Still a baby in Christ?

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Permalink Reply by Carla on December 17, 2015 at 6:49am

Hi Virginia,

It's very encouraging that you have a hunger and desire to go deeper with Jesus in knowing Him.  That is evidence that The Holy Spirit is already at work in your heart, and consequently in your life.

My first impression over reading your post is that you may not be receiving the nourishment for growth at the church you are attending.  Perhaps suggest to your husband that you may want to try different churches a few different weeks in a row.  There's nothing wrong in trying out new places to go on Sunday... The Catholic church may be fine for some people, but it's not a fit for everyone. 

I used to be Catholic.  My experience was that it was ultimately very condemning and I didn't really learn very much attending a catholic church while I was young.  I ultimately walked away from the 'church' because I didn't feel that it had much relevance for my life.  There are also some teachings within the Catholic church that wander away from what the bible teaches.  http://www.gotquestions.org/seven-Catholic-sacraments.html

The church I am in now is very focused on teaching what Jesus taught, and living it out practically.  I can see the importance and relevance of the Lord's teachings for my life and in the lives of my kids and how we need HIM every moment of every day.  I welcome you to read my testimony on my personal page.  It wasn't the 'church' that brought me to this, but it is the church (amongst a few other things) that has helped me to grow.  This website is also great and has been very important in my walk with the Lord.

Additionally, Bible study, Christian fellowship, personal prayer and corporate prayer are all wonderful.  The Lord will answer your prayers and desire to be fed and grow in the faith.  The fruit you produce in your life will be evidence of that.   There are a few other small things that will help keep your focus on the Lord all day long... worship music, Christian movies, Christian friends etc.... We're not to hibernate ourselves away from interacting with non-Christians, however, these small things will lead to personal growth and preparedness for interacting with the world and lead to a confident faith in the Lord for sharing the message of the gospel...this is ultimately His purpose for us.  Jesus desires for all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.  This means a vibrant, true and fruit producing active living faith that is infused into every aspect of our lives and effects the lives of the people we come into contact with.

Blessings, Carla

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Permalink Reply by Virginia on December 17, 2015 at 7:20am

Dear Carla,

Thank you for your response.

Well, regarding visiting other churches with my husband, as of today I know it is out of the question. He would never do it and I respect that. I do not learn anything in the Catholic church and I am aware of it, what I do is to listen to sermons online, read as many Christian books as I can and continue learning the teachings of the Bible. I so wish I had a church to attend where I could hear the truth. 

Another thing I wish I had is fellowship with other Christian other than on this website, face to face, Christian friends. It is so disappointing realizing that your so called Christian friends do not prove it (or at least try to prove it) through their lives, behavior, way of speaking, etc. but hey, what can I do?

Thank you for your input, the link you've provided and your invitation to visit your page.

Talk to you soon.

Stay blessed.

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Permalink Reply by Carla on December 17, 2015 at 2:48pm

Your personal growth will continue to flourish.  If you read my testimony you would have read that my husband is a self-proclaiming atheist.  With all of the challenges and struggles that every marriage goes through, we do have a very good relationship.  His lack of belief has never stopped me from moving forward in my walk with the Lord--with God's help of course....nothing I have done in my own strength.  There have been times, seasons, when I don't study as much as other times...just like anyone else I guess. :-)

Each one of us is responsible for ourselves in learning and personal growth.  Let your husband see your light shine and continue to love him where he is. 

Blessings Carla

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Permalink Reply by Leonard T on December 20, 2015 at 12:06pm

Greetings,

Carla has given you some solid input. I would like to add two things as words of encouragement.

1) Though you may not be able to select another church for the family as a whole you may seek out a mid-week opportunity (provided that it does not cause direct tension in the home) at a local church. Many provide mid-week programs for kids as well as cell (small) groups. You may find that circle of Christian friends in such a setting. This does present a problem due to the fact that if you really connect you will be drawn towards wanting to worship with your new found friends. If you go this direction I would be open and honest upfront regarding your situation with the group. If they pressure you you are in the wrong church. If they stand with you and pray for you and your family you may be in the right church/small group. Of course keeping in mind that there is more to selecting a church than simply availability (i.e. what do they believe?)

2) Being honest with yourself regarding being a babe in Christ is a good thing! It is when we think we are more than we really are that we tend to get complacent. What I have learned over the years is that as we move towards the mark (growing in knowledge and Christ-likeness) is that the more I learn reveals how much more I do not know as questions that lead to answers always bring more questions (which is a positive thing). So, really, being a babe or a bit more mature is secondary to a fire and desire to know Him more. If that fire and desire are there, and one does not let the flame go out, we are surely going to grow as we pursue Him and His righteousness.

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Permalink Reply by Virginia on January 4, 2016 at 1:54am

Dear LT,

I appreciate your response.

I am now in the search of a church I can attend during the week apart from going to the catholic church on Sundays.

I am so willing to make friends I can speak to about the Lord. I burn with desire to know more about God as I know our faith is not a blind faith. There is a lot to learn and understand about it and I have many questions although I do not expect or even want to have answers to all of them.

I just feel good and I am looking forward to the next life, my hope is only there.

Thank you.

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Permalink Reply by Leonard T on January 4, 2016 at 7:42pm

You are welcome and I am pleased that it has helped.

Lord Bless,

LT

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