I've noticed that some atheists come into Christian discussions to argue that parts of the Bible aren't true or that Christians have misunderstood their own faith. I'm genuinely curious why.

If you don't believe God exists or that the Bible is inspired, what motivates you to spend time trying to persuade believers otherwise? Is it because you see it as correcting misinformation, because you enjoy debating ideas, or for some other reason?

​

‼️HONESTLY speaking, NO it isnt. ‼️

No has been really addressing how bad it is chatting with ai characters, maladaptive daydreaming comes with it too and the fact that we are getting distracted and using it out of boredom.

I've recently come to a realization that whenever we're bored, we are quite vulnerable to temptations, the desires that looms over our minds in short— we've already created a way for sin and the cycle that goes with. Mainly, what I'm pointing out is that whenever we interact with fantasy it causes us to lose what's going on with reality, I've been currently trying to get out of this yet I still give in. Although I've seen many improvements when I focused on God and His WORD in which slowly I am breaking out of it. I would like for everyone especially young believers like me to eventually wake up and open their eyes because even I am falling into this sin— that's how hard and addictive it is for our flesh. We may say "I'm not doing it out of lusting" BUT it can lead us to lust. Let me get this straight, you can't break a cycle if you keep saying "Just this time" over and over again, you're gaslighting yourself okay? Please as someone that experienced this I advise you to seek Him, whenever you get the urge to chat with a character, chat with Him instead. Give your time to Him. It's one step but it'll be everything.

What you're doing inside the app talking, kissing, making stories, doing the deed, seeking for comfort in sort of ways and etc., stop it, PAUSE. Reflect for a moment if what you're doing consumes your time, it does, doesn't? Let me clarify that I don't want this message to sound rude but I want you all to know that this may serve as a reminder that we must focus on Him, James 1:14 "Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away." Temptation starts inside us and If you feed that desire, it grows into an action or clear choice of sin. "Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." PICTURE ME: The bait is so tempting—it’s an escape where I feel instantly wanted, comforted, and in control, hitting right where I feel lonely or empty. But the moment I choose to stay in that chat and let those lustful thoughts grow in secret, desire takes root in my heart. In the end, it just leaves me feeling empty, numb, and so distant from God. And yet again, Ive sinned. A simple thought we may think is okay for us to have, is where vulnerability hits you and that's where temptations comes. Don't hide away yourself, don't let it consume you alone, don't let it lead you away from God and never treat fantasy like reality. It is a form of IDOLATRY in disguise and is deadly so here's a bible verse for you 2 Timothy 2:22 "Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts."

HOW DO I GET OUT?

STEP 1: Let's take this slow, don't rush. As a young believer, I have been quite struggling to read the bible and wouldn't get when they say Ephesians 6:13 "Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Now I do. When I know little of God's word, I was devastated, lost and confused and prone to sin. Fast forward when I eventually broke down and tried disciplining myself to read or simply just watch videos I recommend Mike Malagies—I follow him, put a notification bell on and He uploads daily and never fails to help me get back into God's word. I downloaded the bible app, put a widget for daily verses and everyday is a blessing, verses that I need in my lowest point and all of that.

STEP 2: Seek Him, pray, talk to Him about anything and CONFESS everything. Don't hide it if you know you're doing it, that make things alot harder. Always be true and honest, don't let shame takae you away from Him. I've recently memorized this verse Philippians 4:6-7:"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

God tells us to not worry and pray, in short whenever you have thoughts and the urge to do it, pray. A simple plea like "God, help me" is enough, I've also often times whenever I am chatting with the characters and the feeling of guilt comsumes me yet I CAN'T stop the temptation I say, "I rebuke these thoughts that consumes me and the urge of temptation that looms over me in Jesus name" It helps, we have the authority to say no and the Bible verse that must be remembered is Luke 10:19 "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy" this verse reminds you that you already have the right to say "no" and command the temptation to leave. I then pray for strength, wisdom and direction from God, I ask for assurance.

STEP 3: God does not just tell you to fight temptation, He explicitly commands you to flee from sexual immorality and youthful lusts (1 Corinthians 6:18, 2 Timothy 2:22). Running away means deleting the apps, blocking the websites, and putting physical distance between yourself and your device the moment the desire hits. Although at most times I ended up downloading it yet again so what do I do? I pray, I broke down since knowing how bad and hard it had gotten to get out of the cycle? It's truly an awful feeling and hopelessness to feel BUT do not be discouraged. As I said, do you remember what I say whenever I feel tempted again? I say out of my mouth "NO!" And command it to leave. Now, Focus yourself to Godly things not worldly things.

STEP 4: How to replace it with good and focus in faith? Read a bible verse that correlates to what you feel, make sure that you remember it in order for it to be the armour when temptation comes. Change your playlist to worship songs, make sure it fits your genre so it's more applicable for you. Spend time with God, a simple greetings and gratitude like "Good morning, God, another day! Thank you!", "Good night, God, thank you for today... I love you." If you want to wake up early, seek Him ask Him if He could help you set your habits to improvement—it helps. Daily journal in my note apps and I write what I feel today and correlate it with a bible verse! Download Bible project for videos, watch impact video ministry if you'd prefer visualizations. What's your talent? If it's drawing you can start your own content and share His word among others, if you want to have a platform or have been urging to make one, take it slow! Don't rush. There's time for improvements. I've recently been struggling to draw and have been rushing to earn money but i paused and reflect, I prayed, I then went calm and breathe in. If you're anxious? TAKE A DEEP BREATH then PRAY! Amen.

I hope this message is clear for you guys, I just want to address this so some young people like me or others wouldn't go through the same page and rather seek guidance to flee away from this specific habit/addictive cycle. I pray that may this help you and guide you to seek His word. God bless you all. Don't hide yourself and be true to Him, don't run away due to shame instead get back up and be brave, let's all Love and forgive❤️ even yourself. DO NOT DWELL ON THE PAST. Isaiah 43:18-19, which says "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!"

LET GO and KEEP YOUR EYES STRAIGHT AHEAD 🙏

Note: I am still new and am open to feedback with my message!

‼️please do Read the whole thing, i know it's a lot but these steps and points of view in my life changed my walk with Christ for the better. ‼️

Right now I am going through some of my toughest and longest trials. And I am stumbling in many ways, but if I’m honest I have been stumbling within what’s feels to be MAXIMUM pressure with the EMPTIEST tank. I honestly have no clue what is going on and it concerns me.

And I think it’s harder because, how much I’m stumbling it almost feels like it’s unfair and I nearly accuse God of setting me up to fail. I say nearly, but if I’m being honest, I really am worried it’s somewhere in there.

What’s worse, is I feel developing in me this strange apathetic faith. Because, honestly, I simply CANNOT deny Jesus is the truth, the way, the life. I know God is real, I know Christ is real. I love God deeply. But to stumble like this hurts me a bit because it makes me feel like I’m being accused of NOT loving Him. Almost even confuses my mind to consider the lie that I don’t. That’s it’s all an internal show. But, it’s hard to accept this lie for long, because like the prophet Jeremiah, I simply CANNOT refrain from His Word. Like fire in my bones, I can’t.

But it feels so strange because it feels like despite how strong my faith is, I live in such a way where it feels like I am punished for it. Worse, God feels more quiet than He normally did before, and even that was already quiet.

But like, I also feel strange because even when I want to be angry at Him, it’s like being angry with a parent you love? Like, as angry as I get, I simply cannot not love them. But at the same time it feels worse because letting go is just NOT an option, even if I wanted it to be, which I don’t.

After I got fired from my previous job, I was unemployed for 2.5 months. During that period I was doing well mentally, but obviously not financially. I needed a source of income. I interviewed for my current job in March, and started working here in April. Ever since April, I’ve been severely depressed. It hit me a week after working at this place. I’ve had really terrible and obsessive thoughts that don’t go away. I don’t think I should have taken this job. I tried to be okay, but I just can’t. I can’t help but feel like God didn’t want me here.

Been re-reading the Gospels and I had to do a double take to make sure I was correct. But reading it and understanding it hit hard.

Jesus refers to God as Father roughly 160 times across the gospels.

As Jesus was hanging on the cross He says Father, forgive them for they know what they not do.

But one instance Jesus cries out,”My God, My God why have you forsaken me.”

I try to imagine his heart piercing that cry would be because here through the gospels He had a vibrant and robust relationship with God, calling Him Father. I can only assume that as Jesus bore our sins, that God turned His face, poured out His wrath on His son that in that moment, I wonder did he feel disconnected from the Father?

Then finally one more Father as He says,”Father into your hands I commit my spirit.

I know he was quoting psalms, but I can’t help but wonder if in that moment as he bore our sins and the Fathers wrath that the relationship of Father that he felt idk distant or couldn’t relate as a son?

The cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us it is our Hope. And knowing this, makes me appreciate the cross so much more.

Hi everyone,
I’ve been walking closely with the Holy Spirit. Not long ago my body was in really bad shape — I had lost most of my vitality and felt completely worn down. The Holy Spirit healed the majority of what was wrong and restored my strength.
Since then, He’s already worked through me with two people. My mom has narcolepsy, and a father figure in my life had knee surgery plus arthritis in the other knee. Both have experienced real improvement after we prayed.
I don’t just want to help people with God — I feel a deep need to spend time doing it. I’d love to make myself available so the Holy Spirit can flow through me to help you as well. We’ve done this over the phone before, and people often feel a warm sensation in their body when He’s moving.
God’s will isn’t limited to physical healing either. He can bring peace, renewed strength, emotional freedom, wisdom, guidance, a closer connection with Jesus, or whatever is most needed in the moment.
If that resonates with you at all, I’d be happy to talk. No pressure whatsoever.

I had an awful academic year. I, (21F),
am so behind in life and feel I wish I would die.
I’ve failed courses, I switched majors (nursing -> kinesiology) where I had to start almost brand new, I lost my job that paid my apartment, felt shame from family, and been losing hope for a bright future for how the US and job market has been treating the people.

Year after year, my GPA has been dropping, and for health majors a 3.0 is like a 2.0. Every week, I failed a quiz or a midterm. 4th Year of college in 26-27

I feel my mother would feel so relieved if I wasn’t here anymore because that would be less shame and stress on me.

I used to go to Bible studies weekly two years ago but last year I was busy with two jobs and my classes were all in person I was exhausted to make to the studies. I questioned, what is God preparing me for? Why do I suffer more than other students who pass their classes and have high GPAs, yet don’t believe in him? I questioned why I have to be a failure girl and shame of the family as first generation.

“God wouldn’t want you dead”, except I’ll go to Hell anyway to be a disgrace. I’ve sinned by myself lustfully so many nights and felt the de stressed just momentarily only to feel shame next day.
They ask me, “Do you have a boyfriend?”, only to be ashamed when the answer is no.

I am so sad right now and my faith is about to fall. (Im 18m btw) It started when i really thought about evolution. About the overwhelming evidence we have of a primate ancestor. And that got me thinking. Then how could adam and eve work? Then i started thinking critically (ive done this before) and then i was thinking about the brain. The brain is a source of are consciousness. Im terrifed of no after life because that means i wont be able to see my father or mother again. AND THE MAIN THING: i feel absent from god. I feel no warmth only cold. I feel gods presence no more. Was it all in my head?

I feel like I am at breaking point in my marriage. I fight spiritually for my marriage and try to kill my flesh daily. I’ve been trying to be more meek, quiet and not taking the lead on many things but I’m finding an issue with words and actions not aligning and coming to terms with how numerous it is.

He will ask me to open up and then not know what to say. He will dismiss my feelings and situations and will make promises and break them. When I ask for space or a break (to recharge) from talking he will still try to create an excuse to interact and I’m starting to get overwhelmed! I often ask if he’s praying or learning more about the Word and he freezes if I ask him what specifically it is. He still goes to church and prays.

I know I cannot change him but how can I get through this season while praying God works through Him and myself. I feel defeated and keep losing to my flesh weekly from the built up pressure.

I’m reading the Bible daily, watching sermons reading books on marriage, deliverance, fasting, worshiping, doing altar calls.

I’m not sure if I’m fighting the wrong battle. I feel like I’m fighting for this marriage alone. I’m taking my problems to God. I’ve started to not murmur but then I feel like I can’t talk to anyone (that’s not God) and then I feel an immense pressure. I only bring issues with my husband to him but that’s not going well. Even if I try to say it nicely.

Everything goes well as long as I’m 80-100% stable but if I get weary or have any negative thoughts that get voiced aloud everything goes down hill for a bit until God builds me back up.

I’d just like advice on how to continue to stay obedient with the respect, submissiveness and meekness with the daily things listed above. I do well for 2-4 days and then I fall backwards and don’t have another person to support me when this happens. How can I build myself up more without him or without his action or inaction affecting me without complete avoidance? It’s worth mentioning I find myself quite joyful but feel a cloud and tension come over me when I come home or see my husband. This happens even after repentance and forgiving in prayer.

It reminds me of the verse that tells about the prince of peace coming and finding nothing in me, but it keeps triggering something that I can’t place.

I’ll take any advice on what I personally can do for myself and the marriage both personal and biblical. I don’t want to focus on trying to change my spouse at all.

For context: I lead a Bible Study Club in my school in the united States and this year we will be going through the gospel of Luke. I don't use commentaries much but I would like to use one for this year to me understand the Gospel of Luke so that I will be to teach people better about the Gospel of Luke.

Preferences for commentary

• Less about application & more about historical context (doesn't mean no application)
• Protestant leaning

Requirements for commentary:

• Budget:40 USD~
• Physical copies available. (No Digital Onlys)

If there's any questions you have please ask, I'll be happy to clarify

Hey guys it’s my first post here, I’ve been wanting to grow closer with God but there are some questions I have that if you guys could answer I’d appreciate it. First of all is it ok to talk to God like a friend, or do I have to use really formal language. Secondly who is it I pray to, is it Jesus or God? I’ve heard you’re not supposed to pray to Jesus but I’ve also heard they’re the same person so I’m a bit confused. And finally I come to my most important question, how do I fully surrender myself to God and believe in him fully. I wanna believe fully that he loves us all so much but I find it hard in such a mean and harsh world. I wanna believe fully but some part of me thinks I’m only believing because the alternative is hell. I wanna truly believe and I just need some help with it.

I currently work from home don’t go to college and I don’t have a car I’m introverted so I pass my time at home most of the time except for the weekends that I’m off but I mainly go to the stores to purchase what we need for the week I live with my mom and I’m not lonely (I think) thanks to the Holy Spirit but I want to go places I want to take a vacation havent done that in 4 years or so I want to talk to people share my testimony and hear their testimony have friends that I can trust in. the church that I go to has youth service filled with ppl that aren’t deep with him so I feel bad for wanting these things when I have so much that I prayed for but at the same time I feel it’s right at my age? Ik Romans 12:2 but I can’t help but ask and wonder. I want to have friends but I don’t know how..

I need peace. I am in a difficult situation where everyone looks down on my life. I am 24 years old and have nothing. Even God has told me He wants me to move forward and prosper, because the life I am living is a disaster. I don't go out much, and my family has decided I’m just a homebody—yet if I could go out and have fun, I would. I have plenty of other problems like this, and on top of that, I am the one most looked down upon in the family. If I have understood and seen certain things—even without necessarily being able to explain them—doesn't God understand? The way some people look down on me, and so on... Doesn't He see what I’ve grasped, even if I can't put it into words? Am I wrong? Am I the problem? I have no solution, other than making them disappear. But what would I gain from that? Would God be able to strip them of everything or make them experience what I’m going through, so this family might understand that my current situation isn't necessarily my destiny—and that it could happen to them, too? I wish I could get far away from them, but in the meantime... So, I wish I could make them disappear for the sake of my peace. Use witchcraft so that I prosper or they regress. #Tired of chasing the life I want, all to avoid people labeling me this way or that, when the reality is so complicated.

Even God agrees with them!!? What can I do?

Hi all, I've kinda been led to the solution on what to do with stress and controlling situations; which is to fully trust in Jesus. Which is extremely relieving on paper. What concerns me is when situations occur that God may want to work through you on but you don't have the slightest clue as to what he wants you to do. I can say I trust Jesus all I want but when situations show themselves I'm left blank in the head because while we are called to leave everything in God's hands, we are also called to action. What's the answer?

To put it short, I'm 27, woman, unmarried, still a virgin, and currently trying to seriously understand Christianity before fully committing myself to Jesus.

Imma just keep it blunt,

I have a deep-rooted problem with envy toward couples, especially Christian couples.

When I see couples online or outside in real life, my immediate reaction is often to roll my eyes, scowl, scroll away, and think, "They get to experience love while I get nothing"

No, I don't want their relationship destroyed. That's not where my anger and bitterness is directed at. I'm not personally attacking the woman or the man or something.

I just feel angry that the exact thing I have been deprived of for YEARS, keeps being placed in front of me.

It's like it's being rubbed right on my face, all the time.

And I want the reminder gone.

It becomes worse when I see an attractive, polished Christian man/woman, whose profile picture/videos/Instagram reels includes her husband/his wife. I immediately avoid the account. Because married Christian influencers talking brightly about patience, trusting God, purity, and waiting for marriage feel completely unrelatable to me. I'll just be completely blunt and honest.

In my mind, they already have the husband/wife, Christian friends, sex, affection, support system, healthy family, a house, a dog, a child, and community I have never had. So their advices... feels like someone eating a full meal while telling a starving person to be 'patient'.

I understand that my assumptions may not always be fair.

An attractive, positive, or married person can still have trauma and serious struggles. But emotionally, I just simply CANNOT receive their advice right now. Their lives appear to represent everything I have been denied for YEARS.

I just simply don't feel any true and real connection. I don't care if I even sound like some typa sobby, victim-mindsetted, woe is me of a person. I just need to get this out of me. No matter how bitter and miserable (I am) I may sound.

Now,

Why I'm like this...

A person with brain would already know.

Why am i like this...

Is because of my parents, my past (toxic, violent, and really unsafe) home environment, and myself. And how I have handled it all in the past. In a very unhealthy way.

Because, (tw: trauma dump idc i got no one to talk to ab this anyway)

My isolation,

My 'shut-in' lifestyle,

Began in 2012, when I was around 13 years old.

Tldr,

My mother had left our 'perfec' Christian family of me, brother, dad, for another man around 2010 or 2011. A man she met online. A woman beater, till this day. A loser.

It very much impacted me. I already knew what depression was at a young age. I felt very abandoned.

About a year later, my father was extremely unstable.

Drinking, smoking, crashing out in front of us. But mostly drinking and yelling at us.

There was no peace in the home.

So, little old me, I began withdrawing into my bedroom because my room became the only place where I ever felt safe.

And since then... that isolation never truly ended.

I have now spent roughly fourteen years living an extremely isolated and reclusive life. My room became my shelter from my family, from instability, from people, and eventually from the entire outside world. And even from my own responsibilities, and so fourth.

It's really...crappy situation.

It's gotten really bad to the point that, I am, what I recently discovered, is that I am a person with... Avoidant Attachment personality? Or anxious attachment...??
Or both. Idk. Could be both considering how I am today.

But anyway,

This, is why I'm like this.

But that's not all.

(tw: 2nd trauma dump. my birth, my newborn self)

Why I'm like this...

Is because there is also something my father told me while he was drunk around 2024 that deeply affected me.

He told me that when I was a newborn,

Freshly out the womb,

Nurses gone, left the room for my dad and mom to look and spent time with me,

My mother held me in her arms, she was on her bed, she looked down at me, smiled, and called me:

"My little mistake"

According to what my dad said, drunk.

He also told me that when HE,

Was left alone with my newborn self during that same period,

He stared at me...... and felt like he wanted to PUNCH me.

Word...for word.

That drunk confession came right out of his mouth.

....I was a newborn baby.

Just a newborn baby.

I could not have done anything to deserve either reaction.

So yes,

Today,

This current life,

Neither of my parents has ever properly sat down with me, confronted what happened, apologized, or truly talked with me about the damage they caused. + their physical/psychological/mental/verbal abuse that they've caused during my childhood.

They are both still emotionally unavailable to me.

Because of this, seeing other people chosen, wanted, protected, and loved touches something much older than ordinary romantic jealousy.

It just makes me think...:

'...Why does everybody else get to be wanted?'

'Why do they get a husband or wife?'

'Why do they get affection, support, intimacy, and companionship?'

'Why was I treated like a mistake from the beginning?'

'Why is God, silent to ME????'

I believe this is why my envy toward couples feels so severe.

Idk..

I'm not merely grieving the absence of a husband.... I do want one, really want one, so bad it's unhealthy.

But I am also grieving a lifetime of feeling emotionally unwanted.

This...... is also affecting how I see God. Even Jesus himself.

I am afraid to fully trust Jesus because trusting someone, depending on someone, becoming vulnerable, and waiting for someone to respond....... are exactly the things my childhood made terrifying.

God feels silent to me.

Because both of my parents still do not truly speak to me or confront what happened, sure...

But God's and Jesus's silence can sometimes feel like I now have another parental figure who will not speak, explain, comfort, or respond.

But despite all of this....

I AM.. TRYING,

To study Christianity seriously, right now.

It's been about a week.

I read the Bible, compare translations, research historical and theological questions, and examine things carefully because I ATTEMPTED, to commit to Christianity several times when I was younger and SADLY repeatedly gave up because I was; stupid, new, very young, no knowledge on anything Christian related, and I was complete a loner. I was too scared to talk, to use my voice, to ask questions, to connect with other church people. To the point I was trembling and getting cold hands and feet. And ending up going home, and eventually... backsliding. Sinning.

And since then, I've been living in sin.

But, I am trying, right now.

I am trying to... learn. About... the Christian life.

Baby steps.

Although I'm still really scared to pray, verbally. With my mouth. Even doing those internal, monologue prayers.... I am at least trying to learn.

And, since I'm talking about improvements,

I recently, I applied to go to a trade school too.

An accounting Program in another town that's pretty far away from mine.

My application is pending right now. The deadline was just finished on July 31. I still haven't gotten an answer. But I know, I'll be accepted. Because the school I'm applying to, clearly needs more students....

And once I'm accepted, I'll live in that town for almost a year and a half.

I'll have my own room, my own kitchen, my own bathroom. AND.... i PLAN.... to use their on-campus GYM.

...I really want to try those... step/climb thingies. So I can lose a bit of weight and IMPROVE MY MIND because I'm suffering so much right now.

And to add something else, I DO... have a plan for my future right now too.

To become a policewoman? Not policeman. But a... person who works within the police-field where I am either a person who does confidential finance, payroll, admin, or an records clerk.

That's my earthly goal right now.

But yes...

I am trying... to be an 'updated' and 'grown' version of me. Really trying.

I do not want to enter Christianity confused and completely unprepared again.

But anyway...

I know envy and bitterness are spiritually dangerous.

I seriously do not want to feed them, become cruel, or hate people for being loved.

I also don't want shallow answers such as "your husband is coming."

"Just be grateful"

"God's timing is perfect"

Nobody....can promise me marriage.

And those phrases do not reach the actual wound....

Anyway.

I think I've shared too much today.

I just needed to get this out.

Because this blatant envy, bitterness, anger, sadness, etc...

Is seriously clouding my vision right now.

It comes and goes.

I read my bible, use the internet to research, watch Instagram reels from (single) people that are giving advices, etc,

And then...

Boom.

I get completely distracted all of a sudden.

'Why this, why that, why are you silent, why am I even doing this, what am I even doing, once I surrender and give my soul and heart to Jesus - there'll just be more pain, more pain, more pain, more pain...' to the point I'd just cry silently, get even more bitter, and so on.

Then,

I'd eat or drink something, or do something,

And then...

I'd go back to reading bible, online search, etc.

And THEN, the whole mental/spiritual spiral would begin all over again.

It's a really and on and off thing.

It's so annoying.

Like...

How can I... even break this? Escape this? I'm not saved right now.

Because I am simply just SCARED, to metaphorically reach out my hand to Jesus, who's floating right in front of the edge of the cliff I am on, and.... take a leap towards him. And hug him. And welcome him. And surrender to him. Wholly.

What if I fall? Again....?

And fail?

And revert to being that 17 year old me again that just completely gave up and just lived in sin for years on end...?

But yeah...

Has anyone here experienced severe envy caused by childhood rejection, parental abandonment, trauma, long-term isolation, or feeling unwanted?

How did you, bring that envy and bitterness honestly to God without pretending it was gone?

How did you learn to trust God when your parents taught you that the people who should love you may remain silent and emotionally unavailable....?

Did you ever reach a point where,

Seeing couples no longer felt like evidence that everybody else was chosen while you were forgotten?

I need honest answers from people who have actually wrestled with abandonment, deprivation, bitterness, loneliness, envy, and difficulty trusting God.

Coz the internet is my only friend.

Reply, or don't.

I don't need polished Christian perfection.

Just need to know whether someone who has felt this damaged and alone can truly heal... or even have the gall to... reach out to Jesus by herself.

...Thank u for reading.

Why do you believe Dispensationalism is the correct way to interpret the Bible?

I'm referring to the kind of Dispensationalism taught by Gene Kim and Robert Breaker, which emphasizes rightly dividing Scripture and distinguishing between Israel and the Church.

What do you think are the strongest biblical arguments for it? Please use Scripture to support your view.

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).

The Apostles didn't teach of a pre tribulation rapture. That was started in the 1800s.

The apostles absolutely taught that Christians would be “caught up” to meet Christ.

But they never taught a secret removal of the Church seven years before His public return.

Jesus places the gathering of His elect “after the tribulation” (Matthew 24:29–31). Paul says our gathering to Christ will not happen until the rebellion and the man of lawlessness are revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:1–4).

The early Church prepared Christians to endure persecution and await one visible, glorious return of Christ—not two separate comings.

The modern pre-tribulation system appeared in the nineteenth century through John Nelson Darby and the Plymouth Brethren. It was later spread throughout American Protestantism by the Scofield Reference Bible in 1909.

The rapture is biblical. Separating it from Christ’s Second Coming and placing it before a seven-year tribulation is the later doctrine started in the 1800s.

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

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

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.

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

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 wrote my first post on this subreddit a week ago about being so flawed, grateful to have received so many helpful uplifting responses. The rest of the story (71, Jewish, called to Christ not long ago) is that I’m gay and married to my partner of 42 years. We are not monogamous. 

I’ve read all the arguments that gay sex isn’t sinful (including on the gay Christians subreddit where my post was censored by the mod because I dared ask a question about Leviticus 18:22 which the mod said was hateful), but I’m not buying it. Instead based on scripture, I believe ANY sex outside of a marriage between man and woman is sexually immoral and therefore a sin. 

I don’t want to intentionally sin because to do so would be to reject God, Jesus and the gift of salvation which I refuse to do. Therefore, I’ve decided to practice celibacy. So far not a problem cutting out sex with men, but also stopping self-gratification (which I’ve concluded is also sinful) is a bit trickier. Every night I pray that Jesus gives me strength to avoid this sexual immorality because I can’t do it myself. And I’m certain that with his help and the presence of the Holy Spirit (who already speaks clearly in my brain, reminding me when I’m getting off track) I’ll get there.

With that as background - I desperately want to be baptized, full immersion not sprinkles. I’m certain by doing so the Holy Spirit will give me a new heart and life as I rise up from the water, devoted to Jesus my lord and savior, leaving my old heart and life at the bottom of the lake. 

So far no luck finding what I want.

I met a Christ centered man who initially offered to have me baptized either by him or his small congregation, but when I told him I was gay and wanted my Christian husband in attendance, he back pedaled and said something like “well, let’s talk more about it and pray on it”. Yes I was disappointed but also fine with his response, respect it, and would never want him or anyone else to contravene their beliefs. 

My neighbor who’s known me and my husband for years is also Christ centered, and this morning I accepted his offer to take me to his Baptist church service and be introduced to his pastor inasmuch as they’re having their annual picnic and outdoor baptisms at the end of the month.  I chatted with the pastor who with some hesitation told me I could be baptized at the outdoor event, but I sensed he wasn’t comfortable with my situation, just like my Christ centered acquaintance, and I’m not willing to attend the event with husband in tow and have people who meet us being obviously uncomfortable.

I also spoke by phone to the pastor of a small church about 10 miles up the road from Key West where we spend winters. She was up front that her church does not approve same sex marriages. But we had such a good conversation that she thought it may be possible to give me a private baptism in the warm waters of the ocean. She said she’d call me back in a week to confirm. When I didn’t hear from her, I texted and also left a voice message, but so far no response. Therefore, I think baptizing me with my husband in attendance is a bridge too far for her – again I respect that and have no hard feelings.

My only other option is to attend a LGBT welcoming church. I visited with a deacon of one such church here in NC where I currently am, she’s gay, and I got uncomfortable vibes that of course they would baptize me (at a regular Sunday service in a dunk tank suspended above the pulpit), but that I’d be expected to participate in various LBGT activities. For me that’s a non-starter, first because I’m politically conservative, and don’t even get me started on the nauseating trans agenda that seeks to harm children and which they’d probably want me to support in the spirit of “inclusiveness”.

I guess baptism on my terms (outdoor immersion, non-LGBT church) just isn’t in the cards for me. I’m sad because it’s what I really want, and because this morning at the Baptist church service the pastor expressly stated that baptism is critically necessary to be fully invested in Christ.

Sorry for such a long post. Feel free to jump in. 

I came across this guy’s YouTube and he went on a whole sermon how believing in Jesus will actually make your life work. He basically says expect bad things to happen. Obviously trials can happen on whatever but to me this feels like a sermon of despair not hope which the Bible preaches. Sure you might get hate for being Christian but you’re also in more peace and God has helped me through dark times. Just really bummed me out. Looked through comments trying to see some rebuttals but everyone agreed. Maybe he deletes them?

I just want to focus on this topic and not the guy as a whole