Just a question about being a Christian

Carolyn - posted on 01/04/2010

Hi Yvonda, looks as if you are surrounded by a circle of loving Christian friends you didn't even know you had :) ask God to give you wisdom to find that church and then just start visiting them week by week. Go looking for a supportive church family that is grounded in bible teaching, loves kids/families of all ages and reaches out in frieindship. I also suggest you get a bible and read read read! Have fun I shall also keep you in my prayers.

Carolyn Jones

Sandra - posted on 01/04/2010

Everyone is Welcome in Gods's House no matter what you wear or look like.
Jesus Loves You and Will Welcome you in His Loving Arms all you Have to do is Pray to Him or just Call out to Him. Find a church where you feel welcomed and comfortable it may be the very first church you walk into. Remember God Loves You!! :-)

Whitney - posted on 01/04/2010

You do not need to "try" to fit in. You just need to be yourself. If people can not except you as you are, then you should question what they believe in. If they tuly believe in God, they will accept you as you are. Rich, poor, or just ok. You can grow close to God in everything you do in life, not just through church. Check out my website about EMPOWRING people to create POSITIVE change. www.dreambig.YEP4life.com There is wonderful support thru this website.

Christine - posted on 01/04/2010

I hope this posting will be a Blesssing to you....Going to church is wonderful for our spiritual walk because we need the fellowship with our brothers and sisters to grow. Iron sharpens Iron (Proverbs 27:17) However, There are many churches/pastors out there who make you think that you must go to church to have a relationship with GOD only to extend their attendance sheets to make a name for themselves..The Bible says in Matthew 18:20(KJV) "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them". When we are Born again and have the Holy Spirit Christ lives in us. We can have a simple fellowship in our own homes and he is right there with us awell, whether it be with your Husband alone or a Bible study with your Christian friends. God is Always present. If it is your desire to find a church then he will answer your prayers if asked without doubt, It may not be right away but he always is on time so patience is the key! Dont let anyone ever tell you that you are at fault if you never find a church to attend consistantly. God may have another ministry lined up for you. Me and my family do not belong to a specific church at all. We have our own personal service at home aswell as visit many different churches along the way to minister to GODS people just like his diciples did. GOD will Bless you as long as you seek to have a relationship with him. This is why the knowledge of God IS EXTREMEMLY important to our daily walk. There is so much for us to learn about the Lord personally That can have a major spiritual effect on our walk. Lots of prayer, devotion, Seeking for more knowledge in his word daily and dyiing to self daily. He will provide the answers that you need. A lot of churches are not spekaing pure biblical truth so we must always be careful lest we fall. The blind should not lead the Blind, so always be cautious about who is feeding you the word and always study to show thyself approved! 2 Timothy 2:15. Do not let attendance at a church affect your walk with GOD. Sanctification is way more than that. There are many false prophets out there (Matthew 7:15) so always have on your armor of GOD and walk the straight and narrow path. Dont be fooled by how much money a church has or how glamourous they look on the inside or outside. What really matters is are they speaking acording to "thus saith the LORD"? Test all things,..even yourself daily and ask God for wisdom 1 Corinthians 2:12(KJV) "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." I pray you find a church that is a blesssing to you and your family. A place where you can glorify GOD always. GOD Bless you and your family sister and i pray this was a blessing for you...I will keep you in my prayers..take care =)

Alicia - posted on 01/04/2010

Hi...your question is not at all childish or ignornant. Families have a lot of traditional beliefs that they consider Christian beliefs. However, the only true way to get close to God is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, praying and asking him to forgive you of your sins and to come dewell in your heart. The bible says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:23-24) and "That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9-10) You dont have to go to church to accept Christ. However, once you do the church is there to help guide you and teach you the bible and how to have a growing relationship with Christ. There are so many churches to choose from, but you want to go to a church that will teach the bible correctly. And its not necessarily limited to one denomination you can go to several such as Baptist, Methodist, however, my church that we attend doesnt say its a baptist church or a methodist church, but it is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, but we didnt know that to begin with, so when we first started going we were very careful to see what they taught and also to find out the information quickly. In doing so, it kept us from wasting time if we didnt agree with the teachings. There are churches out there that teach incorrect information and dont teach from the bible correctly. Also there are different styles of churches also, we atttend one that is very laid back and we love it. The pastor wears jeans and t-shirts (sometimes collard button shirts) but its very comfortable and inviting to anyone. Its not like the typical church that everyone wears dresses and suits, which is ok too. But we just like the more laid back atmosphere.

But regardless of the style of church, again, the MOST IMPORTANT thing is that you have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Only HE can get you closer to the Father..."I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father (God) except through me" (John 14:6). If you dont have a bible the easier reads are the New Living Translation or the American Standard, they are put into our modern day language. The New International Version is great also or the King James or New King James, however those have an older language style that make it more difficult to read sometimes. But if you do have a bible or when you get one start reading in John (the New Testament) and I would stay in the New Testament for a bit to help you get started and learning the Word. Dont get me wrong the WHOLE bible is important, but that is the best place to start. Please let me know if you have any questions that I could answer. Praying for you!

Vicki - posted on 01/04/2010

taht is a great question and desision you dont need to dress fancy or anything like that u just go as your normal self and you will just start to get close to god when i first became a christain i found it really hard always thing oh h aint there he dosnt care and i found it really hard to pray but in the end all u have to do is think back and think how much he has done for you so far but you just need to find the right church to go to where u feel like you are welcome and feel just like home but it does take time

Angela - posted on 01/04/2010

You can make a personal decision that you want to be close to God, and your actions will follow by setting a allotted time to pray and read the word of God. Listen to word on the radio, and TV stations. So that you can be taught daily. Determine what you may need in a church such as children church, bible study nights, times of services. Denomonation or non denomination. You want to be able to be attentive and not destracted. Money is not the equation. No one looks at whether you have money or not in a church. It a place for you to rest from your burdens. If it bothers you that the church looks fancy go to another church no so fancy. Look in local phone book and see what church stands out to you and attend one Sunday. God will direct you the church where you need to attend. John 3:16 Just like you have known your husband for 16 years you have to spend time with God to know him. It takes and small effort however it is worth it

Natasha - posted on 01/04/2010

First things first you go to a church you feel comfortable in. Two years ago I had to move with my son interstate to escape a violent husband I moved to a small town with four churches I went to each one until it felt right. I have to say where I am now has supported me through many hurdles and have supported me as a single divorced mother. If you want your children to benifit find somewhere with a goood childrens service so you can have quality time in church concentrating on what God want you to hear to help you get strength to get through day to day stuff. Can I ask what area do you live in??? Maybe I can help in suggesting good places to go. But most of all follow your heart because it is an enriching time to educate yourself and your childrenat the same time in the ways of the Lord. Hope I haven't come on too strong feel free to respond back if you want any more encouragement.

Roxane - posted on 01/03/2010

Do not be intimidated by big churches. Sometimes the reason they are so large is because they have good solid teaching so the Lord blessed them. Now days even the large churches are mostly laid back. My husband and I attend a large church because it is the only local church we have been in where we felt the precence of God. We are totaly jeans & tee shirt people and while a lot of the other congregant wear thier Sunday best noone looks down at us. Check out a few different churches when you get to the one God wants you in, you will know it.

Sandy - posted on 01/03/2010

First and foremost find a church that fits you. Not the other way around. Your Church family should reflect what you believe. You get closer to God by praising him and praying to him and following his ways. If a church seems to rich for you dont go and look for a smaller church. Be sure the teach the bible and the rest will fall into place.

Loresa - posted on 01/03/2010

Just remember, sweetheart, there is no special formula for a relationship with God. He just wants to be your everything. Just talk to him like you are talking to your best friend and before you know it HE will be. Where every you go make sure you feel comfortable. I went to a very large church and thought that at first, but i soon realised it was about God and not me. I could wear jeans on a sunday night and sit my someone wearing a 1000 dress, We all talk to God the same way. Remember, its about the upward not who is sitting beside you and what you and they are wearing.

Cathy - posted on 01/03/2010

Since you do not have a Church home I would say the first thing you need to do to pray and ask God to lead you where He wants you. You will never feel like you are part of a Church family until you are where He wants you to be. You will know that it is right by your feeling of connection, it will be a perfect fit. Our closeness to God will grow over time. You wanting to give yourself to God is the most important step. Your involvement in the Church will lead you to make friends with other Christians and this will help you grow in Christ and your relationship with him will grow. I pray that you will find a Church home for you and your family soon.

Jenni - posted on 01/03/2010

This is definitely not an ignorant question. It's difficult to get started sometimes when you feel so detached. We enrolled our children in a Lutheran Preschool and now I have a 6 year old that is attending the regular school in kindergarten. This is really what has brought my husband and I back to our faith. I was never an "active" Christian. I believed in God and that Jesus died for our sins. I appreciated Him and thought that I was a Christian woman simply because of my beliefs. I recently ended a 12 week bible study on David. It is called "Annointed, Trasformed, Redeemed...The Story of David." It is by Beth Moore, Kay Arthur and Priscilla Shirer. I finally dove into the Bible and studied the life of David which has taught me so much about what it means to be a Christian. We do pay for our kids to be in private school but by them growing up in the faith, it has in a way forced us to learn more to keep up with them and in turn has taught us the importance of raising our kids in a faith driven environment. It has been amazing for us. I think you can start just by going to a Christian bookstore and pick out a book that may inspire you. Or do a home study to begin. Pray to God and ask what the next step should be. You may just get a feeling or an impulse to go in a certain direction. Ultimately, the most important thing to do is to start to read the Bible. You can never go wrong there! Good luck and God bless you!

Cara - posted on 01/03/2010

Aneshia - posted on 01/03/2010

your are your church and the buliding where you go and fellowship with other believers and renew you mind the you become close to God is through his word and when your in that building and if you are not geting you spirt feed go to another chruch the devil will try anything from stop you from hereing the word of God you see God is Love and if God is you father you walk in love and that church that preach and teach and pratice God's word will walk in love.

Emily - posted on 01/03/2010

Find a church that Preaches the word of God. Also, one you feel comfortable in. One where the people are friendly and welcoming. Be in God's word and He will give you peace.

Casey - posted on 01/03/2010

I have grown close to the Lord by reading his word and praying daily. I would pray and ask him to guide you to a church. Churches should not judge you by financial status.
I would find one you feel comfortable in and i would not care what others think, after all you are there for the Lord. God Bless

Kim - posted on 01/03/2010

I am going to answer this without reading any of the other replies. My opinion - visit every church. Seriously, if you visit one, and don't quite feel comfortable, next week, visit the next one. And even if you felt right at home at the first one, visit the next one the following week. After services, visit with the people there, ask questions. You want to find a church whose beliefs are similar to yours, and sometimes that can take weeks, or months.
Keep in mind, giving an offering is something those who can, do. Tithing is only for members of a church ... not that you cannot tithe, you most certainly can, but it's generally "expected" from those who join a specific church as a member.
I was baptised Methodist, but was raised in Assembly of God churches ... I feel comfortable in either as I have mostly attended Methodist churches since I became an adult. I have raised my children in Methodist church because that is where I feel most comfortable - not necessarily with the people ... that's the easy part ... but with the views and beliefs of the religion itself. Personally, I do not follow any one religion. I am spiritual, I believe in God and I pray to Him and seek guidance from Him. I haven't been to church in a few years - personal issues - but I have never stopped having my talks with God. The building, the religion, won't bring you closer to God. Talk to Him, pray to Him, praise Him, make Him a part of your daily life and that will bring you closer. A church provides fellowship - for many it is a part of religion they need. Read your Bible, give yourself to God and do your best to be your best. I haven't attended church, but I have not left God, nor has He left me.
I hope this helps ... and remember, this was my experience, my opinion.

Yvonda - posted on 01/02/2010

Quoting Jolyn:

what city are you in?

Hi Jolyn... I'm in Lexington, Ky

Yvonda - posted on 01/02/2010

Quoting Kelley:

Ok, I might get wordy but hang in there with me.
I was raised a traditional christian (as far as Jesus- son of God- died on the cross etc.) but really that summed up Christianity for me.)
My husband when I met him, knew Christ. I, on the other hand knew Bible, (Lutheran catacism for 2yrs. etc). Can you guess who the real deal was??? It was Todd (my husband). it fustrated me, because even though I had bible knowledge he had a relationship with Jesus, My husband had faith!
It wasn't until a couple years later when I went forward on a Wednesday night service and I got on my knees at that alter and confessed my own sins and that I believed Jesus is God's only begotten son, born of a virgin, he died on the cross to pay for my sins, raised from the dead, and then I asked HIM to come into my heart, to be my Lord and I received Him as my Saviour. Atfer this I was hungry for God, not just the pretty sunsets and the givver of things asked for but the God of Moses the one who parted the Red Sea, Jesus the opener of blind eyes, the real Deal! So I got the Bible on tape (no CD's at that time) and listened to it while I was working. Then and only then did My God- 'The God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob, -My savior JESUS' show me the wonder of HIS word. this is because when I accepted Jesus and Lord and Saviour the the the Holy Spirit came in my heart, and opened my eyes- spiritually. In the new testament Jesus said that only the Holy spirit reveals certain truths to us...(I'll send the bible ref. later)

this next part is VERY IMPORTANT *
1st step - have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal lord and saviour? Or are you looking for religion?

I'll send more in a few moments....I gotta' go put dinner on the table :)

Thank you so much Kelley, your advice has really helped me and gave me a few things to think about!

Jolyn - posted on 01/02/2010

what city are you in?

Kelly - posted on 01/02/2010

I agree

Devonia - posted on 01/02/2010

First of all God says come as you are. Not how much money you have. You go to a chuch that is preaching the word of God and stands for Holliness. God only require 10%. the rest is offering or if God put in your heart to pay more. If you are at a church and the preacher is only worried about how many member he have and how much money you make that is not of GOD!! It is some good churches out there, you just have to ask God to lead you to the right one.

Kelly - posted on 01/02/2010

Ask God to lead you where He wants you and to give you a peace about it. He will..

Kelley - posted on 01/02/2010

FINDING A CHURCH-

My personal experience is there are church buildings, and there are church religions, but truly Jesus called us a body. A body of believers. Find out how you want to live out your belief in Jesus, catholic, lutheran. methodist, baptist, Pentacostal, etc... then take a look at the people (not outward, but they're character to one another and to you the stranger/visitor) We are told in the Bible that we would be known by our love one toward another.

Find the people you would want to be an extention of your family, who would you enjoy serving alongside?

Kelley - posted on 01/02/2010

Ok, I might get wordy but hang in there with me.
I was raised a traditional christian (as far as Jesus- son of God- died on the cross etc.) but really that summed up Christianity for me.)
My husband when I met him, knew Christ. I, on the other hand knew Bible, (Lutheran catacism for 2yrs. etc). Can you guess who the real deal was??? It was Todd (my husband). it fustrated me, because even though I had bible knowledge he had a relationship with Jesus, My husband had faith!
It wasn't until a couple years later when I went forward on a Wednesday night service and I got on my knees at that alter and confessed my own sins and that I believed Jesus is God's only begotten son, born of a virgin, he died on the cross to pay for my sins, raised from the dead, and then I asked HIM to come into my heart, to be my Lord and I received Him as my Saviour. Atfer this I was hungry for God, not just the pretty sunsets and the givver of things asked for but the God of Moses the one who parted the Red Sea, Jesus the opener of blind eyes, the real Deal! So I got the Bible on tape (no CD's at that time) and listened to it while I was working. Then and only then did My God- 'The God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob, -My savior JESUS' show me the wonder of HIS word. this is because when I accepted Jesus and Lord and Saviour the the the Holy Spirit came in my heart, and opened my eyes- spiritually. In the new testament Jesus said that only the Holy spirit reveals certain truths to us...(I'll send the bible ref. later)

this next part is VERY IMPORTANT *
1st step - have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal lord and saviour? Or are you looking for religion?

I'll send more in a few moments....I gotta' go put dinner on the table :)

Janet - posted on 01/02/2010

Being close is as simple is picking up the bible and reading his word and talking to him ask him to came in to you heart you want to be close to him and you want him to help you find a church that will make you and your family welcome.. God loves you and they are churches out there that preach the bible and make you happy thats what you need to look for in a church.

Kimberly - posted on 01/02/2010

First you don't want a church that doesn't allow you to come as you are so if you feel uncomfortable that is not the church for you. It took me a few churches before I found one that felt right. When I did I got an overwhelming feeling that God was there...that's the feeling you're looking for to know you found your church. It doesn't always happen in one visit but you'll know the feeling when you have it. As far as establishing your relationship with God...that takes time, faith and prayer. It will come...sooner than later if you're ready to let God in.

Christina - posted on 01/02/2010

Quoting Victoria:

The right church will make you feel at home & comfortable, it's teaching will line up with the scriptures and be at least somewhat challenging to you, so that you will grow. But even while you start your search for a Church get into the word of God, get a bible, the NIV, NTL, Message or Amplified translations are all the good & easier to understand than the KJV. Getting into the word will bring you closer to God as He is a God of His word. Also start up an open dialog with God through prayer & praise, it's always good to start to pray & praise through the scriptures and as you develop your prayer and praise life it will just start to flow from your heart anyway.

You'll be in my prayers. If you open to God, He will lead you.

I agree with Victoria..... pray and get into the Word while you search for a church.  It is very important to develop a personal relationship with Jesus, it will keep you strong.  God will lead you to the perfect place, the place that He has prepared for you and your family.  You might see it coming home from the store, a friend might invite you or you might met a stranger at the mall who tells you about a church, but God will lead you.  I believe it is important to find a church based on if the teaching there is according to the Word.  Always check whatever is preached with the Word.  It is also important that you learn and grow.  Sometimes you will have to try a church out for a while to see.  God bless and let us all know what happens.

Suzanne - posted on 01/02/2010

i have been raised in the church all my life, a church on the outside doesn't really say whats in the inside.. its the people in the church... how do they take care of the flock. ? how do they greet people.. give your heart to GOD FIRST.. HAVE YOU ? AND CAN YOU FEEL SUPPORT IN THE CHUCH. AND DO THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRT FLOW IN THE CHURCH... YOU CAN KNOW THE FEW MINTUES WHEN YOU STEP INTO A CHURCH. GOOD LUCK I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU.

Heather - posted on 01/02/2010

I would recommend googling churches in your area. You can tell a lot about a church from their website. Even listen to sermons and see pictures and such. Pray and ask God to lead you in finding a church that is right for you and your family. When you find one that is right if the way they dress makes you uncomfortable see if you can talk with the pastor. See if it is required or just their tastes. Personally I don't go to fancy churches because we are not suppose to glorify ourselves, but God. We are still to be modest, but I have issues when people go to church in designer clothes that cost so much that I could have fed my entire family for 2 months...

Good Day! - posted on 01/02/2010

I'm so glad you are asking this. Church is so important to Christian growth. Don't worry about fitting in. If you feel like you are being judged or not welcomed then just go somewhere else. That church's priorties are not in the right place if that is the case. The church is go to is so not fancy and I love it. People show up in ripped jeans and cowboy boots. Anyway, when looking for a church it is important to find one where you feel comfortable and one that teaches from the Bible. Good luck!

Shannon - posted on 01/02/2010

Don't let the big fancy churches intimidate you. Try them out. I actually prefer small churches because I like the small community feeling, but I attend a fairly large church (about 1500 members) because their program for children is amazing and the pastor is really good. I don't have a lot of money either, but don't feel out of place. We tried out lots of churches before we found the one that suited my family best. I made a lot of christian friends by volunteering at the church and taking bible study classes. Surround yourself with Christianity and you will become closer to God. Read the bible regularly. Pick a time in the day you can read the bible, even if it's just 15 minutes a day, everyday. (I need to do this as well.) And pray, pray, pray.

God bless you!

Celicia - posted on 01/02/2010

Just like a book, try not to judge a church by it's cover. I've learned that there are some really "fancy" churches that are that way, not because of money, but because the Holy Spirit is ever present in that church so God has multiplied it's blessings. It might be overwhelming, but a church that is filled with the Holy Spirit will make you feel at home. No matter where you go, there will be hypocrites and some people will judge you, but just try to remember that you are there for God and no one else. Try working on your relationship with God by praying everyday and reading the Bible. Only you and God know where your faith is, but I have learned that those that have Christian beliefs don't necessarily have a relationship with Jesus. The only way to fix that is to make a relationship with Him. He hears all you say and all you think, so talk to Him. Read the love letter He created for us (the Bible)! Don't just read it, study it. Breathe it and love it. There are many people in this world that are not allowed to go to church but they have stronger relationships with God and the majority of "Christians" in America because they will sacrifice everything to get their hands on the Bible just to memorize as much as they can. So, don't be so stuck on the church aspect, that will come in time and you do need it to get education from someone that has a firmer understanding on the Bible, but it is NOT a requirement to having a relationship with Jesus. Pray about it and trust in God to point you in the right direction. Do some research on the internet. That's how I found the church I'm going to be attending for the first time. They have their mission statement posted and they are strictly a Bible church, so I know what the expect before I walk in the door. God bless!!!

Victoria - posted on 01/02/2010

O yeah and just so you know, there are no childish questions when it comes to God, for He himself said that only those who have the heart of a child (in regards to the things of God) will inherit the kingdom- it's in Matthew I think.

Victoria - posted on 01/02/2010

The right church will make you feel at home & comfortable, it's teaching will line up with the scriptures and be at least somewhat challenging to you, so that you will grow. But even while you start your search for a Church get into the word of God, get a bible, the NIV, NTL, Message or Amplified translations are all the good & easier to understand than the KJV. Getting into the word will bring you closer to God as He is a God of His word. Also start up an open dialog with God through prayer & praise, it's always good to start to pray & praise through the scriptures and as you develop your prayer and praise life it will just start to flow from your heart anyway.

You'll be in my prayers. If you open to God, He will lead you.

Donna - posted on 01/02/2010

There are many churches you can attend. Find a church you feel welcomed and make it a place where you feel you can grow in your relationship with God. Also grab a bible and a christian book about having a real relationship with God(try a christian book store). Remember you dont have to go to church to start a relationship with God. God is everywhere. Pray read your bible that is a great start and yes find a church you feel comfortable in. I'll pray for you that God will be very near to you.God will bless your family in a real way. Love and Prayers to you all.