I want to become a Christian but feel overcome by aspects. I feel like I wont be accepted and feel that I can't pray properly. I don't go to church yet because of these feelings. Am I doing something wrong? I am shy and don't feel comfortable approaching a pastor cos I always fear being ridiculed.
2006-12-18 00:45:59 · 27 answers · asked by CandyApple 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No it just looks like you know Christians pretty well.
2006-12-18 00:48:33 · answer #1 · answered by Simon says 4 · 1⤊ 7⤋
As far as I understand you currently believe yourself to be an atheist. There are several things to consider when approaching your dillema:
- Being Christian has little to do with going to church. Once you accept Christ as your savior in your heart you life is changed. So ask yourself, do you accept Jesus as your savior?
- When Jesus's desciples asked him about a proper way to pray he answered that there is no certain proper way. Just say what you feel, talk about whatever is on your mind and even if it seems to come out "wrong" don't be discouraged. As long as what you are saying is sincere that's all what counts. Besides, practice makes perfect :)
- Christians are generally very accepting people and when a new person comes to a church it's a reason to rejoice, not to ridicule. A pastor is a good person to talk to because they have years of experience with new believers and have devoted themselves to service. And at the same time they are people just like you and me and they know the troubles and hesitation.
- Ask yourself two more questions: Why do you feel that you won't be accepted? and Why do you think that you will be ridiculed? Finding answers in your heart may help.
And a few last words: if you want to discover Christianity in the comfort of your home before venturing into a church read the Bible. It will help you find answers and confidence. And when you are ready to join a congregation go to different churches, find the one where you are most comfortable, talk to people, talk to pastors, observe. You will find the right one for you with Lord's help.
2006-12-18 09:06:36 · answer #2 · answered by OlgaBJ 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You must go to see a pastor with the following fact in your mind. If he ridicules you, then he is definitely not the pastor for you and you need never see him again. If, on the other hand, he receives you gladly (as I feel confident that he will), then you will have overcome this hurdle.
The Devil will do what he can to stop people approaching Christ. He is obviously having a go at you by telling you all these lies about how you won't be welcome. Be aware of these lies and don't listen! Just think of the words of Jesus: "He who comes to me I will not on any account cast out." Those are the words of truth. Jesus welcomes you and so will any Christian who serves Him.
As for prayer -- that is something we learn all our lives. I'm still not very good at it!
2006-12-18 08:59:13 · answer #3 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I understand. Sometimes I'm afraid of people and I'm particularly intimidated by pastors. It must be some father thing. I've always had wierdness with male authority figures. Anyway, just to to church. Blend in and ask God to help you find friends.
As far as praying, there's no magic formula.
It's just like talking to a friend. And God is the best friend you'll ever have. He knows everything you're gonna say before you say it and He doesn't want repitious stuff that means nothing. He wants heartfelt co nversation with a friend. Just like you would.
Anyway, God bless you. Don't let Satan put fear in your heart.
Jesus loves you!!!
2006-12-18 09:21:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well seems like your already on your way there :), you jus need to ask God to take you on this journey and trust in Him that He will lead you. He will take you to the church that He has for you, He will be with you each day and cleanse you of your sins. And as far as praying goes look to the Lords prayer as a model, and if you really want help then ask the Lord to help you with your prayer, an if all else fails trust in this, the Bible says the Holy Spirit hears your prayers then takes them to the father, when they get there He tells it to the father in the way that it should be said, He looks past what you want and think you need and looks within your heart and very being to see what the problem really is. Remember Spiritual Formation is the process of Being Conformed into the Image of Christ for the Sake of Others. Christ is conforming you into His Image, so let him do the work :)
2006-12-18 09:05:59 · answer #5 · answered by pastor2Be 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Candy Apple,
If you truly feel Gods pull in your heart. You only have to accept Jesus Christ into your life. He will come. He is always there waiting for you to allow him into your heart. Just ask and he will be there. Be assured he is the only one who has to accept you. There is no set pattern in accepting except being truly honest and repentant of your past sinful life. My advice to you is to purchase a good Holy Bible. The Thomas Nelson Open Bible is a good study bible. Study the books of John, Matthew, Luke and John in the new testament. Read them over and over until you know Jesus personally. He has given his life for you. Be aware, though, if you do so. You will be entering a war that you have never experienced before. You must be knowledgeable about your Christianity and be surely grounded in your faith. You will need to find a good four square teaching church to attend. A good bible study group is a must for a new convert. I hope and pray that you will accept Christ and become a great warrior of the faith. It is only through Jesus Christ that you will have the peace inside and fortitude to withstand the coming days.
There are many good books available at Christian book stores. Most people who work on those stores are born again Christians, they can help you in your quest.
Just remember, the only person you have to care about is Jesus Christ. He will accept you, no matter how you are dressed, no matter how shy and uncomfortable you feel. He Loves you. When Jesus left this earth and returned to the father in heaven, he left the Holy Spirit here. He will come and dwell inside you. Your body becomes His temple. He will guide you if you ask. The book of the bible is only a book, unless he is there to teach you the hidden truth. Jesus said, Ask anything of the Father {God} in my name, and that will he do.
With Loving Prayer for you,
Hisemiester
2006-12-18 09:14:31 · answer #6 · answered by hisemiester 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I am a Christian, and I'm sure other Christians will accept you. As for non-Christians, some may not accept you, but not to worry, because God will replace such relationships with better ones. And about prayer, Jesus taught us how to pray, look at His prayers and the Lord's prayer and other prayers in the Bible. You'll always find one to relate with, so personalize them into your own prayers. But remember that prayer is talking with God, do it how you feel comfortale, always remembering who He is. I'm not so good at it, but it does not stop Him from answering and Loving me. take a step and go to church and if you are a youth, attend a youth group. Every Christian started off not knowing much. If a Christian ridicules you, God won't miss that.
2006-12-18 08:54:59 · answer #7 · answered by discombobulated girl 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Hi, I understand this because I was in the same boat at one time,my advice is to start off gently by taking some time to talk to God in the privacy of your bedroom,and do not be too concerned about how to pray,just tell Him your feelings and concerns as you would talk to a best friend,and please remember that there are forces that do not want you to have a relationship with God and can cause you some mental anguish,but be brave and do as your heart tells you and the Lord will come to your aid.
If you practice this daily connection to God I promise that all else will fall into place, but you must Trust in the Lord.
2006-12-18 08:52:23 · answer #8 · answered by Sentinel 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
This is a classic symptom of doubt. It is very normal. Doubt is the opposite of faith. It will be very difficult for you to become a Christian as long as you succumb to fear.
Fear and doubt are Satan's last line of defense. You are thinking about God-Satan is afraid he will lose you. Satan can not physically stop you from believing in and trusting God. But, he can lie to you, and that is what is happening in your fear. If you believe the lie (which most people do), you will never know God.
If you will tell me what city you live in or near, maybe I can point you to someone who will help. 'No' name or address or phone number-just city, and maybe religious background-what is your family- Methodist, Anglican, Catholic, Pentecostal, other??.
FYI- I am a Bible beliving, born again Chrsitian. As a child I went to a Methodist church, as an younger adult a Southern Baptist, and now Independant-non Charismatic. Just so you will know.
2006-12-18 09:06:04 · answer #9 · answered by Desperado 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If any faith ridicules you then it isn't a place where you want to be. How would someone know if you are praying wrong? Praying is a personal experience and the only one that should be worried about what you are doing is yourself and the Divine.
2006-12-18 08:53:10 · answer #10 · answered by Stephen 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
honey, you don't have to be afraid. you can talk to God in your own words.He will understand your heart,even if your words can't express how you feel. if you have a bible, read Romans,10:9. " If thou shalt confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead,thou shall be saved." Spend some time with the Lord in your own room by just talking to him. He will lead you to where you need to be if you just trust Him. Not another person in this word will love you like Jesus does. He wants to spend time with you, He wants to love on you, and bless you. His love is unconditional and what He wants from us is to believe him, trust him, and receive Him. He always has our back when we put Him first. He wants a relationship with you. "Seek ye first, the Kingdom of God, and He will give you the desires of your heart" The "Kingdom of God" is righteousness,peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost". An inner peace, an inner joy and desire to please Him. There is no peace or joy like what Jesus gives you. And it's a gift. it's free. Only,believe!!! You can accept Him right where you are, just you and Him. God will guide you when you let him.He's awesome!! there is no greater LOVE!!!!!!!!
2006-12-18 09:18:37 · answer #11 · answered by jomi 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋