question (kind of odd)

**Oliver the Soldier** · 05-08-2008, 11:01 PM

i never really believed in god too much, but since i've been in iraq, i realized that many people in my unit are very religious, and go to church on a regular basis, and i can tell that going to church, and praying really makes a difference to them.

i hate iraq, and i want to make the best out of it, and i somehow feel that god may be able to make it better for me, but i know nothing about god or church, so can someone give me some advice on what i should do to like 'get started'? i know nothing about it, but i want to see if i like going to church.

i've gone through a lot with my now ex while i was in iraq, and talked to one of the sergeants about it all, and she said she would pray for me, and it seemed like it worked, because though my girl broke up with me, i was able to take it very well, probably because of the prayers.

any help would be appreciated! thank you

**Andy James G** · 05-08-2008, 11:48 PM

others might disagree with me but this is just my view. I feel my relationship with god has to do with communication simply praying at night speaking your mind to god about your concerns about your accomplishments and having faith. Start out with that if you like. Maybe join one of your friends to a service and have an opened mind and enjoy it. Hope it helps bro stay safe!

Not an odd question at all by the way

**LeChucker** · 05-09-2008, 12:04 AM

Believe in yourself and the ability to overcome the impossible and pursue your destiny. The body can do amazing things if prompted. We only use 10% of our brains. You'll be fine brother. Stay safe, and PM me if you need to talk.

**Xflyboy** · 05-09-2008, 01:44 AM

Originally Posted by Oliver the Soldier

i never really believed in god too much, but since i've been in iraq, i realized that many people in my unit are very religious, and go to church on a regular basis, and i can tell that going to church, and praying really makes a difference to them.

i hate iraq, and i want to make the best out of it, and i somehow feel that god may be able to make it better for me, but i know nothing about god or church, so can someone give me some advice on what i should do to like 'get started'? i know nothing about it, but i want to see if i like going to church.

i've gone through a lot with my now ex while i was in iraq, and talked to one of the sergeants about it all, and she said she would pray for me, and it seemed like it worked, because though my girl broke up with me, i was able to take it very well, probably because of the prayers.

any help would be appreciated! thank you

This isn't an odd question at all..... I think its cool your asking it....

Praying is a very important part of a relationship with God, it gives you an opportunity to have a conversation with God. I myself find peace a lot of times when I pray about troubles in my life, and I give the Lord praise in my prayers also, I just thank him for everything he does in my life.

As for church, it a time to just relax and forget about the cares of the world, and just indulge yourself with the word of God and worship. I find that a lot of times the message that is being preached directly applies to something going on in my life, its kinda cool when you've been praying about something and God gives you your answer in the sermon.

With you being in Iraq, I'm sure you don't really have a variety of churches to attend, you may only have the chapel on base, I don't know.... If you do only have the base chapel that saves you from making a choice on the type of church you wish to attend, I always found the chapel services to be about the same. Generally the services consisted of singing a couple songs out of the hymnal at the start of the service, then the Chaplain will bring the sermon, then there will be alter call for those who wish to go up and kneel at the alter to pray, after this the service should be about over, they may make a few announcements, then dimiss.

I don't know how much you know about Christianity, but I recommend that you get a Youngs literal translation of the Bible or a new international verson (NIV), these are in plain english which I find a lot easier to understand than Victorian English. I recommend that you read the New Testement in your spare time. I would be glad to help with anything you might need me too, like specific questions or such...

I don't doubt for a second that the prayers are what got you through the break up so well... God answers prayers, and he loves each and every one of us.

There are a few people on here that are strong Christians who would love to help you in any way possible, including me, feel free to message me as much as you want with questions, if you have any....

I'll keep you in my prayers, I hope I was able to help!

God Bless!

**SarahPT** · 05-09-2008, 05:30 AM

I think it's a good question. Whle you're there you can find a time that works for you every day to talk to God. You don't have to be formal at all, justtell him what's on your mind. Ask him for guidance. Prayer does work. It's a wondedrful thing to be able to talk to God any time, any where. You could also try talking to some of those with you who you know are Christians. They might have some good advice for you.

**CTri17** · 05-09-2008, 07:44 AM

Oli, First of all a question about God is never odd. And I think it is amazing that you are asking. It shows that God is moving in your life, and that is a good thing.

As far as getting started like said above pick up a bible and I would also recommend the New International Version (NIV) because it is a easier translation than the King James (IMO).

Don't start at the beginning! Start with the book of John (in the new testament). Often this is one of the better books to start with as it gives a depiction of Jesus' life and the glory and grace of the Gospel.

As far as a church, if there is one there that everyone goes to you can try it. Or I can give you a link to my church online and you can listen to sermons. You can listen to past sermons even. And there are other churches online that you could also find sermons.

I recommitted my walk with Christ after a hard break up and know that God is faithful to heal your heart and to be gracious and loving to you and He will bring you to new and BETTER places in your life if you trust in Him.

Pray to Him and tell Him what you are feeling (although He already knows, it's part of building a relationship with Him) ask Him to soften your heart and allow you to be able to learn more about Him and that you want to trust Him and He with be faithful to reveal himself to you.

PLEASE dont hesitate to PM me if you need anything!

**Intrepid** · 05-09-2008, 03:48 PM

I just thought I would let you know that God does listen and he is there for you. When Cody, my husband, was deployed I prayed for him, the other marines, as well as the civilians that were there everyday. It helped me get through the deployment and I know God was with Cody too.

I also have an interesting story for you. When my grandfather, who I never had the opportunity to meet since he passed away before I was born, fought in WWII, something miraculous happened. He was in a trench hole and they were getting bombed and fired at. Well, one of his buddies in a trench hole across from him found a cross in the ground. He called over to my grandfather, "Hey Greek, I found a cross you might like." My grandfather left the trench hole he was in and ran and jumped into the one across from his, and took the cross from the guy who called him over. No sooner as that happened, the hole that my grandfather just left with the other soldiers in it was unfortunately and tragically blown up. That cross saved my grandfather's life. Jesus was with him. I just thought that was one war story out of the many that I have heard, that was truly miraculous.

God bless you, and you'll be in my prayers as well.

**Trevoc3** · 05-09-2008, 05:20 PM

Ollie, our bodies were designed by God. It can do great things because He created it that way. Don't worship it, worship God.

There was a lot of great advice from my fellow believers. I'll sum it up in a very simple and easy to do way.

Jesus said that He is the only way to get to the Father. Your first step is to acknowledge this truth. The ONLY way. So, that means you have 2 choices: 1) Acknowledge that truth, or 2) Don't. But, you will never begin to have a relationship with God our creator if that is not your first step.

After you've done that, I'll share with you step 2.

Let me know, bro...here or PM.