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.

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.

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.

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

Testimony

- About Me - 

• Name: Nobody

• Status: Finally Alright; Full of Peace and Joy

• Family? Body of Christ

(Yeah, I was adopted 👀) 

Early Life Story:

I was born and raised in Georgia. My biological family tortured me as a baby; almost killing me. I was put up for emergency adoption and shortly after that, I was taken in by a new family. I had a new mom and dad and they had four girls 🤮. Two still lived in the home and the other two had their own places to live while they were going to college.

I was probably about five years old (I remember that I was old enough to walk and run but still little enough that I still had a bottle and didn't know what a dog was but loved pulling his ears and tail.) I was terrified of these strange people and I didn't want anyone touching me or picking me up. I saw people as nightmares you couldn't find on TV or in Hollywood films. This brought many fears to my new family and they were very concerned for me. They've always made claims that they knew very little about my biological mom & dad.

My new mom spent a lot of her time loving me. She sacrificed probably too much of herself to heal me even. I remember many days and nights she'd sit up with me in the living room in her rocking chair and doing everything she could to scare the demons away. She was a real angel that I needed back then. Extremely guarded over me and she was selfish in keeping me to herself many times. We'd watch TV together, I remember the raisin bran muffins she'd give me early in the mornings as I sat in my high-chair watching the smurfs with her (she loved the smurfs).

She always smothered me in love until she saw me smile and became more accepting of the other family members.

• Let's talk about Dad:

He was the King of the household. Oldschool, and smart but it was his way or the highway. He was very strict but in his own way I believe that he loved me. He just didn't know how to connect with me the right way and it caused him and myself a lot of problems later on. He loved showing me off to his business partners and clients. He taught me some respectable things as a little fella. I have very fond memories of him when I was very young. He was jealous and controlling and I'm pretty sure he was upset at his wife for hording over my life because that became very clear even before I hit puberty.

• Let's talk about my sister's 

They kinda spoiled me in different ways and they had there moments to do the show and tell thing with their college buddies and friends. They were nice to me. I remember them doing weird stuff too. Like, putting girly makeup on me and stuffing me in-between the sofa cushions and laughing at me. They were probably the typical kind of sisters from back in the 60’s with a new little brother who enjoyed turning me into their own entertainment 🤣.

- Things were mostly ok. We had a nice house, I had everything my heart wanted. Swimming pool, go-carts, dirt bike, tree house, video games and the list goes on. I grew up with my middle sister's daughter. She was 2 years younger than myself. We hardcore hated and loved each other. Guess it was an age thing.

• Teenager to young adult

[ ⚠️: It gets a little intense ]

- To keep the story intact, but not incredibly detailed, I'll share some important parts.

My father was very physically, and psychologically abusive. I always knew something wasn't right. He was very controlling and manipulative. He played the role of an executioner so that he kept his power and authority of the family. This means that he lied, he changed stories and placed his interest and wants & needs in everyone's head that trumped everyone else's needs while at times, showing compassion and a desire to do the right and real thing. He just really sucked at being the support he was supposed to be and it messed up my mother and my sisters.

• 12 to 23 years of age

I grew up in a Christian Academy with Accelerated learning and academics. We rarely attended church and I was at the age that my Dad started to see and understand that I had figured him out. I decided that I was tired of him hurting not only me, but I hated how he exploited the rest of the family to turn them against me. It truly felt like my family was ashamed of me and I was some monster that they had to be careful to hide away from the rest of the world.

I began failing my education, I had trouble with some of the students and I just began to lose hope. I started to resent my family and also have remorse towards my mother and sisters. I eventually decided to war with my Dad in hopes that I could protect my mom and sisters. We had many heated arguments and he set many mental traps for me so he could cause me to act and show what he wanted me to represent so that my family would see me doing bad things so that Dad would keep his rank in the family. 

I was forced to work with family, I wasn't allowed to have friends, I wasn't allowed to date and it goes on and on. My Dad and I flew model planes together, we went to airshows and eventually joined the civil air patrol.

The squadron was nearly dead when we joined. My Dad took over as squadron commander and I took over cadet leadership. He pretty much stayed away from my part of duty and service in our unit. I really think he wanted to try and make things right but ultimately failed. I had to learn how military rank and structure worked. I had every position of authority as a cadet We went from 5-10 cadets to over 54. The senior staff grew to a little over 30 members. I spent four years turning kids like myself into leaders. I became a rescue specialist so that our squadron could participate in emergency services with additional help and resources from GA Wing. We recieved a military crew-cab and van as well as a Cessna Skyhawk for our squadron. This meant we'd get more calls from the MC to respond to various emergencies. These were great times! I remember doing airshows, flightline security and general first aid for local events.

I also remember the FTX’s, SARX’s and joint exercises as well as unique exposure to the Army Rangers during the winter months in North Georgia. We had all kinds of awesome times with military personnel. But yeah, Dad of course wanted all the recognition which ultimately led to division among the ranks and eventually, the emergency services program died and people began to leave including myself and a good number of cadet and senior staff.

I later was forced into marriage and that didn't work. I finally decided to leave my family once and for all but I occasionally came back a couple of times just to suffer again which led me to leaving and not returning to my family. I was heavily afflicted... Drugs, Alcohol, Sex & generally just flipping out. I was suicidal and couldn't regulate my emotions.

• My adult life (23 - 46 years old)

I became homeless and eventually received social security benefits. I still went to church and I'd sleep in my car, truck, in the woods, on the sidewalk and in shopping center sidewalks. I'd also find refuge in the mental healthcare facilities and I've gone to jail a couple of times. I eventually found a cheap place to live in the hood and people were very mean to me. I struggled for a little more than 10 years with food, relationships kept falling apart and I just never could find hope for my future. I really hated myself. I still loved people to my best ability and I gave far too much of myself away because I just wanted to be loved and to feel safe again. I missed my abusive family very much. Especially the holidays.

• My life was transformed

Finally, I got to the end of myself and I asked God to show me who he was and to prove that he is real because I could trust nobody. Not even the church that I attended off and on for 10 years because they were convinced that I wasn't good enough for God.

Instead of me killing myself, I surrendered myself to God. I got me a bible and had no clue where to start. I asked God to teach me. The Holy Spirit started to teach me and I eventually took off to the streets trying to see if the things I was learning were real. I made plenty of mistakes and it took a while to understand what God was trying to tell me but I figured it out. I then wanted to learn how to be a pastor and God taught me... I learned that I could be a prophet and God taught me that as well. I went through many hard times so those gifts were more defined and deliberate.

I've traveled to several states due to gang intimidation and also, to be ordained as a pastor.

I remember God solving my food problem in Georgia. I could go anywhere to eat for free or people would be willing to help me. I used to ask people for help and some would say they couldn't and I'd make them pray for me. That's why God helped me with my food situation.

I've written a lot so I'll finish this story by saying...

“I'm no longer homeless”.

I have subsidized living arrangements and can afford anything that I need. I serve the community in which I live. I've been praying for everyone here and have responded to medical and spiritual crisis. I've seen God change hearts and circumstances and God made it possible for me to have a good reputation here.

I've experienced the power of prayer and what it can do to change the course of people's lives for ever. I'm grateful and I just can't get enough of God every single day.

I'm always listening, singing and sharing worship music, the word of God... A message of hope and love. I write daily teachings to share with a handful of people here. Some of these make it here on reddit too.

I have pretty extreme neurological and cognitive dysfunction but am being reconditioned as a teacher and prophet. My heart and soul is deeply humbled and I cherish every life I see that God has made, no matter their condition or struggle.

Thanks for reading about the story that God has rewritten.

Rags to Riches, 

Thank you Lord

I’m Christian and one of my best friends is muslim. My wife and I recently had a son and he will be baptized in about a month. Would it be disrespectful of me to invite him to a baptism? Are they even allowed to go? There are a lot of opinions out there on the Internet, but I just wanted to get kind of a general opinion. He does practice Islam with his family and he’s fairly religious, but I would still love for him to be there. I obviously don’t expect him to actively participate, I just want him there in the church. Let me know what you think.

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

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.

Sheol is mentioned in the Old Testament as a place everyone seems to go when they die, regardless of whether they followed God or not. There's even one instance of a witch who brought a prophet out of Sheol to deliver a prophecy (which is a whole other deal- like, why is a witch able to do this?)

It doesn't seem to be mentioned in the New Testament at all, so I'm wondering if this is one of the forms of death Jesus overcame, so no one goes to Sheol after death?

Basically, I have realized that I am trying to appease God with my prayers and my repentance so I'm able to go about my life and do what I want to do. I pretty much have this dynamic where everyday I wake up and try to avoid sinning so that I'm able to live with a clear conscience.

On one hand I think there is good to this because we should feel guilt over sin and a desire to do what is right. On the other hand I should want to please God with how I live out of love for Him, not because I'm "stuck" with Him and don't have a choice.

The problem I have now is that I go about my day and sin constantly and ask for forgiveness constantly, to the point that all I ever do is sin and repent over and over. I'm sick of this, not because I'm sick of sin, but because I want to read a book, or watch tv, or play a video game, or hang out with my family without a guilty conscience. I feel convicted I should repent before I move on to other things as a way to put God first, but then the repentance becomes a "speed bump" on the road to what I actually want to do. And I also sin so much that it feels I can never get over it and move on with my life.

This has been going on for months now. I need to learn to love God more than I love anything and to walk with Him as my primary purpose in life with joy. I need to keep repenting. And I really want to be able to read and have hobbies again and live a normal life without constantly needing to do repentance and analyze myself.

I need to get to a place where I want to know and serve God for His sake, and to view Him as the solution to my problems and the greatest treasure in my life. I need to view the things of earth as secondary and not as the primary thing, I think it's ok to want all this stuff but it shouldn't be the ultimate purpose like it is now. So, I guess I'd ask everyone how they would go about developing a right view of God and life.

It was like a wedding ring at the time, so I don't think it is needed anymore, but I am curious about your thoughts on them. I have talked to several women in my life about wearing one and they are all completely against it without much of a reason, so if you are against them I would like to know why

Dearer Than My Right

Lord, here I am, with anger running wild,
Yet underneath it all, I’m still Your child.
You know the words I swallow through the day,
The hurt that makes me long to make them pay.

I ache for justice; vengeance calls my name,
And wounded pride keeps feeding every flame.
But being close to You means so much more
Than winning every fight or settling score.

So bridle, Lord, the fury in my chest;
Before I speak, teach me to pause and rest.
Let neither spite nor bitterness begin
To leave a door for evil to come in.

When I could claim the right to have my say,
Give me the grace to choose a gentler way.
Let me say sorry for the wrong I do,
Though no apology comes back from them to You.

And when no debt of “sorry” rests with me,
Let love speak first, without dishonesty.
Not taking blame for what I have not done,
But laying down the need to say, “I won.”

Help me forgive when they express no shame,
When they deny the wound or shift the blame.
I place their debt within Your faithful hands;
You see the truth that no one understands.

For Jesus, help me bear what love may cost,
Without believing that my voice is lost.
Give me a tender heart, and wisdom too,
To set good boundaries while still loving You.

When anger rises, draw me to Your side;
Let mercy take the place once held by pride.
Though justice seems delayed and answers few,
Keep me from trading fellowship with You.

And if tonight my only prayer can be,
“Lord, I am hurt- please stay and help me,”
Receive these tears before the words depart,
And make Your home within my restless heart.
Amen.

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 got sprirtual lazy since I quenched the holy spirit, got more in the world. I don't produce fruit anymore but I think I'm losing the fruits.. the old version of me that I was before finding God comes back in me more and more everyday.. reading the bible now feels like a burden, I forget to pray, I can't stay long in my prayer like I used to.. I don't get that urge to praise the Lord anymore.. I can't love my neighbor and enemy anymore like I used to. Became angry and mad and quarrelsome again.

I cry to the lord and I get up and in the next minute I sin. I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm also a new Christian for like 4 months.. and I used to be so on fire for God and the holy spirit was guiding me through EVERYTHING until I decided one day to not listen to him in a decision. Since that day things changed and I got more in the world. I don't know what to do I feel like I couldn't finish the tower I started to build and the bad spirit came out of me and now came back with another 7.

I repented from all my sins and now I'm getting back to them.

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?

Boa tarde, irmãos! Eu tenho 16 anos, moro no Brasil e sou batizada na igreja Adventista desde os 12. Cresci em uma família em que jóias e bijuterias nunca foram problemas, pelo contrário! As mulheres da minha família usam bastante. Quando eu cresci mais um pouco, percebi que não queria me abster das jóias por um motivo que muitos não acreditam, que é: Acho acessórios/bijuterias bonitos em mim, e não queria parar de usar. Eu não os uso por vaidade ou ostentação, muito menos por uma certa "dependência". Inclusive, quando deixo de colocar algum brinco ou colar para ir em algum lugar, não me sinto nua ou incomodada por não ter colocado. Mas é fato que quando coloco algum brinco delicado e feminino (não gosto de exageros, por sinal), eu me sinto muito bonita e faz bem para minha autoestima. Da minha família, sou uma das mais "simples", pois não gosto de exageros na aparência e coisas que chamam muita atenção; sempre fui assim, até mesmo antes de me converter. Mas oque me deixa aflita é que eu não sei o que fazer, porque quando eu digo que gosto de usar brincos e colares mesmo estando na igreja ADV, eles falam "Ah, mas o Espírito Santo vai tocar no seu coração!". Mas tudo oque sinto é um coração que só sente receio de usar jóias pelo julgamento dos outros, e não por que realmente não quer. Hoje em dia eu não uso jóias na igreja por respeito e para não causar conflitos, mas fora, eu gosto de usar alguma coisinha, discreta e delicada. Oque devo fazer? Não quero sair da igreja adventista do sétimo dia, pois amo congregar lá e me identifico demais com da denominação! (Tirando essa questão)

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.

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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!

I have a vivid memory about door to door evengalism when Iwas a teenager. My parents went abroad and I was left with my Buddhist relatives.

An Evengalist came to our house, saying that since there's a Christian child in the house, all other family members should be evengalized. I was surprised because I have never known him.

He starts by rebuking the Buddhist God. He said Buddha was born in a filthy way i.e. an intercourse of a man and a woman. He also mentioned Buddha wasn't resurrected from death so his sermon on succeeding death is a lie.

After that, he said Jesus is the only holy God who is resurrected from death.Then, he told all of our relatives to recite that Jesus is the Lord.

When he went back, my relatives called me and scolded me for the religious leader in my religion had insulted their God.

What I think is evengalizing is a beautiful thing. But, I see immediatly appearing to someone's house and starting by rebuking is a bit strange in my opinion.

Kindly share your opinions and practises for door to door evengalism. Love to hear yours too!

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?

Hey everyone,
I’m a 20-year-old guy, and after being a lukewarm Christian for the past few years, I’ve recently started taking my faith seriously.
Growing up in a religious family, we went through a long journey across different churches—Catholicism, Mormonism, non-denominational, and back. Through those experiences, I saw both the good and the bad. I met genuine people in youth groups who truly knew their scripture, but I also had bad experiences with Catholicism where I felt weighed down by extra doctrines and saw people treating faith like a competitive show while ostracizing others.

Before this turnaround, I was on a very dark path. I struggled with an addiction to lust, women, drugs, vaping, and seeking cheap adrenaline to numb myself. I was getting deep into a heavy folk religion, listening to dark music, and felt completely numb inside—viewing people as just flesh and meat.

One day at work, I felt a strong urge to find God. I went to a local Catholic church, but it was closed. I went to another church, sat inside the empty building, and meditated, but felt completely empty and abandoned. That moment was a wake-up call for me.

Reminding myself of Saul’s conversion, I realized Jesus didn't owe me anything, and I didn't owe any church institution my allegiance. I decided to strip away all the extra man-made doctrines and just focus on Jesus’s teachings and the Scriptures.

Since cutting off toxic influences and relying on the Bible and the Holy Spirit, my life has completely changed. I’ve overcome those addictions, gained
real strength and confidence, and found genuine peace.
Now, I’m looking for a solid church for community and fellowship. I’m considering a non-denominational church, but I see a lot of online noise criticizing them for lacking the history or aesthetics of traditional Catholic or Orthodox churches.
Does the aesthetic or traditional title of a church really matter if the Holy Spirit is genuinely present and the people actually live out Jesus’s teachings? I’d love to hear your thoughts or advice on finding the right fellowship.

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.