What does being a christian mean and entail of one?

[layne]

I decided quite awhile ago that I wanted to become a christian. I haven't found a church I like, or feel I have given up all things that are morally wrong yet.

So, I am curious about what kind of things I should do to make myself a better chrisian.

Another thing I wonder about is the kind of music I listen to...how can I tell whether it not fit for a christian to listen to? (I tend to listen to heavier stuff)

I feel guilty every time I do something I know is wrong. Will God keep forgiving me, or is there a point where he won't?

BTW, I am not baptized yet.

I appreciate any advice given to me!!

[MizDoulos]

This thread fits more appropirately here; has been moved from Questions About Christianity.

[Soul_Searcher]

Hi Layne,

You pose some very cool questions, and I'm sure you'll get some very different answers; some will quote scripture, some will try to direct you, some may even get mad that you're listening to heavy metal and still doing things you deem 'morally wrong.' Me? I'll just ask you questions back and let you think about it.

How do you define "Christian"?

What kinds of things are you saying are morally wrong?

Why do you want to 'become a Christian'? What is it that draws you, even as you don't behave morally?

You asked, "So, I am curious about what kind of things I should do to make myself a better Christian?"

Simple, read these passage in your Bible: Matthew 22:37-39, Luke 10:27:28, Mark 12:30-31. This is where it all starts.

I look forward to your answers.

[camaro540]

Originally posted by layne
[B]I decided quite awhile ago that I wanted to become a christian. I haven't found a church I like, or feel I have given up all things that are morally wrong yet.

It takes time. I wouldn't be worried about a church so much as I would read Gods word. We are told in:

1John 2:27
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not
that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth,
and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

So, I am curious about what kind of things I should do to make myself a better chrisian.

Again, read Gods word. Trust in Him to show you the way. Ask Him when you pray to teach you what He loves, what will show Him that you love Him. Listen to Gods voice.

How about starting here: Matthew Chapter 5

Another thing I wonder about is the kind of music I listen to...how can I tell whether it not fit for a christian to listen to? (I tend to listen to heavier stuff)

Again, please listen to God. He will direct you in your ways (if) you let Him.

Psa 23:3
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.


Psalms 23 would be good for you to read.


I feel guilty every time I do something I know is wrong. Will God keep forgiving me, or is there a point where he won't?

You feel guilty because its Gods Spirit that lives in you. Its His Laws on your heart letting you know that something is not right. Will He keep forgiving you for doing the same thing over and over? I think in your heart of hearts you already know the answer to this.

BTW, I am not baptized yet.

It is good to be baptized.

Patrick

[Reformationist]

Hi layne! :wave: Welcome to the boards!

On to your questions:

So, I am curious about what kind of things I should do to make myself a better chrisian.

Well, generally speaking, the answers to your questions can all be found in your Bible.  So, I suggest you start studying.  Don't worry.  It's not like school work.  God will increase your hunger for His Word.  To start with I suggest studying the atonement and forgiveness.  If you desire to have a loving relationship with God,  don't worry, you're already saved.  God is already working in your life, changing you so that you will desire to be conformed to the image of Christ.

Some of my personal favorite books in the Bible are Matthew, Luke, Acts, Romans*, Ephesians*, 1 Corinthians*, and James.

(The * notates my favorites of favorites :D)

Being a "good" Christian means being obedient to God.  To be obedient to God you must learn what God commands of you.  The Bible is one of the best sources for that instruction.  Another good source is church elders, or people who have studied the Bible in depth for a while.  Remember, though, they are people and as such are able to make mistakes.  Test everything you hear against the immutable Word of God.  Another thing you can do is to pray.  I know it might seem uncomfortable at first.  It will be the same as having a conversation with someone you don't yet really know.  However, just like with your fellow human, talking to God is one of the best ways to gain knowledge about His Will.  Thank Him for His gift and pray that He gives you a hunger for His Word (I admit, some parts are difficult to get through).  Study your Bible daily, and pray regularly and just watch the amazing changes God will bring about in your life.

Another thing I wonder about is the kind of music I listen to...how can I tell whether it not fit for a christian to listen to? (I tend to listen to heavier stuff)

Different people will give you different advice about this.  My advice is to ask yourself if the music you listen to is glorifying to God.  If not, put it off and put on more godly righteous music.

I feel guilty every time I do something I know is wrong.

Don't worry.  It's good that you feel bad.  Feeling guilt or conviction or remorse is something that get painted as bad in our society.  But the Bible says differently:

Hebrews 12:5,6
        "My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
        Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<SUP> </SUP>For whom the LORD loves He chastens,
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And scourges every son whom He receives."

Will God keep forgiving me, or is there a point where he won't?

God doesn't "keep forgiving" you.&nbsp; He forgave you for your transgressions, past, present, and future.&nbsp; You&nbsp;now live in a "state of forgiveness."&nbsp; We are constantly in need of being forgiven because we continue to sin according to our old nature.&nbsp; Therefore, God, by the death of Jesus, made atonement for those sins you have, are, and will commit.&nbsp; Just remember, though you may sin, you should always ask for your Father's forgiveness.&nbsp; It shows that you acknowledge your wrongdoing and wish to repent of it, that is, turn away from your sin&nbsp;and turn towards God in obedience.&nbsp; To ask for forgiveness and then continue to do that which you know is sinful is of no benefit to you.&nbsp; And, as to the second part of your question, no.&nbsp; He has forgiven you when you were unresponsive to Him and fallen.

We have His promise as a consolation to our fallenness:

Philippians 1:6
being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

BTW, I am not baptized yet.

Out of obedience you should be baptized.&nbsp; However, this is not a salvitic issue.&nbsp; We are saved by God's grace and not through any works of our own.&nbsp; Baptism&nbsp;is the outward manifestation of&nbsp;inward regeneration.

God bless.

[layne]

One of the things I really need to try to abstain from is....*sex*.
Yes, that is the thing that plagues me the most. My Bf and I are both trying to be better christians, and every now and then we falter.
We decided at the end of last year or so, to not do it anymore in respect to God's will.
What do you guys suggest I do? We both agree the marriage is not the way to correct this. We will both just have to try to be stonger I guess...

[Reformationist]

Originally posted by layne
One of the things I really need to try to abstain from is....*sex*.
Yes, that is the thing that plagues me the most. My Bf and I are both trying to be better christians, and every now and then we falter. He grew up as a catholic, but I just decided last year to become a chrisitian.
I've had it with a few people, so has he. We decided at the end of last year or so, to not do it anymore in respect to God's will.
What do you guys suggest I do? We both agree the marriage is not the way to correct this. We will both just have to try to be stonger I guess...

This is one of the most difficult things for most people who are not married but are in a serious relationship.&nbsp; It's very good that you realize that having sex outside the bonds of marriage is sinful.&nbsp; My most practical advice would be to not put yourselves in a position where that can occur.&nbsp; Do not be alone together in a private place where you can engage in intercourse.&nbsp; Remember, though you are a child of God and, as such, righteous with regard to your salvation, you are still bound by His Word though your flesh is weak.&nbsp; As far as marriage correcting the issue of fornication you're actually wrong there.&nbsp; I will say that the desire to have sex is no foundation for a God centered marriage.&nbsp; But, a desire to be obedient to your Creator, and therefore abstaining from sex until you get married, is a good start on making God the most important thing in your relationship with your boyfriend.&nbsp; Have you ever heard the story about the pink elephant.&nbsp; It's just a little representation of how our mind works.&nbsp; If I say, "Don't think about the pink elephant" what is the first thing you think of?&nbsp; Of course, the pink elephant.&nbsp; If you put all your efforts into "not having sex" then all you're going to think about is "having sex."&nbsp; What would be better is to concentrate on the things of God and let Him guide your paths.&nbsp; Try praying when you feel weak.&nbsp; Try filling your mind with the Words of God at the beginning of each day.&nbsp; The main thing to remember is "putting off" your old habits is not easy.&nbsp; It's a struggle you will face for the rest of your life.&nbsp; If it's not the sex issue it will be something else.&nbsp; We all have to pick up our cross daily and follow our Lord.&nbsp; It's not easy but, despite what anyone might tell you, no one, certainly not Jesus, ever said being an obedient Christian was easy.

I hope this helps,

God bless.

[layne]

Yes, I know that him and I need to work more together trying to come closer to God. I don't really know how. I was thinking we could find some books about living for God's will, and study them together and look up the bible scriptures as we read... but the only books I have like that are put out by Jehovah's Witnesses. I have read them before and the topics make sense and have scriptural backup, but my BF doesn't want to read anything by JW's. So, I guess I will have to check out a christian book store maybe?
I know that JW's also have weekly bible studies, I've been to a few myself. I've asked my BF if he'd go with me to one, but he wouldn't. So, I don't know where else to go to. The churches I've been to mostly go on about the same thing every time we go, so I don't find them very interesting. And they don't have any bible study groups. I will have to talk to some christians here where I live and find out if there are any groups to join..

[camaro540]

Hello again Layne

I say this with all love in my heart towards you. Please let God be your guide. Books in stores are nothing more then one man/womans opinion. Everyone (including myself at times) believes their way is the right way to salvation. You have the greatest love letter ever written the earth has every known, its called the Word of God (Bible).

Let God guide you, and you'll never go wrong. Yes, its a learning process, and we all stumble at times, but thats all apart of growth.

(NOTE) This is my opinion.&nbsp; :)

Patrick

[sbbqb7n16]

Start your own Bible Study group then :D Post up a notice in your church and find some people that want to join you in it. It doesn't have to be big, just a couple of people. Who knows? You may start a chain-reaction of Bible Study groups out there and revival breaks out in your town because of you. You never know what God can do when you take a step of faith. There's nothing stopping you! Remember if you doubt yourself... Moses didn't think he could do it either, but look what God did through him... My advice would be to take some initiative and try and change things for the better. Then sit back and watch God work!

[SnuP]

Develope a relationship. God is a relationship orientated God, He wants to be a father, a friend, and a comfort to you. Start by reading the Bible and asking God what He is saying (I mean really ask Him). Don't be afraid to ask out loud even when you friends are studing with you (God may give them the answer). God will always give you the answer that you ask for, its promised in His word. Ask Him what is He trying to say in the scripture, and what is He trying to say to you. God will talk to you, I promise.

[SnuP]

Hey, don't worry about all of the do and don't. Your relationship with God will take care of all of that. When He ready for you to stop doing something He'll tell you, and He'll make it easy to stop too. If you try to do it on your own your just get bogged down and become discouraged. Just develope a relationship and the rest will come. Just start a dialog, you'll be amazed at how much He'll show you.

[layne]

Wow, that's a very good idea SBB. If I find a church, perhaps that is exactly what I will do.

[layne]

I have never thought about it like that SnuP. If God doesn't want me to do something, he'll make it easier for me not to. I've already stopped with the bar scene. (Except for karaoke) and that was one thing I loved doing before, going out and dancing and drinking, and now I don't care for either. And I've changed where that is concerned in the past few months. And I didn't even have to force myself not to. I guess you maybe right about this point.


So, then another thing I wonder about is, if the man is the head of the household and family, then if something I know he's doing is wrong, is it my place to point that out? And shouldn't he be respecting my opinions about things?

[Reformationist]

Originally posted by layne
So, then another thing I wonder about is, if the man is the head of the household and family, then if something I know he's doing is wrong, is it my place to point that out? And shouldn't he be respecting my opinions about things?

layne, first, your boyfriend has not been put in a position of authority over you.&nbsp; It's not the "man" that is the head of the household.&nbsp; It's the husband.&nbsp; You should respect what he says and treat him with godliness because that's what you're commanded to do to everyone.&nbsp; If your boyfriend is doing something wrong the first thing you want to do is analyze your motiviation for confronting him with his sinful behavior.&nbsp; If your desire for confrontation is truly your love for him and your desire to see him restored to obedience to God's Word then that will look like something specific.&nbsp; It will look like compassion, patience, edifying, soft and kind words.&nbsp; Make sure your behavior is representative of your motive.&nbsp; If it comes out looking belligerant and aggressive that should tell you that maybe your motive isn't right and unless you can make sure you're addressing his actions for the right reasons you will want to find someone who is spiritual (someone who is responding in a spirit of love and who will not get caught up in sin) to deal with your boyfriend's problems.&nbsp; As to your last question, yes, he should be respecting your opinions.&nbsp; That does not mean that he has to agree with them.&nbsp; However, when the two of you are in disagreement about an issue (and I hope you're not talking about which movie to go see) look to the Bible for what has been commanded of you.&nbsp; As far as the inconsequential matters like where to eat, or what to do, love for others will dictate that we desire that their wishes be given before our own.&nbsp; Mutual respect is key.&nbsp; However, we don't need to go to the extent of putting our significant other on a pedestal.&nbsp; We just need to esteem ourselves lower.&nbsp; This is really an issue of how love can, and should, make us less self-centered.&nbsp; Remember, true love is doing that which is best for the object of your love with no regard for yourself.&nbsp; Take note that I said, "that which is best for the object of your love."&nbsp; This doesn't necessarily mean "give them what they want."&nbsp; When my children are rebellious the best thing for them with no regard for my own feelings of frustration, need for solitude, self-centeredness, etc, is to spank them.&nbsp; Believe me, a spanking isn't what they think is best for them.&nbsp; However, at times, it is.&nbsp; And, it is a sign of my love for them that I would take the time to instruct them in a proper biblical way.

God bless.

[layne]

Sometimes he has this attitude like "I am the man, my way goes" and I don't agree with that at all. I don't think that was what God was trying to imply for us. That the husbands word is the last word...
I guess that what I was trying to ask, is what exactly is meant by that. Thanks!

[TruelightUK]

Theres' some excellent advice coming from all in this thread; I'm not sure there's a lot I can add, except to say that, from the questions you are asking, Layne, it's obvious you are on the right track!
Christianity is not a matter of pursuing legalistic perfection; we are saved entirely by the grace of God - nothing we can do can make him love us any more or less than he already does. And yet, the process of conversion does entail a radical change of direction, priorities and lifestyle; we are no longer living to please ourselves (or our family, friends, peer group etc.) but to love, honour and obey our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Thus the message comes across loud and clear that we must turn away from sin (in ALL its many forms, not just the obvious moral/sexual ones) and live pure and holy lives. Not that this necessarily happens overnight, as if by magic (tho' just occasionally God does do some miracle and sets folk totally free from besetting sins); most of us undergo a gradual process of refining, as He points out different areas that need change - and most of us stumble and fall short from time to time: God understands and forgives; the important thing is not that we fall down, but that we don't stay down, but get up and keep running for the finish line! What he does desire is our committment to growing closer and more submissive to his will.
think someone already suggested that it is usually healthier and more producitve to concentrate not on 'what I must give up', but on the posiitives of what I can actively do to please God more. Thus things like joining a local Church and being committed to loving and serving the brethren; studying God's Word and spending time in prayer; using my practical and financial gifts to benefit others, especially those in real need; questioning and combatting negative, unjust attitudes and practices in society with the positive values of God's Kingdom are all signs of a life committed to following the way of Jesus Christ, and in whom the fruits of the Spirit are active. Above all, at the start of one's Christian life, it is important to be obedient to what God is telling you to do: established Christians will all have good advice - do this / don't do that; don't go 'over the top' / don't be complacent - which it's good to take into account; but first and foremost you must obey what the voice of God speaks into your heart. He'll never ask of you more than, with the grace he supplies, you are able, even if some human counsellors might! Tho' sometimes, he may just be a harder task master than they are!

Anthony

[Reformationist]

Originally posted by layne
Sometimes he has this attitude like "I am the man, my way goes" and I don't agree with that at all. I don't think that was what God was trying to imply for us. That the husbands word is the last word...
I guess that what I was trying to ask, is what exactly is meant by that. Thanks!

Well, the only thing I can urge you to do is help your boyfriend see the error of his ways by being the godly woman you seem to want to be.&nbsp; Your boyfriend is definitely wrong about the way he is handling that situation.&nbsp; It is just&nbsp;one of the consequences&nbsp;of the Fall.&nbsp; We (men) are cursed with the desire to "lord over" our wife/woman, just as woman are cursed with the desire to rebel and be the "lord over their husbands."&nbsp; It is not justifiable because just as God has commanded women to submit (this doesn't mean be a doormat) to their husbands He has commanded men to love their wives as Christ loved the Church.&nbsp; It is really a man and a woman submitting their will to God's Will and thereby considering the needs of those in our care, or those placed in authority over us, before our own.&nbsp; Remember, this is a difficult thing for many men to get over.&nbsp; If you deal with it out of a loving desire for him to not be "caught up" in this sin the Lord will reward your obedience.&nbsp; Just let love be the motivation for everything you do.

God bless

[SnuP]

Paul also has instructed husbands and wives to submit one to another. And he tells husbands to love their wives as christ loved the church and gave Himself for it. Remember that Christ bore our sins and the consiquences of those sins. Is your boyfriend willing to do that?

My father is a pastor, and he once told me that women have intuition and men have logic. These are the strengths of a marrige. I should listen to my wife because it will be easier for her to hear God and be sensitive to others and her surroundings. But then I should make a mutual discision based on a logical thought process. I should include my wife in the discision making process and in the discision, making sure I have a good grasp on what she understand intuatively.

Another pastor of mine says that because a man is the priest of his household his job in not to be king of the house, but rather make sacrifices to God on behalf of his priesthood (his household) and then give gifts from God to his household.

[layne]

I see now!

[Athlon4all]

I decided quite awhile ago that I wanted to become a christian. I haven't found a church I like, or feel I have given up all things that are morally wrong yet.Don't worry about finding a Church, you have all you need to grow in grace prolly already, a Bible (Romans 10:17 "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God"), you can praise and worship him by yourself, jsutr praise him with your prayers/words when you are alone (Exodus 34:1-9), and if you would like sound examples of praising him, look to the psalms, and then fellowship with believers (which you can do right here at the Christian Forums) and I will add that fellowship shouldn't necessarily be a social thing, when you are "fellowshiping" with fellow believers, talk about spiritual things, like what the Lord is doing in your life. Another verse that I would just encourage you with is Philipians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" also I would point you to I John 1:9 (see below).

Something that really helps is prayer. Ephesians 6:18 says "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" Praying really helps when dealing with your sins. So, I am curious about what kind of things I should do to make myself a better chrisian.See above Develope a relationship. God is a relationship orientated God, He wants to be a father, a friend, and a comfort to you. Start by reading the Bible and asking God what He is saying (I mean really ask Him). Don't be afraid to ask out loud even when you friends are studing with you (God may give them the answer). God will always give you the answer that you ask for, its promised in His word. Ask Him what is He trying to say in the scripture, and what is He trying to say to you. God will talk to you, I promise.AMEN!!!! That is so true!!!Another thing I wonder about is the kind of music I listen to...how can I tell whether it not fit for a christian to listen to? (I tend to listen to heavier stuff)I Corinthians 10:31 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" Ask yourself, is the music giving glory to God? This is something that we should all ask ourselves and make changes cause many of us do things that may not be bad, but are they glorifying to God?I feel guilty every time I do something I know is wrong. Will God keep forgiving me, or is there a point where he won't?I John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Thats what the Bible says:) Praise the Lord for that being true!!!:)
BTW, I am not baptized yet.I haven't either but that is something that I would do soon cause our Lord Jesus Christ commanded us to (Matthew 28:19-20). It doesn't even necessarily need to be at a church, any believer with more than one believer present can't baptize you&nbsp; in a body of water where you can be fully submerged.But like someone mentioned, you do not need to be baptized to be saved.I feel guilty every time I do something I know is wrong.Thats God trying to help you grow:) Now try to make changes:)

About Sex, that is something that many do struggle with, and while there is absolutely no excuse for sin, that is somewhere many chrisitans are weak and the Devil knows it,&nbsp; and thats why he uses it to hamper so many Christians' walks'. I really would encourage you to read your Bible and Pray, if there is anything that has helped me grow over the last 2 years since I actually became a believer, it has been my persistance (even tho it didn't always seem like it was helping) in reading my Bible. I just cannot encourage it enough, READ YOUR BIBLE!!!!:)

I send my love and I will be praying for you. Its a wonderful thing to grow and be in a relationship with Jesus Christ!!!!

[layne]

<DIV>Athlon, I didn't quite understand what&nbsp;you meant by not having to be baptized in a church.</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>That's another question...if I am baptized at a Catholic church, does this mean I am a Catholic?</DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>I also don't understand about being nondenominational and going to a denominational church. (denominations means Catholic, Anglican, etc, right?) </DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV>What is it you have to do to become part of that denomination?</DIV>
<DIV>Is it the act of baptism or attending that church? Are unbaptized people considered non-denominational?</DIV>

[layne]

All of my posts have this <DIV? thing! What am I doing wrong here?! Maybe this only appears that way to me?

[Reformationist]

Originally posted by layne
All of my posts have this &lt;DIV? thing! What am I doing wrong here?! Maybe this only appears that way to me?

Are you typing up your posts in a different application?

[Athlon4all]

hehehe. Lynne, I have a very recent exdperience regarding being Baptized. I wanted to be baptized at a Independant Baptist Church, but I do not see any biblical evidence for requiring me to become a member but they said I had to become a member if I was baptized, so truth is, prolly all denominational churches will require you to become a member. If you don't become a member, I wouldn't say that you are non-denominational, you just aren't a member of the worldly denominations (which I think is fine, we're all a member of the largest and only true church in the world, the Body of Christ).

The diff between denominational and non-denominational is well, I dunno. heh. Denominational are much more organized, like they have specific doctrinal guidelines and rules for thge church government, etc. There are other things, but anyways.

The point I was trying to make is that if you cannot seem to find a church that you feel God is leading you to and a church refuses to baptize you without making you become a member (like in my case) then you can just ask a believer friend to baptize you, u just need Christians there to witness and as I said, you need to have enough water to fully submere yourself in water (sprinkling is not biblical).

[SnuP]

Non-denominational church are generally charismatic in nature. They usually have no parent churches or parent organisations. They gather their beliefs not from history or set doctrines but supposably from the Holy Spirit. The intersting thing about them is that though they are usually not connected to each other, they seam to share common beliefs.

[layne]

So if I went to a christian church, that isn't said to be one denomination, they will still base their talks on the bible? Or just what they are feeling? I also don't want to go anywhere that insists you give x% of your monthly salary. I don't mind contributing, but not when I know it's going into a priest's home renovations...
Someone suggested a church for me called Cavalry somethingerother. I am going to have to look at the link, but it is supposed to be totally bible oriented and not over charismatic. Which is good because it would make me feel totally uncomfortable!

[TruelightUK]

The whole denominational / non-denominational thing is, truly, something of a minefield. There are so many variants around - and many of them claim to be totally Bible-based yet copme to different conclusions on various matters. I wouldn't get too hung up on it - find a local congregation that honours the Word of God, in its teaching and in its lifestyle, and you won't go too far wrong, whatever denominational flag it nails to its mast! Personally, I'd probably advise against joining a 'non-denominational' church, unless it is well-established and of good repute in the local community and with other chruches in the area (as some can be decidedly 'wonky'!). Which is the kind of test I'd use to help choose any Church; are their words matched by their actions.

I'm not sure about the 'bieng baptised makes you a member' thing. I was baptised in a Baptist Chruch, while still a member of an Anglican congregation; they made no attempt to 'poach ne' for their denomination. Likewise, the Elim Pentecostal church I attended for some 3 years recently distinguished totally between baptism and membership. Baptism is into the univeral Body of Christ, of which the local congregation and/or denomination is just one manifestation (as recognised by the fact that most mainstream churches will recognise the baptism of another denomination as 'valid'; you don't have to be 're-baptised' every time you move churches - unless from an infant-baptising group to a Baptist or similar). 'Membership' of a particular assembly or denomination should be another matter entirely.

Anthony

[layne]

Who is it that does baby baptizing and sprinkling the forehead?

[TruelightUK]

Most of the established, historical churches baptise infants, normally either by 'sprinking' or 'pouring' - Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Anglican, Methodist - on the parents' confession of faith; this is then traditionally ratified (or 'confirmed') at a later date, when the older person decides for themself to commit to the way of Christ. Most non-denominational churches (together with Baptists and anabaptist-derived churches [Mennonites, Brethren etc.] and most Penteostals) do not; they may well 'dedicate' babies, but baptism is reserved for mature persons on personal confession of faith. The historical churches, however, will (and increasingly do) baptise adults (possibly by immersion), provided they were not previously baptised as infants.

Anthony

[EJO]

" Most of the established, historical churches baptise infants, normally either by 'sprinking' or 'pouring' - Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Anglican, Methodist - on the parents' confession of faith; this is then traditionally ratified (or 'confirmed') at a later date, when the older person decides for themself to commit to the way of Christ. Most non-denominational churches (together with Baptists and anabaptist-derived churches [Mennonites, Brethren etc.] and most Penteostals) do not; they may well 'dedicate' babies, but baptism is reserved for mature persons on personal confession of faith. The historical churches, however, will (and increasingly do) baptise adults (possibly by immersion), provided they were not previously baptised as infants. "

WOW! I am lost with all those doctrines,and beliefs... Orthodox, Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Anglican, Methodist,Baptists,Mennonites, Brethren,Penteostals.
It is like the skit on Monte Python- What type of cheese do you want? .... on on on on.

What does the bible say about it. That is(should be) the bottom line.
Why should my 6 month old baby have a "sprinkle" or a "dunk' for baptism, when they do not even know who Jesus is.
I was first baptized when I was like 4 or 5, all I remember is that I was scared to DEATH!.
I got baptized in a lake at a all church retreat last year. I knew what I was there for, and what I believed.

[TruelightUK]

I'm afraid we are getting side-tracked into a contentious debate which is unhelpful to Layne's needs at the moment. Various other threads are available highlight the theological issues around infant-v-adult baptism, which have exercised many sincere Bible-believing Christians for centuries!

For now, let's get back to the basics of what God requires of a new believer.

Anthony

[EJO]

Originally posted by layne
I decided quite awhile ago that I wanted to become a christian. I haven't found a church I like, or feel I have given up all things that are morally wrong yet.

So, I am curious about what kind of things I should do to make myself a better chrisian.

Another thing I wonder about is the kind of music I listen to...how can I tell whether it not fit for a christian to listen to? (I tend to listen to heavier stuff)

I feel guilty every time I do something I know is wrong. Will God keep forgiving me, or is there a point where he won't?

BTW, I am not baptized yet.

I appreciate any advice given to me!!

Hey Layne,
I can tell by chatting w/you are a very smart person.

Well, let me give you my 2 cents worth-
Make yourself a better Christian by reading the bible. mainly because there are truths in the word of God that will effect your day to day walk. Usually I have found that when I read something in the Word, God allows me to use what I read later to another person, to either help them, or encourage them. Also reading the Bible lets you know the MIND of God. Pretty awesome huh? It blows my mind sometimes.

The music question- I love the heavier stuff. I was reaised in Jr. High and High school on Metallica, Guns and Roses.. you know.
Well, christian music can be just as edgy, if not more... bands like; Skillet,Pillar,POD,PAX 217, Third Day, Blindside. I could go on and on. Check out: christainrock.net and jesusfreakhideout.com, or planetlightforce.com.

The last part about guilt- that is a good thing, the holy spirit works in our lives and uses guilt to convict us of when we do the wrong thing. If you do not feel guilty, then that is when you should be worried. Also, God knows you are going to sin, it is not a suprise to HIM, that is why He gave us grace,and mercy- ALL the time. Read Ephesians chaper 2.

God Bless-
EJO

[Athlon4all]

What does the bible say about it. That is(should be) the bottom line. Amen.

TruelightUK is correct however

[EJO]

yes truelight, sorry,
SOAP BOX.... ;)

[layne]

Yes, you guys are starting to scare me! I think I will go to an all female place if I can find one. Haha, J/J.
I agree about not baptizing a baby. And like I told EJO earlier, I don't want to go to a church who takes political stands or has a history of warring against other "christians". That's not what I think christianity is about. I want to find a place that will help me understand the bible a bit more.

[TruelightUK]

I don't want to go to a church who takes political stands
I think I know what you mean, but don't lets forget that, to be truly faithful to the message of Jesus Christ does involve making what could be called broadly 'political' decisions: How do we interpret the command to 'love our neighbour' within today's society? How do we work for the feeding of the hungry, clothing of the naked etc.? What about aspects of society which degrade and abuse the weak and defenseless? How do we react if a company we work for or trade with is involved in unethical practice, or the exploitation of thrid world labour? These are real issues, affecting real people whom God loves and values - the Church must not keep silent on such things! (See my thread on Repentance!)

Anthony

[Loser For Jesus]

Originally posted by layne
I decided quite awhile ago that I wanted to become a christian. I haven't found a church I like, or feel I have given up all things that are morally wrong yet.

The best advice I can give you on finding a church is this: Rather than finding a church which you like, ask God which church He wants you to go to, and then go to it. Most likely, it will not be a church that your flesh likes, but it will be a church that will help you grow as a Christian if you keep crying out to God and listening to His voice.

So, I am curious about what kind of things I should do to make myself a better chrisian.

The best advice I can give you on this is to read Luke 14:25-35. Jesus explains the starting point and the basics of Christianity very clearly.

love in Christ,

Malcolm

[Help-me-learn]

> What does being a christian mean and entail of one?


It is to let the love of Christ flow through you to others.