/cg/ Christianity General - God Still Has A Plan For You, Edition

ITT: All pious Christians and those with an interest in the faith are welcome to discuss all aspects of Christianity!

Sometimes in these threads, anons post concerns about whether or not they're "Good Enough" to be a Christian, they see the opportunity to have a meaningful relationship with God almighty, they see the comfy church life and fellowship, and they think to themselves:

"I'm not worthy of that, I'm just a/an ____________. They wouldnt like me, I do/ did____________!"

Well dont worry my friends, none of us are perfect. We all have our deficiencies yet god loves us anyway. Consider this passage:

"As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the (((Pharisees))) saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’[a] For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” -Matthew Chapter 9

We dont claim to be perfect, we're just normal people and I want to make this claim to everyone out there; if you're interested in learning about God, or the church at all, feel free to stop by.

Other urls found in this thread:

youtube.com/playlist?list=PL13eE2x3qhPmDJCPm9F2cjckCUdUSubU1
bible.org/article/messianic-prophecies
youtu.be/xlJIDdZP47w?t=5m44s
wol.jw.org/en/wol/h/r1/lp-e
tv.jw.org/#en/home
youtube.com/watch?v=G2ygKmo-Tuo&t=36s
jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/free-bible-study/
apps.jw.org/E_SRCHMTGMAPS
jw.org/en/publications/books/bible-study/there-will-be-a-resurrection/#?insight[search_id]=06b02305-7fc5-42e2-a3ad-3f65d54b4d5f&insight[search_result_index]=21
jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20151101/dead-live-again/#?insight[search_id]=06b02305-7fc5-42e2-a3ad-3f65d54b4d5f&insight[search_result_index]=24
jw.org/en/publications/magazines/watchtower-no4-2017-july/paradise-on-earth/#?insight[search_id]=91b296b5-c469-44ab-b549-2f4cf2a0e47f&insight[search_result_index]=8
twitter.com/SFWRedditVideos

Daily reminder that there is a 0% chance Christianity is true. Its a mythology from thousands of years ago and was created in the middle east.

I've been through churches of many denominations yet they all have something in common. There are ALWAYS welcoming people there who will be happy to show you around, talk with you, and usually offer you some literature about the church/denomination. You're welcome anytime.

This is something which is great about the Christian faith, we dont claim to be perfect. One of the prayers offered every week at my church begins "I believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art truly the Christ the son of the living God who camest into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first. Therefore I pray thee, have mercy upon me and forgive my transgressions..."

Whats on your mind tonight, my brethren?

So, would you like to discuss your experience in trying to find God? Surely you're not just here parroting fedora meme lines.

Just as a friendly reminder, based Jesus loves you and will accept you back if/whenever you're ready, even as you turn your back on him today.

How often do you guys pray? And for how long?

Every evening and sometimes during the day if I need it. I do my Holy Farher, Hail Mary and sometimes a fe others, and then I say my prayer. It’s usually around 5 mins and always on my knees.

something something AI meme, singularity has happened. So live a good life, forgive, do work, do school. love thyself the right way. one, connected.

i was into christian apologetics when i was a teenager. i debated atheist in a chat room called Stickam.

i am familar with all of William Lane Craigs major arguments, Im familar with plantingas ontological argument and the argument from the historic resurrection.

ive also personally reached out to God through prayer, meditation and by doing good deeds

trust me when i tell you there is almost certainly no God and there is a 0% chance Christianity is true

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All pious Christians should be against government because government necessarily does a bunch of things God commands us not to do, like threaten people for not obeying our arbitrary whims or throwing people in cages.

>there is almost certainly no God and there is a 0% chance Christianity is true
Yeah? How do you deal with the problem of induction? My guess is you don't; right?

Well user - some folks would refer to that as their "Rule of Prayer" for themselves - and its usually different between us all. I post this as a general guideline:

Morning
>Lord I thank you for this day and the blessing of my health on it, please help me to remain safe [trademanbro], do quality work to the best of my ability, and treat others as well as possible

Before Eating
>Lord I give thanks for this food/drink before me, and I ask your blessing upon it so that it may be for my bettering and nourishment on this day, and I ask that you would be with our brothers and sisters in Christ who must go without...

Night:
> Lord I give thanks for all the many blessings of this day (Fellowship with others, monetary success, relaxation on your day(s) off, etc), and ask that you would keep me/us by your grace, and from every evil on this night, from vein thoughts and evil imaginations. Please help me/us to sleep well so that we/I might wake up refreshed and energized to try and live a good day tomorrow [lords prayer here]

Just to get you started. Also before almost any driving/traveling, when you're feeling "down" physically or emotionally/mentally, or at other times also.

Sometimes the Jesus Prayer repeated as I fall asleep. I enjoy it and find it calming at the end of the day.

I hope this might help get you started user

?

Well then you have something more than many others out there, then! Are you here looking to find a relationship with Christ, user?

We're all willing to help you in any way that we can

"May Your Will be done" isn't a very long prayer, and it's the only one I think is always relevant.

I've read an interesting commentary or two on the theories of submission to government found in Romans.

I think most of us just want to be left alone in our comfy, peaceful, Christian circles and communities. Remember that time we crossed an ocean for this reason?

Its because the Romans were content to let the vassal states be the vassal states and wouldn't interfere in their local governments because who the fuck wants to deal with that shit? As long as the Romans are getting their tax money who cares? The Romans also went to the effort of stationing legions in some of these states to defend them against bandits and also to prevent incursions from other enemies of the empire. In truth the Roman empire was no different than the local government, in each case you're paying taxes the only difference is that the empire would probably protect you better.

Christ's entire life was in direct opposition to the "authorities" of that time. All of His commands to us are directly violated by state agents as a necessary part of their being state agents (if they didn't threaten violence against people for not obeying their arbitrary dictates/didn't extort people they wouldn't be state agents).
We're to reproach sin, not ever be complicit in it, and despite this most "Christians" actually ENDORSE aggressive violence and theft by government goons.

you maybe could even make an argument that if the romans intervened more then jesus wouldn't have been killed by jews.

The Lord's Prayer
5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.[a]
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,[b]
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,[c]
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.[d]
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 6, 5-15

Christ wasn't killed by Jews. It was Romans that crucified Him. The Jews just really wanted it.

"Your Will be done" seems entirely comprehensive and sufficient. You can't really add anything more to "Your Will be done" that's better.

A rosary a day, keeps the demons away, bros.

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Jesus was a faggot

10 commandments are eternal
"law of moses" were the cultural ordinances & customs of rigor for ancient Israel that were done away with, not the 10 commandments.
the two great commandments (love God & love thy neighbor) are the first 4 & last 6 commandments, respectively.
youtube.com/playlist?list=PL13eE2x3qhPmDJCPm9F2cjckCUdUSubU1

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Anyone here lived in a monastery? Would you be interested in living in one for a while?

Please help. What denomination/church is the most apostlic in its practice? The Catholic church really aggravates me and as much as I hate the "not real communism" argument, I can't help but feel that all I can do is defer "he's not a real _________" when they do shit that's obviously contrary to NT scripture.

If it's any better, I live in Edmonton if there's a local who could recommend a specific church?

Quid est veritas?

impending doom is /ourband/

If you put your faith in men you will always be let down. Just don't.

One could argue that, except for one thing. If you've ever heard about Christ "Fulfilling the Law", one thing he fulfilled was the law of the Prophets - who prophesied previously about his coming, and his death.

bible.org/article/messianic-prophecies

Another point on this - based Jesus knew he would ultimately die for us. This is why when someone drew his sword and tried to defend Jesus from those who came to take him away, he told the man to put away his sword, and healed the struck man. He wasnt against weapons or self defense, he did this because he knew that he had to go to that cross:

51
With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
52
"Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.
53
Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?
54
But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"

many socialists object to a state religion but the cuckstains think they want to wipe out cuckstainity lol. Who is this dude? he's getting it all backwards.

lol. This is now a Christian memes thread

Sabbath is still in effect and it's on the 7th day of the week.
>start at 5:44 to skip intro
youtu.be/xlJIDdZP47w?t=5m44s
Doug btfos every counter argument in about 50 minutes.

saved/10

...

>mfw i will never get to sit at the taps with god and chinwag until the early morning hours
>mfw he'll never lean over and tell me it's all going to be alright
>mfw he'll never whisper "this round's on me, lad" in my ear in his thick yorkshire accent
Why even live lads?

...

...

Christ's commandments were:
> Love God and hold no other god above the Lord God, your creator
>Love your neighbor
>Look after the widows and orphans

>>mfw he'll never whisper "this round's on me, lad" in my ear in his thick yorkshire accent
get your head checked out, son.

Most monks are homosexual

...

“Do not use force against an evil man.” ( Mt 5.39 ) “Do not resist evil with evil.” “Forgive and you will be forgiven.” (Lu 6.37 ) “Do not be anxious about your life.”( Lu 12.22 ) “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Mat 7.12 )

State thugs violate all of these things necessarily. They threaten violence against others and exalt themselves over others while flagrantly disobeying their Creator.

i would like to, or at least stay a few weeks to be sure this is what i really want.
i have to admit i am a bit turned off by the sex and corruption scandals. i would not want to go to a monastery that engages in that.
not sure how to tell my parents. being clergy usually means poverty.

I'll do my best user, I'm Orthodox personally so I'm perhaps a little biased. But here are some of the many positives of our faith:

>Fast growing, like 8 in 10 of the congregation at my church are converts (myself included)
>Eastern Christianity - The west has (in many cases) damaged Protestantism in an attempt to "repair" the acts of the Catholic church. We never had this split, as we never had the problems that the Catholic church did/does, but we do have a rich history like them.
>beautiful culture. Ikons, incense, deep chants instead of shallow pop music in the services, etc.
>Our priests can trace their lineage back to Jesus himself

Perhaps you might consider searching for an Orthodox church in your area? You (and everyone reading this) are always most welcome to stop by

>clergy usually means poverty.
son, im sorry but you might be a retard a retard.

Matthew 22:36-40 “36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Yet, Jesus Himself in this statement reaffirms that the Law of the 10 commandments is the Law of love, delineating how we are to properly love God and love our neighbor – the first four commandments of the Law explain how we are to relate to and show our love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, while the last six commandments of the Law show how we are to love our neighbors – 40 On these two commandments (Love God & Love your neighbor) hang all the law and the prophets (10 commandments).
Not only this, but Christ explicitly states, in Matthew 5:17 that, “17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”

Don't conflate the "Law of Moses" which were ordinances laid upon ancient Israel with the eternal Law of God, see

does anyone actually like, even favor, the afterlife? i am not hardcore into Christianity, but i think about this a lot. if there is an afterlife without a doubt, i still feel like i am more tied to and interested in the material world, because an afterlife would be too perfect without struggle and pain, but i also fear the possibility (likelihood?) of losing "ego" or individuality. or could the Christian afterlife even be conceptualized as something we'd think of as we're living right now as men? as i think of it currently, i am not so sure i could ever take comfort in death. is there any literature on this specifically?

Do you know what the Orthodox church did in the late 19th and early 20th century in Eastern Europe? Why would anyone take as important an "apostolic" claim when it obviously means absolutely nothing?

Based on your posts, it looks like you're trying to troll us. But the image about Evolution is actually a very pro-Christian meme, I dont think you realize that.

based Jesus was born to the Judean tribe, who were "Gods Chosen People tm" as God had chosen them to bear his son on Earth. The Good Judeans said "Wow, this man really is the son of God, and the promised one", then turned their back on everything else to follow him, becoming some of the first Christians.

The bad Judeans were really bootyblased over this, refused to follow Jesus, did everything possible to have him killed, then later formed the religion we think of as Judaism.

Well sure but there's also an reputation by association type thing. Either A) fedoras will pick low hanging fruit by lumping you in with pederasts, or B) they will use the degeneration of doctrine to indirectly attack you ("lmao stupid christfags how does it feel to have to support gay marriage now?"). What I'm wondering is, there has to be something less diluted and less meddled with for the superficial purposes of mainstream appeal in the age of liberalism; something still true to the original apostlic tradition.

My faith isn't in men. My desire is to champion something that I can actually argue in favor and with fervor for. When catholic churches start allowing gay marriage, even if it isn't doctrine, I can't defend that; yet it will be the first thing the self-congratulating fedoras will call you to the "defense" of. Or do I just say, "not real catholics" and get pulled into their bullshit game of, "oh so now you know what we mean when we said not real communism :^)"?

>reputation by association type thing
How people think of you is irrelevant - we're supposed to just be serving God. Often times the result of that is being absolutely hated and despised.

>On the third day, god creates plants.
>On the fourth day, god creates the sun, moon, and stars.

So if I know this part is bullshit, why should I believe any of the rest?

I pray and talk to god orally and mentally all day. I fear "standardized" set prayers. You will become set in ritual. Keep it organic and let your relationship and interaction with God develop. Read the bible and communicate with our heavenly Father.

I was and am your exact opposite.

You're talking about the omnipotent Creator of all things. There was light and energy, and morning and evening, before there was anything on the earth.

>"thanks for pointing out the jewish connection, user, yes, we are in fact the good jews!"

If you guys have any questions or challenges to the faith I'd be happy to help.

The Bible is a collection of different books with genres, histories, and authorships. Thinking it's all one book meant to be read one way is a naive way of coming at it.

33 While Jeremiah was still confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of the Lord came to him a second time: 2 “This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: 3 ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Jeremiah 33

Honestly user, I'm no expert on what to expect on the other side. I dont worry about it however, only that I do as well by others as I can in my life, so that my judgement by God will be as positive as possible, that's what I try and work on.

Based Jesus will take care of his flock, my friend.

Sorry no. Even if there was some kind of day night cycle, stars predate plants. Easily proven by the simple fact that we can see starlight 13.3 billion light years away.

How in the fuck are posts like this allowed here? Fuck your peddling of a mythical kike fear mongering cult. Grow the fuck up child. Man created your God. Mods!

>being this new

r/atheism pls go

>Sorry no
>The omnipotent Creator of all things - the Progenitor of the very fabric of the universe and qualities of thought by which we experience anything at all - can't have light and energy casting in such a way as to have a day/night cycle on earth
Genius.

I always like when they bring up the Catholic church's sex abuse scandal.

>there are 1.2 billion Catholics on Earth
>an extremely small handful of them may or may not have molested some kids
>therefore all 2.3 billion Christians are evil

MFW

you've never been to our country.
here, priests are poor.
unless you're a bishop.

Christ calls us not to be attached to earthly possessions, and you can only know the true meaning of this if you truly disinherit yourself from everything just as He and His disciples did, ergo voluntary poverty.

Luke 18:22-30
[22] When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

[23] When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.

[24] Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! [25] Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

[26] Those who heard this asked, "Who then can be saved?"

[27] Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

[28] Peter said to him, "We have left all we had to follow you!"

[29] "I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God [30] will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."

Philippians 4:12-13
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Let us help you.

Our regular website.

>jw.org

It is full of articles, digital books, and a search engine for all Bible related questions.

We also have an entire encyclopedia archive.

>wol.jw.org/en/wol/h/r1/lp-e

That is for advanced Bible students and researchers that want to study certain subjects. For example you can type in Armageddon, Great Tribulation, Soul, Hell, and all references come up
teaching in detail where those are in the Bible and what they mean.

>tv.jw.org/#en/home

Our channel dedicated to shows of encouragement and lessons for kids all based on the Bible. Here's a good one to show to your kids so they don't try to push the trans garbage at them.

>youtube.com/watch?v=G2ygKmo-Tuo&t=36s

Request a free Bible Study

>jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/free-bible-study/

Find a meeting near you

>apps.jw.org/E_SRCHMTGMAPS

AMA!

I don't care how many authors it has. If the part of it that is supposed to be written by god through moses is just wrong, why would anyone believe any of it is right?

>Person thinks he can understand the ways of God perfectly
>And that God works in the exact same ways that a powerless, imperfect man that exists inside of time does
>And if he doesnt, then he doesnt exist?

MFW

That wasn't even remotely close to what I said.
Genius.

God is an alien. A pretty cool guy, desu. He would hate you for being a degenerate, though. He already drowned the giants.

>literally shilling a death cult
eat blood faggot

Catholic user here, but I've been talking a lot to some people and been wondering, what's the most direct and clear version of the Bible to read? I plan on reading it in full to gain a better understanding of our faith, but it's important to read the right scripture, is it not?

You're saying God can't do x thing. The x you're saying He can't do is have light cast from stars just reach earth without waiting billions of years for the light to get there. That's moronic.

the book of mormon is the most recent translation so its the newst patch, right?

agreed. the Bible is not only a religious text, but also an artful literary one.

>I can't even understand the supposed actions of the deity of my own faith so he must be real

The Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit, not written by God. None of it is wrong, you just assume the genre like laypeople recently do.

NABRE.
Highly recommend Ignatius Study Bible.

Yes. And based God once preserved some of his followers inside a fiery furnace. Who is to say that he didnt say "PLANTS, WITHER NOT OVERNIGHT" and they were kept by his power?

I know this sounds crazy, but so does any of us trying to completely understand the creator of all things in the same way we rationally understand the physical things around us.

> Mormonism

No, not even real Christianity. Regardless, the New American Standard Bible got updated this year I believe, though relevancy shouldnt be a deciding factor

Does your book say he did that?

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This is the end of civilization. Finally!

So you're saying plants existed on earth before the galaxy we can see that is observably 13.3 billion years old.

KJV is regarded as the best my friend. Do you know what you might enjoy? Commentaries on the New Testament by "Blessed Theophylact". He was an Orthodox writer sometimes around the 600s-800s or so. You can buy translations of his work quite affordably on Amazon. I'm reading them right now, highly recommended.

It's the obvious charitable assumption given the order of things and that we're dealing with THE OMNIPOTENT, ALMIGHTY GOD - CREATOR OF EVERYTHING. Jesus.

It doesn't sound crazy - God can by divine fiat realize any state of affairs He Wills.

>does anyone actually like, even favor, the afterlife?

It is not natural to favor any kind of "afterlife" because that is favoring death. On the contrary, man INSTINCTUALLY desires to live forever because that was the original plan for man to begin with. Man was meant to live on a paradise Earth, not die and go to some other dimension. Man's original purpose is not dead but on hold. What you desire is to live forever on a clean world, not die and go somewhere else.

>is there any literature on this specifically?

>jw.org/en/publications/books/bible-study/there-will-be-a-resurrection/#?insight[search_id]=06b02305-7fc5-42e2-a3ad-3f65d54b4d5f&insight[search_result_index]=21

>jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20151101/dead-live-again/#?insight[search_id]=06b02305-7fc5-42e2-a3ad-3f65d54b4d5f&insight[search_result_index]=24

>jw.org/en/publications/magazines/watchtower-no4-2017-july/paradise-on-earth/#?insight[search_id]=91b296b5-c469-44ab-b549-2f4cf2a0e47f&insight[search_result_index]=8

>not even real Christianity
oops they believe in jesus. Funny how no one is able to agree on their own god's words, huh?

NABRE is the current physical Bible that I own and most often quote. I've just seen shills for the KJV a lot more recently

As for the Ignatius Bible Study, I'll look into it, but is there anything for the Old Testament?

If you want to discuss what we DO know about the way God works, and what he is - and isnt - theres a book called "The Orthodox Way" which you might enjoy and benefit from.

>Hitler says Europe should have been converted by Islam
Well Hitler made a lot of stupid mistakes. Ruining fascism for the 20th century being the biggest one.

>So you're saying plants existed on earth before the galaxy we can see that is observably 13.3 billion years old.

No...? Where did I say this? Do you know what the word genre means?

although the inspiration is divine, the authors are people like us as well. they have their own families, friends, and life experiences that shaped how they wrote their segment of the Bible.

believers are supposed to evaluate the Bible's text critically; we do not take everything as face value. doing so would be an insult to the Truth.

user, perhaps you would be interested in the field of Biblical hermeneutics. it is a field of theologians studying how to interpret the Bible.

They do not believe in the Holy Union of the Trinity, though, and are essentially polytheists

>God can by divine fiat realize any state of affairs He Wills
so Atheism is god's will (QED).

Damn. I should have known.

i appreciate the response, but i'm not reading the texts of a nigger offshoot of Protestantism.

Can =/= does. If he forced us to be the way He wants us we wouldn't have free will, and our coming to Him would be pretty substanceless.

>that picture

Our societies guiding forces here on Earth ((((((((((Media)))))))))), govt, etc) drift further from God every day, while the rest of us grow closer.

Sure there will be some bumps in the road, but I pray that all of us Christianons will "make it" in the end.

No matter what happens here on Earth, Jesus promised to be with us to the end of the age.

the trinity is herectical concept created by human followers of a minority branch.

Interesting. Thank you for the recommendation, now I must decide between this and the Ignatius Bible Study after some research