How does a person take the "next step" in his faith if even the pastor discourages such  an effort?
153543
Be still and know that He is God.  Your pastor is not God and since you have access to the one true God, you can know what is the next step in your journey.  Ask God and then be quiet and wait for His answer.  Your pastor is an authority in the chain of command, but not the final stopping point.
1142053
The most important way to strengthen you faith is to talk to God and listen to what He says. Read your Bible daily. Second Timothy 2:15, says to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Go to a Bible-believing church.Be careful, because there are many out there that claim to be, and yet do not walk the talk. Finally, surround yourself with Christian prayer partners. Let them know when you need prayer, and pray for them when they need it. These will help you become a stronger Christian.
868728
The 5th step:  Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. \nDoes NOT require clergy.  God knows what is in your heart.  \nYou can speak with God [however you perceive God] in the privacy of your room.  \nYou can speak with yourself in your own room too, of course.\nAnother human being can be found at any AA meeting. \nGo to the damn meetings!
1159290
Good Morning! You mentioned that you are religous, this may be part of the problem. Jesus warned us to beware of religous leaders, and He was persecuted by them. Most religions of this day and age, would still not welcome Him, in my humble opinion. Now to the point:\n\nJesus said if you ask anything, of The Father, through His name,  with just a small measure, of faith, you will receive it. Try getting on your knees, confessing your sins to God, asking Jesus to truly enter your heart, and to give you faith. The New Testament also says we have not because we ask not. Ask Him, and I am sure He will answer.\n\nAnother reason may be that you are not truly surrendered to Jesus. You may have went through the motions, but did you truly ask Jesus to enter your heart, be Lord of your life, and surrender everything to Him?\n\nYour works may be lacking. The Bible clearly states that "Faith without works, is dead." Dont get me wrong, works wont save you,  but they will increase your faith. God's word says it. Try to do more for the Kingdom of God. Help someone, or some people. Be nice to someone whom every one else is mean to. Volunteer at a local charity, homeless shelter, or a mission. Knock on doors, and spread the Good News. If you feel too shy to do this, hand out tracts. There are many ways to work for God. Look around, they are not hard to see.\n\nLastly, you are still young. Your testimony may not be developed enough. You are being bombarded with the ways of the world, where the path of destruction is. The world is saying belief in Christ is ridiculous, and that man is his own god. Everywhere you turn, you see evil, and blasphemy. Until you are gropunded in your belief in Christ, these worldly matters will cause you to have doubts.\n\nRead your Bible, and pray, each and every day. Try to learn as much as you can from the Bible, it is your sword, a part of the armour every Christian needs. Get grounded in God's Word, learn things on your own, dont wait for someone to teach them to you. You will be waiting a long time to learn what you need, if you rely on a religion, or on any other person to teach you. In The Book of James, God tells us, if we lack wisdom, to ask of Him, and He will give it to us.\n\nI hope this helps. Its really early, and I just learned, at 3:15 that my step dad has died. His passing was horrible. He had liver cancer, and was in extreme pain, especially the last 4 days. However, I know, for a fact, he settled his eternal issue, with God, and that when his eyes closed here, they opened in paradise, and he is not hurting anymore, and that he never will hurt again, because of the fact that he surrendered his heart and life to Jesus Christ.\n\nIf I can be of further help, please send me an email. I will be glad to help.\n\nYours Truly, \nOld Soldier \n\nP.S. Dont get me wrong about religion. Not all are off the track. Settle your issues with God, and find a truly Bible based church, where you feel comfortable. The Bible says, "you will know them by their fruit", seek and find out the character of the church, before you join, just dont stop seeking and become a lone ranger Christian. The Bible says that we are to not "forsake the gathering of ourselves", so be sure to find a good Bible based church. God Bless you!
290210
First of all pray and ask God which church to send you to. then once you are going there for a while and they are preaching the truth ten tell the pastor you would like to be a member of that church. pray and make sure God is in it.
665149
just staying true. staying close to God and in His will, all this stuff about going to church EVERY week AND midweek service and never thinking bad thoughts and all that...well its good but not imperative. whats important is your walk. if your in His will your in a good place. (= good luck!
342119
My precious Brother In Christ...You really won't need to ask anyone else if you are called to Preach, you will have the inner witness within your heart that ONLY GOD CAN TOUCH!\nMyself, as well as other true christians sense your sincere\nheart about this matter and will be praying for you to SEEK GOD AND GOD ALONE ON THIS MATTER just like the other Anointed Preachers do...They go straight to God..Remember, when GOD calls you into the ministry to work for Him, HE WILL GIVE THE ANOINTING TO CARRY IT OUT & NOT MAN!!!
263890
visit various churches you are welcome in all houses of the Lord if any one turns you away you know that is not the place to be, but if you feel the atmosphere, get the message, and feel the spirit that is where you need to be. After service the pastor will offer everyone an opportunity to come to the alter just walk up and join. at the new member meetings you will get to know more people, new people and I am sure you will grow to love your new church home. Oh yeah, ask God to help you on your way.
1067947
Think about your motivation. Are you scared of something?\n\nGoing to church does NOT make you a better human, not even a better believer. You rather take positive actions in your life.
444263
The first answer is prayer. However I will caution you about a prayer for more faith. To get more faith, God usually puts us in a position that is very uncomfortable for us in order for us to learn faith. Peter was in a ship that was tossed around in a vicious storm. To top it off he saw a what appeared to be a ghost walking on the water. Can you imagine his fear. Yet the ghost turned out to be Jesus and Peter was beckoned to step out of the boat (his comfort zone) into the water - the unknown. He achieved the unachievable. Are you ready to walk the water? If so then ask God to increase your faith and fasten your seat belt. My prayers are with you as you move forward on this wonderful journey.
170854
I hope I can help you in some small way. First, I believe that Faith is a journey each day of your life. Try to read your Bible some each day particularly the New Testament. Live your life under the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you". Pray without ceasing....you can talk to GOD anytime you want. HE is always there with you. Will you always get what you want? Of course not....for HE knows what you need. Each day notice the world around you and try to do good things for others. Thank God each day for giving you this day. Have you noticed what a perfect artist GOD is, by the way? Look at the sky, the sunset, the leaves on the trees, the snow, the animals on this earth. What beauty HE has brought to this world. Meditate and be alone with yourself and simply ask GOD for help in guiding you.  I know with all of the horrible stuff going on in this world, sometimes it is hard to have Faith in God. HE, however, did not create this mess. HE gave us free choice and, obviously, we have made many mistakes. Ask GOD to forgive all of us and to show us the way. Each day that you do this, your faith will grow but remember, as I said earlier....Faith in God is a journey til the day you die. Ask HIM to be with you now and always even if you feel like your faith is shakey sometimes. As you grow older, your faith will strengthen. GOD is GOOD and LOVING. May GOD BLESS YOU in your JOURNEY!!!!
426659
You need to find a church that makes you feel comfortable and welcome.  You might need to try many.  I think that it is very important to find a church with a pastor that teaches from scripture.  There are so few out there anymore.  So many churches water down the teachings from Christ and put their own spin on the Bible.  How can you learn from God if you are not getting the teachings that he provided for us?  Don't let people bring you down, remember that just because someone believes in God it doesn't make them perfect, we are all sinners and fall short.  It is in our nature to fall short, that is why we need God.  Please don't let your disapointment in a person affect the way you see Christianity.  Pray about it and soon you will find a church home that is right for you, God Bless.
742325
Hi, good question...I have just recently gone through some difficult times at my "former" church, and though I did not lose my faith, I did take a break from church, "organized religion".  A very difficult time since worshipping God has alot to do with serving God and it's hard to serve Him if you aren't going somewhere.  I honestly did struggle WITH my faith, but never stopped having my faith.  Once you have that salvation through Jesus Christ, you can't lose it.  I've always heard that if you're not close to God anymore, then you're the one that moved, not Him.   what I did, I clung to Him, prayed to Him and let Him do His work in me.  When I was ready, He was waiting.  He is a patient, loving God.
1055333
As others have said example is the best way to lead one to Christ. Show God's love by inviting them to Christian activities. This does not neccesarily mean church services. Studies show that on average it takes 7 invitations before one will go to church. Studies also show that greater than 75% of all new Christians came to Christ by the example of a friend or relative. I would suggest that you show understanding and compassion. Do not try to engage in great theological debates. Do not judge. Remember in time the seed that you have planted will grow. Sometimes quick, sometimes over a period of time. You have done your job by spreading the gospel, it is now up to that person to decide to become a Christian or not. It can be painful to watch people reject Christ. Do not let it offend you or think that you could have done more. Pray to God and he will provide. God bless and keep up the good work.
342836
NOT by will power.  If you are in a eral relationship with Christ, the Holy Spirit will convict you to be humble, and then you decide
1178186
You are trying too hard.... All you need is faith. Stop and listen don't make it complicated.
786134
a person who did what he did.... how can he ever become a real christian? this would take a miracle first, and then, perhaps, everything else would be possible, including realizing the evil he did... and luckily, God forgives more than humans...