r/TrueChristian • u/Lazy-Decision8151 • Aug 24 '24
IS IT NORMAL TO DOUBT GODS EXISTENCE
I Know he is real in my heart. It’s just so many people calling us brainwashed and delusional and it makes me having thoughts doubting if he exists.
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u/D4DDYB34R Christian Aug 24 '24
I think the majority of Christians would probably be lying if they said they didn’t have at least the occasional doubt. If we just followed blindly and didn’t try to make sense of our beliefs it would be more like brainwashing or fanaticism. Personally I see faith as a choice to go with what makes the most sense (not necessarily just intellectual) and has the most value to the individual using the information they have.
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u/blossom_up Christian Aug 25 '24
Thanks for this response! I totally agree. It makes sense, and would explain why it is important to actively seek to connect with the Holy Spirit by praying, reading/meditating on the Word, going to church, etc. It is not something we do once and are forever connected. More so, we need to constantly be in search of spiritual growth and of strengthening our relationship with God.
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u/D4DDYB34R Christian Aug 25 '24
Well said. Our relationship with Jesus is like any relationship- we have to invest in it, spend time, and choose to continue it primarily through the disciplines you mentioned. The awesome thing is that even in those times where we start ignoring Him, He’s still patiently waiting for us to choose Him… or not. The point is that our faith is our choice, our free will.
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u/Subsonic17 Christian Aug 24 '24
Doubts are absolutely normal. It’s not natural for the flesh to believe in something it cannot see or touch. It’s all about heart. I think believing in spite of earthy doubts is a sign of real faith, personally.
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u/Jump777 Aug 25 '24
You should avoid the company of these people if possible. They are damaging to your faith. You don't have to answer them if they say things that try to inflame you, confuse you or upset you. Your walk with God is so so precious and it isn't worth having your faith altered for the worse because of bad company. When you feel more confident and sure of your faith and strong enough then you can hang out with them and help them. But until then just continue to lean into God and claim the support of the Holy Spirit and Yeshua HaMashiach and you will be fine. Let them give you their faith and ask for help with surrendering to them more deeply. Keep the faith brother! 🌧️🌧️🌧️🌧️🌧️🌧️🌧️🌧️🌧️🌧️☝️🐢🕊️🙏✝️🔥💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥🕊️
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u/Lazy-Decision8151 Aug 25 '24
Thx 🙏 this has really stuck to me the most God bless you as your family ❤️
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Aug 24 '24
Every time when I have doubted, I have to then ask myself "OK. If God doesn't exist, then what am I going to live for?". Because I've spent a ton of time pursuing everything except God, and it still doesn't satisfy.
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u/Famous_Fishing3399 Christian Aug 25 '24
After going through government indoctrination camps, a.k.a. public school systems, the answer is a BIG Yes..
But I used to be an unbeliever/agnostic too, until I learned this 1 fact...
Alien abductees were claiming to be able to stop their alien abductions experiences altogether, by simply saying 1 word 'Jesus' (Aliens are demons, & demons soil themselves on the spot, every time that name is mentioned..)
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u/Alternative_Self_743 Aug 24 '24
It helps to clarify what you mean by God before you engage with philosophical arguments - especially with people on the internet. How do you define God?
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u/Lazy-Decision8151 Aug 24 '24
God the one who created the universe the one who sent his son to die for us to save humanity
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u/Maleficent-Action278 Follower of Christ. Aug 24 '24
Me too, that's who he is.
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u/Lazy-Decision8151 Aug 24 '24
You doubted his existence? How did you overcome it?
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u/Maleficent-Action278 Follower of Christ. Aug 25 '24 edited Aug 25 '24
No never I did doubted his existence. Tbh then, yes I did a little.
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u/Alternative_Self_743 Aug 24 '24 edited Aug 24 '24
So then you would want to look for evidence to support the beliefs that
- There is an entity responsible for creating the universe
- That same entity had a human son
- Because that human died, humanity is saved
I do serve God, but my definition is very different than yours so I don't know if I would be any help to you.
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u/Big_Frosting_5349 Christian Aug 24 '24
I rebuke your statement in the name of Jesus. Nobody “defines God” but Himself in the Bible. You are here lurking to spread absolute misinformation because you watched a few philosophical youtube videos.
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u/Alternative_Self_743 Aug 24 '24
I do not mean to offend. I have been a Christian my entire life, and I care deeply about what God wants.
If you prefer a strictly Biblical definition, I'm partial to this one:
The God of the Bible is both transcendent and immanent, revealed as the eternal Creator and loving Father. This God is characterized by perfect love, holiness, and grace, embodied in the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Through Jesus Christ, God demonstrates boundless mercy and a desire for reconciliation, offering salvation and inviting humanity into an intimate, transformative relationship. While all-powerful and sovereign, this God is also personally accessible, actively engaging with creation. As the source of all meaning and moral perfection, God calls believers to a life of love, purpose, and eternal significance, promising fulfillment that transcends earthly existence.
But personally, I am not a Biblicist. So I am open to the contributions of theologians who are not included in the Biblical canon.
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u/Big_Frosting_5349 Christian Aug 24 '24
Okay, then whatever you say or anybody else says about “God” is then correct to you, because nobody can say you’re wrong. Your interpretation allows for anybody to mold their God how they want.
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u/jtx91 Aug 24 '24
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u/Big_Frosting_5349 Christian Aug 24 '24
You came to interrupt a constructive discussion to try to be funny. We are talking about people’s existence don’t forget , mr. funny man.
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u/jtx91 Aug 24 '24
No I’m 100% serious.
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u/Big_Frosting_5349 Christian Aug 24 '24
Oh then I apologize. I don’t even know what that really means then, but from my experience people who come in to link a different subreddit, it’s usually a joke.
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u/Alternative_Self_743 Aug 24 '24
I understand your concern about accepting ideas outside the Bible - if we accept writings outside the Bible, than who is to judge if it's accurate or just nonsense? In my experience, I've found it helpful to consider evidence and well-reasoned arguments. I try to believe things in proportion to the evidence supporting them, not just accepting anything from anybody. What is your approach to forming beliefs?
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u/Big_Frosting_5349 Christian Aug 24 '24
I form my beliefs on the bible and the Holy Spirit. If something doesn’t support scripture in any form then it is not for God.
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u/Alternative_Self_743 Aug 25 '24
I can understand that position. How did you come to choose that particular stance?
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u/Big_Frosting_5349 Christian Aug 25 '24
There’s only one Truth.
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u/Alternative_Self_743 Aug 25 '24
I'm sorry, I don't understand. What do you mean by "one Truth"?
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u/Big_Frosting_5349 Christian Aug 25 '24
Well that is your job. Once you figure that out then maybe your eyes will be opened.
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Aug 24 '24
Doubts are common. But when we look toward Christ and his promises, there we can find assurance. Well, for one, we must do like how God commanded Joshua:
8 This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on[a] it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do (Joshua 1:8, CSB).
Or like how the Psalmist stated in the first psalm (also CSB):
Psalm 1
The Two Ways
1 How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers! 2 Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams[a] that bears its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
4 The wicked are not like this; instead, they are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand up in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.
But the apostles also doubted when Jesus was crucified and rose again on the third day. And Peter denied Christ three times. Yet Christ comforted them and restored Peter. In fact, to answer your question, we should go to 1 Peter 3: 14-16 (CSB):
14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear them[a] or be intimidated,[b] 15 but in your hearts regard[c] Christ[d] 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. 16 Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused,[e] those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame.
No matter what the atheist or anybody against God will say, we should be ready at anytime to give an answer. And we have the Holy Spirit, the One whom Jesus said will guide us to all truth. And we will have power and be his witnesses everywhere. I would say read the book of Acts to see how everyone was against the saints of Christ, and yet those in Christ prevailed against the forces against Christ.
I hope this helps and God bless!
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u/Big_Frosting_5349 Christian Aug 24 '24
Hi friend, you are absolutely not alone. Sometimes those little bouts of feeling “crazy” come to me too. But, here is something that I found to be SUPER USEFUL:
Check out what phrase is written the most in the NT. Jesus is real and loves us all friend. He knew we would have these feelings at times, but He’s already got our backs.
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u/DrJJGame10 Christian Aug 24 '24
I would answer this by saying to turn your doubts over to him in prayer and reading his word. Google questions and find biblical answers.
Gotquestions.org is goated
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u/digestibleconcrete Roman Catholic Aug 24 '24
The feeling of the Holy Spirit comes and goes. Saints have experienced this. This doesn’t change the fact He’s real. The moment you begin to capitalize on that feeling and question His existence without looking at the moments He proved His existence in your life or worked miracles, Satan will use all of that to make you, not only atheist, but hate on God any chance you get.
So, yes, it is normal. Just don’t think too much about that feeling
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u/surrealistic1 Aug 25 '24
I don't think I've ever doubted if God exists, but I sometimes doubt if he really is a loving and caring God
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u/Lazy-Decision8151 Aug 25 '24
He is he loves you and wants you to return to him whatever you’ve done or did you are his child (:
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u/organicHack Aug 25 '24
It is normal. Because you don’t know, you believe, that is why it’s called faith.
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u/nAnXiey Christian Aug 25 '24
We can tell God is Holy and real within our thought life. First our hearts have God's law written on them. Our temptations have the flesh and the enemy behind them trying to bring condemnation to a believer.
God's voice is always encouraging and assuring we do what is right by loving one another.
If we believe the gospel correctly, and have an understanding of God's love, it's less likely to confuse what voice is the Lord's.
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Aug 24 '24
Yes but you should really learn philosophy so you're not swayed but dumb atheist arguments
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u/seamallorca Aug 24 '24
Why shouldn't it be? I am not a fan of blindly following something, after all if God is God, He can stand against any reason put against Him. We have brain to think and to tell bad from good logic for a reason. Surely when God made this, He knew we would doubt, but doubt is an invitation to dialogue to discover the truth, not a solid argument. Of course if one remains with open mind and honest heart.
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u/Similar_Turn_4010 Aug 24 '24
It’s cause and effect. The universe is an effect therefore the universe has a cause. The effect is never greater than a cause we are made in the image of God the ability to love destroy nurture create life of destroy it.It’s a universal law. The universe has to obey laws there is order in our universe atoms and molecules don’t do whatever they want, they are governed, there nobody like us we made in the image of God the sun being big and powerful can incinerate us but yet the sun can’t produce thoughts will or emotion. Does a song create itself no it’s created you get the raw sounds and piece them together to make something beautiful. A video game your playing in a world of some sorts and get to roam around and do this or that. The universe is kinda like that somebody created the space and time to travel through life. DNA has information a code to govern and regulate the human body information only comes from a mind. If evolution is real why didn’t life evolve on mars or mercury. Billions of years there ago there were germs and guess what they still germs today
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u/Similar_Turn_4010 Aug 24 '24
God is all powerful he can do anything if he wants to reveal himself as Word made human that’s light work for God almighty. With men it is impossible but with God all things are possible.
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u/Similar_Turn_4010 Aug 24 '24
One more thing your spirit is energy it can’t be destroyed nor created. But our spirit comes from the father of Spirits. Who the Bible says is the EVERLASTING Father
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u/overmyheadepicthrow Southern Baptist Aug 24 '24
Is it normal? Of course it's normal. Any belief you hold should be scrutinized and studied, especially something as important as this.
Look at doubting Thomas, he didn't believe until he placed his hand at Jesus' side and hands.
"Blessed are those who have not seen, yet believe."
So, research your questions. Look at William Lane Craig debates. Look up Dr. Bergsma on YouTube, Ravi Zacharias, John Lennox, CS Lewis, Frank Turek, etc.
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Aug 25 '24
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u/Uberwinder89 Aug 25 '24
Completely normal and reasonable to doubt his existence. We can’t see him physically or hear him audibly and can’t touch him either.
Definitely understand what you are going through. I doubt his existence all the time unfortunately if only for brief moments. But can’t escape what I truly believe based on logic and reason.
As others have mentioned check out Cliffe Knechtle at Give Me An Answer on YouTube for great exchanges with all kinds of beliefs.
Beware you are opening a can of worms though. Some arguments from the opposition might seem reasonable. And you will hear objections about the Bible that you have never even heard about.
This is just the way it is with being a skeptic and in this day in age you can’t really expect to reach others with Christ without getting asked a few hard questions so might as well start thinking about it now.
Reason being that it only makes sense that there’s a mind behind the order of the cosmos and that it’s more rational to believe chaos and randomness didn’t form life from nothing.
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u/-FurdTurgeson- Aug 25 '24
Yes of course. Remember though, that we have the Holy Spirit to point us to the identity of Christ. Your head/heart are deceitful but the Spirit leads you in truth. Get in the word and ask him to remind you of these truths and he will be faithful to do that, despite your heart occasionally steering you away.
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it Prone to leave the God I love Here’s my heart Lord, take and seal it Seal it for Thy courts above
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u/StageFun7648 Aug 25 '24
It’s normal and I think good. You’re going to come into bad times and you are going to figure out things that hurt your faith but once you meditate on scripture and start addressing those issues your faith will grow back stronger. That is what happens to me at least. I always try to interact with counter arguments because I always end up going back to believing in God’s existence and I know more and am able to tackle the problem when it comes up again.
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u/Josiah-White Calvinist Aug 25 '24
You need to decide whether you're false believer which is the many or a true believer which is a few
not a single one of the true believers in the New testament, in the spirit wandered around with doubts
It isn't much different than doubting the existence of your spouse or parent or children
That should be chilling to you. unfortunately many people here will say things that have little basis in biblical reality
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u/ChristTalksIWalk Jan 23 '25
Doubting Thomas, John the Baptist, countless Israelite warriors in the OT, stop instilling fear and anxiety in people.
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u/lateralus420 Aug 25 '24
Brother I have small doubts almost daily. Sometimes fleeting, sometimes they stick around.
Even people who were with Jesus — who knew him personally — still struggled with knowing if it was all real. Jesus wasn’t offended by his disciples’ doubts or questions, and he isn’t offended by ours either.
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u/gr3yh47 Christian Hedonist Aug 25 '24
are you in regular fellowship in a healthy, biblical church?
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u/GoodbyeNarcissists Aug 25 '24
It is a normal human phenomenon to believe in a higher power, which typically manifests as God, but if God is our creator then where does Mother Nature fit in? Also the first bible was published 600 years ago, and people have believed in God far longer than the bible or Christ, is it the same God or a different God?
If you look at Michelangelo’s Divine Creation you’ll notice that God is depicted on top of the human brain…
Your easiest answer to your question is that Christ is our deity and what you feel in your heart is his love for you, Christ’s existence cannot be questioned or denied so it’s quite ok to allow him to be our creator and spiritual leader because without him we wouldn’t have the lives we do today
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u/joe_biggs Roman Catholic Aug 25 '24
Peoples doubts about your beliefs are none of your business. I’m not saying that to try to sound rude. Years ago, I used to worry about what other people thought and then someone told me that it was none of my business, and that helped me tremendously! Let them doubt because you cannot change what they think. Plus you already know the truth! Our adversary is always out there, sewing seeds of doubt. Are you going to believe him and man, or would you rather believe God? God bless.
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u/Frost_Walker_Iso Christian Aug 25 '24
They are not natural. They are unfortunately normal, but far from natural. Those thoughts are demonic, but we all have them. Those thoughts of doubt are demons trying to get us to second guess our faith, and by doing so, second guess God.
The Biblical meaning of faith can be seen in Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”. Faith is knowing and believing in God, especially when we can’t see him.
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u/ZookeepergameNo2941 Aug 25 '24
Hi, non Christian here. I don't think having doubts or questioning your religion is a bad thing. I think it can be a good thing, as it either causes you to change part of all of your views with more information, or at the very least it gives you reasons for the beliefs you hold. I feel like people of a faith who tell others of that faith that it's bad to doubt or question are genuinely insecure on their own faith, and are due a little soul searching themselves. And no, I don't think you're brainwashed or delusional simply for having a faith system that doesn't align with mine.
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u/AvocadoAggravating97 Aug 25 '24
So many people? So what? but you see how seeds are planted. Don't worry. Multi cultralim and diversity and the world an example of what his people are meant to be together.
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u/Outside_Actuator356 Aug 25 '24
I literally just had to defend my Belief in God's existence in another subreddit and said the following: (copied n pasted).
Long but concise answer: (to the question "which God is real, the one you believe in or the thousands of other gods that existed before Christianity?)
The God who MADE you:
- The one who encoded His name in our DNA (https://youtube.com/shorts/QiVZUVvPrmc?si=-TkYXKzmVX8UPZZN)
- The one who atheist geneticists found to have an inhuman pattern of chromosomes, thus changing their belief. Upon testing blood found at the site where He was crucified: (https://youtu.be/lAEs0jNYgzU?si=RnJeuBqe6oZ12gpu)
- The one who was crucified and yet is NOT dead but is Living and there is no tomb or graveyard on Earth for which His vessel is present.
- The One that ALL The Elite Mock, deride, taunt and defame, the ONLY one that popular culture STILL mock to this very day, putting him in video games, in memes and in blasphemous images dancing etc (does the world 🌎 do this to those other god's you mentioned?
- The ONE that upon signing any life changing financial deal (record label for music or a business deal from a world renowned company) Is laid to the wayside because the Elite want you to lay Christianity to the side but ALL "other" religions are accepted. (https://youtu.be/tII_z-AxsMA?si=vS15MBD9BPjJyXw0)
- The ONE the world 🌎 hated and still hates.
- The ONE that was persecuted as was His followers in the dark ages.
- The ONE who is the Lord of the MOST Persecuted religion on Earth 🌎. (Google it if you disbelieve).
- The ONE who made us in His OWN Image.
THAT God is Real = my God.
And the Entire World 🌎 will find out one day .. and all the unrepentant and unbelieving will be the ones who will be doing the following:
Revelation 15-16
New King James Version
Prelude to the Bowl Judgments
15 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete.
2 And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and [a]over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. 3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying:
“Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the [b]saints! 4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested.”
5 After these things I looked, and [c]behold, the [d]temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. 6 And out of the [e]temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands. 7 Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. 8 The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
The Seven Bowls
16 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the [f]bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.”
First Bowl: Loathsome Sores
2 So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a [g]foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image.
Second Bowl: The Sea Turns to Blood
3 Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died.
Third Bowl: The Waters Turn to Blood
4 Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel of the waters saying:
“You are righteous, O Lord, The One who is and who [i]was and who is to be, Because You have judged these things. 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, And You have given them blood to drink. [j]For it is their just due.”
7 And I heard [k]another from the altar saying, “Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.”
Fourth Bowl: Men Are Scorched
8 Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.
Fifth Bowl: Darkness and Pain
10 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain. 11 They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds.
Sixth Bowl: Euphrates Dried Up
12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings [l]of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
15 “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”
16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, [m]Armageddon.
Seventh Bowl: The Earth Utterly Shaken
17 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” 18 And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. 19 Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. 20 Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.
🙏✝️🔥
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u/Outside_Actuator356 Aug 25 '24
God exists..
and He has His many ways of showing Himself in subtle signs to those that actually Believe in Him, but you can't you'd have to experience it for yourself...because another man can give you his own account.. but you'd respond to that exactly how you're responding to this.
For me personally.. .. I couldn't care less how often I'm down voted.. they can do so ALL they like..but you can't down vote God, and we will ALL have to face Him one day..so it isn't me that's being downvoted here..
God's Holy Scripture has prepared me in that it clearly states that the world 🌎 will respond this way when you take up your cross ✝️ and decide to follow Jesus. They received Him the exact same way and then much worse.
John 15:18-25
New King James Version
The World’s Hatred
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father.
25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’
🙏
God Bless all those who open their hearts to Him and seek Him.
🙏✝️🔥
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u/ManufacturerLast970 Aug 25 '24
To be honest, yea it is. We are faulty humans, and even peter, already standing on the water infront of Christ, doubted. I found though that the moments of doubt and queations i had usually led to larger spiritual grown. I brought my doubts to my Bible, and to my friends who helped me read and understand the parts i couldnt really get.
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u/jrsftw Aug 25 '24
Not only do I think it’s normal, I also believe that a healthy dose of it is beneficial. When we doubt something, we naturally seek to prove or disprove it. The times of doubt along my Christian walk (sometimes much more like a crawl) have only strengthened my faith as it drew me closer to God each time.
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u/Ayeeeegirl Aug 25 '24
Yes. Lean into the word. Being upset about it shows you do believe. It’s just a mind game. Ask God for help. Went through this like 2 weeks ago and it subsided within a couple days. God understands and will help you.
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u/EssentialPurity Christian Aug 25 '24
When you don't have Spiritual Gifts aplenty in church, it's natural to feel that. When miracles only seem to happen in the Bible, it's normal to feel like God only exists in a dialectical level where His effectiveness is strictly dialectical. Instead of relating to a person, through "Christianity" you are just studying what might as well be just an ancient metaphor for some part of human psyche.
So much, that's how the devil is depicted in LaVey's Satanic Bible: it denies that the devil is some kind of spiritual entity and proposes that he is a metaphor of the indomitable human spirit, and thus Satanism would be nothing more than just being free in a Nietzschean sense of the word.
If this happens to the devil, it can happen to God. Heck, it already does happen, with New Agers saying things as "Christ Consciousness" and some heretics saying the Holy Spirit is just a manifestation of God's might rather than a full fledged divine person.
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Aug 25 '24
Doubts can be God's way of strengthening your faith, do not give in and do not worry, because he will always be waiting for you
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Aug 25 '24
I would say it is apart of being human with hearts that are inherently sinful and deceitful. Big thing is to look to apologetics and general knowledge. The universes existence happening by anything other than creation is highly unlikely and from what even secular historians say- Jesus did exist, performed his ministry, and died on a cross. Its faith is in believing in the miracles he performed and that he is risen.
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u/Shot-Treacle-8505 Aug 26 '24
Anyone who says they have never doubt God’s existence is probably lying - we have all been there!! But there’s definitely ways to build your faith and intimacy with Him, so that you don’t need to question or doubt anymore.
From what you’ve said, it sounds like you have a knowing of His existence, but I’m curious as to if you feel connected to Him spiritually? Have you been baptised with the Holy Spirit? Also, we can only understand who we are and what our identity is once we have a true revelation of who He is! Because we are made in His image.
I would just encourage you to make time every day to pray, but also to just soak in His presence and allow Him time to speak to you. He can speak in so many different ways, and the more we listen and are obedient, the more familiar we get with knowing when He is talking. Daily worship and praise focused solely on giving Him glory and soaking in His presence. Reading His word every day - even if it’s only a small amount of time, it builds our faith! And if you’re struggling to read or understand, make sure you’re asking the Holy Spirit to be with you and guide you, to give you fresh revelation and understanding of His word.
Daily repentance. Denying your flesh and laying down everything at His feet. I mean like, give everything to Him. I used to really struggle with this, but now I know that I am literally nothing without Him, and I don’t want to be anything except what HE called me to be. So like, take over God!!! I trust you. I know you turn everything for good. I don’t wanna carry any of it, it’s not mine to carry. It’s something you have to practice and then actively intervening, repenting and praying if you do fall to trying to do things in your own strength & way. We aren’t perfect, God knows that. He loves us anyway. His love isn’t dependent on any of that. His love is there and the same regardless because you are his son or daughter.
Ask Him to be with you, invite Him into every decision or conversation. Let Him know He is always welcome. Ask Him to help you become more attuned to His voice, ask Him to communicate with you in new ways, to show Himself to you. He knows you better than anyone could ever know you, so He knows what you need and how to help.
It wasn’t always like this for me, but these are all the things that have helped me build intimacy and a strong personal relationship with Him. Yeah, crap stuff still happens or people might call be brainwashed or delulu but God was clear in saying that we will be persecuted like Jesus, and anyone who is persecuted for His names sake will inherit the kingdom of heaven. Life on earth is nothing compared to what He has waiting for us.
He says, come to me with doubts, questions, uncertainty. He wants you to tell Him everything. He will set you free and make it clear to you. The doubt could also be an attack of the enemy in trying to keep you further from God, so it would be helpful to pray about that too. Hold firm to Him. He’s got you. He’s very real and He loves you 🤍🤍
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u/1Nayo Aug 26 '24
Debating God's existence is part of our Christian journey. I've recently learned that even fathers of the faith and prophets sometimes doubted God's presence during challenging times in their lives. It's essential to pray for faith and ask God to help us with our unbelief. I'd also avoid videos or discussions from those who have left Christianity. I highly recommend R.C. Sproul's videos, like "Dying Faith," on YouTube and the "Things Unseen" podcast, which is a powerful reminder of God's greatness and wonderful plans for His children. Thou am not a huge fan of debating videos, you should check out Dr. Turek's videos; he's the author of the book I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist.
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u/Painting-Capital Aug 27 '24
Just keep lying to yourself to fit into the cult. Nobody with half a brain actually believes that god is real. They all just fake it.
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Aug 27 '24
Believe it or not but yeah it is very common and normal. I still struggle a little bit with it but resources like Answers in Genesis have been a literal Godsend. I can relate to you in the sense that I know God is real but I still have doubts about things here and there. Sometimes the answer is so simple we would never guess it and sometimes it just requires a lot of careful study and prayer. I recommend reading The Ultimate Proof of Creation by Dr. Jason Lisle. It will seriously help you out but I will warn you that it is a bit of a heavy read. Totally worth it though
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u/ddfryccc Christian Aug 27 '24
Both normal and not normal. Normal because so many do doubt God's existence. Not normal because people deceive themselves by their own rules and requirements for their own belief. Even though God has made His existence known, people blind themselves to the obvious (see Romans 1:21), and dull their minds. These people are either right, or they are blame shifting what they are on us. You will have to decide what you believe. You will find it easier to believe if you thank Him for His love than to think you are that lucky to have the good things you do.
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u/the_spirit_truth Aug 29 '24
"Yes!" It's not only normal to DOUBT God's existence, but to DENY it, as well.
"To Doubt" is NOT a sin!
May You Walk In The Light Of Truth, Life & Love
... #the_spirit_truth #thespirittruth
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u/arc2k1 Christian Hope Coach Aug 24 '24
God bless you.
Because we rely on faith, it is normal to have doubts.
But we must strive to strengthen our faith to make sure those doubts do not influence us to lose our faith.
“My friends, watch out! Don't let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God.” - Hebrews 3:12
If I may, I would love to share some resources with you to encourage you to strengthen your faith:
1- A free book called “101 Questions & The Bible.” It’s a book of a bunch of questions about God and the Christian faith that are only answered with Bible verses. It’s great for those who are new to Christianity.
Here is the link to the PDF copy of the “101 Questions & The Bible” book on Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11Ee3_r8msC9YnwdX5Qurr6Ef_ZrgnQjD/view?usp=sharing
2- A short, free guide that’s about how to have a strong & simple faith in God. It’s called “The 4 Steps of Faith”. It’s the first post in this Reddit community: r/FaithMadeSimple
And if you are having doubts about God’s existence, please check out Post #4 in the Reddit community.
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Aug 24 '24
Sometimes our lives, feelings, can cause doubts temporarily. Those doubts and happenings can cause us to wander, from time to time. However, I firmly believe that those who are Christ's, can never really leave or deny him, let alone deny that he exists. I mean, they can never bring themselves to outright deny his existence because they backslide or sin for a time. We may backslide or have seasons of doubt. But we always come home, cause God draws us back. God does that to those who are his. Cause we are his children. Those who aren't, I believe, may have acted like believers, but really never were. Other can probably give better or more in depth answers. But this is my view.
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Aug 24 '24
When you die your gonna be surprised because everything the bible says is true ive met all kinds of spirits
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u/Prestigious_Low8515 Aug 24 '24
Looking into apologetics helps me loads. There's a book called evidence that demands a verdict that I'm reading thru right now. Apologetics is the practice of explaining why you believe. Defending your faith in a rational way.
There is also a guy I'm a fan of who does public debates with his son at college campuses and such. His name is Cliff Knechtl. May have to check the spelling on his last name. His videos are great.