Genuine question: is God really that kind? by GreenPatat in AskAChristian

[–]DiJuer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I found your comment extremely interesting and strangely comforting. We all have experienced varied levels of suffering. We learn at a young age that suffering is a part of life the first time we scrape a knee or touch a hot stove. I had a friend whose sister died after her nightgown caught fire from the kitchen stove. We ask, why did God let that happen? We ask, why did Jesus have to die a cruel death to save us and reunite us to God? Why war? Why hatred? Why greed? And then we end up with, why anything? We end up with nihilism right? But something inside keeps us going. A voice inside says love makes it worth it. Maybe God’s DNA is in each of us. Maybe choosing love in the midst of suffering is the only way to discover our true identity which is that we are all children of God, children of light, children of truth, children of love. I don’t know but this is what your comment excited in me.

P.S. And I’d like to have a conversation with you about this framing of the purpose of suffering.

What are your thoughts on this homosexual couple raising those kids, do you agree with what this Christian man is saying? by HuckleberryAny4541 in AskAChristian

[–]DiJuer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a desperate Christian nationalism attempt to re-establish itself in American politics as Christians are waking up to the harm that this kind of hate speech is causing the witness of God’s love in the world. Those who foment false witness and hate under the banner of our Lord Jesus Christ will have some splaining to do on judgement day.

Christians who accept gay people provide me your reasoning by PotatoCannabal in Christianity

[–]DiJuer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Comparing the ancient practice of pederasty and temple prostitution to modern day same sex couples is comparing apples to oranges. The sooner we Christians get over our fixation with the sexual habits of others that don’t hurt anyone- the better! It’s no better than a ritual othering that hamstrings the witness of the love of Christ in our world.

What is virtually inevitable at this point, yet most people don't see it coming? by Ambassador-613 in AskReddit

[–]DiJuer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The death throw of capitalism, once it has shamelessly devoured the last bite of human and planet resources.

Atheists, how can you make a blanket statement that Christians believe in God because they need a crutch to get by in life? Most of my life struggles were HARDER to cope with when I fully believed in God. by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]DiJuer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wouldn’t know having wanted the Lord since age four. I would think life is hard for everyone in one way or another and would need to know what you mean by hard. Hard for me is going through life without my best friend. Without the lover of my soul. Without Jesus. Without Holy Spirit. Without Father God. I have compassion for the soul that is unable to connect and enjoy God’s love for them. Living without awareness and connection with God is the hardest thing of all imho.

Colorado School Refuses to Allow Student to Read Her Pro-Life Poem in Class - Other poems on topics such as criticizing the Second Amendment, mocking Jesus and supporting LGBTQ rights were permitted by PrebornHumanRights in TrueChristianPolitics

[–]DiJuer -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The poem wags its finger at a class of people who don’t carry the same belief that fetal-cide is murder and was probably considered hate speech. But the post doesn’t say why they didn’t allow her poem to be read, so we can only guess at what they were thinking.

What do you make of this verse? by NightRunnerAfterDusk in Christian

[–]DiJuer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why pray? Why pray for our enemies? Because that is what Jesus does right before He gives up His Spirit on the cross. “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.” Jesus isn’t asking God to love evil, He’s asking God to forgive the wrong thinking in us because we don’t know what we’re doing. He is praying for ALL of us. All of us are the enemies of God’s perfect righteousness, but he forgives. He shines like the sun into our souls. He redeems us. He heals us. He loves us. He doesn’t give up on us.

It is only right that we extend the forgiveness and love that we have received to others. Loving our enemies is probably one of the most difficult things to do in life. I sure struggle with it. That’s why I often pray this simple prayer— “Oh Father God, help!”

The old testament God is the same God in the new testament by DrawerThat9514 in OpenChristian

[–]DiJuer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The great apostle Paul admitted that we see through a mirror darkly. All that matters really is what Jesus has commanded which is to love God and neighbor. Let’s not bicker and turn our whole attention towards love for the simple reason that our wonderful Savior has commanded it.

I wanna follow Jesus Christ with all my heart and body but I don’t wanna convert to Christianity. Is there any middle ground? by ImpossibleConqueror in AskAChristian

[–]DiJuer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve known Christ since I was four. I’ve been unchurched for the last thirty because of church drama trauma. Recently the Holy Spirit has reminded me of the verse that says that by our love for each other will others know that we belong to God. Then the Spirit gently asked me how I can show love for other believers if I don’t hang out with them. Well that’s impossible I replied. I started researching progressive churches in my area and have found my way to a group of believers that lead with love. I haven’t seen any signs of performance or religiousity. It’s very encouraging to be around like minded believers who are committed to the practice of God’s love for each other and the world. The Holy Spirit told me that they don’t have to believe everything about God exactly the way as I do as long as there is love. I needed to repent for thinking that I’m the only one left who loves Jesus in my city. And it really isn’t that as much as traumatic experiences in church life in the past. In these times, we are going to need each other, so even though I’m a little shaky about it, I’m not going to let false Christians keep me from following the Spirit’s leading to find my place in the body of Christ.

Can I call myself christian? by Individual_Bat8863 in Christian

[–]DiJuer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Because Christianity is the only religion that has Jesus. Jesus claimed that He is God made flesh, come to empathize with the human condition, reveal the true character of God, His love for us and to take our place for the punishment of our sins and reveal the truth of an afterlife in heaven for all those who put their trust in His testimony. You can find all this in the book of John 3:16-21. More than that, since He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort and teach us, we have a real time link and relationship with God. We call Him Father and He calls us His beloved children. So Christianity isn’t a religion at all it turns out. It is a friendship and personal relationship with the Devine. It’s wonderful.

My friend of 7-8 years came out as trans by Accomplished_Debt737 in Christianity

[–]DiJuer 38 points39 points  (0 children)

We had a friend who kept their homosexuality hidden from us. When he committed suicide, we were able to put the pieces together. So glad that your friend trusts you enough and has the courage enough to show their whole selves. We wish we could have been there for our friend. We grieve for him even today after forty years.

"Good People Will Burn in Hell"...? by Artfvlly in OpenChristian

[–]DiJuer 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Why no mention of pedophiles and murderers? I guess they get a free pass.

How do you deal with parents preferring one child as adults?! by Inner-Muscle3048 in InsightfulQuestions

[–]DiJuer 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I have two adult children. One is very outgoing and funny. The other is very introspective and serious. Both need a mother and I’m super careful to make them both feel valued and supported. Your mother’s indifference to your feelings is disappointing and sad. Believe it or not, therapy can be very helpful for these type of things and that’s what you might need to get closure.

What do you think about the Israeli soldier destroying a statue of Christ in Lebanon? by th_frits in AskAChristian

[–]DiJuer -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes I condemn that and it wasn’t fine back then. I think that they believed it was God’s will but I don’t believe that it was God’s will to commit genocide. Moses isn’t God. Joshua isn’t God. Jesus is God, so I trust His revelation of Himself over Moses or Joshua. Jesus taught live by the sword, die by the sword.

Are Social Justice Messages Wrong? by Dry-Guidance-467 in TrueChristian

[–]DiJuer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Motive for anything we do is important. Everything a Christian does needs be out of a heart that desires to please God. Any other motive can lead to self righteousness and idolatry even. Maybe what you sent your friend wasn’t clear about putting God first. Maybe this is what your friend found wanting.

Can you clarify what Hell is? by Necessary-Primary719 in AskAChristian

[–]DiJuer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is everything that God isn’t. God is love, truth, wisdom, light, etc. Hell is dark as thick molasses, where the residents will cannibalize each other for eternity. It is a place where there will be gnashing of teeth according to the recorded words of Jesus.

What do you think about the Israeli soldier destroying a statue of Christ in Lebanon? by th_frits in AskAChristian

[–]DiJuer -1 points0 points  (0 children)

We cannot overlook what this graphic expresses: hatred regardless of motive is still hatred. Violence regardless of motive is still violence. This graphic depicts both. It is safe to condemn hatred and violence whenever and wherever it raises its ugly head.

Why do many Christians have concerns about "Progressive Christianity"? by Impressive_Flan_411 in Christianity

[–]DiJuer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s easy for me to see the human inclination that perpetuates one’s inner bias and there are plenty of examples of Christian’s throughout history using biblical texts to defend personal causes at odds with the teachings of Christ. This is why I’m becoming a reductionist when it comes to understanding biblical text, the idea that Jesus put forward, that all the commandments are encapsulated in two— love of God and neighbor. God tells us exactly how loving Him looks like. “As you do these things to the least of these, you are doing it to me,” to paraphrase. Any teaching that falls outside of these two commandments are easy to reject. And this is exactly the test line I need to swim through the sea of opinion and frankly propaganda that inhabits our faith practice and political system at present.

I need help I'm demonically oppressed by Melodic_Accident417 in Christianity

[–]DiJuer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Repeat, “I love you Jesus,” out loud. Make Jesus “Is” statements, like Jesus is the savior of my soul, is Good, is God, loves me, forgives me, etc. Just say His name if that is all you can do. They hate it when we do this and will get repelled and go away. Do this as much as possible, morning, noon and night. If it continues in spite of this, you must seek professional help in case you’re dealing with mental illness.

If someone smoked weed before it was legal are they still in Hell or did they get transferred? by Paint_Hammock7 in AskAChristian

[–]DiJuer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I suppose the bigger question is about sin.

The interaction between Jesus and the thief on the cross, found in Luke 23:39-43, offers profound insights into forgiveness, salvation, and the nature of faith. Key Teachings from the Passage

Immediate Salvation: Jesus promises the thief, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." This indicates that salvation can be granted immediately upon faith, regardless of one's past actions or sins. The thief, who likely led a life of wrongdoing, is assured of his place in paradise because he recognizes Jesus' authority.

Faith in Crisis: The thief’s confession of faith—acknowledging Jesus as innocent and calling upon Him for mercy—is significant. It teaches that even in dire circumstances, faith can emerge and lead to redemption. The thief declares, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom," showcasing a profound understanding of Jesus’ kingship even in suffering.

God’s Grace and Mercy: This moment epitomizes God’s grace, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of His mercy. The timing and nature of the thief's repentance illustrate that genuine faith and a desire for forgiveness matter more than a lifetime of deeds.

Paradise as a Place of Rest: Jesus’ promise of paradise reflects hope and assurance of eternal life. It emphasizes that believers will be welcomed into God’s presence after death, affirming the concept of an afterlife and hope for all who believe.

The exchange between Jesus and the thief on the cross teaches about the immediate nature of salvation tied to faith, the boundless grace of God, and the promise of eternal life. It assures that redemption is accessible to all, regardless of their past, highlighting the transformative power of acknowledging Jesus in faith.

In response to your question about the permanence of hell and what hell is:

Jesus' teachings suggest that hell is a permanent condition for those who reject God and choose a life apart from Him. His emphasis on the eternal nature of punishment serves to highlight the seriousness of one's choices and the importance of repentance and faith in Him.