New here because Jesus saved me!!!!

[Lilyrose]

Hi all ,so for me this is the next step as I dont know any Christian’s , Im yet to find a church, and not sure I will join one yet. I turned to God last September when I began reading the Bible. I started receiving signs , that I actually noticed ,around last September . My path was very different and I classed myself pagan, after I lost my brother 2 years ago in September my direction changed. Long story short Jesus saved me from going down a dark witchcraft path ,I believe my brother had something to do with me being saved also. I now have read 2 different bible versions fully on kindle and got my first ever actual bible a few months ago which I read daily and love Im hoping to chat to people on here , maybe who had similar past paths that can relate to mine .

 

[Free]

Welcome to the forums and I'm glad to hear of your recent salvation! I do hope you can find a church soon. It is really important and helpful to become a member in a church, although it is not easy to find one where you feel like you fit in. But, pray that God will lead you to a solid, Bible-based church.

 

[Lilyrose]

Thank you , Im actually looking at ones near me . I’ve checked the websites and videos they have on them . I have a few close by that I’m plucking up the courage to visit .

 

[Manasseh]

Hi all ,so for me this is the next step as I dont know any Christian’s , Im yet to find a church, and not sure I will join one yet. I turned to God last September when I began reading the Bible. I started receiving signs , that I actually noticed ,around last September . My path was very different and I classed myself pagan, after I lost my brother 2 years ago in September my direction changed. Long story short Jesus saved me from going down a dark witchcraft path ,I believe my brother had something to do with me being saved also. I now have read 2 different bible versions fully on kindle and got my first ever actual bible a few months ago which I read daily and love Im hoping to chat to people on here , maybe who had similar past paths that can relate to mine .

Praise God. What a wonderful testimony. I'm very sorry to hear about your brother.

I'm going to offer you one small bit of counsel, and it may not be received very well by others here on the forum.

Don't go looking for a church right away.

You have met Christ, He lives inside you now, you have His precious Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. Study the word on your own, commit yourself to regular prayer, and be obedient to all that He reveals to you.

"Commit thy works unto Yahweh, and thy thoughts shall be established."

Trust that Father God will send other faithful saints across your path for much needed fellowship. Do not seek after it, wait for it.

I say this because you are new in Christ, and do not yet have the discernment to know the difference between a church that preaches Gods truths and one that does not.

There is probably no more dangerous place for a new believer these days than those buildings they call churches.

Much love, much peace.

Welcome to the Body of Christ.

 

[Lilyrose]

Thank you, you are right I will wait for guidance. I guess when the time is right I will get a sign . I trust in god to lead me in the right direction. I will continue to talk to god and thank him daily for all he blesses me with .

 

[Hidden In Him]

Hi all ,so for me this is the next step as I dont know any Christian’s , Im yet to find a church, and not sure I will join one yet. I turned to God last September when I began reading the Bible. I started receiving signs , that I actually noticed ,around last September . My path was very different and I classed myself pagan, after I lost my brother 2 years ago in September my direction changed. Long story short Jesus saved me from going down a dark witchcraft path ,I believe my brother had something to do with me being saved also. I now have read 2 different bible versions fully on kindle and got my first ever actual bible a few months ago which I read daily and love Im hoping to chat to people on here , maybe who had similar past paths that can relate to mine .

Blessings in Christ, Lilyrose, and so glad you decided to join. Mine was a somewhat similar path, as I was playing in bands until I was 21, and the music was turning blatantly Satanist by the end. But there was nothing good in my life left, so I quit music and turned to the Lord Jesus Christ about a month or so later.

Very good to hear that you are reading the word of God, cuz that's how I started. My father had this great big Heirloom King James Bible, and I devoured that thing. It changed my life, and I never looked back after that. That was 40 years ago, and I'm still going strong for God, so keep giving yourself to reading His word. He will spend time with you if you do, and lead you into all truth.

Blessings, and welcome once again.

 

[Free]

I'm going to offer you one small bit of counsel, and it may not be received very well by others here on the forum.

Don't go looking for a church right away.

You have met Christ, He lives inside you now, you have His precious Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. Study the word on your own, commit yourself to regular prayer, and be obedient to all that He reveals to you.

"Commit thy works unto Yahweh, and thy thoughts shall be established."

Trust that Father God will send other faithful saints across your path for much needed fellowship. Do not seek after it, wait for it.

I say this because you are new in Christ, and do not yet have the discernment to know the difference between a church that preaches Gods truths and one that does not.

There is probably no more dangerous place for a new believer these days than those buildings they call churches.

Yes, this will not be received well because it is not sound advice. The same lack of "discernment to know the difference between a church that preaches God's truths and one that does not," is the same lack of discernment to know the voice of God from one's own voice or the voice of the enemy; which is to not know truth from error. Even mature believers often lack such discernment which is why there is much disagreement in doctrine.

Every person on these forums who has said all we need is the Holy Spirit to lead us to truth, has disagreed at some point(s) regarding the meaning of a verse or passage with every other person who has said that same thing. The fact is, that God mainly leads through others, particularly those he has gifted and called to teach the Bible. Staying on our own leads to too much subjective interpretation.

It's not either church or learning on one's own, it's both.

Act 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Act 2:43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
Act 2:44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. (ESV)


Having said that, Lilyrose , stay away from Jehovah's Witnesses and Latter Day Saints churches as they are not at all Christian. I would strongly advise staying away from Word of Faith churches as well, for the same reason.

 

[Lilyrose]

Thanks for your reply. I actually got led towards people who are born again as part of my first signs , Doreen V, who’s books and cards I purchased in the past , Jac Marino Chen and someone I never liked Russel brand . I’m excited about my new path and enjoy all the new knowledge I gain daily .

 

[WIP]

Hi all ,so for me this is the next step as I dont know any Christian’s , Im yet to find a church, and not sure I will join one yet. I turned to God last September when I began reading the Bible. I started receiving signs , that I actually noticed ,around last September . My path was very different and I classed myself pagan, after I lost my brother 2 years ago in September my direction changed. Long story short Jesus saved me from going down a dark witchcraft path ,I believe my brother had something to do with me being saved also. I now have read 2 different bible versions fully on kindle and got my first ever actual bible a few months ago which I read daily and love Im hoping to chat to people on here , maybe who had similar past paths that can relate to mine .

Welcome to CFnet and to the Christian family! I pray your journey will be a blessing as I know it will.

 

[Manasseh]

Yes, this will not be received well because it is not sound advice. The same lack of "discernment to know the difference between a church that preaches God's truths and one that does not," is the same lack of discernment to know the voice of God from one's own voice or the voice of the enemy; which is to not know truth from error. Even mature believers often lack such discernment which is why there is much disagreement in doctrine.

Every person on these forums who has said all we need is the Holy Spirit to lead us to truth, has disagreed at some point(s) regarding the meaning of a verse or passage with every other person who has said that same thing. The fact is, that God mainly leads through others, particularly those he has gifted and called to teach the Bible. Staying on our own leads to too much subjective interpretation.

It's not either church or learning on one's own, it's both.

Act 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Act 2:43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
Act 2:44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. (ESV)


Having said that, Lilyrose , stay away from Jehovah's Witnesses and Latter Day Saints churches as they are not at all Christian. I would strongly advise staying away from Word of Faith churches as well, for the same reason.

Its actually very sound advice, and supported by scripture.

Galatians 1
15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, 16to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.

You are suggesting this young sister go looking for a sheep pen, when there's about a 90% probability that all she's gonna find is a den of wolves.

The Holy Spirit will guide her. Just as He has promised to do.

 

[Free]

Its actually very sound advice, and supported by scripture.

Galatians 1
15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, 16to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.

This is to misuse this passage. This is the exceptional call of Paul by Christ directly, to be an apostle to the Gentiles, but who had also just been putting believers to death and throwing them in prison. He was also very well learned in the Scriptures (Gal. 1:14) and had the gospel revealed to him by Jesus (Gal. 1:11-12), such that he could very quickly go to the synagogues and teach that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 9:1-22). This is certainly not to be taken as the norm for new believers.

You are suggesting this young sister go looking for a sheep pen, when there's about a 90% probability that all she's gonna find is a den of wolves.

The Holy Spirit will guide her. Just as He has promised to do.

If the Holy Spirit can guide someone to the truth of Scripture by reading on their own, then he can guide to a biblically sound church, even by revealing when one isn't sound. It is inconsistent to say he can and will do one but not the other.

 

[Manasseh]

This is to misuse this passage. This is the exceptional call of Paul by Christ directly, to be an apostle to the Gentiles, but who had also just been putting believers to death and throwing them in prison. He was also very well learned in the Scriptures (Gal. 1:14) and had the gospel revealed to him by Jesus (Gal. 1:11-12), such that he could very quickly go to the synagogues and teach that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 9:1-22). This is certainly not to be taken as the norm for new believers.


If the Holy Spirit can guide someone to the truth of Scripture by reading on their own, then he can guide to a biblically sound church, even by revealing when one isn't sound. It is inconsistent to say he can and will do one but not the other.

She has the same Holy Spirit that was given to Paul. She clearly loves Gods Holy Word, and it would appear, that she has a heart of obedience. She will be fine, and she will be lead to a place of fellowship in due time.

You warn her against JW's, Mormons and Pentecostals. I'm just warning her about the rest of them.

The modern evangelical church has been under a great deception for quite some time now. The Great Apostasy is not some future event, its happening in real time right before us. It was sound advice. You disagree, that's fine. If she's truly born again, and stays in prayer and the word, being obedient to that which she receives, she's gonna be alright. She doesn't need your advice or mine. If she has not yet received the Holy Spirit, but is still seeking. Then it is absolutely best that she does so on her own. Christ has a long track record of bringing people to Himself through nothing more than independent bible study.

And satan has an equally long track record of entering into modern churches and shipwrecking the faith of seekers and new believers alike.

Thank you for your input, and for the reminder. I have one more bit of counsel for her.

Shalom Shalom.

 

[Manasseh]

Hi all ,so for me this is the next step as I dont know any Christian’s , Im yet to find a church, and not sure I will join one yet. I turned to God last September when I began reading the Bible. I started receiving signs , that I actually noticed ,around last September . My path was very different and I classed myself pagan, after I lost my brother 2 years ago in September my direction changed. Long story short Jesus saved me from going down a dark witchcraft path ,I believe my brother had something to do with me being saved also. I now have read 2 different bible versions fully on kindle and got my first ever actual bible a few months ago which I read daily and love Im hoping to chat to people on here , maybe who had similar past paths that can relate to mine .

One more thing Sis. Beware of Dispensationalism. Most churches today adhere to some form of Dispensational Heresy or another. I will say nothing of that here, but that you should look very closely into the subject and draw your own conclusions, as the Spirit and Word guide you of course.

Much love, much peace.

 

[Free]

She has the same Holy Spirit that was given to Paul. She clearly loves Gods Holy Word, and it would appear, that she has a heart of obedience. She will be fine, and she will be lead to a place of fellowship in due time.

Which is exactly why she'll be fine looking for a church right now, which is what any new believer should be doing.

You warn her against JW's, Mormons and Pentecostals.

Word of Faith, not Pentecostals.

I'm just warning her about the rest of them.

Which in no way means a new believer shouldn't be out looking for a church. The advantage these days, which she seems to be making use of, is that many churches provide video and a list of the beliefs online.

The modern evangelical church has been under a great deception for quite some time now. The Great Apostasy is not some future event, its happening in real time right before us. It was sound advice. You disagree, that's fine.

It is, but the Church has always faced deception; this is not new. Yet nowhere does the Bible suggest or imply that new believers should not seek out fellowship with believers as soon as possible. In fact, it seems that that is what they did. It's a very natural thing for those who become children of God and are a part of his family, to seek out and be with that family.

If she's truly born again, and stays in prayer and the word, being obedient to that which she receives, she's gonna be alright. She doesn't need your advice or mine.

And she'll be just as alright if she goes to find a church. You're essentially saying that the Holy Spirit will lead her into correctly understanding the Bible, which, as I pointed out, is most often done through others, particularly those gifted and called to teach, but that the Holy Spirit will not reliably guide her to a biblical church or give her the discernment to know biblical teaching from unbiblical teaching. Your position is inconsistent.

If she has not yet received the Holy Spirit, but is still seeking.

Anyone who is a true believer has the Holy Spirit.

Then it is absolutely best that she does so on her own.

This is never the best. You're basically saying that no one should go to a church unless they're already a Christian. That flies in the face of Scripture.

Christ has a long track record of bringing people to Himself through nothing more than independent bible study.

Of course, but that is exactly what Charles Russel and Joseph Smith did, and look where it lead them.

And satan has an equally long track record of entering into modern churches and shipwrecking the faith of seekers and new believers alike.

And an equally long track record of misleading those who try and understand the Bible all on their own.

 

[Free]

Lilyrose ,

As you can see, there are disagreements in Christianity, which doesn't make things very easy for new believers. But, take heart. God will lead and guide you to a church and he will help you understand the Bible. Don't stop prayerfully reading the Bible, but don't stop looking for a church. If you wish, you can always list any churches you are thinking of visiting and see what others here think.

A point to note is that there are legitimate things Christians can disagree about and still be Christian. But there are core beliefs that if someone disagrees with, can put them outside of Christianity, hence the warning against JWs, Mormonism, and Word of Faith. There are other groups as well, but they're harder to come across.

 

[hawkman]

Welcome to the forum Lilyrose !

Glad to here you are digging deep into God's word .

 

[Lilyrose]

I’m glad I joined this forum now as the reply’s have been informative and interesting. So I’m in the UK and the closest church’s to me are 2 Evangelical ones and a catholic one. I’m yet to visit any and just get a feel for them and I’m continuing to read my Bible daily ,as I’m enjoying doing so. Thank you for your input Im excited for my new journey with God . So thankful for the amazing and weirdly obvious signs I started receiving to lead me towards a new path .

 

[for_his_glory]

Hi Lilyrose and welcome to CF

We are here to help you in your new journey with the Lord and feel free to use the Q&A forum to ask us anything. Just pray and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to a church that will teach you the truths of God's word. You might want to read first the book of John as this will teach you about your personal relationship with Jesus and then read the book of Acts as this will help teach you about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
God bless you in your journey

 

[Hidden In Him]

So thankful for the amazing and weirdly obvious signs I started receiving to lead me towards a new path .

Lilyrose, if I may, talk about the signs you feel led you to God. That sounds interesting.

 

[GodsGrace]

Welcome to the Forum Lilyrose.
It's nice to have you here.