New Christian Looking for Advice
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Hello Jo (@Josefine), welcome to CChat 
Far more importantly however, welcome to the family of God!!
As far as helpful resources for new believers go, here are a few that were helpful to me 39 years ago when I finally became one.
Spiritual Boot Camp - this is a 4-part teaching series (free to listen to online, BTW) that takes a close look at four of our most important Christian spiritual disciplines, How to Study the Bible, How to Pray, How to Function in the Body (Fellowship) and How to Witness. Also, along with teaching you about these four disciplines and various ways that they can be practiced, the series will also give you practical tips about how to best apply them to your life (to your "walk" with God each day).
Also, when I came to saving faith in Christ back in the 80's, we didn't have internet access, but we did have radio, and I listened to as many different programs as I could everyday back then. Today we have a BIG advantage, because rather than needing to catch a program at a certain time on Christian radio, you can listen/watch/read whenever it is convenient for you to do so
Here are some of the sites with teaching programs that I have come to appreciate, ones that I believe that you will find helpful too.
Finally, God never intended for us to live this life apart from other believers, so along with coming here, do whatever you can to find yourself in the company of other Christians, as often as you can (and if you can find a way to go to church, even better). Perhaps there is a Bible club in your school, or at least some other believers to hang out with?
God bless you!! (Numbers 6:24-26; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
~Deuteronomy (David)
p.s. - the following is what missionary Elisabeth Elliot typical says to open her broadcasts (following a short intro). The quote was made from two verses in the Bible (which are linked below the quote). One important thing to notice is that God's love for you as His daughter is just like He is, from (and to) everlasting
Far more importantly however, welcome to the family of God!!As far as helpful resources for new believers go, here are a few that were helpful to me 39 years ago when I finally became one.
Spiritual Boot Camp - this is a 4-part teaching series (free to listen to online, BTW) that takes a close look at four of our most important Christian spiritual disciplines, How to Study the Bible, How to Pray, How to Function in the Body (Fellowship) and How to Witness. Also, along with teaching you about these four disciplines and various ways that they can be practiced, the series will also give you practical tips about how to best apply them to your life (to your "walk" with God each day
).Also, when I came to saving faith in Christ back in the 80's, we didn't have internet access, but we did have radio, and I listened to as many different programs as I could everyday back then. Today we have a BIG advantage, because rather than needing to catch a program at a certain time on Christian radio, you can listen/watch/read whenever it is convenient for you to do so
Here are some of the sites with teaching programs that I have come to appreciate, ones that I believe that you will find helpful too.
Insight for Living - Dr. Chuck Swindoll
Renewing Your Mind - Dr. R.C. Sproul (and other Ligonier teaching fellows)
Grace to You - Dr. John MacArthur
Gateway to Joy - Missionary & author, Elisabeth Elliot
The teaching series broadcasts/webcasts above are typically between 20 to 30 minutes long, though most of the Gateway to Joy broadcasts are 12-15 minutes, just FYI.Finally, God never intended for us to live this life apart from other believers, so along with coming here, do whatever you can to find yourself in the company of other Christians, as often as you can (and if you can find a way to go to church, even better). Perhaps there is a Bible club in your school, or at least some other believers to hang out with?
God bless you!! (Numbers 6:24-26; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
~Deuteronomy (David)
p.s. - the following is what missionary Elisabeth Elliot typical says to open her broadcasts (following a short intro). The quote was made from two verses in the Bible (which are linked below the quote). One important thing to notice is that God's love for you as His daughter is just like He is, from (and to) everlasting
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The number one thing that you must do as a Christian is love the God of Jesus with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:28-30). The Father is the most important individual in the life of a Christian, and, as you glorify Him accordingly, He will perfect you just like He did with Jesus (Hebrews 5:9). Learn obedience in the same way Jesus demonstrated, and the Father will be well pleased with you (Hebrews 5:8).
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Hello Jo (@Josefine), welcome to CChat Far more importantly however, welcome to the family of God!!
As far as helpful resources for new believers go, here are a few that were helpful to me 39 years ago when I finally became one.
Spiritual Boot Camp - this is a 4-part teaching series (free to listen to online, BTW) that takes a close look at four of our most important Christian spiritual disciplines, How to Study the Bible, How to Pray, How to Function in the Body (Fellowship) and How to Witness. Also, along with teaching you about these four disciplines and various ways that they can be practiced, the series will also give you practical tips about how to best apply them to your life (to your "walk" with God each day).
Also, when I came to saving faith in Christ back in the 80's, we didn't have internet access, but we did have radio, and I listened to as many different programs as I could everyday back then. Today we have a BIG advantage, because rather than needing to catch a program at a certain time on Christian radio, you can listen/watch/read whenever it is convenient for you to do so
Here are some of the sites with teaching programs that I have come to appreciate, ones that I believe that you will find helpful too.
Finally, God never intended for us to live this life apart from other believers, so along with coming here, do whatever you can to find yourself in the company of other Christians, as often as you can (and if you can find a way to go to church, even better). Perhaps there is a Bible club in your school, or at least some other believers to hang out with?
God bless you!! (Numbers 6:24-26; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
~Deuteronomy (David)
p.s. - the following is what missionary Elisabeth Elliot typical says to open her broadcasts (following a short intro). The quote was made from two verses in the Bible (which are linked below the quote). One important thing to notice is that God's love for you as His daughter is just like He is, from (and to) everlasting
Far more importantly however, welcome to the family of God!!As far as helpful resources for new believers go, here are a few that were helpful to me 39 years ago when I finally became one.
Spiritual Boot Camp - this is a 4-part teaching series (free to listen to online, BTW) that takes a close look at four of our most important Christian spiritual disciplines, How to Study the Bible, How to Pray, How to Function in the Body (Fellowship) and How to Witness. Also, along with teaching you about these four disciplines and various ways that they can be practiced, the series will also give you practical tips about how to best apply them to your life (to your "walk" with God each day
).Also, when I came to saving faith in Christ back in the 80's, we didn't have internet access, but we did have radio, and I listened to as many different programs as I could everyday back then. Today we have a BIG advantage, because rather than needing to catch a program at a certain time on Christian radio, you can listen/watch/read whenever it is convenient for you to do so
Here are some of the sites with teaching programs that I have come to appreciate, ones that I believe that you will find helpful too.
Insight for Living - Dr. Chuck Swindoll
Renewing Your Mind - Dr. R.C. Sproul (and other Ligonier teaching fellows)
Grace to You - Dr. John MacArthur
Gateway to Joy - Missionary & author, Elisabeth Elliot
The teaching series broadcasts/webcasts above are typically between 20 to 30 minutes long, though most of the Gateway to Joy broadcasts are 12-15 minutes, just FYI.Finally, God never intended for us to live this life apart from other believers, so along with coming here, do whatever you can to find yourself in the company of other Christians, as often as you can (and if you can find a way to go to church, even better). Perhaps there is a Bible club in your school, or at least some other believers to hang out with?
God bless you!! (Numbers 6:24-26; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)
~Deuteronomy (David)
p.s. - the following is what missionary Elisabeth Elliot typical says to open her broadcasts (following a short intro). The quote was made from two verses in the Bible (which are linked below the quote). One important thing to notice is that God's love for you as His daughter is just like He is, from (and to) everlasting
Wow, this is amazing, thank you so much ❤
I will definitely check out all the resources that you provided!
God bless
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Hello ❤
My name is Josefine but you can call me Jo.
I'm a new member of this site, but I'm also a new Christian
If anyone has any advice for me as a new follower of Christ who is still a minor and not attending church (my family is atheist), I would love for you to share it!
God bless everyone!
My name is Josefine but you can call me Jo.
I'm a new member of this site, but I'm also a new Christian
If anyone has any advice for me as a new follower of Christ who is still a minor and not attending church (my family is atheist), I would love for you to share it!
God bless everyone!
I think one of the first lessons that you must learn is that Christians are still sinners.
So never put trust in yourself. Instead, put your trust in the one who lived a perfect life without sin, yet died for yours.
Trusting in yourself will work against your assurance and cause you to ask: How can I call myself a Christian and do such a thing? Your trust must be in Christ alone!
So never put trust in yourself. Instead, put your trust in the one who lived a perfect life without sin, yet died for yours.
Trusting in yourself will work against your assurance and cause you to ask: How can I call myself a Christian and do such a thing? Your trust must be in Christ alone!
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K
Hi, @Josefine
I want to expound a bit on what I said the other day for your potential benefit.
2Ti 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
All scripture, whether in the old testament or in the new testament, was given by inspiration of God, or the writing of it was inspired by the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit. For example, notice what David said in relation to the psalms that he wrote.
2Sa 23:1
Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,
2Sa 23:2
The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.
David, who was the sweet psalmist of Israel, said that the Spirit of the LORD, or the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit, spoke by or through him. In other words, although David was the natural vessel through whom certain psalms were penned, the true author in the spiritual realm was the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit.
Jesus gave the same testimony in relation to the Divine inspiration of David's words.
Mat 22:41
While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,
Mat 22:42
Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.
Mat 22:43
He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,
Mat 22:44
The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?
Mat 22:45
If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?
While quoting from Psalm 110:1, a psalm that was penned by David in the natural realm, Jesus said that David was in spirit, or under the Divine inspiration of the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit, when he penned it.
Similarly, the author of the epistle to the Hebrews had this to say while quoting from another psalm of David.
Heb 3:7
Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
Heb 3:8
Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Heb 3:9
When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
Heb 3:10
Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
Heb 3:11
So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
While quoting from Psalm 95:7-11, a psalm that was penned in the natural realm by David, the author of this epistle credited the writing of it in the spiritual realm to the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit. Again, all scripture, whether in the old testament or in the new testament, was given by inspiration of God, or it was inspired by the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit.
How is this information potentially beneficial to you?
One way is this.
Jhn 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Jhn 14:17
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
Jhn 14:18
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Jhn 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
The new testament was originally written in Greek, and the word that has been translated here into English as Comforter is paraklētos. This word means someone who comes alongside of you to help or assist you.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3875/kjv/tr/0-1/
In fact, if you check out other Bible translations, then you will see that most of them translate this word into English as Helper.
https://biblehub.com/john/14-16.htm
https://biblehub.com/john/14-26.htm
When it comes to this Helper, or when it comes to the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit, Jesus said that he will teach us all things, and that he will bring all things that Jesus has taught us back to our remembrances. In other words, you, as a Christian, have access to the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit, who is the one who inspired the writing of the scriptures, and he has been given to you to not only teach you what the scriptures truly mean, but to also bring the scriptures back to your remembrance.
Josefine, God has not left you to try to understand the scriptures by way of your own human reasoning or intellect, nor has he left you to rely on your own memorization skills to retain the teachings of scripture. Instead, he has given you the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit to help or assist you in these matters. This is why I suggested to you the other day that you should always pray and ask the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit to help you to understand the scriptures whenever you read the Bible or listen to it on audio.
Another reason why you should always ask the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit for such assistance is this one.
1Jo 2:20
But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
The word that is here translated into English as unction means anointing. In fact, it only appears two other times in the new testament, and it is translated into English as anointing in both instances. Here is the context.
1Jo 2:26
These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
1Jo 2:27
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Josefine, there are a lot of seducers in this world, and many of them reside in "Christian" settings. In other words, the Bible warns about such things as false teachers, false prophets, false brethren, and wolves in sheep's clothing. Our safeguard against seduction or deception is the anointing that we have received as Christians, and that anointing pertains directly to the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit. Again, he is the one who God has sent to teach us all things, but we need to submit to his teaching in order to not be seduced or deceived.
As I quoted earlier from John 14:17, Jesus called the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit "the Spirit of truth." Jesus also had this to say about the same "Spirit of truth."
Jhn 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Not only has the Holy Ghost/Holy Ghost/Spirit of truth been given to us to guide us into all truth, but he will also show us things to come if we rely on his guidance.
With these things in mind, again, I counsel you to always pray for the Holy Ghost's/Holy Spirit's guidance, and even when you are on a "Christian" forum like this one. Excuse my plainness of speech, but even here there are people who disagree on just about every topic imaginable, and everybody cannot be right while holding opposing views. The one who always is right is the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit. One more time, he is the one who not only inspired the writing of all scripture, but he is also the one who knows what every scripture truly means. Please avail yourself of his help in your own study of God's word.
There are other great benefits available to you through the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit, but I will stop here for now.
Have a blessed day.
I want to expound a bit on what I said the other day for your potential benefit.
2Ti 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
All scripture, whether in the old testament or in the new testament, was given by inspiration of God, or the writing of it was inspired by the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit. For example, notice what David said in relation to the psalms that he wrote.
2Sa 23:1
Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,
2Sa 23:2
The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.
David, who was the sweet psalmist of Israel, said that the Spirit of the LORD, or the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit, spoke by or through him. In other words, although David was the natural vessel through whom certain psalms were penned, the true author in the spiritual realm was the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit.
Jesus gave the same testimony in relation to the Divine inspiration of David's words.
Mat 22:41
While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,
Mat 22:42
Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.
Mat 22:43
He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,
Mat 22:44
The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?
Mat 22:45
If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?
While quoting from Psalm 110:1, a psalm that was penned by David in the natural realm, Jesus said that David was in spirit, or under the Divine inspiration of the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit, when he penned it.
Similarly, the author of the epistle to the Hebrews had this to say while quoting from another psalm of David.
Heb 3:7
Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
Heb 3:8
Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Heb 3:9
When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
Heb 3:10
Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
Heb 3:11
So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
While quoting from Psalm 95:7-11, a psalm that was penned in the natural realm by David, the author of this epistle credited the writing of it in the spiritual realm to the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit. Again, all scripture, whether in the old testament or in the new testament, was given by inspiration of God, or it was inspired by the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit.
How is this information potentially beneficial to you?
One way is this.
Jhn 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Jhn 14:17
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
Jhn 14:18
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
Jhn 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
The new testament was originally written in Greek, and the word that has been translated here into English as Comforter is paraklētos. This word means someone who comes alongside of you to help or assist you.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3875/kjv/tr/0-1/
In fact, if you check out other Bible translations, then you will see that most of them translate this word into English as Helper.
https://biblehub.com/john/14-16.htm
https://biblehub.com/john/14-26.htm
When it comes to this Helper, or when it comes to the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit, Jesus said that he will teach us all things, and that he will bring all things that Jesus has taught us back to our remembrances. In other words, you, as a Christian, have access to the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit, who is the one who inspired the writing of the scriptures, and he has been given to you to not only teach you what the scriptures truly mean, but to also bring the scriptures back to your remembrance.
Josefine, God has not left you to try to understand the scriptures by way of your own human reasoning or intellect, nor has he left you to rely on your own memorization skills to retain the teachings of scripture. Instead, he has given you the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit to help or assist you in these matters. This is why I suggested to you the other day that you should always pray and ask the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit to help you to understand the scriptures whenever you read the Bible or listen to it on audio.
Another reason why you should always ask the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit for such assistance is this one.
1Jo 2:20
But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
The word that is here translated into English as unction means anointing. In fact, it only appears two other times in the new testament, and it is translated into English as anointing in both instances. Here is the context.
1Jo 2:26
These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
1Jo 2:27
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Josefine, there are a lot of seducers in this world, and many of them reside in "Christian" settings. In other words, the Bible warns about such things as false teachers, false prophets, false brethren, and wolves in sheep's clothing. Our safeguard against seduction or deception is the anointing that we have received as Christians, and that anointing pertains directly to the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit. Again, he is the one who God has sent to teach us all things, but we need to submit to his teaching in order to not be seduced or deceived.
As I quoted earlier from John 14:17, Jesus called the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit "the Spirit of truth." Jesus also had this to say about the same "Spirit of truth."
Jhn 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Not only has the Holy Ghost/Holy Ghost/Spirit of truth been given to us to guide us into all truth, but he will also show us things to come if we rely on his guidance.
With these things in mind, again, I counsel you to always pray for the Holy Ghost's/Holy Spirit's guidance, and even when you are on a "Christian" forum like this one. Excuse my plainness of speech, but even here there are people who disagree on just about every topic imaginable, and everybody cannot be right while holding opposing views. The one who always is right is the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit. One more time, he is the one who not only inspired the writing of all scripture, but he is also the one who knows what every scripture truly means. Please avail yourself of his help in your own study of God's word.
There are other great benefits available to you through the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit, but I will stop here for now.
Have a blessed day.
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Hi everyone!
I want to thank all of you again for all of your advice and suggestions. You have truly helped me begin my walk with God❤
I just want to share an update: Today I told my mom about me starting to become a follower of Christ. She was very supportive, stating that she was proud of me for being able to decide for myself what I believe. I hope that her knowing is the start of me being able to grow my faith (perhaps by joining a church or ordering a physical Bible). Thank you all for your support, as you are apart of the reason that I was able to find the strength to tell her.
God bless
I want to thank all of you again for all of your advice and suggestions. You have truly helped me begin my walk with God❤
I just want to share an update: Today I told my mom about me starting to become a follower of Christ. She was very supportive, stating that she was proud of me for being able to decide for myself what I believe. I hope that her knowing is the start of me being able to grow my faith (perhaps by joining a church or ordering a physical Bible). Thank you all for your support, as you are apart of the reason that I was able to find the strength to tell her.
God bless
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