I’ve researched and heard people’s stories but never had a convo with them although simply speaking with one of these people would be an amazing experience I think.
I don’t disagree with you but I think it’s such a nuanced discussion that it’s hard to have in this context. I do think some people are religious for the “wrong” reasons but I also think god has a plan for everyone so as long as you’re doing your best and trying to be a good person that’s the most important thing.
I was atheist and from some personal experiences plus the nde stuff, I’ve become what I call a “follower of Jesus” but not a Christian as of right now. I’ll just see where life takes me from here.
The term “Christian” isn’t what followers of Jesus called themselves..they were followers of Jesus or Christ. The term Christian was used by the people of Antioch, who first called those who followed Jesus, Christians. The Bible shows this. Peter himself said this. As is mentioned in the Bible a few times. It’s ok to call yourself a Christian of course. But the words “follower of Jesus” imo is the correct terminology. So if you are a follower of Christ, technically yes, you’re also a Christian.
Also understand Jesus is the only way to a eternal life in heaven. By accepting Jesus as your personal savior and believing he died for your sins, was buried in a tomb, and on the third day was resurrected. You will be saved. And once saved, as your begin your relationship with Jesus, salvation, you are held in the hand of God. And once there, you cannot be removed. If you have salvation, this relationship, it’ll grow. Jesus will reside in your heart. Keep Him there. There will be so much you’ll see and learn from the Holy Spirit. It’s amazing. Bless you friend. And thank you Lord for your love and peace, and joy. And forgiveness. Thank you.
Thank you for these kind words. It’s really interesting because I don’t believe I ever heard the term “follower of Jesus”. Like I said I was atheist and didn’t go to church or read much religious literature. I honestly just felt that specific wording in my heart and went with it so it’s nice how you’ve tied that in to specific wording of the Bible and traditional Christianity.
As far as what I said about Jesus wanting a personal relationship, I don’t really know what that means and I’m having trouble figuring out what I should do to establish that relationship. I feel like I’ve accepted Jesus into my heart but not necessarily my mind because I’m a very logical scientifically minded person and that’s been a bit more difficult. Do you have any thoughts on that?
I guess I could pray or something but I don’t really know how to do that either. I’m a mess I know lol
Well the best advice I want to give and probably could give is this, you need a church to go to. I mean an actual building. A few years ago I was very similar to what you are today. And I asked, after finding Christ or accepting or however you want to say it, I asked to be surrounded by those who worship Jesus. I just needed some good folks who are flawed like me, who fight sin daily, and who follow and worship Jesus. And God delivered. I also said I want to learn. I mean really, I wanna learn about my savior and the one who I can now feel in my very being. So I started a Sunday school class in a nearby baptist church. I knew like only one person there. But I just walked in, and let the Lord guide me. I was more afraid of disappointing Jesus than meeting new people. So I was like, I’ll hold your hand and let you lead me. And whatever happens happens. And it has been amazing. I’ve learned so much. I’ve learned how to have that relationship with Jesus. I’ve learned how to pray. I saw others do such an amazing job. How they talked to the Lord. That personal relationship was and is beautiful. So it may not be the advice you wanna hear, but I’m telling you, having a place of worship, with others, is an amazing thing. Just ask or pray to help lead you to somewhere that’s good. That’ll help you. The Lord will take care of it. Jesus speaks of us gathering in worship. It’s important for, well survival basically. We need each other. And where we gather, Christ will be there. I hope you can find something like this. Something weekly and often. It’ll help you grow so much.
Yeah I’ve definitely thought about that and looked around a bit but haven’t actually gone yet. Although im not nervous about physically going, im not sure that I’ll fit in there.
My views on god are new and shaped mostly from my own experiences and nde’s and I’m thinking that might not go over too well. Not that I would necessarily have to share my specific views about god but I’m not really sure how that all works.
But I will ponder that. And thank you again for taking the time to write and share your personal experiences and offer that advice
I’ve researched and heard people’s stories but never had a convo with them although simply speaking with one of these people would be an amazing experience I think.
I don’t disagree with you but I think it’s such a nuanced discussion that it’s hard to have in this context. I do think some people are religious for the “wrong” reasons but I also think god has a plan for everyone so as long as you’re doing your best and trying to be a good person that’s the most important thing.
I was atheist and from some personal experiences plus the nde stuff, I’ve become what I call a “follower of Jesus” but not a Christian as of right now. I’ll just see where life takes me from here.
The term “Christian” isn’t what followers of Jesus called themselves..they were followers of Jesus or Christ. The term Christian was used by the people of Antioch, who first called those who followed Jesus, Christians. The Bible shows this. Peter himself said this. As is mentioned in the Bible a few times. It’s ok to call yourself a Christian of course. But the words “follower of Jesus” imo is the correct terminology. So if you are a follower of Christ, technically yes, you’re also a Christian. Also understand Jesus is the only way to a eternal life in heaven. By accepting Jesus as your personal savior and believing he died for your sins, was buried in a tomb, and on the third day was resurrected. You will be saved. And once saved, as your begin your relationship with Jesus, salvation, you are held in the hand of God. And once there, you cannot be removed. If you have salvation, this relationship, it’ll grow. Jesus will reside in your heart. Keep Him there. There will be so much you’ll see and learn from the Holy Spirit. It’s amazing. Bless you friend. And thank you Lord for your love and peace, and joy. And forgiveness. Thank you.
Thank you for these kind words. It’s really interesting because I don’t believe I ever heard the term “follower of Jesus”. Like I said I was atheist and didn’t go to church or read much religious literature. I honestly just felt that specific wording in my heart and went with it so it’s nice how you’ve tied that in to specific wording of the Bible and traditional Christianity.
As far as what I said about Jesus wanting a personal relationship, I don’t really know what that means and I’m having trouble figuring out what I should do to establish that relationship. I feel like I’ve accepted Jesus into my heart but not necessarily my mind because I’m a very logical scientifically minded person and that’s been a bit more difficult. Do you have any thoughts on that?
I guess I could pray or something but I don’t really know how to do that either. I’m a mess I know lol
Well the best advice I want to give and probably could give is this, you need a church to go to. I mean an actual building. A few years ago I was very similar to what you are today. And I asked, after finding Christ or accepting or however you want to say it, I asked to be surrounded by those who worship Jesus. I just needed some good folks who are flawed like me, who fight sin daily, and who follow and worship Jesus. And God delivered. I also said I want to learn. I mean really, I wanna learn about my savior and the one who I can now feel in my very being. So I started a Sunday school class in a nearby baptist church. I knew like only one person there. But I just walked in, and let the Lord guide me. I was more afraid of disappointing Jesus than meeting new people. So I was like, I’ll hold your hand and let you lead me. And whatever happens happens. And it has been amazing. I’ve learned so much. I’ve learned how to have that relationship with Jesus. I’ve learned how to pray. I saw others do such an amazing job. How they talked to the Lord. That personal relationship was and is beautiful. So it may not be the advice you wanna hear, but I’m telling you, having a place of worship, with others, is an amazing thing. Just ask or pray to help lead you to somewhere that’s good. That’ll help you. The Lord will take care of it. Jesus speaks of us gathering in worship. It’s important for, well survival basically. We need each other. And where we gather, Christ will be there. I hope you can find something like this. Something weekly and often. It’ll help you grow so much.
Yeah I’ve definitely thought about that and looked around a bit but haven’t actually gone yet. Although im not nervous about physically going, im not sure that I’ll fit in there.
My views on god are new and shaped mostly from my own experiences and nde’s and I’m thinking that might not go over too well. Not that I would necessarily have to share my specific views about god but I’m not really sure how that all works.
But I will ponder that. And thank you again for taking the time to write and share your personal experiences and offer that advice