Hello, im a newbie here

  • Welcome to Christian Forums, a Christian Forum that recognizes that all Christians are a work in progress.

    You will need to register to be able to join in fellowship with Christians all over the world.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!

Armour of God

Well-Known Member
Mar 6, 2026
901
572
93
47
Adelaide
Faith
Christian
Country
Australia
Gender
Male
Hello to all.
May Gods peace and grace be with you.

A bit about myself. I was raised by a Catholic family but started to doubt God as a teenager. I did a diploma of engineering and believed that science had the answer to everything. I became an atheist. In particular I believed the theory of evolution. I believed it disproved God. But I found that theory to be false and was upset that it was and is being taught as if its a fact. I found theoretical science to be flawed as it doesn't use the same high level of evidence that we use in engineering, its more of a philosophy than a science. I even found practical sciences to be flawed as well with fields like astro physics, medicine and even engineering to be swayed by money and conflicts of interests.

So then I started to consider God, I called myself agnostic. Soon I started to notice the works and manifestations of Satan in the world and in my life. I was deep behind enemy lines, walking a very dark path, being stalked by hungry wolves. Once I had seen Satan's works I realised that there must be a God and started searching. I was in the darkness but far away I could see a light, it was being shon by God for me to follow. And so that's what I did, I followed that light back to God and I am forever greatful for Him shining that light.

Now when I became a believer in God I started to study the bible and ended up not understanding and doubting much of the Catholic teachings. I learnt about all these other denominations but i didn't understand much of their teachings either. I don't think I belong to any church denomination. I respect them all but i don't understand their differences and I find their quarrels to be saddening and disruptive to my spirit and soul as it is very divisive.

I admit there is much I don't understand and will probably never understand everything but I do believe in God and Jesus and I am forever greaful to them for opening my eyes and shining the light onto my path.

God bless
 

Bob

Well-Known Member
Sep 23, 2023
845
805
93
Tucson, AZ
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Welcome to the forum, and thanks for the background information. God kept on looking for you, you heard Him, and are now on the right track.

Feel free to ask questions, the better to understand God’s expectations and promises.

If you were to speak to a Christian youth group now, how might you engage them to help them with their faith?

Blessings.
 

Taken

Well-Known Member
Feb 6, 2018
29,996
15,757
113
United States
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Hello to all.
May Gods peace and grace be with you.
God bless

Hello. Welcome.
Thanks for sharing your testimony.

Facts are everyone begins…
…an unbeliever…
…typically stumbles along..
…maturing, focused on “their life”…
…and hopefully…arriving at an Ahha moment to do some serious reflecting on spiritual things.
…Always good to hear when one has arrived at a point to be serious about God.
God bless you.

Glory to God,
Taken
 

Armour of God

Well-Known Member
Mar 6, 2026
901
572
93
47
Adelaide
Faith
Christian
Country
Australia
Gender
Male
If you were to speak to a Christian youth group now, how might you engage them to help them with their faith?
Wow Bob that's a tough question. Speaking in public to people you don't know is a tough proposition. I don't know really, i would need to think about it before getting up to talk with them. I suppose I would tell them my story in a more in depth manner and think of some other motivating things to say to them, maybe use some bible quotes to talk about, encourage them as they are the future of society.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bob

ScottA

Well-Known Member
Feb 24, 2011
15,580
6,968
113
www.FinishingTheMystery.com
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Hello to all.
May Gods peace and grace be with you.

A bit about myself. I was raised by a Catholic family but started to doubt God as a teenager. I did a diploma of engineering and believed that science had the answer to everything. I became an atheist. In particular I believed the theory of evolution. I believed it disproved God. But I found that theory to be false and was upset that it was and is being taught as if its a fact. I found theoretical science to be flawed as it doesn't use the same high level of evidence that we use in engineering, its more of a philosophy than a science. I even found practical sciences to be flawed as well with fields like astro physics, medicine and even engineering to be swayed by money and conflicts of interests.

So then I started to consider God, I called myself agnostic. Soon I started to notice the works and manifestations of Satan in the world and in my life. I was deep behind enemy lines, walking a very dark path, being stalked by hungry wolves. Once I had seen Satan's works I realised that there must be a God and started searching. I was in the darkness but far away I could see a light, it was being shon by God for me to follow. And so that's what I did, I followed that light back to God and I am forever greatful for Him shining that light.

Now when I became a believer in God I started to study the bible and ended up not understanding and doubting much of the Catholic teachings. I learnt about all these other denominations but i didn't understand much of their teachings either. I don't think I belong to any church denomination. I respect them all but i don't understand their differences and I find their quarrels to be saddening and disruptive to my spirit and soul as it is very divisive.

I admit there is much I don't understand and will probably never understand everything but I do believe in God and Jesus and I am forever greaful to them for opening my eyes and shining the light onto my path.

God bless
Welcome Arm'!

Yes, it is a strange experience to be born into this world with so many unsure options; and yes, God is good to shine His light in our path.

The many different denomination of the church are greatly misunderstood. The apostle Paul explained that we are one body, but rightfully made up of many different members. That much is good, and is the plan of God. Unfortunately, there are some that are more like a cancer in the body...and you can bet that they are destine to be cut out and discarded. But God is indeed good to see each part of His church through--oh, and how wonderful it is to see Him working! We live in exciting times.

Enjoy!
 

Taken

Well-Known Member
Feb 6, 2018
29,996
15,757
113
United States
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Wow Bob that's a tough question. Speaking in public to people you don't know is a tough proposition. I don't know really, i would need to think about it before getting up to talk with them. I suppose I would tell them my story in a more in depth manner and think of some other motivating things to say to them, maybe use some bible quotes to talk about, encourage them as they are the future of society.

Hey, a little tid-bit. Having raised a daughter deaf from birth…(her deafness unknown when a baby and toddler) (and her 2yr old sister and 4 yr old brother / playmates accommodating her without her need to ask. She copied them)…
So teaching them About the Lord God was usual. As the deaf child began talking / signing about understanding things hearing people do with ease…spiritual things…was a big challenge.
As she progressed to reading, she loved books. I would a lot her $50.00 for years books fairs and she would buzz through them. So the library became a weekly trip and she would check out the allowed amount of 13 books.
On one trip she chose a book called:
“ A Case For Christ” by Lee Stroble
(Last name may be spelled wrong)…
Return trip to library, she re-checked out that book….and raved about how good it was… and it was finally beginning to resonate with her that “spiritual stuff”, no one can see, hear, taste, smell, touch.
Point…someone interested may think another has all the answers… we don’t…. And that’s why it’s called Faith.

Glory to God,
Taken
 

Bob

Well-Known Member
Sep 23, 2023
845
805
93
Tucson, AZ
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Wow Bob that's a tough question. Speaking in public to people you don't know is a tough proposition. I don't know really, i would need to think about it before getting up to talk with them. I suppose I would tell them my story in a more in depth manner and think of some other motivating things to say to them, maybe use some bible quotes to talk about, encourage them as they are the future of society.
Thank for responding.

Yes, it is a tough question, but worth considering if we are to spread the gospel and perhaps advise the youth on the importance of staying close to God. Your proposal sounds right: let us hope you will have the opportunity!

Blessings.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Armour of God

RepentingChristian

Well-Known Member
Dec 2, 2025
413
259
63
48
Omaha
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Gender
Male
Hello to all.
May Gods peace and grace be with you.

A bit about myself. I was raised by a Catholic family but started to doubt God as a teenager. I did a diploma of engineering and believed that science had the answer to everything. I became an atheist. In particular I believed the theory of evolution. I believed it disproved God. But I found that theory to be false and was upset that it was and is being taught as if its a fact. I found theoretical science to be flawed as it doesn't use the same high level of evidence that we use in engineering, its more of a philosophy than a science. I even found practical sciences to be flawed as well with fields like astro physics, medicine and even engineering to be swayed by money and conflicts of interests.

So then I started to consider God, I called myself agnostic. Soon I started to notice the works and manifestations of Satan in the world and in my life. I was deep behind enemy lines, walking a very dark path, being stalked by hungry wolves. Once I had seen Satan's works I realised that there must be a God and started searching. I was in the darkness but far away I could see a light, it was being shon by God for me to follow. And so that's what I did, I followed that light back to God and I am forever greatful for Him shining that light.

Now when I became a believer in God I started to study the bible and ended up not understanding and doubting much of the Catholic teachings. I learnt about all these other denominations but i didn't understand much of their teachings either. I don't think I belong to any church denomination. I respect them all but i don't understand their differences and I find their quarrels to be saddening and disruptive to my spirit and soul as it is very divisive.

I admit there is much I don't understand and will probably never understand everything but I do believe in God and Jesus and I am forever greaful to them for opening my eyes and shining the light onto my path.

God bless

Welcome. I too was Catholic, until I began studying the Bible. Here is a summary of verses that I believe demonstrate what we should believe and what we should do.

Matthew 7:21
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

John 14:15
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Matthew 22:36-40
Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

John 13:34
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

Galatians 5:13-14
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
 
  • Like
Reactions: Armour of God

Wrangler

Well-Known Member
Feb 14, 2021
20,732
8,988
113
57
Shining City on a Hill
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Gender
Male
Welcome to the forums. Fascinating history.

I was raised by a Catholic family but started to doubt God as a teenager.

I became an atheist.

So then I started to consider God, I called myself agnostic.

I learnt about all these other denominations but i didn't understand much of their teachings either.

IMO, doctrines are manmade IDOLS. The main difference between denominations is focus more than doctrine. For example, Seventh Day Adventists focus on the Sabbath. Baptists focus on baptism. Presbertarians focus on elder leadership. Methodists focus on how you come to theological conclusions, etc.

I don't think I belong to any church denomination. I respect them all but i don't understand their differences and I find their quarrels to be saddening and disruptive to my spirit and soul as it is very divisive.

I feel the same way.

I admit there is much I don't understand and will probably never understand everything
One of the best sermons I heard preached something that took this weight off me; we don’t need to know the whole Bible. All we need to do is stand on our personal testimony and ultimate faith in the son of God.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Armour of God

Aunty Jane

Well-Known Member
Sep 16, 2021
8,936
5,047
113
Sydney
Faith
Christian
Country
Australia
Gender
Female
Hi AoG......a fellow Aussie, welcome to the discussions.... :waves:

These forums have a lot of interesting topics and sadly not a few altercations.
As one raised Anglican, (a church close to Catholicism) I too couldn’t accept the main tenants of the faith.

I had trouble with the trinity, immortality of the soul, and hellfire.....I could not reconcile a loving monotheistic God with any of those beliefs and it wasn’t until I too studied the Scriptures, that I finally understood where all of those things came from.....and it wasn’t the Bible.

Please ask questions as this is the way we learn. Check the Scriptures added as evidence, but always read them in context.

The Bible is one story, with one author and he wants us to understand what he has written....our lives depend on the correct understanding, because the devil rules this world and he is a great deceiver (1 John 5:19)