I'm embarking on a journey to become closer with God and would love to have a study partner.  When reading the Bible there are some things that I don't quite understand.  For now I'm not in a church (just haven't found the right one) going to church for me is about more than just being able to say I go to church, it's about getting fed, it's about a feeling of family and community, and about willingness to go out and share with those who are less fortunate and so far I haven't found any churches or anyone like that, thus the reason for my question, I perfer to study with a man to attain a males perspective on scripture.
122183
I do my very best to put Him before anything else.  I do love God.  Feel free to contact me through the link on my profile page.  Praise God!!\n\nI also put verses and thoughts out there on my 360 page.  As soon as the link is restored by Yahoo (for some reason everyone's link to their 360 page has been removed) you should check them out and see what you think..I would love some feedback on them.  I only started them a few days ago, so there aren't many.
505078
Met my husband when I commenced voluntary work in a Christian organisation .....wondered why God had called me there but it soon became very obvious why He'd called me...so I could meet my gorgeous man :)\ndon't forget the Bible says, "Seek first the kingdom of God and then all of these things will be given to you".  Jesus was talking about giving all the blessings God has for you.......seek God, not a woman & then see what God does with that.  God bless you as you seek Him.\nI'm praying that God will provide a Godly wife for you......
470587
I've dealt with similar issues. I was raised Protestant and left the church for a while. I missed the fellowship, a lot. There's so much to be said for the comfort you can find within a good church. The problem was that I could never reconcile my beliefs about evolution, my scientific paradigm about the origins of the universe, homosexuality, and feminism with the Bible's opposing views. To me, I couldn't just choose to re-interpret the Bible for my convenience. It means what it says, not what I want it to mean. I was unable to return to the church because I was unable to believe in the god described by the Bible. \n\nAfter that, I looked at religion itself pretty seriously and from an academic standpoint, rather than a religious one. I found a few textbooks describing religion as objectively and sensitively as possible with humans doing the work and managed to get into a college course regarding religion.\n\nI suppose when it comes to deities, I'm best described as "spiritual". I believe it's possible that there is a god of some sort out there, but I don't believe that anything written by man can describe it, let alone explain what any god wants. Religions are man-made. Still, I needed religion. I found Zen Buddhism to be to my preference. It suits me. I don't believe in re-incarnation or immutable souls. I think we're always changing, always learning. It's the nature of living. It took a long time, years, for me to get where I am because I had a lot of residual fear of going to hell. Sunday School is effective indoctrination. In the end, that was the final nail in my Christian coffin. I could not respect a religion that promised love and held on with fear.\n\nI think it's different for you in ways, but it's also the same. The Church's ideas don't fit yours, but you're still drawn to the comfort of fellowship. Perhaps even the comfort of god. I don't know any books that would necessarily help you, because I don't think that's your issue. Do you miss the sense of belonging or do you miss god? If you miss god, then your problem lies in understanding that any beliefs that you have that are against what the church says are sin. If you miss the fellowship, but not god, then perhaps you can find another way with values you agree with to fellowship. There are Protestant churches that agree with you on abortion and homosexuality. If religion isn't to your taste, you can also find fellowship by finding groups that meet for secular reasons. I belonged to a reading club for a while. We'd gather in the library every Wednesday night and discuss the book we'd read that week. It felt wonderful. Then I moved.\n\nI'd suggest you talk to a priest, but it's their duty to return you to the fold so you won't get the help you actually need. I wouldn't suggest you talk to anyone else's minister/rabbi/whathaveyou for the same reason. It's usually their duty to convert you. You can speak to someone, such as a therapist, a mentor, a teacher, an advisor about it as well. \n\nMy crisis of faith was the hardest thing I've gone through, even harder than boot camp and childbirth. I'm feeling a lot more rewarded and confident about my choices once I'd gotten through it. I hope that you'll find peace with your choices as well.
216257
I believe you are very right in alot of new or unfed Christian hearts. We get complacent and don't read The Bible and get refreshed on what EVERY follower of God had to go through! Paul had the thorn in his side, Stephen got killed, all were mocked! Look at poor Job, what a price to pay! When we really start to follow The Good Shepherd's voice just know that He's going to lead you into "The valley of the shadow of death" at some point in your life to test your faith in Him(with good right!). Good question and point to make, friend! I hope that helps you. God bless.
237361
I used to date a guy who held church in his home.  His father was a minister without a congregation and his mother was disabled and physically uncomfortable in the traditional church setting so for this reason he held church in his house every Sunday afternoon and every other Wednesday night with his father preaching and his mother attending even though his parents had long since been divorced. It was the best "church" I have ever been to.  The service was meaningful and the singing was beautiful with every voice raised to God, there was no doubt everyone in the very crowded living room was there for God.  I continued to attend "church" at his house for awhile after we quit dating, and frequently think I should still be going there. I learned more there than I ever learned in Sunday school.  I recently took the Alpha class at a local church it was great but I still believe the best church is where you feel the closest to God no matter if it's in a house or a traditional church.
541634
Yea I went to church today. We learned how Jesus impacted our lives and what he think of us?  Those that don't attend church miss a good change to fellowship with believers and to come to know Christ more. I find those that don't know anything about the Lord avoid going to church. Only Satan makes you avoid church.
25043
I have waited to answer this question to see what others would say. It is interesting. Unless you have a personal relationship with me, you really do not know me, just "about me", which is the same thing with Jesus. \nI genuinely thank those who spoke such kind and gracious words, I am humbled and grateful. \nOK, to answer, we will start at the beginning. I have always assumed there was a God. I was raised initially in the Catholic church, but I did not like the repetitive rituals or the standing when the priest walks in. My mother did not force me to continue the Catechism classes, and I continued my search for God into my teens. \nOn Thanksgiving evening, 1970, I was cruising in my friend Steve's 1955 T-bird around the towns surrounding Eglin AFB, Florida. We walked around an old cemetary and we got to talking about the spirit world. It sort of gave me the shivers. Steve asked me if I had ever been "saved". What is that? It is asking Jesus Christ into your heart. Something inside me said, "Isn't that what you have been looking for all your life?" That night, I asked Jesus into my heart and to be my Lord and Savior.\n\nMy approach to the Bible changed over the years. Before I met Jesus, it was a confusing array of religious writings and myths. \nAfter I met Jesus, it became a curious array of religious writings that may be true. \nAfter receiving the Holy Spirit a year later, it became personal love letters to me. \nDuring my high school years, it became a book of do's and don'ts that I could not quite live up to. \nDuring my college years, I came upon my mentor Chuck Smith, of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, who guided me through the Bible, verse by verse. The Bible became my life and foundation for living.\nDuring my single working years, I graduated to my next mentor Chuck Missler, who showed me the importance of types, how the old relates to the new, how the Bible is an intrigate message by One author. The Bible WAS and proved to be the Word of God! \nFive years under him and other great teachers, and I married Julie (Juliart). I was have been blessed to pass on all I have learned her and to my children and also to people stuck in cults, those confused by manipulative religions, and see the freedom the Word of God brings. \nThirty five years since that night in Florida, I have decided to pass all I have learned on to you. But in all things, be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11. Receive everything I have to give with joy, but check the scriptures daily to see if these things are true. I consider what I impart here as "Handfuls Dropped on Purpose" (see study below).\n\nSo to answer this question once and for all. I am just like my other fellow Christians who just love the Bible and have a personal walk with its Author. An old Jesus Freak from the 70s who's life's motto is...\n\n"Have Bible, Will Babble."\n\npregowtwins-Julie cracked up at your post. I could hear her across the house!\nmikeiam20-Your post reminded me of a line in Close Encounters. "Einstein was probably one of them." (looking at the alien mothership) ;)
222488
He is helping me to rest in Him. To trust where He is taking me, my husband and children. Right now I am being challenged to walk the walk instead of talk a lot. I went to Bible College for a while so I have a lot of learning but my practical, works side needs more growth now. Thanks for asking. How about yourself?
200392
It comes with the territory.  \n\nA long time ago, I was attending a huge church in a metropolitan area of the city and after I had been there for almost 10 years a friend asked me a question about theology.  \n\nI answered his question with many references and a very detailled explanation to which he replied, "You have a very acute understanding of what the pastor of this church teaches every Sunday morning".  And then it hit me...\n\nI had allowed myself to be swept into a fundamental mindset which didn't allow me to really express myself as Father had created me to do.  Instead of caring for individuals around me, I had grown into this person who had to be right all the time because of personal insecurities.\n\nI think Christians need to start really thinking about what they individually believe and rely less on what is sold to them on Sunday mornings...
35161
Not at all. I used to feel wierd about it, but then I met one of my pastors who is a woman. She's also a close personal friend of mine and she inspires me alot. As it is I do teach, but I would love to one day preach God's word. It would be awesome!
648386
I'm of the christian faith. I live in the bible belt of the United States, though I've rarely been inside a church.... I put effort into my religion every day, every second of every day, and have done so since I was 4 or 5, am not even sure of my age when I began to seek God....since that time I've read and studied my bible( nearly every home in the bible belt has several bibles at the least); however, since gaining internet access 4 years ago, I've extended my research to studying the origins of christianity (which originates in Judaism; big DUH but the statement make s my line of thought flow more smoothly:)... and have found the books of the Bible ( especially the new testament) to be the best documented piece of ancient literature yet found and Judaism to be non polluted/diluted by other ancient religions...the Bible was penned by 40 different authors from many different social backgrounds and over 1500 years worth of writing; and all of those writings don't conflict in any way.. the bible can be argued with ( though all arguments so far can be traced to mistranslation of original language or ignorance of cultural context) but not proven false.... in a nutshell,there is no physical/scientific evidence to disprove either Judaism or its culmination,Christianity... Shalom v'shalom
491642
I like your first responder, am a praying, studying follower of God!  I would be honore to share in your faith experiences and vice versa!  My email is pinkpearl0872@yahoo.com.  \n\nIron....If you are willing to participate in this journey or anyone else...please feel free to write!\n\nGod Bless!!!!
143526
As followers of Christ, we are commanded to carry the Gospel to the entire world. We are just doing as commanded.\nWe can't help it if some are offended.\nWe are only 'pushing' it on those who choose to read the religion/spirituality forum.\n\nIts like, if I leave my Bible on the table and another picks it up and reads it, am I pushing my beliefs on him? \nThere are lots of other books to read on my table, so why pick up the Bible and then complain?\nI have to think that those who read this forum are looking for answers.
470627
That's awesome and a special gift to love time alone with the Lord.\nI love being in church.\n\nI think the scripture about forsaking the assembly is important - I think it has to do with the example of Jesus - how he was amogst people and ministered to them. You have to be among people to be supported and support them. And sometimes it is harder to stay inspired on your owm - experiencing worship together is powerful.\n\nI think both are important and needed.
381613
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  You need to find a church that is serious about its bible teaching and get into bible study.  As we move into the end times, there is a danger of being led astray by false teaching and of course, by those who would tell you not to believe the bible.  At this point in time, you are in a serious place.  There is nothing wrong with questioning....what is important is to find the accurate and true answers.  More than ever before, we need to know God's word and be able to stand on it.
432344
I had some very personal unexplained experiences that helped me.  I'm not religious though. I believe religion is politics and people. I love God and I believe in the virgin birth, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I was not raised with any sort of Christan up bringing.  I also do not currently attend church. I was hurt by people there. I still love God and Jesus, they did not hurt me.  I want a church that is a reflection of heaven...all races, gay and straight, bikers, rappers, prostitutes, homeless, rich and poor, skinny and fat and everything in between, no judgments everyone just doing their best to be more like Christ. Sometimes we get it right and sometimes we will fail miserably but in this church it will be OK to fail. You'll admit it and do better next time and the people will love you and encourage you just the same.  If you know where this church is let me know, I've got to meet these people.
595665
I personally struggle with relying on God instead of myself.  I am a worry wort and often times try to fix things myself.  This usually ends up in a mess and when I give it to God things work out, not always the way I would like but still they work out.  Thank you for sharing your struggles.  As Christians we need to support and build each other up as well as help each other with our struggles.