Finding Christianity

A Great Welcome

2008-11-02T13:58:00.004Z

Hi there,

As regular readers will note I was invited to a church local to me sometime ago. Well today all things worked to enable me to visit, and what a welcome.

I was feeling slightly apprehensive as I pulled into the car park but all feeling of that vanished once I had introduced myself. We spoke as though we had known each other for years...I was home.

Songs were sung in praise of Jesus Christ and the wonderous things He has for us. What a sense of belonging, Fellowship. People from all backgrounds coming together to worship and praise His name. I felt a part of this church, His church. The sermon centred on Ephesians and dealt with sharing righteousness and relationships both those within the family and at work. It struck a cord with me and is something I will take into my daily life.

The Fellowship meets at varying times of the week in the home with activities ranging from Bible study to Intercessory meetings. I feel this is the essence of home church where the activities take place around the community with all coming together for worship on the Sunday. But this is real Faith with a capital F. The people are the church not the building. The congregation meets in a primary school.

So to finish where do I find myself? I feel contentment that the Lord is leading me along the path He has chosen. He has lead me to a Fellowship with other Christians to do His Work. He has lead me home.

Blessings.

A New Beginning

2008-10-23T22:41:00.002+01:00

Hi there,

I have been busy over the last few weeks so here goes.

I accepted Jesus as my Saviour on Monday 6th October at 15.40 and was overwhelmed by His love and was so happy for doing it there and then. It was almost as though the Lord was waiting for me to ask (I know He is) and then showered me with this sense of belonging and togetherness, that prior to that moment I had never experienced. As I keep saying to friends, WOW!!!

As you'll no doubt notice if you're a regular, I have started my own page on Ning called, funny enough, Finding Christianity. Just look to the right to see the button.

What a journey that was! I have met some really interesting people who have helped, and are still helping, me along my journey of faith. It is more interactive, so if you're an interactive sort of person and a committed Christian of Trinitarian belief join and we can discuss, and all sorts of other things.

I will be posting on here still, but it will be infrequent.

So, don't forget there are more features so you can help me and others with your guidance and support on Finding Christianity on Ning. Look forward to you being there!

Blessings to you all.

Still here!

2008-09-20T16:30:00.004+01:00

Hello to all,

Yes, I know you'd thought I fell by the wayside, but I'm still here.

I have gone through a traumatic time over the last few months and has resulted in me not being able - or feeling up to - hitting the PC.

It takes me back to something a colleague said to me sometime ago. The nearer you get to the Lord, the harder it gets. I'm not saying I'm holy or anything like that. But, when you start to commit your life to God, challenges are put in your way. Resulting in the weaker falling, and the stronger becoming more commited to their faith.

I'm still here, just. So here's to next time, and my journey of discovery!

How To Get Through Life's Struggles

2008-05-12T22:19:00.007+01:00

With all the horrible things going on in the world it can be hard to find comfort in matters improving.

It was in amongst all this that I watched a DVD called 'The Pursuit of Happyness' starring Will Smith. It centres on the struggle of one man and his family to pull together through life's maze of obstacles.

Will Smith plays the real life person, Chris Gardner, and the film follows him and his son, Christopher, as they try to make ends meet.

Chris lands a job as an intern - one of twenty - and has many months without a salary to do all he can to land the one permanent job on offer.

In the process he gets evicted from his apartment with them both sleeping rough and in hostels. And this is when you become immersed in the story with them, willing them on from success to success.

This is not a rags to riches story, this is one man and his son struggling against adversity with the former intern rising to become a Wall Street legend.

I then got to thinking how important it is to have someone to turn to when you have no where else to go, someone who you can confide in times of trouble. I thought that God is that person.

If you speak to Him every day and tell Him your troubles it brings comfort to know that someone is listening. He can give you the strength to carry on. Never give up. It is never easy but having faith and the courage to strive through all that is thrown at you can take the edge of.

As I was sat there in front of the TV with tears streaming down my face I was buoyed with the knowledge of watching a miracle in the making along with plenty of hard work and the bringing together of a wonderful family after going through so much together.

Keeping The Faith

2008-04-20T10:50:00.000+01:00

Keeping the faith is an important part of being not just a Christian but having a positive view of life.

Choosing to walk every day of your life with God takes commitment and a willingness to up-hold the 'Christian ethic' within your life.

There are many times through your life when plans you agree to don't always work out. It is easy to walk away because you haven't the time to complete a certain task or appointment.

When you make the descision to find out more of God and how Jesus died for us there will be many obstacles placed in your way. It is then that your determination to succeed and your faith in knowing God are put to the test.

Don't give up. He wants you to know Him and be saved.

Increasing Our Faith

2008-03-24T17:00:00.000Z

With the passing of Easter we begin to look at ourselves and ask, how can we become closer to God?

It gradually dawns on you that you must live your life in accordance with God's law. Follow His message and invite Him into your hearts. Be kind to your fellow man, confess your sins to both God and to the one you sin against.

Being holy or having good intentions is not good enough. You have to get to know God. Walk with Him in your daily life. Tell others of your conviction and your life with Him. Help others to hear His message so that they to will be saved. Jesus died to forgive our sins. He is stood outside your door and is willing you to open it.

Above all, always look to better your relationship with God. When you hear Him knock on your door let Him in and change your life forever.

Alpha, Faith And Support

2008-02-23T18:38:00.000Z

I've just received a list from the Christian Enquiry Agency of local churches in my area who host the Alpha course.

Looking through the list it shows the diversity of denominations that exist in my area. Who said faith is no more! Unfortunately work commitments prevent me from attending the course as it spans a number of weeks. Hopefully, shifts permitting, I'll be attending very soon.

One thing I have noticed is that it is hard to keep focused on the desire to know God. You start off with good intentions and then because of obstacles that appear, conscious or otherwise, you feel that you're falling backwards.

To add to my arsenal I receive email alerts from Cross Rhythms who give faith-based support via inspirational email. And may I say it certainly helps. When you feel at a low ebb and you're getting hassle at work it gives you that boost to follow the path that He wants you to.

Finding A Church

2008-02-06T17:20:00.000Z

This is a little harder than it would seem. Yes there are plenty of churches out there. But, we are all different. What may seem sombre and quiet to some would be exciting and vibrant to others. So choose wisely. We all aim for the same, to find religious meaning and to know God.

I received an email from a very nice gentleman from a non-denominational church near to me. It's not in my local parish so to speak. It's about 20 to 30 minute drive. But from the description it seems to be a church that is going places. I've read information through the internet to find out in a bit more detail what the story is. And it looks great. Unfortunately I work rather awkward shifts which means I cannot go to the first service to which I have been invited. They're is an Alpha course there also so it will give me the building blocks on which to build my faith. Giving the obvious apologies I will attend when my committments allow. But I have to keep the desire to know God burning in my heart.

See you soon.

First Steps

2008-01-20T16:02:00.000Z

Hi there,

Those first steps can be the hardest to make.

Well, I did it. I contacted the Christian Enquiry Agency to ask for help in finding God. What I mean to say is to be re-acquainted with Him. Yes I'm one of those millions that has sought Him out previously but then through lifes little toils and tragedies has lost touch.

I attended a church that was Bible-based sometime ago but for some reason we just couldn't gel. I don't know why. It was run by a very nice couple from the southern US, he led the congregation with the help of elders, she looked after the spirit of the younger ones. They had a diverse congregation ranging from Iraqis, Iranians you name it. Those whose first language was not English had a second service in their own language. It was vibrant and fun but it just didn't click for me.

To get back to my contact with the Christian Enquiry Agency. Well I received a great letter from them giving me every encouragement to find out more. The package included a book entitled 'No Ordinary Man'. It takes you through the life of Jesus and those who have met Him through their lives. I'm part way through at the moment and it is a fascinating read. It definately makes me want to find out more.

Well I'm going to sign-off for now. But there's plenty for me to be getting on with. Both spiritually and worldly.

See you soon.

Hi and welcome

2008-01-11T18:45:00.000Z

During the coming months you will follow my journey to find religious meaning in my life and hopefully help you to do the same. I hope you will find some comfort as do I as I begin my journey. I am not a trained journalist so please bear with me.

See you soon.