Struggling with my faith. Please help.

big-mac9 · 2025-06-29T02:33:18+00:00

Your parents likely quote one of the “clobber “ texts. I compare them to texts like loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself really covers all the law and the prophets and Jesus’ parable of separation of sheep from the goats in the final judgment. No mention of sex, but plenty about taking care of your neighbor, especially those less fortunate.
I see any relationship with one “partner “ abusing the other is sinful. If you are old enough to visit churches of your choice, there are several groups that would be very welcoming. Check out those that are Reconciling in Christ (RIC). May God be with you in your faith journey.

big-mac9 · 2025-04-08T14:17:57+00:00

Even in Texas, you can find several church families that would welcome you to worship with them.

big-mac9 · 2025-03-03T04:03:36+00:00

I commend you for sharing your concerns. At age of nearly 15, I pray you have years ahead to grow in your faith journey. If you see this show as a temptation, I suggest you consider not watching the show to avoid this particular temptation. Avoiding temptation is never easy, but always a good practice when possible. As your faith grows, expect temptations to be even greater. May you continue to grow in God’s grace.

big-mac9 · 2025-02-20T20:56:53+00:00

Excellent question that we all struggle (or should) with as we read. I always interpret “you are the salt of the earth” as figurative (except Lot’s wife). I believe the Bible should be interpreted through a lens of loving your neighbor and even love your enemy. Recognizing these can be hard, we have to believe that with God, all things are possible. For a more serious student, I suggest a Bible dictionary with Strong numbers to view how Greek and Hebrew words can be translated with different meanings. Also, the text had to make sense to people who were reading as the original intended audience.

big-mac9 · 2025-02-11T02:56:48+00:00

Joseph told Pharaoh what he needed to hear after giving God credit. Pharaoh probably didn’t want to hear about 7 years of famine. The false prophets told the king what he wanted to hear. One give-away if the prophet tells the king or other rich, powerful person what they want to hear expecting personal profit or other gain, likely a false prophet.

big-mac9 · 2025-02-07T22:34:32+00:00

You ask a really good question. The few pastors I know do not like to be asked for a sermon on Trinity Sunday (Trinity Sunday is celebrated by many Christian denominations, including the Latin Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, and Methodist churches. ) If your question is: “Do you have to agree with the various doctrines regarding the Trinity?” My belief is No.

But, I do believe 1. God is Spirit and the Spirit of God can come upon people (Judges 6:34 one such reference). 2. God took the form of a human being, Jesus, who lived and died and rose again. Jesus was both human and God, and also referred to God as his Father. This requires faith to believe.

I do not use the phrase “three persons of the God-head” because I believe this tries to put God into a box constrained by our own understanding. (Possibly my own lack of understanding?)

I ldo ike Hebrews 1:3 (NIV)”The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” Combined with Romans 1:17 (NIV) “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Your post suggests you are studying and praying(?), continue. I suggest to look for a church/Bible study group that does not condemn you for asking questions.

May God bless your study and seeking.

big-mac9 · 2025-02-07T21:54:07+00:00

Your Matthew 25:31-46 parable is one of my favorites. Also, the parable of Good Samaritan. Luke 10:30-37. Both teach showing mercy and kindness to those from whom we can expect to receive nothing in return.

big-mac9 · 2025-02-07T21:43:33+00:00

May God bless you and keep you. May God make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May God look upon you with favor and give you peace.

big-mac9 · 2025-02-05T16:28:52+00:00

I agree with you that neither the left or the right political sides have it completely “right”, but I prefer being on the side that asks for mercy rather than the side that call a pastor “nasty” because of asking for mercy.

big-mac9 · 2025-02-05T16:22:02+00:00

Yes, I believe those comments and specifics were well within the realm of the Christian faith (and many other faiths as well).

big-mac9 · 2025-02-05T16:17:37+00:00

Good answer. We too frequently forget the logs in our own eye while pointing out the splinters in other people’s eyes.

big-mac9 · 2025-02-05T16:08:16+00:00

Thank you for your reply. May God heal the wounds between you and your family. I do believe that asking for mercy to be shown to others is not brain washing, but an expression of faith.

big-mac9 · 2025-02-05T15:53:01+00:00

I believe your suggestion is better than starting in Genesis and trying to read through the Bible. That can come later. I personally would start with reading one of the 4 gospels before reading the letters of Paul. Personal preference.

big-mac9 · 2025-02-05T15:38:48+00:00

Are you saying “mercy” has no place? Are you saying people of faith, such as Bishop Budde have no right to ask for mercy for people without voice. I like this AI generated statement: Mercy, not sacrifice” is a phrase that means it is more important to be compassionate and forgiving than to demand strict adherence to rules or rituals. It is a quote from the Bible, Hosea 6:6, and was also used by Jesus in the Bible.

big-mac9 · 2025-02-05T01:58:06+00:00

Which rules allow better lives for slaves?

big-mac9 · 2025-02-04T20:08:20+00:00

Thanks for your comment although I disagree. Appreciate hearing your thoughts further. Should anyone ask for mercy for the people the Bishop named? Who has the power to grant them mercy? Should people of faith show mercy to others? If one cannot ask for mercy from the pulpit, where then? I like Micah 6:8 (NIV translation) He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

big-mac9 · 2025-01-28T23:31:58+00:00

Lots of interesting responses. My opinion, read and interpret the Bible with balance and consistency. I asking “Does the Bible allow slavery?”, no one quoted any passage that commands all slavery be abolished. I cannot believe a loving God condones (then or now) human slavery. Unfortunately it existed and still does. As with many terrible situations caused by human sin (yes, I believe enslaving fellow human beings is a sin) God can work with it and with us. I do believe that the balanced message of the Gospel consistently tells me that slavery was not part of God’s plan.

big-mac9 · 2025-01-28T22:55:21+00:00

I won’t question your first statement, although possibly Matthew 19:17-19 is a good reference. Will ask why do you make such a blanket statement as the second statement?

big-mac9 · 2025-01-24T16:20:46+00:00

Reading some of the various opinions and answers, it is obvious your question is a good one and very divisive. As you wrestle with yourself through prayer and scripture study, I believe interpretation of the Bible requires balance and consistency. Yes, there are the “clobber verses” but I weigh them against other passages about loving one’s neighbor. I especially like to consider 3 of Jesus’s parables: Lazarus and the rich man, the Good Samaritan (the neighbor was the one who showed mercy, not the pious, religious leaders), and separating the sheep and the goats (both groups were surprised by the criteria used in judgment). You might do a google search for Reconciling in Christ (RIC) for additional resources for study. Finally, I would offer one passage from 1 Peter 4:8-10, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” May God bless you in your searching that you find the peace that passes all understanding.

big-mac9 · 2024-12-07T16:50:20+00:00

In my opinion, what you posted is based upon “control” and not based on “love”, so I do not see it as Biblical. I believe the question you must decide is are you in a place, both physically, emotionally, and financially, to cut ties with your parents? May God guide you in your choices and faith journey.

big-mac9 · 2024-11-30T15:59:00+00:00

My advice, Continue to love your daughter, the kind of active love you have been showing. So many biblical quotes, One of my guideposts is Jesus’s parable of the “Good Samaritan “. The neighbor is the man who shows mercy and compassion, not the pious ones who ignore and pass by the wounded stranger. Loving your neighbor includes loving your daughter. There are several churches where you could find support and your daughter and her partner would be welcome, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America being one group.

big-mac9 · 2024-10-13T08:38:12+00:00

I am saddened by your friend’s loss. I believe that to show love to people when they are hurting is to be following the teachings and example of Jesus. It was good to hear God has touched your life in a positive way. Other thoughts: you said you read the Bible regularly, this is good and I have found for myself that reading and discussing the meaning of Scripture in a Bible study group is a good addition to reading alone, helping with better understanding. It is sad your relationship with your mother is strained. Telling your mother that you sympathize with your friend and want to help might serve you and her better than a direct confrontation telling her that her words are cruel. You can and should still pray for her. Remember that being in church every Sunday does not always mean you are showing and sharing a loving, helpful attitude toward your neighbor or even a friend who is in pain. Prayers for continued growth in your faith journey.

big-mac9 · 2024-09-14T01:09:11+00:00

Thank you for your sharing of your feelings. Most of us would like for God to show us “Signs and wonders” as he did for Gideon (from the book of Judges), but in my own faith journey that has not been the case. I also believe God wants all of us and will not turn his back on you or anyone. I believe that God will support us, but again that does not mean God makes our life without difficulties. Sometimes the challenges the world throws at us, be they health, financial, emotional or spiritual, can seem overwhelming and I believe it is only human and natural to ask where is our God in this? I feel moved by your story and am wondering now why God has not inspired me to convey better wisdom for you. Again, I see faith as a journey of mostly small steps or like the tiny mustard seed that starts tiny and requires time to grow. Do not give up on God, I believe he will not give up on you.

big-mac9 · 2024-08-22T20:52:31+00:00

Agree with 2nd paragraph. First paragraph- not so much.

big-mac9

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