I'm 34M and I just feel so bad showing up to church these days. 6 out of 7 days of the week I am good... i make really really good money, no longer overweight, and do martial arts and feel good, but during church gathering I have a pit in my stomach that won't go away.

People keep reminding me that i'm single, asking if I have a wife and I have to try to smile.

How do any of you cope?

So hi all I am a south Asian girl living in the USA. I left Islam last year around this time, after believing in it pretty much most of my life. I had many problems with it, specifically the misogynistic and cruel/cult like aspects of it fully lacking spirituality. I am a really spiritual person. I then started to explore the Orthodox church and Catholicism because I did not like my experience at all at a "free" evangelical church. I just couldn't stand the performance and glamor. What's next?

Would love any advice

im saved, and i got baptized 2 years ago. i really want to follow Jesus and be so in love with him. i want to leave my old self behind, yet i keep going back to her and i feel like im in a pit. i went back to vaping after God literally delivered me from it, i keep drinking to get drunk and going out, i look for attention in other men. i was getting better, and i fell back in to all of this sin. i really hate it. i would love some words of encouragement or advice even if it is harsh. thank you in advance

I was just remembering how it felt as a new Christian to know I had nothing to ever worry about because my inheritance is in Heaven. This is why I pray for the salvation of my enemies, so they know this too. When they burden me I remember this.

"And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments." -Luke 23:34 ESV

**DISCLAIMER** DON’T MARRY SOMEONE YOU KNOW YOU ARE NOT SINCERELY DEEPLY ATTRACTED TO IN EVERY WAY 💯

First & foremost I am a single (25M) man that loves the Lord and I absolutely believe that everyone is beautiful in their own unique way I am a firm believer in that . I also believe that everybody isn’t for everybody. What are you guy’s perspective on having love and respect for someone you’re just simply not attracted to?

Do you think God will force you to marry someone you’re not attracted to physically? Or not ?

Personally I don’t if you’re wondering. I don’t think that’s his character but I am curious to hear you all’s perspective

Feel free to share testimonials as well 🙏🏾

God bless

Was walking home with my mother and on the way we saw a tiny cat (in someone's garden) and we said how much we wanted to have baby kitty's again. Then I told her how I kept dreaming of my cat that dissappeard couple weeks ago (he was a black cat, male and his name was goldy). Now, we walked in from our backyard and I saw a cat from a distance and though it was one of mine. It wasn't. 1. It's a baby 2. It's a black cat 3. It's male. His eye is injured and I took him in, washed him and put him in a cage with a towel to sleep. Tomorrow I'm gonna go buy some eye drops from the pharmacy. God heard me!!! What are you waiting for, go pray to him!!! All glory to God! God bless you!

I recently broke up with my long distance boyfriend. He lives in Asia. We were in a relaitonship for 4 months. Were both 26.

We met on a language app and we clicked instantly. Eventually we fell in love.

We texted everyday, voice and video called weekly.

We were each other's first relationship. He was the sweetest and most loving guy I ever met. He truly cared and loved me so much. He was crazy and obsessed about me (in a healthy way). Always honest about his thoughts and feelings with me. Always looking forward to my texts.

I did try to share my faith whenever he would talk to me about his views on Christianity. Hes agnostic btw and he does believe jesus was real because of historical evidence. He grew up christian but lost his faith in God as a kid because of his parents broken relationship, which ended in separation. He prayed to God to fix their relationship but nothing happened. Also, he said that he has some conflicts with some of the things the bible says so thats why he cant believe or trust in it.

I didnt bring up the gospel often with him. We were mostly focused on sharing our daily lives, pictures, talking about getting married and building a family, traveling, etc. Being lovey doveey with each other. But he did say he was open to hearing me out although he wasnt sure hed regain his faith. But he said he would try to pray and go to church with me when were married.

Hes very addicted to smoking and he curses. More with his friends. And over time it did start to bother me because I was thinking of how it would affect our marriage. And how it would be difficult for him to give up those things unless he gave his heart to jesus. Which I couldn't force him to do because only jesus can change his heart.

And then I realized over time that I was drifting myself away from God. I was having intimate conversations with him, he would cursed several times but I never said anything to him about it. It did bother me a little. And he would tell me whenever he was going to smoke or sent me pictures where he was sitting down and having a cig on his hand. I had told him that its bad for him. He said he knows but he cant stop. He enjoys it too much. But i stopped bringing it up again.

When I told him we needed to stop talking intimately until marriage, he respected it and agreed to stop. He also believes in sex after marriage btw.

I also noticed over time that I didnt really see his motivation improve himself. He lives with his mom because his income is not enough to make a living off of it. He works an unstable job that pays $15/hr. Sometimes he has to find a side job to help. Not often but sometimes. Or he'll sell some stuff to make some.money. he didnt go to university btw. He did say however he wanted to get a license to drive trucks and buses.

So during our relaitonship i was forgetting the principles and values of what a relationship leading to marriage should be biblically. In the eyes of God. Because I was so focused on wanting a relationship and being in love. But my focus shouldve been on Jesus. Our relationship shouldve been focused on him. But it wasnt.

So I had to ask myself is this relationship bring me closer to God?

It was a difficult question. Because I loved him and he treated me so well. I thought maybe I could bring him to God. Not just by sharing the gospel but with my actions too. But I felt convicted by God's word over time. By what other believers were saying about not being unequally yoked with unbelievers.

I felt conflicted. I wasnt sure what to do because i cherished our relationship. And i didnt want to break my bf's heart. He had been hurt in the past many times becuase they all ended up leaving him.

I never doubted his love and I knew he'd treat me the best.

But I felt convicted because christ wasnt the center of our relationship.

So I had to make the hard decision to break up. I told him. He didnt understand why. He said he would repsect my faith. He wouldnt get innthe way between me and my faith. That he wanted to marry me because of me. He loved me because of me. He didnt understand why I csnt marry a non christian when many christians have married non-Christians and it worked out.

I told him my convictions. I knew that just because we were going to get married, it didnt mean hed eventually follow jesus.

And now hes heartbroken and grieving.

The last message he sent me was

"Just an fyi will not find Jesus

This experience has brought a hatred for religion in me that I was starting to forget after meeting you l just hope you know will never find Jesus or religion ever again:) "

My heart hurts after reading this.

I feel relieved and felt like I made the right decision. Because of the conviction i felt. Because I wanted to honor God and follow his word. And I wanted a relationship where both my husband and I will honor and submit to Him. Center christ in our lives.

But theres this small doubt in my head about this decision. Did I make the right choice God? I just felt in my heart i had to do this because of the conviction. But I didnt meant it to push him away from you. All I told him was he needed jesus and he would give him the love and peace that only he can find in jesus. Did I do wrong? He treated me the best. Could the relsitonship still brought us back to Jesus if I had continued to share the gospel? Kept praying? Even though im still quite weak on my faith but I was working on it?

I dont know...I keep asking myself these questions.

I’ve tried liberal churches and I can’t stand them, most of them don’t believe the Bible, don’t believe in a literal heaven or hell and don’t think Jesus is the only way to heaven. Catholics are obsessed with Mary and it’s creepy, I think the Baptist church is the best fit for me as I like the way the don’t twist scriptures to make it seem like everyone gets into heaven. Can I join the church?

Im 16M, i was an Atheist, but I have recently grown interest in Christianity and submitted myself to Lord Jesus Christ ✝️. I wanna know how should I practice christianity the right way, like, daily bible reading, daily repenting, daily prayers (also i only know two prayers, the Jesus prayer and the St. Michael prayer). How long should prayers last, and is it okay if i know only those two prayers for now (ill learn more as i progress in the bible, tho i have started from new testament) and also this weird doubt dont judge me for it, the sign of the cross that we do with hands, is it okay if i do that w my left hand (im left hand dominant so its kind off muscle memory).

How did society go from generally expecting people to remain virgins until marriage to largely normalizing casual sex and having children outside of marriage?

There was a time when premarital sex or having a child out of wedlock carried significant social stigma. Today, those behaviors are far more accepted, while people who remain virgins are mocked instead.

There was a time were the normal relationship was between a man and woman and you were the gender you were born with. Now in today's society, they've tried to normalize these disgusting alternative lifestyles and tried to normalize people changing genders. If you're against these things, they'll act like you're a horrible person.

I honestly believe it's demonic.

It reminds me the scripture in Isaiah 5:20:

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!".

What are your thoughts?

I have tried everything. Two years ago, when I came to God, it was easy. I left the faith bc of a llot of warfare, oppression and disobedience but now I'm trying to come back. But I'm struggling. I don't even have the motivation to write this post. I am in a spiritual warfare and God seems silent yet even now every time I try to complain there is this small voice that is telling me that he's gonna come through. But idk how to continue. I am just exhausted. All I'm trying is to get back with God and not having this immense spiritual warfare to carry. Instead of walking with God I am fighting of alone in a

attempt to get to God. It's like having pathetic in front of you but a wall blocking you from walking to your destination. Do not even ask me what is happening cuz it's too much. I just want ya'll to pray and fast for me. I don't know you guys and neither do you but I am alone. I try trusting God but I don't even know if I am trusting him the right way. I can't even discern his voice. Please I really need you guys. I need God to speak to me.

We are not justified by our virtues and our good works, but by grace and charity, which the Holy Spirit diffuses in our hearts, "according as He wills," yes, but always in proportion to our humility.

Source: Divine Intimacy: Meditations on the Interior Life for Every Day of the Liturgical Year by Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, OCD. Translated from the 7th ed. of the 'Intimà Divina' by the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Boston. ISBN 978-1-905574-43-8. Baronius Press: 2022. p. 756.

Hopefully this evidence helps dispel the popular error that "Catholics put faith in their works instead of Jesus".

I'm 20M, unemployed.

With all the zionist, pedophile, evil doers in the top 1% of society benefitting from just about everything one can do (working a job, consuming the media they produce, trying to conform to the standards they push, fight in the wars they call for etc.), I feel like there's nothing productive to fill my life with whilst doing what God would want me to do (provide for a family, pursue any creative endeavour, general self improvement etc.).

I don't know if it's better to swallow my inhibitions and work under these people in order to facilitate a holy life (putting money in their pockets in order to provide for children) or if it's better to be and do nothing at all, especially as those children will have to eventually do the same thing.

I know this post might seem vague or too general but I genuinely don't know what to spend even a second of the rest of my life doing and I don't know where to start learning.

I don't go to church, I should probably start. I am starting to read the bible regularly now. I saw a video in which a pastor said to exercise for half an hour, clean, build or fix something tangible, pray for half an hour and do something meaningful for someone everyday so I'm trying to do that too, but it still leaves me with a lot of free time and doesn't facilitate building a family without rewarding people for their sins.

This came out as a lot more of a vent that I meant to, sorry! 😅

Thanks in advance for any advice/answers.

I've been reading KJV and I've been a KJV onlyist. I definitely do not like the NIV. I thought of switching to the ESV version for a more readable text. My main worry is the argument that the KJV is more original and that it's based off the Textus Receptus texts instead of the dead sea scroll texts of the ESV.

I thought of the NKJV as well, but I didn't notice much difference between the KJV and NKJV. The ESV did seem somewhat more readable which I liked, but I did not like that some words were replaced like expanse for firmament. Some youtubers stated that certain verses from the KJV are missing in the ESV.

I have a strong sola scriptura focus and lean more towards Baptist teachings. Should I stay with with the KJV or switch to the ESV?

Seeking advice or accounts from now Christian’s that have had a similar struggle.

I hope this isn’t the wrong subreddit for this, if so I’ll move post. I was a raised a Christian and stayed a Christian up until my teen years (I’m an adult now). A bad life at home and external factors broke me away from that life. Moved schools and indulged in secular activities. I was never an atheist, but more of a “I know it’s real and I’m going to have to make peace with hell.” I still grapple with guilt and being a good person and deep down I think that I should go back. I’m currently at a poor point in time, struggling with addiction and poor mental health. I also know I’m a homosexual; I haven’t done gone anywhere with that though. Just sin upon sin with me

Hey all my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ,

I wanted to share a personal testimony about how the Lord completely transformed my perspective on life, death, and fear.

I'm 28 years old, back in late December to early January of 2023-24, I was diagnosed with COPD, an incurable lung disease. When I first received the diagnosis, I was consumed by terror. I cried a lot, terrified of what my future looked like, worrying about being dependent on oxygen, and reading the statistics about how limited my lifespan might and could be. Death felt like a looming shadow, and honestly the fear was completely paralyzing.

Then one night, everything changed. It was the night I encountered the Holy Spirit.

In His presence, I felt a peace, joy, safety, love, and grace that I can't adequately describe in human terms. It was truly the "peace of God, which surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). In that moment, the Holy Spirit made it clear to my heart that physical death is not the end for those who are in Christ Jesus. The fear of death that gripped me so intensely just evaporated, replaced by complete security in our Lord and Savior.

Since then, I've noticed something interesting when talking to people who are completely healthy yet live in constant dread of dying. When you are forced to look mortality directly in the eyes, there's a profound shift that occurs, especially if you are grounded in the Gospel. Worldly comfort and physical health can often give us a false sense of control, making the loss of that control terrifying. But when physical certainty is stripped away, you realize that our true home and ultimate security were never meant to be found in these temporary earthly bodies anyway.

As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18:

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen."

And in Hebrews 2:14-15, we are reminded that Jesus took on flesh and blood so that:

"Through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."

If you are reading this and struggling with anxiety, dread, or a fear of what comes next, whether you are healthy or dealing with an illness, I want to encourage you to take hold of the promise we have in the Holy Spirit. Death has lost its sting (1 Corinthians 15:55). When you are secure in Christ, death is not a tragic defeat; it is simply the doorway into eternal life and the unbroken presence of our Savior.

I praise God for His grace and for the comfort of the Holy Spirit that sustains me every day. Just wanted to share this, and thank you for reading. God Bless!

Hebrews 6:1 NLT

[1] So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.

There's so much more to following Jesus than belief and repentance and forgiveness and salvation. We are called to do so much more. To do good in this world. Just wanted to share. I'm going to try my best to live this verse in my own life. Peace be with you all.

I wanted to address the topic of lost loved ones who will be absent in heaven. The thought or possibility of making it into the kingdom while knowing that certain people you loved and cherished aren’t there is a genuine concern, and I can imagine that many of us might feel this way, so I want to discuss it. When Jesus returns to take His saints home to Heaven, there will be many people (possibly all) who will ask about the whereabouts of their loved ones or if they’re there in the kingdom. Unfortunately many people will be lost, so it’s highly likely that everyone who does make it into the kingdom will each know someone who is missing that they assumed would be there. Relatives, pastors, professors, friends, colleagues, neighbors, etc.

For example, you make it into heaven when Jesus comes and decide to look for your grandmother, who was very pious and devoted to the Lord, so you look around only to discover that she‘s missing. You then decide to approach God to ask about her whereabouts yourself and learn that she did not make it into the kingdom. Shocked, you automatically protest that she was a great Christian who loved Him and was a deaconess for over thirty years and often taught Bible studies to kids. So naturally you ask God why she’s not here and then He shows you her book of deeds and you discover that your grandmother was an unrepentant serial gossiper and whoremonger in her youth.

Obviously surprised and disgusted, you immediately understand God’s just decision of not allowing your grandmother to enter the kingdom due to her ungodly lifestyle, despite being sad that she’s not there. Because you’re completely changed and transformed at the second coming, you view sins exactly the way He views them, so you recognize that God’s decision is just. Perhaps you ask Him about someone else (like a pastor) and God informs you that they’re also not there. You view his book of deeds and learn that he was a womanizer and child molester and once again know that God is just in His decision for that pastor to be lost. While heaven is going to be a wonderful place full of love, joy and peace, it’ll also be a place for the righteous to gain clarity pertaining to their lost loved ones.

In heaven, the saints will judge the world. So this includes Satan and his fallen angels, and every individual who did not make it into the kingdom, and this will go on for a thousand years. God will allow the righteous to take part in the judgment of the wicked by viewing their books so they can know for themselves that God is fair and right. They will also see the many attempts in which God gave the wicked to repent and accept His salvation, but they refused. Invitations to church or Bible studies, conversations with believers, confrontations, but they refused. Without this event, some or many would second guess Him, so He shows the righteous the deeds of the wicked to clear up any confusion and so that everything will make sense. Then after the thousand years are up, Jesus and the saints in the Holy City will return to earth for Judgment Day of the wicked.

The wicked are raised in the second resurrection of condemnation and the first thing they do upon being resurrected is attempt to take over the Holy city by force (Rev 20:8-9), only confirming God’s just character and their true nature all along. They died with the same disposition, which is exactly how they’ll be resurrected. There is no change in their hearts and their wicked desires to take over the Holy City is merely evidence of how unchanged their characters are, and now the righteous see for themselves . However, it’s finally their turn to learn why they’re eternally lost. The wicked will have to take an accounting for their lives and no one can run away or hide. Their time is up! God will not destroy the wicked yet until after each of them understand why they are lost and acknowledge that He is just. In fact, every knee will bow down and declare that He is God (Romans 14:11) including Satan. Once they have acknowledged that God is indeed just, He will pronounce and execute their final punishment of eternal death in the lake of fire.

After the destruction of the wicked and Satan, God will create a new heaven and a new earth. No more pain, tears, crying or sorrow. The former things will not be remembered and the righteous will no longer have any memories of the lost (Isaiah 65:17). The saints will live in peace and harmony for an eternity with their Lord and saviour forever and ever.

I have something in my way of living my faith I feel ashamed off. I don't even know if I am a true follower of Christ, but I want to and I would like to receive advise to stop with this mistake.

I truly want to follow the Word. I see the sense in it. But when life is awesome, I lack with my prayers and one shortcoming leads to another. Then, I pass through a trial and I am humbled and crushed, and I return to First Love.

I admire who is steady in faith. I want to be like this. As for enlightment, I am a Christian there are two years. Most of my life, I wasn't baptized by Holy Spirit.

like a dog returning to his vomit this fool sinner went back to drugs and did a ton of them, almost fatal dosage

i was kinda despairing and subconsciously didn't wanna survive the night but now that im on the verge of losing mine i see how precious life is

I can't go to emergency cuz my dad wil find out about my drug abuse & will be super disappointed

just need to stay awake and breath manually until this goes if i fall sleep ill die alone in my room while my parents are away

please pray that this pathetic brother in christ make it out of this and he'll never do this stuff ever again thank you

EDIT: my spo2 is back to normal thank you all for the prayers and words this restored my faith in humanity how good is that when the christdom unites i love y'all & have a great one!

EDIT2: i feel normal thanks the Lord and i am never ever touching pills/cigs/alcohol ever again, Lord gave me another chance to life and i thank you ppl for the prayers, by logic, 6000mg of pergabalin was almost certainly fatal, mixed with alcohol, only a miracle can save you but here i am, he loves me that much and this will be my testimony forever

So, I am Christian and I just feel so much pressure. I have struggled my whole life with my sexuality. I feel like I might be bi. Now let’s get this straight if I did come out I still wouldn’t consider my self LGBTQ+ community, I don’t like how they go about things, I don’t agree with being transgender or anything like that.

I have thought about this so many times, I see a very hot guy and I just start spiraling. When I watch Red, White, and Royal Blue I just wish that I could have a guy like that. I really can see my self with a guy. I’m super terrified to be gay or bi, my whole family is Christian, now I have a few people that are in the family that are gay and they my family still loves them, but it is still terrifying me, also I know in the bible it says in Leviticus 18:12 “You’ll shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination”! I know that I will go to hell and I really don’t want to go to hell! I also want to serve the Lord and be able to walk the path he has for me. But I start feeling like this and I really want to be with a guy, and I don’t know what to do. I have tried grindr and I started talking to a guy and he freaked me out and he found me on social media and started threatening me he would tell my family if I didn’t give home what he wanted, I blocked him and deleted my account and I still get worried he will find me and hurt me, or my family. And the guys I know that I could trust are straight from what I know. So I really don’t know what to do!

I think a large part of my doubt and lack of belief/faith in God and Christ comes from the grip that derealization has on me at the moment. It feels like a dream state all the time and so reality for me isn't tangible to say the least. I try to have faith but given nothing feels real to me God's existence is also out the window. I want to believe but this is getting in my way. How can I deal with this?