Teaching by asking

[Luca2007]

Dear True Christians in this forum,

I am a 21-old from Europe and stumbled over this forum when searching the internet. I read some threads here and saw that all of you are very eager and passionate to stand up for your religion and believes.
I am atheist for now but would like to understand true Christianity and maybe adopt it. I have a B.Sc. in Psychology and read/heard a lot about evolution and religion, which all confused me.
I know, you have to have faith not rational thinking to access God, but up to now I just can't force myself to have faith in Him (just as you can't force yourself not to be afraid of something anymore in an instant).
I tried reading the Bible once but gave up on it since reading between the lines and maintaining attention througout obviously requires more, harder study than just reading it at home by myself. I didn't dare to go into a church as I am rather shy.
So I would like to ask you, who are passionate and faithful, how you gained or maintain faith in God? (please don't cite so much Bible scriptures as their English is even more complicated)

I'm looking forward to a nice discussion with all of you!
Thank you!!!

PS: English is not my mother tongue so please excuse me if I have some spelling/grammar mistakes in my post

[Lisa H]

Re: Teaching by asking

Just read the King James Bible and do not interpret it. Read it as is written. Start living your life as written in the Bible.

[Luca2007]

Re: Teaching by asking

@ Lisa: thank you for that very fast reply!
Ok, starting from basics then
oh, I looked it up, seems like it is not available in my mother tongue, but I will look for another simplified version of the bible (yet I'm not sure whether that might be already simplified in a way that is not appropiate as it might be already interpreting in some way)

But, this may seem stupid as I didn't read it completely up to now, but is it possible in modern times to live as the bible says without interpreting or at least adapting it? I mean, I cannot stone somebody to death as it is forbidden by law... do I sin then?

Thanks

[Luca2007]

Re: Teaching by asking

(sorry, didn't find te edit-function on my post)

oh, and how did you become a faithful Christians? Where you brought up to be one or did some event change you?

[Lisa H]

Re: Teaching by asking

Don't worry about learning everything all at once, it will only confuse you even more. The King James Bible as far as I know is only available in English.

My father was a Pastor, he is with Jesus now. He helped me a great deal in learning about the Lord.

There is lots to learn to became a Christian.

[Nobar King]

Re: Teaching by asking

Dear Luca,
Welcome to our forum. Despite our language differences I look forward to knowing more about you. How old are you?
Edit--sorry, I noticed that you are 21-- that's good!

[Nobar King]

Re: Teaching by asking

What country are you from?

[Luca2007]

Re: Teaching by asking

@Lisa: I see, thank you I will find some bible similar to the King James Bible. Hopefully it's really worth reading it

@Nobar
Thank you! yes I am 21 and, well, I hope you don't have prejudices, from Germany - English is my second language (have been learning it since the 5th grade, since ten years now) so I am quite good at it !

I have many many questions concerning Christianity in general and Baptism especially. I have read that you all see the bible as what has to be followed and not some human like the pope. And "Baptists believe that faith is a matter between God and the individual" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptist...and_principles) - that's what I find appealing.
Yet I have been brought up atheistic and humanitarian so that I rely a lot on logical thinking - it's hard for me to overcome that.
For example, how do you know that God really did write the Bible? I mean just about everyone can write a book and claim it's written by God (take the Koran/Alcoran/Qur'an for example, how can you distinguish the 'wrong' and the 'right' book which was written by God?)
...

[landoverlover]

Re: Teaching by asking

@Lisa: I see, thank you I will find some bible similar to the King James Bible. Hopefully it's really worth reading it

@Nobar
Thank you! yes I am 21 and, well, I hope you don't have prejudices, from Germany - English is my second language (have been learning it since the 5th grade, since ten years now) so I am quite good at it !

I have many many questions concerning Christianity in general and Baptism especially. I have read that you all see the bible as what has to be followed and not some human like the pope. And "Baptists believe that faith is a matter between God and the individual" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptist...and_principles) - that's what I find appealing.
Yet I have been brought up atheistic and humanitarian so that I rely a lot on logical thinking - it's hard for me to overcome that.
For example, how do you know that God really did write the Bible? I mean just about everyone can write a book and claim it's written by God (take the Koran/Alcoran/Qur'an for example, how can you distinguish the 'wrong' and the 'right' book which was written by God?)
...

God loves Germany, so you're welcome here.

You ask an important question - how much can you rely on so-called 'logical' thinking. Short answer: You can't. There is Faith, and there is Logic. Faith is what you know is true, and logic tries to tear that down.

How do you know what to do? Ask Jesus. If you ask Him, He will come into your heart and all those questions you have rattling around in your head will seem silly. Being a German myself, I know we can be a proud and stubborn people. You have to humble yourself before the Lord and ask him, politely, into your heart.

As Sister Lisa said, read His word and obey it. That's it.

[Lisa H]

Re: Teaching by asking

@Lisa: I see, thank you I will find some bible similar to the King James Bible. Hopefully it's really worth reading it

@Nobar
Thank you! yes I am 21 and, well, I hope you don't have prejudices, from Germany - English is my second language (have been learning it since the 5th grade, since ten years now) so I am quite good at it !

I have many many questions concerning Christianity in general and Baptism especially. I have read that you all see the bible as what has to be followed and not some human like the pope. And "Baptists believe that faith is a matter between God and the individual" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptist...and_principles) - that's what I find appealing.
Yet I have been brought up atheistic and humanitarian so that I rely a lot on logical thinking - it's hard for me to overcome that.
For example, how do you know that God really did write the Bible? I mean just about everyone can write a book and claim it's written by God (take the Koran/Alcoran/Qur'an for example, how can you distinguish the 'wrong' and the 'right' book which was written by God?)
...

The Bible is God's word and is written for man to follow. The Bible is clearly God's word because it has the power transform peoples lives from evil such drug addicition and reform criminals.

The koran is a book of false god and prophet. God does not like these and asks you to turn from such idolatry.

Jeremiah 23:16 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD

Zechariah 10:2 For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.

2 Timothy 3:15-17
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works

[Luca2007]

Re: Teaching by asking

God loves Germany, so you're welcome here.

@Landoverlover
thanks, that's nice to hear (even though I just had to comment on the "God loves Germany"-Thread to put some things right)

You ask an important question - how much can you rely on so-called 'logical' thinking. Short answer: You can't. There is Faith, and there is Logic. Faith is what you know is true, and logic tries to tear that down.

Yes, I already read about this point: Faith and Logic ar two different things - the first you do with your heart the second with your brain. Yet I believe that logic does not try to tear down everything. Having no sex before the marriage is good, it also protects you from several kinds of illnesses, yet going to the gynecologist is even better as illness might come from yourself (cancer) or the public swimming pool I also find it delighting to understand how and why people think (for example homosexuality is inborn and imprinted in your brain in a region called INAH3 -> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/INAH_3, that's really cool regardless of any religious meaning) so I would like not to abandon logic all together ...

How do you know what to do? Ask Jesus. If you ask Him, He will come into your heart and all those questions you have rattling around in your head will seem silly. Being a German myself, I know we can be a proud and stubborn people. You have to humble yourself before the Lord and ask him, politely, into your heart.

true, that's probably a good way to find an answer - asking God/Jesus. But I did try that when my father was diagnosed with cancer but I didn't get an answer (not even telling me it was because of a sin or anything the like) ... it is also hard to have faith in a god that is cruel without obvious reason.
Oh and I always ask myself, if there is hell and people have to suffer in it for eternity for their sins, why do we (and God too) bother punishing them when they are alive? ... makes me sad

@Lisa

The Bible is God's word and is written for man to follow. The Bible is clearly God's word because it has the power transform peoples lives from evil such drug addicition and reform criminals.

The koran is a book of false god and prophet. God does not like these and asks you to turn from such idolatry.

oh, those bible quotes are beautiful
That's true, faith can transform peoples live - but it can also be the faith in reincarnation or the faith in the love of your partner (which indeed may vary in strength then)
But asking a Muslim they will tell me that Christianity is idolatry. "Words are but sound and fury" ...

[Lisa H]

Re: Teaching by asking

@Lisa

oh, those bible quotes are beautiful
That's true, faith can transform peoples live - but it can also be the faith in reincarnation or the faith in the love of your partner (which indeed may vary in strength then)
But asking a Muslim they will tell me that Christianity is idolatry. "Words are but sound and fury" ...

Thank you Luca for those kind words.

Faith in the Lord is more than that. God gave you the gift to have faith, and by having faith in him you seeking salvation and eternity in Heaven. God also had faith in you to believe in Him by sending his Son Jesus.

Do Muslims believe God sent Jesus to this world in flesh, no. They mock Jesus by saying he was only a prophet. Do you think God would be happy that. How would you feel if you were told that your only son was not yours.


Ephesians 2
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

[Luca2007]

Re: Teaching by asking

Thank you Luca for those kind words.

Faith in the Lord is more than that. God gave you the gift to have faith, and by having faith in him you seeking salvation and eternity in Heaven. God also had faith in you to believe in Him by sending his Son Jesus.

oh, indeed I like all those verses they sound nice. But unfortunatelly I can't take them to be true. Not much more then Cinderella's or Santa Clause's stories...

Hm, that might be true, since it is written in the Bible - but if and only if the Bible WAS written by God ... since I haven't yet recieved any satisfying answer from Him I find it hard to believe in it

Do Muslims believe God sent Jesus to this world in flesh, no. They mock Jesus by saying he was only a prophet. Do you think God would be happy that. How would you feel if you were told that your only son was not yours.

True. indeed...
that is, if what we know through the Bible is true.
Oh, and I have a question about God and Allah (Muslim God)? Do they BOTH exist and one of them is evil or is one of them (Allah) just an illusion?

PS: I really enjoy your helping and think it is very nice that we can talk about my problems in such a personal and polite way ! Thank you!!!


@landoverlover:
btw, do you or have you been living in Germany ? Or do your parents originate from here? I find that really interesting

[Lisa H]

Re: Teaching by asking

oh, indeed I like all those verses they sound nice. But unfortunatelly I can't take them to be true. Not much more then Cinderella's or Santa Clause's stories...

Hm, that might be true, since it is written in the Bible - but if and only if the Bible WAS written by God ... since I haven't yet recieved any satisfying answer from Him I find it hard to believe in it

Of course the Bible came from God. As I said before it came from God through works of Godly men. God has spoken to you that the Bible is true because you came here to find the answer, which I have given. To say the Bible is just a story like Cinderella or Santa Clause is insulting, not just to me but other True Christians and God Himself.

2 Timothy 3
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

True. indeed...
that is, if what we know through the Bible is true.
Oh, and I have a question about God and Allah (Muslim God)? Do they BOTH exist and one of them is evil or is one of them (Allah) just an illusion?

PS: I really enjoy your helping and think it is very nice that we can talk about my problems in such a personal and polite way ! Thank you!!!

Of course God is true. I have said that many times. Allah is a false idol, just like Mohammed is a false prophet. God has warned you that by not following Him you will spend eternity in hell with Satan.

[Pastor Ezekiel]

Re: Teaching by asking

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