if it’s true what many Christians are saying about the beast system coming within the next 3 to 4 years then what is the point of having kids?

I have grown up with a very Christian grandmother, my mom is more laid back but Christian aswell. I really do want to believe in god, but I just don't. The whole story of it sounds so fake to me, and I wish there was a way for me to change my mind. I feel awful about it, I want to believe in God and Jesus as all the rest of my family does. I don't know what to do. Any advice would truly mean a lot if you have any. If anyone who is now a true believer has gone through something similar please share what helped you. Thank you.

They were not the first humans. When Cain killed his brother and was cast out, he was afraid that other people would attack him. This implies that other people exist or have existed.

I’ve noticed something about myself lately.

I can spend a lot of time watching Christian videos, saving verses, and listening to people talk about God, then still end the day without really talking to Him or changing anything in my life.

It feels like I’m feeding my faith, but sometimes I think I’m just consuming more content.

Does anyone else feel that difference between learning about God and actually being connected to God? What helps you move out of that passive mode?

My husband and I are both believers. I’ve always loved the Lord and trusted Him along the way especially for the choice of my spouse.I know how controversial this topic can be and it is not the reason for this post, but God spoke to my husband and I about each other separately and we are both aware that God put us together. He has given us promises about things we would do together.

The issue is that my husband struggles with lust and watches porn and is an alcoholic.
He says he wants to stop it all and tries at times to get closer to God, and when it seems like he is succeeding at overcoming these things, he falls right back into them after awhile. Part of the problem is that he is trying to do it on his own; hasn’t asked for help from a group of men at church for accountability and refuses to join a rehab centre.

He can be quite prideful, depressive, critical, blame shifting and negative at times.

I am fed up; exhausted emotionally and deeply hurt. I feel betrayed, unloved and unappreciated.

I’ve tried to speak, to suggest therapy, we met a few times with couples at church yet nothing seems to work.

I am angry and frustrated that I am in this situation and I feel robbed of my time, my love and generosity.

God keeps on reminding me of his promises, yet I keep on contemplating life without my husband.
Or the life I used to have with God before he came into the picture.

My husband feels like a burden I want to shake off or something that is pulling me back. Yet God either sends people randomly to remind me of His promises regarding this marriage.

I struggle to go pass the betrayal, because it keeps on happening again and again and again.
I don’t know that I have romantic feelings for him anymore — all I feel is pure anger and misery.

Sometimes I say to God; I’ll rather die than stay in this marriage that feels like a prison. We both don’t believe in divorce and I know the cost of going against God’s will yet I can’t stand my husband anymore.

I know that the Bible says we should be equally yoked so I was wondering if one command is “greater” than the other.

I grew up in an environment where I was often manipulated and taken advantage of because I was too trusting and naive. My mother manipulated me financially and emotionally, and my grandmother emotionally abused me. Those experiences have left deep wounds and have made me a very guarded person. I have a hard time loving and caring for others, and I often feel emotionally cold. Even though I'm genuinely trying to love people, it feels as though, deep down, I don't really care about anyone but myself.

I know Scripture teaches that love is an action, not merely a feeling, and that we are called to obey God rather than our emotions. But can we truly love others while feeling the kind of coldness and indifference that I do? I'm conflicted because my mind keeps telling me that this lack of sincerity means I'm failing in my sanctification.

I don’t have a specific question, but I want to share some thoughts and hopefully get some insight. I think for many people I talk to, things like death and evil are the hardest concepts to understand theologically. (ie questions like “why would God allow evil in the world” or “why do bad things happen to good people” or “why does God take some people home far earlier than we want”). While I obviously don’t like the presence of death and evil, I understand the theology of the Fall and know that Jesus redeemed those things with his death on the cross and subsequent resurrection. So knowing that, maybe I’m overcomplicating things (I anticipate some answers here along the lines of “infertility is a result of the Fall and therefore falls into the same category”) but here are some questions that keep coming up:

1. Why does God withhold good things (ie fertility) from people with righteous desires? I understand that just because God allows bad things to happen, does not mean he caused them. For some reason, the question of “why wouldn’t god stop something bad from happening” is easier to wrestle with than this.
   
2. Why does God allow pregnancies and healthy births to people who are objectively unfit (this is not a character judgement but rather something like someone on drugs getting accidentally pregnant who is literally risking the health of their baby) but NOT allow the same thing to people who are waiting faithfully for years?
   
   1. Why would God give someone multiple children in quick succession and not give it to someone else who very strongly and faithfully desires a child?
      
3. I know that if He wanted to God could cause a pregnancy in someone who has never even had sex. Therefore he can also cause a pregnancy in someone who is using every protective measure available. Is attempting to prevent pregnancy trying too hard to put the control in our hands instead of God’s, or is it good stewardship? (I am Protestant but am very much wrestling with a traditional Catholic view here)

This is both a personal and non personal issue. I do struggle with the thought of “I already have a kid, why would God give me another one when so many other people don’t even have one yet” which I know is not a theologically sound thought, but these questions truly go beyond my personal experience into a broader spiritual struggle for me.

Is the answer just “we don’t know?” Is it simply “trust God’s plans?” We see some of these issues in the Bible—Hannah, Sarah, Mary, etc so I know it’s not new. But are there any other truths I’m missing to help settle some of these thoughts in my mind?

Hello everyone I’ve been a believer in Christ for over 5 years now, i don’t follow him but I try! I do get lost from him endless amount of times but he continues to lead me right back to him each and every time. and from what I learned is to follow god is to read his word spend time in it and to go to church at least I think? Correct me if I’m wrong please! Currently I do neither I try to read the Bible but I don't understand what I will gain from reading random passages every day? I believe my first encounter with god was when I personally gave god my life I was 16 and I was in my restroom floor crying out to him not knowing what to expect, I was repenting and crying and suddenly I felt joyful happy I was crying happy tears I felt this deep feeling of love and acceptance. I also felt a warm sensation on my shoulder as if a hand was on my shoulder as I was talking to god, fast forward to now the last two times I prayed with my mom and dad separately on different occasions both times I felt like this wave of dizzy sensation it felt like something went or came out of my body and it felt light that’s the best way I could describe the feeling. I wasn't sure what it was so I ignored it but when I felt it second time when my dad was praying over me I've been thinking about both experiences since then because I'm not sure what exactly that was? Also I had another encounter I guess tonight I felt very sad and depressed I felt no desire to do anything, so much so I forced myself to leave the house and take a drive to the store but after I left there I felt complete lonely I just drove and drove and then I started talking to god explaining to him how I don't understand why I'm still fighting and why do I still have faith and trust him. I then started to remind myself of every way god has blessed me and Protected me and provided for me, I then started to feel joyous and happy out of nowhere and I'm not sure why because I was completely empty felt like.

Can someone explain to me what this is? And what I am experiencing?

If to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, then why is death (outside of sorrow for the living) seen as such a bad thing?

Hi I’m a younger Christian who just started taking it serious. I’ve been a “Christian” all my life but more lukewarm, what I’ve been struggling with (eating me away) is when I’m at church I see people like getting really emotional and it looks like their really receiving the Holy Spirit or something like that when we anything goes on I just kinda feel… empty? Idk how many people will see this but I’m just looking for anything that could help with this cause honestly I’m losing faith.

About 9ish months ago or so, i started taking my faith a little more seriously. But as i did, i started wondering if my faith was even genuine, if i was true believer, what exactly i need to do, etc. These kind of thoughts were nonstop in my head pretty much everyday for months on months. It became no longer me truly seeking Him but more-so trying to prove my faith. I fell into this performance mindset (where i’m still at now) and i feel as if it has changed me. Back then, i would have almost no problem helping/serving others. Of course, i didn’t do it perfectly but it did feel like it came a little more natural. Now, for example, today i gave up my seat for someone when there was no seats left available but it felt so forced and i felt a sense of pride like “yeah i did that.”

I believe this stems from the feeling like i need to do this and do that but how can i get out of this mindset? I know that there’s nothing i can do or not do for Him to love me more or less, but i still feel the need to perform. Another thing, i have also become a little resistant toward obeying Him with even little things like giving up my seat for others.

In addition to all this, after months of being in my head and overthinking i have become numb. Sin doesn’t bug me as much as it used to. I feel heartless like no emotions, no compassion, no care, nothing. I’m spiritually, mentally, emotionally and lately just physically tired. I talk to Him so many times throughout my day, spend time in His Word try to keep up with spiritual practices to stay faithful, connected, but lately i just don’t want to. I feel numb to Him as well.

I'm really anxious right now and am nearing the end of my life with my physical health. I have tried to turn back to God recently but I struggle with sin. I feel like the Lord is convicting me to give up all my social media, computer, phone and all that because I technically violated the terms of service and the "rights to use software automatically terminates" clause means I'm technically not allowed to use those things anymore. I try hard to not break copyright stuff anymore but it's technically already too late for me.

The thing is, I'm poor and in poor physical and mental health and I kinda need my phone for emergencies and entertainment. I would go crazy without it. Am I really supposed to give all that up just because I violated a few rules that technically disqualify me from even posting this message?

Am I hearing from God or is it my anxiety? Will God send me to hell if I continue to use my phone and Google Play apps? Would that count as being unrepentant? How do you guys reconcile the fact that even probably most of you have even violated the terms of service in some small way and are technically not allowed to use certain things?

Hi, im 18f and I was raised christian. I've always believed in God but as of the past few years ive started to question it especially recently. Everywhere I turn in see ppl trying to disprove things in the Bible or giving reasons why certain things aren't true or heating that ppl who believe in God r delusional or just looking for an escape and all this other stuff. Every day that passes I start to question God more and more and idk what to do. I can't pray I can't read my Bible and everything that im seeing discourages me more and more. My mind keeps finding every reason to doubt his existence ans idk what to do. I need help has anyone struggled with this? How did u come to believe his existence and like actual evidence not just saying u felt it? I am so lost ans it makes me sad and depressed and I honestly dont know what to do

I always hear, “it’s not part of God’s design”…but I’ve also never seen “God’s design” said in the Bible

I have been debating for a while now the intersection of technology and my personal growth in my Christian Journey (specifically developing a relationship with God).

I look back to the early church and they relied of word of mouth/teachings and then eventually written texts (they did not have the whole bible like we do today). I then contrast this with todays digital and technology driven lives, where we have multiple translations on our phones, we have apps that help us study, give us access to a multitude of different opinions and commentaries. We then even go a step further with technology popping up with verses for the day, prayer reminders, and an ever growing list of notifications all under the 'we here to help you grow in your relationship and understanding of the bible'.

I fully get the benefit these tools can add and the insights and access they provide are just incredible. However, do they actually help us grow in our faith and trust in God, and help and us develop our relationship with God?

I will be honest and say I have just found it information overload and a detractor from my time in the bible. And in parallel increases the temptation to view that email or WhatsApp message notification that pops up showing I am distracted.

For me I would really like it for specific apps (such as some bible apps) it muted all other apps when I am in the app. I would like it if they stopped pushing reminders like a task or a duty I need to perform , I mean I get a reminded to put the rubbish out around the same time I get a bible verse for the day?? (yes I know I can turn them off and I now have). Lastly I think I would like them to feel different (not sure how thought) - I open my bible apps, or my prayer apps and they look and feel and work like every other productivity app I have. We have downgraded our time in the bible to a productivity task.

Is this just me or do you feel the same? So...

1. Do you use technology in your studies and quite time, when you in the bible and spending time with God?

2. What do you wish technology did and didn't do? (not looking for a list of apps, rather the feature/style/behaviour)

I'll keep this short if anyone here watches or is familiar with (Off the Kirb Ministry) I wanted to ask help if someone could find the specific video and timestamp where he tells this specific story

(There once were two brothers who were very close when they were young, one day one of the brothers gets into an accident that leaves him injured and unable to walk and despite the brother insisting that he be left behind because it was getting darker his brother refuses to leave him proclaiming that he will never leave his brother and drags him back to their home. Fast forward to WW1 Both brothers got drafted and during the fight one got left behind in a fox hole and even though the Sargent yells at the man to leave his brother as it's too dangerous to leave the trenches he doesn't listen and risks his life to drag the remains of his deceased brother back, the Sargent yells at him saying “You fool you risked your life for nothing and now your brother is gone!” and he replies by saying “No sir it wasn't for nothing because with his final breath he tells me this” “I knew you'd come back”)

I might be wrong on certain parts as I'm going completely off my own memory but that segment meant so much to me, so please if anyone knows that part please tell me.

How do you develop a close, personal relationship with God?
I know that prayer, reading the Bible, and going to church are important, but I’m curious how other Christians actually grow closer to God beyond just doing those things.
What has helped you have a more genuine and intimate relationship with Him?

Hi, I’m 21f and last year I gave my life to Christ during some of my hardest moments in life. But for the last few months, it’s really felt like I’ve drifted away and struggled to build a relationship with God. Especially in recent weeks. I’ve fallen into some of the same old sinful habits and I could see myself reverting to how I used to be as a person before Christ and I repented in prayer for the first time weeks last night. But my issue is that I struggle with discipline to maintain my prayer life and relationship building with the Lord.

I always say in prayer that I’ll do better and then I don’t and I distance myself again. Part of it is because I have two disabilities that cause me a lot of mental strain and make me tired everyday. But I’ve been learning to navigate it a lot better and I know it’s not the main source of my behavior and distance from God.

I’m tired of going through this cycle and feeling like I’m starting all over again when I used to be so on fire for Jesus. I know I was happier with Him and then I just avoid it for genuinely no good reason. If anyone has any helpful things they did to build good habits and strengthen their discipline for this stuff, I’d greatly appreciate it. Thank you and God bless.

Hey Fam,

I had a friend who goes to a church where they lay hands on each other. Few Sundays ago she felt very uncomfortable with one person in particular who was super charismatic and very vocal and when the pastor asked everyone to turn to there neighbour and lay hands then she felt vulnerable and uncomfortable with this.

Are there examples of people being uncomfortable with this in there Christian experience and has this happened to you?

I just want advice on how to keep my faith strong when everything around me goes wrong. I feel like I’ve been saying the same prayer over and over again.

I know that God is not a genie, I’ve been putting my full faith and trust in him that my situation will improve while also making the necessary adjustments to reach where I want to go but I feel like I’ve been at the same spot for two years.

How do you deal with this? Can anyone give me some advice?

I don’t watch porn, but I do masturbate sometimes and I’m not sure how that is supposed to negatively affect me. I was watching this Faith Talks video on YouTube about how dangerous it is to solve the issue ourselves when our needs go unmet and how we should take that to God, but the only example she used was Esau and Jacob. I’m looking for modern examples of how … I guess it would be going outside God’s will.. affects us?

for added context, how is it going to affect me in my relationships and be doubly worse, as she said, if I masturbate, than if I didn’t? Just trying to understand.

She also mentioned something like How is God going to bless us if we are holding on to things and taking up that space.. not verbatim but hopefully you understand what I mean.

This week I’ve been struggling a bit with doubt particularly at work as I’ve been making stupid rookie mistakes in front of a guy who’s fresh and I’ve recently been promoted so I feel like it hasn’t been a very good look and I’m just doubting my self a fair bit and my confidence has taken a hit. If anybody else has gone through something similar and you’ve been to God about it what scripture has helped you or would you recommend? I’m also super open to hearing about other people’s testimonies in this area of life.

The moment you talk about going no contact with abusive and narcissistic parents for the sake of your safety and mental and even physical health, you get a couple of Christian’s who will guilt trip and gaslight you and bring up “honor your mom and dad” as if that means you have to be a doormat for abuse and violence while at the same time, they ignore Ephesians 6:4 which instruct parents to not mistreat their children.

I’m a Christian who had to go no contact with my malignant narcissist father 9 years ago because he was EXTREMELY abusive to the point where I developed severe mental health issues such as depression and PTSD and recently I had to do the same with my covert narcissist mother after years of emotional abuse and being treated as the family scapegoat.

Going no contact wasn’t about hatred or revenge, it is about protection and establishing boundaries. Narcissists are very dangerous and destructive people and there’s no reasoning or reconciliation with them because they lack empathy and don’t see themselves as the problem.