I'm So Confused, I Don't Know How To Title It

[EstevanL11]

What is the literal truth. I simply want truth. I'm recent to my relationship and the bible and getting to know it, I definitely struggle to barely even open it but the chance I actually maneuver my mind to do it by my action is when I try to understand and pay attention, the thing is, considering the fact I am recent to the bible and relationship, I'm not entirely knowledgeable or know too much, yes of course I spend time online and my feed on Instagram and Tiktok are filled with God's word, that is another way I intake my daily bread. But my real question is, what is the right way? is it the relationship with jesus, building faith and being saved simply by his work, not mine. Which book can I grow more in my relationship with jesus? A typical bible or the book of Mormon?? something else I don't know, I'm so confused, i need help. I pray and do have a consistent strong-strong talk relationship with Christ, but getting to know him more and desiring is always there, but the action hardly, yes i do apply his word to my life and yes I do have faith, but its so hard and confusing, its overwhelming and i just want to know if im going to be saved, if im doing the right thing, is there anything missing? I just want to be right for the father. Please help. Encouragement and a right word, not one that makes me feel like a burden and a reason to just not continue.

 

[Hidden In Him]

What is the literal truth. I simply want truth. Im recent to my relationship and the bible and getting to know it, i definitely struggle to barely even open it but the chance i actually maneuver my mind to do it by my action is when i try to understand and pay attention, the thing is, considering the fact i am recent to the bible and relationship, im not entirely knowledgeable or know too much, yes of course i spend time online and my feed on instagram and tiktok are filled with gods word, that is another way I intake my daily bread. But my real question is, what is the right way? is it the relationship with jesus, building faith and being saved simply by his work, not mine. Which book can i grow more in my relationship with jesus? a typical bible or the book of mormon?? something else i dont know, im so confused, i need help. I pray and do have a conistent strong-strong talk relationship with christ, but getting to know him more and desiring is always there, but the action hardly, yes i do apply his word to my life and yes i do have faith, but its so hard and confusing, its overwhelming and i just want to know if im going to be saved, if im doing the right thing, is there anything missing? i just want to be right for the father. please help. Encouragement and a right word, not one that makes me feel like a burden and a reason to just not continue.

Greetings again, Estevan!

Thanks for posting your honest feelings. Understanding scripture is not as easy as some might think, but the Lord can lead you to good teaching if you pray. The Gospel of John is good to start with, but you can also pray to the Lord and ask Him to lead you to passages of scripture that will minister to you in particular where you are.

When I got saved, I just kinda went bonkers for the word. I dove into it head first, especially the Gospel of Matthew, which I would also strongly recommend.

Avoid the Book of Mormon like the plague, as well as anything having to do with the Jehovah's Witnesses. But if you pray to the Holy Spirit to guide you He will.

So tell me exactly what your experiences have been. What have you tried reading and studying, and what do you find most confusing.

Blessings, and thanks again for posting.
Hidden

 

[Who Me]

May I suggest a few things that will help you.
Find a church that preaches the bible. That is a church where they will preach their way through a book of the bible and not just preach a 'come to Jesus' message.
Preferbly a church where you can talk to the preacher, attend small bible studies and ask questions.

In checking out the churches in your area email the minister and ask about the above.

There are daily bible reading guides which explain the passage just read and give a suggested prayer to pray.
There are also commentaries on whole books of the bible which are useful in helping to get a larger understanding.

Bible based blogs and web sites are another way of learning about the bible and christianity.
This site:- https://crossexamined.org/top-20-apologists/
as it says has a list of Christian writers who seek to make Christianity relevent to today.

Lastly stick at it, you didn't learn to ride a bike, read and write on your first attempt, Christianity is the same one has to work at it, being part of a church helps.

 

[follower]

Which book can I grow more in my relationship with jesus?

The only book that might help, possibly, Go Willingly,
is 'love not the world' by Nee

 

[for_his_glory]

Like Hidden In Him suggested, I would start with the book of John in the Bible as this will teach you about who Jesus is and our relationship with Him as being Spiritually born again and indwelled with the Holy Spirit. Then I would read the book of Acts as this will teach you about the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It's important to pray first and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you before you read. Take it a verse at a time to understand the whole chapter as you read. We are here to help you so please ask us any questions you have.

Also, God is not about all the various religions that are out there, being around 5000 that disagree with each other, but about His love He has for you as you learn more about. God bless you on your Spiritual journey and we are here to help.

 

[Hidden In Him]

Which book can I grow more in my relationship with jesus?

I didn't notice this question right off, btw, but I would personally also recommend something like A Divine Revelation Of Hell, by Kathryn Baxter. But it all depends on where you are and what you can handle.

Blessings,
- H

 

[EstevanL11]

Greetings again, Estevan!

Thanks for posting your honest feelings. Understanding scripture is not as easy as some might think, but the Lord can lead you to good teaching if you pray. The Gospel of John is good to start with, but you can also pray to the Lord and ask Him to lead you to passages of scripture that will minister to you in particular where you are.

When I got saved, I just kinda went bonkers for the word. I dove into it head first, especially the Gospel of Matthew, which I would also strongly recommend.

Avoid the Book of Mormon like the plague, as well as anything having to do with the Jehovah's Witnesses. But if you pray to the Holy Spirit to guide you He will.

So tell me exactly what your experiences have been. What have you tried reading and studying, and what do you find most confusing.

Blessings, and thanks again for posting.
Hidden

Hey sorry! I didn't get to read the entire thing and mostly forgot, but what's wrong with the book of Mormon? I'm just curious. Also I have been into the media of a lot of Christian influencers, daily word and etc of the related stuff. I struggle to open my bible, but I occasionally try to get a piece of knowledge at least from media. I do pray a lot and actually talk with Jesus but the only breakthrough I haven't had was breaking the shell off my habit of missing the word and going all in officially. In the beginning I could say I did, but I just read, never really intaked anything.

 

[EstevanL11]

I didn't notice this question right off, btw, but I would personally also recommend something like A Divine Revelation Of Hell, by Kathryn Baxter. But it all depends on where you are and what you can handle.

Blessings,
- H

Oof that word kinda terrifies me, it was bad back then but now its just there with a mild terror to me, I'm at a soft level I could say, the talking and praying is not perfect but good, but the reading and applying and obeying is what's difficult definitely, I barely read in fact.

 

[Hidden In Him]

Hey sorry! I didn't get to read the entire thing and mostly forgot, but what's wrong with the book of Mormon? I'm just curious. Also I have been into the media of a lot of Christian influencers, daily word and etc of the related stuff. I struggle to open my bible, but I occasionally try to get a piece of knowledge at least from media. I do pray a lot and actually talk with Jesus but the only breakthrough I haven't had was breaking the shell off my habit of missing the word and going all in officially. In the beginning I could say I did, but I just read, never really intaked anything.

Written by an occultist. Long story, but it is a different Spirit who wrote it than the One who wrote the Bible, which is why there is a different Jesus and many different doctrines.

Estevan, let me encourage you to attend some studies with us. I am posting my last study on 2nd Peter this weekend probably, and then we will start a new series on James, and maybe that will help you. It's a good book to start with, and I will explain things clearly for you as we go verse by verse through the whole thing. How does that sound?

 

[for_his_glory]

Hey sorry! I didn't get to read the entire thing and mostly forgot, but what's wrong with the book of Mormon? I'm just curious. Also I have been into the media of a lot of Christian influencers, daily word and etc of the related stuff. I struggle to open my bible, but I occasionally try to get a piece of knowledge at least from media. I do pray a lot and actually talk with Jesus but the only breakthrough I haven't had was breaking the shell off my habit of missing the word and going all in officially. In the beginning I could say I did, but I just read, never really intaked anything.

Hi EstevanL11 I know you asked Hidden In Him about the book of Mormon and I would like to give you more information.

What Do Mormons Believe: The Primary Differences Between Mormonism & Christianity

What Do Mormons Believe: Divine Authority
The Mormon church uses two sources as its primary authorities: the Book of Mormon and the Bible. The Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price are also viewed as divinely authoritative.

In contrast, the Christian church (also called biblical Christianity) uses the Holy Bible alone as its authority from God (2 Timothy 3:16). Joseph Smith is not recognized as a prophet.

What Do Mormons Believe: The Nature of God
The Mormon church sees God as the Supreme Being of the universe. However, He gradually acquired that position over a long period of time by living a perfect and righteous life. God the Father has a body (flesh and bones). 1

In contrast, the biblical Christianity proclaims God as eternally and infinitely supreme (Isaiah 44:6; Psalm 90:2). He is the same today as always (James 1:17). He is a spirit Being (John 4:24).

What Do Mormons Believe: The Nature of Man
1. The Mormon church teaches that humans exist as spirit beings before their birth.
2. At physical birth, bodies are given to these spirits. They are also given an opportunity for free-will choice. The physical world represents a period of probation. The status of a person in the afterlife is determined by the way that person lived his/her life on Earth. If the person lived by a satisfactory standard, (including the fulfillment of Mormon temple obligations) that person has the potential to become a god in the after-life.
3. The person can also produce "spirit children" to populate a world of his own (like God did with the earth).
4. In contrast, the Christian church holds that humans do not exist as spirits prior to being born into the world. Humans cannot attain godhood or populate other worlds with "spirit children."

What Do Mormons Believe: The Nature of Jesus Christ
The Mormon church views Jesus and Satan as spirit brothers and sons of God. God put forth His plan of salvation for the world, and Satan proposed his own plan. Jesus accepted the Father's plan and offered to implement it as the Savior. The Father chose Jesus, and the spirit of Jesus was given a body through the virgin Mary. He was crucified on a Roman cross, and rose from the dead three days later to establish His deity. The character and life of Jesus is attainable by anyone who performs at such a righteous level.

In contrast, biblical Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ has existed eternally as the Son of God, the second "person" of the Trinity (Colossians 1:15-18; John 1:1, 3). Jesus took on human flesh about 2000 years ago and was born into the world through the virgin Mary (Luke 2). He was crucified on a Roman cross for our sins (Romans 5:8), and rose from the dead three days later to establish His deity (Mark 16; 1Corinthians 15:13-17).

What Do Mormons Believe: How do we Achieve Salvation
The Mormon church holds that Jesus Christ overcame physical death and guaranteed physical resurrection to all mankind. However, spiritual death can only be avoided through personal obedience of God's commandments.8 Forgiveness of sins requires faith, repentance and baptism by an approved Mormon priest. The practice of baptism for the dead is an extension of this belief, in which Mormons are baptized in proxy for those who have died without proper baptism.9

In contrast, the Christian church teaches that we are unable to live a life righteous enough to meet God's perfectly holy standard (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Therefore, we establish a relationship with God by faith in the work of Christ on the cross, not by our own works (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). Baptism and good deeds are acts of obedience to God, but not the means for gaining eternal salvation.

What Do Mormons Believe: Life After Death
The Mormon church maintains that although there is temporary punishment for those that are most wicked, Jesus Christ will establish a new kingdom that will consist of three levels: the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, and the telestial kingdom.

In contrast, biblical Christianity holds that there are only two possible fates after death, heaven or hell. These locations are final, both physically and spiritually (Matthew 25:46).

 

[EstevanL11]

Written by an occultist. Long story, but it is a different Spirit who wrote it than the One who wrote the Bible, which is why there is a different Jesus and many different doctrines.

Estevan, let me encourage you to attend some studies with us. I am posting my last study on 2nd Peter this weekend probably, and then we will start a new series on James, and maybe that will help you. It's a good book to start with, and I will explain things clearly for you as we go verse by verse through the whole thing. How does that sound?

Sounds awesome, where can I attend or view?

 

[EstevanL11]

Hi EstevanL11 I know you asked Hidden In Him about the book of Mormon and I would like to give you more information.

What Do Mormons Believe: The Primary Differences Between Mormonism & Christianity

What Do Mormons Believe: Divine Authority
The Mormon church uses two sources as its primary authorities: the Book of Mormon and the Bible. The Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price are also viewed as divinely authoritative.

In contrast, the Christian church (also called biblical Christianity) uses the Holy Bible alone as its authority from God (2 Timothy 3:16). Joseph Smith is not recognized as a prophet.

What Do Mormons Believe: The Nature of God
The Mormon church sees God as the Supreme Being of the universe. However, He gradually acquired that position over a long period of time by living a perfect and righteous life. God the Father has a body (flesh and bones). 1

In contrast, the biblical Christianity proclaims God as eternally and infinitely supreme (Isaiah 44:6; Psalm 90:2). He is the same today as always (James 1:17). He is a spirit Being (John 4:24).

What Do Mormons Believe: The Nature of Man
1. The Mormon church teaches that humans exist as spirit beings before their birth.
2. At physical birth, bodies are given to these spirits. They are also given an opportunity for free-will choice. The physical world represents a period of probation. The status of a person in the afterlife is determined by the way that person lived his/her life on Earth. If the person lived by a satisfactory standard, (including the fulfillment of Mormon temple obligations) that person has the potential to become a god in the after-life.
3. The person can also produce "spirit children" to populate a world of his own (like God did with the earth).
4. In contrast, the Christian church holds that humans do not exist as spirits prior to being born into the world. Humans cannot attain godhood or populate other worlds with "spirit children."

What Do Mormons Believe: The Nature of Jesus Christ
The Mormon church views Jesus and Satan as spirit brothers and sons of God. God put forth His plan of salvation for the world, and Satan proposed his own plan. Jesus accepted the Father's plan and offered to implement it as the Savior. The Father chose Jesus, and the spirit of Jesus was given a body through the virgin Mary. He was crucified on a Roman cross, and rose from the dead three days later to establish His deity. The character and life of Jesus is attainable by anyone who performs at such a righteous level.

In contrast, biblical Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ has existed eternally as the Son of God, the second "person" of the Trinity (Colossians 1:15-18; John 1:1, 3). Jesus took on human flesh about 2000 years ago and was born into the world through the virgin Mary (Luke 2). He was crucified on a Roman cross for our sins (Romans 5:8), and rose from the dead three days later to establish His deity (Mark 16; 1Corinthians 15:13-17).

What Do Mormons Believe: How do we Achieve Salvation
The Mormon church holds that Jesus Christ overcame physical death and guaranteed physical resurrection to all mankind. However, spiritual death can only be avoided through personal obedience of God's commandments.8 Forgiveness of sins requires faith, repentance and baptism by an approved Mormon priest. The practice of baptism for the dead is an extension of this belief, in which Mormons are baptized in proxy for those who have died without proper baptism.9

In contrast, the Christian church teaches that we are unable to live a life righteous enough to meet God's perfectly holy standard (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Therefore, we establish a relationship with God by faith in the work of Christ on the cross, not by our own works (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). Baptism and good deeds are acts of obedience to God, but not the means for gaining eternal salvation.

What Do Mormons Believe: Life After Death
The Mormon church maintains that although there is temporary punishment for those that are most wicked, Jesus Christ will establish a new kingdom that will consist of three levels: the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, and the telestial kingdom.

In contrast, biblical Christianity holds that there are only two possible fates after death, heaven or hell. These locations are final, both physically and spiritually (Matthew 25:46).

Hey! thank you for the information and i really understood it, i hope to grow my faith where i can explain and show love to all those around me. But yeah theres alot of contradictions. Im not so knowledgable so honestly there isnt much for me to say but out of the heart i thank you and both everyone here for informing, thank you all! may god bless and continue in the faith! enduree

 

[Hidden In Him]

Sounds awesome, where can I attend or view?

We hold them here, and you can read and respond any time of day you like. Or just read through them. They are in the Pentecostal section, but you do not have to identify as Pentecostal to respond. That's just a rule in place for if people want to become belligerent.

But here is one I posted recently. When you have a little time, take your time and read through things slowly and maybe give an answer or two to the questions if you like.

Thread 'Charismatic Bible Studies - 2 Peter 3:1-7'

Aug 29, 2025

Raising Up Children In The Fear Of God, And Faith In His Written Word



Proverbs 22:6 says “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it," and Psalms 34 reveals that this "way" was teaching them the fear of God. Solomon referred to it as the beginning of wisdom, and King David made it abundantly clear that such teaching was the basis for living a godly life.

11 Come, you children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 Who is the man who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep...

• Hidden In Him
• Replies: 15
• Forum: Pentecostalism

• 

 

[Hidden In Him]

Sounds awesome, where can I attend or view?

This was the next one (almost done with 2nd Peter now). The third post has a supplemental study in it I am very pleased with as well. The Lord gave me some revelation there that I've never read elsewhere.

Again, just whenever you might have a little time. The series I thought you might enjoy is the next one, which will be on James.

https://christianforums.net/threads/charismatic-bible-studies-2-peter-3-8-12.115390/

 

[GodsGrace]

Oof that word kinda terrifies me, it was bad back then but now its just there with a mild terror to me, I'm at a soft level I could say, the talking and praying is not perfect but good, but the reading and applying and obeying is what's difficult definitely, I barely read in fa

If you like to read, a book I could recommend is the best book I ever read that explains Christianity....
It's called MERE CHRISTIANITY and is written by C.S. Lewis

It scares me to think that you use Youtube or TikToc to learn about God.
What would be really nice would be for you to attend a church nearby that teaches directly from the bible.

If you're going to use YouTube I'd like to suggest that you listen to Mike Winger.
He used to be a pastor and is very good at both teaching scripture and answering questions.
I hesitate to make such recommendations,,but he's very down to earth, good in his teachings - no odd stuff - and I think you'll do better with him than many others.

Stay close to God.
Pray and speak to Him a lot...praying is speaking but you might consider them to be different.

You should find a little group of persons that are believers just like you are.
Try to do that. A church, for instance. We need to be with like persons so we can be encouraged.

The world around us makes a lot of noise and can distract us from the living God.
We're surrounded by atheism and secular ideology....
we need to get away from it every now and then and be with others that believe as we do.

 

[GodsGrace]

EstevanL11

Just wanted to add that the bible studies by Hidden In Him are very good and you can participate, or not, that's up to you. Many times I just read through them.
I think you'll find them helpful.

 

[GodsGrace]

What is the literal truth. I simply want truth. I'm recent to my relationship and the bible and getting to know it, I definitely struggle to barely even open it but the chance I actually maneuver my mind to do it by my action is when I try to understand and pay attention, the thing is, considering the fact I am recent to the bible and relationship, I'm not entirely knowledgeable or know too much, yes of course I spend time online and my feed on Instagram and Tiktok are filled with God's word, that is another way I intake my daily bread. But my real question is, what is the right way? is it the relationship with jesus, building faith and being saved simply by his work, not mine. Which book can I grow more in my relationship with jesus? A typical bible or the book of Mormon?? something else I don't know, I'm so confused, i need help. I pray and do have a consistent strong-strong talk relationship with Christ, but getting to know him more and desiring is always there, but the action hardly, yes i do apply his word to my life and yes I do have faith, but its so hard and confusing, its overwhelming and i just want to know if im going to be saved, if im doing the right thing, is there anything missing? I just want to be right for the father. Please help. Encouragement and a right word, not one that makes me feel like a burden and a reason to just not continue.

The Literal Truth....
I've taught kids our faith.
This is what I try to leave them with:
LOVE JESUS AS HE LOVES YOU
KEEP JESUS CLOSE TO YOU EVEN WHEN YOU THINK YOU DON'T DESERVE IT
NEVER LEAVE HIM NO MATTER WHAT
REMEMBER WHAT JESUS TAUGHT: LOVE GOD, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR (EVERYONE), LOVE YOURSELF