Recommended reading

[Eponine]

Just came back to my Father's house after a year of wandering and soul-searching, so in a way I'm a new Christian and in another way I'm not. Wondering if anyone has any Bible passages they would recommend or any spiritual books that would help build up a rather fragile faith.

[twistedsketch]

The Gospel of John is a generally good place to start. Perhaps if you could be more specific about the questions you have, I could point you to some passages that deal with those questions.

[Eponine]

The Gospel of John is a generally good place to start. Perhaps if you could be more specific about the questions you have, I could point you to some passages that deal with those questions.
*Thinking* I mostly want just some material for good solid spiritual growth, though I would also appreciate anything having to do with keeping faith even when it seems God is a million miles away.

[twistedsketch]

Can't go wrong with Romans. Chapter 8 is good for encouragement.

Also, 1 John.

[TheListener]

I'd start with the Gospels & work through the New Testament, thats what I did.

Its good to be in contact with a youth leader at a Church who takes the Bible seriously & is genuinely interested in you.

There are so many books out there aimed at new Christians. I did "Just for starters" and then "Kicking off". But a good study Bible is also great to have with side notes.

"More than a carpenter" by Josh McDowell helps with some historical tidbits that you may think of and unless answered may turn into doubts.

Just my $0.02 worth.

[Eponine]

I'd start with the Gospels & work through the New Testament, thats what I did.

Its good to be in contact with a youth leader at a Church who takes the Bible seriously & is genuinely interested in you.

There are so many books out there aimed at new Christians. I did "Just for starters" and then "Kicking off". But a good study Bible is also great to have with side notes.

"More than a carpenter" by Josh McDowell helps with some historical tidbits that you may think of and unless answered may turn into doubts.

Just my $0.02 worth.
Thanks. Unfortunately, I'd say my chances of finding a youth pastor like that are zero. The last one I had like that left 2 years ago and I haven't found a good youth group since.

[TheListener]

If you're in an area with limited people like that & limited Churches then that's not the best. But pray that you will learn & grow as a Christian & pray that God will guide you in your Christian life & pray that God will protect your mind from false doctrines & stay true to Jesus. And you have this website too :) There are a lot of great people on these forums & when you get a hang of it you'll see who to listen to & who to take with a grain of salt.

What about Bible study groups? Surely your Church would have those?

I'm praying for you sister. :)

[Eponine]

If you're in an area with limited people like that & limited Churches then that's not the best. But pray that you will learn & grow as a Christian & pray that God will guide you in your Christian life & pray that God will protect your mind from false doctrines & stay true to Jesus. And you have this website too :) There are a lot of great people on these forums & when you get a hang of it you'll see who to listen to & who to take with a grain of salt.

What about Bible study groups? Surely your Church would have those?

I'm praying for you sister. :)
It's not that there aren't any churches here- quite the opposite, I can name 4 within easy driving distance, and that's just scratching the surface. The churches there are, though, don't have very good youth programs.

[twistedsketch]

The ones withing easy driving distance you mean?

God is bigger than that. Staff changes and clubs at school may just provide what you need. I would encourage you to pray for good, solid Christian friends. God may just surprise you with how faithful He is to those who seek after Him.

[Eponine]

The ones withing easy driving distance you mean?

God is bigger than that. Staff changes and clubs at school may just provide what you need. I would encourage you to pray for good, solid Christian friends. God may just surprise you with how faithful He is to those who seek after Him.
*Shrugs* The friends I have aren't very interested in discussing religious matters. And our school is small enough that I doubt starting a Bible study or whatever at school would work. Maybe I'm doubting too much, but although I'd like to have people in real life to discuss religion with, I'm used enough to sticking to CF that it's not a huge deal.

[twistedsketch]

*Shrugs* The friends I have aren't very interested in discussing religious matters. And our school is small enough that I doubt starting a Bible study or whatever at school would work. Maybe I'm doubting too much, but although I'd like to have people in real life to discuss religion with, I'm used enough to sticking to CF that it's not a huge deal.
You don't have to start a Bible study, nor do I think you should. God lead a few "on fire" Christians at my high school to start something, and a few Christians started coming - myself being one of those. And there are always new friends - I'm not saying ditch your old ones but you've got 4 years of high school ahead of you and friend situations change.

So just pray about it. If He absolutely has to, God can sustain you on His word and CF. Or, if He chooses (which is more likely) He'll be putting good Christian friends in your life and perhaps he'll draw you into a good youth group as well. I'll be praying for this too.

[Eponine]

You don't have to start a Bible study, nor do I think you should. God lead a few "on fire" Christians at my high school to start something, and a few Christians started coming - myself being one of those. And there are always new friends - I'm not saying ditch your old ones but you've got 4 years of high school ahead of you and friend situations change.

So just pray about it. If He absolutely has to, God can sustain you on His word and CF. Or, if He chooses (which is more likely) He'll be putting good Christian friends in your life and perhaps he'll draw you into a good youth group as well. I'll be praying for this too.
Yep, I've already been praying for that. I'll be heading to camp in a week or so, and I've met some wonderful mentors there.

[TheListener]

Have some faith. God hasn't called you just so He can sit and watch you suffer by yourself. :)

[Eponine]

Have some faith. God hasn't called you just so He can sit and watch you suffer by yourself. :)
*Shrugs* Didn't mean for this thread to take the direction it did. Just wanted to know if anyone had any books they'd recommend for someone who's starting all over again.

[TheListener]

*Shrugs* Didn't mean for this thread to take the direction it did. Just wanted to know if anyone had any books they'd recommend for someone who's starting all over again.

Sorry, hijacking threads is a specialty of mine :P

[Eponine]

Sorry, hijacking threads is a specialty of mine :P
That's okay. What I meant by that mainly is that I didn't mean to get into the subjects that always make me feel like I'm just pitying myself, which is a very bad thing.

;) Now who's the thread hijacker?

[TheListener]

By the way, here is a book for you: "Purpose driven life" by Rick Warren. Easy read & very encouraging.

[Eponine]

By the way, here is a book for you: "Purpose driven life" by Rick Warren. Easy read & very encouraging.
Thanks. whispers: I already read it, though Still, it's the thought that counts.