Journey With God Leading You
Questions?
What if I am busy with other things in college?
01
College is indeed focused heavily on time management and falling behind can be difficult. As a group, we see that college can be a busy time and it is understandable if one does not make it to a meet-up each week. The important thing to remember, however, is that you can’t leave God out of the equation. By putting Him on the sideline, it can lead to forgetting that peace He will provide for you in difficult situations; He wants to be there with you on your college journey! But it is up to you to be involved with that relationship also! It has to be a two-way street. Also, it is important to remember to take some time out of the busy week and spend some time with friends, talking with others, getting food, etc. A Bible Study will allow you to be in a positive environment where you can do just that! Sometimes talking to others about your workload (and even praying about it) can be a good solution. I strongly encourage to take certain steps; even if you miss one meeting here and there, it can still help by reading a devotional, spending five to ten minutes with God in prayer, think about positive aspects!
02
In college, there are so many Bible Studies; which one should I go to?
While many colleges will have a wide variety of groups to join, it is important to think about what you want to gain from it. Are you looking for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Are you seeking friends? Something to do in your free time? Go to church? Most groups will help with that, but it is also important to make sure these groups are following biblical principles also! For some, looking at a few different options might help. Others, the first one might click! I recommend finding a Bible Study that meets weekly to read the Bible and talk about the passages in a discussion/question format. This helps to truly engage in the Word of God. And whether the group is larger or smaller, it can be a great way to make friends. A large group will have plenty of opportunities to meet new people; but so can small groups! Small groups will seem more intimate and personal, but God will call you where you need to be! He has this planned out already!
03
How can we make people feel welcome from different backgrounds?
When it comes to being in a relationship with God, we should strive to open our hears towards Him and be honest with what is on our mind or heart. Being able to share with God, who does know our hearts, establishes trust in Him, which He wants to see in all of us. With that said, it is okay to ask questions or discuss what you may be conflicting with. So, when being a part of a Bible Study, it is important to ask or raise questions or have a discussion with others. Doing so in a respectful way is also necessary, from both sides, as it will help to build a bridge towards each other and not make it frustrating or difficult for each other. So whether you come from a Christian background or not, regardless of the church you attend, there will be people to support you. Of course, it is important as Christians to lead others to the truth. It is important our beliefs align with the Word of God, rather than a self-proclaimed truth of the world. Romans 12:2 puts it well by saying, "Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." So, let's encourage other people to join and have an open discussion, but show how following God's Word and His will for you life has made a positive impact. As I surrender myself more to Jesus (and believe me, I still have a lot to surrender), it will help make the walk I have more pleasing and filled with God's joy, peace, and comfort.
04
How can I get support or be supportive? How can I answer other people's questions or ask questions I have?
If you are looking for support in your school/work life, I strongly recommend seeking out a church or Bible Study to join; finding a church will help to meet other people, join a group, and establish connections or go to events. As Christians, it is important to encourage others to join your Bible Study if they are looking for support or perhaps are new to Christianity (or even if they have yet to accept salvation). Showing that you are there for others is important; being a helping neighbor is something we should strive to do, even if it just means praying for that person. If you, whether or not a Christian, have questions, I recommend reaching out to someone in a Bible Study or church that will be able to help, such as a pastor. Though, there are others around you (such as fellow college students or workers) that may be able to help. Don't be afraid to share your thoughts on faith with someone, sometimes it opens the door for great opportunities! In terms of answering other people's questions, it is important as Christians to spend time in the Bible daily if we can. Scripture says, "But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). If we equip ourselves with the Word of God, we will be able to stand firm in what we have to say and what we believe in. Of course, there can be questions that we may not have an answer to (this is something that has happened to me plenty of times!). Sometimes letting the person know you do not have an answer, but are willing to come back to them and find an answer can be very humbling and show that you care and want to do the right thing. So don't feel defeated by giving this answer, but also study the Word and talk with others (and most importantly, pray about it) and God will give you the wisdom, courage, and strength to navigate those areas in your life!
05
Do you believe Jesus Christ is your Savior and you are on your way to Heaven?
It is okay to ask someone this. Many churches will ask this at the end of the service, just asking if you believe Jesus is your Savior and if you are going to Heaven; sometimes they will also ask if you are unsure about your own salvation. And that is okay if you are unsure. Pastors may ask this because they want to reach out to you. That is part of the Christian life, being a witness towards others! It is okay to be honest about this too. Many people are glad to discuss this with you and take the next steps with you. As Christians, we are to be encouraging when spreading the Word of God. It is important not to be forceful or critical of it. It is also okay to be honest. Share how as humans, we are broken; but God is there to make us whole and save us. No need to beat around the bush. But it is also important to want to be joyful in doing so, not critical or judgmental of the person. This question can be very convicting for someone and it may just help them to open up more on what they are feeling. As a college student, don’t be afraid to witness on your campus or help work with your Bible Study. It may seem different for people at first, but knowing that others that have a hunger for the Word of God and you
reaching out to them can be life-changing! As believers of Jesus, let's strive to live our lives knowing we have salvation; let's live our lives with peace, joy, and comfort knowing Jesus has got our backs and He is our Savior! For those reading this as potential believers, I highly encourage you to reach out to a friend, family member, pastor, those in a church/bible study, or if you feel the need to reach out to me, and ask about salvation. Praying along the lines of, "God I am a sinner and I am in need of a Savior to cleanse me and save me from sin. I accept you as my Lord and Savior and I surrender to you. Please enter my heart and wash me clean of my sins. I believe in you and I believe I will go to Heaven. Please heal me and thank you for being there with me, I accept you as my Lord and Savior. I pray in your name, Jesus, Amen."
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This may look and sound different, so don't feel you have to read this like a script! Open your heart to Jesus and talk with Him, surrendering to Him. Please feel free to reach out to someone if you are seeking salvation and a relationship with God!