why did you become a christian?

[pudmuddle]

I was raised in church, even went to a Christian school, but I convinced myself that religion wasn't for me.
There was a lot of legalism in the denomination and the school and I just didn't want to conform to what I thought a Christian was.
So, it wasn't until I was out of school, I was 19 and my life wasn't really going anywhere, that I found God.
All I knew was that I was miserable with myself, so I told God that if He was real, he could have my life.
It hasn't always been easy, but I always have that assurance that He is there, and I am His. And He has given me so many blessings that I never deserved.
I know it's hard to let go of your anger and bitterness, but if that, or anything else, is holding you back, it's not worth it. God only wants to free you to be the person he created you to be.

 

[nikki]

I could do nothing else. I heard the Word spoken, the Spirit confirmed it in my heart and I was instantly broken. I didn't want to go to hell - yeah, but what I've found through all these years, is He had a purpose. He loved me and died for me. And, because of this I am so in love with Him. As you get older in the faith of believing you realize that you really have nothing to with your salvation and He had everything to do with it.

I'm thankful He chose me.

 

[Ken]

what Reformationist said.....!!

re the "is life better for you?" question.... Christians ought to expect that in many ways, at least as far as the secular world judges things, it will not be better, but will instead be much more difficult....
(John 16:33 NNAS) "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
(1 Pet 1:6-7 NNAS) In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, {7} so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"
(Rom 8:16-17 NNAS) The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, {17} and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him."
(Phil 1:29 NNAS) For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,"

Am I happy? I have heard it said that happiness has to do with circumstances, while joy has to do with one's relationship with Christ..... so you could say that while Christians were being used as torches in Nero's court they certainly were not happy, but amazingly they, as well as many other stories of martyr's, could still rejoice and sing God's praises in the midst of their martyrdom.... amazing!!!

The Christian should not (as difficult as that might be!! and it IS difficult!!) despair at this fact of suffering, (Acts 5:41 NNAS) So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name."

blessings

 

[WarEagle]

just wondering. what reasons motivated you to become a christian? are things better for you now, and are you happy with that choice?

I knew that I was a sinner and was in danger of God's wrath on judgement day. When He reached out to me and told me that if I would only repent and put my faith in Christ, I could be born again, reconciled to God, be forgiven through Christ, and become a child of God.

I don't know how you're defining "better". Do you mean materially? A little bit, but that's not because I became a Christian. Remember, there are many wonderful and Godly Christians around the world who live in great poverty.

But what I do notice changed is that I am forgiven and am no longer a slave to my sin. I also find that now that I recognize my own wickedness and God's goodness to save me, that I am drawn to those who are in the boat I was in and feel compelled to present the Gospel at every opportunity. It also fills me with a deep need to help those who are less fortunate, because I can see the way that Christ reaches out to them and I want to honor Him by reaching out to them, too.