TrevorT

I had a very obvious visit from Christ during my salvation sometime in 2004. I had no belief in Christ before this day, and really didn't understand the grace I was being given on a daily basis. I don't know why it is so hard for non-believers in Christ, be it another religion or an impartial stance, to understand his holy presence? I mean, if you don't seek.. what do you expect to find? It saddens me deeply that these people are headed towards doom. It's so hard to fathom and is most definitely surreal in the beginning.. this fact has made my steps ahead harder and harder.

I remember in 2004 when God was so strong in me.. I spoke with (some of) his grace and understanding. I was so passionate and really believe I was having a positive effect on those I spoke to, thanks to Christ. I really want that back.. that feeling that I could help those poor souls. But come the end, as I looked around, even with Christ, the world seemed so hopeless. I began to convince myself that this was all a joke and was probably letting the Devil take too strong of a stand. How could these people I knew, or know, have this infront of them? The flesh tearing and fire filled pits. Somehow I felt responsible? I know this sounds stupid.. but I just can't imagine the slim line in heaven and piles in hell.

I still find it a bit stomach turning, but I think I had it a bit under control. The last three years I've used marijuana and alcohol to forget. Now, this just isn't the case. I know how much I've saddened Christ and how he's stuck with me through and through. I can't fight everyones battles.. I know Christ has gave them the chance of a life time.. the chance of an eternity.

I have no church.. I can't quote a single line from the bible.. half the time I read the scriptures it looks like jibberish. That wasn't the case in 2004.

How do I choose a church? The people that saved me go to a different town.. a church that's hard to find anywhere but in that town.. how do you know the positives and negatives of a church? Is it just a question for God?

And lastly, how do I reconfirm my faith?

Sorry for the grammar..

Trevor.

freedfromdestruction

Trevor,
I am not sure what you mean by "the people who saved you" but I hope you mean the people who help you make a profession.
As to where to start you start on your knees. Pooring out your heart to God in Christ and then simply start going to church. Read your bible daily and ask God to give you the understanding. If the church you attend does not follow the word leave for another until you find one that does. I will pray for you also

__________________
MY WEB SITE

Boanerges

God is always waiting on your road home and His eye is always watching for the return of His prodigal son- well there He is freedomfromdestruction -His arms open wide - don't walk but instead run to Him! If you ask forgiveness recieve it in the awesome grace in which it was given. Don't try to "ge back to the place you were" but in my expierience God wants you to go to a new place in Him- farther in your walk, deeper in your relationship.
You must understand that like Peter walking on the water the problem only started when you took your eyes of Jesus- as long as your focus is on Him you can do all things thru Christ who strengthens you- but put your eyes on the circumstance and you will surely sink as they loom larger and larger in your sight. You must begin to realize that there is no place hopeless when God is brought on the scene . The Hebrew children couldn't enter the promised land for only one reason they perceived the giants of the land bigger than they perceived thier God. Our God is awesome and limitless- it is time for us all to keep our eyes on Him no matter what the circumstances.
As far as finding a church- find one were the Word of God is preached and the Spirit of God is manifest and you will not go wrong. Pray, visit, seek and find- if you ask Him God will certainly direct you to a local body were you can learn, grow and function- after all you are the apple of His eye!

epistemaniac

it might be a good idea to see if any of the churches in your town have a web page... if so, many usually put a brief "statement of faith" on thier page... look for a church, as others have already well said, that preaches the word of God... but you need to make sure that they believe in the inerrancy and inspiriation of the Scriptures, that when they preach from the Bible, they don't take a Liberal appaoch which says things like "the Bible isn't the word of God, it contains the word of God" or "the bible becomes the word of God to you"... that sort of mumbo jumbo.... find a church that tales very seriously the Bible's inerrancy and inspiration, a church that believes the "fundamentals"... the virgin birth, Jesus being fully God and fully man, Jesus' literal physical ressurection, the Trinity, the doctrine of heaven and hell.... that sort of thing..... if the church you are checking in to does not have a web page, simply call the pastor up or ask if he would mind meeting you for a personal private appointment..... this way, before you ever go to the church, you will have a peace of mind as to what sort of teaching you will be getting..... if you just go to a church for awhile, you might get the impression that the church believes some things it doesn't.... cults... liberals.... they know the language called "Christianese"... they may say all the right words, but in reality, when THEY say the words, what they MEAN by them might be very different then what you think they mean.... as a really basic example, the Mormons and the Jehovah's witnesses all are happy to call Jesus the son of God.... but what they mean by that statement is very very different from what the conservative evangelical Christian means by it... now you probably would never go to a Mormon or JWchurch, but I used that very simple example so that when you go to a church you know absolutely nothing about.... you won't be fooled by someone speaking "Christianese".... so its best to get all that sort of thing (doctrines) cleared up before ever going... and of course, pray before these meetings... and go in with a list of things you want to say or ask... be as prepared as you can....

blessings,
Ken

Bassmasa

Trevor,

Unfortunately, I think your story is all too common. I even saw this in myself. After salvation, I was on fire, but quickly fell back to my old lifestyle. In hindsight, it was completely my fault, not the fault of God. It's a long story, but sounds similar to yours.

Based on the statement I quoted and your other comments, it seems to me that you're asking God to do ALL the work, just as I did. "Save me, Lord, then make me perfect and holy." It doesn't work that way. Although I was saved and my sins forgiven, I didn't hold up my end of the relationship. Salvation is not an over and done event, it's the beginning of a relationship that requires effort to sustain and grow. God is always there, but I cut off the lines of communication by not studying His word or praying. How can you feel his presence when you're not answering his calls? I withered on the vine until recently.

You do realize that those other people led you to Christ, but He Himself, and only Christ, saved you? While those individuals might be great, Godly people, they were only tools for God. Don't make the mistake that your salvation is contingent on a relationship with them. God will find you wherever you are.

I encourage you to visit many churches and earnestly seek God's wisdom on which to join. It's not easy and takes some effort, but you'll know.

Boanerges

Trevor God indeed has done the work , supplied the power, wisdom and strength but it is indeed up to us to continually yield to Him as by His Spirit He leads us in truth and righteuosness . This is Walking in the Spirit- a continual laying down of our lives and a continual transformatiom as we draw near to Him. Like Moses when he came down from meeting with God on Mt. Sinai as we draw near to Him we began to shine with His glory and carry it werever we go.
I too met God at an early age but was isolated from other christians and soon went my own way - BUT- God always had His hand on me and brought me back into His presence- It is human to stumble, get discouraged and fail but our Lord never fails- Keep your focus on Him and you will walk over what you once thought were uncermountable obsticles with ease.