I'd love to answer anybody's questions, but I'll usually avoid the ones about friends or relationships because those tend to bore me. :) I am knowledgable in a variety of topics, specifically fashion, etiquette, and questions about spirituality
/religion. Proper grammar and spelling is * sOoOo freekin hAwTt*.
But anyhow, I will try to answer every question as best as I can. I can't promise, however, to sugar-coat things or tell you what you want to hear, or rid my answers of any sarcasm, but I'll try. :)
I am a strong Christian that likes to study other religions, so I can better see eye-to-eye with people who have different opinions than my own. I am not perfect, nor do I claim to be, so please, never take any of my answers too personally. :)
In my spare time, I love playing the piano, listening to folk/indie music, doing volunteer work, writing, studying Spanish, learning about fashion and make-up, and acting competitively.
Ciao! :)
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This weekend at a church event, I accepted Christ. It was quite amazing, my leaders and friends helped so much, but now the weekends over and I'm not sure what to next. I talked to a few people who recommened baptism, but I don't feel like that is what I really should do, not yet anyways. I attend a church on occasion with my mom, but my family isn't religious, which makes me wanting to be a stronger Christian difficult. I havent told my parents about being saved yet, I'm unsure of their reactions.
So, what should I do now? How do I start to help my relationship with God grow? How do I explain to my parents whats going on? Is there anything I should know? (link)
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Someone has asked a question like this before ... so I am just going to c/p the answer I put. But if you have any more questions, feel free to ask me! :)
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This is a very good question. I think some people can be very overwhelmed by this thought, and sometimes it's hard to know "What's the next step?"
I don't know your background, but the first thing I would do is surround yourself with other Christians. Join a church if you haven't already. Meet other Christians your age that are dealing with the same things you are and can help hold you accountable for your actions as well as guide you in your walk with Christ by telling you the things that they've learned along the way. This is possibly the best thing you can do, because you'll be able to grow in your faith, avoid temptation in a positive environment, and you can meet new people with the same beliefs as you.
Is there anything in your past that you're ready to hand over to God? Drinking, drugs, porn, sex, cussing, lying, stealing, etc. He's ready to take those burdens away from you if you let him. When you pray, just ask God to provide you with the resources and the guidance from other Christians to start building up a new life in Christ and for him to take control of all your sin. It's so much easier to start living your life for Christ once you feel like you've laid all your struggles out in front of him and you don't have to deal with them on your own anymore.
PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! It's awkward at first, I know, I've been there. Just have conversations with God. Start replacing time on your computer or time watching TV with a few minutes just with God. Depend on him fully, and keep your heart open for ways that he speaks to you. A relationship with God is a growing process, but you can't grow unless you're willing to. Go in a quiet place where there aren't any distractions and just talk to God like you'd talk to a friend or a parent. Read your Bible. Study verses and see what sticks out at you or what you could take from those passages and apply to your own life.
Being a Christian really is kind of a lifestyle change, but it's a good one. There's nothing better than knowing you have the smartest, most loving guy on your side 24/7 whenever you need him. :) But for me personally, praying and surrounding yourself with other Christians is the biggest one for me. I think those things will help you greatly with your walk. :) Good luck! :)
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I've been contemplating becoming a Catholic missionary priest for quite some time. I'm scared to tell my friends and family that this is what I'm going to do. I'll be leaving a lot behind, but I feel called... (link)
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Absolutely! If this is what you feel God calling you to do, then you must obey Him and trust in his plan 100%, even if it becomes difficult. Pray for guidance and for him to show you His will in your life. You won't regret listening to God!
Good luck! :)
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So I have a pretty good relationship with my Lord and Savior- Jesus Christ. A strange (but not bad) thing happened to me back in september- and I have yet to figure out why He did this.
This is what happened: I was 13 over the summer- and I spent the whole time crying because I was single and I felt unloved and unworthy of having a relationship. I was praying for a boyfriend a lot too. I felt God speak to me and tell me that he would send me a nice boy who was new to my theater group (that starts in september) who would hit on me. He didn't lie- because on the first night of the class this amazingly attractive and nice 17-yr-old guy told me I was pretty and he asked for my number. I felt like I was dreaming. He called me later that night and started talking to me and we were setting up a date and then he told me how he had Asberger's Syndrome.
So, my point is- I don't see why God would send me such a perfect man exept for his mental disorder. When we figured out it wouldn't work out- it left me in the worst depressed state. I turned to alcohol as well.
I'm confused.
If anyone has any ideas- they'd be greatly appreciated. (link)
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I actually had to do a little research on what Asberger's Syndrome was-- I'd never heard of it. This is a really interesting story, I actually had something very similar happen to me last year. I admire you for opening up about your concerns -- good for you!
First of all, I'm not sure that God had a 17 year old in mind for a 13 year old girl. I'm not God, and I've yet to figure out how he works-- I never will -- but is it possible that God put this guy in your life for a reason other than to be your boyfriend? I think sometimes we have this narrow plan in our minds for what we want God to do in our lives, forgeting the whole time that God can do whatever he wants, and that our desires aren't always his will. Maybe this guy is here to be a friend to you, maybe he's here to teach you about his condition. Who knows, maybe because of him you'll go into medicine and discover the cause of Asberger's? Maybe you're the kind of person he needs to help him cope with his problems, or maybe you'll discover that he'd be a great boyfriend to one of your friends. Who knows. My advice is keep an open mind and continue praying for God to reveal his will to you and that you can do your best to follow his plans for your life. Remember that God is in control and everything he does is for a purpose-- so trust that it will end up being for the best, whether or not it is what you had in mind.
With prayer, God will give you guidance with this guy, and help you with your drinking. Pray for this guy too. I'm sure he could use it. What better way to show love for someone than to pray for them?
If you have any other problems you need advice on, please ask me. :)
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EDIT: I just wanted to correc what the poster above me said. He said that God isn't Santa, he only gives you what you need, not what you want. Psalm 37:4 says "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." Will God give you everything you ask for? No, it's not always good for you. But God is a loving God who likes to see his children happy, and to do whatever is in their best interest. So never hesitate to ask God for what you want-- he'll do what's best for you.
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i am 14/f and a Christian.
i am so scared right now. i believe in god and i love going to church and it makes me want to be a much better person, but when i hear people talk about their doubts of god, i get scared. i mean, what if they are right? i cry when i think what if he doesnt exist because i am just so unsure, but i love god and i want to believe that he cares about us all. i am so so scared and i could never be an atheist or whatever.. can someone please give me advice? (link)
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It's perfectly normal to be anxious about your religion or have doubts once in awhile. I have two answers for you, a more logical one and a more spiritual one. Okay, so the logical answer -- Say Christianity doesn't exist at all. Just hypothetically speaking. So you've given your life to a God that doesn't exist... no harm done right? Most other major religions require a good life and good deeds in order to go to "heaven", so as long as you're not going around killing people, you're pretty much safe. I know a lot of Christians won't like this answer, but sometimes it's the kind of comfort people need. It's hard belonging to a faith in which you don't have all the answers and you won't until you die.
But on a more spiritual level-- ask God to calm your heart and prove to you that He exists. He won't ignore your prayers. Your question is exactly what makes faith difficult, and why so many people take the easy way out and become atheists or agnostics because they're too scared to trust their souls with something so big but so mysterious. So continue praying, reading your Bible, and trusting that God will give you the answers you need in His time. Good luck! :)
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16/f
Firstly, I am Catholic. In the bible it says it is a sin to sleep with a man that you are not married with. I have a boyfriend, and once in awhile I will sleep over at his house and we will sleep in the same bed. WE DO NOT HAVE SEX, but we "sleep" together. So, is it considered a sin to do this because he is not my husband? I am just really confused. (link)
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Well I can't think of any specific verses that address your question, but it's very likely they're in there. There are so many Bible stories dealing with infedility and sexual temptation -- people faced this problem in biblical times too!
But as a Christian, I don't think there's anything good about what you're doing. For one thing, this is a practice (I guess, for lack of a better word) reserved only for marriage. This kind of intimacy should be saved for you and your husband! Not only that, but sleeping with your boyfriend really will just tempt both of you to go even a step further. Just think how easy it would be to "cross the line" in that situation, so to speak. I really don't understand why you would want to jeopardize your purity like that... I just don't see any reason to sleep with your boyfriend! So my advice is enjoy each other's company - awake - and do other things together that will cause you much less sexual temptation. Good luck! :)
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for lent i am giving up myspace
but i dont think i will be able to keep that "promise"
yikes .
iono
so what are u all giving up ?? (link)
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I'm not Catholic but I love doing Lent anyway. I'm following the "Daniel fast" (Daniel 1) where you don't have meats or sweets during Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and every Friday after that. It's only the first day and it's a lot harder than I thought! :) Good luck with your MySpace ... you will benefit greatly from that!
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whats difffrence between catholic and christian (link)
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I think I just got a headache from reading that post below me.
Well, I tend to be a little idealistic with these things but I like to believe that Catholicism is just another denomination of Christianity, like Baptist or Methodist or Presbyterian or something. They have a lot of practices and traditions that aren't found in other areas of Christianity. Christians as a whole just need to believe the core concept that salvation is attained by baptism and accepting God as your savior, and whatever else they do is up to them. A lot of churchy people that I talk to get so wrapped up in denominations and who is better or more legitimate than who, and frankly, it's a bunch of crap. We just need to be tolerant of each other and our practices and live within the body of Christ and let our similarities unify us rather than get all wrapped up in our differences.
Whew I didn't mean for that to turn into a sermon. Well that's my answer. :)
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ok so after you've given your life to him, and asked for forgivness, and decided to live your life for him, WHERE DO YOU GO? what do you do? how do you start living your new life? im confused :S (link)
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This is a very good question. I think some people can be very overwhelmed by this thought, and sometimes it's hard to know "What's the next step?"
I don't know your background, but the first thing I would do is surround yourself with other Christians. Join a church if you haven't already. Meet other Christians your age that are dealing with the same things you are and can help hold you accountable for your actions as well as guide you in your walk with Christ by telling you the things that they've learned along the way. This is possibly the best thing you can do, because you'll be able to grow in your faith, avoid temptation in a positive environment, and you can meet new people with the same beliefs as you.
Is there anything in your past that you're ready to hand over to God? Drinking, drugs, porn, sex, cussing, lying, stealing, etc. He's ready to take those burdens away from you if you let him. When you pray, just ask God to provide you with the resources and the guidance from other Christians to start building up a new life in Christ and for him to take control of all your sin. It's so much easier to start living your life for Christ once you feel like you've laid all your struggles out in front of him and you don't have to deal with them on your own anymore.
PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! It's awkward at first, I know, I've been there. Just have conversations with God. Start replacing time on your computer or time watching TV with a few minutes just with God. Depend on him fully, and keep your heart open for ways that he speaks to you. A relationship with God is a growing process, but you can't grow unless you're willing to. Go in a quiet place where there aren't any distractions and just talk to God like you'd talk to a friend or a parent. Read your Bible. Study verses and see what sticks out at you or what you could take from those passages and apply to your own life.
Being a Christian really is kind of a lifestyle change, but it's a good one. There's nothing better than knowing you have the smartest, most loving guy on your side 24/7 whenever you need him. :) But for me personally, praying and surrounding yourself with other Christians is the biggest one for me. I think those things will help you greatly with your walk. :) Good luck! :)
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EDIT: I've been reading the other posts and PunkieFreak said something about keeping your prayers brief and vague .. ? There is absolutely nothing in the Bible that supports that statement. In fact, God tells us to "pray constantly". He wants to know our thoughts, our needs, and our desires and he wants to talk with us in prayer. Be specific. Pour out your heart and pray as long as you need to. Trust me, I think God has enough time to hear you pray for as long as you need to -- he's been managing the whole earth pretty well by himself for millions of years. Jeremiah 42:3 says "Pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do." Prayer is YOUR OPPORTUNITY to connect with God, so take advantage of it. :)
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how would you describe a good person (in detail) because i really want to become one, but don't know where to start ?! (link)
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Well, this is an interesting question to me. I am going to try to explain it the best I can, but if my thoughts don't connect all the way, well, bear with me. :)
I don't believe that there are any "good" people out there. Yeah, there are people who donate money to charity and help little old ladies across the street, but the only truly "good" person was Jesus. People are all sinners, even though some peoples sins may seem "worse" than others. All people are wayyy below God on the "holy scale", and that's the bottom line. God doesn't care who has done more community service than the next person. Now I've put kind of a spiritual spin on this question, which I have a feeling isn't the kind of answer you were going for. But it's a different perspective. God loves all people equally, and doesn't categorize them into good and bad people. But having said that, he is pleased when people treat each other with love. Giving, receiving, and having love to me is as close to being a "good person" as you can get, and is the closest we as human beings can get to living your life as the ultimate perfect person, Jesus. Does this meet the world's standards? Maybe, maybe not. I think the world has a different definition of a good person than God does. To God, I don't believe there is any better thing you could do than demonstrating love. Loving God, loving others, and loving yourself (in that order) is God's commandment in the Bible. So if you're looking for a starting place, that's where I'd go. All you need is love. ;)
If you want to ask me more specific questions I might be able to help you a little bit more. Just let me know! :)
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let's say you were stupid enough to steal something when you were young (around 11) and now you're reaching 18 and you've matured alot and grown in faith, and you want to get rid of the damn thing (you've kept it hidden in a drawe in lack of something better to do with it, and you couldnt use it cause the guilt was killing you) what would you do with it? what is the most christian thing to do in this situation? if you dont have the persons adress or phone number anymore so you cant give it back.. should you throw it away? sell it and give the money to a poor person? what would ia pastor say? (im not allowed to go to church.. long story so i cant ask a pastor.. THAT WOULD BE GREAT OMG - can someone please ACTUALLY ask a real pastor/priest about this and tell me what he answered??) thx (link)
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Yeah I'm a little put out by the "only Catholics answer" too ... I'm a Christian but I'm not Catholic, and I think I'm perfectly capable of answering. :)
Well I guess I would really have to know the circumstances and what you stole to give you a good answer ... if it's a candy bar I'd just say throw it away and forget about it -- you were 11 -- but if it is like jewelry or something I would do your best to contact the person. If you're sincere about trying to make the situation right again, then God is going to help you out and make it happen. Really it's all about "fixing" the situation with a sincere heart and doing what you feel God is leading you to do. 1 Timothy 1:5 says "The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." Let this be your inspiration for how you decide to deal with this situation. Good luck. :)
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I am Catholic. I made my confirmation last year. Except the thing is.. i wasnt really ready. i didnt know god as much as i do now. I am such a better Christian now. I feel connected to him now. I pray every night and follow god as much as i possibly could. I dont cuss or drink or smoke or have sex..or do bad stuff. I kind of picked a confirmation saint name without thinking. It doesnt really relate to me, or hve much meaning to me. of course i researched it, and i thought it was really cool what she did.
But sometimes i think some things we as Catholics do, are kind of pointless. i know god would love me just as much if i wasnt confirmed. baptists dont get confirmed. and i actually dont remember my confirmation as being one of those heart touching special moments.
Am i wrong for feeling this way?
I just want to follow god w/out having to do these things that i find pointless...
(link)
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Sorry this is so late! I really wanted to answer this one. This is a very legitimate question, and I can relate to a lot of the things you have said!
Catholicism is steeped in tradition. The seven sacraments have been practiced for hundreds of years, and that is why the Catholic church is hesitant to give them up, because that is the way it has always been. When Martin Luther petitioned the Catholic church, he argued that there were only 3 necessary sacraments that could be seen in the Bible: marriage, baptism, and communion. He didn't really see a point in the other four either, because he found no evidence of those being practiced, or even being necessary, in the Bible. Historically, that is where this whole division in the Church began.
So, are the other four sacraments necessary? Well, if you asked a Catholic, they would say yes. I am not Catholic, but I attend an Episcopal church, which is very similar to Catholicism. I do not believe the other fo sacraments are needed for salvation, as God does not mention them in the Bible. Can they hurt you? No. If anything, they might make you a stronger Christian. In order to be saved, all you need is to be baptised and have accepted Christ as your savior -- being confirmed doesn't make you any more or any less "saved". But I believe that is a valid statement of your faith. Some Baptists might disagree with me, but I think I'm the perfect person to answer this question because I fall right in the middle. :)
So my advice for you? Do only what you feel comfortable with. Who cares if the Catholic church disapproves? It's just tradition, that's all. What's most important is that you maintain a strong relationship with God and that you're baptised. All God wants is your heart and your life, so giving your life to Him (like you have done) will get the job done rather than practicing the sacraments with a priest.
Good luck! :) Hope this made some sort of sense ... Feel free to ask me any more questions, too, if you have them! :)
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Hi, I have just started to go to church this past year (not real services on Sundays, but rather to youth events on Wednesdays). By the way, my parents don't know that I go and they would definitely not approve.
The thing is, I don't feel that connection although I really want to. When God and Heaven is being discussed, along with all else... I feel like I am acting false because I am not saved. I also don't understand so much.
I listen to testimonies, very emotional ones, yet I cannot bring myself to cry. I see that everyone else just connects with God, while I don't know how. This one girl went to church, listened to a testimony, and was instantly saved. And I wondered, why couln't I do that?
I am afraid of asking for help from the adults in the church, or any other Christians.
I also have no idea how to pray, so I am never able to lead a prayer.
Please help me. How do I become saved? (link)
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I'm sorry this is like 2 weeks late, but I saw you only had 3 answers and I really wanted to reply to this one!
I definitly understand where you're coming from, because I've been there myself. And I really admire you for opening up and asking all these questions. There's nothing wrong with you! I'm going to address your issues one at a time or else my brain will go into censory overload. :)
WHY DON'T I FEEL THAT "CONNECTION" LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE DOES?
For one thing, God created everybody differently. Some people are more emotional than others. Some people emotionally "latch on" to things quicker than others. Everyone moves at a different pace, so just focus on what you're comfortable with. Don't worry about everyone else. On the other hand, you have been raised in a home (I'm assuming) where God wasn't discussed much. How can you expect yourself to "connect" to God in a matter of hours when you've spent a lifetime without Him? Pray for the person that's leading worship, and ask God for them to say something that will speak to your heart. You may not know what that is, but He does. :) Just trust God and his timing, and I promise, if you ask Him, he won't let you down.
WHO CAN I ASK FOR HELP?
Talk to the youth leader at your church. You might feel more comfortable with this because you can trust that they won't judge you! They talk to people like you all the time, and they would love to help you. Afterall, that's their job. :) You don't have to feel self-concious or "wrong"-- a relationship wtih God is a growing process, just like any other relationship, and they're there to help you grow. Of course, you can always ask me too, if you want. Just send me a message. :) I'll be more than happy to answer your questions.
HOW DO I PRAY?
There is no right or wrong way to pray. I know that when you hear the pastor pray or whatever, it probably sounds all eloquent with big words and whatever, but don't feel like that's what you have to do. Prayer is simply a conversation with God. Talk to him like you talk with your parents or your friends. That's what I do. There are no certain words or rituals you have to follow. Just pray. The more you do it, the more comfortable you'll feel with praying, also. Don't let people pressure you into praying aloud either, if you're not ready. But when you are, just pour your heart out to God and don't care what anybody else is thinking. :)
HOW CAN I BE SAVED?
You'll know when you're ready. People react to God's power in different ways. Some cry their eyes out, (that's me! ha), some get quiet, some get really excited. It all depends on the person. There are no fireworks. It's all in your heart, and trust me, you'll know. :) It's like falling in love with someone, or when you meet the person you know you want to marry. You're fallen in love with God and there's no denying it. ;) When you decide you're ready, you can talk to a friend at church or your pastor, but you don't have to. Simply ask God to come into your heart and be the Lord of your life. To accept God as your Savior is to turn all your sin over to him and want him to change your life so you can live for him. You must recognize that he is the Son of God and that he died on the cross for your sins. That's it. No magic prayer. No special words. But believe me, when it happens, you'll know. :)
Best of luck to you, and really, if you need prayer or some more advice (which, as you can see, I'm full of that -- ha), please ask me. Good luck! :)
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I'm a teenage girl (raised catholic) who has been atheist/agnostic/unsure since the summer. I have encountered several recent events in my life that have lead me to believe that there really is a God after all. All of my friends are really strong christians- but I just don't think that God is real.
I don't know if Christianity is right- or even real... but I'm feeling compelled to recommit my life to Christ. What does that mean anyway? How can you "commit your life" to someone who isn't even real? Who IS Jesus? I mean this whole thing makes no sense. How can there be a God when there are so many other religions like islam and such? My prayers never came true as a Christian.
Oh, by the way- I hate going to church and i don't see the point in doing it. It never even brought me closer to this so-called God. To be a true Christian (not a poser) do you HAVE to attend mass? What if I just want to have my OWN faith? I also don't believe in Bible verses and stuff- like I don't think that the people in it were real. Why can't we just have faith in GOD and not all the crap that goes along with it? (link)
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To recommit your life to Christ is to hand yourself over to God, sin and all, and to begin following in his footsteps as a Christian. Kind of like being born for a second time.. you're starting over fresh, if you just ask him to purify your sins. There's no special ritual or order, all you have to do is sincerely want God to come into your life and He will.
You may not be able to see God, but can things be real without being visible? You've said that events in your life are leading you to believe He exists-- maybe He is real in a different way? Not physically, but in your heart? Jesus is basically God in human form-- one with his father God, and the Holy Spirit who works through those who believe in them.
A lot of people wonder about other religions. How do we know which "God" is real? This is all a matter of faith. For Muslims, Allah is real to them. For those who believe in God, he is real to them. And He is. Becoming a Christian is accepting your beliefs as reality... connecting with God on a spiritual level rather than an earthly one. As humans, we always feel the need to have proof, to have evidence, tangible objects. Now, you need to open up your heart and your mind and accept something that is completely faith-based, that you can't prove 100% but accept as reality nonetheless. Of course there's room for skepticism-- even the strongest Christians ask questions once in awhile-- but don't let that shake your faith. That is Satan trying to change your mind.
God calls his people to go to church. Of course you hate it-- right now you see no purpose in God and aren't even sure you believe in him. But give God the opportunity to reveal himself to you-- if you stay closed-minded, how are you ever going to let him work in your life? As for churches, maybe Catholic mass isn't your cup of tea. Look at other churches and other denominations. Take notes, listen closely, observe other worshipers and see what you like / dislike about each one. Come with an open mind and leave with one. You may surprise yourself.
Many people choose their own faith .. but do you think you can find closure in something you've fabricated yourself? If I decide to start my own college course -- triangular scarf cooking -- do you think the students who attend are going to feel "full" after the course? Do you think they'll feel content with what they've learned, like they've somehow enriched their lives? Um, no. Because it's all crap. You can't just make stuff up like that.
As for all the "crap" that goes with Christianity, see if you still think it's crap once you've truly invited God into your life. If you don't, then yep, it's all still probably crap to you. But it's not, believe me. As a believer for about 5 years, you suddenly crave God's word and being with other believers. But again, it's not something you can fully understand until it's you.
If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask. Also, read some of the other spirituality questions in my column, a lot of other people have asked similar questions to you. Good luck! :)
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I'm kind of confused about what I believe in. You see, my family and I don't go to church because my parents want me to make my own decision about what religion I want to be, even though they are Catholic. But I'm not really sure about what religion I am. I'm a strong believer in karma and that things eventually even out and that people get what they deserve eventually(although that's not how it seems to be working out in my life right now...) but anyways, I believe in God but I believe in karma, too. Is that like a contradiction? Can you believe in both? Just a thought. (link)
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Yes, that would be contradicting God. First of all, the Bible doesn't mention anything about karma. Karma is primarily a Hindu belief, and I believe maybe Buddhist too.
Secondly, God works as one with the Holy Spirit and Jesus to work in peoples' lives, not a powerful force, like karma.
I believe in basic cause and effect, if you can even call that a belief. ( "If I do this, this may result.") But Karma? It's not that complicated.
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i guess this goes under this category but i dont really know ok so recently we had some people come to our school and do this like play thing and it had to do with school shootings and this girl and her mom is an alchohalic and this guy who is always made fun of and he's the one who brings the gun and they had a second part of the play at this church so i went to it and all of the cast memebers are in college and very into god i dont really know another way to say it but one of the cast memebers was talking to a bunch of people and i was listening to him and he was talking about how when he was younger he got into drugs and used to sell them aat Raves and that finaly he got mono and was sober and realized he wanted to make alot of changes in his life and so he did he sobered up and stopped doing and selling drugs and then he found God and so while he was talking i was thinking that i want to make changes in my life and i would like to find God too so now i'm praying every night and trying my hardest not to get in trouble but i was wondering if you want to believe in god do you have to go to church and do you not get to have any fun or like what is it cause i know i want to do what the people from the pla do cause they travel from school to school doing the play and teaching them that if you make fun of someone in could ruin their life and if you stand up for someone it could makeyour life and that persons life so much better and make them feel loved i know this is really long but yeah please HELP i'm so confused on all of this (link)
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This is such a great question! I'm truly happy for you, and for wanting to turn your life around.
Becoming a Christian is not about going to church every Sunday, or doing good deeds, like many people believe it is. Romans 10:9 says "If you confess with your mouth that 'Jesus is Lord' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Voila. That's it! All God wants from you is your heart and your life, and it sounds to me like you're ready to give these over to Him. If you do this (and become baptized-- but that's a whole other issue) then your guaranteed life forever in heaven with Jesus.
Some people will claim there's a "magic prayer" that buys you your ticket to heaven-- there's not! If you haven't already, just ask God to come into your heart and be your Savior. That mean's you're ready to turn over your sin to God, be forgiven, and believe in Him. No rituals, no magic words, just being honest with God and asking him to come into your life.
Do you have to go to church? Well, technically no. Going to church has nothing to do with whether or not you're going to heaven. But if you've become a Christian, then most likely you want to worship God and learn more about him in a safe, spiritually-healthy environment with other Christians. Do Christians not have any fun? Heck no! :) I consider myself a very fun person, and I have lots of fun friends that are Christians. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm guessing your definition of the word "fun" was no drinking, sex, partying, etc. And you're right, we don't. But do you think people who do that kind of thing are having fun or happy? I'm thinking no. Only Jesus can bring true happiness- "joy". We can still have fun and do things that honor God and are in line with our beliefs.
This isn't part of your question really, but I thought I would bring it up. Christians aren't perfect. We make mistakes, fall into sin, and screw up just as much as everybody else. But God offers forgiveness to everybody who asks for it, because his Son died on the cross for our sins, so if we mess up, we know we're not going to hell for it. :) And that means, if you DO get into trouble, make a mistake, fall into your old ways, you don't have to sweat it. Because God will forgive you if you just ask for it, and your faith will make you strong again.
If you don't mind, whenever you write your feedback, can you tell me your first name? I don't want your address or anything, don't worry. Ha. I'd like to pray for you if that's okay! This is an awesome decision that you're making for yourself right now, and I wish you the best!
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why do people put fashion problems questions in the spirituality section fashion has nothing to do with religion people. (link)
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Yep that kind of pisses me off.
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I am still stuck on this issue. As you could see from my past questions, I need serious help with this issue. My husband does not accept me for my baptism. Even though I was like 5 and have not sinned and did not know the difference as I do now, does that make it wrong? I feel like I am going to lose my husband because of this. He will not leave me. This is my personal feeling. I want my husband to accept me fully. We have difference views on certain topics in the Bible. He does not believe certain things I have to say. He is always right. How am I suppose to know which interpretation is the right one? Was I baptised wrong? Should I follow my husband and his belief for the sake of our marriage and our future children and be baptised in his church? We are both Christians, but different kind of churches. But I only believe in one baptism. Should I not be baptised and just suck it up and go to church with him and forget it? I do not want to have to go to different churches and how could I raise my child that way? He will not leave his church and allow us to be "one" as marriage should be. I am willing to do this. What should I do? I am so lost. I don't know if I should talk to a therapist or what. (link)
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What I want to know is ... why does your husband care so much? Is he truly concerned for your salvation or does he just want to be argumentative about something? His inability to have a healthy relationship with you just because you were baptized a certain way concerns me, and honestly, I can't think of a good reason why it should even matter to him.
I would consider Christian marriage counseling. It's good for any married couple, whether they're having problems or not. It will allow a third person to step in and help the two of you reach a compromise and see each other more eye-to-eye. Sounds to me like it's time for a professional to step in. I wish the best for you!
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I grew up in an Episcopal Church and my husband of almost 2 years grew up in Church of Christ. We are both Christians, but why does there have to be many forms of baptism? I was poured upon as a small child and my husband was emerged when he was a young teenager. He accepts my beliefs but does not accept the way I was baptized. This is a big issue for me. Why would I want to be married to a man that does not accept fully me? Why would I want my children to grow up(when or if we have any) questioning me, "mommy why weren't you baptized?" Does this make sense to anyone? Has anyone went through this to know what I am talking about? If so, please give me advice or a way to show my husband that either way can be right.
Thanks! (link)
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Well, I'm Episcopalian as well, and I personally find it offensive when other Christians criticize how I was baptised. I don't think that this issue should necessarily ruin your marriage, but maybe instead of focusing on the differences, you and your husband can talk about how you both believe the same basic concepts of Christianity, just execute them differently.
A few years ago, this same topic came up in my family and my dad, who had never been baptised, decided to have a fully submerged baptism along with my little brother, who had been baptized in an Episcopal church. I toyed around with the idea of being baptised a second time, just to "be safe", but then I decided against it. The Bible clearly states in Romans 10:9 that if "you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." He doesn't mention being baptized one way or another.
I disagree with mylordwon, however. Mark 16:16 says "Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved." Notice the AND is baptized, not "anyone who believes me THEN is baptized."
So, do I think it's important to be baptized? Yes, it's symbolic of a Christian entering the church. Do I think it matters how it's done? I don't think so, and God wouldn't want his church divided over something like that. I truly don't believe God is going to reject me at the gates of heaven because I was baptized as a baby, in a bowl, even though I am a strong believer and have accepted him as my Savior.
Good luck. :)
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this sounds really crazy but i dont know what to belive in ! i have been baptized etc but i dont belive in god, jesus , any of it my mum baptised me so i didnt have a say my step sister belives in 14th century witch craft and im interested as my sister told me that there first rule is " do what u please aslong as it does not hurt a soul" and that makes soo much scence to me ! i no this sounds different wicht craft etc.... but i want to learn what the do and how to become 1 i cant ask my sister as she and i dont talk etc ... does it mean that because im baptised i cant take another religion where could i find advice on this 14th century witch craft and advice will help xxxx (link)
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Wicca, witch craft, and those religions centered around "magic" are very dangerous and can land you in a scary spiritual situation. Witch craft, fortune telling, and the like is simply demons trying to steal you from God with some false prophecies and powers. For the average person, religion and the belief in a higher power is a way of feeling accepted and loved, and I don't think a book of spells and some fairy dust can love you unconditionally the way Christ can.
But the first rule of witch craft that your sister mentioned really doesn't make sense to me. How can you possibly do what you want without hurting a soul? Unless you choose to live a perfect life, which, good luck with that, you're going to hurt somebody- it's inevitable. So then what, you fall back on some magic spells? With Christianity, everybody sins, that's how human beings are, but you have God's grace to forgive you. I wouldn't rule out Christianity just yet. Please let me know if I can answer any questions for you -- choosing the religion you're going to follow is such a serious decision, so don't take it lightly. :)
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Thanks for the rating! And your opinion is not hurtful at all. Everybody graps and accepts things at different times, it's just a matter of what kind of person you are. I know some about other religions, but not enough to educate someone, as I am a Christian myself. Christianity, and any religion for that matter, can be a difficult concept to grasp, but that is where faith comes in. If you have a very scientific mind, I would suggest reading A Case for A Creator, by Lee Strobel. It explains a lot of things, specifically about creation and divine power, and is all around a great book. If there's anything else though, I can try to recommend some other books to you, I'm not much of a reader but I can find a few, or I can answer any questions for you. :)
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Say your spouse dies and goes to "Heaven". You learn to cope and marry again. Then you and your new spouse somehow die (whomever first, it doesn't matter), but you both go to "Heaven". Now you're there with two martial partners. How is your time divided? Or how does that work? Can you love them both? Can you "be with" them both? Will they know of each other's existence?
There obviously isn't a right or wrong answer, so all opinions welcome and appreciated. (link)
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Well, there IS a right answer, we just don't know it. Only God does. "Heaven", as you called it, is the place where the people who choose to accept Jesus Christ as their savior can live in peace with Him and without sin or sadness. Basically, you're there to love God and live with him eternally, because that's what you chose. Way better than the other option, if you ask me. So if your sole focus is on loving God in heaven with other believers and without sin, I don't think you would have to choose on loving people, not loving people, etc. because heaven would only revolve around the most important relationship, that with God, than with earthly relationships. Basically, I think that you would not have to choose and everyone could live peacefully together because of their loyalty to God. That's my opinion, anyway. :) BTW, I think that Orpheus may be onto something there.
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