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Being saved
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?
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Maybe give some free advice about: Spirituality?
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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The fact that you asked about being saved shows a real desire to know God. God bless you for that.
Don't be afraid to talk about things with the people at this youth group. This kind of fear comes from the evil one...the devil. The devil wants to keep you away from Jesus because he knows he will have lost your soul forever if you get saved. If the people at this church know God like you say, they WANT you to ask questions. They WANT you to know God. They WANT to help you understand what it's all about. I strongly encourage you to step out and ask. Let them love you the way Jesus loves you.
Getting saved is opening your heart up to Jesus and making the decision to let Him come in to your heart and take over. It's not about conjuring up emotions. You become saved by faith in Jesus. You need to seek Him. I'll bet the girl who got saved "instantly" went through the same things you are before that happened. It just appeared instant. And when it happens to you (if you are in a public setting), it may appear instant to someone else, but the point is, when you are ready, it will happen.
Praying is simply talking to your friend...Jesus. Tell Him how you feel. Ask Him to help you understand. You can pray out loud, you can talk to Him in your thoughts. He knows your thoughts. You can talk to him while you're in the shower, in school, doing your chores...It doesn't matter. He is wherever you are. Be patient. And remember to listen. If you have a Bible, start with the Gospel of John. (third book in the New Testament) This part of the Bible will give you a picture of what Jesus really did for you.
One more thing. Romans 8:16 states that; "The spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children."
The Spirit of God is the one who will testify to you that you are saved. It is not for people (like the answer below) to give assurance of salvation, nor can you simply convince yourself that you are saved. It is the work of the Holy Spirit that speaks to your spirit that you are saved.
If you want to ask me anything, I would be honored to help you in any way I can.
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I am a Christian, so I can definately answer your question. There are a couple of things you need to realize.
#1 Much of the Christian faith is a metaphor. You may find it hard to believe some of the things you hear, but you actually don't have to. You just have to understand that God loves you and wants to help you live the best life you possibly can.
#2 God is many different things to different people. For me, God is the way the world works, the way we all get along. For someone else, it could be the spirit of other people. For others, it's the voice inside of you. You need to discover what you see God as. Religion is personal as well as interpersonal.
#3 God created us exactly as we are on pourpose. The things you hear at church about how you should live your life do not determine what kind of a person you are. God will still love you weather you listen to him or not. Religion is not some sort of test. You cannot fail. God will always love you, no matter what you do. The reason God gives us laws is so that we can live our lives to the fullest and avoid the hurt and confusion that comes with doing things you shouldn't.
#4 Prayer is just getting in touch with God and setting aside time to think about your life. I cannot tell you how to pray, because it's different for differnt people. I personally like to lie in bed at night and think about everything that happened during the day. I think about what I'm worried about, as God for help and then I relax and go to sleep. Prayer is just about realizing that everything will work out in the end.
I guess, what I am trying to say is that you are already saved and have been ever since you were born. Your newfound Christain faith with however save you from making bad decisions and help you to live the life you want for yourself.
Congrats, and let me know how things work out! You can find me at: [Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
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