Hi! I've decided to become a Christian and i have some questions i hope you could answer for me please:

1. Do i have to go to/join a Church?

2. Do i have to be baptized again?

3. How would i go about explaining to other Christians who don't listen to metal or dislike metal that i am a christian who listens to metal without sounding like i'm a hypocrite/sinner?

4. Is it a sin to listen to secular bands (Anthrax/Melvins/Killing Joke etc)?

5. Is it still a sin to listen to Satanic bands even if i don't take the lyrics seriously and only like the sound of the music
(Immolation/Incantation/Morbid Angel etc)?

Also my family aren't really religious - they go to church for christenings, funerals and weddings but not to worship etc so i'm sacred of telling them about me becoming a christian as my brother and sister(who are both anti-religion) will mock me and my parents will think i've been brainwashed or turned into a hippie or something.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

First of all, welcome to the CMR. Second, I want to say that you have asked some tough questions and some great questions. I'm going to share my advice with you on a point by point basis:

1. You don't have to go to church to be a Christian. The church is the body of Christ, which is to say all who believe in Christ. But you have only just accepted Christ, and you will benefit immensely from the council of other Christians. Right now a church may be the best thing for you. Or if you can find a Bible study group. Is there a way to get in touch with a pastor, even outside of church? Or anyone you can think of who is a Christian and can help answer any questions you have and give you any advice and leading. This is so important as you first get to know Christ, since you're going to be facing a lot of temptation to return to your old lifestyles and to let your new faith slide.

2. I wouldn't worry about this question right now. Some people will say you should and others will say it's not necessary. Regardless of which you decide, it's a decision you can make later on after you've had a chance to learn more about God, his Word and his will for you.

3. It's a wonderful thing to know that listening to any one style of music doesn't mean you are or are not a Christian. Music is just music, and it can used for the glory of God--or for the opposite. You don't need to worry about explaining it to anyone, unless someone challenges you on the matter and asks you how you can be a Christian and still enjoy metal. If that happens, do your best to be open to the leading of God in explaining it. Don't be afraid to admit that it's hard to explain. Music is, as a rule of thumb, just music, like I mentioned above. It's how you use it. There are some people who will never agree with this, and it won't do any good to try to argue the point. And if you're in an environment where listening to metal will make people doubt your faith, I encourage you to simply turn off the music for the time being. It's better not to lead that person astray and to listen to your music later. Much of this understanding will come in time and God leads you. I'll mention a bit more in #5 as well.

4. This is a tricky one. It's not necessarily a sin to listen to a specific thing--unless God is letting you know you should not be. It's going to be hard at first to know just what you're supposed to do. I strongly encourage you not to listen to any secular music right now. There are a couple main reasons. The first is that you'll be associating the songs with things you've done in the past, things you're very likely trying to leave behind you as you grow in a new faith. For now, put some distance between now and then. Another big reason is that there are lyrics in a lot of the music that may influence you. Down the road God can grant you wisdom to discern what music you should and should not listen to, but right now it will be more of a struggle to know what lyrics are best to avoid. There are some songs and bands that God will probably lead you to avoid for the rest of your life. Again, it's unlikely you'll be led to avoid secular music for the rest of your life. But it's a good idea to avoid it for now. One of the great things about the industry is that there is some amazing metal out there by Christian artists. You can get your fill of incredible music and still fill your mind with lyrics to help you grow spiritually and learn about God.

5. This one generates some controversy, and I'm going to tell you exactly how I feel. Do not listen to this music. If you listen to the leading of God, He's not going to want you listening to this music. Whether or not you think you're taking these lyrics seriously, the words are sinking in. You need to be filling your head with thoughts to boost your new faith, to draw you close to Him. And regardless of how weak or strong your faith is, if a band openly admits to being opposed to Christ, a Christian has no business listening to that band. If the lyrics are blatantly opposed to Christ, a Christian has no business listening to it. If someone says it's just a song or it's in the context of a story, that person is not listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit. If you find yourself wanting to listen to a song of this nature or by a band of this nature because you like the sound of the music, try to find a different band you enjoy instead. If God is leading you not to listen to this music but you listen to it anyway, then yes, it is still a sin.

6. The comment about your family is a hard one. This is going to be hard because you're going to find yourself in some pretty hard situations from now on. Your new faith is going to be tested, and one of the big ways in which it will be tested is by the mocking of those who don't know Christ or understand why you've become a Christian. It will be especially hard to hear this from family members. There is a good chance you will discover that friends and family members suddenly want nothing to do with you. Take heart, you're not alone. You're not alone because we've been through it, too. And you're not alone because we're here with you. Visit this board. Ask us questions. Lean on us for support and advice. We're your brothers and sisters in Christ, and we're here for you. Don't give up. You'll be tempted to return to the life you've left behind when you see friends turn away from you. You'll be tempted to ignore God when your family treats you differently. But don't give up. God will never leave you or forsake you. And we'll be here for you, too.

Visit the prayer request and praise report section of the forum and let us know how you'd like us to be praying for you. There is tremedous power in prayer. Visit the Bible study section of the forum to learn more about His Word.

And like I mentioned in point #1, please seek the council of a church or a pastor or someone like that who can be there one-on-one to help you out and pray with you. It will help.

You can PM me any time, too.

May God be with you.

Points:


1. Greetings and felicitations.


2. There have been 39 hits on this thread/post......and only 1 answering post. Odd. I would have thought there would be more advice coming your way. Usually a number of peeps here are more talkative.


3. These are some rather *individual* and *personal* questions. It is good that you both ask them, and come to other Christians for advice. That said......you may (probably) get some differing answers to what you ask. Look at them all--the answers......and take the answers to GOD in prayer. Seek out HIS will and desire for you.


4. DHero has given good answers to your questions. That is 1 Christian's answers to what you ask. Right now i'm going beddie--bye--boo.

I'll give you another Christian's (me) replies to your queries tomorrow......if I have the chance.






EDIT: I spelled "queries" wrong the 1st time. There shall be no grammar or spelling mistakes in a post.

Welcome Run To The Light!

Disposable Hero pretty much summed it up well I think.

Becoming a believer in Christ is a huge leap. It is so simple yet can be so challenging at the same time. The challenging part is the opposition you can run into from non believers.

A church group is a good idea. It is good to fellowship with other believers. It helps with the growing process. You can ask questions and get honest answers. The more you read the bible (and I suggest the New Testament first) the more God will open your eyes and your heart. I think the first year or two can be the hardest. I dont mean to scare you or hinder you in anyway by saying, Im just being honest with you and relaying to you from my own experience. All in all though.......it is awesome to feel the presence of God in your life. To feel his spirit move within you and around you.......and incredible to understand and realize exactly what Jesus has done for you and how mighty and forgiving his love is.

May the Holy Spirit lead you on this incredible life journey. I will pray for ya!

Hello and welcome. DH had a lot of good things to say already. I would suggest that you get plugged into a good church though. It's good to surround yourself with other Christians who can help you when you need it, and who you can help where you have strengths.

Welcome Run to the Light.DH has given you good advice.Good Luck with your new walk.

LTTL - Welcome - to the board, and more importantly to the brotherhood of faith!

You are getting some great advice from some pretty wise folks - I'll leave it at that.

Welcome! Glad to have you!

(& keep reading that Bible! The answers to everything are in there. . . )

Thanks for the advice! I'm currently reading a Gideons New Testament book at the moment but i want to get a full Bible. Which should i get: New International Version or New King James Version?

As a new Christian trying to learn from the word of God, I would highly recommend the NIV version of the bible. The King James and NASB versions are equally great, but the language, and sentence structure can be difficult to grasp. Especially since nobody talks like that anymore.
I would strongly discourage you from using "The Message", I have read portions of it that do not seem to be in complete agreement with the NIV, KJV, or NASB.

I agree with Ultmetal that as a new believer it is very important that you get plugged into a good church full of bible believing Christians focused on God.

DH gave you some fantastic advice regarding music. Remember, that anything (music, tv, videogames, skateboarding, girlfriends/boyfriends etc.) that might become something that would take your focus away from God is a sin. You can honestly participate in all those things (and many others) but God must remain the most important thing/relationship in your life. You cannot set Him aside for anything else.

I will be praying for you Run, and welcome to the CMR.

Welcome. I hope visiting us here can be a comfort to you. This is an exciting and scary time for you. On one hand you have found Christ which is the most awesome thing that could happen. On the other hand, you will be tested...a lot! I don't envy your position. Read your bible daily and pray often. Ask for guidence before making decisions.

Think of it this way... you will be tested. You WILL have some hard times. Being a Christian is not easy at times. I feel that the more you are tested the more you are going down the right path. The way I look at it(and some may disagree) being tested is an honor in a way. If you are already in Satan's grip he wouldn't waste so much time testing you. God will only allow you to take as much as you can handle. He will take care of the rest.

Stay strong brother!!! I will pray for you as I'm sure others here will.

Copngratulations on having the courage to open the door, most people never will.


And welcome to the narrow path. It starts out a very difficult path to traverse. BUt the further you travel on it.. the easier it becomes.. until it becommes effortless.

At which point.. you will begin to wake slightly from that which you once thought was Waking.. getting blurry and momentary views of another World, of Life. True life.. that you will awake into.. completely, one day. Leaving the "reality" of death far behind.

Welcome to the Realm! Glad you are here!




Arttie

I'm going to make this my last post of the day/night......before I retreat into the headphones for some relaxing and restful *unwinding music*......like BLACK SABBATH, or SCORPIONS, or SLADE......before beddie--bye--boo time.


Before I address your questions......there have been a number of other peeps/posters leaving replies for you, since my 1st post last night. Heed them......let them sink in......pray on them......you've heard some great advice in them.


These are one more Christian's (short) answers to your questions.


You said, with my answers after:

1. Do i have to go to/join a Church?

No you don't......not *technically*, but I would sure recommend it. Especially being a new Christian......look around for a church, but try to make sure it is fairly *fundamental* and adheres to the Bible......in its *core beliefs*. Just......pray for GOD'S will in finding one.....and then follow your head and heart. And always remember......the Christian church is just full of imperfect people......keep your eyes and your heart on JESUS, the AUTHOR and PERFECTER of your new faith.


2. Do i have to be baptized again?

Again......technically no. You are saved by your newfound faith, not baptism. However, in your future......if you decide to do it......it could be a meaningful symbol for you of your new faith.


3. How would i go about explaining to other Christians who don't listen to metal or dislike metal that i am a christian who listens to metal without sounding like i'm a hypocrite/sinner?

Welcome to the Christian minority. Welcome to the company of those who also love, play, and follow hard rock/heavy music/metal. Tell other Christians you love the music. Let them deal with it. Not your job.


4. Is it a sin to listen to secular bands (Anthrax/Melvins/Killing Joke etc)?

No. Not at all. Unless......GOD has told you (through your heart, mind, circumstances and happenings) not to listen to them. Then.....if you still do.....you sin.

Different standards of music listening......for different Christians.

Speaking of myself.....I was *Christian only*--musically--for about 1 1/2 years after I got saved. After that.....non--Christian music goes.....within limits. See below for elucidation. VVVV


5. Is it still a sin to listen to Satanic bands even if i don't take the lyrics seriously and only like the sound of the music
(Immolation/Incantation/Morbid Angel etc)?

See my post above, the 1st paragraph for your answer. ^^^^

That said.....my standard is this: I detest, loathe, and hate it when a band--any band--pisses on my MASTER and LORD. I hate it when any band disses my MASTER, the THE ONE who died for me and loves me.....in spite of me, and my past. I absolutely refuse to spend a dime on any CD or music that *sticks it* to GOD, HIS SON, or the HOLY SPIRIT. I shall not. Any other type of non--Christian band/music is fair game for me. Any lyrical content is fair game for me. Not blasphemy.

As I am known for saying around the CMR......blasphemy is out......but there are still "27,000 other CDs" floating around out there for me.


6. Also my family aren't really religious - they go to church for christenings, funerals and weddings but not to worship etc so i'm scared of telling them about me becoming a christian as my brother and sister (who are both anti-religion) will mock me and my parents will think i've been brainwashed or turned into a hippie or something.

This is the toughest one IMO. This affects your everyday life, and your relationship to/with your family. Just.....look at the other posts above for comment. ^^^^ And remember......if they "mock" you.....you're in very good company, CHRIST received HIS share of mocking too. What is good for the MASTER is good for the student.

Just.....be strong. Rely on GOD and HIS SON for that strength. KK??


BTW the NIV is fine. I like and use the New King James for my day to day reading.

Hi and welcome to the Realm.
Also welcome to the body of Christ.

Dude! Welcoome to the family of God and the CMR!

The above advice is good... especially on the latter questions...

Let me say something about "joining a church"...

Get a good Bible---One you can understand ... the New Living Translation is great! READ IT... Don't read the Bible as a religiuos thing... here's the deal with the Bible...it's called the WORD and Jesus is also called the WORD of God (John 1)... So the WRITTEN WORD is designeed to lead you to/in your relationship with the LIVING WORLD.... Pray about what you read... ask God to help you understand it... AND TALK TO OTHER BELIEVERS who have walked with Christ a long time and have studied His Word for years...

I know that God will lead you... as you read the Bible you will see the importance of being connected with a local church for teaching, serving, worshipping, fellowship, support, prayer, discipleship and accountability... it's really hard to be part of the body and be disconnected from it...

I've pastored for years and I've seen a LOT of people come to Christ--those who connect with the Body ALWAYs do better that those who take the Lone Ranger approach.

Email me any time if you have any questons!
Blessings,
Pastor Brad
www.guitarjams.net
www.first4chirst.com