Can anyone tell me how to live a Christian life? I tried reading thae Bible and similiar books, but I'm having difficulty understanding them. My husband and I joined a Baptist church last year, and we were greeted with open arms. Whenever donations of any kind were collected, we eagerly donated. My husband told a member of the church that we wanted to donate $ to help build a kitchen in the banquet area. A few days later the Pastor made a comment that we can't buy our way into Heaven. Believe me, that was not our intentions! We do know that we can't buy our way into Heaven. We have asked 3 times to be Baptisted, only to be given an excuse. Our son recently got into some trouble with the law, and since I had no one to talk to, I phoned my Pastor to ask if I could talk with him. He was out of town, so I left a message. (He was back in town 2 days later.) He never returned my call. From then on, it seemed like we were being shuned from the other members. We finally stopped attending.
2007-07-27 07:58:11 · 10 answers · asked by alpacamms 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Wow I am so sorry that you have had this experience. Believe me it is not like that in every church. I go to a wonderful church that would help you if you asked.
Okay so start readingin the book of John. And my strong suggestion is to get a Bible concordance which will help you look up verses by subject matter or by major words that are foun in the verse. And also a good Bible commentary that will will explain the verses as you read them.
Zondervan maks a wonderful Bible that is a NIV (New International Verison) which includes both of these things. The commentary runs at the bottom of every page and at the beginning of each book there is an explanation of the book's topics, an outline, a background, etc. This Bible is a wonderful tool woth so many study helps and hihglights.
http://zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310936121&QueryStringSite=Zondervan#productdetails You can buy the Bible from Zondervan or you can find it (possibly cheaper) in your local Wal Mart or any Christian book store. Maybe even in a regular book store.
Ask God for wisdom and know that that voice you hear inside of you that urges you towards things and gives you complete peace is the Holy Spirit. Continually communicate with God. Communication does not have to be a drawn out loud prayer. You can speak to God under your breath and in your mind. It is personal relationship.
I think you really pray and persevere in reading the Bible. God WILL show you His will if you are willing to learn and be lead by His will.
If you need anything email me. If you want to let me know what area you live in I will be happy to help you find a good church that will be very supportive and teaching.
There are great books about basic discipleship meaning living a Godly lifestyle.
Here is one such website.
http://www.gospelcom.net/content/discipleship/
2007-07-27 08:11:39 · answer #1 · answered by Too Blessed To Be Stressed! 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like that church may not really be a church that follows the Bible. I went to a Baptist one for a short time, around 1995, and its pastor was claiming Jesus was returning as the new year started, midnight. And he got his info from a gypsy.
I have been looking all over, even the Internet to see if I can find a religion that is following ALL of the Bible. I can't find one. If you can get to a United Church of Christ you may like it better. I can't drive so I go where someone might be willing to take me or look for lessons on my TV. I got myself a satellite dish that is Christian.
Nowhere in the Bible dose it say to change the day of worship to the first day of the week; but most are worshiping then because a Roman Cesar ordered it over 1600 years ago. So you might want to look for a religion that has "seven day" in it. So you will be worshipping on the real Sabath.
Also avoid churches that insist on the King James Bible. For King James did not want the Bible in English; but he could not stop their being smuggled in. So he ordered his own and ordered that 400 words be replaced with other words, so it would have a different meaning.Like where all other translated Bibles have "wild ox" and "wild oxen", the KJB has "unicorns".
And over the past 400 years around 1000 more words have totaly changed their meaning. Like "gay" back then meant what "fine" dose today.
I have gone to a few chuches that use the KJB and they can distort what the Bible really says to what they want it to mean.
Look always for the truth. Put God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost before anyone else.
Pray to God and ask Him which church would be best.
I hope you do good.
2007-07-27 15:30:44 · answer #2 · answered by geessewereabove 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry that happened to you. Go find a different church. Find one where the pastors truly care about you and return your phone calls! That alone is a big red flag.
It's possible that they got the wrong impression from you. Maybe the member thought you were wanting everyone to know that you were giving money. Who knows?
I don't know why someone would refuse to baptize you and your husband. As long as you are professing Christ and desiring to live Godly I can't see why a pastor would refuse.
You live a Christian life by reading and obeying God's word. Try a John MacArthur study Bible. When you read, you can look at his notes on many verses. Also, go to your bookstore and look for books on living a Godly life. Make sure they are doctrinely sound though! There are a lot of books out there claiming to be good, but really will just mislead you and confuse you.
If it's by John MacArthur you can trust it. He is doctrinally sound and writes in a way that is clear and easy to understand. Start with a book called "Found: God's Will" by MacArthur. It is short, easy to read, and will help you understand your purpose. Please don't read The Purpose Driven Life, there are some good things in there, but unfortunately the bad outweigh the good. He takes many verses out of context.
I would also suggest Nancy Leigh DeMoss. She is an excellent author for women.
I wish you well in searching for a new church. If you have any questions feel free to email me and I'll do my best to help you out.
2007-07-27 15:13:50 · answer #3 · answered by Mrs M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That sounds so horrible. Sorry you had to experience that. The sorrowful thing about life is sometimes you have to go through a lot of things in order to come to the right place. God knew your heart and your intentions were good and He also knew that the people you were with at that time didn't deserve such a great blessing from you. Continue to search and you should find something that works for you and your family. As far as living the Christian life, the answers you ask you will find in the bible. Try readying Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:3-7,8-11, and also James 4:17. It will give you some clarity and please continue to search for God as He continues to make a way for you. I will pray for you in hope that you find what you are looking for. God bless.
2007-07-27 15:21:51 · answer #4 · answered by Yondie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Once a person has been saved, They become a new person. God puts that desire in our heart to serve Him.we must put our Faith and Trust in Him. We should pray, read our Bible, and go to church. You may want to try another Bible believing church. There are some wonderful Baptist churches around. Pray ask the Lord to lead and guide you. Ask Him to understand the Bible. We may never understand it all but, one day when we get to Heaven, we will understand it all. Don"t give up my friend. Lean on Jesus, He will never fail you.
2007-07-27 20:01:39 · answer #5 · answered by concerned 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe the Christian faith is not for you. It is entirely based on the bible, which is unreliable at best.
The New Testament was written 30 years after the death of Christ. The entire bible has been passed down through more than 2000 years of being edited and added to by scholars and scribes with their own fantastic, imaginary tales to tell. The bible has been mistranslated into many different foreign languages and back. It shouldn't be relied upon for truth...
And don't forget that all of the main beliefs of Christianity go directly against science, reason, and common sense. Think for yourself for a change; don't let others tell you to believe in dangerous, irrational ideas.
2007-07-27 15:29:37 · answer #6 · answered by The Rationalist 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
That church doesn't deserve the likes of you and your husband if they act like that!
Try going to a different church. The main thing you have to realize is that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and rose three days later. The best chapter in the Holy Bible to start with is Proverbs. It's an extremley inspirational book. Buy some quality highlighters,highlight verses that are meaningful to you and only you. Try reading one section a day.
2007-07-27 15:05:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
From reading what you said, in all honesty, I see a spirit of contention ( attitude, not a 'spirit') about you.
How to be a real Christian?
1) Trust God through Jesus Christ.
2) Don't give out of necessity.
3) Don't tell everyone what you gave, don't even linger on it yourself.
4) Don't bring contention into the church. If you can't help it, leave.
5) Trust God through Jesus Christ.
If you want to talk to your pastor, then stop bothering him and talk to him personally.
You have to assume some guilt here. Get honest about it.
2007-07-27 15:13:40 · answer #8 · answered by Christian Sinner 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Stand by
http://www.rbthieme.org/theplan.htm
http://www.rbthieme.org/christia2.htm
Try these two books for free, they are really good.
And try this web study for a while, see if you like it and find a bible study group in your area maybe??? It's wonderful. No one should shun for anything except for gossip and maligning... no one church... God bless, I am praying for you sister!
2007-07-27 15:01:25 · answer #9 · answered by sassinya 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well any other chosen delusional lifestyle might do as well I suppose.
2007-07-27 15:02:51 · answer #10 · answered by CHEESUS GROYST 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋