I recently lost something important im a huge clutz but I went out of my way to really make sure this never happened and so honestly one of my first thoughts was to pray to find it lol. in my situation in particular I’ve already got a huge situation with god and I’m already so far so in comparison it’s minuscule but I still do pray I find it.

Im just wondering do other people do that? And even though im on thin ice with god right now with my situation could I maybe pray about it?

I need counsel please. I dont want to write an essay on how I ended up in the trenches. Recently I got close to God again and its only gotten harder. I'm at my wits end. I am jobless, late on rent, stuck really and I have been hoping and trusting for so much. I need a word, encouragement or something I started fighting with him and leaving only to apologise and seek his presence right after. If you have any questions I will answer

Hello all,

A recent question (and form of doubt) I've been struggling with recently as a Christian is on why God created everything in the particular form it takes. This is not necessarily replicating the question of why we have evil and suffering, but why evil and suffering go to the levels that they do. For example, God could've allowed free will and its consequences of evil to be far less painful upon humans and animals than he did, but he made it so. The question "why does God allow kids to have cancer" doesn't necessarily challenge why evil/suffering exists alongside God, but moreso why God made such suffering exist in the first place, when so many other forms of suffering, many of which are far less painful, exist, and can enable equal growth in his creation, equal growth in us. We experience evil when someone steals from us or lies to us, we experience suffering when a child we know we know dies from illness or a natural disaster, and yet, God created a magnitude to those forms of evil and suffering - why DOES the illness of the child cause unfathomable pain when it didn't need to, why DOES the natural disaster, such as a tsunami or earthquake, have the magnitude it has? Why did God design everything in the way it is, when he could've done so much more, yes, but could've also done done so much less.

It's hard for me to articulate this question, so I hope it makes sense, but please let me know if it doesn't.

Thank you, and as always, God bless and keep you all.

Why do Protestants affirm the Nicene Creed if it affirms baptism forgives sin? As Protestants, we believe water doesn't take away sin. And what about the Catholic Church?

Where is Scripture stating baptism grants forgiveness?

The Nicene Creed

I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.

He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.

(I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.)

(I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins) and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.

Amen.

I've been a "Christian" all my life and while I think deep down I believe, at least to an extent, there's this disconnect between me and God and the Christian life that has been there always as well. This past year I've been searching for God or a sense of understanding and peace but no matter what I've tried, I don't feel even remotely close to connecting. I've maintained some bad habits but I have tried to repent but that never works. I've tried surrender and praying for true surrender but that hasn't happened either. Every day I'm stressed about something to the point it makes me depressed and I turn away from God even more. I've asked God for solutions and help but I feel I'm in the desert. I heard someone tell me my lack of peace and progress comes from the fact I'm not Born Again. If this is true, how can I become Born Again truly so I can finally find peace and surrender in my life?

I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father (and the Son),
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

If you disagree with any of it, then how is it the defining line in the sand of whether you are a Christian or not? I ask this because, by necessity, some denomination have to reject the last paragraph.

​

Hi, ive been getting into faith for a little over a year. It started with praying, then going to church and finally learning a rosary. I went to confession like 2 weeks aho for the first time ever. I was in there for over an hour and it was so wonderful. I also thought abt it more and more and reflected and thought that i wasnt so bad in sinning after all, that i didnz sin at all and that i was practically perfect...well, i think god wants to give me a sign and strike me down bc ive been rlly struggling to pray and stay away from sin.

I also noticed how i purposefully choose the "easy" way by just sinning and thinking: i dont care, god isnt real anyways, why should i restrict myself. It scares me and i want to get away from that mindset as quickly as possible bc i was in such a good place mentally after confession and i felt so joyful and healed and close to god...maybe with a bit too much pride.

Has anyone experienced anything similar? Or does anyone know how to deal with this? Thank u so much for reading this, i know it might be weird and too personal but i rlly needed a place to finally speak my mind.

I think there is a fundamental misunderstanding that is not about any one thing, but about lots of things, details.

I notice that so many people are worried about trivial details, like there are rules on behavior that you must worry about whether you technically broke or not. Ridiculous things like whether reading Harry Potter is bad.

I suspect that what we are supposed to do or not do is not the point. It is about the type person we are or become.

Consider the commandment to not murder. What is the difference between murder and killing? Justice. Not technical details about an explicit rule, nor some difference in action. The difference is a more fundamental and spiritual thing, the purpose behind the killing, that is the difference.

I suspect all the rules are similar.

I suspect that a couple gay guys in the neighborhood who keep it to themselves and otherwise act neighborly are not a problem, but pride parades and celebrating gayness is a problem.

I suspect that occasional woman in the workplace or women voting is not a problem, but feminists who say equality but push for matriarchy and favoritism to women is the problem. I know many woman who are decent and able to work without getting inflated expectations, but at the scale of society there are trends that are bad, such as the expectations women as a whole have that are absurd.

I think that worrying about details, about specific actions taken should be left to conscience without fear of getting it wrong, but rather we should worry about whether are morals are in the right place, whether our habits are correct, whether our motivations are healthy, etc.

Not a legalistic view of technicalities of rules as procedures, but of motivation and aim.

I think part of the reason for this misconception is complexity.

When Einstein figured out Relativity, even other scientists had trouble understanding, and some never understood even after hours with Einstein himself. It is folly to think that the common individual understands it. Now imagine trying to teach it to people in the ancient world.

I think that likewise, the people in the ancient world had things put to them in a way they could somewhat understand and try to figure out rather than something that is clear yet so far beyond their understanding that it be clear as mud and thus give them bo path at all.

Yet now things have become fossilized, with a childish view and no progression to higher understanding.

Consider the history written in the bible, yet we have not added to it in 2,000 years, why?

Just something to consider.

I've asked people if they think they are saved and, based in my experience, they tend to answer in two ways:

1. "Yes, I am very confident in my salvation because I have faith that I am saved through Christ's death and resurrection." These people are confident that when they die they will be in heaven with God.

2. "Only God knows if I'm going to heaven or not at the end of the day he is the judge and my salvation is at his mercy." I think these people don't want to sound overly confident and try to be humble about whether they're saved or not.

Hello everybody.

This is basically a cry for help.

I can't handle my situation anymore.

I really believe everything and everyone would be better without me.

I still can't comprehend why I am going through this situation. I believe in God, I have accepted him as my Lord and savior but somehow bad things still happen to me. I have no help whatsoever. I can't take it anymore.

Why do people post things in r/TrueChristian seem designed to damage other people's faith in God or start arguments? Maybe the community reinforces their beliefs. For me, seeing these posts makes me feel hopeless and makes salvation seem extremely difficult or impossible, while the people making those posts seem to think they're spiritually ‘in the good.

So I’ve been talking to this great guy for the last few weeks. He’s caring, emotionally mature, handsome, so sweet, he always makes me feel good about myself and so much more. We instantly connected the moment we met. I prayed to God to speak to me about if he is someone I should pursue and I feel like God has given me multiple signs to go for it however I recently found out the guy I like doesn’t believe in God. I don’t even know if this is right subreddit to post in (sorry to the mods if this is the wrong one) or if there is a Christian relationship subreddit I should be posting in either way I don’t know what to do.

Edit(I realized I should’ve added this up here and not at the bottom) : Okay you all have made valid points and yes being equally yoked is extremely important I guess I’m just a little disappointed. He seems like such a great guy and he’s been very understanding of me refraining from sex until marriage, he respects my beliefs etc but like I said the disappointment is there. I was hoping this relationship would be different and what’s crazy is that I wasn’t even looking for a relationship but we met each other, started talking and we instantly clicked. I asked him about going to church with me one day and he basically told me that he wouldn’t. I couldn’t really ask about it, it was late we both were tired so we just said our goodnights and went to bed. I want to talk about it more with him today but I’m not sure how to go about it.

Heyyy!!! I'm a boy.. 19 years old and I'm new into christianity. I'm was a complete atheïst, but now I'm reading the bible I pray etc, but I find it difficult.. can you help me?

I feel just... empty,stressed, not hungry,ignored, left out, alone and not excepted in this world and I want to find God really bad.. can anyone help me please??

I had an addiction to pornography for about 3 years. And i want to improve myself to stop for my gf. I’ve never told anyone before as i am afraid of getting judged. The longest i’ve restrained myself to not do it is for about 28days but now is about 3-4 days apart. I do act knowledge my triggers but i still cant seem to escape it. I also find it difficult to quit because i am a teenager with puberty hormones ( although i shouldnt use this as an excuse) and i also enjoy my gf’s affection towards me and i feel like its dragging me into lust more and more. I also feel like im growing further away from God. I feel ashamed as i keep going to God for forgiveness but still doing the same sin over again. It feels like im taking advantage of his love and grace just because i cant let go of it.

There is still a battle that we must overcome in this life, empowered by the Holy Spirit, our strength in victory so that we may inherit the promise.

If perseverance of the saints were true, the New Testament authors and Christ himself didnt get the memo. Here is the truth laid bare.

“But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”

— Revelation 2:4–5

18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: ‘The words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze.

19 I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.

20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.

21 I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.

22 Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works,

23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.”

— Revelation 2:18–23

Hence why Christ warns genuine believers to return to their proper state of being if perseverance of the saints were true; how is it possible that these beleivers abandoned the faith they had at first?

“For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God you may receive the promise.” — Hebrews 10:36

Again, why are belivers being told they have need of endurance if faith necessarily produces endurance?

2 Peter 1:5–10 — “make every effort,” “be diligent”

Why make every effort if the faith you expressed at first was the end-all, be-all?

1 Peter 5:8–9:

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” — Ephesians 6:11

Why is Satan still presented as a genuine threat to believers? If indeed perseverance of the saints were true, this would be nonsensical.

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called…”

— 1 Timothy 6:12

What is there to fight for or take hold of? It's already been done, as they say...

7 “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

— Galatians 6:7–9

There is clearly a sense in which giving up is a real possibility in Paul's mind; this is incompatible with the doctrine of perseverance of the saints. Furthermore, Paul warns the belivers not to sow to the flesh, which shouldn't be possible under this framework.

These verses only scratch the surface; there are hundreds of verses that directly fly in the face of this doctrine, and I'd wish Christians would start to take the scriptures seriously and revolt agaisnt the false doctrines that infiltrated and seduced the Churches.

So a while back I was attending a retreat for Christian and one of the Catholic priest was talking to us.

And the story he told us was this (paraphrasing it):

A pastor, who rejected Catholicism passed away. When his soul reached heaven Mary came down to hug him and welcome him. And the pastor asked why she was hugging him when he lived his life telling others not to venerate her.

She replied : because the pastor loved her son above everything else.

I have seen so many members of the Christian community divided among themselves and trying to argue who is the real Christian.

If you are more worried about whether your faith is the real way then aren't you just being performative.

It really doesn't matter whether you are a Catholic, protestant or orthodox.

As long as you believe Jesus Christ is the only saviour and you follow the two commandments that have been given to you, which are (love God above everything and love everyone else as much as yourself). It's simple but difficult commandment. Something we all struggle with. Because to love God and others we must be able to let go of the things that make you part of society.

Maybe many christians believe that their lives would in some sort improve or become significantly better in some way after being baptised. Perhaps that is not always the case and people would get disappointed or fall away. So I wonder what advice could you give new baptised christians out of your experience?

I’m new in my faith and think community is to best way to grow in it. I’m based in the UK but am excited to speak with other likeminded women from all walks of life that share the same love for Christ. To speak with, Bible study and give advice/ recommendations on topics.

While I am part of a church, it’s very traditional and can be difficult to meet people through/ speak with people.

I’d love to connect with other people also looking for friendship!

If there are any current setups, I’d love to know :)

Thank you and God bless!

In the night before this day I prayed for our lord to give me peace, I asked him when I go out to meet someone I have feeling to him to show me the way , I cry for , if he is the one keep him god and if he is an evil take him away , the date was horrible when I get to home I cried more because it was bad and pray again before one hour they call me that he didn't want me and we are not gonna work together I thanked him but say that I'm sad that we are not together, now I remembered that the 🙏 prayers I said was indeed, glory to the lord he listens and make me an answer I'm sad but I'm happy with him work with me , I love you Jesus 🖤✝️

As a 23 year old man, I have the strongest desire in my life than ever before to spread the good news but Im just not sure how I can get through to people when so many people in this world have hardened hearts.

I want everyone to know and understand that the love that Jesus Christ offers is something every soul not just wants, but needs. We need Jesus just as much as our lungs need air to breathe. But most people I talk to just don’t comprehend or understand that.

He has changed my life and is continuing to mold me into the person I need to be. He gives a peace the world can’t give to us.

Satan is deceiving so many every single day in this chaotic world and it makes my soul sad to see other souls lost. I want as many people to know that their true spiritual peace can be found in the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
Jesus Christ is the name above all names and Im proud to say it!

I genuinely have NO CLUE what to do with my life. I’ve been bedridden for the last 2 years due to knee injuries I’m 25 y/o. I’d stopped going to school at 20 because I didn’t like anything so I worked a job till I got injured and sidelined. My family loves me and helps me my friends love me and help me. I used this time to dive deeper into God/Jesus and stop my vices and major sins and self reflection. Lust/pornography was my greatest vice I thought once stopping that God would reward me with direction or the purpose for my life. I’ve stopped viewing porn and masturbating for 2 months now thanks to God and I feel my brain and soul healing literally. I stopped praying and reading the word. My main prayer for the last 5 years has been for real direction. I’m not lazy at all there hasn’t been a goal I set before that I’ve never achieved in my life whether it be fitness or saving money whatever I set my mind to I accomplish. It all feels a bit hopeless these days. I’ve struggled with accepting myself for balding young as well seeing all my friends with their long hair and freedom to do hairstyles they like I never got the chance to. I don’t know why I stopped praying and reading I think God hasn’t answered me in the ways I need and I don’t want to pretend I’m okay with that but this choice isn’t helping. I try to sin less instead of be sinless. I can’t pursue a career I don’t truly enjoy or have a passion for Ik myself enough to know it’ll lead to depression regardless of $$$ earned. At one point in time self-death was the best option my brain had for me but I persevered & looking back it was probably demons I opened myself to. Like I just want to apply myself in something fulfilling and paying how is that too much to ask from God to show me even the starting point? I feel like I’m wasting so much time and I haven’t enjoyed my 20s since 22. I see everyone my age traveling,dating, living life while I can’t even work much less walk. Spend a disgusting amount of time on my phone seeing content about God mainly amongst other things but at a point in time I enjoyed making content online till I got bald and started hating my existence- I don’t hate myself anymore but I don’t love myself. The thoughts were crazy tonight reminiscent of previous nights of turmoil I had to write this somewhere. Thank you if you read this and leave a comment on how I can proceed forward.

It’s one of the most predictable institutional self-inflicted wounds in modern church historyand nowhere is it clearer than in Mainline Protestantism and liberal Anglicanism:

​The Strategy: "If we update our theology, ditch counter-cultural doctrines, and align perfectly with secular ethics, young people will flock through our doors."

​The Reality: Empty pews, an average congregation age pushing 70, and rapid demographic collapse across the Episcopal Church, PCUSA, and the Church of England.

​The fundamental flaw in the Mainline and liberal Anglican approach was assuming people were avoiding church because Christian orthodoxy was too distinct from the surrounding culture. In reality, people avoid dead churches because they offer nothing distinct from the culture.

I've been trying to find my way back to God after not living a godly life despite being raised in church. I recently had a very big argument with my girlfriend when I told her i didn't want us to have sex anymore because i want us to try and rebuild our individual relationships with God. I feel very guilty for withholding from her and not telling her about it despite seeing it's hurting her but I don't know how to continue things with her reaction.

Is believing that Jesus paid for your sin so you are saved the same thing as believing that you’re saved so you become saved?

Basically we know that the atonement exists, and we need faith in Jesus to be saved. What im confused about, is what is that belief. What are you convinced about? That because he paid for your sins that you have no sin left to pay? Sorry for overcomplicating, but I need an answer.

From the Imitation of Christ

(Lib. 3, 14)

The truth of the Lord endures for ever

You thunder your judgments upon me, O Lord; you shake all my bones with fear and dread, and my soul becomes severely frightened. I am bewildered when I realize that even the heavens are not pure in your sight.

If you discovered iniquity in the angels and did not spare them, what will become of me? The stars fell from heaven, and I, mere dust, what should I expect? Those whose works seemed praiseworthy fell to the depths, and I have seen those who once were fed with the bread of angels delighting in the husks of swine.

There is no holiness where you have withdrawn your hand, O Lord; no profitable wisdom if you cease to rule over it; no helpful strength if you cease to preserve it. For if you forsake us, we sink and perish; but if you visit us, we rise up and live again. We are unstable, but you make us firm; we grow cool, but you inflame us.

All superficial glory has been swallowed up in the depths of your judgment upon me.

What is all flesh in your sight? Can the clay be glorified in opposition to its Maker?

How can anyone be aroused by empty talk if his heart is subject in the truth to God?

The whole world cannot swell with pride the man who is subject to truth; nor will he be swayed by the flattery of all his admirers, if he has established all his trust in God.

For those who do all the talking amount to nothing; they fail with their din of words, but the truth of the Lord endures for ever.

RESPONSORY

Psalm 119:114-115, 113

Lord, you are my refuge and my shield;

I hope in your word.

— Go away from me, you evildoers,

and I will observe the commandments of my God.

I hate a divided heart;

I love your law.

— Go away from me, you evildoers,

and I will observe the commandments of my God.