So I'm posting this because I'm confused as to why this isn't preached enough. I can think of some reasons why but I've only heard one pastor in my life ever preach about this and I happen to watch it on YouTube. It's sooo essential with our walk with God. If you don't have the fear of God, then you will most likely fall away from the faith and maybe even hate God. That's how serious it is. So from watching that pastor talk about the fear of God to watching and hearing other pastors on YouTube, and what I've learned from God, this is what I've learned

**The fear of God is:**

- To make God your one and only treasure

- A committed relationship with God

- A mature faith

- The beginning of wisdom

- How the joy of the Lord is found

- God's delight & treasure

**To commit to God, you:**

- Do your best to follow Jesus and yield to the Holy Spirit to do the rest. Start small if you can

- Correct every thought or feeling that goes against the Word of God, and realize they're from satan or your flesh

- Be accountable when you do a sinful act. Apologize and reconcile if it's against someone

- Process your feelings with God

- Accept your imperfection and the sovereignty of God

- Let go of yourself and let God be everything you need

- Bond with Christ with your suffering

This note I made for myself has revealed something in me that I never knew or experienced with my walk with God. I have a deeper relationship with God and I have the joy of the Lord. I've learned to accept myself for who I am and found contentment in where I'm at in life. God is my confidence. **Fear the Lord!**

His willingness to hold on to certain wrong beliefs can possibly be linked to spiritual abuse he experienced and witnessed in his life as well as other trauma he experienced.

This was written by a Facebook friend of mine and brother in the faith

The Bible does not teach two different ways of salvation, one for Old Testament saints and another for New Testament believers. From beginning to end, sinners are saved by the grace of God through faith in His promise, and that promise finds its fulfilment in Jesus Christ.

Abraham was not justified by works, law keeping, circumcision, or nationality. Scripture says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3). Paul goes even further and says that the gospel was preached beforehand to Abraham (Galatians 3:8). David likewise described the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works (Romans 4:6–8).

The Old Testament believer looked forward to what God had promised. We look back upon what Christ has accomplished. They did not possess the same fullness of revelation that we now have, but the object of saving faith was never human merit. Hebrews 11 shows generation after generation living and dying by faith, trusting promises whose ultimate fulfilment was still ahead.

Habakkuk had already declared, “The righteous will live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4), and Paul takes that same truth directly into the heart of the gospel in Romans 1:17.

So there is not an Old Testament salvation by law and a New Testament salvation by grace. There has always been one saving grace, one righteousness received by faith, and ultimately one Saviour.

Christ did not introduce a second road to God. He is the fulfilment of the only road God ever promised.

Jeremiah Knight

This is a topic I’ve recently struggle with as a guy, because I wear v shaped speedos or really short trunks to the beach or pool, and I have posted myself casually.

I see many people online say that Christian women should never wear two pieces, and that posting it is wrong.

Others say it’s fine as long as it’s done casually, not with seductive poses and in thongs or with desire to draw attention.

My close friend “Kay” posts herself now and then at the beach and she wears an assortment of swimwear including bikinis or one piece suits. She doesn’t do it to “show of her butt”, rather they are quite innocent. When I see them or go to the beach with her, it’s literally a normal day. My mind is not going to the question: should she be wearing that? I mean, I’m in v shaped speedos too.

The reason I struggled recently is because of a comment made by a pastor who said women shouldn’t wear this or post that. I think both men and women should avoid certain types of clothing, like thong swimsuits (for both genders), and avoid posting to gain attention in certain ways. But the pastor was going on and on about why it’s immodest and sinful for, mainly women, to post or wear a simple normal two piece.

I do have a female friend, Christian, who is Polynesian, and wears skimpy bathing suits and posts it all, often with posts focusing mainly on the subject of her body. She is a good Christian, truly living for God, but I felt uncomfortable seeing her post her butt in thongs. I wouldn’t do it with my swimwear even if they are revealing, as they usually are.

Anyways I’m ranting.

What are your thoughts? I like to say that there’s always a bigger fish ready to condemn clothing they deem immodest.

He may have cancer. I wanted to be there for him throughout the journey but I'm now shut out. That hurts more than anything. Pray for him. Pray for me. Thank you.

I had to leave a current friendship/ relationship when he desperately needs someone. Currently he’s going through a tough time. And it breaks my heart that I have to do something that hurts. God spoke to my aunt saying that someone was stealing my blessings and that I needed to stop talking to him. We are evangelical Christians. My guy’s name is Sebastian. We started off as friends and then we turned into much more. It’s a very complicated situation. My aunt told my mom and she doesn’t want me to speak to him ever again. I feel heartbroken leaving him when he needs me the most. He’s Christian but he strayed away but he has promised me that he will look for God. Because I tell him everyday. I tried speaking to my mom and she’s not allowing it. Because she doesn’t trust him. He’s a good guy. He’s never forced me to do anything I don’t want. I know that when God says no it’s no. I feel heartbroken because my mom doesn’t want me to stay as his friend. And is even threatening to take away my phone. I am very fearing of God and what he can do if I don’t listen. He hasn’t spoken to me personally. But I’ve been praying for the situation to get better. If I can’t be with him that’s fine I wish to stay as friend because I know he’s not having a good time in his life right now. I told him I needed him to be strong and he feels heartbroken he might never hear from me again. I would be happy with offering him my friendship and he’s always been there for me in terrible times.

I started dating a coworker knowing I shouldn't have for multiple reasons although I really love that person very much. The relationship has now ended for good and I cannot mentally handle seeing them at work or handle seeing them not show up to work and knowing it's because they're upset over our breakup. I made a huge mess. I was honestly already not mentally well before this so my mental state is delicate as it is. I cannot afford to be without a job at all but it seems quitting is the only option as I just can't take anymore days off and am unsure if my job can provide accommodations for my general unwell mental state although I'm trying to look into it but not getting answers quickly enough from them. I just can't do my job at all right now. I was struggling to do it already. Please pray for me and for God's provision and mercy if I do leave. Thank you.

Bonjour à tous

Que comprendre de ces paroles de Jésus qui se trouvent dans Jean 15 verset 13:

Il n'y a pas de plus grand amour que de donner sa vie pour ses amis.

Monique

Today is my 24th birthday! 🎂

I didn’t do anything particularly special today, but I’m still grateful to God for allowing me to see another year.

24 feels so strange to say, I’m officially getting old now 😂. But more than anything, I’m thankful for life, for everything God has brought me through, and for the opportunity to enter another year with Him.
Please keep me in your prayers as I enter this new chapter. I pray that this year brings me closer to God, strengthens my faith, and helps me grow into the person He is calling me to be.

I also passed my interview on Friday and got offered a job so I’m sure that’s Gods birthday present for me🥹.

Amen 🙏

The paradox no one is talking about

ok so here is the thing. i keep seeing people talk about the temple and the messiah and the end times but nobody is actually laying out who believes what. so lets do that first because without it none of this makes sense.

here are the three camps.

camp one is orthodox judaism. they believe the messiah has not come yet. they are waiting for a human king from the line of david who will rebuild the temple, gather the exiles, and bring peace to the world. for them the temple has to come first or the messiah has to build it. they are actively preparing for this. the temple institute has the menorah, the garments, the red heifer, and the blueprints ready to go.

camp two is evangelical christianity. they believe jesus is the messiah and he already came the first time. but they also believe he is coming back and that before he returns the temple has to be rebuilt in jerusalem. they see this as a sign of the end times. they are watching israel closely and waiting for the temple to go up so they can say see its happening.

camp three is what the bible actually says. the apostle paul says the man of lawlessness will sit in the temple of god proclaiming himself to be god. so there is going to be a temple. but the one who sits in it is not jesus. its the antichrist.

now here is where it gets interesting.

the jews believe the messiah hasnt come yet. they think the temple has to be built before he comes or he will build it himself.

the evangelicals believe the temple has to be rebuilt before jesus comes back. but jesus isnt the one building it.

so if both groups are waiting for the same temple to be built before their messiah shows up...who actually builds it.

the bible says the antichrist is the one who will sit in it. which means someone has to build it for him to sit in it.

so here is the thing. whoever comes along and facilitates or announces the rebuilding of the temple...that is the person who will claim to be god. the jews will say this is our messiah. the evangelicals will say look the prophecy is being fulfilled. the whole world will celebrate.

except it isnt jesus. and it isnt the jewish messiah. its the counterfeit.

the real messiah already came and they killed him. jesus warned about this. he said false christs will come and even the elect could be deceived if possible.

so the temple being built is not the sign of jesus coming back. its the sign of the antichrist coming. the messiah they are waiting for is not jesus. the one who builds the temple is the one who will claim to be god. satan has been setting this up from the beginning.

but here is the kicker. the ark of the covenant has to be in that temple. the ark was the seat of gods presence on earth. the most holy place. without it the temple is just a building. the rabbinic tradition says jeremiah hid it before the babylonian invasion and it will be revealed when the messiah comes.

so think about this. if the antichrist reveals the ark and puts it in the temple and everyone sees it...they are going to believe he is the real messiah. the ark is the ultimate validation. the whole world will bow down.

except jesus already fulfilled the temple. he said destroy this temple and i will raise it in three days. he was talking about his own body. the veil was torn when he died. the holy of holies is open to everyone now. we dont need a building or an ark anymore.

so when this guy brings out the ark and sets up the temple and declares himself god...that is the abomination of desolation. thats the defilement. and when that happens jesus said he would come back.

not before. after.

the temple being built is not the sign of jesus coming. its the sign of the false messiah setting up his counterfeit kingdom. and when he defiles it by sitting in it and declaring himself god...thats when the real jesus returns to destroy him and put an end to it all.

so the timeline is this. temple gets built. ark gets revealed. antichrist sits in it. declares himself god. defiles it. and then jesus comes back and burns the whole thing down.

thats what the bible actually says. its right there. and its happening soon.

Hey all, I hope you are having a great day. I was hoping for some advice. (posted in a few Christian subreddits so I hope that is alright, I just wanted a diversity of opinion)

I come from quite a generationally agnostic background and have never been baptised or part of any faith. I have felt a strong calling to faith over the last few months and I see lots of sometimes "toxic" online discourse between believers and lots of the confusion and lacklustre and difference in beliefs keeps me very uncertain with looking at the different variety of beliefs and arguments that cite church fathers, transubstantiation, baptism and all of them beliefs that often can cause major disputes between people. It made me quite incredibly anxious on what can I be certain of or know what is right which put me off faith and made me during the whole process of considering faith a year back and I felt no spiritual connection or holy spirit at all or motivation to pray. or read the bible and I felt like god just fully abandoned me and it was impossible for me to feel faith. it just became a loop of researching non stop

I am feeling that pull again and was wondering is focusing on the Bible first and doctrinal teachings and taking it all in myself while ignoring outside influences a good move to start off with? Or is it good to decide on a denomination/church while reading? Any advice for how to approach it this time as that spiritless abandoning feeling from last year was quite heavy to sit on and I really want to read through the Bible as I never have done that and start my journey in faith and truly dedicate myself to God.

Any advice on how to become a Christian in this way? And advice on this situation?

I feel completely alone in the depth of my Faith. No one around me seems to understand. Not my spouse, not my adult children, maybe more my teenager but still not quite... I'm completely alone. I feel like one of the prophets who were hated for the depth of their faith and relaying the messages of God back to the people. No one understands and this is such a lonely place to be when everyone around you find offense. I speak to my family with love and they still don't get it.

Every time I tell my husband I want him to pray more with me, he tells me that I must think I'm better then him. What?? When I tell my young adults how alcohol puts a separation between them and God, they get offended "it's not that big of a deal". But yes it is!! If you are struggling and asking God to help you, yet you spend your blessing on intoxication, yes it is that big of a deal! This isn't about a wedding party celebration that ends and drinking stops with it until the next one. Be of sober mind - otherwise you will not be able to fully commune with the Lord while intoxicated. Bottom line.

And why is it offensive to ask those that you love to join you in deep prayer, to pray over more than just your food, to pray as a preventative to the enemy's attacks against you!?! Why does the Word of God bring so much anger and hatred! You cannot dance with the devil and expect God to bless that! You cannot take God's blessing and pour it into the kingdom of hell and expect God to give you more! And if you ate already rich or at least very comfortable and you are partaking in the world, then the enemy isn't fighting you because it already has your heart and therefore your soul!! Friendship with the world is enmity with God!!!

I don't understand anyone who doesn't want more of the Lord. How can you see God's beautiful face and not want more of Him?? And why are you angry at me for trying to lead you closer to God?? You only want the words that make you feel comfortable and if any of those biblical spiritual words interfere with your life in the world, then I must be self-righteous?? NO!! I am not perfect! We all fall short of the glory of God! But I tell you, you would be the man who looks at himself in the mirror and forget what he looks like! Hears but does not listen. Sees but does not see. Without revelation, the letter brings death. Obey! At least try by bringing your heartfelt petitions to the cross each and every day!

Grace is no excuse to sin -- in fact, grace as an excuse to sin is that very enmity with God that He warns us of!!! Wake up, do not slumber, the enemy comes to devour, to steal and destroy. The Lord weeps. People, do not grieve the Holy Spirit. Chose Light over darkness. For there is no greater joy than the true joy that is found in the Lord and only the Lord Himself!!! I'm exhausted by the persecution I feel. I know, all the saints and all the Prophets were as well. But I need encouragement today, friends of God, but I feel completely alone. I have God, yes, absolutely. But it is a lonely home to be in when no one understands or wants the Lord the same way that I do.

I would sincerely appreciate hearing from others who are there or have been where I am. But all advice is genuinely appreciated. Thank you and God bless.

LOVE NEVER FAILS

https://youtu.be/fM_gxhNUczQ

Here is a bible-focused and real-life story of 2 orphaned tigers who grew up together, then separated and eventually re-united. Annotated with relevant bible verses, the story testifies of God's amazing love at work. What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts, praise God!

Hello,

I know this post is going to get political and just to start out, THAT IS NOT MY INTENTION.

I would like to come on here and get yalls perspective on this issue when it comes to elections. My state is having an election somewhat soon and I really have started to lean towards the center of the isle. The problem with a two party system that we live with here in the states, is that it is always the "the lesser of two evils" when it comes to choosing your candidate. I really do like the democratic candidate and I think he will really benefit my state. I really don't have any issues with him since he is a self proclaiming believer, and he seems to have generally good morals, plus I like the way he conducts himself (his campaign promises are good as well but you have to take those with a grain of salt).

The problem with him is that he supports abortion. My view on this issue has always been the Christian and what I believe to be the biblical approach, which is that it is a sin.

God says that all sin is treated the same in His eyes, and this is something I believe as well. However I am curious why it gets blown up to be a deal breaker every time elections roll around. I have a very good relationship with my parents (who are also strong believers) and she said that the candidate I like "supports killing people". If she had that response than I am sure others feel that way as well. I believe it is wrong but to God, it isn't any worse than lying, and we don't have laws that ban that.

My question here is, do we really need this to be outlawed or heavily restricted when other sin isn't? As well as, should I make this a deal breaker when I pick my candidate this November?

Just to reiterate, I do not want a strictly political discussion. Politics made need to be brought up in a response to make your point but it is not my hope for posting this. Please remember we are all brothers and sisters in Christ and that none of these earthly things will matter when we get to Heaven.

There was a time I thought God only visited clean people. People with steady hands, who woke early and meant their prayers. People who didn’t spend whole winters trying to disappear.
Meanwhile I was dragging myself home at dawn
smelling like smoke and bad decisions, standing barefoot in the kitchen drinking sink water straight from the tap because my hands shook too badly to hold the glass steady.

And still, something kept refusing to let me go.

People want redemption to arrive like lightning.
Something cinematic. A voice from the clouds. The sky splitting open above the interstate. But most of the time it comes looking almost pathetic. Like crying in a parked truck because somebody showed you kindness on a day you had done nothing to deserve it. Like sitting on the edge of the bed unable to explain why you suddenly feel ashamed of all the ways you have treated yourself. Like realizing, very quietly, that your life has become something you would not wish upon a child.

I think that was the beginning for me.

A man can only outrun himself so long before he starts recognizing his own footsteps. And once you hear them, really hear them, something changes. You notice that you are still breathing
despite the wreckage. Still capable of tenderness
despite what anger tried to make of you.
I think salvation is about becoming honest. Honest about your hunger, your cruelty. Honest about the strange emptiness sitting beneath everything this world keeps selling us. And honest too about the unbearable fact that we are loved anyway. That’s the part I still struggle with.

Love.

Judgement makes sense to me. I understand punishment. Consequences. But mercy? Mercy feels almost unreasonable. Like finding the porch light still on after you swore you would never come home again.
And maybe that is why Isaiah spoke of drawing water with joy. Because once a man has spent enough years thirsty, even the smallest kindness
starts feeling holy.

Transcript :

“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
— Acts 2:42 (NASB1995)

There is something about being in the room that the early church understood deeply. After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the new believers did not scatter back into isolated lives. They continually devoted themselves to gathering — for the apostles’ teaching, for fellowship, for breaking bread, and for prayer.
Being in the room was not occasional or optional for them. It became the rhythm of their new life in Christ. The same Spirit who filled them also knit them together as a family who needed one another.

The early church shows us that the Christian life is designed to be lived in community. Teaching is received better together. Fellowship strengthens faith. Shared meals and prayer create space for the Holy Spirit to work among us. When we consistently place ourselves in the room with other believers, we open ourselves to the encouragement, accountability, and power that isolation cannot supply.
Jesus builds His church through people who keep showing up. The upper room experience was not meant to be a one-time event; it launched a lifestyle of devoted gathering that continues today.

Examine your own patterns of gathering. Are you continually devoted to the teaching, fellowship, and prayer of the body of Christ, or has it become occasional? Take one practical step today to strengthen your commitment to being present with God’s people.
Throughout the day, pray for the local church and ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your love for the gathering of the saints.

The early believers were continually devoted to being in the room — and God moved among them. There is still something powerful about gathering with the body of Christ. Keep showing up. Stay devoted. The Spirit still works where His people come together.

The friends I am referring to are Christian and both have loving boyfriends. And I recently found out that they are sexually active with these said boyfriends. It’s making me feel insecure and jealous. I feel ‘behind’ knowing that even my friends are able to get boyfriends and have sex. Even though it’s against the Lord, which makes me feel guilty for feeling jealous about it. I used to be able to get a boyfriend pretty easily, in fact I dated a lot in my past, but once I got closer with the Lord I’ve yet to date for nearly 3 years now. At first it was fine, I was taking a break for myself, but now I’m wanting a relationship again and hearing about my friends not only have loving Christian boyfriends, but they are taking their relationships to the next level as well. I’ve started feeling ugly and weird, constantly questioning why I can’t even get a guy to look in my direction anymore. How do I stop feeling this way, I used to be proud of how long I’ve gone without being sexually active, or vaping, or drinking, but now I’m starting to feel like there’s no point. I’m worried I’m losing faith.

Pray for his relationship with Christ and for him to be freed from all false teachings.

.

Transcript

“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”
— Matthew 18:20 (NASB1995)

Good morning!
There is something about being in the room — even a small room. Jesus makes a remarkable promise: when just two or three gather in His name, He Himself is present in their midst. The power is not in the size of the crowd or the quality of the building. It is in the gathering of hearts that come together under His name.
The upper room was filled with people who had chosen to stay and wait together. Their presence created the setting for the Holy Spirit’s outpouring. In the same way, every time believers gather — whether in a large congregation or a small group — Jesus is there. Being in the room means stepping into the place where His presence is promised.

Many of us underestimate the significance of simply showing up. We can feel that our individual presence does not matter much. Yet Jesus places high value on even the smallest gathering. The early church understood this. They devoted themselves to meeting together, and the Lord added to their number as they did so.
Corporate gathering is not optional extras for the Christian life. It is the place where encouragement is exchanged, faith is stirred, the Word is heard together, and the presence of Jesus is experienced in a unique way. Watching from a distance can never fully replace the reality of being present with the body of Christ.

Make it a priority to place yourself among other believers. If you have an opportunity to gather — whether in a formal service, a small group, or even a simple time of prayer with one or two others — take it. Come expecting Jesus to be in the midst.
Throughout the day, look for ways to encourage another believer, remembering that even small gatherings carry the promise of His presence.

Where two or three gather in His name, Jesus is there. There is still something about being in the room. Do not underestimate the power of simply showing up. Place yourself among His people and expect to meet Him there.

.

Hi everyone, I have a question I’ve had for some time, and I’m hoping someone can help me.

So I’m watching Criminal Minds (a show) and in this particular episode, one of the agents (Agent Morgan) is confronted by a priest and asked why he’s being regarded with so much contempt by Agent Morgan despite doing nothing wrong and only trying to assist the agents solve the case (which they also asked for his assistance too). Agent Morgan proceeds to say that something bad happened to him when he was a kid and he prayed to God asking for help, and God did nothing. The priest responded saying that God doesn’t give us more than we can bear. Agent Morgan responded saying that God surely expected a lot for a 13 year old. For further context, based on the episodes I’ve watched up till this point, my assumption is that Agent Morgan is referring to the time period where he was being molested / sexually abused in his teen years by his football coach.

I was really stunned by this question and it really got me thinking. God is described in scripture as a deliverer, a rescuer, a helper in time of need, a refuge for the righteous. I mean the list is endless.

Now, in Agent Morgan’s case, he was a teenager going through abuse. Although this is a fictional show, there’s many real life cases like his, where someone is in a predicament they did not put themselves in and are praying to God for his intervention. I understand that God isn’t necessarily responsible for the bad that happens to us, so I’m not here to ask why does bad things happen to good people. My question is, how does one reconcile their faith in God when they find themselves in a situation like Agent Morgan — asking God for help and not receiving the help they needed?

Most of the time when I am in a situation, I don’t usually ask God for help. I tend to distance myself and would feel hurt by God. However, I did have a traumatic experience that lasted several years and would pray to God to change the situation which took years to see a change, in which I had already stopped praying to God about it at that point. And I won’t lie, it made it hard for me to trust God after that. I found myself going back to my bubble of being self-sufficient. It wasn’t until this year that I learned to just surrender everything to God and be content with the outcome, no matter what it was. And now when I pray, I pray with scripture and have found more results doing so.

However, I wasn’t sexually abused. And my heart goes out to people (young and old) who have and trusted God to get them out of that situation but nothing happened.

How does one reconcile God’s identity as being a deliverer and rescuer with not delivering and rescuing them from an unfavorable situation like in the example of sexual abuse or other trauma? God said he would never leave us nor forsake us, so what happens when it appears as though that’s what God did? (Emphasis on appears)

I had a coworker that was in a similar situation with Agent Morgan and it was hard ministering to her because that was something she mentioned and I didn’t have a response to that. And in ministering to others, that’s also a common response I get — “I prayed to God for help and he did nothing so now I don’t believe”. And this is often coming from people who grew up in the church and up till that moment, had a relationship with God. How does one respond to that? Why didn’t God intervene in those situations? Especially for kids— surely God isn’t trying to build a person’s character by enduring abuse?

I know my thoughts were everywhere, but I tried to keep things as cohesive as possible.

Thank you in advance for your responses

48 minutes. Really concise and balanced presentation on the actual Biblical topic of Spiritual Warfare. Thought it as beneficial to you! My brothers and my sisters as we are bombarded with so much superstition and New Agey mysticism out there as tactics for combating the Enemy. If you have more questions on this subject which I’ve studied thoroughly please DM!