Hi, fellow Christians

Quick run down of how I came to GOD. When I was young went to church on Sundays on and off and did not enjoy it. Teens came around and sport was given all my energies. Then hard work from 16 and very long hours and bad influences. Used to drink and use lots of hash and marijuana. Would not sleep around though, I was a cross between a biker, a hippy and a type of Christian, the type I see a lot around today. You know the type, doing good deeds for people not causing anyone any harm or so you think, full of pride, vanity, self righteousness, occasionally reading bits in the Bible, believing in GOD but not believing GOD. I always had GOD pop up in the back of my mind now and again. I would come across a few professing Godly people and talk to them but never felt anything real from them.

Well when I reached 21 I decided to pick up my Bible and read and learn. I had never had anyone give me guidance in this. I struggled greatly with trying to understand it. Eventually I gave up because the complexities of Scripture would have driven me mad for sure. So my sinful life continued but I did stop smoking and drinking to get drunk and refrain from foods scripture said was bad and which was confirmed with my information on training and nutrition.

Things started really changing for me when I lost everything in my life, first I lost my father, my Gran, my mother, my health, my future work prospects, my money and then my wife and ended up in prison. Because of my health being so poor I would read the Bible on and off and I found Psalms and proverbs along with the words of GOD and His Christ helped me will all my anger hatred bitterness and resentments I was carrying. I didn't realize it at the time but I was being slowly taken out of that darkness with the word of GOD. Once I left prison started to go to a local church which seemed okay at first until I mentioned what I thought confidentially to a vicar about my life previous. Well I never returned there again, I then came across a witness who ask me to come and join them at one of there places, this lasted a few weeks and I was very uncomfortable after trying to ask questions about GOD and scripture. I was taken to a small room in the back and told to just listen, learn and stop asking questions. I cannot believe how people are so easily taken in when someone shows them some form of love and community.

Well my journey continued to several churches, baptists, church of England about eight I guess and other christian organizations. All this time I was reading and learning scripture and spending a great deal of time with GOD and in prayer. I have come to the conclusion that I will not join any organization made by man and I don't have to because the only church I wish to be part of is the Church Christ built(the Body of Christ). I will attend any Christian church and give thanks and praise to GOD and always have time for all Christians. Every single church and organization proclaims they are the only true church and they are all mistaken. Not one single church of man was sacrificed for our sins. The churches back-bite on another and many of the flock hate other Christians for differing ideas. I have come to learn as the Bible tells us we are one body, one Spirit and all have different purposes to serve GOD and Christ. The JW'S were right in one thing we are to be of one mind, Yes I agree but the one mind is Given by the Spirit of GOD not any man made organization. My walk is with GOD and His Christ not with any church and it's traditions.

Hope this does not offend any of my fellow Christians, this has been my walk and continues. I will help any Christian I am able to irrelevant of the church they attend. There will always be tares among the wheat.

I pray that one day all Christians will come to GOD and His Christ in Spirit and truth and forsake the things of this world. Too many Christians are led by SELF, money, status, greed, vanity and all other world desires.


SIN DESTROYS LIVES, GOD REBUILDS THEM IN CHRIST

Take care dear Christians remember eternal lives do matter and not just our own. May the peace of GOD and His Christ be always with you.

Hi Renewal, and so nice to have you join the fellowship here at CC! In your intro, it is indeed hard to imagine that there are still so many judgmental Christians. I am sorry that you were treated like that, but I will say the majority of Churches I'm familiar with welcome everyone. Sometimes we need to bury our past sinful deeds and let them go. I myself would not find it necessary to 'spill the beans' of my past goofs, to anyone. God has forgotten them and I will to.
Make yourself at home and just a little heads up.....you may bump into some challenging issues here, and just consider yourself 'in' when and if you do. The majority of members here have gotten into some heated 'back and forths' but we try and turn the other cheek, lol.
God bless you and we will all benefit by added inputby all our new members!

Hello Renewal, welcome to Christian Chat. I hope you'll enjoy your stay here.

I don't mind letting others know of past mistakes, it's possible it will help others knowing their is hope even in the darkest places. If we hide our mistakes then people believe others shouldn't and don't make them, When in real life many build up wrath fro GOD every day. People need to understand that all sin is bad in GOD's eyes. Many Christians lie and steal, be it dodging a taxman the full due downloading items they shouldn't, not telling the whole truth, deceiving others. GOD says no liar, no fornicator, no thief, no sexually immoral person will enter the kingdom of heaven.

You become hardened to people who need to make themselves feel better by looking down on others for whatever reason. I think letting people know we can move on from darker times and that GOD will and does work in all people from all walks of life is only a positive thing.

I would say do not bury you sins so far that you forget the amount of GOD's love and Christ's Sacrifice that brought you back from darkness, obviously not letting that past stop you moving forward. Many Christians don't look at themselves or check their faith. That is why I believe the Ten commandments are still useful to use for people not yet saved to make them aware of their sins against GOD to bring them to Christ and a reflection for those who presume their saved. We are told the law and the prophets hang on the two greatest commandments. The commandments will never bring any to salvation in a direct manner but will bring you to Christ as they show you how bad you really are in the eyes of GOD. Many hate the laws because it shows their self righteousness is worthless in the eyes of GOD.

Noticed some of the heated debates, quite sad seeing Christians attack one another over interpretations, this was spoken of by Paul some Christians not growing in Spirit and being carnal, still babes I believe he said.

You have already brought a benefit to one with the blessings GOD gave you and thank you. I hope GOD's peace will always remain with you.

Thank you, it's very much appreciated. Many would avoid me after being truthful but not GOD and His Christ or the Body of Christ.

If the people in the church you where attending behaved like that....Well, maybe it is better that you are no longer attending that one. I am glad you've found some better Christians (at least the ones that behave better).
And i am also glad that you did not threw everything right in that moment of rejection.
Love you brother.

And another thing i wanted to say....Thank Jesus for doing all the work. Only a fool would think he could keep up with the law.

You might want to try a nondenominational church. Also I think its awesome that you shared your testimony because someone could relate in a way and it could help them nice to meet you!