Mature Christians?

Question

I'm fifteen and really want to grow spiritually, i want to get closer to God. Besides reading the Bible, does anyone have any tips?

Jedi, i have already read most the Bible and it only brought me closer to God. not atheist.

Wolf, the Bible for the most part matches history and proved things that we thought were wrong.

Tom.... Why do u wish to go away from the truth?

Answer 1

First of all, good job on reading the Bible as much as you do. I encourage you to continue doing that, daily. The more time you give to God, the closer you will grow in Him.

As for other things you do; Paul encourages his readers to share what they may believe so that they will grow in their own faith. So take the time to evangelize, to encourage your Christian friends, but make sure you do everything with Love.

Also, take time out of your day to read other Christian books. Two I highly suggest are "Practicing the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence and "Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster.

A lot of people are saying to pray, and that is evident, but specifically you will see yourself growing spiritually when you take time to intercede on behalf of others; those in your life and those not in your life. Choose a country that your heart really longs for and pray for the Christians there, the missionaries there, and all those who have not heard nor received the gospel. If you do this, you will grow spiritually.

The Bible tells us to "work out your salvation" and it seems you have a heart to do this and diligently seek God. Good luck, and feel free to e-mail me for anything at all.

Christ bless you brother

Answer 2

Good. It's people like you who make Jesus worth having.

Get involved in the life of your local church. Join ministries, stay in the state of prayer, always having an open ear to the voice of God. Minister to others. Don't let people leave the earth without knowing the joy that you have in God. Get a couple of youth together and you guys have little bible sessions every now and then to keep you all steadfast on the word of God. Youth tend to drift away from God, but you should make it a point to start some kind of Christian youth support group with your friends. It doesn't have to be formal or anything. God will be so proud of you. He already is. Keep up the good work.

Answer 3

Try going on a spiritual retreat. My mother had an opportunity to go on a silent retreat for an entire weekend. She said that her meditating, prayer and silence was really great and brought her closer to God. You also may want to find a men's retreat to find more spiritual awakenings. It sounds like you are well beyond your peers and would not get much out of something geared towards teens.
Another thing you may try is volunteering your time at a faith-based organization. A soup kitchen, home building or care giving place might bring you closer to God...having the opportunity to share His goodness with others could prove to be an uplifiting experience.
Good luck on your journey!
+God+ bless.

Answer 4

I don't think you should look for the "right" church because it feels good, or that maybe it believe's in things you like or doesn't believe in things you don't. After studying your Bible as you say you have then you need to pick the church that fits closest to what God says. Most churchs don't follow all the Bible truths. They only go by the ones that fit their lifestyle not Gods. Once you find the right church it's best to get involved. Anyone especially teens get bored if they are not involved. It makes us feel better when we are contributing our talents with others. Join a youth group. Most churches have one.
Make good Christian friends. Study with them. Go out and do fun activities with them, activities that are fun, but wholesome.

Answer 5

You will develop your relationship with God during your prayer times. Spend time talking and listening to Him in the same way that you would with any friend. Don't just read your bible, meditate on what it is saying to you and ask God to help you understand. Read testimony books about what God is doing in the lives of others. You will be amazed at some of the things He is doing in the world today. You should be able to get a good selection in your Christian book shop. Make sure you have plenty of good Christian fellowship and of course enjoy yourself. You are on the right road already. Bless you.

Answer 6

Research the many different branches of Christianity, and find one that you feel will help you in your spiritual journey. Don't settle on the first church that comes along. Do your homework. When you find the right church (if you haven't already) then become more active in it. Sing in the choir, join the altar guild, the youth group, whatever they've got that you feel interested in and spiritually moved by. The reason I say this is that I find it helps sometimes to be in the company of fellow believers. Then, you'll be around people who are concerned with spiritual matters, and are willing to openly talk about God.

Answer 7

Give your firstfruits of the day to God, praying in the spirit, building up your most holy faith. Then read where God leads you to read, even if it is the same chapter as yesterday. Follow after the spirit throughout the day. This is a must, to have the oil in your lamp full. The rapture could happen any moment. Are you ready?

Also, seek God for clarity for the hope of your calling. Ask for a vision for your future. Claim it when God gives it to you.

Answer 8

Pray, go to church, ask God to read the Bible with you, realize that he is with you all the time, not just on Sunday, join a youth group at your church or a church, talk with a pastor, research, learn the history of religion, do not turn away from scientific answers. Belief in God is not threatened by the possession of knowledge.

Do NOT preach to others and NEVER point out their sins or tell them they are going to burn in hell. A mature Christian knows that Jesus expressly told us we were NOT to do that and that we would be judged as harshly as we judge others. Forgive as often as you can and if you cannot, try harder. Love all people and take care of the earth.
----the rose

Answer 9

Give your heart to the Lord and ask for forgiveness for your sins. Pray to God and read His Word the Bible. Join a church where they teach God's Word and surround yourself with Christians, join a youth group and keep praying. God will answer your questions.

Answer 10

My dear sister, you are on the right path... please, stay there.

Before you read the Bible as you already are, pray hard that God will open your heart and show you the truths of the Bible and He will.... Also, ask God to start to give you His mind, so that you start to understand the things of God, He will....

As you must already know, it takes more than the Bible after you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, it takes the Holy Spirit in us to show us things, to love us, and to teach us.

Be strong my dear sister, ignore what the godless people tell you and keep doing what you are doing. Turn away from what you KNOW is evil and never let Satan fool you into believing that it's ok, when you know it's not....

Not if, but WHEN you fail, please, please remember this.... confess your sin immediately and learn from it and God will forgive you immediately... and then start over fresh and new...

Trust Jesus to guide you and give Him your whole heart.... He will never let you down.... I praise God for you !!!!!!