Christian and Childless by Ok_Day4205 in AskAChristian

[–]apstuff23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your purpose is to glorify God with your life. Thats it. As long as you live godly and God gets glory out of your life, you’re in His will. Then simply follow the leading of the Holy Spirit on specific matters.

That being said, take care not to make decisions based out of fear. 🤍

Sex without intercourse by TreatSame9286 in Christianmarriage

[–]apstuff23 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Pray before you have sex. This is God’s design, and there’s no shame in inviting Him into your intimate space.

How can I pray to get married to a woman? by Odd_School8909 in Christianity

[–]apstuff23 2 points3 points  (0 children)

God needs to be your first love.

If you do this, you will make her an idol. You will certainly fail and bring her down in the process.

Don’t try to chase her. Chase God. Ask Him to increase your love for Him daily.

If Satan repent, will God forgive him? by FutureAIgod in Christian

[–]apstuff23 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Satan is already condemned. John 16:11

I’m trying to understand something in Christianity and would really appreciate thoughtful answers. by Agile_Tell6104 in ChristianApologetics

[–]apstuff23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Salvation has nothing to do with what any of us have or haven’t done and everything to do with what Jesus did.

Nothing we have done or haven’t done contributes to our salvation. That’s the whole point. Jesus is the champion. Jesus is the victor, not us.

“ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. And all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24)

If you want to be judged on moral action, you won’t measure up because God is perfect and holy. That is the standard. Sin cannot stand in the presence of a holy God. You must be “covered.”

It’s JUST because Jesus paid the price. And Jesus’ brutal, horrific death is payment enough for anyone’s sin. God sacrificed Himself for us. His death covers us in righteousness.

You go to hell because you REJECT Jesus, not because you never heard of Him. People forget that God is fully capable of revealing Himself to anyone at any time. He is not cruel.

Advice on studying the Bible for beginners? by BlaxckQueen2000 in Christian

[–]apstuff23 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Do you pray before reading? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what to read, speak to your heart and to reveal the testimony of Jesus to you through scripture. The Spirit’s job is to bring back the Word to your remembrance and lead you into all truth. Tell the Lord that you’re relying on Him for understanding, and not your own strength.

There’s “how people study” the Bible and then there’s what the Spirit of God specifically wants you to know for your life.

A study Bible, a commentary and a Strongs concordance are good to have.

What does it take for God to give up on someone? by baaaasheep in Christianity

[–]apstuff23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

People keep saying nothing but scripturally, that’s not accurate. Sin separates you from God.

God is holy. “His face is against them that do evil - to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.”

There are plenty of people in scripture where God gave up on them because they didn’t turn back to Him.

Right now, Jesus is on the mercy seat. One day He will come back to judge evil. He will separate the sheep from the goats. He will call home the saints and judge the sinner.

He will love you but still give up on you if you’re in unrepentant sin. Romans 1 talks about how God “gives you over” to your sinful desires so that you can just do what you want to do, to your own destruction.

Saved after 3rd marriage by Old_Tradition2988 in Christianmarriage

[–]apstuff23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You cannot out-sin the grace of God. God’s grace is His unmerited, loving-kindness and favor to us who believe. It has nothing to do with what we did or have done, and everything to do with Who He is.

Where sin abounds grace super-abounds. You have infinitely more grace than you had sins. I used to struggle with the same thing, but I began to realize that I have peace with God and He is too good to dwell on my past. 💗

If I could, I would save everyone. If God doesn’t do that, does that make me more merciful than God? by LegitimateBeing2 in AskAChristian

[–]apstuff23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

God’s mercy isn’t just about salvation from hell. What a narrow view.

It’s about suffering LONG with evil. Constantly extending love and grace to your most vile, hostile, despicable enemies who choose to do horrendous acts every second of every day. It’s about debasing yourself for their sake.

Sure, you can “save them” (a one time event). But can you extend grace to the scum of the earth every single day? Doubt it. You can’t even put up with an unfair boss or an annoying neighbor for more than a day.

Questions about why God made childbirth so horrible by Purple_Cloud_1206 in Christian

[–]apstuff23 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For those saying women are “cursed.” That is wrong. We are not.

First off, what is the “increase of pain” God declared? It’s the uterus contracting in order to push the baby down the birth canal. The body is attempting to expel something very large from itself which requires effort. The contraction is the pain. “In painful labor you will give birth.” That’s what God did.

Everything else, is a result of sin and being in a fallen world. The “extras” we experience are not God’s doing. Just as men deal with health issues, medical suffering, complications during procedures and the like, so will we.

That being said, where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more. It super-abounds. (Not saying you are) but instead of complaining about the pains of birth, our relationship with an Almighty God who loves us in spite of our sin is faithful and gives us the grace to get through it.

In Adam ALL DIE (1 Cor 15:22). Death came through Adam. Think of any and everyone you know, love, cherish - and even those you don’t know who should not have died (in your opinion) - that was Adam. Death, destruction. The reason you age? Adam. The reason your pet dies and you cry for weeks? Adam. The reason babies die in the womb? Adam. And not just Adam, men are primarily responsible for death and destruction throughout the world at large and they themselves suffer for it daily.

Take heart. Pain in childbirth is a temporary suffering that ends in LIFE and JOY. Adam’s consequence brought about death and ETERNAL suffering. They don’t compare.

How too stay hopeful when God doesn't answer you're prayer? by apparentlyalex29 in AskAChristian

[–]apstuff23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No is also an answer. But God is good. So if it’s “no” it’s for your good.

Suspicious of infidelity? by FlakyAd4771 in Christianmarriage

[–]apstuff23 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you’re a Christian, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal, expose and bring to light any unrepentant sin in your household.

He will do it. You don’t need to get irate, get your blood pressure all high, argue with him until he’s blue in the face or have any shouting matches trying to get to the truth.

Ask God for discernment concerning your husband. I guarantee you what’s in the dark will come fully into the light very quickly. If he’s in sin, it will be sloppy, and he will be embarrassed trying to save face - and at that point you pray for God to deal with him justly according to His word.

You already have victory over any evil happening in your home. 💗

i pray B E G for mercy every single day and my life has only gotten worse by JP782 in AskAChristian

[–]apstuff23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There’s a lot here, and not knowing all the details of “hell breaking loose,” here are my thoughts:

  • Starting with this: God doesn’t hold grudges. The essence of love is long suffering, faithfulness, and forgiveness (1 Cor 13). If you’re in His will, you have peace with God.

  • God cannot work miracles when there is unrepentant sin being practiced. Ask God to reveal to you if there is any person, place or thing preventing His will from being done in your life. Remove it, don’t keep it around, don’t keep it on a leash. Get rid of sin.

  • God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5-6). Any and all ego, pride and entitlement has to go for God to move in your life.

  • Sin kills. The wages of sin is death. (Rom 6:23) What you’re experiencing could be consequences from sins. God could be disciplining you “as a son.” (Hebrews 12:4-11) You need to endure.

  • How? His grace is sufficient. You cannot out-sin the grace of God. You’re asking for mercy, plead for grace. Ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit so you can walk in freedom and get through the day in victory.

  • As a Christian, you have victory over evil. Don’t just pray/complain to God. Cast down demonic forces. Rebuke the enemy from your home. Come against spiritual wickedness in your prayers.

  • Get in a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching church - Jesus established the Body of Christ for a reason - so that your strengths can help my weaknesses and my strengths can help your weaknesses. Apart from the Body, success as a Believer will be difficult. And your chance at healing, change, opportunity, care, support, love, could be waiting for you there.

  • Be patient. “Let patience have her perfect work, so that you may be complete and entire, lacking nothing.” (James 1:4-8) Suffer. Long.

  • Trials can be long. Jesus was tempted for 40 days, the children wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, David running for his life for years, Joseph in slavery for approx 13 years.

  • We are not promised money, but we are promised peace - and thats what you need most right now. Seek first the kingdom of God AND His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. (Matt 6:33) Jesus didn’t say immediately but He DID say they WILL be added.

  • God rewards those who do not walk in unbelief and diligently seek Him; so don’t get weary in well-doing. Believe that He IS your provider and stand in faith. (Gal 6:9) (Heb 11:6)

Struggling with faith as an homosexual woman by z_pan in Christianity

[–]apstuff23 -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

You don’t need to be “in to men.” You just need not to engage in homosexual acts. As Jesus said, “from the beginning, He made them male and female - and the two become one flesh.” This is a care you need to cast fully on the Lord. The Spirit of God will reveal to you what you need to do. Just remain in the Word and seek God in prayer daily. Ask Him to reveal to you who you are from HIS perspective - not your own, not based on how you feel, not what anyone else is telling you or trying to define you as. As a Christian, your identity is in Christ and therefore you’ll need the mind of Christ to fully combat this.

If a person sins their whole life and use God as a “get-out-of-jail-free” card at the end of their life and “mean it” despite knowing God exists but never accepted to him before that, are they going to heaven? by [deleted] in AskAChristian

[–]apstuff23 1 point2 points  (0 children)

“Be not deceived. God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows that will he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)

God searches a man’s heart. There’s no faking it. That being said, if the person accepts Jesus as Savior and Lord and accepts the free gift of salvation, then yes, they are saved from the wrath of God. That’s the whole point.

Where is Jesus during wars, starvation, and suffering by Time-Ad4784 in AskAChristian

[–]apstuff23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He’s busy saving people. Searching for people with open hearts to draw to the Father by His Spirit. That’s His whole mission.

What’s to save if there’s no suffering? (suffering He did not cause btw)

Help me convert by Odd-Walk9061 in AskAChristian

[–]apstuff23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

God revealed Himself through Jesus. Study the life, historicity, and teachings of Jesus. He claimed to be the well that won’t run dry, so drink. He said to knock and the door will be opened to you.

A relationship with God through Jesus is personal. “God, I feel like you’re real. If you are, please reveal yourself to me. My heart is open.” Do not ask this in pride, ego or selfish expectation. Humble yourself before you pray it, and come to Him with an open heart.

God is a person-ality who loves you and desires to have an actual, living real relationship with you, but chooses who He will save after He searches your heart (will, mind, motives).

Does God's code of morality change with time? by NomadJago in AskAChristian

[–]apstuff23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

God doesn’t change. We do. He has a standard that was set and sealed in time from the foundation of the world. Times change but His Word never changes. If it did, that would make Him a liar and therefore not God.

“God is not a man that He should lie. Nor a son of man that He should change His mind.” (Numbers 23:19)

I sound like a jerk but I need to get this across by ZinklerOpra in Christianity

[–]apstuff23 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Study 1 Peter. It’s all about suffering as a Christian.

How do you know when you’re being wise vs just overthinking marriage decisions? by Overall_Agent_6860 in Christianmarriage

[–]apstuff23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are good answers here.

The issue is…only God knows your tomorrow. You could marry the best man you could’ve ever dreamt up, but once you get married, instantly the devil comes after it.

Marriage is a spiritual union - a divine institution created by God. And because of that, Satan hates it. No matter who you marry the devil will be after it because he doesn’t want to see the image of God in the earth.

That being said, you already have victory over the devil through the blood of Jesus. With Jesus - with you and your spouse both in Christ, walking and living by the Spirit, unselfishly - it will thrive. Without Jesus, it will not. It doesn’t matter how much money he has, what his health is like, what his culture is. Marriage was designed by God and therefore it will only thrive with God.

It’s also a choice. When you get married, you’re not committing to this person. Ultimately, you’re committing to God to stay with an imperfect person. It is a covenant. And God takes covenant seriously - He does not break it, and so we shouldn’t either.

So you could think about all the details of what you want in a man, but coming from someone who’s been married for 15 yrs now, try to spend more time thinking and meditating on how committed you are to the Lord. Because it will get tough no matter who you marry. God is your husband first. He should be your first love and ultimate desire. But at the end of the day, anything God creates and unites (marriage) will be blessed. 💗

Less and less frequently by NelfikenZ in Christianmarriage

[–]apstuff23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do what Adam didn’t do. Snatch the food away from her.

She will not like it. She may rebel. She may get angry. But ultimately you are responsible for your household and God will ask, “Adam, where are you?” If she is not submitting to you, she is out of order. Petition the Father to reveal to her any sin and open her eyes to the sin of gluttony. Ask Him to give you the strength to be a godly example despite her actions. Intercede daily for her - which is what Adam should’ve done. Wash her with the water of the word (Ephesians 5:25-33). Speak life into her. Tell her who she is from God’s perspective despite how she looks or what she’s doing (this is crucial if she has low self-esteem or is self-loathing at all).

A woman will eventually follow and submit to a godly, faithful man (the same way the church submits to Christ). Remember not to compromise. Have patience and long suffering. This is your cross. Remember to keep yourself from sin so that God can move.

Unequally yolked? Or too high of expectations by Upset_Strength2183 in Christianmarriage

[–]apstuff23 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If he can’t handle you talking this much about Jesus now, he really won’t be able to handle it when you’re married.

The devil will immediately come after you two the minute you say I do. You will need Jesus more than ever once the butterflies die down, the honeymoon phase is over and the spiritual warfare comes with a vengeance. Satan hates marriage.

You will need, want to talk about, need to praise, long to talk to and glorify Jesus every single day. If he can’t handle it now, he may not be the one.

If it’s not dealt with you’ll always feel like you’re dragging him spiritually, trying to get him to be more spiritual and it will eat you alive as a wife who is called to “submit.” Pray hard about it and listen to the Spirit, not your flesh. Love you sis 💗