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842 views 6 replies 5 participants last post by  AWOTIS 
#1 ·
Hello everyone,

I am 18 years old and have recently moved out on my own, and am attending college.

At my school there is a Christian students group who met one day around the flag pole for the fallen soldiers. This really touched me and brought some questions about.

Being what i would say an average teenage person i would say i have done some things that are looked down upon bby myself and probally most christian people. I have many regrets for them.

I was wondering ow you would find out exactly what religion you should follow?

When Iwas younger I went to a southern babtist church and was babtized there. Does that mean i am a southern babtist.

I am sorry if i am rambling on. I am just kinda confused on the whole issue because i am not sure what i believe in, because i was always told what was right and wrong in church when i was little.
 
#3 ·
PM sent.

Camo Clad what school do you attend?

It sounds like you have an active Christian organization on your campus. I would track them down and go to a meeting or get a hold of a couple people who organize the group and meet up with them. I am sure they would be happy to tell you all about what they are doing and answer any questions you may have.
 
#4 ·
Camo Clad,

Don't worry about rambling or being confused about religion. You're in the same boat with many 8-108 yr. olds. The first steps in finding your way is asking these kinds of questions. Now that you are out in the world on your own it is time for you to learn and work out may things in your life and this is one.

I assume you're not thinking of being a Buddhist or Muslim or something so I figure maybe you're asking what Christian religion or denomination you should follow. First what is a Christian? If you ask a lot of people you will get a lot of different answers, but you will mostly get answerer that fall into two main categories. The first will revolve around the belief in a God to some extent and the fact they are not some other non Christian religion or atheists. The second will be what the True definition is. The original term was used for people the believed in and followed the teachings of Christ. They believed that Jesus Christ was the son of God and died on a cross as a payment for the sin of the world and those that believe in this and accept that they are sinners, repent of their sins and accept him as savior will be saved for an eternity in hell and will spend that eternity in the presence of God, the creator of all things. That is what it really means. Within Christianity there are many denominations. They evolved around different beliefs in the area of church government and some secondary theologies or beliefs. These would be secondary the main focus of Christ as the savior. Note that Christ and his original followers didn't crate different Christian religions or denominations, so as far as Christianity goes, don't get hung up on denominations as it is not all that important. I am a born again Christian and I can't tell you what I am as far as a denomination other than I got to a Bible church. I was raised in a Baptist church, but that doesn't mean much to me.

Yes Christians would probably look down on many things you have done, but true Christians also look down on many things they have done and continue to do. They hate the sin not the sinner. We are all in the same boat here. The Bible says "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Life is hard and it doesn't take long for those regrets to pile up for all of us. The most devout Christian is still a flawed human being and far from perfect, and they know it.

As far as what you are, I would say in terms of Christianity you're lost and searching. Just because you attended a church and got baptized as a kid doesn't make you anything in particular. Many churches practice baptism as a recognition or association of the child with a church or Christianity, dedication. The Bible is very specific that baptism is something a believer does as an outward sign of their faith. You going to church as a child and being baptized is kind of like your parent telling you what is right and wrong. As an adult you have to figure out what is write and wrong and for a Christian the Bible has those answers.

I have a very good link that outlines the Christian faith with click on Bible verses for anyone that wants to better understand the fundamental core faith of Christianity. It is very informative and lays it out much better than I can.

http://www.calvarybible.org/statement_of_faith
 
#6 ·
Mega-dittos on what thaner told you.

If you have a passion for duck hunting then I supect you've shot a bow/arrow atleast once in your life. I've always had this little analogy that I use for myself...

Picture a bow/arrow target contest. Maybe you start out at 70 yards, if you're pointed in the right direction after a try or two you'll hit the target and get to move up to 60 yards and then so on...

Eventually you'll be close enough that it simply becomes easier to hit the bull's eye. At the point you're face to face with the target; you're probably dead and now you're looking at Jesus...kind of hard to miss when you're that close.

If you consider all the things you've done/not done that cause you shame - welcome to life. Growing up in a Southern Baptist background you've heard that we all sin and fall short of God's glory. Life is like the contest described above when it comes to living a life of faith. At minimum, keep yourself pointed in the right direction by attending a Bible-based church (Southern Baptist is a good denomination for that), plug yourself into some ministry - even if its simple things that need to be done around the church, ask to meet with the pastor or deacons to have conversations about your questions.

Be willing to open up, speak honestly, ask your questions. But let me say this, just because my response may seem casual, don't take a casual approach to your questions. They are very important.

I myself was originally raised in the Methodist church as a youngster but, I was too jacked-up as a teenager and needed a group of people who were more excited about their faith than what I was experiencing at the particular church I went to. So, when I was about 16 I went down the road to a Southern Baptist church and found what I needed (FYI - I'm now 36). I'm not saying that there might not be some other denomination that would have suited me fine but, the church in many ways is the people - and I just needed to be around people who wanted to do more than warm the pew for an hour each Sunday. So, I say I am a Christian and I attend a Southern Baptist Church. I'd still be a Christian if I went to a non-denominational or Assembly of God. The big thing when it comes to which denomination...is the church's 'Statement of Faith' - it tells what they believe in. You then have to examine your heart, bounce it off the Bible and discern in your spirit if the 'Statement of Faith' is in keeping with the Bible.

Which brings me to your statement on being told what was right and wrong...just realize if the Bible is the standard, in a way it doesn't matter what you were told. What really matters is what the Bible describes and prescribes. Hopefully, and I suspect so, you were told the truth as is described in the Bible. For example, I don't suspect you were told that if you're a good boy all your life that you'll go to heaven. The Bible clearly states otherwise...it's by God's grace that we are saved which includes the Holy Spirit pricking at our hearts. It also involves us exercising the freewill that God has granted us to recognize His grace (i.e., Christ Jesus).

Even though you may still have questions, regardless don't let certain biblical-interpretation issues that may vary by denomination keep you from exercising the faith you have (or) even worse; don't use such issues as an excuse to abondon the faith you had as a child. I'll be the first to tell ya that life ain't easy man. And though I've wandered from my faith at times, and had certain questions that nearly drove me mad - I've never allowed myself (or is it God never allowed me?) to wander too far.

Exercise your faith by seeking God and doing good works in His name and all the while seek answers on those subjects that people tend to 'argue' over on interpretation. There's nothing wrong with visiting a number of churches or reading a book or two in order to gain a better understanding of why certain biblical passages cause such differences in interpretation. Study those scriptures, make your decision and then vow not to let such interpretation issues ruin any relationship you have with other Christians.
 
#7 ·
try what i did go to different churches and see what appeals to you. as a kid and adult i went to baptist , mormon, pentacostal, southern baptist , non dedemnational ( cant spell tonight). it's like shopping for car look around till you find what you like.

i myself dont care much for church's (seen too many bless you on sunday stab you in the back on monday, or just didnt agree with their teachings) i mostly just worship god at home with the wife, go to church when i can. i work on sundays so i dont get to church much.

my way may not work for you but i hope it gives you some help.
just keep on beliveing and god will help you find what your looking for. :smile:
 
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