Accepting Christ?

[MSchultz]

My journey through Christianity has delivered me to the acceptance of Christ.
If one was to begin a new life as a Christian, how would the acceptance of Christ be performed?

 

[Obadiah]

Thank you for your reply. I have heard people state before that prayer is chanted in a special deliverance; is this correct?
My understanding is that prayers can be delivered anytime, anyway and anywhere - is this accurate?

Yes, that's accurate. Prayer is simply talking to God just like you would talk to your neighbor or friend. (Respectfully, of course. He IS God after all! :yes)
There is no need to chant special prayers made up by someone else or to have someone else chant or pray them for you. In fact most times these kind of so called "prayers" have little meaning because they are nothing more than memorized words. You wouldn't go to visit your neighbor and start singing or chanting some memorized script that someone else made up, and likewise we don't do this with God. Scripture (Jesus Himself) calls this "vain repetitions" and condemns the practice! When you asked how to "perform" acceptance of Christ I answered that you do it by praying but I purposely didn't give you any specific prayer to repeat. Giving someone a pre-made prayer to repeat is a common thing that is done many times, and the prayer is commonly called "The Sinner's Prayer". It is a prayer of accepting Christ but I don't recommend that to people because the pre-made words of that (or any) prayer are not going to reflect the person's true feelings they need to convey to God. I gave you the basics of the concepts that you would want to convey to God (If those concepts reflect what you now feel) and left it up to you to put it into your own words that accurately reflect what you feel. (Besides, you'd probably want to pray in German anyway. Contrary to what some American Christians like to think, God does not speak and understand only King James English! )

So this is what Jesus Himself said (in Mathew 6:7-8 as translated in the English Standard Version):
"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words ("vain repetitions" in the King James Translation). Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Then Jesus gives an example of how to pray. (Famously called "The Lord's Prayer" or "The Model Prayer in some churches,or "The Our Father" in Catholic churches because that's it's first words.) But Jesus didn't intend this to be constantly recited over and over either. He said (in Verse 9) "Pray then like this..." not "pray this". He intended it to just be an example of how to pray, contrasted to the chants and memorized incantations of the religious pharisees of the day. So Jesus Himself supported what you just said, that prayers can be delivered anytime, anyway and anywhere. He already knows what's on your mind, He just asks that you do your part of communicating it to Him anyway.

 

[Obadiah]

Thank you for your reply.
I should seek a Church which is fun and engaging; Church should not be a chore - is this a fair statement?

Absolutely it should be fun and engaging! Not to say that everything is always fun and games. Sometimes there is work to be done. Sometimes there is sadness. But for the most part once you have become a Christian you should look for a church that trusts in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I don't really mean this has to be one like you probably have seen on TV where people are always acting like they have some kind of mental illness, doing things like putting on a big show of falling on the floor and rolling around like they are possessed by demons! But in churches that are lead by people who truly let the Holy Spirit be their guide in how they run their local congregation in my experience are usually places that are full of joy and love, and that makes you want to keep coming back! In those kind of places you will probably one day see miracles of God that rival anything in the Bible, and THAT will cement your faith for the rest of your life!

But it all begins with that first prayer where you simply tell God that you believe and you turn your life over to Him and start to follow Him.

 

[iLOVE]

perimeter

Meant to say parameters.

 

[MSchultz]

Obadiah, thank you for your replies.
It is a relief to know that these 'chants' are nothing more than showmanship.
Without doubt, prayer is one of the most important aspects; conversing with God who is omniscient (I hope that is the correct word).
I would likely pray in English, however I could pray in German, after all God will understand my mother tongue.
I know what you mean by television Churches, I have seen them myself and they don't appear genuine.
This bring me to my next question; is attending Church crucial?
A better way to phrase it would be; does a Christian need to attend Church?

 

[for_his_glory]

Many have given you much scripture that is good to study so I will just say this. As some have pointed out you just talk to God like you would talk to a friend because He is your friend. You have already recognized that you are a sinner needing Gods grace that forgives our sin when we confess we are a sinner. In your own words just ask Gods forgiveness and that you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and it is done. The next step is to start studying His word and I would suggest starting with the book of John as this will teach you the relationship you now have with Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to a fellowship that will help teach you and guide you into a deeper understanding of the word of God. You are in my prayers and God bless you.

 

[iLOVE]

My journey through Christianity has delivered me to the acceptance of Christ.
If one was to begin a new life as a Christian, how would the acceptance of Christ be performed?

Please see iLOVE post in the forum - The Sin Nature

 

[MSchultz]

Many have given you much scripture that is good to study so I will just say this. As some have pointed out you just talk to God like you would talk to a friend because He is your friend. You have already recognized that you are a sinner needing Gods grace that forgives our sin when we confess we are a sinner. In your own words just ask Gods forgiveness and that you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and it is done. The next step is to start studying His word and I would suggest starting with the book of John as this will teach you the relationship you now have with Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to a fellowship that will help teach you and guide you into a deeper understanding of the word of God. You are in my prayers and God bless you.

Thank you for your reply.
I have received some very good pointers as to where to start and what to expect.
I agree that I need to study the Word and then continue from there; thank you for your suggestion regarding the book of John; I will look into that.

 

[Obadiah]

Obadiah, thank you for your replies.
It is a relief to know that these 'chants' are nothing more than showmanship.
Without doubt, prayer is one of the most important aspects; conversing with God who is omniscient (I hope that is the correct word).
I would likely pray in English, however I could pray in German, after all God will understand my mother tongue.
I know what you mean by television Churches, I have seen them myself and they don't appear genuine.
This bring me to my next question; is attending Church crucial?
A better way to phrase it would be; does a Christian need to attend Church?

The chants can be beautiful if you enjoy that kind of thing, and can encourage a worshipful mood. For that they are good, and there's nothing wrong with them. But they aren't necessary and there is no magical power in them.

Is attending church crucial?
Does a Christian need to attend church?

No.

At this point what is crucial is praying to God and telling him you accept His Son, His gift of forgiveness and eternal life, and that you therefore are turning your life over to Him to be guided by Him from here on out. Have you done that yet?

As a Christian you will have a relationship with God first. Any relationship you have with other people or organizations such as a local church are secondary. You need to start that relationship with God first, then if you allow it, His Spirit will lead you to a church or to wherever He has in store for you. Fortunately this is where the "God is Love" part comes in. Because He loves you, when you are following Him He will lead you to places that are good for you!

Now once you have established that relationship with God, then fellowship with other Christians is important, this is true. It's not mandatory to your relationship with God or mandatory for your salvation, but it is important to growing and learning in your new life as a Christian. Even in scripture, Paul writes about it where he says "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another..." (Hebrews 10:24-25a, ESV) Even from the early days that kind of fellowship has normally been found mainly in a good local church congregation. (I say "good" because not all of them are good!) God will lead you in this when the time is right.

But those things will come as the Spirit eventually leads you. Take it one step at a time.

 

[Cygnus]

Thank you for your reply. I am not a member of a Church this seeking answers from a Pastor is unlikely.
If I recall correctly, I believe I was Christened at birth; is this similar to a baptism?

The answer to that would be ...no.

"Christened at birth"...is a dedication. A promise made by the church and family that they will raise you in a christian means. Circumcision use to be the sign of the old covenant where christenings are a sign of the new covenant.

Baptism, or believers baptism is for those that have been born again. It is symbolic only and has nothing to do with ones ones salvation.

Going under the water symbolizes Jesus' death and coming out of the water symbolizes Jesus' resurrection. There's much more on the subject but this is the simple jist.

A good place to review questions is here.

 

[Knotical]

Thank you for your reply. I am not a member of a Church this seeking answers from a Pastor is unlikely.
If I recall correctly, I believe I was Christened at birth; is this similar to a baptism?

That would depend. If it was in a catholic church they most likely baptized you as part of your christening, which means you do not need to be baptized again. If not, then yes you would need to be baptized.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Thank you for your reply.
I should seek a Church which is fun and engaging; Church should not be a chore - is this a fair statement?

Pretty fair statement to me.
Fun and engaging would mean active participation by all members in open honest discussion of scripture under the leadership and control of an anointed pastor and elders.

 

[reba]

Some form of Church is a good idea.. Some form of fellowshipping with like minded folks.. This site was my church for a few years because where i lived was so isolated. ..
Many see the denominations as a problem i see them like different shirts.. Some folks need a starched white shirt , for some a T shirt will do fine others something in the middle...
Welcome to the family of God . God's kids are as varied as flowers in the garden..

 

[Jethro Bodine]

"He (the Holy Spirit) will take of Mine (Jesus) and will disclose it to you (the believer).15“All things that the Father has are Mine..." (John 16:14-15 NASB italics in original, parenthesis mine)

@MShultz, everything we receive from Jesus and the Father comes through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Your relationship with God the Father and Jesus the Son is all about the Holy Spirit. The glory of the New Covenant is the Holy Spirit. Find a church that knows and understands this and, therefore, seeks and relies on the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Many see the denominations as a problem

I used to, but now I see them as useful signs to know what a church believes without having to attend one of their services.

 

[Mike]

Cygnus and Jethro Bodine this is just a friendly reminder that there is to be no debating in the Questions for Christians Forum. The purpose of this forum is to have a place where non-Christians can ask questions of Christians, and Christians address the OP; not each other. If these debates were to drag on, they would take away from the focus of the OP's question, so we restrict them.

Sometimes we click on a recent post and respond without realizing which forum we are in, so I'm just reminding you and others where we are at. Thanks.

 

[MSchultz]

I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who has replied.
I clearly would need to be baptized; a Church fellowship would also be beneficial.
This has given me a great amount to think about - every response has been helpful to me.
I need to explore the journey, scripture and baptism on my quest for understanding and acceptance.
Once again, thank you for your detailed replies.

 

[Mike]

I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who has replied.
I clearly would need to be baptized; a Church fellowship would also be beneficial.
This has given me a great amount to think about - every response has been helpful to me.
I need to explore the journey, scripture and baptism on my quest for understanding and acceptance.
Once again, thank you for your detailed replies.

I'd say you have a good starting plan with some important items on your new bucket list. Confess, repent, be baptized, immerse yourself in His Word, and get engaged in a local community of believers. Awesome!

 

[MSchultz]

I'd say you have a good starting plan with some important items on your new bucket list. Confess, repent, be baptized, immerse yourself in His Word, and get engaged in a local community of believers. Awesome!

Thank you Mike.
Should I have any questions, I shall use this existing thread.

 

[WIP]

I'd say you have a good starting plan with some important items on your new bucket list. Confess, repent, be baptized, immerse yourself in His Word, and get engaged in a local community of believers. Awesome!

Ditto!! It's exciting, refreshing, and encouraging to read and witness your posts MSchultz because it is very clear that you are right now in this point of your life being molded and shaped into a new person in Christ by the Master Potter, that is, God Almighty himself!

For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:8 NKJV

Keep on knockin'!

 

[Chopper]

There might have been a clear statement of obtaining Salvation, if there was, please excuse my old mind. Here is one of my favorites and quite simple, like me....
Romans 10:9 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Someone mentioned the Gospel of John. That's where I recommend new believers start. I hope the various posts have not confused you MSchultz. As WIP said, "Keep on knocking".