Convert Christian in need of reassurance and guidance

[Song of the Night]

Hello.

*blinks* I'm not good with pleasantries, so I'll just jump to the point, if you don't mind.


Well you see, I live in a Muslim country. I was brought up without a religion, and my dad is an atheist.

I had never considered "God" in a serious way until some months ago. Back then, I just... believed in God, but He was a very vague form in my mind. I didn't exactly care much. I was always very afraid of death, not for losing the things I have, but because I was afraid of facing what was waiting for me on the other side. I didn't have that many qualms about lying. I wasn't a liar, really, but I didn't see anything wrong with it if it was to my advantage. And so on.

Then, I don't know what happened when I began looking for God. I began studying about different beliefs, different religions...
All along, my answer to Islam was NO. In Muslim countries, we are taught about Islam in our schools, so I know about Islam as much as the next Muslim. And I didn't feel it was very... divine.

I then began researching Christianity... And then I decided. I prayed to God, asked him to forgive my sins and let me find Him once again, etc.

From then on, I tried to be a good Christian. I read Bible every day (with some exceptions), I pray everyday to Lord, I try to be kind to everyone and not think ill of anyone, I don't lie, and the things I think Jesus would want us to do. (And I can't go to church in my country)

I'm so glad made this choice. It makes me smile whenever I think about it, and I feel so peaceful after praying, and I'm not afraid of death anymore. It's so good to feel loved by someone always, and I'm so, so joyful when I really think about it.


But you see, I sometimes get scared, because I have doubts sometimes. I'm so confused. Christianity has so many branches, and I'm freaking out because I don't know which of them I should agree with. I can't go to church or get baptized (because of my country) , and some verses of Bible confuse me.

On top of that, I encounter atheists online and Muslims in my everyday life. About atheists, it's not much of a problem. I just recover after a few seconds.

But with Muslims, I sometimes really worry. Like "OH MY GOD WHAT IF THEY'RE RIGHT? What if their religion is true and I've bought myself a one way ticket to Hell?":sad4:

I know it sounds stupid to you. But please try to put yourself in my shoes. I knew next to nothing about Christianity until a few months ago, but I've learned about Islam in schools (and even kindergarten) since I was very little. I didn't believe in Islam for various reasons: the treatment of women, how men are allowed to have multiple wives, how it's encouraged to kill non-believers, etc. But sometimes... I just...

Please help be get over my doubts:help:It's driving me insane. I don't want to lose my faith...

 

[Shiranui117]

Hello.

*blinks* I'm not good with pleasantries, so I'll just jump to the point, if you don't mind.

Well you see, I live in a Muslim country. I was brought up without a religion, and my dad is an atheist.

I had never considered "God" in a serious way until some months ago. Back then, I just... believed in God, but He was a very vague form in my mind. I didn't exactly care much. I was always very afraid of death, not for losing the things I have, but because I was afraid of facing what was waiting for me on the other side. I didn't have that many qualms about lying. I wasn't a liar, really, but I didn't see anything wrong with it if it was to my advantage. And so on.

Then, I don't know what happened when I began looking for God. I began studying about different beliefs, different religions...
All along, my answer to Islam was NO. In Muslim countries, we are taught about Islam in our schools, so I know about Islam as much as the next Muslim. And I didn't feel it was very... divine.

I then began researching Christianity... And then I decided. I prayed to God, asked him to forgive my sins and let me find Him once again, etc.

From then on, I tried to be a good Christian. I read Bible every day (with some exceptions), I pray everyday to Lord, I try to be kind to everyone and not think ill of anyone, I don't lie, and the things I think Jesus would want us to do. (And I can't go to church in my country)

I'm so glad made this choice. It makes me smile whenever I think about it, and I feel so peaceful after praying, and I'm not afraid of death anymore. It's so good to feel loved by someone always, and I'm so, so joyful when I really think about it.

Good for you! You're doing better than many other people who call themselves Christians. Take heart; God knows the intentions of our hearts, and will not turn us away from Him if we have faith and do His will. May He continue to guide you along the way of repentance!

But you see, I sometimes get scared, because I have doubts sometimes. I'm so confused. Christianity has so many branches, and I'm freaking out because I don't know which of them I should agree with. I can't go to church or get baptized (because of my country) , and some verses of Bible confuse me.

If I may, which type of Christianity do you want to go with? Would you like a more modern branch that's more open in terms of faith, or would you like a more ancient Church that dates back to the time of the Apostles and is a direct continuation of the New Testament churches like Corinth, Ephesus and Thessalonica, an ancient Church whose faith has not changed since it received the Gospel from the Apostles?

How you answer the above questions will guide you in your search, but pray to the Lord for guidance above all else.

If you want a more modern church which is more open in matters of faith, then you should check out the Anglican Church, or any of the various Protestant denominations. Missionaries from the West have been spreading these forms of Christianity to your country over the last several hundred years. They'd be happy to take you in.

If you want a more ancient church which keeps the Faith the same as in the time of the Apostles, I would recommend the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Oriental Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church. These three should also be readily present in your country, and each of them have communities that have more than likely existed in your area for at least a thousand years, if not longer! These communities would also be happy to take you in as well.

Also, what verses of the Bible are you having trouble with? There are many people here who would be able to help you; I personally would be more than happy to help you understand

On top of that, I encounter atheists online and Muslims in my everyday life. About atheists, it's not much of a problem. I just recover after a few seconds.

But with Muslims, I sometimes really worry. Like "OH MY GOD WHAT IF THEY'RE RIGHT? What if their religion is true and I've bought myself a one way ticket to Hell?":sad4:

I know it sounds stupid to you. But please try to put yourself in my shoes. I knew next to nothing about Christianity until a few months ago, but I've learned about Islam in schools (and even kindergarten) since I was very little. I didn't believe in Islam for various reasons: the treatment of women, how men are allowed to have multiple wives, how it's encouraged to kill non-believers, etc. But sometimes... I just...

Please help be get over my doubts:help:It's driving me insane. I don't want to lose my faith...

If the Muslims are right, then why is God leading you towards Christianity? Why do you find God in Christianity, and not in Islam? Why would God damn you to Hell for following His will, repenting, doing good works and believing in Him? Something to think about.

May our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, in the love of God the Father and with the communion of the Holy Spirit have mercy on us and save us, for He is gracious and He loves mankind!

 

[Gaura Priya]

But with Muslims, I sometimes really worry. Like "OH MY GOD WHAT IF THEY'RE RIGHT? What if their religion is true and I've bought myself a one way ticket to Hell?":sad4:

In my country, many of my childhood friends were Muslimahs and Sikhi, so I wouldn't worry too much. Just know that God loves you, no matter what you choose! Even in Islam, Hell is not eternal, and everyone becomes reconciled to God.

I do not believe in the Qur'an, but this verse is striking to me.

"And they say: None entereth paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian. These are their own desires. Say: Bring your proof of what ye state if ye are truthful. Nay, but whosoever surrendereth his purpose to GOD while doing good, his reward is with his Lord; and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve."
-- Qur'an 1:111-112

To me this verse means that not all people who claim to be religious (Muslim or Christian) will find favour with God: only those who believe, and do good works, and love Him shall.

Thus God does not want us to burden us more than we can bear. As long as we love him, and as a Christian, love His Son, Jesus Christ, and love others and yourself for the sake of loving, there is nothing more that you need to know!


"Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.'

Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?'

And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' "
-- Matthew 25:34-40 (NRSV)


I think finding a Christian group that is not fundamentalist will help sort out your own beliefs. Christianity is a very diverse religion! But the one thing united is that we all know that Christ is our Saviour, our Brother and Friend.

Let us know if we can be of assistance!

 

[Green Kepi]

If you have a Bible (no matter what version)...study it, learn and show yourself approved (that way you won't "lose your faith"), and don't worry about this group or that group of what 'so-called' Christians call themselves; just be a Christian. You don't need some group name attached to yourself. Be a Christian only. The good news is that Christ understands your situation and is there for you. You cannot "work" or "be good" enough by doing things to make it to Heaven.

 

[Song of the Night]

Guys, thank you. You're all so kind.

If I may, which type of Christianity do you want to go with? Would you like a more modern branch that's more open in terms of faith, or would you like a more ancient Church that dates back to the time of the Apostles and is a direct continuation of the New Testament churches like Corinth, Ephesus and Thessalonica, an ancient Church whose faith has not changed since it received the Gospel from the Apostles?

That's exactly what I don't know. I suppose older branches are closer to the time of the Apostles, but are they really?

But that's that's not what I have problems with, now. It doesn't matter to me right now what I'm going to call myself. It's that I don't know which group I should agree with. There are so many different beliefs. Some say Jesus is God himself, some say Jesus is a separate beings, and some say he's not in any way God, just His flawless son.
Who's right? No idea.

Being unsure about such huge matters is what scares me.

Also, what verses of the Bible are you having trouble with? There are many people here who would be able to help you; I personally would be more than happy to help you understand

Well, a lot of them. You see, I have the King James version, and as English isn't my first language, I had problems understanding some parts. Then I found a Bible in my language, and it became so much easier. But I'm afraid some parts may have been altered. And since I converse with other Christians in English (because there aren't many Christians around me so I talk to people online when I need spiritual support, questions, etc. like now) I also need to check the English version to get the phrases right. It makes it kind of tiring.

Thanks you so much! Can I PM you my questions?



Thanks you, Gaura Priya. Your words are very appreciated.

If you have a Bible (no matter what version)...study it, learn and show yourself approved (that way you won't "lose your faith"), and don't worry about this group or that group of what 'so-called' Christians call themselves; just be a Christian. You don't need some group name attached to yourself. Be a Christian only. The good news is that Christ understands your situation and is there for you. You cannot "work" or "be good" enough by doing things to make it to Heaven.

I know. It doesn't matter to me what group name I attach to myself. It's he question that who's right? Like the example I said about different beliefs concerning our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank you.

 

[Green Kepi]

I think it does matter as to the name you attach to yourself...why? Division. God dislikes the way His people are divided. That's why I call myself "just a Christian". All thru the Scriptures, God speaks against it. For example, in the Old Testament, Ezekiel 37 God speaks about the 'spiritually' dead. And from verse 15 on, He commands them to end their 'divisions'. He says, "Unite and become one". Today God is not happy with the "divided Christians" (Ephesians 4:4-6). Who's right? Examine the Scriptures to determine for yourself....

 

[Shiranui117]

Guys, thank you. You're all so kind.

That's exactly what I don't know. I suppose older branches are closer to the time of the Apostles, but are they really?

But that's that's not what I have problems with, now. It doesn't matter to me right now what I'm going to call myself. It's that I don't know which group I should agree with. There are so many different beliefs. Some say Jesus is God himself, some say Jesus is a separate beings, and some say he's not in any way God, just His flawless son.
Who's right? No idea.

There is one thing that I've found in my time here, and that is that you can make the Bible to support any number of positions. This is because the Bible was never meant to be the sole source of Christian teaching; rather, the Bible evolved among a multitude of other things, like homilies, epistles, treatises and councils of Church Fathers, and in the combined lives and experience of all the Christians. The Bible only really makes sense in the context of the rest of the Tradition of the Church; all the various splits and denominations in the Church result from people breaking away from the Tradition and the Faith of the Apostles. When you look at the unbroken teaching of the Apostles, when you look at what has always been believed, and throw away new teachings that neither the Apostles nor their students taught, then you will find the Church that holds to that Tradition.

Being unsure about such huge matters is what scares me.

I can sympathize completely; I've gone through similar dilemmas in choosing which "branch" of Christianity to follow. I've gone from unchurched to non-denominational to Lutheran to Roman Catholic to Eastern Catholic, and now I'm on my way to becoming Eastern Orthodox, and I understand how hectic and confusing the process of discernment can be, having been discerning God's will for my life for the past five years, asking Him to have mercy on me and grant me knowledge and understanding of the Truth.

Luke 9:24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

Well, a lot of them. You see, I have the King James version, and as English isn't my first language, I had problems understanding some parts. Then I found a Bible in my language, and it became so much easier. But I'm afraid some parts may have been altered. And since I converse with other Christians in English (because there aren't many Christians around me so I talk to people online when I need spiritual support, questions, etc. like now) I also need to check the English version to get the phrases right. It makes it kind of tiring.

Thanks you so much! Can I PM you my questions?

Of course! Feel free to ask me all the questions you have, and I'll do my very best to get you some good answers.

By the way, I don't think your English skills are going to be a problem for you

 

[Straw Dog]

Hello SotN,

Hello.

I hope that you are enjoying your journey. The way of Christ is primarily about inner conversion through the Spirit rather than just possessing a set of static beliefs and notions given to you by others. A living faith is dynamic. A faith that isn't grounded in the Living Presence is blind. Beliefs are just tools along the way to reconcilation.

Too many Christians have become proud of their "belief in God". This is like somebody being proud about believing in love rather than actually participating in love with humility. My advice is simply not to get too entangled in abstract belief. It is better to approach God through the Spirit rather than through theological concepts. Beliefs are transitory constructs, but the Living Presence is eternal.

 

[Tranquil Servant]

Hello.

*blinks* I'm not good with pleasantries, so I'll just jump to the point, if you don't mind.


Well you see, I live in a Muslim country. I was brought up without a religion, and my dad is an atheist.

I had never considered "God" in a serious way until some months ago. Back then, I just... believed in God, but He was a very vague form in my mind. I didn't exactly care much. I was always very afraid of death, not for losing the things I have, but because I was afraid of facing what was waiting for me on the other side. I didn't have that many qualms about lying. I wasn't a liar, really, but I didn't see anything wrong with it if it was to my advantage. And so on.

Then, I don't know what happened when I began looking for God. I began studying about different beliefs, different religions...
All along, my answer to Islam was NO. In Muslim countries, we are taught about Islam in our schools, so I know about Islam as much as the next Muslim. And I didn't feel it was very... divine.

I then began researching Christianity... And then I decided. I prayed to God, asked him to forgive my sins and let me find Him once again, etc.

From then on, I tried to be a good Christian. I read Bible every day (with some exceptions), I pray everyday to Lord, I try to be kind to everyone and not think ill of anyone, I don't lie, and the things I think Jesus would want us to do. (And I can't go to church in my country)

I'm so glad made this choice. It makes me smile whenever I think about it, and I feel so peaceful after praying, and I'm not afraid of death anymore. It's so good to feel loved by someone always, and I'm so, so joyful when I really think about it.


But you see, I sometimes get scared, because I have doubts sometimes. I'm so confused. Christianity has so many branches, and I'm freaking out because I don't know which of them I should agree with. I can't go to church or get baptized (because of my country) , and some verses of Bible confuse me.

On top of that, I encounter atheists online and Muslims in my everyday life. About atheists, it's not much of a problem. I just recover after a few seconds.

But with Muslims, I sometimes really worry. Like "OH MY GOD WHAT IF THEY'RE RIGHT? What if their religion is true and I've bought myself a one way ticket to Hell?":sad4:

I know it sounds stupid to you. But please try to put yourself in my shoes. I knew next to nothing about Christianity until a few months ago, but I've learned about Islam in schools (and even kindergarten) since I was very little. I didn't believe in Islam for various reasons: the treatment of women, how men are allowed to have multiple wives, how it's encouraged to kill non-believers, etc. But sometimes... I just...

Please help be get over my doubts:help:It's driving me insane. I don't want to lose my faith...

God bless you sister and I pray he provides you with peace and your daily bread. I truly respect your strength. I can relate somewhat to your frustration and how you feel. Even though I live in the U.S., I'm constantly disappointed by the type of secular and hypocritical Christianity portrayed by my country. My husband is Muslim and always challenges me to question my belief. Also, he wants to move to an Arab country. It's hard for me sometimes because I'm not part of any sect and although I would like to go to church, I don't because I don't want to label myself and I don't adhere to the doctrine of the Trinity. I believe God is all-powerful and can multiply or extend himself so I believe Jesus is like an extension of God or God replicating himself in the flesh. I say Jesus is God's manifestation of salvation. Plus, to be honest I highly respect Muslims for trying to keep their religion and way of life from being diluted. One thing I can assure you is, you don't have to worry about not being baptized or being able to go to church. Baptism is just a public symbolic declaration of faith. I personally have known many people who have gotten baptized and don't even know why or don't take the belief serious. What matters is your heart which God knows and as long as you have your Bible and the internet, you'll be alright. The best way to strengthen your faith is by looking for God (literally). Ask questions and use the Bible with the internet to help you find answers but be careful with the internet. Pray to God in the name of Jesus to give you your daily bread. I definitely would be willing to help you with your questions if I can and if you want. Most importantly, keep your faith; every way of life (in it's core) requires faith. Once again, may God bless you and give you peace sister.:namaste