When I got serious

[Slyvena]

The question I'm about to ask is somewhat subjective but I guess that's part of the point. This question is for people that have grown up Christians their whole lives.

At what point in your childhood/teenage years did you realise this whole God thing was like a lifestyle and a very real course of action for your life as well as a purpose worth pursuing and as such got serious about God?

I suppose anther way to put it was when did you stop 'being a Christian' and actually start earnestly trying to actually be a Christian, when it became more than a title, but a condition of your heart. Less of a distant goal and more of a priority etc etc?

Obviously their are different levels to this kind of commitment, but I guess I'm asking about the first level, when did you make the conscious choice to actually run after God?

I know for me it was when I moved to a new church when I was 16 and saw the example of all the other youth around me, they were so mature and in touch with the spirit for their age, it made me come to terms with Christianity as a very real trying and yet exciting lifelong adventure.

So when was it for you guys, what did you do straight after to change things from where they were etc?

The reason I'm asking is just cause I find once a saved freind reaches this point is almost like you have to stop teaching them and they start teaching themselves if you know what I mean, I see it as one of the principle moments in a Christian walk where people don't have to look after you anymore but you become an asset to your church etc, I've always had a heart for inspiring lukewarm Christians to take this step so I guess thats why I'm interested.

 

[7ruth]

For me it was about 13 years old. The way I found it is probably nothing like any other way you were thinking though.........

I was obsessed with video games, so obsessed that I joined this one video gaming website. In that website, you can make your own little private groups or websites. While I was there, I stumbled upon this private group that was dedicated to Christianity, I was curiose, I questioned, I learned.

 

[Slyvena]

ha ha wow, I didn't expect that. God really will get to us any way he can aye

 

[7ruth]

Yeah I know really he turned my obsession with a video game into salvation lol

 

[Faithful4Christ]

Haha that's classic 7ruth. For me this happened when my dad was put into a terrible situation when I was 14. That's when I grabbed my bible sat down and got serious. From that point on everything I do in my life I relate to Him. It's awesome you care so much.

 

[Nick]

7ruth, that was a surprise, but Praise God!

I grew up in a Christian family but didn't really take the Christian life seriously until I had this masssively old guy in scripture class in year 5 (age 11). I can't remember clearly, but something he said must have triggered something inside me and I've been acting out my faith ever since.

 

[JeffShott]

Well, actually it was not too long ago for me. A little before I joined this site.
Basically, I grew up a Christian and was a pretty strong one until I was put into Public school in the 5th grade (lol). I was home schooled and attended Church about 4 times a week as a part of a co-learning program (a lot of other homeschoolers went too).
But, anyway, public school.
So, I was steadily sucked into secular society and way from my faith. But, soon I started sinning (not that we all don't, or that I no longer do, but, I mean ugly, frequent sin). I soon became depressed, no longer the happy, comedian of a person I used to be. That is when the Holy Spirit started leading me back. I started attending Church again (for the first time in over a year), reading the Bible, talking to people, studying apologetics (which I love, love, love to study), etc.
I read the whole NT in a couple of weeks (which I feel, was rushed), and have now made my New Year's Resolution to read the Bible cover-to-cover this year.
In short: I am happy again! And God has already put me back to work! I have been starting discussions at lunch tables (which actually last all period, and into the next few days), practicing evangelism, and God has been using me as a witness, as frequently, my peers will either question or initiate debate with me.

God Bless,
Your brother,
Jeff.

 

[Nick]

Well, actually it was not too long ago for me. A little before I joined this site.
Basically, I grew up a Christian and was a pretty strong one until I was put into Public school in the 5th grade (lol). I was home schooled and attended Church about 4 times a week as a part of a co-learning program (a lot of other homeschoolers went too).
But, anyway, public school.
So, I was steadily sucked into secular society and way from my faith. But, soon I started sinning (not that we all don't, or that I no longer do, but, I mean ugly, frequent sin). I soon became depressed, no longer the happy, comedian of a person I used to be. That is when the Holy Spirit started leading me back. I started attending Church again (for the first time in over a year), reading the Bible, talking to people, studying apologetics (which I love, love, love to study), etc.
I read the whole NT in a couple of weeks (which I feel, was rushed), and have now made my New Year's Resolution to read the Bible cover-to-cover this year.
In short: I am happy again! And God has already put me back to work! I have been starting discussions at lunch tables (which actually last all period, and into the next few days), practicing evangelism, and God has been using me as a witness, as frequently, my peers will either question or initiate debate with me.

God Bless,
Your brother,
Jeff.

Jeff! Praise God that He brought you back! I have a friend who went through something similar and has recently come back.

 

[Slyvena]

Well, actually it was not too long ago for me. A little before I joined this site.
Basically, I grew up a Christian and was a pretty strong one until I was put into Public school in the 5th grade (lol). I was home schooled and attended Church about 4 times a week as a part of a co-learning program (a lot of other homeschoolers went too).
But, anyway, public school.
So, I was steadily sucked into secular society and way from my faith. But, soon I started sinning (not that we all don't, or that I no longer do, but, I mean ugly, frequent sin). I soon became depressed, no longer the happy, comedian of a person I used to be. That is when the Holy Spirit started leading me back. I started attending Church again (for the first time in over a year), reading the Bible, talking to people, studying apologetics (which I love, love, love to study), etc.
I read the whole NT in a couple of weeks (which I feel, was rushed), and have now made my New Year's Resolution to read the Bible cover-to-cover this year.
In short: I am happy again! And God has already put me back to work! I have been starting discussions at lunch tables (which actually last all period, and into the next few days), practicing evangelism, and God has been using me as a witness, as frequently, my peers will either question or initiate debate with me.

God Bless,
Your brother,
Jeff.

That's awesome geoff, its always great to hear these kinds of stories

 

[JeffShott]

Thanks, ya'll.
It's good to be back! ^.^

 

[NathanJ]

I guess it all started last year, or 2 years ago, when I started to see my grandfather reguarly because of his health issues. . We started to go to church together (Mum, him & I) at a young age (5?), then I started to realise God is actually real, about 2 years ago.. If that made any sense.. lol.

My mum's side are Christian, while the my dads side are Jehova Witnesses (though, not strongly practicing it), so you can see which part I like most..

 

[Generation God]

I was 14 when it happened to me. You can say I was raised in a Christian enviroment. My parents werent really church goers, but my grandparents were. And I went to church with them every Sunday and Wednesday. When I turned about 12 I was very skeptical. (I was very interested in religion and God at this time, so I searched and looked at a lot of stuff. Mostly athiestism material) After awhile I just dropped my faith in God and became a athiest. That was a very dark time for me, and I became really depressed. To the point I was having suicidal thoughts every day.

I came close one time in ending my life. But God intervined. He stepped in and stopped me. Its like all my hate, and angry, was swept away, and I was overcomed with Compassion and Love. I felt God like I never felt him before. And thats when I got serious, and gave my life to Christ.

 

[evenifigoalone]

I've been saved since I was five years old. Was raised in a Christian family for most of my life. See, when I was young my mom got right with God and began taking us to church, making sure to teach us from a Christian perspective. Before that we weren't really Christian, not as a family. (And I'm not sure about my biological dad. He seemed uncomfortable with a lot of the church stuff later on from what little I remember and from what I've been told.)
Had to have been her influence that encouraged me to accept Jesus.

But I was around 16 when I actually made the decision to dedicate my life to God. What inspired me...was this book we were reading together as a family, Though None Go With Me, by Jerry B. Jenkins.

I was beginning to experience some very awesome things...for a few months I was closer to God than I had ever been. It was quite honestly the most amazing experience ever.
Been a lot of ups and downs since then. A very interesting journey, anyway. One thing I struggle with is staying in tune with God. The world is a very big distraction.

 

[Ambrose]

I have actually been swinging like a pendulum lately. Its why I have been off of the website. Internally I have been in (atheist/christian) war. I feel like I am finally being pulled back to christianity, I feel like it was essential to take that stroll outwards to see what was really there. I swung back and forth for long periods of time. Hopefully I wont take another swing, (They last short periods usually before I swing back) But I am feeling more confident in christianity now. If I wouldnt have taken this step out. I feel as though I might never take serious faith in Christ. It might sound cold and incorrect but I strongly believe that it was highly necessary to step away from Christ for me to get a little taste of bitterness from the other side. This way I can take true non-doubtful faith in Christ and really begin my journey. I think I have tasted what I needed. As thoughts of suicide happened to me earlier today, Thus here I am. I might explain exactly what the fight was like and why it even happened in another thread. But I think I have tasted what I need to and I can begin a TRUE relationship with Christ.

 

[evenifigoalone]

I think it's normal to question your faith at one point or another, and not necessarily a bad thing.
Hope you're okay, though.

 

[Ambrose]

Yeah but it wasnt just a "Faith questioning session" that was there on the surface waiting for me to deal with it for years now. But I think its the end of the line. Its back to Christ for me.

 

[Nick]

Kagen, I believe we all go through stages of doubt or exploration at some stage. It's not a nice thing to go through, but often times like these stenghten our faith, and I'm glad it has yours.

James 1:2-4:
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.​

Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.​

 

[Ambrose]

Kagen, I believe we all go through stages of doubt or exploration at some stage. It's not a nice thing to go through, but often times like these stenghten our faith, and I'm glad it has yours.

James 1:2-4:
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.​

Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.​

Yeah, Hopefully those years of lingering doubt in the back of my mind can be over.. If I need another taste of the waters out there than I'll probably take one. Making me only stronger. But hopefully thats all. I can live with security.