Resources in general-
Christian Research Institute and the Bible Answer Man, Hank Hanegraaff
Bible Questions Answered
Let Us Reason Ministries ON cults, Religions -- their teachings and practices
CARM - Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry

Denomination Test
▷ ▶Christian Denomination Selector SelectSmart.com free Religion personality test, selector quiz, matching, choose, compare.

 

[salida]

We have groups in our church so within time they become a big family. Pray daily, go to a bible study. Also, there are online bible studies. If you have any questions, feel free to email me.

The new testament is first. Know the old too.
Why should we study the Old Testament?
Why is God so different in the OT than He is in the NT?
Old Testament vs. New Testament - What are the differences?

Resources in general-
Christian Research Institute and the Bible Answer Man, Hank Hanegraaff
Bible Questions Answered
Let Us Reason Ministries ON cults, Religions -- their teachings and practices
CARM - Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry
www.bible-researcher.com

Denomination Test
▷ ▶Christian Denomination Selector SelectSmart.com free Religion personality test, selector quiz, matching, choose, compare.

 

[Emmy]

Dear nannewmx. You could start by following Jesus`s advice, in Matthew, chapter 22, verses 35-40. "The first and great Commandment is, Love God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. The second is like it: Love thy neighbour as thyself." Then Jesus states this fact: " On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
Try and treat all you know and all you meet, as you would love to be treated: with a friendly smile and kind words, helping hands, (if needed) and just be a good neighbour. God will see our sincere efforts, and God will bless us. Also: God will know that we love God, BECAUSE we are following His Commandments to love and care. Jesus will give us his Love and Joy, and the Holy Spirit will give us His Love, also. Jesus told us to:" ask and ye will receive," and then we thank God and share all Love and Joy with all around us. We might stumble and forget sometimes, but we ask God to forgive us, and God will forgive us, as we will forgive others.
Life will become interesting, and worth living, we will know that Jesus is always with us. People will notice and treat us the same way. Love is very catching, and who knows, people might want to know where your Love and Joy always comes from, and you could tell them.
God is Love, and God wants loving children/sons and daughters. I say this with love. Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ.

 

[Harry3142]

nannewmx-

If you want to interact more with the other people attending that church, I would suggest that you call the minister to ask as to whether there are groups in your age range that you can join, or volunteer work that you can do. The best way to meet others is through these extracurricular activities, rather than simply through meeting them following a church service.

 

[parsley]

I'm going to give the unspiritual answer -- become an usher. You'd get to move around while everyone has to sit, you'd feel like you had a purpose and a goal while there, and people would approach you with real topics to talk about.

Sound system operation makes it interesting too -- but then you're back in a chair, until a few minutes after people are let out. Less chance to talk than what you have now.

Without committing to something weekly, invite a couple out to lunch after church.

 

[Jupiter Drops]

Pray.

God isn't going anywhere. He's the rock of your life.

And don't avoid any people at church. Talk to your pastor at church and develop good friendship with him. Ask him about the Word and the Bible. That will help you get some head start.

Talk to your wife about this, and I'm sure she can be willing to help and be happy about it. Be open to any communication. Have an open heart and willingness to submit to God. You're already on your way!

Many blessings to you!


Ah, and it does help to be in a choir or some kind of a worship band in your church. God loves hearing His people's praises about Him. He considers it very important. It'll bring you lots of grace.

 

[thomhughes]

I've found that no one can really tell you were to start, that is if you want anything more than a superficial religious life (you know, so the neighbours don't gossip when you don't turn up one sunday). So the best advice is to talk to people about your faith. For example, I've found a few non-denomination types who have gave me a greater understanding of my own beliefs, and strengthened them, all through conversation. Sitting in a room and praying can only get you so far. So, for you, I recommend talking to others more, and life will naturally guide you in the right direction... as long as you stick within a few ground rules of course, as is the way with a spiritual journey. But it's all down to you. Unless of course you want the kneel-stand-kneel-stand-speak-kneel-stand-pray monotony provided by a few well known churches, in which case the best advice is to get down to one of those churches and let someone else do the thinking!*


*I mean this in good humour.