Coming to faith versus being raised in faith

[Lost_sheep]

I'm hoping this doesn't descend into another bickering match, but it probably will.

I'm not Christian. I've never claimed to be. I'm curious and there is a nagging in the back of my mind that I need God and that I need to read and study the Bible. Many will think because I am not a Christian that I must therefore be a child spawn of Satan, and no doubt many will flood me with Bible verses to beat me into submission. Good luck with all that.

I am curious though how many of you were raised in Christian families, had Christian up-bringing, found your way to your faith early on in life...versus finding faith later in life or became a Christian after a life lived as an agnostic/atheist. I'm also curious if any of you had an "a-ha!" moment somewhere along the way that cemented for you your belief(s) - did you experience something or have some defining moment along the way?

I've been thoroughly enjoying my nightly study of the Bible, really I have. I can read the words and enjoy what I am reading, but as of yet, the Bible is not speaking to my heart. I'm not having issues of belief, but more along the lines of "what is this supposed to make me feel?", and I have no answer for that.

So, anyone care to share?

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

I was a child spawn of Satan before I started reading the bible. At some point I started to think that there really was something to that book. Then at another point I became horribly convicted of my sin and destiny, and repented.

I found GOD through, among other things, chemistry, astronomy, and surfing. That's were I could here the voice and see the majesty of something very marvelous. Then one day I heard that same voice speaking to me in the bible.

Keep reading and extend yourself out (or within, whatever works) to ask the creator to open your heart so that you can understand. Understanding comes first because it is light.

 

[Vernon]

The bible will make little sense to you until you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you are sincere in your searching then Gid will reveal himself to you and you will no longer consider such questions about faith.

i pray that God would reveal himself to you.

 

[Lost_sheep]

Interesting. So you're saying that the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John aren't going to make sense to me until after I have become saved? Seems kind of backwards. Seems like the gospels - first hand accounts of the deeds and sayings of Christ would lead a person to becoming saved.

I'm still at the point of discerning WHY I need to accept Christ. I don't say that to be inflammatory, but that's the stage I am at. It's a matter of "don't tell me I need a savior, show me why". By "show me why" I speak of "let me read this Bible and see what it says", but from what you wrote, I am going about things all the wrong way.

 

[Dino246]

I wasn't raised going to church, but I listened to preaching on the radio when I was young, and attended youth groups as a teen. I became a Christian at twenty, and have never looked back. My Mom is a missionary kid and my Dad became a Christian about the same time I did. He had lots of questions, and still does, but my coming to faith was more like, 'well of course I believe in God...' Mind you, I had read much of the Bible before I became a Christian.

Lost_sheep, may I ask what part(s) of the Bible you've been reading or studying lately?

 

[Lost_sheep]

I started with the gospels. Then it was Romans and Acts. Next was Psalms and Proverbs. Then I started on a "one year Bible reading plan" and I'm in Exodus, Matthew, Psalms right now.

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

Interesting. So you're saying that the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John aren't going to make sense to me until after I have become saved? Seems kind of backwards. Seems like the gospels - first hand accounts of the deeds and sayings of Christ would lead a person to becoming saved.

I'm still at the point of discerning WHY I need to accept Christ. I don't say that to be inflammatory, but that's the stage I am at. It's a matter of "don't tell me I need a savior, show me why". By "show me why" I speak of "let me read this Bible and see what it says", but from what you wrote, I am going about things all the wrong way.

Somethings will speak to you, most won't. Follow your heart. The book of Job really spoke to me.

Only GOD can show you why.

 

[crossnote]

I had no Church or Bible training growing up apart from The Ten Commandments and Ben Hur.
I came to faith at 25 being drawn out of an atheistic upbringing then New Age type teachings.

Keep reading the Scriptures because that is where God speaks the clearest.

Romans 10:17 KJV
[17] So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 

[crossnote]

Interesting. So you're saying that the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John aren't going to make sense to me until after I have become saved? Seems kind of backwards. Seems like the gospels - first hand accounts of the deeds and sayings of Christ would lead a person to becoming saved.

I'm still at the point of discerning WHY I need to accept Christ. I don't say that to be inflammatory, but that's the stage I am at. It's a matter of "don't tell me I need a savior, show me why". By "show me why" I speak of "let me read this Bible and see what it says", but from what you wrote, I am going about things all the wrong way.

Why do you need to Receive Christ?

John 3:3 KJV
[3] Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 1:12 KJV
[12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:


Here is the central message...

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV
[1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; [2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. [3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

 

[willfollowsGod]

Here is my testimony:

I became a Christian in 2002. Yes, I was born and raised in a Christian family but that did not make me a Christian according to what Jesus says in the gospels. I then was baptized in the states. I then in middle and high school started to slide away from the Christian faith but even in the midst of it, God did not let go of me and any time I could have overtly sinned like the world wanted, I gave reasons like my parents would not approve, I was the right age, or whatever reason I gave. Then I got addicted to pornography. The peak times of this addiction was in 2007-2008 (I know this because I was cleaning out the old computer that is going to be relegated to recycling and good riddance). Then one of the days after looking at the pornography, I all of a sudden felt an emptiness I never had felt before. In that moment I cried out to God, "Jesus, rescue me." That started the process and then another time I cried out the same thing. In community college, I recommitted my life to Jesus Christ. Sadly, the addiction was not over and it was my fault for it being that way. In fact I just finished five days off it this week, after failing epically the other weeks. So God is not finished with me yet.

As for a feeling, God works on people in different ways. Some like R.C. Sproul he used a passage from Ecclesiastes (of all places) and then it began his path to becoming a Christian. Others like Islamic men and women in Islamic countries have had visions and dreams of Jesus when no one had ever told them about Jesus being God before. So they tell their visions and dreams to Christians and God allows them to interpret and to tell those Muslims about Jesus being God and the way, the truth, and the life. Some people encounter the Bible and all of a sudden start to weep, some it is akin to a shiver down their spine, and others they read it, and it likes a 2 X4 board smacking them in the head and a light bulb going off. There are also others way that people have become Christians. Continue to search the Bible and ask God about what it says. Then, make a decision soon rather than later. To accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior (Rescuer) and sovereign Lord, that he died on the cross for your sins, and rose from the dead on the third day. Give your life and your sinful past into his hands and let Him cleanse inside and out. God bless and may you find the One who you are searching for.

 

[Lost_sheep]

It was quite strange the day I was at my favorite bookstore and felt the pull towards the section at the back where all the Bibles are, and even more strange that I spent my alloted money that day on a Bible instead of another book. I never was much of a fan of reading, but a man will do almost anything when locked away to pass the time, and books became a way to "escape" for a while and go someplace else that wasn't concrete and steel.

I'd like to think that is was God speaking to me telling me to buy that Bible, and that He did so because He thought I was ready to accept it. Apparently I'm not ready just yet. Maybe my stubborn nature, my secular up-bringing, my own selfish pride is getting in the way. Maybe that's the lesson for me - get out of my own way and quit trying to do it all myself. I have not because I ask not.

 

[crossnote]

It was quite strange the day I was at my favorite bookstore and felt the pull towards the section at the back where all the Bibles are, and even more strange that I spent my alloted money that day on a Bible instead of another book. I never was much of a fan of reading, but a man will do almost anything when locked away to pass the time, and books became a way to "escape" for a while and go someplace else that wasn't concrete and steel.

I'd like to think that is was God speaking to me telling me to buy that Bible, and that He did so because He thought I was ready to accept it. Apparently I'm not ready just yet. Maybe my stubborn nature, my secular up-bringing, my own selfish pride is getting in the way. Maybe that's the lesson for me - get out of my own way and quit trying to do it all myself. I have not because I ask not.

God deals with us according to our growth. Ask God in faith to show Himself real to you, often He gives signs to babes in the Lord. As we grow, He weans us from signs to depending on His Word.

 

[Dan58]

I am curious though how many of you were raised in Christian families, had Christian up-bringing, found your way to your faith early on in life...versus finding faith later in life or became a Christian after a life lived as an agnostic/atheist. I'm also curious if any of you had an "a-ha!" moment somewhere along the way that cemented for you your belief(s) - did you experience something or have some defining moment along the way?

I'm not having issues of belief, but more along the lines of "what is this supposed to make me feel?", and I have no answer for that.

I doubt that most Christians have an 'aha' moment where they instantly went from a nonbeliever to a believer. I was an atheist as a kid, but at 15, I chose to believe. But it wasn't until I was about 44 that I wholeheartedly believed. The more I understood, the more I grew to believe. Imo, scripture is not meant to make you feel anything specific, but I treasure it because for me its a spiritual revelation of the meaning and purpose of life, and its that hope that makes me feel satisfied. Remember that the disciples were initially willing learners, but after lots of questions became faithful followers. We feed on what we love, and gradually grow in understanding.

Bottom line for me is that Christ brought the Truth, and its the only everlasting truth. If we abide in his truth, we have everlasting life. All other truths fade and die. Being a Christian is simply aligning yourself in his truth. So if you believe and accept what your reading as the absolute truth, it ought to make you feel pretty good... jmo

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

It was quite strange the day I was at my favorite bookstore and felt the pull towards the section at the back where all the Bibles are, and even more strange that I spent my alloted money that day on a Bible instead of another book. I never was much of a fan of reading, but a man will do almost anything when locked away to pass the time, and books became a way to "escape" for a while and go someplace else that wasn't concrete and steel.

I'd like to think that is was God speaking to me telling me to buy that Bible, and that He did so because He thought I was ready to accept it. Apparently I'm not ready just yet. Maybe my stubborn nature, my secular up-bringing, my own selfish pride is getting in the way. Maybe that's the lesson for me - get out of my own way and quit trying to do it all myself. I have not because I ask not.

Not only him speaking to you, but you also hungering and thirsting for more of what he has already taught you.

Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

It is written in the prophets, "And they shall be all taught of God". Every man, therefore, hearing from the father and learning the truth, is coming towards me. John 6:45​

 

[willfollowsGod]

As for why you need Christ, Lost Sheep. Here is a basic synopsis. God loves you and created you to know him personally. He has a plan for your life. But the condition of man is sin (rebellion, passive indifference, etc against God). Due to that we cannot know God personally or experience his love and plan for our lives. So we try to build our own tower toward him through our moral character, various philosophies, works-based religions, etc. None of it works and they all fail. The reason why you need Christ is because you have transgressed the law of God which is contained in the Ten Commandments and points out that you need a Savior. Have you ever lied? Stolen anything irrespective of value? Have you ever committed adultery and/or looked at a woman in lust? Have you ever taken God's name in vain as a byword or curse word and not in reverence to God such as OMG (but you don't mean it), Jesus Christ, etc? Have you ever hated someone in your heart? If you have violated one or many of these commandments, you are a lawbreaker and because of your sins you deserve death as it says in Romans. But because of Jesus' death on the cross he paid the debt that you could not pay, he exonerated you of all your sin charges, freed you from the bondage of sin, and gave you eternal life as well as a way to know Him through prayer, reading the Bible, and applying what he and those who followed Him taught especially in the New Testament which I call Christianity 101. God bless. May you open your heart to Jesus today!

 

[Lost_sheep]

Do you think it is easier for a person to accept their beliefs being raised in them, or does it mean more for a person to discover for themselves?

I stayed up all night thanks to back pain, so I watched a LOT of videos and I'm curious since I found a lot of personal testimonies online where the people seem genuine, or as genuine as I can detect with my limited knowledge of people.

 

[BeyondET]

Evaluate your past the hard times, the good times, the people that have had a impacted on you, rather it be positive or negative as you read and learn the scripture you will begin to see how scripture has been apart of your life since your first breath. Most all of us has been lost at one time or another. Here's a example if you haven't read this Parable yet.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son
11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to[a] one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’[b] 22 But the father said to his servants,[c] ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found....

 

[BenFTW]

I'm hoping this doesn't descend into another bickering match, but it probably will.

I'm not Christian. I've never claimed to be. I'm curious and there is a nagging in the back of my mind that I need God and that I need to read and study the Bible. Many will think because I am not a Christian that I must therefore be a child spawn of Satan, and no doubt many will flood me with Bible verses to beat me into submission. Good luck with all that.

I am curious though how many of you were raised in Christian families, had Christian up-bringing, found your way to your faith early on in life...versus finding faith later in life or became a Christian after a life lived as an agnostic/atheist. I'm also curious if any of you had an "a-ha!" moment somewhere along the way that cemented for you your belief(s) - did you experience something or have some defining moment along the way?

I've been thoroughly enjoying my nightly study of the Bible, really I have. I can read the words and enjoy what I am reading, but as of yet, the Bible is not speaking to my heart. I'm not having issues of belief, but more along the lines of "what is this supposed to make me feel?", and I have no answer for that.

So, anyone care to share?

Its supposed to make you feel that you have a purpose, that you aren't an accident. God created you, and He loves you, and He desires to spend time (actually eternity) with you. The truth of the Bible is supposed to set your heart ablaze for God. Though we deserved to be alienated from God because of our sin He loved us so much He took care of it Himself. He sent Jesus on the cross to reconcile us to Him, simply. Sin has been dealt with and no longer are we separated from God's presence.

Considering all of this, you have a purpose within His Kingdom and in this life. A purpose that will fulfill all the desires of your heart, such as that no other path could offer. You will come to find out just how incredible this walk is with God, and the difference He makes in your life. So much so that in your purpose you will find that you will want to draw others to God to experience His great love.

I was born into a Christian family, so I can't tell you exactly when I started believing but it has been and continues to be a blessed life because of His goodness and providence. I have a life to live, a path set before me. As do you. A life that you will find joy in, and happiness.

The point of what you're reading is to draw you into His embrace, and He is waiting for you. All that must be done is belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, to confess it with your mouth and believe it in your heart. You already are acknowledging what you're reading as true, and the feeling you're looking for awaits you as you seek God and the purpose He has for your life. Even so, right now let gratitude fulfill your heart because of what Jesus did on your behalf.

Seek His presence and know His voice, you'll find great joy in this.

 

[Lost_sheep]

Thank you BenFTW - that was a very nice answer. I'll definitely keep it in mind as I continue to read and study. Good job sir.

 

[chancer]

You are not a child spawn of Satan, Satan has not 'spawned you', but you are born into sin. This is a completely different thing, and those who say otherwise need to study the bible, about the fall of man, consequences of sin and what true repentance is.

We are all created in the image of God, but are born into sin and without the capacity to enter heaven without Christ. Jesus is our ticket to restoration with God. Restoration starts at the cross of Calvary and finishes when we are with Him. Sorry it just does my heed clean in when people talk poo.