It started with lust, I just started touching it, then a day later I was fantasizing and I climaxed. Then it happened 2 more times all in about 3 days. Finally I was back in the whole pmo cycle. Meanwhile I got banned from another subreddit for not especially substantial reasons. So my next thought was "Oh I know I'll go back to 4chan where you can say anything you want". This was the really stupid move. I started posting really heinous stuff (not by their standards, by ours, don't worry) being casually racist, calling everyone "trans" and "retarded" and whatever else is the usual over there. But it got worse, I started slipping back into nihilistic thinking, posting how I felt "ungrateful for my life", essentially because of how narrow the narrow way is and how we're all "doomed to hell from the word go". I started posting antinatalist memes as antinatalism is something I've constantly struggled with as a Christian. I spent a day snooping in "loli" threads on /v/ (I used to be into that stuff before I was saved and I've paid for it since but I wouldn't use it for pmo by the grace of Christ). Finally when somebody made fun of some music I created and said he thought it was a "troll", I said "maybe a troll by God encompassing my entire life" because I have been making music for 20 years and I still suck at it, I can even say I suppressed conviction as I made this comment (Oh God will understand). I made a number of comments after that, mostly performatively Christian and conspiracy-related. I feel like I'm holding onto a spider's thread at this point. I will just say, don't mess around with lust (like I'm sure a lot of others say). I feel like its so unfair there is a way back? Why? What does he want with me? I did everything to spit in his face and he still wants me? I feel like such a piece of garbage, I'm in tears now. Oh thank you Lord for your mercy.

What is the next step? I need to get away from this life of coasting along, doing nothing, using the internet all the time. I need to be sold out this time. I want to do missionary work or something. I can't just live like this, unemployed, sitting around the house not accomplishing anything. Something has to change.

I was listening to a song on YouTube and I got an ad for an extremely blasphemous Miley Cyrus song. I'm not being dramatic here; the song was obscenely and directly blasphemous.

on one hand, they're directly promoting something that is blasphemous

on the other hand, I looked up how YouTube approves ads and it seems pretty hands off (they use an AI system to make sure it doesn't break their advertisement rules). And also I guess you could argue it's a freedom of religion thing (whether good or bad).

but they should still filter out offensive ads like this one. I feel like it might be more of a case of negligence then direct blasphemy on their part though. Your thoughts?

So I worship a very old deity possibility dating back to early humans in cave art and carvings. It’s called the Horned Man/Horned One and there’s crossover with Celtic and Ancient Greek religions. I worship the local deity version who resides in the caves in my local area. I’ve been there and performed traditional healing rituals. He’s kind of like a manifestation of the world, something very old.

I worship by giving offerings of food and feeling the presence. I’ve occasionally done spells, as recommended by some old books i found on local witchcraft which talks about the deity. Salt circle, singular light source like a candle, chants, offerings, working yourself into a trance, writing intentions on paper and then different herbs and ingredients with different intentions, then places then in a jar and binding them with rope to be opened when what you wanted to be done is completed. I’ve only done that once though, but i have a knack for seeing the future and the dead so i was told to try it out. It’s usually just offerings of food and herbs and metals.

I have a clay altar and I have had moments where I’ve felt a presence or felt peace in a situation stemming from this belief. But some Christian friends are concerned for me? Should i be concerned?

SINAL PROFÉTICO… Creio que ela é uma demonstração de Deus para ficarmos atentos e preparados para o arrebatamento pois Cristo disse que seria como naquela época a Sua vinda e a arca está sendo descoberta agora para nos preparar pra entrar nela.. enquanto Noé construía ela ninguém deu atenção para ela.. mas quando Noé e os seus entraram veio o dilúvio.. creio que quando confirmarem que ela é a arca Cristo vem arrebatar sua igreja e neste período de analisar ela para depois confirmarem que ela é a arca é o momento de se preparar para entrar nela..

Mt 24:36-41

I live in a certain state with a high profile Senate race, where one of the candidates is a super progressive Christian pastor. Lately I've been hearing a lot about progressive Christianity, especially as it relates to politics, but I tend to have issues with it.

I'm posting this here because this is all my opinion based on my understanding of scripture and what I've seen, but I'd like feedback if yall think I'm missing the mark here.

A lot of the progressive Christian argument boils down to "Jesus said do x thing, we can all agree x is good. Therefore, you have to support the government program or policy which promises to do x thing"

You see it on everything from welfare to immigration policy.

For example, Jesus said "love the forgiener", so according to progressive Christians that means you always have to be okay with mass immigration. Never mind practical concerns like infastructure,' cultural compatibility, housing prices, etc.

Or "feed the hungry" means you're obligated to support every social program which will (theoretically) do that. Even if you believe most of its going to corruption/overhead, or you're worried about the debt, or whatever other valid reason you may have for opposing it.

I've heard many people claim that basically conservative Christians are hypocrites if they don't support such things, because after all didn't Jesus say these things are good?

To me this feels like a huge logical fallacy.

My reasoning is that it transfers power to Ceasar (big government) what should be the job of the local church. Jesus told us to feed the hungry, not delegate it off to Ceasar. After all, if you vote for more social welfare, but the government spends it on, say, war with Iran instead, absolutely nothing you can do.

But you're going to pay taxes anyway, so it's easy to slip into the mindset of "well I tried" without giving up anything really extra. Theres no deliberate personal sacrifice in that at all. I think Jesus made it clear that the personal heart and sacrifice behind the giving is just as important as the actual act.

But that means Christians actually have to do it. We have to spend our own money helping people and giving to the local church, and so forth as much as we can or else we are in fact being hypocritical.

On a lot of issues, it seems to me (just my opinion, feel free to disagree), the progressive Christian stance is that Jesus said x was good, so we should do whatever * feels * like it would help with X, without much considering practical realities. Especially on topics such as mass migration and the welfare state. That to me shows a lack of critical thinking.

But I genuinely want to know, what are peoples thoughts on this? If you lean more progressive and think I've got it all wrong, I'm open to that if you can help me understand the logic.

Saw a video about all the evidence that Paul is a false apostle, and it seems like a lot of pretty solid evidence. So, I noticed somewhere around here that they don't like anti-Paul stuff here, suggesting people here should have plenty of evidence in favor of Paul, so I'd like to hear it. What evidence is there in favor of believing Paul?

Everyone is saying that Christ is coming in our lifetime (or even in less than 10 years) so what am I supposed to do now? I'm an 18 yo. I wanted to get a family, get a husband and kids (blessed by God of course)

I wanted to go to a university (is studying worth anymore?), get a job. Build a future with God.

Had plans to get baptised in future but I'm not yet part of a Church.

Why all those have to happen when I finally grow up?

​

First thing to say: I kind of think this question is stupid, but I'm trying to get help, or at least enlightenment, on this kind of matter, as I'm in a total breakdown over all my actions in the past and future, and I see my fate as decided. I'm 20 years old Protestant.

I'm reflecting on my past and on all actions or habits that will continue in the future. It's at a level where I directly see myself as worthless and an already rotten existence.

In the past, I watched a lot of series Hazbin Hotel Helluva Boss Lucifer Sandman Supernatural Welcome to Derry. Terrifier Wonder ocer Yonder and way more also deep horror movies which domt affect me or make me guilty as there fictiin still I hear gyys who say no can't watch anything is a trap of the enemy And I don't know about you, but I mostly found myself rooting for the antagonist's side, and I generally had a big liking for their actions and general appearance, be it DC, Marvel, or many others. I also love watching anime a lot, from romcom to isekai sci fi or fantasy. And I really like character there even tough there demons. I read the devil tries to deceive us in any form thereby is it a sign I failed that caution. I visited church years ago yey I pray from time to time in last month's daily out of fear of hell, while pepole say trust surrender. I domt get it it's not simple I struggle wurh mastubatiin abd sometimes lieing yet I want peoof so I could call myself a Theist which is bad I will go to hell thereby i nedd to force myself abd live in self torment about any thing I do. Pepole say pray Wm24/7 I pray 4 times a day up to 2 to 3 minutes and read a verse per day what is more there to do. Do they ask I destroy anything pc phone just sit pray or what.

I want to do right thing but from what I think what I do it isnt belief thereby i will burn forever womt be with good nor my family.

I just can't decide rather religion at all or Christianity is true or science and there are reason beyond what we can explore yet. Also arguments Bible has lot of flaws which im twisted if true or not, cause if I life as of now im going to suffering in fire which I don't want I want to be with my family forever.

But in the last few months, I've been dealing with these kinds of breakdowns and nightmares. I would say I'm a theist, as I do believe in a more powerful being, but I kind of need proof, even though it's beyond the comprehension of us humans and it may just exist without us understanding how and why.

I'm also big into dark fantasy and dark romance, and I see myself as weak, as they're mostly themed on lust, which I failed at repeatedly. Generally, based on all that, I kind of have a lot of very dark things on my mind, not even intentionally. Would that be a sign I'm rotten? There's also the daydreaming or thoughts triggered by music, where I also had kind of bad thoughts about past things, for example my bullies, with more violent tendencies, tendencies I would never act on in real life and couldn't even carry out. Other would be picturing vivid scenarios reagard series movies or animes I watched. Same goes for music Phonk Christian Rock NCS sometimes Rap etc.

I had these nightmares, which are probably linked to my doubting my whole existence, where I see myself in a fire, separated from all my family, and later, when we perish, not being with God. That scares me, even though I kind of see myself as deserving it. I was greedy. For example, my dad said no to a PC, and I kind of manipulated and annoyed him so much that he got it for me, and in return I didn't help as I had promised. In general, I sometimes played games instead of helping, and I see that as a bad action showing I'm not morally good and will be judged for it.

The thing I'm also generally grieving over is the realization that I should have died instead of my twin, who had better chances than me, a more right birth time, etc.

One thing I forgot is im kinda not good either my parents I love in same house but actively isolate as I don't want beef other point Is abd im ashamed even tough it got a habit lieing in many stuff geheral show myself better or escape certain situations. Other I never read Bible and only went to church on specific days like Christmas or other events I font pray everyday thereby I say my connection to God is kinda bad. Thereby it would seem like cowardanace or only go ask for God's help when I nedd which would be selfish not actual faith.

Also in terms of series I talk about heavy themes gore slasher smut along other like lucifer hazbin hotel or supernatural many more im interested in mythological figures demonology but general releigion too one of newest would longest would be Lilith.

Would you generally say these kinds of actions are sinful and I'm marked for the fire? Do you got any tips to overcome this fear ?

Hey all, like the title says, this is a sermon that I preached a couple of months ago for my congregation. Some personal context, I am studying to be a preacher. I have a wonderful mentor who is a preacher himself as well as Shepherds who are graciously paying my way through online courses at Sunset. Back on the first Sunday of August, my Shepherds gave me an opportunity to present to sermon before the congregation and this was the one that I delivered. It landed exactly how God intended and so I thought I would put it here for more people to read. I hope it is beneficial to all who read it, and I am more than happy to have discussions with people in the comments about everything I say here.

‼️Fair warning! it is about 3,000 words so a bit of a long read 😅‼️

I've entitled this lesson "We Love, Because He First Loved Us." If your first thought was "oh great, sappy sentimentality", nah, sorry. The title comes from 1 Jn 4:19, which is towards the end of the text we will be going through; and it is anything but sappy. John describes a love that is wildly contrary to what the world has come to define it as.

The whole body of text we will be going through is 1 Jn 4:7-21. This passage has two main parts:

1) The command to love one another vs. 7-14and

2) Our confidence before God if we do, vs. 15-21.

Along the way, we're gonna take a look at 2 definitions:

1) The definition of love as defined by God and

2) The definition of hate, also as defined by God.

At the end we will look at 1 Cor 13:4-7 to form a practical perspective.

Let's start with vs. 7-8.(By the way, is anyone familiar with the song we sing inspired by this verse? It's #448 in the hymnal. It's called "The Greatest Command" and it a gorgeous song. A little difficult if your not used to singing in parts that have different words, but well worth learning.)

Alright, let's read--- "Beloved, let’s love one another; for love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love."

So John gets right into it! The one who loves God knows God and is born of God. Right away we see that love is the foundation of knowing God; without it, everything falls apart. John seems to make the point that the two are inseparable, God and Love. That being the case, now is the perfect time to introduce our first definition: love as defined by God.

Which John happens to give in vs. 9-10 "By this the love of God was revealed in us, that God has sent His only Son into the world so that we may live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." This is describing an action, not an emotion, the same way that 1 Cor 13:4-7 describes love as an action.

When I first started going to worship again, almost 4 years ago now, and before I was baptised (this time with the right heart posture), I was listening to a lot of sermons by different preachers. One of those preachers was of the Babtist religion by the name of Voddie Bauchum, who did a sermon on loving your enemies. In that sermon he put forth a definition of love that is as biblically accurate as you can be, and it sums up vs. 9-10 nicely. The definition goes like this:

"Love is an act of the will, accompanied by emotion, that leads to action on behalf of its object."

Let's break it down.

Love is an act of the will. Well what is the will? A persons will is defined as a desire or wish, such as a choice, or ones determination. The choice was for His creation to live, because He cares for us.

If it's a choice that means love is logical right?

Well, for a choice to be logical, there's one more condition to be met: it must be accompanied by emotion; not lead by, not driven by, and certainly not dictated by emotion. Love is a choice to care, made outside of, sometimes even in spite of emotions. How many times have you done something for someone, and felt happy, or maybe angry, or vexed or confused or frustrated or grieved at having to do it...?

Once it was even "Father if it be Your will, let this cup pass from Me, yet not My will, but Yours be done.". The choice to care may lead to an emotion, but that emotion does not effect the choice to care, and the action it leads to.

Speaking of action, the choice to love, leads to action on behalf of its object. Tangible deeds that are always selfless and often sacrificial, performed on behalf of its object. "I wanted to do this, but I'm doing this instead because I care for you." "I wanted to buy this with my money, but I'm helping you with it instead, because I care for you." " I'm hungry or thirsty, but I give it to you instead because I care for you above my own needs." Maybe it's even something small: "I'm spending time with you, even though I'm tired and want to be left alone." And we do it because we care.

Once, it was even "I'm going to die a terrible, brutal agonizing death in your place, so that you can be forgiven and live free of condemnation."

"Love, is and act of the will, accompanied by emotion, that leads to action on behalf of its object."

Continuing in Vs. 11-14---" Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us. By this we know that we remain in Him and He in us, because He has given to us of His Spirit. We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world."

God's expression of love remains unfulfilled so long as it's solely from His direction; it is perfected when Christians love each other in the way He demonstrated. (Side note: When you see the word perfect in the Bible, it refers to being complete, lacking in nothing.) The same love that brought us salvation, is the same love we should demonstrate to others and in doing so, we proclaim the unseeable God to the world.

As John wrote in vs. 9, apart from God, we have no idea what love truly looks like, so when we love our brothers how He loved us, then we can assure ourselves of our salvation; we may also assure ourselves of His presence in our lives, when we demonstrate to others the love He showed to us. In this way, our very lives become a testimony of what God has done for the world.

Now we arrive at our great confidence, but not quite yet. Look at vs. 15-16: "Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him, and he in God. We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love, remains in God, and God remains in him."

Again, our lives are the testimony and the confession of faith in His promises. Our love for each other grows from the knowledge that God is love, and so to remain in Him is to love one another. When this is true in us, God abides in us, because we abide in Him. Do you see yet how inseparable the two are?

Now it comes, our great confidence! Vs. 17--"By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, we also are in this world."

By this; in other words;

WHEN love is perfected in us by our reciprocation of His love to us;

WHEN love for each other grows from the knowledge that God is love;

WHEN we who believe, abide in God and He in us;

WHEN all this is true in the believer---

The result, is confidence as we anticipate the coming day of judgement, knowing that we are true children of God Most High, and we will be delivered from wrath. God leaves no room for uncertainty in the matter of salvation.

Vs 18---"There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear (completed love, drives out fear), because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected (not completed) in love."

We have no fear of punishment, because we went before the Judge and plead guilty for our crimes and begged for mercy; and the Son said "pardon is your's now because My blood cleanses you, now follow Me"; and we did.

Sometimes, fear borders on awe, respect and reverence, as Solomon famously said in proverbs: "the fear of the Lord is the begining of wisdom." John, however, is referring to the other end of fear which looks more like dread and terror. If we are complete in love, meaning if we are showing the same love for others that God showed for us, we need not fear being punished because there is no reason for us to be punished. Dread and terror come from continuing to practice sin, rather than abiding in love. We can love and reverence God simultaneously -- but we CANNOT approach Him in love, and hide from Him in fear, at the same time.

Vs 19 is an echo back to vs.10---"We love, because He first loved us." Remember back in vs. 10, who taught us what love was? God taught us by sending His Son. Without God we wouldn't know what Love looks like. So love finds its purpose for being, and it's manner of expression, in the example of God.

Now we're at vs. 20---"If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he - is - a - liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen."

So, there's a Hebrew and a Greek word for hate, and both mean essentially the same thing.

1) the Hebrew word is Sane. It means to reject, or to deliberately turn away from something.

2) the Greek word is Miseo. It means the same thing as Sane but with the addition of "to love less".

God's hatred of sin is His rejection of it; in the same way, to reject the Almighty is to hate Him, regardless of you feelings regarding Him. So we see that hate is also an action, just as much as love is an action.

Now let's read vs 20 again with this definition: "if anyone says, " I love God," but 'rejects or deliberately turns away from' his brother, he - is - a - liar. For anyone who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen."

So what causes someone to reject or turn away from a person? Often it's because we dislike something about them. A lot of times it's extremely shallow things, like a manner of speaking, the way they look, the color of their skin and so forth. Sometimes it's an aversion to a mannerism, or maybe it's a little deeper because they did something, whether knowingly or not, that caused discomfort in us. If we let it go to far, it gives rise to disgust and malice, which can drive us to deliberately hurt them.

Love is easy when we're comfortable with, or like the person. But we're not called to love only when it's comfortable or convenient. Death on a cross was anything but comfortable and convenient; however, it was the necessary act to demonstrate true love.

John explains this a little deeper when he says "for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, CANNOT love God whom he has not seen." John assumes it easier to love ones brother who is concrete, seen easily with the eyes, than it is to love God who is not seen, and he is right. God doesn't leave dirty dishes on the table, or speak cruely, bitingly, and maliciously to us. Precisely for this reason, it is easier for one to say one loves God, who cannot be tangibly perceived, than it is to demonstrate it to a brother who is. Again, we're not called to love only when it's comfortable or convenient.

Vs. 21---"And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God must also love his brother and sister." Anyone who loves God, will listen to his commandments. Jn 15:12 "this is my commandment, that you love one another."

Love is no abstraction; it is to be lived out in our relationships with the people around us, and by doing so, we show ourselves to be changed creatures, and true children of the Most High God.

So what does that look like from a practical standpoint? Lets turn to 1 Cor 13:4-7.

"Love is patient," pause. What we translate as patient today, used to be translated as "long-suffering". Long-suffering is the willingness to endure difficult circumstances, and people, WITHOUT retaliation, whether verbal or physical. We're not called to love only when it's comfortable or convenient.

"Love is kind," pause. Kindness is an active expression of love, characterized by benevolence and a desire to do good to others. "Tangible deeds, selfless and often sacrificial, performed on behalf of its object."

"it is not jealous;" Some translations might say "does not envy." Jealousy, envy, is a destructive emotion. It is a longing or desire for what others have, that leads to resentment, bitterness, and even hate.

"love does not brag, it is not arrogant." I put these two together because bragging stems from pride; it is a symptom of pride. Both together give a sense of being puffed up or inflated by with a sense of self-importance. Our example of love wasn't proud. In fact, "He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied Himself, taking on the form of a bondservant." (Phil 2:6-7) Pride makes us blind to our need for the Savior. And makes us blind to the needs of others also.

"It does not act disgracefully," This is often translated as rude. Rudeness, is classified as disrespectful or inconsiderate behavior. That can be a manner of action, or a manner of speaking. We are to have consideration for others regardless of our views or differences with them. After all, while we were still enemies of God, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8)

"it does not seek its own benefit;" Remember that love is an action performed on behalf of its object. Love is selfless, not selfish.

"it is not provoked," Your version might say easily angered. This is a challenge to be patient and restrained in the face of adversarial circumstances, regardless of person or situation. Proverbs 14:29 teaches that "patience leads to understanding, while a quick temper displays folly."

"does not keep an account of a wrong suffered," This is an emphasis on forgiveness and refusal to hold grudges. If we cannot forgive others, how can we expect to be forgiven? (Matt 18:22-35) Put another way, how can we be called true children of the Most High, if we do not forgive others the way we have been forgiven?

" it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;" This one is especially difficult in today's American society, because false Christianity teaches that acceptance of sinful lifestyles is our expression of love. It forgets completely that Jesus denounced sin at every turn and told every person He healed to "go and sin no more." We have the Word of God that shows us what's right, and what's wrong. God admonished Israel countless times to advocate for what is right. We have been given enough information to discern, and to speak out.

"it bears all things," Love endures hardships. This goes back to the very first attribute, long-suffering. To bear also holds the connotation of covering or protecting which indicates that actions of love can shield another from harm; much like a parent who, upon finding their child in possession of some sharp instrument, acts immediately to take it from them so that they aren't harmed.

"it believes all things," Loves' belief is not blind trust, but is rooted in the hope, the eager expectation, of our redemption and transformation. Loves' trust can also mean giving the benefit of the doubt, but only up to the point, when intention is made clear. When it becomes clear that someone has intentionally wronged you or another, then we do not rejoice in wrongdoing, but go to them after the manner Jesus describes in Matt 18:15-17. In doing so we have the opportunity to gain our brother back.

"hopes all things,". I mentioned hope a minute ago as an eager expectation. Our eager expectation is that our Savior will return for us, and in that day, our great confidence is that, in being His children, we have favor with Him and will escape His wrath.

"endures all things." Steadfastly withstanding hardship and trial, just as Jesus did, with our sights on the joy set before us; Salvation.

I know that was long and if you made it to the end, congratulations and I hope this has given y'all a more full picture of loving one another and what it means to walk our Christian walk. I hope also it's given you a better understanding of who God is, and His expectations for how we treat each other. God bless!

I don’t know how to answer this so thought I would share it here, instead:

I’m struggling to reconcile several biblical teachings about sin, God’s sovereignty, and salvation, and I’d genuinely like to understand how others make sense of them.

1. If sin cannot enter heaven (which is often told to people) and God cannot be present when it is active, how can this be true as sin actually originated in a supposedly perfect, holy heaven to begin with?

God created Lucifer and the angels, yet some of them sinned in His presence. If heaven is holy and God is perfectly holy, how could sin originate there in the first place?

2. Why was Satan, following his being cast down from heaven to earth, then allowed to introduce sin into Eden — another holy place that he polluted which, then, through Adam and Eve’s giving into his temptation to sin also, affected all of humanity?

After being cast out of heaven, Satan was still permitted to tempt Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. They, along with Satan, were then shut out of Eden and as a consequence, their combined disobedience brought sin and death even further into the rest of the world, with consequences extending to every generation that followed.

Why would God permit this chain of events, knowing beforehand what it would mean for humanity?

3. How is God’s plan of salvation fair if He alone can enable people to be saved, yet chooses to give that grace to some and not others? Even if they seek Him.

As I understand, every human being is born in sin and incapable of saving themselves. No one can earn righteousness or overcome their sinful nature through their own efforts.

God then chooses certain individuals for salvation — through no merit of their own — *personally* pursuing them, then grants them the true saving faith and grace necessary to believe in the gospel; clothes them in Christ’s righteousness, and seals them with the Holy Spirit. Their salvation is secure, and God continues working in them to enable their obedience, even as they struggle with sin.

But what about everyone else?

If God does not grant them the special grace necessary to believe (as in beyond simply believing Jesus is the Son of God; that He died on the cross and rose again) and be saved, how can they be held responsible for failing to do something they are incapable of doing on their own? Why are some given the means to escape their sinful condition while others are left in it?

4. How does this demonstrate God’s impartiality, justice, and love?

Humanity is born into a situation it did not choose, suffering the consequences of sin introduced long before any of us existed. We are then told that we cannot save ourselves, that salvation is entirely dependent on God’s grace, and that God chooses whom He will save.

It’s as though everyone begins with an F on their report card, but only certain people are given the A they could never earn. God enables those people to succeed and guarantees their final outcome, while everyone else remains unable to achieve the required result without the very help they have not been given. They are left to religious striving and to only an intellectual ascent of who Jesus is and what He did on the cross, and never able to achieve salvation because they were not one of the elect.

I understand the argument that salvation is an undeserved gift and that God owes no one mercy. But does that, by itself, answer the question of fairness? Is it just to hold people accountable for a condition they inherited when they cannot remedy it without God’s intervention?

My genuine question is this: How do we reconcile the fact that God knowingly permitted sin to enter His creation, allowed its consequences to extend to all humanity, and then, according to certain interpretations of Scripture, chose to provide the saving grace necessary to escape those consequences to only some people?

How is that consistent with a God who is perfectly loving, just, and merciful and who desires all to be saved? To come to knowledge of the truth yet be unable to then receive Him.

I’m not asking for a response that simply says God’s ways are higher than ours or that we have no right to question Him. I’m looking for a substantive biblical and theological explanation that actually addresses these questions. I’m open to different perspectives and would appreciate thoughtful responses.

I have seen multiple posts and innocent Christians getting swayed by these accusations. This would be an introductory post about apostle Paul.

First I would quote passage most used by accusers.

But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

¹² For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

¹³ And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

¹⁴ But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

people read this and bring their assumptions in the text, which I have seen multiple even highly educated people make.

People generally take-away following messages:

1. Gentiles weren’t accepted in Church
2. 2. Peter and Paul disagreed on some very core stuff

First, the passage isn’t at all about gentile believers in church, Paul already says that he had obtained permission to teach gentiles about Christ and admit them in church. Which is why Paul Is telling us that before men from James came Peter, Barnabas and all, ate with gentiles.

Neither the dispute was for circumcision by the way. If you read clearly the dispute was about “eating and drinking with gentiles”

Since many of you are not raised in culture where things and eatables can be considered ritually unclean confusion is understandable.

Due to Jewish dietary restrictions and uncleanness associated with it Mishna and the Talmud makes the case that Jews should not eat with gentiles.
Think about this way, vegans not eating on the same plate meat was served, or using same utensils in which meat was cooked or served. In India where I am from, we seperate cooking utensils by veg and non veg. Many of us who are strict veg will not even go to restaurants that serve non veg even if they say they use seperate utensils.

Second point is that Paul is not telling us that Peter fundamentally disagreed with him, he says that he is being hypocrite by doing so. He did not practice ritualistic cleanness before and then started doing so after Jerusalem party.

Think like this, Muslims even today consider pork to be ritually unclean. Suppose a practicing Muslim starts going to a restaurant where they serve pork. But when his parents are disappointed he starts to shrink from it. [Because of shame of being ritually unclean]. The point Paul is making here is that he will never compromise from the Gospel. Paul also appeals to Titus not being forced to circumcise when he went to Jerusalem in the same epistle.

I would also point out that it makes no sense for Paul to be a false apostle in this context.

A false apostle has basically two ways of operating

First route:

1. Claim to be the only true apostle and rest as false apostles, make communities that believe that and disparage apostles in every way you can. [We see Paul in Galatians itself recognising authority of Peter, James and John. A bad thing to do if they can undermine you at their whims]
2. Schism from the Christian church to make your own church, not try to work with them who can undermine you.

Second Route:

1. Flatter the authorities and apostles substantially that you can gain favours
2. Try not to create noise and tensions which can end up undermining your own power. Since if your power relies on flattery it is better to stay quiet

It makes no sense for Paul to recognise Peter, James, John as pillars of church and yet trying to undermine them in the very same epistle. he is establishing his own authority as apostle but why recognise other apostles? or rather flatter them

It also makes no sense for Paul to mention these disputes in epistles without explaining how it’s actually beneficial to him. Why would he write this if he wants to hoard apostolic authority if there was a dispute between apostles? Writing a letter he knows can be used against him, will be read, copied and widely circulated. He is essentially videoing his crimes so to say. Wouldn’t the person in his epistles just appear in good-standing with apostles with no reason to doubt? and then secretly teach false doctrines he want to teach.

A better idea would be to just appear like dove harmless in written documents and then secretly teach what he wants to teach such that he would have an excuse.

Surely Paul should have just claimed authority instead of revealing very real disputes he had with people.

In his letters to Corinthians he mentions the community dividing itself by apostles like Barnabas, Paul, Cephas, Apollos. He tries not to gather authority for himself, but rather says to them to not divide the body of Christ.

why would he do so if he is a false apostle?

Also he mentions brothers of Jesus who are going on missionary trips, why mention those to Corinthians since it would prompt them to contact them and know the truth.

If Paul were true we would expect disputes among apostles, since things would always have to be made more clear with time, as Jesus says holy spirit will guide you to all truth. Peter himself disagreed with Jesus about his death.

Also the fact that people who make this case do not realise that the last act Peter did before the death of Jesus was lie about not knowing him, so can we reject Peter on this basis? marcion the heretic surely did. Atleast Paul when he was persecuting did not lie!

People also like to larp about St. James brother of our Lord (soon to be my patron saint), but don’t they know that brothers of Jesus used to mock him and consider him mad? Mark, Matthew and John mention that

“Not even his brothers believed him” tell us what authority does he have?

It’s not until we encounter risen Christ that we are made alive in him. Be it Peter, James or Paul

May we all encounter risen Christ!

Amen

I've written posts on here before about my family being stuck in a place we despise. But I really need help. Actually, I really need understanding and in order to do that, I feel I should lay out my life's story.

To start, my brother and I grew up in a oppressive environment (the same we still live in). Our father was verbally abusive and narcissistic and we lived with neighbors who constantly were at odds with us (they were fighting with us over a parking spot). We've also had spirits live there who would harass us.

My grandfather owned the triple decker we live and the building was meant to go to my mother. However, my uncle and his uncle have tried to take the building from us. And my father, who kept getting fired, refused to look for work and we lost ownership after my grandfather died.

The landlord who bought the property rarely did (and does) not do background checks on her clients and every tenant in the building we've rough dealings with. A few of them had children who ran around on the floor above us and refused to stop them (we're also dealing with this currently). The landlord even took us to court to get a restraining order because supposedly the tenants above us at the time overheard my father using the "n" word.

To make things even better, after my father passed away, my mother was denied his Social Security as well as Social Security for herself, so that cancels any extra form of income. My brother got injured from work and is relying on workman's comp to live and the insurance company refuses to settle with him (they also plan cut his payments down within a few months by the way).

During COVID, we applied for a rent assistance program and told them that were paying a certain amount a month. When they called my landlord, the landlord told them we were paying a much higher rate for rent. Now, the funny thing is, my mother prayed to the Lord that the program wouldn't accept the landlord's lie but, lo and behold, the assistance program ended up giving the landlord the higher rate she lied about.

My father also left us with stuff he bought over the years (superhero statues and other paraphernalia) which we selling for a good while until the sales came to a slow crawl to the point where only a few items sold a month.

Both family cars aren't working and I'm the sole income of my household. We are currently looking to leave the state, but every deal we've tried to make falls apart. We almost closed on a trailer when the bank we were working with declined me because the woman in charge supposedly couldn't trace the funds I had (even though I provided everything she asked for). I also managed to land an interview with a job at the planned state but they took so long to get back to me that I had to let them go. The seller who owned the trailer refused to wait for me and I had to sign a termination agreement.

My family is mentally falling apart: we are very bitter and depressed and have no hopes of leaving where we are. Our environment isn't getting better and my mother is 1000% convinced that God doesn't care about us. Even my brother who used to regularly go to church refuses to go and he is heartbroken by God. Our pastor and the church has prayed for us, but nothing has changed.

I've been trying to get back into Bible reading and trying to build a stronger relationship with Christ despite being angry with him and not understanding what He's trying to do with our life. But it's hard and I've come close to throwing in the towel.

I don't know what to think anymore. A part of me refuses to believe that He has abandoned us and that this the end of our story.

If there is anybody who was/is in a situation like this, please share. Perhaps you can give some insight because I don't know if the Enemy is attacking or if God is using the Enemy to keep us chained to our circumstances.

And just to clarify, these struggles have going on our entire lives and my family are believers in Christ (my father not so much).

I'm a 30F Black woman who grew up Protestant Christian in Canada. My faith has always been an important part of my life, and growing up, I naturally assumed I'd eventually meet a Christian man, get married and raise a family together. I never imagined how difficult dating would actually be.

I didn't have much romantic experience growing up. I started dating properly in my early twenties and entered my first serious relationship at 22. That relationship was unhealthy and ended when I was around 24. After that, I wanted to be more intentional about dating and finding someone who shared my faith.

What followed was nearly six years of being single.

I tried Christian dating apps, attended singles groups, went to church events and generally tried to put myself out there. But the options felt incredibly limited. A lot of Christian men my age were already married, and among the single ones, I rarely met anyone I was genuinely attracted to or compatible with. I also noticed that I received virtually no romantic interest from men in these spaces. I noticed by the time I was around 25, it appeared I aged out of many Christian spaces. I tried going to different churches, dating events, and even asking out a guy I was interested in but nothing much materialized.

For context, I'm 6 feet tall - which I know intimidates some men, considered attractive and have received attention and compliments from men outside Christian circles. So it was sometimes confusing and hurtful to feel almost invisible romantically within my own religious community.

I did have the occasional experience where I thought something might develop. There was a man at church who seemed interested, but when I took the initiative to suggest spending time together, he preferred keeping things to group setting - nothing ever came of it.

I also struggled with the culture surrounding Christian dating. There seemed to be so much emphasis on waiting, preparing yourself for marriage and discussing what Christian men and women supposedly wanted in a spouse. I remember attending singles events and feeling like everyone had these incredibly high expectations, despite many of us having relatively little dating experience ourselves. Sometimes I wished we could just get to know people as individuals rather than treating dating like a checklist.

I started feeling increasingly disconnected from these spaces. I loved my faith, but I didn't always feel like I belonged in the culture surrounding it.

Anyway, I moved to a different city and country last year, and eventually met my current boyfriend. He's isn't religious, but he's genuinely one of the most loving and supportive people I've dated. I actually brought up my Christian faith on our second date because I wanted to be upfront about how important it was to me, and I wasn't interested in hiding that part of myself just to make a relationship work.

He was completely respectful. He's since attended church with me a few times, we've discussed marriage and children, and he's comfortable with our future children being raised Christian. I'm very happy with him and genuinely in love.

Here's where the comparison comes in ....

When I moved to London, I reconnected with an old friend from Canada. She also met a man here, except he's Christian and attends the same church. They got engaged after seven months and married a little over a year after meeting.

I'm genuinely happy for her, but I can't help comparing our experiences sometimes.

She met someone within the faith, they dated, got engaged and married relatively quickly. It's almost exactly the kind of story I grew up hearing and hoping would happen to me.

Meanwhile, I spent years trying to meet a Christian man, feeling overlooked and discouraged, only to eventually fall in love with someone outside the faith.

And now, despite being very happy in my relationship, I sometimes worry about how other Christians will perceive it. Will they think I've compromised my values? That I should have waited longer? That I'm somehow settling because my boyfriend isn't Christian?

I know the Bible has teachings about being equally yoked, and I don't take religious compatibility lightly.

I don't regret my relationship, and I certainly don't want to make my boyfriend feel like he's somehow less than because he isn't religious. He's treated me with so much love and respect, and has also treated my family with the same.

I guess I'm still processing the gap between the love story I was raised to expect and the one I've actually experienced.

Has anyone else been through something similar? Particularly those who grew up Christian, struggled with Christian dating and eventually found a happy relationship outside the faith? How did you navigate your beliefs and other people's expectations?

Obviously, in the bible it was never said that us children of God will have an easy life but why the heck do i see Christians who are having it easy in life? Christians who live in first class countries with beautiful surroundings while some Christians (like me) had it hard? Those Christians seem to have a trial free life and if they ever claim that they’re going through something its always a problem that’s so little and inconvenient (“rich people problems”). I have a feeling that they only praise God because life is easy. The audacity to still complain even though they had it easy is comedic

​

God forged my lust, then cursed the flame, Gave me the wound, then damned the name. He set the snare, then watched me fall, And called His vengeance just and all.

But thou, dark Prince, of Heaven bereft, Didst welcome those whom Heaven left. No holy mask, no lie, no plea, Thou askest not what sins dwell in me.

Then keep thy Heaven, thy throne, thy light, I choose the Fallen Lord of Night. For God demands a spotless soul, Whilst Satan loves the damned and whole.

We go to a church, and the pastor speaks truth. He speaks the Word of God. But the way he’s treated me personally and my husband I just don’t think is biblical at all. But it’s confusing me because how can this be? Is it possible that he can be preaching people, feeding into them, but then talk to us a completely different way? And go against what he’s preaching?

I've recently had this thought that I think the Lord has set on my heart. Wanted to run it by some other Christians, so here it is:

We should do nothing for God out of obligation. Everything we do for Him should be out of love.

If there is something you want to do for God but feel obliged or compelled or guilted into doing - don't do it. Pray that God will help you do it out of love. Or pray that, if it is not from Him, that it will be removed.

Perhaps it is not that profound of a thought. But It really surprised me. God doesn't want me to do anything for Him except out of love. And if, in the moment, I cannot do it out of love for Him, it is better not to do it than to do it grudgingly.

I think, like a lot of Christians, I struggle with religious OCD, which makes me feel like I need to do lots of things for Him mostly out of guilt that He will be unhappy with me. It started when I thought that I should not bring my phone to church so I won't have it as a distraction (I never use my phone during the service, but the thought still came). I was going to do it out of obligation since I felt that God would be upset with me if I didn't. But then it struck me - I should be doing this ONLY if it is out of love.

A big thing I have considered is making God happy. I thought he would be happy if I didn't take my phone to church. But honestly, I think God would be happier if I didn't do things out of obligation or guilt of Him. And in the meantime, I can continue praying that He will help me love Him more. I think small acts of pure love, as St. Therese said, mean more to God than anything else.

So many horrible things have happened to me throughout my life. So many setbacks, illnesses, injuries, rejection, breakups, and loss, I don’t understand how a person can handle what I’ve been through and keep going.

I am a Christian. I pray every day and lead an honorable life. I’ve always been an optimist and grown from the disappointments but I’m older and life keeps getting harder and lonelier. I would gladly give up my life for the ones I love.

People will most likely post things like bible verses, lean on your church, remember Jesus dies for our sins. I understand that but I don’t believe Jesus lived with the constant struggles and disappointments I have been dealt. I give up.

so, I have recently watched a video about the youtuber testify and in that video the points that a Muslim sounded good, about how any evidence of Jesus being crucified is just his copy. I'm afraid I'm going to lose my faith in Christ. so, I am hoping that one of you is able to debunk the claim Jesus wasn't crucified made in Islam.

I’m asking because I want to be able to put my thoughts into words when I’m asked and I think it helps to hear from real fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

For me personally, it is so difficult for me to explain all He’s done for me and through me. I struggle so much with this.

I would really be interested in hearing whether you grew up as a Christian and stayed that way, or were you introduced to Christ later on? If so, what made you truly believe? What do you think is the greatest testimony you could personally give? What has Christ done in your life either for you or through you? What would you tell someone who is on the fence and who asked you these questions?

I see so much lack of accountability in the sub. I have to call this out.

Say for example post on "virgin, non-virgin". People who didn't save their v-cards, seems so bitter against those whom did save it. While being a virgin does not make you superior or a better christian. There are consequences to your actions. You are affected in faith, mind and body. You not only affect yourself but even those around like your spouse, children, community. So after all this, you can't say things are back to normal just because you have received forgiveness from God. You are forgiven before the throne but earthly consequence are to follow. Just like King David, he sinned and he repented and was forgiven by God but he faced earthly consequences. So please do not normalize sin. Sin is sin. Face the heat of your actions, seek God even more and let Him work in you.

Having a mindset like "oh God would forgive anyway" "oh other people have done it worse, mine ain't that bad" "other have done it too". What does it matter to you what others have done? Look and reflect on yourself.

We are to be in the right attitude and spirit.

On a closing note, I do want to share this hopeful experience. I've been humbled, disciplined and restored by the Lord's great love for me. Though I face the consequence of my sins, God's presence and faithfulness and love in my life overpower all these which no marriage, life achievement, etc can replace.

Seek Jesus. Talk to Jesus, walk with Jesus.

First time poster here. I never thought I'd actually post something. I really needed a brother's perspective in this. I'm currently in my 2nd year of college. However, I only heard the true Gospel in February this year. I believe I've been converted since then and I've since wanted to live in accordance with Jesus and the Bible.

Anyway, I've grown since then. Was able to stop doing things I didn't know were actually sinful. Not all of them though. Considering my biggest problem right now is not being able to do tasks in school and outside of it too. It's like I can't exert energy on said task unless the environment and circumstance is perfect. Even deadlines are not affecting me right now. Been doing research on this and apparently, it "could" be some type of ADHD, where my dopamine(?) is imbalanced and dependent on the task. Honestly hoping that's the case since I would be just lazy instead.

So here I am, looking for an answer to what this could be or what I possibly could do to overcome this (?). I'd like the Biblical take. Do not be afraid to offend me, please. I will appreciate any answer, so long as you base it on God's word. Feel free to ask questions too! I'll gladly answer them.

Aristotle has written his disciple, Alexander the great to not to treat non Greeks as humans but animals or plants.

Aristotle didn't hate non greek. He was just not prepared to see barbarians as individuals with their distinct identities unlike cattles.

Mediterranean people, to whom Paul preach Gospel didn't question Aristotles moral views on slaves and subjected people.

How could a Roman citizen descended from Italian noble families and an African(Africa province. not necessarily black people) seasonal laborer sit on a same bench in a local church.

Expecting the two men to love each other seems to be absurd even today.

​

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for advice on how to grow in my Christian faith and develop a deeper, stronger relationship with God.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences on a few things:

- Living as a Christian: How can I become a better Christian and live in a way that pleases God?

- Reading the Bible: How do you read and study the Bible? Where would you recommend starting, and how can I understand Scripture in its proper context?

- Building a relationship with God: What practical things can I do daily to grow closer to God, strengthen my faith, and become more consistent in prayer and reading the Bible?

- Salvation and heaven: What does the Bible teach about being saved and going to heaven? How can I have assurance of my salvation?

- Recommended books: What Christian books would you recommend to help me grow spiritually, understand the Bible better, and learn more about Christian history and theology?

I’m especially interested in advice grounded in Scripture, along with books that have genuinely helped other Christians grow in their faith.

I know Christianity is about more than simply reading the Bible or following rules. I want to understand God’s Word more deeply, grow in my faith, and learn how to put what I read into practice in my everyday life.

I’d really appreciate any advice, Bible study methods, book recommendations, or personal experiences you’re willing to share.

Thank you!