Bible Discussion Thread

Recently became compelled to come to christ at the age of 55, asked Jesus to save me some years ago but didn't take time to read and develop a true relationship with him. For some reason which I have no clue I've recently been taken over with the desire to read and follow everything i can get hold of about Jesus and have been praying several times a day. Although I know I have to walk away from the world and it's ways, I am saddened and struggling because I have a lot of good memories mixed in with all the 55 years of living in the world and need to know how I can turn my back on all the fond memories even though Jesus expects it. Please help this old Reborn Sinner , Thanks

Dear Chris M, It is hard to know exactly what you are referring to, without knowing to what you speak. Unless these fond memories of yours consist of sinful pleasure, or things contrary to scripture I see no need to "reject" them. It may be, that through God's providential leading, that these lead you to Him. The Bible speaks to the goodness of God that leadeth us to repentance. I would also remind you however, that Satan can present himself as an "angel of light." Some memories can cause you to stumble. I'll give you an example, lets say one of those fond memories was having a wonderful time with a relative on a fishing trip. No problem, if say you consider a fond memory as "out drinking someone" at the local pub, and being the record holder, then I'd say "get rid of it." Make new memories preaching repentance and point others to Christ at that pub! Paul covered this in Phil 4, some great "do's and what to think upon." So many times did the writers of the New testament say "remember." "Stir up our remembrance..." remember and follow my example, Paul said. Paul also said "forgetting those things behind, I press toward toward the mark...Some memories are not bad, but not best compared to service for our Lord. "I would encourage you do a word study on "remember." Ask God to lead you and he will. Then, as you grow in grace, you will know. Being a Christian is a journey.

Precious brother Chris, a Very Warm Welcome to the family Of God!

If I may suggest Bible reading to get you Growing In GRACE, in addition to your "praying" = Ephesians, and then Romans - Philemon, Which Are God's GRACE/PEACE Love Letters Directly TO us Today, For: Consolation, Comfort, Edification, Enjoyment, Encouragement, And spiritual Building Up Of All The BLOOD-Washed "members ( saints!" ) In The Body Of CHRIST!, HIS Church, Seated In Heaven! Amen?

And after these, maybe this "study" suggestion, for further "Growth In GRACE":

Link

Please Be Richly Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, and Edified!

( 2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 16:25; Ephesians 1:3-9; Ephesians 3:9 = Grace/Mystery fellowship, today?)

And, Again, a Very WARM Welcome!! See you in God's Great GloryLand!!! :)

Thanks for taking the time to reach out to me. I will try reading your suggestions. I have read the 4 Gospels and am currently working my way through Acts (Which is not as easy to read for me as the Gospel's) I do not read fast and have to re-read sections alot to make sure I understand what they mean or look up definitions of words which sometimes gets me sidetracked, but I take my time because its worth the trouble. Thank you again, Bless you!

Precious brother Chris m, you are Very Welcome! Please be Richly Encouraged as you take your time "Growing In GRACE." Yes, as one who is like you, "reading things 10 times to Get it," I can vouch that "studying HIS Word, and serving The LORD" is well worth the effort. And our 'Patient' God Does Also:

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of The LORD, forasmuch as ye know that 'your labour is not in vain' in The LORD." ( 1 Co 15:58)

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There will be "reward At Judgment Day!" ( 1 Corinthians 3:6-15; 1 Co 3:14)

Hi Chris M , you don't have to give up your memories . The events and people that you have experienced and known have helped to make you you ! I wasn't brought up with religion so most of my family and friends were atheist and I gave them and received from them , love and fun and good happy times , ' all things work together for good to them that love God ' . It's so true , so many people , atheist , have been kind to me and helped me through my life , I now know that all these kindnesses that I received I received from God . God has always been in your life , working through your experiences and the people around you to bring you to Him . Of course once you know the Truth your priorities and outlook on life change a bit for sure , but you are still you and it's you that God loves , has always loved , and He has used the correct ways and means and life experiences and people to bring you to Him . You are an individual and God knows you better than you do and He has brought you safely through your life and taught you a million different lessons on the way , using the people around you . When I was a child my parents taught me some horrible things , but these things helped me in latter life and for sure helped me to get on the path I'm on now , which is hopefully the path to the Kingdom of God . God is always at work , everywhere . Trust in Him and rejoice in the fact that He has brought you closer to Him in the perfect way that He knew how to .

Thanks so much for your comment. My family are not atheist but I didn't grow up in church. Due to my Aunt who's whole family is very religious (my dad's sister) constantly trying to get him to go to her church. So much that it drove him away from religion, so my mom didn't take my brothers and me to church at all. However, I feel like finding Jesus means so much more to me than my cousins who were dragged to church their whole lives, because I didn't have Jesus forced on me, I need and want Jesus in my life. It's a shame that it's taken 55 years to realize how wrong I was and how wrong my dad was also. I recently saw my Aunt and told her how wrong my dad was all those years. It made me feel better and I think it made her feel better to know I had finally found the narrow path to God. I feel like I can never ever repay Jesus for what he has done for me and I express that when I pray. Thanks again for your kind words, and I hope God blesses you every day of your life.