A little background: I've always believed in Jesus, but I've never been baptised and I don't have a home church yet. I'd call myself a 'church hopper.'
Basically I feel like I'm living a double life. I have two sets of friends- the new Christian ones and the ones who have always been there for me but are not comitted to Christ. The ones who aren't Christian consider it weird when I do things because they're what I think Jesus wants me to do, etc.
I do things that I know I shouldn't.
I admit that it's wrong of me to be like this, I just don't know what to do.

JesusRocks- 1/8/2008 1:09:14 AM

I can really empathize with you! I hate to generalize, but there may be many Christians who have a hard time understanding your situation.
But I think I get where you're coming from because it also took me a very long time to really get serious in my relationship with Jesus even though, like you, I have always believed in Him.

If you want to get serious about Jesus, there are two things you need to start doing regularly, frequently and immediately - pray and read your Bible. Here's the secret - the more you do it, the more you will want to do it, but it can be VERY hard to get started. Set time aside, make it the number one priority and never let other things get in the way of your prayer and Bible time. This will change your life!

As for the rest of it, believe me it can take time and you need to be patient. Don't take on too much or you will get overwhelmed. It's important to get serious about removing sin from your life, but do it slowly and systematically. To give you an example, one of the things I knew I should not be doing was watching trashy, vulgar R-Rated comedies. I never had an issue with it before, but one day I just "woke up" and realized that it was an area where I needed to change. Like me, you may have half a dozen areas where you need to give your behavior over to God. Maybe for you it's drugs or alcohol. For lots of people, it's pornography. Whatever it may be, over time, identify the areas, make a commitment to change and then do it. Again, don't be too hard on yourself or too impatient. It takes time, but never give up! I would say it took me over two years to really go from where you are today (if I understand your situation correctly) to no longer living the double life. Today, I still have friends who are not Christian, but I never feel I need to hide my faith from them. I have lots of Christian friends, and I don't feel I need to hide any dirty secrets from them.

I really do feel for where you are coming from because I was there not too long ago, and I really want to help and encourage you in any way I can, so please don't be shy if you have questions or problems! All of us at Delve Into Jesus are here for you.

arsindelve- 1/8/2008 10:10:15 PM

JesusRocks - I think it's important to find a church you love, because it can be a spark to light a fire in you, and then it can help you sustain that fire when times are tough. But, don't settle. Find the right one for you (easier if you live in a big city). It's to hard to explain how you'll know when it's the right church, but the Holy Spirit will tell you if you pray earnestly about it. You'll just now. It feels like coming home.

marklang- 1/9/2008 7:59:53 PM

My suggestion is to pray and read your Bible as suggested. But also, surround yourself with people who are strong CHristians and who have a lot in common with you. The suggestions above are awesome! I pray to God like I am talking to you right now. I walk around the house just talking to Him. It is a relationship. Ask Him to strengthen you. Ask Him to bring positive people into your life. And pray for your non-Christian friends.

Hope I helped!

In Christ,
Kim

solagratia- 1/10/2008 8:43:20 PM

I was in your position about a month ago.... When i was church hopping it wasnt because of choice it was because i didnt want to get too close to a church family because if i did then they would see all my wrong doings and judge me.. So it made me hop around enough that they never got a chance to know the real me.. I dont know if this was true about you but this was why i church hopped. Now i longed to have a church family but was afraid of judgement what God showed me was that in order to get love you have to give it. God wanted me at this church that i didnt feel accepted in because he wanted to use me and my giving heart and loving heart to show them how to love and to love those that God was bringing into the church because without the ones there that care so deeply then the new comers who need to love will never come back.. well i also realized the more we stay in our word daily and pray daily the easier it was to hear more from GOd and draw near to him .. After all in the end It is HIS WILL we want to do right? well i will be praying for you .. love and hugs carrie

carrie_wilson- 1/29/2008 8:32:18 AM

When you visit a church, look for the friut of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). If there is no fruit, keep hopping.

mrspiggy- 2/1/2008 4:03:32 PM

After moving to a new state, my family spent over two years auditioning churches. I think my wife may be more brutal than that infamous judge from American Idol. Although we never handed out any golden tickets, somehow we've managed to stay at one church for the past six months.

While coming home form church on several recent Sundays, my wife and I have been joking about how the speaking has greatly improved and how much friendlier and interesting the congregation has suddenly become. This is ironic to us because my wife does not comprehend the English language.

Yes, we have one fine miracle working church. Our senior pastor has freshly achieved some oratory prowess and about 1000 people have swiftly grown into such a gracious and pleasant bunch.

Or maybe the more colossal miracle was the softening of two very formidable attitudes.

Finding a good church is imperative, as is making the most of the situation.

Ryan- 2/2/2008 7:52:17 PM