Where do you start to gain faith?
Question:
Good day,
I was really impressed by your web site. I am not quite a believer. I tried a few times to read the Bible but seem to have lots of difficulties in reading in “between lines”. The purpose of my email is only to see where I could get good information. You might know that here religion is not very popular as there was lots of abuse made by church representatives. I feel, although, that there is something missing in my life. Could it be fulfilled by religion?
I have lots of admiration for people who believe. Are you able to give me some references or some links that are truthful and could help me in my quest for happiness?
Thank you and have a great day!
Answer:
One of the difficulties in embarking on anything new is trying to figure out where to start. Christianity is no different. In one sense it is relatively simple, but at the same time, the concepts are profound and life-altering. That is why preachers exist in the church. Their job is to help people learn. "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!'" (Romans 10:14-15). Someone needs to "kick start" the process and that is the duty of preachers.
So what I would recommend is finding a preacher nearby who will sit down and give you some guidance through the Bible. He can figure out where you are in your journey and find areas of the Bible for you to read and learn that will directly apply to your life. As you get more interested, you will soon find yourself delving through the book on your own and when you get stuck a preacher can show you related passages to help you gain understanding and move on to other things. That is what you see me doing on this web site, and I'm quite willing to help you as well, but I think you would benefit more from being able to talk to someone one-on-one.
While I understand that you are some belief, what I don't know is what you are finding difficult at the moment. Given such a vague starting point, I'm going to suggest that you read the book of Mark from the Bible. I would like you to read one chapter at a time (whether it is one chapter a day or one chapter a week or whatever fits in your schedule). What I want you to do is have a note pad by your side and as you read, when you find something you don't understand jot down your question and then send them to me. The very nature of your questions will give me a better idea of where you are at in your spiritual life.
