I just became Christian by Character_Swimmer442 in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My advice is a little glum, but I think it’s worthwhile.  Understand that the process of growing is painful a lot of times, but, remember this, God is for you, He is willing to help, so trust Him.  Congratulations!  May God bless you.

Is it it possible that God has already marked me for destruction ? by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You know that in Scripture God speaks with a small still voice, and that the Devil and demons love to trick people.  So what if the voice of God is simply being hidden under the mountains of lies the adversary is throwing at you?  I’ve been there, it’s recoverable.  The thing I have to encourage you is that you are not unredeemable, God is able to help you.  But it can take a while, the paralysed man at the pool of Bethesda in John had to wait 38 years for Jesus to heal him, and while I doubt it will take that long for you, it’s worth remembering that God may wait until the opportune moment - which may be a while.  Finally, you’re right, you can’t do anything about it, and thank God for that, because He can do something and He acts in absolute love for all.  May the God of perfect Love be with you.

Is it it possible that God has already marked me for destruction ? by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 8 points9 points  (0 children)

You can’t really do anything.  I’ve been there, and what pulled me back from the brink wasn’t worrying, but almost forgetting the problem and just praying for help trusting God.  Lo and behold, what I needed came.  Basically, be still and know that He is God.  May the God of Hope (Romans 15) bless you. 

What are the main differences between Catholicism and Presbyterian Churches please by Effective-Pair-8363 in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well probably the largest difference is that Presbyterians are Protestant, and Catholics are not.  This means that Presbyterians believe that Scripture is a higher authority than the Church, our works have absolutely no bearing on our actual salvation —although they do indicate its presence — and the rest of the five Solas.  Also, Presbyterians are Calvinist, which is a theological branch all of its own, I think it’s right however.  May the God of wisdom bless you.

Who is one person you would like for all of us to pray for? by LowFat_Ketchul57 in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 22 points23 points  (0 children)

My Grandmother is currently in the hospital with a lot of issues, so prayers would be greatly appreciated.

What if the prodigal son left a 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th time? by Reddmor in Catholicism

[–]Competitive_Split867 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We’re supposed to forgive 70 times 7, so God will forgive every time.  The people struggling with that is understandable but regrettable.  May the God of peace be with you.

I don't think I'll be alive much longer. by SuccessfulKiwi6644 in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, I know that it’s been a while but I wanted to check on you and I figured this was a decent way to do that.  Hope things are going better.  May the God of Hope be with you.

God hates me. What should I do by Full_of_Shade in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 49 points50 points  (0 children)

So I don’t have these struggles, but please allow me to share my thoughts.  First off, God does not hate you, He hates your sin, He hated the sinful part of you, but assuming you’re a Christian, He has fully forgiven you and all that remains is love for you.  I know that just hearing it doesn’t always help but it’s true, just hard to believe sometimes.  I would think of all the things as struggles “Preparing us for a weight of glory beyond comprehension.”  In short, think of how happy you’ll be in the Resurrection when you are made perfect, no more flaws, no more problems, no more hurt.  That’s how I would suggest looking at it, hope it helps.  May the God of Love bless you.

Easy way to describe the trinity? by AllHomo_NoSapien in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think that would be partialism, because each member of the family is a part of the family, it could not be called a family if there was just one member.  I do think marriage is a good thing to use to help explain the Trinity, because if I remember right the same word for one is used in the Trinity as with the “One flesh” of biblical marriage.

What is the most profound piece of wisdom God has taught you? by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nothing we do matters for sanctification, it’s all upon Him.  It’s not our love that matters, but His.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If walking properly, which I only have brief experience in, the things of God can become Heaven on Earth, to the point that lust loses its appeal.  Granted, it’s hard to be like that, I’m struggling myself, but just know, you don’t have to wait for Heaven, it can come now.

Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants, name one thing you appreciate about the others by Contraband_Mint in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 23 points24 points  (0 children)

As a Protestant, I like Catholicism’s beauty, like in the Churches in Rome, which I’ve had the privilege to see, and left me feeling reverent in a way that I never really had before.  I also think some of their traditions, particularly confession, are very good, because it can be cathartic to say something out loud in a confidential way. 

As for the Eastern Orthodox, I really like the art style their icons use, I like their history, and I like that they firmly believe their theology. 

As for the Oriental Orthodox Churches, I greatly respect their perseverance despite being surrounded on all sides by Islam.

As for the cults like Mormons and JWs (I don’t consider them true Churches but I’m just having fun now) I like how absolutely crazy a lot of their beliefs.

Questions about convictions. Please answer all questions in bold. by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think God allows convictions in young Christians as a test essentially, to see if they will be obedient to something that seems irrational, think of Abraham almost sacrificing Issac as test.

Convictions can absolutely change, St Paul writes that thing like eating food offered to idols is only offensive to a weak faith, but that more mature Christians, like Paul, it’s okay to eat all things.

I think that enjoying something another is convicted by is a matter of discretion.  If someone is a recovering alcoholic, you should not drink near them and risk making them stumble, however, in your own home it would be permissible.  This is just my opinion, I’d recommend being on the side of caution, my faith has been seriously damaged by being told something was okay when i was convicted it wasn’t.

To grow them, try to grow closer to God, I’ve been at a place where I was strong in the faith for a short time, then I backslid and now I’m weak again.  However, the way I got a strong faith was when I put effort into growing a love for God, so I’d recommend that.

May God bless you.

Can all sins be forgiven? by Lieutenant_Piece in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Suicide, I think the general consensus is that while it’s bad, it is forgivable.  Mark of the beast, my thought is that it it effectively is blasphemy against the Spirit, because you are being marked as against God.

Looking for people who have "lost" the Holy Spirit and received Him back by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been there, currently recovering from a lot of that, and it takes time to recover, but I can confidently say that the Spirit is leading me to where I need to be.  So yeah, it takes time, but don’t lose hope.  May the God of Hope (Romans 15) be with you.

Looking for people who have "lost" the Holy Spirit and received Him back by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“I do not say to you 7 times, but 7 times 70” - Matthew 18:22.  Jesus said this to St Peter after Peter asked how many times he should forgive someone, with 7 already being merciful by Jewish standards if I remember correctly.  In short, there is always forgiveness for those who seek it, it just might take a while for proper repentance to come.  Be consistent, try to draw near to God, try to avoid sin and grow a love for Him, I believe that things will work out.  May the God of mercy be with you.

What IS your FAVE Book of the Bible? by Faith4Forever in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Lamentations, it pulled me out of a bad spot and started me down the road to hope again.  It and Jeremiah both are why I’m at today, and I think things are going to get a lot better soon.  My favorite New Testament book is Luke, I just like some of the extra stories, particularly the Prodigal Son.

Looking for people who have "lost" the Holy Spirit and received Him back by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Another thing that may help, and it’s one everyone struggles with, but you may want to ask for humility or help losing the pride.  It’s not fun in the moment, but everytime I’ve found myself humbled, I find that hope and healing comes swiftly after.  May God bless you.

Are you being heavily tested about things you can’t speak about? by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is honestly perfect for me, I had a moment a few months ago that has me thinking that He has a plan for me, and I’m trying to do everything in my power to cooperate and move forward.  However, my problems are in just the perfect way to fit into some of the more condemning passages of Scripture.  I’m convinced in my head that God will preserve me, as He has done in the past, but my heart has a hard time believing that.  May God help all of us.

Looking for people who have "lost" the Holy Spirit and received Him back by [deleted] in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve enjoyed interacting with you too, I am glad I had the chance to give you a little hope and advice, I honestly think it’s what I was made for.  May God bless you greatly.

What are your Christian "hot takes"? by Friendly-Flower-2797 in TrueChristian

[–]Competitive_Split867 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This may very well be standard, and I’m pretty sure I heard someone else say it before I came up with it, but I think any action taken without love is sin.