It was mentioned about me now being “religious.” This is untrue. Religion is not something I believe in. In my opinion religion is controversial, religion is all over the place with “beliefs.” I have just opened my eyes to what the Bible actually says. I have found no denominations that we have today. The Old Testament was written between about 1200 and 165 BC and the New Testament was written in the first century AD. From my research the oldest denomination is Roman Catholic founded in 696 AD followed by Greek Orthodox in 1054 AD…both centuries after the historical recordings of the Bible.

To me denominations create this sense of short sightedness in which you fear another denomination is wrong. This is not to slight any church but rather encourage you to not stay in a box if you are not finding what you seek. Visit other churches and find your “spiritual home.” Any negative experience I had did not come from the church itself nor the structure of the denomination but rather the interpretations of individual people. When I was 19 I was baptised in one denomination in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38). Several years later I attended another denomination in which they insisted I was baptised wrong stating that I needed to be baptised in the name of the Father, The Son and The Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:18-20). Even as I was very new to the Word of God I knew both versions of terminology were the same and correct. This frustrated me as I felt I was in the middle of a political game and it helped drive me from the true reason of my participation…salvation per the instructions of the Bible. Both churches still preached the Word of God and I gained knowledge from both. It was their insistence to create small differences that caused confusion. When we gather we are the church. God is everywhere. To attend church services is just another gift in which we can rejoice and worship together. I have found Jesus. I believe that different bible preaching churches can provide the knowledge you need regardless of denomination. Everyone is different as to how they retain a message. Where you may attend one church in which the pastor bores you or does not ignite a passion within your heart the next may. Don’t give up! The purpose is to find salvation. To recognize the evidence all around you that such order and awe can only come from a creator. The Bible is your roadmap…the book that has stood the test of time. I found that church for me in which I leave service feeling challenged and hopeful, fearful (of my own faults) yet excited. And the denomination does not matter to me as I am able to take those sermons and go home, open God’s textbook and validate what I have been told.

I have found that many that are much more knowledgeable than me suggest that those new to scripture and just beginning their search for answers should read the Book of John first. Read and understand the life, death and ressurection of Jesus from John who witnessed and recorded the events leading to and following after the ressurection.

If you want to make a confession of faith and start your journey with God right now, all you have to do is repent of your sins and believe in Jesus as your hope for Salvation and everlasting life.

You can pray a prayer of salvation like this:

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe God sent You to die for my sins and that you rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Your Name, Amen.

Remember, it’s not the words of the prayer that save you; it’s the repentance and faith in your heart that lay hold of salvation. If you prayed that prayer today,

Congratulations! Jesus loves you. I am so thankful that other people cared enough to not give up on me and prayed for my everlasting salvation. I am proud to follow Jesus and to know that His comfort, grace and promises will get me through this life. I pray you seek and find the same truth and grace if you havent already.

Please know that I am no expert in theology. I am just a simple working man and family man that has spent his life struggling and not understanding why. The things I share are what I am learning and understanding. And I am finding peace even in my storms. My sources are the Bible, various theological scholars and pastors online, various videos of peoples real life experiences and the counsel of my pastor (everytime I see the poor guy the first words out of my mouth are “Hey I have a question” LOL). All of these resources are available to everyone at no cost! Utilize them and be sure that what you think you know is absolutely accurate as your life depends on it. We have all heard that we have a soul but someone rephrased for me which really opened my eyes. He said the body does not have a soul…the soul has a body. Even typing that renews my excitement as to what will be for me! This short life in this body is not an end for my story.