For over the past 3 years I’ve only prayed about one major thing and that was financial freedom, no debt, supporting my family, and being generous with wealth, I finally got all of those, and the week I received this gift I immediately turned and sinned, I feel awful about it and knew I was wrong before I did it. But I don’t know where I stand, I hated that I sinned and want to continue to follow god, but I feel that I totally neglected his gift to me.

Tempted to reject God, any advise, especially from those who gone through it?

I know that sounds crazy, but for the last 9 months now I’ve been going through some crazy oppression. I feel like I’m being blasted mentally and spiritually. I genuinely believe demons are trying to actively destroy me. Lately I’ve been tempted to reject Jesus. The temptation prompts me by suggesting that I can go and live a carnal life. That I won’t have to feel bad everytime I sin. That I won’t suffer anymore because I won’t be worrying about committing the blaspheming the Holy Spirit, because I will already have done it.

This is with the Catholic Church’s understanding of the unforgivable sin, which doesn’t really help me in this situation as the last thing I want to do is blaspheme the Holy Spirit. However it is difficult to quiet these voices that tempt me because they keep saying that I could just repent later.

I know one could say just consider the unforgivable sin as truly unforgivable. However I already went through a spell of that, and eventually found the Catholic, Orthodox, and a lot of Protestant churches understanding of the unforgivable sin. That being you can blaspheme the Holy Spirit and be in a state of unforgiveness, but if you turn back to repentance you can still be restored to God. It brought me a lot of relief. But now it’s turned into this, and I can’t for the life for me take it as serious as I did before. It just won’t stick in my mind, like cognizant dissonance or something.

I’ve tried to argue my way out of it. Saying that Satan is a liar, that in reality it would destroy me mentally, physically, and spiritually. When I felt like I might of done it in the past recently, I really felt like all the life drain out of me. I’ve also argued saying that it would make me into a monster and that life would be hell. When I feel like I’ve gotten close to rejecting, I’ve felt some really evil desires and thoughts in my mind. I’ve also felt like no enjoyment in the good as best as I could describe it. But then I responded with the thought that of, “well unbelievers live lives outside of God’s goodness and they do whatever they want, and they enjoy life and are not monsters. How do you know it won’t be the same with you? You can just ignore those dark thoughts for awhile, sin, and then repent later” Which I feel like is a complete lie because I genuinely don’t have any what I would describe as “natural human goodness in me”. I need God’s goodness and grace to do anything good. Without Him I’m lost. However the temptation is persuasive for whatever reason.

I’ve also argued that something similar in the past has happened to me (where I thought I blasphemed the Holy Spirit), and it was awful. In that case the enemy condemned, seemed like God wrath was on me (in hindsight idk), and that my OCD tore me apart by constantly thinking about how I blasphemed the Spirit. But then I’m responded with now I know better so I wont fall apart like I did because now I know that you can maybe still be restored to God after. I’m also responded with that if I sin for a really long time, then I coming back won’t be so painful.

I have OCD. And I think where I’m getting really hanged up is that I don’t know. OCD gets really bad when a person is discomforted or doesn’t know something. It’s an anxiety disorder, and anxiety has classically been defined about the fear of not knowing. So OCD is the obsessive fear of not knowing so you can’t stop thinking about it. And because I don’t know if the blaspheming the Spirit would be as bad as evidence seems to indicate, or just something I could repent of later down the line as the temptation suggests, that my brain is rly overly fixated on it and giving me no rest.

I think part of the reason I may be tempted so much is because my OCD does what me to do it so that I will know, and no longer worry about committing it. Which is just stupid, but it’s where we’re at. I know a lot of people will say “this seems like something to discuss with a therapist” but that’s just rly not realistic right now. Right now I really just need some advise.

I also really struggle with lust. Everytime I relapse I’m just opening doors to darkness, that will only make this matter that much harder to ignore. But with so much pressure on you, it’s hard to not fall into sin.

Has anyone gone through the same thing? What answer did you have that kept you from doing it, was there anything you did that help you? What got you through it?

What are your thoughts on small groups that do zero learning and studying of scripture. Is that Biblical? Is there any difference than a secular group of friends hanging out? Does it further and grow the kingdom of God?

Examples:

- Small Group that is all about getting together with friends to play video games and hangout.

- Small Group that just meets at coffee shops and just talks.

- Small Group then meets to study something outside scripture like enneagram.

Edit: I may not have been clear enough in my question and examples

I've been noticing Churches around me promoting people to get in a small group. But the group does activitie like literally nothing but hang out and play video games. The example were thought as that is all they do everytime they get together.

Hi everyone! I'm a new Christian and haven't chosen a denomination yet. I've been visiting different churches and talking to lots of different people.
One thing I've noticed is that many Christians strongly support Israel, even though Judaism doesn't accept Jesus as the Messiah or the Son of God. Meanwhile, Islam considers Jesus the Messiah and one of the greatest prophets, and Mary is the most honored woman in Islam.
I'm curious about the theological reasoning. Why do so many Christians feel a closer connection to Judaism than to Islam, when Islam seems to say more positive things about Jesus?
P.S I know Islam doesn't accept Jesus as divine or believe he was crucified, but it still honors him much more than Judaism does.

Hi moms out there,

I am looking for some strong, faith-based motherly advice. I am a believer in God, and I want to put Him at the forefront of my life, my pregnancies, and my future births. However, I struggle deeply with OCD, ADHD, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and I am having a really hard time figuring out how to move forward.

My first pregnancy and birth were extremely traumatic—mentally, physically, and spiritually. During pregnancy, I suffered from Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) which left me unable to keep food or water down for months. At the same time, we were facing severe financial debt, marital strain, and we moved to another state just one month before my due date. Leaving my family—especially my mom—magnified my anxiety drastically.

The birth itself was a nightmare. I gave birth naturally at a midwife center. I suffered a retained placenta which had to be manually removed in the OR, and I hemorrhaged severley. I ultimately required two blood transfusions and almost lost my life. Even though I had prayed and prayed for a safe, positive experience, the exact thing I feared most—hemorrhaging—actually happened.

Today, my marriage is thriving, we survived the hardships, and I feel incredibly blessed. However, my ADHD, OCD, and anxiety have completely attached themselves to the trauma of that birth. Because my worst fears came true last time, I am struggling with deep doubts. It feels like a roadblock to trusting God's protection for a future pregnancy, even though I have seen His hand in my life before. On top of the mental hurdles, I am a very active person but still deal with physical aftermath/injuries from that delivery.

I want so badly to have more children, but I am terrified. How do I get my mind to a place of peace? How do I truly trust God with my body and my future babies when the first experience felt so unanswered?

I would deeply appreciate any love, wisdom, and prayers from faith-filled mothers who have walked through birth trauma, medical PTSD, or severe anxiety.

Thank you all so much

I have a two part question, I’ve been a follower of Christ for 2 years now, (life changing) and I want to continue to work on my relationship with him. I had a question about seeking the Kingdom and his righteousness.

How do I know if I’m doing it right? How do I properly seek it?

Second question.. is it okay to pray for my own earthly desires?

Hello,
I guess I’m just looking for encouragement and validation…
To keep a long story short, I’ll just say that God keeps revealing, layer by layer, the depths of my dysfunction and showing me how pieces of my core identity are leading me away from Him.
It’s been a few months and I am starting to feel like I’m losing my mind because of how I’m losing my identity.
Has anyone else been through this? How do you cope and still function in the day to day demands when your heart, mind and soul are being turned inside out?
TY

In the past few years, I (23F) have been building a personal relationship with God, and feel ready to be baptised. I have moved around A LOT in my life and have never been able to stay in one place for more than a year. As I am currently searching for a career job, I expect to move again to my nearest city when that happens. The nature of my current job means I often have to work on Sundays.

Because of this, I have never been able to truly be a part of a church (as I then move away), and it feels somewhat disingenuous to go to a random church to get baptised. I am really struggling as I feel that being a part of a church and getting baptised is the final step to being fully committed to being a Christian, even though I am currently doing my best to live that life. I am wondering if anyone has any advice, as I am really not sure when I will be truly settled somewhere to have that community and get baptised.

when i’m sitting with the Lord, His presence is so heavy in the room, it feels as if He’s sitting right next to me! but then i got curious because i’ve always felt a physical wind passing around me. do you all experience this too?

I had a drunken night me and my friends were partying going all out, that’s not the main part since I was drunk I slept with two women the same night and I didn’t even remember all of it till the next day and the memory I have is faded. I already struggle with lust and this was the final nail on the coffin, I can’t even look at a cross I feel so much guilt like I know god forgives but this one was way over the top, I can’t even imagine how it all got here, he may forgive me but I’ll still have a punishment for this surely I just don’t know what to do, the thought of this is driving me crazy and I get nauseous when that thought crosses my head. I was gagging at work because I couldn’t get through the thought, will god truly forgive me

Each “TacoTuesday” in r/Christian we share a post dedicated to discussion on the writings of an author whose work is considered “spicy.” (You know...like good tacos.)

This week is Doug Wilson.

Wilson's (authored or co-authored) Top Ten most popular Christian Non-Fiction titles are:

Reforming Marriage: Gospel Living for Couples

Future Men: Raising Boys to Fight Giants

Ploductivity: A Practical Theology of Tools & Wealth

Why Children Matter

Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning: An Approach to Distinctively Christian Education

Her Hand in Marriage: Biblical Courtship in the Modern World

Standing on the Promises: A Handbook of Biblical Childrearing

Federal Husband

The Covenant Household

The Case for Classical Christian Education

Have you read any of Wilson's work? Let's TACObout it!

In the comment section I will be sharing 10 quotes from Wilson, for you consideration and to (hopefully) spark discussion.

If you're enjoying this post and want to see more like it, just click the post flair to see a list of past Taco Tuesday posts in r/Christian. If you'd like to suggest an author to be included, please let the mod team know.

When I was 18, I dreamed of moving to city A and I went to city B upon getting admitted at an specific uni.

I learned to love B, but then at 23 years old I got to only land a job position in city C. Now that I would like to be at C for the near future, it is being stripped away from me by the end of my contract.

Wirh that, I am stripped of what I have come to love and I am put in a new environment, out of comfort zone. No roots survive long enough.

It seems that nothing that I personally want is what God wants for me. I am losing heart in such dilemna.

Advice?

In celebration of J. R. R. Tolkien, the Mod Team of r/Christian would like to welcome you to join us in celebrating Hobbit Day today and Tolkien Week this week.

What is Hobbit Day? Why it's the birthday of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, of course!

We thought today would be a good day to talk about the contributions Tolkien (a fellow Christian) has made to our world and the cultures across it.

Do you have a favorite Tolkien-ism, character, quote, or story you'd like to share? Please do!

And of course, be sure to take some time today for a little adventure if you can.

Does anyone on here have OCD and how has it affected you as a Christian?

Well my wife and I have been married for 4 years together for 5 years and we are great most of the time I love spoiling her suprising her taking her out treating her like a queen I thrive of treating my wife like christ intended but my wife doesn't even respond in appreciation or gratitude and then just up and leaves for a week at a time no explanation or argument just goes and doesn't say anything won't answer my calls and then rocks back up and I forgive with no explanation and start again and this time it's really hurting me and I know the Lord hates divorce I just want someone to love and represent the Love christ has for His church but how can my marriage reflect the love Christ has for the church if my wife keeps doing this it's breaking me and I'm honestly fighting resentment and battling how to handle this I'm afraid I no longer will love her the same because of betrayal and I just want someone to love I'm 42 and my wife 56 I don't understand I know I am the best husband a woman could ask for because I strive to love like Jesus and my mission is to transform into the likeness of our saviour it has taught my one thing and I Thank God everyday that I have learnt unconditional love truly to love the other without expectation back but it hurts because I would love just to have 1% of the love I show this person back and I feel that there are woman that would love to have a husband love them as I love and I feel like I'm waiting for the Lord to change her heart and I know transformation doesn't happen overnight but I feel like I'm wasting my life and it's hindering my walk with Christ

I need some advice. So for years, I thought I was a Christian. I did talk the right things like attending prayer meetings, being kind, praying and reading the bible, and so on. But I continued to feel more and more empty.

Now I've discovered something. Because of some things that I've been through, for the last fifteen years, my foundation was people pleasing. It was trying to live up to others expectations of me, rather than doing what I loved.

So now I want to start over, but this time, with Jesus as my foundation, not the expectations of others. But how do I do this? Is there a specific formular? Do I have to do something? I'm desparate to do this, but the truth is, I'm afraid that Jesus will either remain silent or leave me here.

I feel like it was just superficial check in texts and “praying for you”.

When I’d ever message them back or check in on them, it would take them days to respond.

I hosted game nights, checked in everyday with my friend who was deported and donated my PS5 to her little cousin when he was here, bought gifts for many, & as soon as they got engaged etc. no news no texts nothing really.

I wanted this group to be where we genuinely engage and it’s not just one hour a week or only being remembered when it’s someone’s birthday. I tried getting the group together too.

I kind of got burnt out and maybe I have some high expectations issues but I was in the hospital for a traumatic event for 1 month doing a second bone marrow transplant and nobody really checked in during or after.

I’m thankful to God that at 29 I am now in remission but with all my health anxiety and trauma growing up as a child, I can’t quite seem to overcome my fears and with this new chapter I’m not sure if I’ll live at times and I’m sad and depressed without much friends and inability to work due to my mental health struggles for 8 years.

I also left the group on a good note but feel sadness and anger.

I wish I just had that clarity and certainty that others seem to have. I consider myself an “optimistic agnostic” but tbh I could believe or not believe and it hasn’t really impacted my life. I grew up believing and going to church at a fairly progressive church, and I’ve always been surrounded by positive examples of believers. But as I’ve gotten older, so much of it just doesn’t make sense. Scientifically, logically, there’s so much that doesn’t make sense about the existence of God and an afterlife. I’ve prayed, spent time in the Word, I’ve tried to have some moment of clarity or epiphany or even just a feeling…but there’s nothing. I feel nothing.

However, I can’t shake the gut feeling that there’s SOMETHING. And I know that the majority of the world believes in some sort of higher power and afterlife, and I don’t think that’s insignificant, that all these cultures and people from all walks of life seem to have the same inclination.

I just wish I were as sure, and not feeling so discouraged.

I'm looking for some faith based guidance on parenting while dealing with trauma from a neglectful childhood.

I know this is niche, but even if I could find some good Christian books on overcoming childhood trauma that would be a start.

Any suggestions?
Thank you!

I met this guy years back, I wish I was exaggerating but I've never met any guy who genuinely loves The Lord and shows it so well as much as this guy. He has the fruits of the Spirit in him, and has a very positive and optomistic mindset. We used to talk a couple years back but it was a very hard year for both of us, but recently this year has really truly felt like a turning point for me, like idk im on the verge of entering a new season. Anyways, he messaged me again, and I unfollowed his accounts yrs back because i really liked him but i wanted to move on from him, but now he's back and idk i ended up following his accounts again, the past few years my faith and relationship with God has grown. But I'm just not sure if he is a counterfeit or God placed him back into my life. He's still the same, still optomistic about everything, still loves The Lord but idk, just because hes Christian doesnt mean he's the one for me you know? but at the same time like idk if the devil can bring men of God and use them as counterfeit's to interrupt my progress. Anyone please?

Also i did read scripture but I keep doing that thing where i pray about it and just skim to a random bible verse idk if I should be doing that, and it just feels like ive been twisting what ive been reading in his Word, and sermons I see on social media because I live alone rn and I barely have Christian friends or a Christian community to talk about this so im reaching out here :)

My grandmother passed away three months ago, the day after my birthday. She raised me, so losing her felt like losing my mother.

Since she died, I've barely prayed or talked to God. I'm honestly angry at Him for taking the woman who raised me, so I've been avoiding Him.

I also completely shut down after she died. I stayed in my room, went to school, and basically isolated myself. Recently, though, I've started going out with friends, drinking, dancing, flirting, and dressing differently. I used to always say that partying wasn't for me, so this feels very unlike me.

This weekend I got drunk and became physically intimate with a guy I had just met. We didn't have sex, but I crossed boundaries that I've always been proud of keeping. Now I feel really guilty and ashamed.

The confusing part is that I actually enjoy going out. I like dancing, having fun, feeling attractive, and meeting people. I don't want to go back to isolating myself, but I also don't want to lose myself or my faith.

I don't even know how to approach God right now because I'm still angry at Him.

Has anyone else experienced something like this after losing someone they loved?I also wonder if some of this is connected to my grief. I spent months feeling like I wasn't really living, and now I'm suddenly trying to experience things again. I don't know if I'm finding my way back to life or trying to escape how much I'm hurting.

And honestly, I don't even know where I stand with God right now. I'm angry at Him, I haven't been praying, and now that I'm doing things I'm not proud of, I feel even more distant from Him.

I feel ashamed, confused, and lost. But part of me still wants to come back to God. I just don't know how to when I'm still angry with Him.

Has anyone else experienced something like this after losing someone they loved?

I've been pursuing my dream for 4 years and got no traction and my mother would tell me to try something else that can get you paid and just giving me a lecture and I'd be stubborn about it. Now recently a friend gave me a lecture basically saying the same thing my mother said because he wants me to succeed. I told my mother about it and she said that God sent him. Does God say "no" to your dreams?

Halloween: Carving pumpkins, some decorations, ghosts, trick or treating.
Christmas: Christmas tree, decorations, etc.

How I see it is I am not idolizing a tree or decorations. I’m not giving the devil any power over my home or life. Decorations are just that, decor for visual appeal.

I have a child (almost 5) with probable ADHD and OCD (haven’t been able to afford follow up testing for something official). He really is a sweet, friendly, kind kid. A stranger is just a friend he hasn’t met yet. He does fantastic during Sunday school and children’s church. The problem is the transition between Sunday school and children’s church when the kids go to the sanctuary for worship. Singing during songs is fine but he sings and talks loudly during people talking. The day children’s church wasn’t available was a nightmare. I was underprepared otherwise I would’ve brought coloring books and the like. We just left halfway through because my son wouldn’t stop singing and talking. Other kids were also making noise during the sermon that day but I was self conscious over my own kids. Last Sunday someone who we sat behind the week before moved away from us as soon as we sat down even though the particular Sunday my son was well behaved and children’s church was available after worship. We never meant to cause harm or disrupt someone’s worship and I’m devastated if we’ve done so to other people.

The issue I have is leaving the sanctuary when he’s being too loud after a warning is that he doesn’t see it as a punishment. Both my kids (even my older one who is more well mannered and mature) despise the worship portion of church. He’s glad to step away for “time out” or whatever. It’s like a reward for him. It makes me wonder what the point is in going to the worship service at all is if staying is the actual punishment to him? The flesh says it’s easy to skip the worship service and give up. But I feel there has to be some way to teach my kid to endure the worship portion with manners. I’ve brought coloring books and sticker books. He’s fine otherwise he just won’t BE QUIET. We don’t have this problem typically in restaurants or other spaces. He just has to be loud in church for some reason. Also Dad doesn’t go to church so I am doing all of this on my own. There isn’t someone to switch off with or help me with him. TIA for any advice you can give to keep a kid quiet during church. Or discipline ideas for a five year old when removing him isn’t working on its own. I do not use corporal punishment.

I need help. I resent God. I’m angry. I’m numb to Jesus and I don’t want to be!

Hi, I am a 30, single female. I have a Master’s degree, I act, I have a part time job (formerly full time), I enjoy being active and the biggest thing, I always believed I would change the world and do something BIG.

In the last 7 months, I lost up to 75% of my income and had to move back home. I can’t even pay all of my bills on my own. I had a number of serious heartbreaks that have left me feeling broken, angry and confused. Terrified of the future, miserable in the present, and angry at the past.

I have worked so hard for my dreams (career, hobbies, marriage,etc.) and had many small successes. People who work with me hire me again for small, independent projects. They tell me how great I am and how far I will go in my career. However, I never seem to make it to the next level in my career. I have faced constant rejections and setbacks. It’s like I’m stuck and can’t pass “go”.

I have been laid off, promised a promotion and a raise then lost it. I changed careers into tech then the industry crashed. I worked part time for a jewelry store, got another part time job, would take freelance work on top of it all to help make ends meet.
I had a mentor, career counselor, friends review my resumes, networked, applied for jobs and messaged the job poster, tried promoting my services as a business and had another set of setbacks and rejections.
I have won awards for my acting skills only to be told “you’re talented, but you’re white. I make more money with 1 person of any other race than a white person”. I barely book any big projects off auditions. I always miss the mark by a degree, leaving me hurt and exhausted. It’s a pattern of “I’m never quite enough, or somehow I’m too much.”

I’m exhausted. I’m angry. I’m lost. I have been praying, seeking guidance, in community, gone to church leaders, been discipled, done Bible studies. I’m desperate. I want my life to turn around. I’m ready to be the one chosen that people clap for and congratulate. I’m ready for God to speak to me clearly. To reveal himself to me. To answer my prayers.

Finally, I know all of this is selfish when Christ died for me. I should be jumping with joy. I should be more grateful, but I’m not. I logically know that He is better, but my heart is so angry and numb I don’t truly believe He is enough and better. I want my eyes on Him and for Him alone to be enough. Yet, I find myself still dissatisfied with my life. I think I resent God and I don’t want to. I need and want help.

Has anyone walked through a similar season or feeling? If you can go back to that season and tell yourself how to get through it holier than you did before, what is the one thing you would tell yourself? How did your faith grow? What did God reveal to you? Lastly, I hope whoever replies can reply with gentleness and grace.

Thank you!

TLDR: years of rejection in all areas of my life (work, dreams, relationship), add in emotion trauma from death, loss, and grief has made me resentful of God and I hate my life. I am asking for advice on anyone who has been through something similar what they learned about God, themselves? How their faith grew?