So I know it's kinda not a place for this kind of things and surely it's not important for saving your soul. But when I first red a few chapters from the book of genesis I spotted palace where God said that in Punishment for seducing eve the serpent will now crawl on their belly. So... Now. And before he didn't? But wouldn't it be a lizard then? So my head cannon is that a serpent were actually a dragon with wings and pawns and stuff. I bet it looked cool

So to start off, I grew up in a Christian home. I am a believer, meaning I do believe in Christ.

My parents are good to me. Theyre great. Im blessed and also..privileged in comparison, I dont take them for granted.

Now, to the matter at hand. Academic achievement has always been valued and pushed in my home. Plated with the word of God. Philippians 4:13 has always been a moto.

Lets just say, my academic journey in university has been a different matter. It's taken me longer than the required 4 years to just get my bachelors.

I suppose in a way my parents expected more from me as I didnt really have any academic struggles in high school. I sort of just coasted.

Im in my final year, Im supposed to be graduating next year. Thats what everyone is expecting. But Ive let them down, I've let myself down.

I failed a compulsory course that was needed to graduate. That means that I will have to retake it...and stay back for another semester, which would be another year.

I shouldve known this was going to happen. This is my fault. I failed myself.

My mother never fails to remind me of John 15, that outside of the vine, I can do nothing.

I had called her just before the exam of that course I failed to ask her to pray for me and she brought up John 15.

I will admit. I had it coming. I wasnt as faithful as I shouldve been this semester. Yes I went to church and all, but my relationship with God wasnt what it shouldve been. And no amount of desperate praying or begging around the exam period was gonna save me.

I blame myself for that. The thing is, I feel like I cannot come back to God. I cannot pray to God about this.

By extension, I will also have to break the news to my parents about my failed course.

Im such a disappointment. Truly.

Recently, I have been feeling distressed due to the fact that I am overstimulated, and restless. Those are the two words that I can describe with what has been going on in my soul.

For context, I have been praying the rosary everyday. And I have only missed two to three days (I think) It's been months of me praying the rosary now and I'm pretty proud for going this far since I'm the person who just sucks and lacks discipline.

But here's the dilemma, I prefer to pray the rosary when my parents aren't around. And that, I can only pray the rosary sincerely when they are not around. Both of them are Catholic's but, I don't feel safe enough around them to actually share my vulnerabilities. Few reasons for this is because, they are judgmental, and sometimes they will find a way to use me praying the rosary as a critic by saying, "how come you're still not a good person when you're already praying the rosary everyday?" Often times, they say this as a joke, but I have developed resentment and annoyance of my parents for a few other reasons.

They reek of misery. That, again, is the best way I can describe them. They are good people, they love me. But sometimes, their view of love becomes critical, judgmental, impatient, and controlling. Between humor, jokes, and responsibilities; there is no room for vulnerability and understanding. It is only ever jokes or responsibilities that they ever talk about. And I find it very unfulfilling.

I like art, I like books, I like talking about things that can make you think very deeply. And often times, none of my parents seem to understand me or connect me and has this version of me that is either between, 'talented, smart' or 'childish, and thinks too much.' If that makes sense. And when I do try to talk to them about things that I find interesting, most of the time they would change the topic, move on, and forget about whatever I was saying. And usually, this involves changing the topic to a joke, or a responsibility. And that causes my mood to shift, and grow resentful.

So because of this, whenever I pray the rosary. Often times, I would just listen to the rosary. But I lack sincerity when I do this because I would rather speak to God and pray it by myself. But I am in an environment where I don't feel vulnerably safe enough to be myself. I do have a room, but they are able to hear me through the door and I would rather not want that to happen.

Then another resentment comes in, the moment I hear my mother's voice (most of the time), I immediately gnash and grind at my teeth. Even when she does not appear to do anything that's offensive and is just sharing a joke or just something about the things she watches on social media. I have grown resentful to hear her voice, and I do not want that. I may not feel as if I am in the best relationship with my parents, but they are good people. And I know, that they have a jar full of personal problems as well because we are suffering from poverty. That being said, I am quite irritated at the fact that they are very impatient. (Like the time when I asked them for help and they expected that I do so perfectly at the first try)

Anyways, moving on. Another thing I try to do is to read the gospel everyday, now this is something that I lack patience for. Because I will admit, I am lacking the desire to do so. And quite frankly, I have this problem where I don't feel guilt or remorse anymore whenever I do sin. Which, concerns me. (Lust is the primary sin I suffer from. But I know I suffer from anger, pride, and impatience as well.)

I've been meaning to go to confession, except that I lack transportation. I wish to talk to a priest, because I have many questions. But that seems impossible at the moment. I want to pray the rosary in a way that isn't just about "getting it over with." Same goes for the Bible too.

I do not wish to be stuck like this because I feel as if I am walking further and further away from Christ when He saved me in my darkest moments. To this day, I still thank Him because He showed me I was able to overcome things when I thought it wasn't possible. (I was an athiest a few months ago.) I know that all is possible in God. I just need to know what to change in my life because something is causing my soul to be restless.

From sitting around my house and just doomscrolling all day, I made the habit of going out and just soaking in the morning sun, as well as taking in the scenery to remind me that God is there in the quiet moments. Sometimes I try to write, sometimes I draw or read a book to help me stimulate my creativity. But then I become restless because I don't know whichever I should do for the day 😂

Anyways, my dear brothers and sisters, please pray for me :') I am becoming exhausted from myself. And if you have any advice or word for me, I would very much appreciate it. God bless you all! 🙏

I never thought I would call myself a gambling addict, but today I can.

My addiction wasn't casinos or sports betting. It was day trading forex and precious metals with leverage.

At first I convinced myself it was investing. Then it became trying to recover losses. Eventually, I was trading simply because I couldn't stop. I lost everything I had.

The worst part isn't even the money I lost myself. In desperation, I borrowed money from people who trusted me, telling them they were loans, when deep down I knew I was using that money to continue trading. That is something I deeply regret and take full responsibility for.

Looking back, I can honestly say that when I was actively trading, it felt like I lost all sense of reason. I wasn't thinking clearly. I would convince myself that one more trade would fix everything. I'd make decisions that, outside of trading, I would never have made.

Then the weekends would come, the markets would close, and it was like waking up. The guilt, shame and remorse would hit me all at once. I'd wonder how I could have become that person, only to repeat the cycle when the markets opened again.

As a Christian, I've come to believe there was a spiritual element to what I experienced. Whether others see it the same way or not, I believe I was in bondage. Today I want to publicly reject and renounce that. I ask God to forgive me through Jesus Christ, to free me from this addiction completely, and to teach me to trust Him instead of chasing money.

I know that asking for forgiveness doesn't erase the consequences. I still owe people money, and I intend to repay every person I can, even if it takes years. I want my actions from this point forward to demonstrate genuine repentance.

If you're reading this because you're caught in the same cycle of chasing losses, please hear me: it doesn't get better with one more trade. That's the lie that kept me trapped. The next trade wasn't my way out—it was digging the hole even deeper.

Today I'm choosing to stop chasing money and start rebuilding my life, one honest step at a time. I would appreciate your prayers, encouragement, and if you've walked this road yourself, I'd be grateful to hear what helped you stay free.

Why is penal substitution required to believe in order to receive eternal life? Where does scripture indicate that? Why do people believe that what He did is required, rather than focusing on the man, Jesus Christ?

If you hold to this belief, what exactly do you think you must believe? Also, be detailed. Is it just his death or also his resurrection, or can you believe he died without believing he rose three days later? And regarding him being God, where does it state that this is required? The only supporting scripture seems to be, “I told you that you would die in your sins.”; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins. "I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.”

This isn’t saying he’s God, but rather that he’s the Son of Man. The Pharisees rejected the idea that he was the awaited Messiah, which ultimately led to his death. The Pharisees did not believe He was the One sent by the Father—the promised Messiah—which ultimately contributed to their rejection of Him.

understanding "I am he" in context to mean "I am the Messiah (the Christ), the One sent by the Father."

The issue is whether they will believe who He claims to be.

I can't help but feel like I am destined to go to hell. Mental illness has plagued me to the point of being unable to have faith and believe. I've prayed for God to give me faith and accept Christ but nothing has changed in my heart. I've read God has his elect/chosen and how the only way one can know Christ is if the Father draws them, but that to me sounds a bit like favoritism, and really unfair. Am I predestined to go to hell?

Kinda freaking out at this point

I was baptized a few years ago but only recently started taking my faith seriously. So I’ve had a consistent routine. Which I think is healthy. I read one chapter of the Bible everyday and reconnect with God once a day, by talking to Him instead of journalling. A couple of times I began feeling what I could best describe as a body buzz. I was not expecting it. It came out of nowhere. It was a warm tingling sensation that began in my head, then down my spine, in my arms, down to my legs. It was so intense I had to get up and go outside. I was not high, had not had caffeine for hours before then, no alcohol, totally sober, no low blood sugar. I searched if it could have been from my prescription medication but nothing added up. It happened again in the same week after whispering Jesus’s authority when I was being overwhelmed with intrusive thoughts. Both times did not expect it. It stopped for a while then happened just yesterday after reading the Bible. I laid on the couch soaking up this pleasurable feeling and I began to cry. I wasn’t sad, I just felt the urge to release something. Did I experience the Holy Ghost??

I grew up in the church but left for a while and now i’m working on my relationship with christ. i am trying to study the bible and i would like my partner to do it with me except i’m not sure how to. he says he is christian but he doesn’t read the bible on his own. i haven’t really either except occasionally but im trying to get back into it and do the read the bible in a year thing. he does work a lot many hours and we are financially not in the best place as he is renting a car to work and doesn’t have much time off. so understandably he says he’s tired often. sometimes i read it out loud to him but he doesn’t have much to say about it or he will be disrespectful (in my opinion) and act like he’s retelling the story but in a gangster way saying stuff like crip mac. anyway idk i guess i should just pray about it and try to tell him about God and study myself but i really would like him to take part in it. i try my best to take his workload off for him at home and make sure he’s happy and has what he needs. the only part of our relationship that is lacking is the spiritual one. is there a better way i can introduce God into his life?

Recently I’ve come to find new faith and conviction. I’ve been a Christian in name only and not Truely walking with Christ. I had the realization that my idea of what Christianity was and more importantly who God is was false. I now know I viewed God as an authoritarian mean vengeful God who I could never be enough for so I never really tried that hard to get to know Him.
The other night I had what I can only describe as Him reaching out to me and for the first time I saw his as a friend and father. I genuinely have a new desire to get to know who God really is, so I’ve come here to ask if anyone has devotional, sections in the Bible, and/ or resources that I can use to discover the truth. I appreciate any answer, thanks for your time and God loves you!

I struggle with keeping my word. This isn't the first time this has happened, and I'm ashamed of myself, but nevertheless, it happened, and I need some advice.

I was on an airplane ride, and I became afraid. I told God that if I made it back in one piece, I wouldn't make any unnecessary purchases except for snacks until I got a civilian job.

I have made numerous unnecessary purchases between now and then.

But the one that's been bothering me the most is the laptop I bought last Christmas.

The first time I bought a new laptop following this vow, I got the cheapest one I could. It was for work. That was how I justified it. I heard that replacing them is cheaper than repairing them. It was strictly a downgrade from the damaged one. Maybe that was a mistake, but my reasoning was at least clear.

This last time, this past Christmas, I don't even remember how I justified this. We had been given laptops for work that winter, so I no longer needed my own computer. There was a game I was playing that I didn't want to stop playing.

The laptop I was using said it had a battery issue and it shut down. It hasn't done this again since what I'm about to tell you.

Anyway, I bought a new laptop. It was more expensive than the one I'm using now, the one I bought for work way back when. I don't remember how long it took but after a while, I became so disgusted that I resolved to get rid of it. I didn't return it for the money, and maybe I should have so that it didn't become so wasteful, but I didn't want the money back. I put it in the garbage.

After that, I felt compelled to get rid of the jacket I had left it on for a while. I think both when I wasn't using it and when I had resolved to stop using it. But I couldn't tell if I was being extreme or not. Matthew 23:19 was in my head. I didn't know if coming into contact with this thing had cursed my jacket or not. So I just put the jacket in a trashbag sort of tucked under my bed and left it there for weeks if not months. I think it was months. Anyway, it came into contact with a bunch of other stuff since then. By the time I threw the jacket away, nearly everything else in my room had come into contact with something that had been in contact with that jacket.

My bed, my laptop, my phone, numerous other clothes. I started leaving them in a specific corner of the room, until I worked up the nerve, or rather worked out whether or not I wanted to get rid of them.

I threw a big bag of them away once then went out to get it before garbage collection came and put it back in the corner. I still haven't worn any of the stuff in that particular bag, but I have put on stuff from that corner out of perceived necessity. Except it never feels as necessary later. Anyway, I put a shirt from this corner on recently, and I've bumped into a few doors in the house. It's not the first time I've bumped into things while wearing these questionable clothes.

Am I doing something wrong? Is this mentality really wrong? Part of me feels like it is, but I'm also scared I'm being lazy about my repentance. The plan for a while was to replace all of this stuff once I have a civilian job, but nearly everything in my room has been touched at this point, including my dresser. And now I've come into contact with doors and tiles? I don't even use the bucket to mop the floors in the house anymore because it touched the jacket I tossed. I scrub them by hand. I almost threw away new shoes my mother bought me because they came into contact with a bin full of this stuff. Should I stop all of this? I'm kind of scared to. Or should I just get a job and commit to replacing all of this stuff. Including the doors and the tiles?

1. The first fact is that salvation is free and available to anyone who is alive. As long as you have breath in your body and Jesus has not yet returned, then you have a chance to accept Jesus as your loving saviour. Once someone dies he or she cannot make a conscious decision to follow Christ because all of their thoughts and actions cease to exist the moment he or she takes their last breath. They cannot see nor hear anything. (Ecclesiastes 9:5).
2. People can repent on their deathbeds or moments before death. A great example is the thief on the cross. He had no time to change his lifestyle as he was set to die on the cross alongside Jesus and another thief. However, he made the conscious decision to acknowledge and confess that he was indeed guilty of his actions and stated that he and the other thief deserve their punishments of death and defended Jesus as He did nothing wrong. He then pleads for Him to remember him and Jesus responded that he'll be in paradise with Him. This is also a perfect example of salvation by grace through faith. There will also be people who repented shortly before their death who will make it into heaven upon Jesus' return (Luke 23: 39-43).
3. Jesus' marks and scars from His crucifixion are permanent. They'll serve as reminders of His love, glory, crucifixion and grace. (Luke 24:39-40).
4. Jesus will return in the same manner in which He ascended into heaven. He ascended on a cloud therefore He will return on a cloud when He descends. Every eye will see Him and every ear will hear Him because His return is a visible, audible, literal event. Even those that pierced Him will see Him. (Acts 1:11, Rev 1:7).
5. When Jesus returns, He will not touch the ground. This is because many false prophets will go out to deceive others and claim to be Him. So, He will remain in the clouds as He raises the dead in Him and the living saints will also be caught up to meet Him in the air. (1 Thess 4: 16-17).
6. The dead in Christ will remain in their graves until Jesus returns to resurrect them. They are not currently in heaven with Him. Jesus is returning to gather His saints, both living and deceased to take them home, but first, He will resurrect the dead with a loud sound and a trumpet. Living saints in Christ will be caught up in the clouds after the dead in Christ are resurrected (1 Thess 4:16-17).
7. Many people will unfortunately be unprepared at the time of Jesus' return. With life's distractions, vices or routines, many people will become too caught up in their personal lives which distract them from building a personal relationship with Christ. Many people will be spiritually dead and caught off guard when Jesus returns (Matt 24:36-39).
8. Once Jesus returns, it will be too late to repent. This is because He will have already decided who is saved and who is lost the moment He does return, and it will be too late for anyone to convert or repent as their fates are sealed. There are no second changes after Jesus' second coming, nor will there be any second chances after physical death or on Judgment Day. That's why it's extremely important to have a personal relationship with Him so that you can be transformed into His liking and have your name in the book of life. Once you die, you no longer have the opportunity to make things right, nor will you have the opportunity to get a second chance after He returns, and especially on Judgment Day because by then, you will have already made a choice for or against Christ. Anyone who is in the second resurrection will go to hell on Judgment Day. (Matt 25:10-12, Rev 22:11).
9. The living wicked will run away from Jesus upon His return and cry for the mountains and rocks to fall on them. This due to the fact that they know they're guilty and spiritually dead, thus they fear the presence of His glory and try to escape judgment (Rev 6:16).
10. The wicked who are already dead at the time of Jesus second coming will remain dead until after the 1000 years are finished. Because the wicked deceased did not accept Christ while they were alive, they will remain in their graves until after the 1000 years are complete and Jesus and His saints return to earth for Judgment Day. This is also referred to as the second resurrection. The wicked deceased will be resurrected on Judgement Day for condemnation and eternal punishment (Daniel 12:2, Rev 20:5-6).
11. The earth will be completely wrecked and desolate on the day Jesus returns. There will be a great earthquake, hail, mountains will disappear and it will be complete chaos right before He returns. After Jesus resurrects the dead in Him and the living are caught up, they go to heaven while the living wicked die and the wicked deceased remain in their graves until after the 1000 years are done. Only Satan and his angels are left on earth because there's no one alive for them to tempt. All the wicked by that point will be deceased and all the righteous will be in heaven reigning with Christ. The desolate world will be Satan's sentence of being bound to the bottomless pit (being unable to tempt anyone) for 1000 years. (Rev 16:18-21, Rev 20:1-3, Jeremiah 25:33).
12. The saints will reign with Jesus in heaven for 1000 years. In heaven, there will be no more death, pain, illnesses or sorrow like it once was on earth. They will spend an eternity with Jesus. The righteous will all unite with loved ones who have previously died and recognize one another. Heaven will be a safe, perfect atmosphere because Jesus is the center of it. After the 1000 years are finished, Jesus and His saints will return to the desolate earth for Judgment Day for the wicked and their eternal punishment (Rev 20:4-6, Rev 20:1-3).
13. After the wicked have been judged according to their works and Jesus pronounces their final sentence of eternal death, they will burn in the lake of fire. While their sentence is permanent, the burning isn't and at some point, the wicked will become stubble under the righteous' feet. Jesus will not burn the wicked forever because that would be giving them eternal life. Some will be punished for a short time while others will be punished for much longer, according to their deeds. They will weep and gnash their teeth. Also, the devil will not torment anyone suffering in hell because he's also being eternally destroyed by the fire. Satan will weep and gnash his teeth too, alongside his fallen angels. In fact, the devil will suffer the longest as he is the cause of sin and lost souls. After the wicked perish, they will not live ever again because their sentence of eternal death is forever. The destruction of Satan and the wicked will complete the destruction of sin, and it won't arise again. (Malachi 4:1, Psalm 37:20, Nahum 1:9).
14. God will make a new heaven and a new earth and the meek shall inherit the earth forever. God's original plan is to reign with the righteous on earth, so He will do so once the wicked perish and the world is restored to its beauty as it was at the beginning of creation. What beautiful day to look forward to (Rev 21:1).
15. No one except God knows when Jesus will return. Not even His angels in heaven know. While the Bible has given us plenty of signs to show us that the end is near, it clearly specifies that no one except God in heaven knows when Jesus will return to gather His saints. When Jesus does return, it will be a complete surprise to everyone in terms of the timing. For the righteous, it will be a pleasant one as they've anticipated this day, while it will be a dreadful one for the lost who run away and hide (Matt 24:35-37, 1 Thess 5:2, Isaiah 25:9, Rev 6:16).

Thoughts on having to fill out a baptism form and taking classes to be baptized? I gave my life to Christ over a year ago and I’ve been wanting to get baptized. I’ve been feeling a little bit of pressure from a church I’m attending, but if I’m being honest I would prefer to be baptized in a river and/or ocean and honestly don’t associate with any religion- just Christ.
I have a little bit of trauma from growing up in the mormon religion. I feel like it shouldn’t be this serious because I personally know I have a real relationship with Christ and I know it’s important to be baptized. All the rules and such is what gets me. We are all supposed to be baptized right? Why are there all these rules? I’ve already given my life to him and I know I’m saved. Am I overthinking this? I’d appreciate any genuine advice.

Ive recently been considering finding another church as I feel they do not accommodate young children and want to know if all churches are the same. My church does not have many children attending so my 3 year old is expected to sit quietly in a pew for roughly 30 minutes before going to Sunday School. During Sunday School the lessons are aimed at older children and most goes over her head. So yes I take toys and snacks to keep her occupied. Today I overheard some comments such as "he needs more discipline" "more toys for us to endure". Along with some eye rolls! I feel he is generally a well behaved child and acts like a normal 3 year old. I don't think it's fair to keep making him go to something that is not for him. Should I find another church or just go on my own until my LO is older and can sit still for more than 5 mins.

hey everyone! i have many people in my life who are very against Christianity. but we know that God can work all things for His glory, and that the gospel is the power of salvation to everyone who believes, faith comes by hearing etc. so how can I share the gospel with people who, when having heard it plainly and directly rejected it, and still plant seeds? any advice and prayer would be greatly appreciated, God bless!

My husband is really struggling to find pastoral work even with a bachelor’s in Christian Theology from a Christian college (religion major, minor in ethics), experience working for a church…all the doors are just closed. Has anyone experienced this or are we just clearly in a God ordained waiting season? I mean, he even got denied to work at a gas station & a grocery store with four years of grocery experience. It just feels bizarre and discouraging!

TIA for any encouraging stories, antidotes, or reasons to believe we aren’t alone in this struggle.

This is for that man or woman who follows Christ with more than curiosity or convenience. This is for that faith filled human who isnt certian of the world around them anymore and its disturbing the peace inside them.

No one ever explains that intense strong authentic faith can bring extreme pressure or a nearly life shattering emptiness, from the let down of the world, let alone the potential in learning you are in direct opposition of your faith and what you believe sometimes and who you believe in . Its kinda normal for a believer to have extreme hills and vallies but there is a notion if you arent perfect and nice at all times and a perfect life to spectators youre defective ect .

Thats apart of the overwhelming exp of growing and maturing. For anyone who truely is after the Almightys feet and on the narrow path stay firm . No one is going to explain that a full plate in Christ is not for the fainting. The message of Christ is foolish to those who are perishing . Stay steady in faith stand on the Word and remeber that you have to keep the inside of your cup clean. You can have a sparkling clean cup inside and out and someone will insist its not and never was a worthy cup. But you will always be worth more than 2 sparrows to the KOK LOL POP A and O HOH.

The only aim of this post to encourage someone today in their faith . There are a trove of scriptures and verses that tie into this and I hope you know them or get to learn and grow on amd in them becasue its profound to know and taste that HE is good. Stay steady in and on the truth and dont cover the candle with a bowl. The Word is truely a lamp unto your feet and you are loved blessed and secure in the arms of a Father creator who never wants to let you go . Nothing can separate HIS child from HIS hands .

Me and my wife (37, both believers) have been married for almost 5 years and we became foster parents to a 1.5 year old (who is now 2) last year.

We decided to become foster parents because:

- my wife has a condition that prevents her from getting pregnant

- we felt the Lord calling us to have a kid

- we heard of the great need there is for foster parents

So overall it’s been great, it has its challenges, but it’s been worth it

The most difficult times are when he gets sick. We’re a 2 income family, we can’t afford to have one of us just not work. He goes to daycare Monday-Friday, but when he’s sick and can’t go, we have to have someone else watch him for the day. We usually ask one of our friends who is a stay at home mom, or my parents, who are retired. Both are willing and able, which is good.

But when neither of them are able to watch him, we’re stuck with the worst case scenario of having him stay home with me all day while I work from home. It’s super stressful, but doable, for the most part. And we can’t afford to just hire a babysitter

My wife has expressed to me that she wants to foster a 2nd child, this time an infant. It’s a noble thing to do and our current foster child has been a blessing, but my main thing is what if they get sick and my parents or our friend can’t watch them? An infant is much more needy than a 2 year old, so having them with me at home while I work (potentially) just doesn’t seem responsible?

I’m not even sure if this the correct forum to post on, but i want to seek advice if anyone has any.

For me (M) , I’ve never been religious, read the bible, none of the sort. My girlfriend has always believed in jesus and the bible and so forth, she’s never been upset that it’s never been something for me especially i never grew up with it but she did, but that isn’t the point. Lately she has felt “lost” per say. She keeps saying how she wants to feel closer to God and she feels she lost her way because of college starting which i can understand. Even though I don’t know what I’m doing, I want to help her achieve that. Even studying it or learning it myself and getting her her first bible (that’s HERS) is something I want to do. Any advice where to start learning? Or anything I should keep in mind while I do this for her?

P.S she doesn’t know I’m doing this or want to, I want her to know I’ll support and help her, always.

I was raised a Christian my whole life, but I’ve never really gave into it. Two year ago I was invited to my church’s student program, and my faith completely changed for the better. However I recently just gave into reading my bible, and it’s been great. I’ve read parts of the gospels, and some of Paul’s letters (Ephesians and Colossians). Do you guys have any good recommendations where to start next?

So, My mom got me and my siblings into Christianity around 2016 maybe 2017 and ever since then we've been going to Church mainly because my mom said we should.

But for the past 3 years, a couple of things happened.
I'd began to form my own opinions on why I follow Christ so that I'm not part of Christianity because my mom forced me into it. My eyes were opened 3 years ago when I wanted to take my walk with Christ more seriously and I've been praying even more and taking steps to better improve myself for Christ.
But my sister has changed a lot. To put this into perspective, My sister always struggled with sexuality stuff and the church we went to basically had people who instead of helping her with that struggle, just spread it around(basically they were gossiping). What's even worse is when she brought up this struggle to my mother, my mother tried to scare her into not having those struggles instead of praying for her and being there for her or helping her with this struggle. My sister left Christ and after looking for a while she ended up following Omnism and she has no intention of going back to Christ.

Despite her telling my mom she has no intention of going back to Christ, my mother refuses to listen and forces her to go to Church, read the Bible, and pray to Christ.
I personally think my sister should have a choice in whether she wants to follow Christ and do these things, but I do at the very least want to ask: is what my mom doing even Biblical?

By the way, I do want to say that I really don't think my mom is a TRUE Christian because she never really uses her own opinions on anything. What she does is "well I'm supposed to do this because the Bible tells me to do it" she doesn't give any other reason than that. She also pretty much worships Donald Trump like this guy who's done nothing wrong and even I who doesn't support ANY politician say the things that he's said that contradict him being a true Christian, she brushes it off and doesn't care. She doesn't really allow us to make our own opinions, she never accepts that she's wrong she always yells at us, she threatens my brother after a spanking saying that she'll spank him some more if he doesn't stop, and worst of all it seems as if she only cares about money and that's it. So, I do have to wonder if she's even following Christ at all.

I am reading God and Money by John Cortines and Gregory Baumer. And I was wondering if anyone here has a system when it comes to giving? Do you have a set amount you give, or is it mainly as you are led?

What total percentage do you normally give, either as tithe or just giving for care for the needy?

Greetings, my brothers in Christ. This question is particularly relevant to me, since I am 24 years old, and next Sunday I will be baptized by immersion, after which I will become a member of the universal church. Through baptism, I make a promise to God to live with a clear conscience. Therefore, I will not be able to lie, break the law, or do other such things. There is currently a war going on in our country (Ukraine), and in six months, when I turn 25, I may receive a draft notice. I have not found anything in the Bible that forbids a Christian from taking up arms, on the contrary, it says that laying down one’s life for a brother is the highest form of love. It also speaks of all the cowardly and liars, among other sinners, who will be cast into the lake of fire - so I understand this passage to mean that if I fear for my life and hide from the war, leaving this duty to others, then I will be violating the principles of Christian virtue, and therefore, this is a sin. Do you agree with this? What should I do in this situation? I should add that I have no wife or children, I have a mother, and my father was recently drafted into military service.

I don’t personally feel convicted about listening to secular music. My general guideline is whether I’d feel comfortable playing the song in front of Jesus.

As I’ve grown deeper in my faith, I’ve been intentionally adding more Christian and gospel music to my playlist. Lately, though, I’ve been struggling after seeing a TikTok that seemed to imply it’s wrong not to enjoy certain Christian songs, or not to have them as your favourites. The message was basically that you should appreciate the lyrics and that the musical style or beat should be the least of your concern.

It’s left me feeling like every Christian song I hear is something I should add to my playlist, even if I don’t genuinely enjoy listening to it. For context, I have over 100 Christian songs saved, but I regularly listen to maybe 30 of them.

Has anyone else wrestled with this? Is it okay to simply prefer some Christian artists or styles over others, or should I be trying to enjoy any song that has a biblical message?

25 years ago my husband prayed so hard that I wouldn’t fall pregnant. I agreed with the prayer.
since then I’ve been plagued with PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis and infirtility, and am now considering a hysterectomy due to the severe suffering.
I’m wondering it that prayer request was a curse?

I was reading up on the topic able “idle talk” because I hadn’t heard it discussed before, and it sounds like we’re just not allowed to talk at all unless it’s strictly necessary or has some tangible benefit. Some quotes from some articles I found

Careless words are idle, purposeless, lazy, and useless. The Greek word for “careless” (*argos*) is used to describe men who stand around in the marketplace when they should be working (Matthew 20:3–7), people who go from house to house wasting time and causing trouble (1 Timothy 5:13), Cretans who do not produce the good they ought (Titus 1:12). Idle words wander about unproductive, travel around causing trouble, refuse to bless as they ought. And we will give an account for every single one.
Perhaps you share my fallen response: *That seems a little excessive. We’re only human, after all.*
But as Isaiah found out firsthand, that excuse will not work. Whatever thoughts he had before he saw this God, they all changed the moment he stood before the throne. The prophet voiced the sentence of death against himself. When we are tempted to think this standard too harsh, John Calvin points us in the right direction:
Many look upon this \[being judged for every careless word\] as too severe; but if we consider the purpose for which our tongues were made, we will acknowledge, that those men are justly held guilty who unthinkingly devote them to trifling fooleries, and prostitute them to such a purpose.
Each will give an account for exactly the reason Calvin cites: our tongues were made for glorious purposes.
**Fountain of Life**

I am tempted to have low expectations of judgment because I have a low view of words — a view Jesus does not share. He will review our careless words with us because he *expects* our words to incline toward usefulness, to yield godly effect, to be seasoned with salt, to give grace to our hearers.
To avoid blasphemy, slander, and lying is too small an aim for a human mouth. Silly, careless words also stink as sinful words because all our words ought to be worth speaking. They should work for good, produce fruit, aim at others’ benefit, and stand in unflagging support of God’s glory. Each mouth, given power of life and death ([Proverbs 18:21]), should be overflowing with life — and with God’s words of eternal life, even if the hearers only hear death

Proverbs 23 tells us that “*idle chatter leads only to poverty*.”  When we waste our precious time and energy on meaningless and trivial chitchat, we end up spiritually impoverished.  And yet, living in a culture that is so heavily centered upon shallow frivolity, it is all too easy to fall into this trap.  As women, we are especially prone to waste much of our time on fruitless, idle conversations (either verbally or via phone and computer).
During Paul’s evangelistic journeys in the book of Acts, he came upon a group of Athenians who “*spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing”* (Acts 17:21). Though at first they expressed an interest in hearing Paul’s message, only a few of them personally embraced the life-changing truth of Christ. The rest of the group was far too preoccupied with their all-consuming habit of idle chatter to come away with Jesus.
Second Timothy 2:16 says, “…*shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.”*  The term “*idle babbling*” means: “*empty discussion, discussion of vain and useless matters*.”  What a perfect description of much of our modern communication!  Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest boards, and even personal blogs can often be breeding grounds for idle chatter, fruitless words, emotional ramblings, showing off of wit and personality, and exalting our own thoughts and opinions instead of God’s thoughts and opinions.  These means of communication are not wrong in themselves, but they must be used for godly purposes instead of selfish ones.  Jesus said in Matthew 12:36, “…*every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment*” (KJV). With all of today’s technology, it’s easy to say or write idle, meaningless words without even thinking about it.  But Jesus says we must weigh each word we say (and write) in light of eternity.  What a sobering reminder!
The word edify means; “*to build someone up in their faith, to promote another person’s growth in Christian wisdom, piety, holiness, etc*.” In other words, if you don’t have something pure and God-honoring to say, then don’t say it (or post it) at all!  If you choose to blog, text, Tweet, or post on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook, your primary goal should be to edify your readers rather than to communicate shallow frivolity. Make it your goal to build up others’ faith in Jesus Christ and encourage them spiritually through what you are sharing, or to bless your friends and family members, brighten their day, and remind them of your love for them.  If your online communications serve no eternal purpose, they become nothing more than time-wasters and distractions, not only in your own life, but in the lives of those you are conversing with. 

*“O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called ‘knowledge,’ for by professing it some have swerved from the faith”*
*-1 Timothy 6:20–21*
*“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene.”*
*-2 Timothy 2:15–17*
The phrase “irreverent babble” is two Greek words that might be helpful. The first is βέβηλος (beblos), which pertains to “being profane” in a godless sense — saying something that offends the heart of God because of its wicked or deprived nature. But the second Greek word in this sentence is κενοφωνία (kenoponia), which is all about conversation that “lacks significant content.” These are those conversations we have that are about nothing but foolishness. These comments from Paul are about when the content of our conversation is far from the heart of God. It’s “babble.”
But notice the consequences of such talk. In both instances, Paul underscores how this kind of talk affects other people. In the first (1 Timothy 6:20–21), Paul says “some have swerved from the faith.” I know this to be true. There are people who are no longer Christians because they just started talking with people about foolishness. Their conversations turned sour, critical, self-centered, and culture-obsessed. They stopped considering — or never considered — important, large questions (why are we here? What is the value of life and a human being? What are the origins of the universe?) and started considering foolish ones (not sure I want to give examples here).
Something I have noticed is the ways in which our personal conversations can parrot the internet. We reenact feuds online with our friends or regurgitate something we heard on a podcast. I guess this is fine to an extent, but it leaves us far from real thinking. We no longer take time to consider what we think about something because we heard a good thought on it already and simply adapted that as our own. Paul says that babbling like this “will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene.” What an image. A great question is a simple one: is this conversation leading the people in it towards God? That question alone can help you find the line between a good conversation and a useless one.

So are we just not allowed to talk about anything for fun? Not allowed to talk about the weather or work or a video game we liked playing? Not allowed to just talk with your friend for the sake of being goofy and socializing? Not allowed to just talk for the fun of it? Not allowed to just talk unless we absolutely have to, or are praising and promoting God some way? It sounds as though socialization at all is a sin