Back again...thank goodness!

[ShelleyMaxwell]

Hello everyone!

I became a member back last October, I believe, when I found Jesus the second time in my life (the first time I was Catholic for at least three or four months before things there started to bother me, and I had to move away as well). I 'lasted' maybe a month the second time, I think, and a mediocre experience at a local United church sent me spiralling back to paganism...so sorry about that. =( It's been a few months and I'd been searching desperately for something that felt...right, rather than how pointless and empty paganism started to feel to me (so many unnecessary god forms, so little time!), and I 'decided' to try again. I listened to Flyleaf, started reading "Disciplines of a Godly Woman", and reading my Bible. I'm back!

I'd like to throw a few questions out there, and I'd rather ball it all up into one thread rather than a few all over the forums.

Firstly! How do you guys deal with the criticism that inevitably comes from nonbelievers? Of the 'Oh god she's been brainwashed!' or 'You must be stupid for believing in that' kind of thing. For example, my boyfriend is agnostic-or-something and I care for him deeply, and he would never criticise me on that, but I'm afraid to 'come out' to him on that subject (since I've flip-flopped so much already!).

Second, I need help picking a bible version! I currently have an NSRV or something like that, and the language doesn't feel right to me. It's been simplified a bit too much; I love artistic language that needs at least a bit of thought. Contrarily I don't want a shakespearian headache, either. =)

Thirdly, let's see...I was going to ask for suggestions on what denomination I should pursue, but the only information I have ready is that I like the feel of a Catholic mass in that it (in my experience) is serious-ish and very scripture centered, whereas the United Church mass I went to was about 50% fundraiser advertisements. Not so mystical and bible-feely, you know?


And lastly, how does one remain strong and resolute against the doubts that seep into one's mind? Mostly my doubts come along the lines of "Am I really Christian? Do I truly believe this after being pagan for so long, or am I just bored?" Tough stuff.

I'll probably think of more questions to throw in here later, but this is a good start, I think!

 

[Christ4Ever]

First welcome back,

Sounds like you're not sure about a lot of things?

Took a while being born again didn't we? 2011 - 2012

You also seem to be focusing in on appearances rather than sustenance. What will people say? How will he react? At this time in your life in your walk, you really need to start asking some other questions first.

On your firstly; you have to understand what it is that has happened to you, before you can begin dealing with; "oh no she's been brainwashed" Why? because you'll be asked some of these questions by others as well. Not just me

You need to ask yourself questions, like:

Why do I believe what I believe? Break it down even further.

How did I get saved?

What was I getting saved from?

Wasn't I good enough before that I needed someone to die on the Cross for me? I mean that's a little extreme don't you think?

Do I really believe this about Jesus dying on the Cross and rising again on third day, or is it just embellished a little?

It's like going back to school but this time it's part of growing to become a new you! An awesome, You! A You that is Spirit Filled, a Woman that any Saved Man would cherish, and treasure forever. Which of cause leads to situation number two for me and still number one for you. Non-believing boyfriend. Whom I assume means the life to you of cause? Tough one, and not one I'll answer for you, because as you start to grow in God's Word, and you start to shine, he's going to see you in a much different light then he does now. The amazing part of this is, or will be, you won't have to say a word. In fact it wouldn't surprise me if he notices the changes in you, before you see them in yourself! How he reacts will tell more than words. You'll know though.

That is why, after you've gut checked yourself and know that Christ Jesus is number one in your life! Not 1A, but number 1. You can start changing old habits, and some of those habits you believed were just fine, because you went to church, and they told you what to believe and that was fine with you. Now it's time to put in some time with God's Word and with God Himself. How does one start getting out of bad habits? Start new good ones that's how.

Set aside a specific time each day to read His Word (I know, what Bible should I pick? Use the one you have until you can do further study. TJ has a thread that asks folks what type of bible they read. Shouldn't be too hard of a thread to find (Hint for somebody out there!). I have so many, that I use at different times, and always wind up giving away the one that happens to be in my possession or should I say that I carry along with me.) God will guide you to the right Bible for you. Keep in mind, it's not about simple, artistic, or I love the gold on the edge of them pages! It's about the content. As you continue to use it, and the more used this bible He will choose for you to have, and the more you start to learn from it, the more precious it will become! It will be like a tender friend, whose never let you down, and is so loving that it has even told you things you haven't wanted to hear, but need to hear for your own good Just like a loving parent to give you something that shows their love, but also makes you sit in that chair with a straight back, no slouching

Make time to pray. How are you going to get to know God better if you don't talk with Him? You say like the Lord's Prayer? Nope, things that are on your heart, your mind that you want clarity with. Hey, things that are bothering you and you need help with. Like maybe somebody at work, or a neighbor that is getting your last nerve, or the driver that just cut you off which makes you mad enough to chase that person down and cut them off, so they can see and feel what it's like to be cut off, but you don't. Believe it or not, it's things like that He wants to hear, and will help you with. You're not going to change from one minute to the next. Like I told you before, others might notice the changes before you do, but you have to give God the chance to show you and to work with you. Remember! Make some time for you and Him.

Keep in mind that some of the lessons you will begin to learn might be hard ones, but always remember, you're never alone. He's with you and will be with you after its over. That's one thing you can count on!

Anyway, I could go on and on and on. So my darling wife tells me I have a tendency to do (Love her dearly!). So I'll cut it short.

Hope others will continue to help you. As you already know if you didn't, you have brothers & sisters in Christ Jesus here who will help you and love you as well.
C4E

 

[ShelleyMaxwell]

Thank you for your reply! I took a few days to read it over before coming back to this thread, so my apologies for the delay. I love how thorough a response you gave and truly appreciate it. I'll be sure to go over it countless times, because it will help me plan out where to go from here. Heck I might even print it!

Anywhoo, I'm planning on taking a Library Day tomorrow to do some serious study and scripture reading, and I'm really excited. I'll pair that with reading some works by other Christians to supplement that, and do some serious soul searching. Every time I stop myself from worrying about what OTHER people think about what I believe, I feel in my heart that I'm moving in the right direction. It'll be a long road, but I know it will be worth it.

If anyone else is still out there I would still love to discuss this! Beginnings are tough, and I have a whole lot to tackle, hahah. <3

 

[stephen]

Welcom back shelly



Now you just stay with us.......We want to bless you in Jesus....that is our aim.

Bl;essings