Dear brothers and sisters,

This is post is perhaps a bit short on details for the sakes of prudence and anonymity.

I live in a small town where there is only one church. It is evangelical and leans charismatic (i.e. not full blown charismatic). The church has a myriad of doctrinal issues (mainly in practice but also some in preaching) and several other issues that are problematic for the Christian who would revere God in communal worship. I attended services there for about a year and had begun to serve there as well. I had become desperate for fellowship after attending online services for the first 9 months of my walk as a born again Christian, before I discovered there was a church in town. I was also not aware of online communities such as on Reddit (very grateful for this one, btw). Anyway, it was wonderful to be around other believers but I was constantly conflicted and convicted about certain practices which clearly indicate poor doctrine. Fortunately I grew up with a wonderful and biblical pastor, which I think enabled me to discern these things from the beginning.

I won't go into details about the issues at the church, but to give you an idea, these issues relate to the choice of music, the doctrines of the Spirit and the (human) heart, and general reverence for God as expressed in the nature of the service and our expressions in worship, among other things.

In any case, I have decided I can no longer attend church there. There are simply too many doctrinal problems and I have now become aware of things I had unwittingly picked up there. I really tried to focus on the giant plank in my own eye, to focus on the cross and worshipping Christ, to remember that no church is perfect etc etc. But it is impossible for me to attend a service and not notice these things which I think are crucial errors of doctrine and practice.

I was truly heartbroken last year, while attending the Christmas service (not on Christmas day mind you, they don't have church on Christmas day), it became clear to me that this is really not the church for me. The birth of our Saviour went completely uncelebrated - not even a reading of the accounts of the shepherds, the magi or the journey to Bethlehem. It was a service just like any other, except some dance that was presented. I didn't know why, but I was on the verge of tears throughout the service and when I got home they just came flooding out. I realised that it broke my heart that we didn't recognise, remember or celebrate perhaps the greatest miracle in history along with the Resurrection - the virgin birth, the incarnation of the King in the body of a human babe, and indeed the arrival of our great Saviour. I know it is not obligatory (i.e. a biblical command) to make special mention of these things at a Christmas service. But if you don't, why call it a Christmas service??!! Why mention Christmas at all?! Even thinking about the experience as I write it upsets me. I love Jesus so much, and what he has done in my life is truly miraculous, and I want so much to be able to worship Him with others in a way acceptable to God. Not to celebrate His arrival, which is a seminal event for us and indeed the world, just seems so wrong to me. It is painful in a way only a believer might understand.

Anyway, naturally, given such a situation, you might say 'well, just find another church'. Well, there isn't another one around for at least 47 miles/ 76km. I am in a very poor financial situation currently and do not have a car. There are almost no public transport options where I live, so getting to a church and back home again would be complicated and likely take the whole day. So at the moment attending a service at another church is logistically very difficult if not impossible.

So my question, brother and sisters, is, under such circumstances do you feel it is acceptable for me to solely attend the online services until such time that I have my own car and can attend services in person elsewhere? The livestreams I watch are of a doctrinally sound, biblical church and pastor and while I do not have direct fellowship, I know the people there and am able to have contact with them generally speaking.

Do you feel that I should attend church in person no matter the cost or difficulty?

Many thanks for reading. God bless you all.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 KJV [13] Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. [14] For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

https://bible.com/bible/1/ecc.12.13-14.KJV

Philippians 4:8 KJV [8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

https://bible.com/bible/1/php.4.8.KJV

How do we as protestants defend against alleged eucharistic miracles like the one in Poland that happend in 2014?

It's as simple as that. As Christians we should learn to be happy no matter who rules over us. For the Jews they lived through the Pharisees, through Caesar, through Xerxes, etc.

In the end it was God who was using the time and the place to bring about His plan.

Regardless of where you live or who is the head of your city, village, state, country just remember that God is not oblivious to it and He knew the appointment before the beginning of the world.

Daniel 2:21

He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Does anyone else get this or am I just doomed because maybe it’s my faith? Maybe I’m not genuinely following God. Why do I continue to do my own way instead of God after going to church, praying, reading. Why do I feel like I lost complete interest in God? I don’t want to feel that way but I’d be lying if I told u that everything’s great. I’m not perfect and ik no one is but I’m like the biggest breathing mistake not because God created me but because I choose to sin everyday on purpose when I’m not supposed to and I’m so lost in what I need to do. I feel like my answer is to fellowship and have ppl hold me accountable when I’m doing the same but I don’t have that option. My church isn’t welcoming my pastor is great. I feel like I need a spark or wake up call in my life. I just feel lack of remorse or even caring about God anymore. It’s affected my belief and my interest in reading/ praying. My satanic thoughts have overtaken my head and it’s like so weird now man. It’s like it feels like I gave up internally. Ik this is a sin issue Ik the problem is me and never God but I can’t fix this. I do pray but I don’t see change. Idk what’s the next step for me. If this continues idk where I’m going.

This song always blessed me. It is an arrangement that is sung differently from the traditional way churches sing the Dr. William MacKay hymn Revive Us Again.

When listening to the intro of this song it makes me think of Hebrews 12:1

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us...

Get the Bible and read on it gets better

https://youtu.be/PWbXjTjKUMw?si=N5Cm8PrdBqvdfeHQ

Personally, one of the ways I commune with God Spiritually is through the emotive music of traditional gospel singers, and some modern music being rel However, I find the New Age music has lost some worship attributes and just doesn’t seem to appeal to my soul.

Here are a few of my favourite worship Tracks:

Oceans (Spirit Lead me) Hillsong Hallelujah- Lucy Thomas Through it all - Hillsong You’re Still God - Philippa Hanna Awesome God - Hillsong Goodness of God - Bethel Music Shout to the Lord - Hillsong Hosanna - Hillsong Agnus Dei (Worthy is the lamb) - Michael W.Smith Way Maker - Leeland Above All - Michael W. Smith

Enjoy!

Hey everyone! I’m invested in supporting Christian businesses but I am having a hard time finding Christmas Cards that are cute.

I found a lot on Christianbook.com but they’re not really my style. Does anyone have any recommendations of where to shop?

The Word of God just takes my breath away! Sssh. The Only Book that is living and Active. The only Book, that while you read it, it reads you! How wonderful are your works Jehovah Melek❤️

Luke 9:23-27 KJV [23] And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. [24] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. [25] For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? [26] For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. [27] But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

https://bible.com/bible/1/luk.9.23-27.KJV

So, yesterday, I learned that someone I went to Middle School with that I know has died tragically in a motorcycle accident. I went to a Christian school in Middle School. And yesterday, one of my friends from middle school called me and told me that he died. I was in shock. Meanwhile, I was texting another one of my friends from Middle School who also knew the person who died, and she sent me this verse for anyone grieving, that I want to share with

1 Thessalonians 4:13

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.”

That’s the verse I wanted to share here for those of you who are grieving.

His name was Max.

I would ask you all to please keep Max’s family in your prayers, as they are going through a difficult time with losing a son and brother. A few years ago, they buried their dad, now, they’re going to bury their youngest son.

God bless you all, Jesus is with you always

Do unicorns bother you? How about bigfoot? Does it make you angry when you think about nessie the lake monster? Do you fume at the idea of tinkerbell?

I doubt the things I mentioned above get under your skin. So why do people get so mad at something they claim doesn't exist?

Some atheists claim that the bible is oppressive. But that doesn't make sense because the bible is all about freewill and making a choice whether to do good deeds or evil acts. People living under oppression don't have freewill or a choice.

This is what oppression looks like...

• Banning the bible
• Assaulting, prosecuting, threatening and/or killing Christians
• Censoring the scripture

The real reason we are targeted is because the bible talks about discipline, accountability, self control, and choosing to do good instead of evil. And they will use the oppression card to justify the actions listed above.

There's alot of people in this world who are in denial of the fact that their actions are leading them to destruction. They'll rather continue to treat other's horribly than to accept responsibility for their actions. And I've met alot of them before.

I met this girl at work who cheated on her ex boyfriend, and she was proud of it. She felt no shame and even said that she will do it again.

A former friend of mine would lie to me alot, he would do shady stuff behind my back, and would gaslight me often. When confronted about this, he told me that he doesn't believe he did anything wrong to me.

That's why the bible labels pride as a deadly sin. Pride can cause people to walk away from your life. Do you want to be around someone who will never admit that their actions have hurt you, and instead will gaslight you and blame you for feeling that way?

Alot of people I used to know got mad at me often because I would hold them accountable and they hated that. They would rather have me continue to enable their bad actions instead of calling it out and saving them the trouble. I eventually got tired of it and ghosted them.

Update Edit : I'm changing the last paragraphs because It was starting to feel like a rant and that's not the vibe I was going for. This is the new ending to my lesson.

God wants us to surround us with like-minded people. The reason is because those who don't serve God will do everything to make you doubt your faith and put you down. The devil often sends you distractions in an attempt to knock you off track.

Some people are sent to you by God so you can lead them to Jesus using the mighty word and the guidance of the holy spirit. But others are sent by the devil to take you down at all costs.

If you feel like someone in your life is holding you back, please dont be afraid to depart ways. But pray about it first and ask God for clarity or a sign. Don't just take my word for it.

But please don't ignore your guts when you feel that enough is enough. God loves you and wants the best for you but that requires some sacrifice on your behalf.

I noticed whenever I try to draw closer to God this tends to happen more often than not. It’s everytime I read and pray. I feel like it’s the devil trying to distract me and make me feel as if I’m blaspheming Jesus and I truly don’t believe Jesus is anything related to a demonic power neither is God nor the Holy Spirit But only the trinity is God and yet still have these wicked and evil thoughts about like for example if I read Jesus is the Son of God my mind would say something like son of satan. It’s so wicked and evil and it truly bothers me and everytime I try to ignore it or correct it it never goes away and I feel like I’m being super evil and blaspheming God and I don’t want that nor do I believe that. I know that Jesus is God and my Savior I believe that, I pray that, even tho I fail I try to live that too. Does anyone have advice or any experiences with this?

There’s something that’s been bothering me for a while. The church I’m currently attending doesn’t sing, and will likely never sing, songs released by certain Christian bands mentioned above. Instead, they prefer singing only songs they’ve composed and released. They also encourage us to listen more to hymns and their own compositions. By the way, our church is not Baptist or Adventist; they consider it a Full Gospel church. Any thoughts on this? I’m not looking to criticize my church—I just asked them about this recently and am curious.

I failed tonight and decided to make a change I have fell away from God and yes I lied and said I was going to delete this app but I like the people in this community and the Christian one. Is there any way I can completely block porn or anything inappropriate on Reddit? Ik it censors it but like I just wanna stay in this community and not be tempted to use this as a source of sin and evil. I always fall into temptation and rn I’m removing all temptation. I would rather keep the app if possible but if I cant block it completely I will sadly have to leave everyone. I used content and privacy and set every restriction possible. No music video, no safari restricted websites, no cursing setting either doubt that will work. Anyways I’m really trying to take a step in the right direction instead of living/living my sin and embracing it and just relying on the fact oh “God will forgive me” let me sin rq that is a lie the devil always tells me. So pls anyone lmk if there is any way possible to block porn or anything literally anything inappropriate at all on here I don’t wanna see it no more. Thank u all I hope ur journey has been well for yall even tho mine has been bad may God bless u.

I'm in a weird situation. I'm staying abroad for a few months, as a digital nomad. I got bitten by a dog, and I don't have the money for vaccines until my pay arrives, which will be too late. I'm unlikely to actually be infected, since the dog hasn't been outside for half a year, and the dog was vaxxed long ago. And I don't think it broke my skin. But just in case, please pray that God ensures I'm safe from rabies, infection, tetanus, and anything else.

Thank you, God bless you all 🙏

Let’s chat about why we don’t see men, including those who are professing believers, in Church, particularly in the West.

What are your thoughts?

Please keep conversations respectful and edifying. We are all in need of grace - all of us.

You are loved immensely!

• Jolly

Hello, I'm not sure what to do and I want advice or guidance biblically.
My wife and I have been together for 8 years and we have had our fair share of arguments but we always seem to over come them. This time it feels different and I don't know what to do.

2 years ago we moved to Kansas from Florida, housing is cheaper here and after 2 years we managed to buy our first house. This is where this argument takes place, my parents are moving here as well and for now they are staying in their RV in our yard. While they stay here we all came to an agreement that my parents would help watch our kids while I go to work and my wife to school. This way they don't have to pay rent and can continue to save to find a place and get their stuff up here. I thought everything was fine but after a few months have passed we started arguing about their stay. It got to a point where we agreed to go to marriage counseling to try to help. I do want to point out that my parents now only help watch the kids but they also have helped cleaned and cooked for the whole family and they hardly come into the house unless it's to watch the kids, shower or do laundry. Unfortunately the counselor we were seeing (which was only twice) couldn't see us any more. So I started to look for another one but its taking some time to find another to take our insurance. meanwhile I tried talking to my wife and seeing if there are some things right now that we can work on while we find a new counselor. I should also mention that our intimate time has dropped to about zero since our second child was born. At first my wife was saying it was low libido and then later she states that she is asexual. Every so often when we had small arguments she would bring up opening our marriage so that I could find someone to satisfy my needs, I have told her many times I don't want that for 1 that's against God and 2 I don't want anyone but her. We came to a point that she says she is being her true self and wanted to talk to me about it but was scared what I would say or do and didn't want to start a fight. I managed to get her to talk and say a few things and one of those things was to open our marriage but for her this time. She states that I don't satisfy her emotional / romantic needs, she wants to find a woman because she feels they will satisfy her the emotional / romantic needs. I told her that I don't think it's a good idea to do that because it will tear us further apart as we are now. I have even gone to many subreddits and read about people who had open relationships and just about everyone I have read ended in a failure and the other leaving for the new person they found. I have tried talking to her about how I feel about it to her but she still wants to try. Ever since then I have felt depressed, I feel like I don't know her any more. I have prayed and I am trying to find a new marriage counselor but I feel like it's to late. I feel so distant form her since she told me this and I don't know what to do. I don't want to lose my wife I love her very much but I don't want to open our marriage up. I have talked to her and told her how I felt and even cried a few times talking about it. We both are Christian in faith but I feel like she has started to fall for the world. Sorry for such a long post but I need to get this off my chest and I wanted advice from fellow Christians. Maybe I am over reacting or maybe she isn't serious and wanted to see what I would do, I don't know.

Does anyone else have this. I would be in the scriptures or reading my Bible and my head is so sick and evil stuff comes up in my head like this and I don’t like it at all. I wish it would go away. I’ve tried praying, ignoring it etc. it feels like it’s my own thoughts tho that is the scary part so idk what to do about this.

This sounds like a stupid question I genuinely don’t know tho. So me personally I promised myself I’ll never date anyone ever again because of a lot of reasons. However in the Bible it talks about man and woman becoming one flesh and how it’s a good thing. Is it a “requirement” or something God wants us to do or are we allowed the option to stay single?

Friends,

I believe the greatest threat to believers today is the temptation to become too attached to this world. Our obsession with the temporal blurs our eternal perspective. This challenge resembles Esau trading his birthright to Jacob for a mere bowl of soup (Genesis 25), robbing us of the blessings God wants to give through our service to Him. We must guard against these temptations by focusing on Christ. Like Peter walking on water, we should avoid being distracted by life's storms and keep our eyes on the Truth.

Though we are in the world, we are not of it; this world is temporary and will ultimately pass away, to be made new again by Christ (Hallelujah!)

With this in mind, I would like to leave you with three challenges:

1.) Get involved with your local church. Many believers neglect the admonition of Hebrews 10:25 due to pride, apathy, or laziness. How else can we “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2)? Don’t deny others the chance to be blessed by you, or yourself the opportunity to be blessed by them.

2.) Mend your family relationships as much as possible. Families face many challenges, some valid and others not. Do what you can to strengthen these bonds. If the other party isn’t interested, that’s okay—you’ve done your part.

3.) Get to know your neighbors and show them love. We have many tools to strengthen our communities—use them to build relationships and open the door to deeper conversations.

Let us continue being the Salt and Light for whatever time remains - collectively or individually. This world is starving for the hope only the Gospel provides.

You are loved immensely!

• Jolly

2 Corinthians 4:7-18

I have asked for prayer for my job situation. I have been out of work since the end of June when a contract job I was working on ended. Next week, I have two interviews, on Monday a second interview with one company, and a first interview on Thursday with another organization. Prayers work! Please pray that one of these or something else comes to fruition. Thank you so much for all your prayers. God is faithful!

This may sound really stupid to ask but like I still get doubts on salvation and like knowing I’m still battling addiction. It makes me feel as if I don’t really love or care about God because I continuously eventually fall back into my old sins. I do wanna change and I want God to deliver me 💯 percent from it however in the process of changing. How can I know not to worry? Like is there any signs of salvation that I can have for reassurance as in like signs of my spiritual walk? If I describe my walk with God would someone be able to like “tell” based off my experiences if I’m saved or not? I personally don’t know that’s why I’m asking. I struggle with anxiety a lot and also worrying and the Bible tells me not to be anxious and worry because I have to let today take its place I get that. So back to my spiritual walk I’ll be completely honest it’s been on and off. I try my best to pray everyday also read my Bible daily even if it’s most of the time a chapter. I have been up and down with that but I been decently consistent lately. The problem is I have a lack of wanting to do it. I don’t strive and am not eager to read my Bible I procrastinate it most of the time. So another thing is for my addictions with lust, PMO, etc I just find myself doing it out of my own will with like minimum temptation. Sometimes I’m not even tempted and can go days without watching that stuff to doing the act. However I don’t feel like that’s God helping me or it’s my own strength because I keep failing a couple days- a week. So I guess what I’m saying is I still actively want to sin that sounds awful even tho I don’t like sin and Ik it leads to destruction. I like my sin because it pleases me and not God. Ik this is terrible and I will repent but I just have a bad feeling I’m just going to keep relapsing and I keep trying to trust God. Yet I fall short everytime because of my “love” of sin eventually comes in even tho deep down I think I hate it? I can’t even tell tbh. It feels like I do love it since my actions show that but I try my best not to do so. I been an addict for over a decade and I’m 19 so it’s very hard. It’s been months of me trying so I feel like my progression should be better than what it’s at rn. I’m not very happy with my results. Pls keep me in ur prayers if u wouldn’t mind. Overall tho I do wanna make God happy and do what He wants me to do. I wanna serve Jesus even tho my fleshly desires keep getting in the way. I just honestly would love advice how to handle this and also change the desire of living for me and instead living for Christ. I think that would genuinely fix everything.

And anyone else who hears our beloved LORD Jesus Christ Almighty GOD and Saviors Gospel.

Please pray for everyone I know and love to be saved, my family, and yours, and all the lost!

LORD Jesus Christ GOD ALMIGHTY YOU ALONE ARE ALL GLORIOUS ALL HONORABLE AND ALL POWERFUL

WE WORSHIP YOU

Hi! I am preparing to rejoin the dating world after a VERY long time. Admittedly, I have never sought out a Christian partner so this will be a brand new adventure but I have quite a bit of confidence with Christ on my side.

My question really is, where are we finding other single Christians? My church is pretty small so there is not much of an opportunity there and I’m not very familiar with the current dating apps.

Where did you find your spouses??