If I wish to embrace Christianity, where would I start?

Christianity starts with a personal relationship and understanding of Jesus. The best way to get that is from the Bible, reading about Jesus and his life and ways. Even there you will find several different types of Bible that speak to you in different ways. I would reference them to the standard King James, but if you find another that fits you better, work with it.

Churches and religions are ritualistic, as well as philosophical bodies built around Jesus and the Bible.

For example, some believe in infant batpism, others only in adult baptism, some use traditional music, some more modern music, some believe you can fall from grace, others believe that once saved always saved.

You have to draw your own conclusions based on how interpret the Bible. Then see if any church out there is close to your own views.

If it possible for you to meld the two together if your view of Jesus (and Protestants are allowed to hold their own views, CATHOLICS MUST follow the church line) meets with one of those Church groups.

If it does not, then your stay unaffliliated (non-denominational).

First I want to let you know that to embrace Christianity is not something to take lightly as so many do. Many have said that you should first start in the Bible. The Bible is the book that gives all the directions that God set down. Read it not as two separate sections but as two parts of a whole. This will give you a good idea who God is and who Jesus is and why he was sent. Christianity is not supposed to be just a religion. It is a relationship with Jesus. People like to put up trappings on their observances and call it Christianity, making it a religion and ignoring the whole meaning behind it.

The next part is something the Bible says and seems to be your bigger question. Do not neglect the assembling of yourselves together.

Each denomination has different ways of doing things. Each one has a diffrent focus. There are many diffrent types of people and different ways of thinking about things. In this case there are diffrent ways of approaching God and studying His Word. Because of the diffrent focus of each denomination they attract difrent sorts of people. So the denomination is more for where you feel comfortable and fit. That being said, there are things to watch out for and avoid. The Roman Catholics and Episcopalians are esentially the same thing except the Episcopalians allow divorse because an English king didn't like to be told he couldn't do what he wanted. They are not a bad bunch of people, but they do rely on ceremony and tradition more than what is in the Word. Something to beware of are those that try to teach the New Testament or Covenant without also teaching the Old. It is just as relavent today as the New. If they add other books and say they are just as important as the Bible, do not believe them and avoid at all costs. Beyond that some or more formal than others and some are more boisterous. I personally attend a Messianic Jewish Congregation. It is based on the fact that Christianity is not seprate from Judaism but an integral part to it. Jesus is their Messiah. They teach the Bible as it was meant to be taught. That may not be for you, but you will need to judge for yourself. The best thing to do is to visit a few and use that as a basis for your decision.

Pastor Billy says: starting to read the bible is not the first step because even with the bible as a guide Christianity is still divided. Starting with the bible also does not answer the question of the the problem that troubled the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:31): How is one to know what interpretations are right?

The only way to discover this is to find the same Church that authenticates the Bible, that establishes its inspiration. This is the authority set up by Christ to interpret his Word.

You must study Christianity from a 2000 year standpoint examine it's history the good and the bad but always searching for the authentic voice of Christianity, where is the Church of antiquity.

I don't know that Christianity is something you embrace as much as it is something you live.

As far as choosing a church, make sure the church is committed to teaching and preaching the Word. Of course to recognize whether or not a church is doing this means YOU have to be putting in time for Bible study. The other main concern in choosing a church is spiritual growth. I recently left the denomination I grew up in because it seemed they worried more about bringing in money than bringing people to Christ.

I encourage you to pray about the decision and to read the book of Acts. Acts outlines what a true church should be doing! Before officially joining any denomination, visit a few different churches. Find out what active ministries or outreach programs they have. Consider how they treat you and other visitors.

Peace & blessings........

You need to start in the scriptures. From the standpoint of teaching Bible truths, the majority of churches don't hold a good standing, for they like to build big showie places and let people believe that they have the way.

This is exactly what happened in Jesus day with the Jewish Temples. I am sure you know how Jesus felt about what was happening at the synagogues?

It's more important to see what is being taught and testing the teachings of a church before you go?

The basic bible thoughts are easy to see if one looks. For example what is the Kingdom of God? And what will it do?This was the main theme of Jesus ministry. Mathew 6:10, Mathew 6:33,34, Daniel 2:44, Revelation 21:3,4.

If you ask questions and see the answers then compare the answers with the Bible you will see the truth and then you will know which one. If you need help in finding scriptures or scriptural answers just ask? Remember 2 Tim 3:16 gemhandy@gmail.com

2 Timothy 3

1 You must understand this: In the last days there will be violent periods of time.

2 People will be selfish and love money. They will brag, be arrogant, and use abusive language. They will curse their parents, show no gratitude, have no respect for what is holy,

3 and lack normal affection for their families. They will refuse to make peace with anyone. They will be slanderous, lack self-control, be brutal, and have no love for what is good.

4 They will be traitors. They will be reckless and conceited. They will love pleasure rather than God.

5 They will appear to have a godly life, but they will not let its power change them. Stay away from such people.

If God is to be congregated with every believer, in a time of turmoil, lies, and iniquity, isn't it the best place your spirit? There you have all those you love, there you can have God too, only at the top. Accept Jesus as your savior and role model, be one with him and with God, or at least die trying. Read the bible, be critical and investigative, but fair to reality.

For the most I believe that God will guide you, baptizing you with the Holy Ghost. (With so many denominations and liers, isn't it possible that somebody would baptize you in the name of some deamon?) But the Holy Ghost is a sure bet, nobody can beat that.

So let Jesus baptize you in the Holy Ghost ! He is the head of the Spiritual Church of God. Good luck to you.

If you were raised in a particular denomination the best starting point might be to return to that church, unless you are seriously opposed to its views.

If you were not raised in a church or denomination you could start by purchasing a Bible and reading the New Testament, focusing on the four Gospels--Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. This will help you to clarify how you believe.

Then start visiting churches. Try to visit several different ones before you focus on any one. Many will follow up with you if you leave them a name and way to contact you.

Ask questions.

I worship as a member of the Church of Christ. I believe its teachings come closest to what I actually believe. That's what you have to defines. What do you believe and who best will help you grow in those beliefs?

And your beliefs will change as you grow in them. That's normal.

Start with the Bible. Read John, and especially focus on John 3:3 "you must be born again to see the Kingdom of God." Really meditate on that Scripture. God teaches you. Churches are full of false practices (not all of them) so as a new Christian follow what the Bible says. Once you are born again, the Holy Spirit will reside within you and teach you all truth in accordance to the things of God.

Well first of all... I must say that its not about religion. Stop focusing on religion. Religion wont save you. The bible states that the only thing that will save you is confessing with your mouth and believing in your heart that Christ is your lord and your Savior.... that he came to this world to die for you. Now it is your choice if you want to go for what ever denomination you are willing to believe in. As a Christian the best relationship you need to have is with Christ. Now Church in the bible is not mandatory... it is suggested by Paul that we reunite as brethren and we talk about God and suggest to each other what we need to do to stay strong in faith. Christ says that where there are 2 or more... I will be there... Don't focus on the religion. Focus on Christ. Christ himself hated religion... Read the bible.. find a church in which through guidance of the Holly Spirit will take you to. Pray and ask God for his direction.

you should start at the foot of the cross. Read what Jesus said and commanded.

The Holy Spirit will guide and direct you to the church that best lines up with your beliefs.

You are not going to find a church that agrees with your beliefs 100%. But you can come close.

In essentials, unity.

In non-essentials, charity.

In all other things, Love.