shadowrider Posted January 12, 2024 Report Posted January 12, 2024 I thought we could discuss ideas and anything that might be helpful to those that are interested in or new to Christianity. I recently read, sorry I forget where, that a new believer should start by reading the book of John at least 3 times before moving on to other books. It was said that reading it through at least 3 times helps to cement all that the book is telling us about Jesus and helps to form a solid foundation to learn from. I do know that if a new believer starts at page 1 and reads through it can be a struggle to get all the way to the final page. Numbers and Kings are not what I personally would call riveting, informative yes, but I struggle with those sections. Reading generally makes me sleepy so anyone that has read those books can imagine my struggle. Does anyone have any tips or thoughts on how new believers can get engaged and stay motivated? Do any new believers or those just interested have any questions about things to read or study in the beginning of your journey?
Guest InTheNight Posted January 25, 2024 Report Posted January 25, 2024 The book of John is definitely where I'd recommend starting for new believers. The book of John I think offers the most personal account of Jesus, and so for newer, less theologically inclined Christians or seekers, this will offer the greatest insight into who and what Jesus is. I've been helping a very close friend I met on this site through John as she gets back into her faith and I think its been really good so far. After that, I'd work through Luke and Acts, as Luke offers a more historical account of Jesus and the events surrounding him, and then flows immediately into Acts and the establishment of the early church. Fun fact, Luke and Acts are originally the same book, but was split into 2 separate books for ease of reading.
beanbean Posted January 25, 2024 Report Posted January 25, 2024 Matthew is more profound to me but yes John is a good shout as well as Romans is good too 1
Baby Girl Miss Amanda Posted January 26, 2024 Report Posted January 26, 2024 I like Ephesians for "young Christian". The first half of the book talks about who we are as Christians. The second half talks about how to conduct ourselves in "the world". Maybe a better way of saying it is: first half is our identity as Christ followers, second half is how to live that way. It's really powerful stuff if you take it slowly and meditate on the meaning of each phrase. Just be careful not to get too hung up on that predestined word. (Of course God knew before I did. He created me; therefore, He knew before I did what I would decide. He didn't choose for me, but He made the choice available to me and knew what I would choose because He is God and already knows everything I will do generations before I am born.) Cyclic logic at its finest!😉 If anyone has real questions or needs help/guidance with an authentic Christian walk, I would be happy to answer questions. I teach at my church in several areas and in my real job. I've been a Christian for a good chunk of my adult live and have helped other adults find faith. I'd love to start some real conversations here about Christianity and DDlg. 2 1
BigDaddys_HunnyBunny Posted April 17, 2024 Report Posted April 17, 2024 On 1/25/2024 at 10:11 PM, Baby Girl Miss Amanda said: I like Ephesians for "young Christian". The first half of the book talks about who we are as Christians. The second half talks about how to conduct ourselves in "the world". Maybe a better way of saying it is: first half is our identity as Christ followers, second half is how to live that way. It's really powerful stuff if you take it slowly and meditate on the meaning of each phrase. Just be careful not to get too hung up on that predestined word. (Of course God knew before I did. He created me; therefore, He knew before I did what I would decide. He didn't choose for me, but He made the choice available to me and knew what I would choose because He is God and already knows everything I will do generations before I am born.) Cyclic logic at its finest!😉 If anyone has real questions or needs help/guidance with an authentic Christian walk, I would be happy to answer questions. I teach at my church in several areas and in my real job. I've been a Christian for a good chunk of my adult live and have helped other adults find faith. I'd love to start some real conversations here about Christianity and DDlg. What kind of church do you go to, like what denomination? I'm always curious about that. 😁
Baby Girl Miss Amanda Posted April 22, 2024 Report Posted April 22, 2024 @BigDaddys_HunnyBunny Thanks for asking! I attend a CMA church Christian Missionary Alliance or its sometimes called The Alliance. We broke for the Baptist in the early 1900s and are a small denomination. We rely heavily on the scriptutes for preaching and teaching. We have the AWANA program and host a lot of other community outreach activities in our building. We view "the church" as a body of believers (people who believe in Jesus as Savior, Lord and Sovereign King), and we call ourselves family. We do a lot of potlucks, family nights, prayer meetings, Bible Studies, mom groups, men's groups, mission trips, and local volunteering. 1
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