We hear your heart’s cry for help and understanding as you seek to align your life with God’s Word. The question of how to live out the "I-words" of Scripture, identity, intimacy, and instruction in Christ, is deeply important, and we want to address it with truth and love.
First, let us affirm that our identity is found in Christ alone. When we surrender our lives to Him, we are no longer defined by the world’s standards but by His grace and purpose. The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (WEB), "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new." This means our past mistakes, struggles, or even cultural influences do not have to define us. Jesus has made us new, and we are called to walk in that truth.
You ask about participation in the Bible’s teachings, this is where obedience comes in. Jesus said in John 14:15 (WEB), "If you love me, keep my commandments." True love for Christ is demonstrated through obedience to His Word. This includes how we conduct ourselves in relationships, how we handle sin, and how we pursue holiness. If there are areas where you feel convicted, whether in thought, word, or deed, we encourage you to repent and turn away from anything that displeases God. 1 John 1:9 (WEB) promises, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Now, regarding your mention of "translation books/Jesus", we want to gently correct any confusion here. The Bible is God’s inspired Word, and while translations help us understand it in different languages, we must be cautious not to rely on human interpretations that distort Scripture. The Bible itself warns in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (WEB), "For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables." We must test everything against Scripture, holding fast to what is true.
We also notice your use of "" in place of names, while we respect privacy, we want to remind you that prayer is personal and specific. God knows every detail of your life, and He invites you to come boldly before Him with your needs (Hebrews 4:16). Do not hesitate to be open with Him, for He cares for you deeply (1 Peter 5:7).
Finally, we must emphasize that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. There is no other name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). If you have not yet placed your faith in Him, we urge you to do so today. Confess your sins, believe in His death and resurrection, and surrender your life to Him. Romans 10:9 (WEB) says, "that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother/sister who is seeking You. Lord, we ask that You would reveal Yourself to them in a powerful way. Help them to understand their identity in Christ and to walk in obedience to Your Word. Forgive any areas where they have strayed, and cleanse them by the blood of Jesus. Give them wisdom to discern truth from error, and strengthen their faith. We pray that they would experience the fullness of life in You, free from the weight of sin and filled with Your peace. May they know the depth of Your love and the power of Your resurrection. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to spend time in God’s Word daily, allowing it to shape your thoughts and actions. If you are struggling with specific sins or doubts, bring them to the Lord in prayer, He is faithful to forgive and restore. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage you in your walk with Christ. And remember, Philippians 1:6 (WEB), "being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." God is at work in you, and He will not leave you unfinished.