Looking for guidance... Christians?

Question

I'm just going to dive right into this, serious answers only please...
Through my life, I've always had the feeling that something was missing. Like when you've forgotten something in the car, and can't remember what it is...
My friends and I were discussing this just the other day, and one finally asked how religious I was. I grew up in a pretty much athiest family, so I never really gave my spirituality any thought. But my friends, who are devoted christians, simply talked to me, and I found myself entranced by what they were saying.
Where can I go, who can I talk to? I'm only 16, and my parents think I'm just 'being silly'. But I really feel I need to look into whatever this is... That I have to *truely* find where I stand...

I don't know if this makes any sense, but is there any advice on where to turn to? I'm incredibly shy and I can't really just go to a church and ask someone. I don't think I'd actually be comfortable talking to my friends totally seriously about this either.

Answer 1

It is a wonderful thing that you are conscious of your spiritual need.

Here are some links I recommend:

The best way to satisfy your spiritual needs:
http://www.watchtower.org/e/20020422/article_04.htm

Do You Want to LIVE Forever?
http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2004/11/15/article_02.htm

True Teachings That Please God:
http://www.watchtower.org/e/20050715/article_02.htm

Answer 2

This is great! There is no journey more wonderful than finding faith, and if it fufills whatever you've been missing all your life, more the better! Look for Christian groups in your school and try sitting in on a few meetings. Get to know the students there and always, ASK QUESTIONS! No question is too basic. What matters most is not being afraid of seeming "stupid" but truly understanding what is going on in Christianity. Ask your friends where they go to church and see if you can come along for a Bible study or youth group. These things are usually casual and all-welcoming and a great introduction to Jesus.

Don't let anyone keep you from exploring what your heart knows you need. If you're really shy, have a friend come with you. You'll always be glad you have a support system, and so will your friends. Good luck and God bless!!

Answer 3

I know exactly what you are saying about the "missing" part. When you accept Jesus for who He is and what He did, you will find the hole filled with Him, His Spirit. I think we were made this way for that reason. He not only makes us holy, but He also makes us whole and complete.

There are resources on-line that you can find out all you would need about coming to Jesus. There are also bibles and commentaries, study guides and lessons, etc. You could also go to a local church and talk with a pastor or priest. They can probably help you answer any questions too.

There is a book I would recommend, called "Classic Christianity, life is too short to miss the real thing" written by Bob George. It's an easy read and explains many of the questions you may have in a very clear and understandable way. God bless.

Answer 4

Talk to God. Do you have a Bible?? If not, go to your local thrift store, there's usually plenty on the shelves, a lot of churches hand them out for free too. Start reading in the New Testament, I often hear that John is a good one to start with. I also like the book Romans for a lot of the basics of Christianity. You can find that missing piece on your own if you need to. He's there, listening, and He wants you to get to know Him. He's a loving Father, a God of grace and mercy.

Finding a church when you're only 16 can be a challenge. Not all churches have a great youth group. If it's possible, just try out different churches in your area. You don't have to talk to anyone, you might be greeted by someone, but in my experience, you can walk in and out of most churches without being noticed. It's sad, but true. Listen to the sermons, and maybe you'll find one that just says "home" to you and you'll fit in and make friends. Ask God to help you find it.

Answer 5

The best advise is to be careful about taking advise from strangers on the Internet. Obviously you don't know what kind of creeps and jokers you're talking to or what their agenda is.

Be cautious about diving into the first religion or cult that appeals to you. The world is full of evangelists trying to save your soul and some of them represent some really weird stuff. Run, don't walk, away from any group which claims that only they are right and everyone else is wrong. Anyone that threatens you with hell is laying an power trip on you -- don't give them that power. Take your time. At age 16 you're really vulnerable to groups that would love to make you their puppet. Don't trust people that haven't earned your trust. It's a jungle out there and some people who claim to speak for God are really quite evil.

My opinion, for what it's worth, is that how we live is more important than what we believe. All the major religions teach the golden rule (Do onto others...etc) even if they don't always live it. That's the best lesson any of the religions teach. Everything else is commentary.

Answer 6

I commend your search.
Go first to the source. Pick up and read a copy of The New Testament. Read the stories of Jesus. Read about his ministry, his words and his love. See how you respond to what you read. Another resource is to watch "Jesus of Nazareth", the teleseries by Franco Zeffirelli, which may help to answer some of the questions you might have about the historical context and some of the meanings of what you've been reading (you can find this on DVD, fairly cheaply).
Ask to go to church service with a friend. See how you feel about what's being said, and how it compares with what you've read and/or seen. There are many types of Christian worship in the world, and many different views of what it all means. And there are many answers.
I believe everyone is a child of God, and is created with the freedom to think, and to choose, and to doubt. Your heart may begin to tell you what choices you want to make. You may try saying a few words to God when you feel moved to, and trust that you are being heard by someone who loves and accepts you as you are, without reservation.
If you come to a place where you want to think about joining a specific church, that's the time to start talking with ministers or priests, or reverends about your journey toward faith..
God is already reaching out to you. Do you want to reach out as well?
May God bless and keep you.

Answer 7

That is totally cool that your interested in Christianity. i am a Christan myself. You said you had some friends that were Christians, you could just talk to them. Also at school there are always things like young live and little bible studies in the mornings. But you should defiantly look into this. Even though Christan's aren't perfect and our lives aren't always easy Jesus is there and he will never leave you if you ask him into you heart and believe that he is the only way to heaven and that he rose from the dead. Again I think its really cool that your taking the time to look into this. Your not wasting your time; eternal life in a perfect world (also know as Heaven) after we die is going to be awsome.

Answer 8

If you truly want this stuff then go with your friends to where they go. However, do not except everything told to you without questioning. Just ask your friends "can I go to church with you?" You don't have to go to "accept Jesus" or "be saved" the first day. Go as an observer and see what it is all about.

I no longer believe in God, but I can tell you that church can be a great place and you'll meet a lot of friends there that are willing to accept you. Do not let what they say restrict God to how they (humans) want him to be. It's hard to explain, but I'll say try and give God credit if you come to believe he is the creator of all things.

Good luck.

Best Regards,
Zach

Answer 9

I concur with 2ndchapteracts.

You can check out the book of John online as well.
There are a varitey of websites. I like to use the Blue letter Bible.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/
When you find a verse click the "v" to the left for various versions, or select the desired translation in the upper right.

In any case, John is a good place to start. Check out Galatians as well. See if your friends will take you to a youth group activity sometime. I'm sure they would be happy to. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Ask God to help you become closer to Him.

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
James 4:8

Answer 10

Dear Allie, God has been expecting these questions from you before you were even born and because He loves you more than you can imagine,He left the answers to all your questions and complete instructions to help you find abundant life....everything you seek is in the Bible. I found my answers in the Gospel of John and the rest of the New Testament. "Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled."
Matthew 5:6. Bless you as you seek your path.

Answer 11

Why don't you talk with your friends who are devoted Christians? Go to church with them maybe? If not, you can email me if you want.

Also, if you do not have a Bible and are skeptical of getting one due to your parents, obviously you can get online. Try going to www.biblegateway.com and read God's word. If you do this, start with the New Testament first, then go back and read the Old Testament, it is easier to understand that way.