How do I proceed with my faith?

[Joakdailey]

Hello,

I started to find Christ about 6 months ago. I was raised with no religion and so I dubbed myself agnostic (not completely true. Mother would take me to Church if I asked and sometimes when I didn't want to go (too wrapped up in Pokemon lol) but she didn't push the matter either) and was reasonably okay with that. About a year ago, I felt like I needed something more, but I was finishing up my senior year of school and getting ready for college and I just didn't have the time or energy. Plus, I was partying pretty hard those days as well (though I rarely drank, I enjoy the social atmosphere), which used up what little free time I had.

About 9 months ago I started dating a girl from my work who is wonderful. She is also Christian, and much more secure in her faith than I am. 6 months ago, we almost broke up due to our differences in religion. I told her that I would try to find Christ, and that was the best I could do. Since then I've been praying every night, talking theology with some people I know, and trying to attend church when work/school/etc. permit. I've come to accept Jesus as my lord and savior. The problem is, I don't trust the bible (I have read most of it though, and am working through the rest). The rationale, if my past conversations with others is any indication, will get this thread derailed. I believe that accepting Jesus in my heart is what is important.

My problem was though, I hadn't told the girlfriend about my change of heart. I always feel like talking about what I've learned (which is what I officially call this quest for Christ, learning) would seem self-serving, especially my conversion, because she knows that while I am seeking God out on my own, she's the reason I actually got my lazy butt in gear. Eventually, though, I found out she had been contemplating dumping me for that reason. I told her, but I can't help but feel like she wants more. The problem is, given that I don't accept huge chunks of the bible, I don't know where else to proceed. Church is a difficulty due to my tendency to stay up late and sleep in, my job, and work I due towards furthering my career. I feel content where I am at. I feel like I have a relationship with Jesus and that's what I want most. But, I'm willing to delve deeper... I'm just not sure where to delve or how to do it.

[FireyAngel]

Can you tell me what you mean by "you don't trust the Bible?" I wasnt to better understand that.

It looks like you are on the right track and just need a little better understanding of the Word.

[Criada]

I believe that accepting Jesus in my heart is what is important.

This is the heart of the matter, brother, you are so right.
But it is also only a beginning... the beginning of a journey which will be different for each of us. The Bible is a very useful means of learning more about God, whether you take it as word-for-word literal, or simply stories with a moral. You will find Christians who believe both, and everything in between.
Fellowship with other Christians is important.... if Sunday mornings are not possible, there are probably groups which meet during the week. I would advise you to try to find some means of coming together with other Christians - we are intended to be part of a body, not to 'go it alone'.

And, keep praying and seeking.. because God has promised to answer when we do that!

[heymikey80]

Hm. Well, at the risk of derailing the thread, how could you engage in a relationship with Jesus without trusting the recounting of His life, death, and resurrection, and His role before God as far as He wanted to communicate that to the people He sent?

Can you do that?

I don't mean to call you to account for inerrancy -- I consider that a conclusion from years of discovering that the Bible has always been better at telling me about reality than I've been at finding it out. But you really need to consider listening to what it's saying, finding out what it's saying when there are language gaps or tough phrases, and finding out Who Jesus is.

If it's a relationship, you're trusting in a "Who", not a bunch of "whats" about God, monotheism, and the nature of Christ. Start recognizing the character of Christ Jesus, and the directions will come stampeding into your life. It enters like an avalanche when you start to "get" what Jesus is intending to do here. You'll probably feel you need to block them out sometime -- and you'll know even that's wrong.