A new Christian with a lot of questions

Welcome to the forums and may God bless you for coming here. I am a little busy at the moment, so will pass on answering all of your questions. However, I will try my hand at these.
#3 - If those phrases are sinful, you can bet that a lot of Christians use them. I would not lose much sleep over it. Just try and replace them with other phrases over time.
#11 - Friends can be a messy subject. I guess it is a matter if degree. Pray about it. The main thing is that you do not let friends influence you in a negative way.

God bless and peace be with you.

Shession7 said:

Hello!
I have recently found my faith and repented to turn to the Lord and will be baptised soon but I have a lot of questions which some of you may be able to answer or give me direction in
I'm not expecting answers for all because they will become known as I follow my faith and journey but I thought it would be helpful to post them here;
- When Jesus returns and we are saved and risen, won't we feel sorrow for loved ones who are not saved?
- Will the Devil ever give up at tying to manipulate our faith and soul, and if so when?
- Is it sinful to say things like 'oh my god' and 'what the hell', and if yes, how can I make it right? (Sometimes it is just habit)
- How do you know when you have 'finished' your journey towards following your faith? Is there a destination or it is an infinite path?
- How do you know if you are doing the right things to please the Lord?
- If someone you know has a little bit of faith but does no follow or use it, will they still be saved/risen?
- Does the Lord appricite my (sometimes twisted) sense of humor?
- Do I need to feel guilty if I don't attend church every week or don't pray for an extended period of time?
- What do we do if someone is saying blasphemous things and going against God? Do we challenge them?
- Are modern and 'cool' things also sinful? And secretly they are cool and trendy because they have been used by the devil to manipulate people? (For example the desire for expensive cars and explicit rap music). And if so should I turn away from them? I enjoy listening to rap music ect.
- If I have sinful friends, does God also want me to turn away from them? Even if I don't copy what they do?
- Can I still successfully follow my faith but at the same time hide it from people who I fear may judge me?

Sorry for a lot of questions but maybe you can see a common theme here and answer generally or if you like just answer one or two questions
Thanks for reading answering may God Bless you all!

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Welcome to CF. There are many knowledgeable people here (and friendly, too!), so I am sure you will find answers to your questions.

CS Lewis addresses the issue of sorrow for the unsaved in The Great Divorce. He talks about how it seems compassionate to care for the unsaved, but that would then hold us all in a form of emotional blackmail, so he does not feel we will feel sorrow. I agree with him.

I assume after Christ’s return when we are present with God in more fullness that the Devil will have no ability to tempt us...whether he will continue to try anyway, I do not know. But I prefer to focus on Christ than on Satan.

It seems disrespectful to say such things as “oh my God” when not actually calling on Him. Sinful, I couldn’t say...but if it is, turn away...confess it to Him, ask His forgiveness, and try not to do it again...repeat as necessary. He is a loving and forgiving father.

I don’t think any of us will reach the destination in this lifetime. There is a destination, and I suspect (though I don’t know...how could I who have barely taken the first steps?) that if you reach it, there will be no doubt in your mind.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love you’re neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these”. Mark 12:30-31...or if that doesn’t do it, remember the Golden Rule...”So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

It is not for us to judge someone’s faith or salvation. Some appear to be unsaved, but having started from a lower point, have actually made more progress in their walk than have we. Focus on your own salvation.

I believe that God has a great sense of humor and enjoys ours.

I wouldn’t necessarily feel guilt over it, depending on your reasons for it. Church attendance is important for building us up, but not the measure of our piety and salvation. Prayer is a conversation with our Father in heaven...why would you not wish to speak with Him? Even if only briefly...do you text your earthly parents and friends when you can’t have a full conversation?

Address blasphemous thoughts and such in love according to the situation surrounding it. Try and understand the motivation, and deal lovingly in accordance with that.

Things that take you away from God can be sinful. Few (though some) are sinful in themselves. Ask if this will be glorifying God, or will it be harmful to you or others?

If you turned away from sinful friends, you would be all alone, since we all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Pray for your friends, and provide as good an example as you can, to God’s glory.

Discretion and discernment are necessary when facing ridicule and persecution, especially on a new believer. The ideal is to never deny Christ and to proclaim Him to all, but it is a progressive journey in my experience. Face and overcome small challenges, if possible, before striving for martyrdom, and always in prayer. On an airplane, the flight attendants tell you to put your oxygen mask on in an emergency first, so that you can help others afterwards. You can’t help anyone else if your foundation is not firm.

(Hope that helps from a fellow believer, but a sinner who after >30 years is only a toddler on the Way, at best.)

Shession7 said:

- How do you know if you are doing the right things to please the Lord?

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By listening to the words of Jesus as He teaches us as recorded in the 4 gospels.

You will so many life improving things that help your faith and bring you peace and joy and aid and strength.

"34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Welcome, sister.

Shession7 said:

Hello!
I have recently found my faith and repented to turn to the Lord and will be baptised soon but I have a lot of questions which some of you may be able to answer or give me direction in
I'm not expecting answers for all because they will become known as I follow my faith and journey but I thought it would be helpful to post them here;
- When Jesus returns and we are saved and risen, won't we feel sorrow for loved ones who are not saved?

Click to expand...

I think we will for a short time, but the Scripture says that Jesus will wipe the tears from our eyes. Also, in eternity we will have a greater understanding of things and we may not have the same emotions as we do in our physical bodies.

- Will the Devil ever give up at tying to manipulate our faith and soul, and if so when?

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There will always be a battle between good and evil in your life, and between the flesh and the spirit. Read Romans 7 and see the conflict that Paul had. But when we know where we stand with Christ, we can know that the devil is a defeated foe and he has to flee from us when we resist him.

- Is it sinful to say things like 'oh my god' and 'what the hell', and if yes, how can I make it right? (Sometimes it is just habit)

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It takes time for things like that to change. If God doesn't like what you are saying, He will change you. Don't worry about it. Just continue to be yourself and don't try to change yourself into a religious zealot. God will change you into the person He wants you to be.

- How do you know when you have 'finished' your journey towards following your faith? Is there a destination or it is an infinite path?

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I have been in the faith for 50 years and still feel that I am only a short way along the journey. It is a life-long journey, but an amazing one. In another post I suggested reading "Pilgrims Progress" by John Bunyan. This is a great book and it describes the Christian journey from escaping the City of Destruction (conversion to Christ) to getting to the Celestial City (heaven). That should give you a good overview of what to expect along the journey. It is an allegorical story, but it is chock full of truth.

- How do you know if you are doing the right things to please the Lord?

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If the Holy Spirit is in you, you will know. Walking in the path of righteousness is like walking along a narrow path with electric fences on both sides. When you stray to one side or another, the fence will give you a "belt" and you will know that something is not right. Also, experience is a great teacher. The Scripture says that "By use and experience, one learns discernment between good and evil." Sanctification is a life-long developmental process, and we learn more from our mistakes than anything else.
9quote0- If someone you know has a little bit of faith but does no follow or use it, will they still be saved/risen?[/quote]
There are Christians with great faith and there are others with little faith. Jesus doesn't ditch a person just because they have little faith. He does not quench the smoking flax, or put out a small spark (Google the reference to find out where it is in the New Testament); instead He does what he can to fan it into a flame. A person may appear weak right now and have a lot of conflicts, but see what they are like in five years time. Things may be quite different.

- Does the Lord appreciate my (sometimes twisted) sense of humor?

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The Lord has a great sense of humour, and it is a great thing to spread joy around. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. Some of my jokes tend to be a bit borderline at times, but I get that little electric shock from the Spirit when He doesn't think it is appropriate. The other day I told someone that the manager of the Roman Colosseum went broke because the lions were eating up all the prophets. I got a small thought that I might be mocking the martyrs that were mauled and killed horribly in early Christian times, so I knew that the joke, funny to some, may not be for others. But I enjoy putting good clean jokes into the church bulletin, like the one where the usher was showing people to the snoring or non-snoring sections of the church. I think that the church is open slather for making fun and humour of it. I call myself "Pastor Buck" because I like to delegate as much as I can.

- Do I need to feel guilty if I don't attend church every week or don't pray for an extended period of time?

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God comes first, family comes next, work comes third, and church comes fourth (unless the pastor slips on a banana skin and it ends up coming fifth!). Church is for fellowship and support. Your own walk with God is more important. If you have responsibilities and others in the church depend on you, then faithfulness is more important. But if you go to church just to sit in a pew, then it is less important for you. I don't spend hours in prayer, but I don't go for long without praying. Praying is talking to Jesus as my friend. Quality is better than quantity. Prayer is normal conversation with God. You can share your dreams, opinions, desires, and you can discuss Scriptures with Him. You don't have to be formal about it. Some people are all formal and religious about it, using KJV English, thinking that through great sounding prayers that God will take more notice. But He knows what you have need of before you even ask Him. The best prayer times I have ever had are when I have been walking down an isolated beach with my hands in my pockets just chatting with God. It is amazing how He gives answers and insights while we are in the process of talking with Him.

- What do we do if someone is saying blasphemous things and going against God? Do we challenge them?

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Just concentrate on being friendly to them, and ignore what they are saying. Nothing you can say will change them. Your kindness and gentle conduct toward them will do more to win them over than any lecturing or Bible banging. We are going to get all that all our lives from those who don't love the Lord. We are expected to love the unloveable. God will help you do that as you grow in grace. You are not the law-giver to others, so don't try. It is better to get away on your own with God and tell Him what you think of their conduct and pray that Jesus will save their souls.

- Are modern and 'cool' things also sinful? And secretly they are cool and trendy because they have been used by the devil to manipulate people? (For example the desire for expensive cars and explicit rap music). And if so should I turn away from them? I enjoy listening to rap music etc.

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I don't think that God cares about it. Your behaviour and conduct are more important than what you wear or the car you drive, or the music you listen to. Jesus said that man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart, and it is not so important what goes into a person, as to what comes out in the form of lying, anger, murder, cursing, slanders, criticism, etc. Again, if God doesn't like what you are doing, wearing, driving, listening to, He will change you as you grow in grace and discern what is most important to you and Him.

- If I have sinful friends, does God also want me to turn away from them? Even if I don't copy what they do?

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Jesus didn't. He was friends with tax gatherers and prostitutes and other sinners. But He was not friends with their sin. You can have unbelieving friends but you don't have to join in with their sins. They need to see Christians as different and unless we mix with unbelieving friends, how will they know that we have something that they might end up needing for their own lives. Of course, Christians have to show that they are different from those in the world.

- Can I still successfully follow my faith but at the same time hide it from people who I fear may judge me?

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If you are walking with Christ, and being yourself, openly and honestly, those around you will know. You won't be able to hide it. You don't have to wear a cross around your neck or have an "I love Jesus" badge to show that you are a Christian believer. Your godly conduct will show them very clearly. The only times when I have received negative responses are when I have tried to Bible bash people. I gave up the type of "witnessing" that I was originally taught to do, because I realised that I was behaving like a "Christian insurance salesperson" and like such salesmen, we try to avoid them where possible to stop them harassing us to get a sale. Many "witnessing" Christians are like that and they wonder why they get so many rejections. Godly behaviour will convince people who are open and seeking more than any sales pitch you can offer.

Sorry for a lot of questions but maybe you can see a common theme here and answer generally or if you like just answer one or two questions
Thanks for reading answering may God Bless you all!

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I hope that what I have said is helpful.

Shession7 said:

Hello!
I have recently found my faith and repented to turn to the Lord and will be baptised soon but I have a lot of questions which some of you may be able to answer or give me direction in
I'm not expecting answers for all because they will become known as I follow my faith and journey but I thought it would be helpful to post them here;
- When Jesus returns and we are saved and risen, won't we feel sorrow for loved ones who are not saved?
- Will the Devil ever give up at tying to manipulate our faith and soul, and if so when?
- Is it sinful to say things like 'oh my god' and 'what the hell', and if yes, how can I make it right? (Sometimes it is just habit)
- How do you know when you have 'finished' your journey towards following your faith? Is there a destination or it is an infinite path?
- How do you know if you are doing the right things to please the Lord?
- If someone you know has a little bit of faith but does no follow or use it, will they still be saved/risen?
- Does the Lord appricite my (sometimes twisted) sense of humor?
- Do I need to feel guilty if I don't attend church every week or don't pray for an extended period of time?
- What do we do if someone is saying blasphemous things and going against God? Do we challenge them?
- Are modern and 'cool' things also sinful? And secretly they are cool and trendy because they have been used by the devil to manipulate people? (For example the desire for expensive cars and explicit rap music). And if so should I turn away from them? I enjoy listening to rap music ect.
- If I have sinful friends, does God also want me to turn away from them? Even if I don't copy what they do?
- Can I still successfully follow my faith but at the same time hide it from people who I fear may judge me?

Sorry for a lot of questions but maybe you can see a common theme here and answer generally or if you like just answer one or two questions
Thanks for reading answering may God Bless you all!

Click to expand...

I can reply to a few of these for you.

- Will the Devil ever give up at tying to manipulate our faith and soul, and if so when?
The devil will give up when you die, and not a breath earlier.

- How do you know when you have 'finished' your journey towards following your faith? Is there a destination or it is an infinite path?
God is infinite, so you will not finish the journey on earth or even in heaven as you are finite and God will always be able to reveal more to you than you saw before.

- How do you know if you are doing the right things to please the Lord?
What does the Church say? The Church teaches with authority on faith and morals. We don't always get it right, so don't rely on feelings. Or what society in general says.

- Do I need to feel guilty if I don't attend church every week or don't pray for an extended period of time?
Yes, but repent and get back on track. Do that as often as needed.

- What do we do if someone is saying blasphemous things and going against God? Do we challenge them?
Of course, but gently.

- Are modern and 'cool' things also sinful? And secretly they are cool and trendy because they have been used by the devil to manipulate people? (For example the desire for expensive cars and explicit rap music). And if so should I turn away from them? I enjoy listening to rap music ect.
Depends on the words of the rap music. If the words glorify God, great. If not, dump it. You might be changing the artists you listen to a bit.

- If I have sinful friends, does God also want me to turn away from them? Even if I don't copy what they do?
If they cause you to sin, you have to distance yourself from them. But maybe you can be a light to them, so don't just assume you have to distance yourself from them.

- Can I still successfully follow my faith but at the same time hide it from people who I fear may judge me?
Nope. You don't have to rub their faces in your faith but you can't hide it either. Can't.

Shession7 said:

- When Jesus returns and we are saved and risen, won't we feel sorrow for loved ones who are not saved?

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We may, but God will comfort us so that if we do, it won't last.

Shession7 said:

- Will the Devil ever give up at tying to manipulate our faith and soul, and if so when?

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When we are dead, and when he is finally thrown into the Lake of Fire.

Shession7 said:

- Is it sinful to say things like 'oh my god' and 'what the hell', and if yes, how can I make it right? (Sometimes it is just habit)

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Yes it is, the first one is taking the Lord's name in vain. If you're not crying out to him, don't use it. The second is merely crass by our standards, but still against Ephesians 5:4.

Shession7 said:

- How do you know when you have 'finished' your journey towards following your faith? Is there a destination or it is an infinite path?

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When your life is over. And after that's it's a new beginning anyway.

Shession7 said:

- How do you know if you are doing the right things to please the Lord?

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Lots of good and bad things are spelled out in the New Testament, as a starting point. Other things (for instance, "should I go on that mission trip") require prayer, counsel, and discernment.

Shession7 said:

- If someone you know has a little bit of faith but does no follow or use it, will they still be saved/risen?

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Maybe. They might repent at some point and in doing so remove much of that doubt.

Shession7 said:

- Does the Lord appricite my (sometimes twisted) sense of humor?

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I wouldn't know. Something that you can pray for is for God to show you what is good to laugh at. I've prayed that prayer.

Shession7 said:

- Do I need to feel guilty if I don't attend church every week or don't pray for an extended period of time?

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Guilt is supposed to be a tool that leads us to corrective action, not an emotional state that we are always supposed to be in. As to praying for an extended amount of time, I don't think it's the literal amount of time that counts, but the quality of the time that counts. God hears us the first time we pray something, so rather than repeating that point over and over again, we can simply expound on it or move on to the next item on the prayer agenda.

Shession7 said:

- What do we do if someone is saying blasphemous things and going against God? Do we challenge them?

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Sometimes, it's appropriate. Doing so appropriately is an art.

Shession7 said:

- Are modern and 'cool' things also sinful? And secretly they are cool and trendy because they have been used by the devil to manipulate people? (For example the desire for expensive cars and explicit rap music). And if so should I turn away from them? I enjoy listening to rap music ect.

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Well, the inordinate desire for expensive cars is greed, that's a sin. If God wants to bless me with a Cadillac or a BMW, I'm fine with that - but we're not supposed to be materialistic. If I'm living for a paycheck to afford them, I have a problem. If I resent that some people have them and I don't, I have a problem. If God blesses me with money and I'm collecting dozens of high-end cars, I have a problem. If I'm buying stuff I want left and right, but I can't afford to give to a worthy charity or give good gifts to my nephews, I have a problem.

As to explicit rap music (or any kind of music), where does that lead your mind? To sin, or away from it? There are songs I refuse to listen to because of my faith, and their lyrics.

Also, there are Christian rappers that you can supplement your musical intake with. I don't follow the genre myself, but Lacrae is highly recommended by my Christian friends that like rap. If you haven't heard him, you might give him a listen.

Shession7 said:

- If I have sinful friends, does God also want me to turn away from them? Even if I don't copy what they do?

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If you don't copy what they do, then I don't see a problem with keeping them. They might begin to have a problem with you as you grow in your faith, though. That is always hard. Personally, I would say don't be the unloving person in that relationship.

Shession7 said:

- Can I still successfully follow my faith but at the same time hide it from people who I fear may judge me?

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Yes and no. I for instance, don't declare my faith from the rooftops when I'm at work. I won't hide it if people ask, and I have made my faith known to coworkers who do make their faith a bit more public. But I'm not going to make an issue of my faith with people, generally. At the same time, I was prodded by the Holy Spirit to make it known to a coworker who was very hostile to the faith that I was a believer, and I wanted to pray for him. And he was surprisingly receptive. If I had kept quiet, that would have been a test of faith that I had failed.

Also: There is inherent dignity not only in being a human being, but also in being a follower of Christ. This isn't to be thought of as pride over unbelievers, but embracing the identity that God gave us. Being secure in that is a great comfort, we don't have to live in fear. We really shouldn't.

Shession7 said:

Hello!
I have recently found my faith and repented to turn to the Lord and will be baptised soon but I have a lot of questions which some of you may be able to answer or give me direction in
I'm not expecting answers for all because they will become known as I follow my faith and journey but I thought it would be helpful to post them here;
- When Jesus returns and we are saved and risen, won't we feel sorrow for loved ones who are not saved?

Click to expand...

Yes. But most of them will be with us.

- Will the Devil ever give up at tying to manipulate our faith and soul, and if so when?

Click to expand...

On the day the Lord returns.

- Is it sinful to say things like 'oh my god' and 'what the hell', and if yes, how can I make it right? (Sometimes it is just habit)

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If you are convinced that it is sinful then you will stop. Conviction of sin is a gradual process; God starts with the big weeds first. If that is one of your big weeds he will work on it with you.

- How do you know when you have 'finished' your journey towards following your faith? Is there a destination or it is an infinite path?

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We finish when we meet the Lord. And then our journey begins.

- How do you know if you are doing the right things to please the Lord?

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Its a mystery.

- If someone you know has a little bit of faith but does no follow or use it, will they still be saved/risen?

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Yes. Salvation does not depend on our ability to be holy, but on God's mercy.

- Does the Lord appricite my (sometimes twisted) sense of humor?

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If it hurts other peope, no. Otherwise, yes.

- Do I need to feel guilty if I don't attend church every week or don't pray for an extended period of time?

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That depends whether this is a big weed or a little one.

- What do we do if someone is saying blasphemous things and going against God? Do we challenge them?

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Pray. Keep quiet as long as you can. When you can no longer keep quiet, be kind.

- Are modern and 'cool' things also sinful? And secretly they are cool and trendy because they have been used by the devil to manipulate people? (For example the desire for expensive cars and explicit rap music). And if so should I turn away from them? I enjoy listening to rap music ect.

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God doesn't care what kind of music you like. He cares only about how you treat the people around you.

- If I have sinful friends, does God also want me to turn away from them? Even if I don't copy what they do?

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No. But be careful.

- Can I still successfully follow my faith but at the same time hide it from people who I fear may judge me?

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Yes. It takes a lot of maturity in faith to deal with other people's reactions to it. Wait until you are strong enough; God is never in a hurry.

Sorry for a lot of questions but maybe you can see a common theme here and answer generally or if you like just answer one or two questions
Thanks for reading answering may God Bless you all!

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No problem. Enjoy the journey!

Sketcher said:

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As to rappers, this particular song is moving. 'Happy Birthday, Make a Wish' by Flipsyde. I know nothing of his other songs, but if even a tiny bit of what is expressed in this song carries over, should be good.

Shession7 said:

- When Jesus returns and we are saved and risen, won't we feel sorrow for loved ones who are not saved?

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Will we not see and understand at the Final Judgment that God has done exactly the right thing in His punishment of the unrepentant wicked? I think so. And this will mitigate any sorrow we might feel over our unsaved loved ones' terrible eternal destiny. I think, too, being in God's presence will cause us such joy, and peace, and contentment that all other negative emotions will be eradicated.

Shession7 said:

- Will the Devil ever give up at tying to manipulate our faith and soul, and if so when?

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His days are numbered. One day, God will cast him into the Lake of Fire forever. When? I don't know. No one but God does.

Shession7 said:

- Is it sinful to say things like 'oh my god' and 'what the hell', and if yes, how can I make it right? (Sometimes it is just habit)

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Yes, it is.

Exodus 20:7
7 "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

Ephesians 4:29
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

James 3:10
10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

When your speech is less than gracious and edifying, acknowledge to God - confess - that it is (1 John 1:9) and then determine by God's grace not to engage in such speech in the future.

Shession7 said:

- How do you know when you have 'finished' your journey towards following your faith? Is there a destination or it is an infinite path?

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You aren't following a faith, you are, if you're a born-again believer, following a Person: Jesus Christ. The path with him begins and ends with him. He is the Author and Finisher of the faith of every genuine Christian person. (Hebrews 12:2)

Shession7 said:

- How do you know if you are doing the right things to please the Lord?

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Scripture tells you what God desires of you and what He forbids. Read it. Study it. Live it.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Shession7 said:

- If someone you know has a little bit of faith but does no follow or use it, will they still be saved/risen?

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No. Demons believe there is a God and tremble but they aren't saved. (James 2:19-20)

Saving faith entails an expectation of change. A truly born-again person anticipates that their living will reflect, or conform to, their belief in the Gospel.

Shession7 said:

- Does the Lord appricite my (sometimes twisted) sense of humor?

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God made us capable of humor. He doesn't have a problem with it. Twisted humor, though? Not so much.

Shession7 said:

- Do I need to feel guilty if I don't attend church every week or don't pray for an extended period of time?

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Unless you are physically incapable of doing these things, neglecting them is disobedient to the command of God in His word, the Bible (Ephesians 6:18; Hebrews 10:24-25). If you are truly born-again, you should want very much to do both things.

Shession7 said:

- What do we do if someone is saying blasphemous things and going against God? Do we challenge them?

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If someone was saying vile things about your Mother, or sister, or wife, would you challenge them?

Shession7 said:

- Are modern and 'cool' things also sinful? And secretly they are cool and trendy because they have been used by the devil to manipulate people? (For example the desire for expensive cars and explicit rap music). And if so should I turn away from them? I enjoy listening to rap music ect.

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The answer to your questions here is to ask yourself another couple of questions: Do these things honor God? Do they help me grow closer to Christ? If the answer is "no," don't get involved with them.

Shession7 said:

- If I have sinful friends, does God also want me to turn away from them? Even if I don't copy what they do?

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If you're living the way God calls you to, your friends will either be drawn to Christ or they will drop you like a hot potato. Any friend who is not going to encourage you in your walk with God ought to be kept at arms' length at least. The wisest man who ever lived - King Solomon - married pagan wives against the command of God and ended his days sacrificing babies to idols. If such a wise man can be drawn into so great evil by his relationships, so can you. Be very, very careful, then, who you make friends of.

2 Corinthians 6:14-15
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?
15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?

Shession7 said:

- Can I still successfully follow my faith but at the same time hide it from people who I fear may judge me?

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Matthew 5:14-16
14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Shession7 said:

Sorry for a lot of questions but maybe you can see a common theme here and answer generally or if you like just answer one or two questions

Click to expand...

.
For a start, here's my summary of the Bible or Word of God.

0. God is Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient. God has His throne in heaven.(EZE.1, REV.4) Satan and his demons rebelled against God.(ISA.14:12, EZE.28:17, REV.12:4-9)
....... God-in-heaven desired to replace the spiritual rebels with S'piritual humans. Earth is like a test-bed for this purpose.

1. On earth, all humans are born sinful/evil/satanic because of Adam's Original Sin = unclean/dirty/unholy = bound for hell when they die.(ROM.5:12)

2. No humans on earth can see the true face of God and live.(EXO.33:20, JOHN.1:18 & 5:37)

3. To save fallen humans, God-in-heaven endeavoured to come down to earth in lesser forms as the invisible Spirit or as the visible human(= Angel of God or Jesus Christ). (JOHN.8:58/EXO.3:14, JOHN.1:1 & 14, 1TIM.3:16, 2COR.3:17, ISA.9:6)
....... As the Spirit, God-in-heaven gave His Law to Moses and the Jews, in order to curb humans' inborn tendency to commit sins/evil-deeds/satanic-deeds.(DEUT.28)
....... As Jesus Christ, God-in-heaven gave the apostles and Christians the sacrificial Lamb of God on the Cross(JOHN.1:29), in order to save them from hell when they die = the free gift of salvation or the kingdom of heaven through faith.(JOHN.3:16, MATT.4:17, GAL.2:16)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _

A good analogy of our One and Only God is our one and only sun.
... God-the-Father-in-heaven sends His invisible Spirit and His visible Son-Jesus to earth to sustain immortal life = the sun-in-outer-space sends her invisible warmth/heat and her visible light to earth to sustain mortal life.
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The Bible or Word of God can be broken down into 2 parts, the Old and New Testaments/Covenants, ie,

(i) if you wanna have a good n long life on earth, you need to keep the Law/Word of God.(DEUT.28, MATT.19:21, ACTS.15:24-29, cf; 1COR.5:1-5 & 11:30, 1JOHN.5:16-19),

(ii) if you wanna go to heaven when you die, you need to be saved from hell by Jesus the Christ/Messiah/Savior.(MATT.5:27-30, ROM.5:12, LEV.17:11, HEB.9:22, JOHN.3:16, 1COR.6:9-11, REV.22:12-15)

Christians should aim to achieve both, ie to gain both blessings from God, eg MATT.19:23.
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Bc of our inherited Adam's Original Sin, we have the dual problems of INVOLUNTARY satanic/evil/sinful thoughts, eg immoral lust, hate, anger, greed, selfishness, jealousy, fear/worries, doubts, etc, ...and VOLUNTARY satanic/evil/sinful deeds, eg blasphemy, idolatry, murder, adultery/fornication/rape, stealing, lying/cheating/defrauding, etc.
....... The former resulted in being cursed/sent to hell when we die(GEN.3:14-16) and the latter resulted in being cursed by God with a sad and short life on earth. God's Law solved the latter and God's Son solved the former.
....... Usually, before someone committed murder, he/she had originally harbored hate or greed or lust or jealousy or etc in his/her heart and mind.(source is spiritually from Satan - JOHN.8:44, MATT.16:23 & 23:27, MARK.7:21, 1JOHN.3:8)) IOW, all humans are born satanic/evil/sinful/unclean, from their hearts to their feet.
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At ACTS.15:24-29, God/Jesus requires Gentile Christians to begin their born-again lives of the Spirit by keeping 4 easy or non-burdensome laws of Moses, ie avoid eating blood, strangled animals, foods sacrificed to idols and sexual immorality = minimum legal requirement. They r then given time to learn to gradually keep the other laws of Moses which are not a burden, esp morality laws, eg the Ten Commandments at EXODUS.20, LEVITICUS.10:9, DEUTERONOMY.18:9-14, etc.
....... In comparison, Jewish Christians are required by God/Jesus to continue to keep Moses Law, as many as possible, because it is not a burden to them.
....... Eg, Gentile Christians should still avoid homosexuality and continue to eat non-kosher foods because the former is not a burden but the latter is a burden(ie it's a burden for them to keep the food laws).
... Faith in God's Son, Jesus = faith in God's Word/Law/commandments because JOHN.1:1 says the Son is the Word and is also God.

We need to properly differentiate between involuntary satanic/evil/sinful thoughts and voluntary sins/evil deeds, and between involuntary or inborn Gentile and Jewish Christians.

Analogy about involuntary evil/satanic thoughts and voluntary evil-deeds/sins - black crows often squawks noisily over our heads but we should not let them build their dirty nests on our heads.

Shession7 said:

Hello!
I have recently found my faith and repented to turn to the Lord and will be baptised soon but I have a lot of questions which some of you may be able to answer or give me direction in
I'm not expecting answers for all because they will become known as I follow my faith and journey but I thought it would be helpful to post them here;

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Hi, welcome to the family of God and to CF.

Shession7 said:

- When Jesus returns and we are saved and risen, won't we feel sorrow for loved ones who are not saved?

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Question: "How can heaven be perfect if all of our loved ones are not there?"

Answer: The word perfection carries the idea of wholeness and a lack of nothing. If something is perfect, then it’s complete. So how can heaven be perfect if some people are missing? Wouldn’t it be better if all our loved ones were there?

God is perfect (Psalm 18:30). God’s dwelling place is perfect. God’s plan of salvation is perfect. In God’s plan (which is perfect) He extends the righteousness of Christ to all who trust in Him. What happens to those who do not trust in Christ? They are rejecting perfection, rejecting God’s dwelling place, and rejecting God Himself. As John 3:18 says, “Whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” To force people to believe, to ignore their sin, or to bypass Christ would be to destroy the perfection of heaven.

When we arrive in heaven, our perspective will change. Our limited, earthly perspective will be replaced by a holy, heavenly perspective. Speaking of the eternal state, Revelation 21:4 says that God “will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Missing our loved ones would presumably fall under the category of pain or mourning. Perhaps we will have no knowledge or remembrance of them at all. Perhaps we will have come to understand how our loved ones’ absence glorifies God. “Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don’t know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us” (1 Corinthians 13:12, CEV). In the meantime, we accept by faith that what God says about heaven is true and that we will experience perfection for all eternity.

For a brief description of eternity, see Revelation 21—22. Everything is made new; everything is splendid, glorious, and blessed. That will include us. Our bodies, souls, and spirits will be completely blessed. Sin will no longer be a factor, and our thoughts will be in agreement with God’s (1 John 3:2). God has a plan to comfort His people (Isaiah 40:1), to perfect His redeemed (Hebrews 10:14), and to provide for them for all eternity (Psalm 23:6).

Right now, our focus should not be on how we can enjoy heaven or the eternal state without all of our loved ones there; rather, we should focus on how we can point our loved ones to faith in Christ—so that they will be there.

www.gotquestions.org/Heaven-perfect.html

Shession7 said:

Hello!
I have recently found my faith and repented to turn to the Lord and will be baptised soon but I have a lot of questions which some of you may be able to answer or give me direction in
I'm not expecting answers for all because they will become known as I follow my faith and journey but I thought it would be helpful to post them here;
- When Jesus returns and we are saved and risen, won't we feel sorrow for loved ones who are not saved?

Click to expand...

Such things are beyond you. The world will be saved. You need to stick to the Gospels, be willing to give up everyone, but beg God for mercy. Children are saved. You really do not know who is saved and who is not already -- this is a Christian society.

Shession7 said:

- Will the Devil ever give up at tying to manipulate our faith and soul, and if so when?

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He is defeated before the Millennium and after he is destroyed for good. Revelations. Last book in the Bible.

Shession7 said:

- Is it sinful to say things like 'oh my god' and 'what the hell', and if yes, how can I make it right? (Sometimes it is just habit)

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Depends on what you mean when you say it. As an everyday colloquialism, no.

We are saved by love, and the Spirit of love... so everything we do is okay. IF you have the Spirit. Warning: many think they do and do not. Be sure.

Shession7 said:

- How do you know when you have 'finished' your journey towards following your faith? Is there a destination or it is an infinite path?

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Everyone has a different journey. Ultimate perfection comes when Jesus returns.

Read the New Testament, take it step by step, everyday.

Yes, you can become perfect in this life.

Shession7 said:

- How do you know if you are doing the right things to please the Lord?

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Spirit of God in you... 'you do not need teachers, the Spirit will teach you everything'.

I am starting to really wonder if you have the Spirit yet.

Read the Gospels, and follow the instructions to the t about what to do to seek for it.

Do not, as many do, mistake your own spirit for the Spirit.

The Spirit makes you perfect and leads you into all things.

Less church - or wherever you are getting these ideas from - more meditating and reading the gospels.

It is Jesus you want to follow, isn't it? I am not seeing any quotes from Jesus here -- at all.

Bad sign.

Good that you are asking for help, though.

Shession7 said:

- If someone you know has a little bit of faith but does no follow or use it, will they still be saved/risen?

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Okay, I have to stop here.

Shession7 said:

-Sorry for a lot of questions but maybe you can see a common theme here and answer generally or if you like just answer one or two questions
Thanks for reading answering may God Bless you all!

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I don't see anything from you here on the actual teachings of Jesus, so follow my instructions above.

Do not mistake your own spirit for the Spirit of God. As so many do.

Hi there, Sheshion7! Welcome to Christian Forums! Now, to clarify and give answers to some of your questions

Shession7 said:

- When Jesus returns and we are saved and risen, won't we feel sorrow for loved ones who are not saved?

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Revelation 21:4 says "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
That being said, our mission, while here on earth, is to pray for our lost loved ones that they may find salvation through Jesus Christ, because once we're in the presence of Jesus, there will be no "negative" feelings: no sorrow, no pain, no suffering, etc.

Shession7 said:

- Is it sinful to say things like 'oh my god' and 'what the hell', and if yes, how can I make it right? (Sometimes it is just habit)

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Exodus 20:7 in the New Living Translation says "You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name." The 2nd sentence in this verse clearly states there are rash consequences for using God's name in Vain. Here's an article I found on the subject: What does it mean to take the Lord's name in vain?

Shession7 said:

- If someone you know has a little bit of faith but does no follow or use it, will they still be saved/risen?

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Read James 2 for the answer to this question. In fact, I just watched a sermon from Pastor Randy Frazee on this very subject, and the video is below for you to view:

Shession7 said:

- Do I need to feel guilty if I don't attend church every week or don't pray for an extended period of time?

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As humans, we all have busy lives and sometimes forget to pray. And that "guilty" feeling is your conscience, or the Holy Spirit, urging you to come back to the relationship with Him. See, Prayer is the direct line to God, and if we don't start our day with prayer we feel the void that can only be filled with God Himself. Also, as Christians, we need the fellowship with other Believers, and that's where the Church comes in. But as I see it, the Church is not defined as the building that you enter; the Church is the Body of Christ, or the Body of believers in Christ. So in a way, in participating in this forum, we're having "church" right where we are, in this very community. But this site isn't a replacement for your local church, so make sure during every week you have free to make a point to join in your local home church community. And through personal experience, when I forget to pray daily, the very next time I pray I repent and apologize to God, and He is willing to forgive if we don't continue down the wrong path.

So there, I believe I've answered at least several of your questions, and as the days go by if there's any new questions that you have don't hesitate to post them here for the community to answer. God bless you as you begin on your new journey in Christ!

- Can I still successfully follow my faith but at the same time hide it from people who I fear may judge me?

If they judge you for what you believe in, then they are not really true friends. True friends will accept you for who you are.

Shession7 said:

Hello!
I have recently found my faith and repented to turn to the Lord and will be baptised soon

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Praise God! And welcome to CF.

Shession7 said:

- When Jesus returns and we are saved and risen, won't we feel sorrow for loved ones who are not saved?

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No, because there will be no sorrow in Heaven (Revelation 7:17, Revelation 21:4). I don't quite understand how that works.

Shession7 said:

- Will the Devil ever give up at tying to manipulate our faith and soul

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No.

Shession7 said:

- Is it sinful to say things like 'oh my god' and 'what the hell', and if yes, how can I make it right? (Sometimes it is just habit)

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It's a bad habit.

Shession7 said:

- How do you know when you have 'finished' your journey towards following your faith?

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When you finally get to Heaven.

Shession7 said:

- Do I need to feel guilty if I don't attend church every week or don't pray for an extended period of time?

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Going to Church is necessary. Praying even more so.

Shession7 said:

- Are modern and 'cool' things also sinful? And secretly they are cool and trendy because they have been used by the devil to manipulate people? (For example the desire for expensive cars and explicit rap music). And if so should I turn away from them? I enjoy listening to rap music ect.

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Some of them. Much rap is sinful. Some is Christian.

Shession7 said:

Hello!
I have recently found my faith and repented to turn to the Lord and will be baptised soon but I have a lot of questions which some of you may be able to answer or give me direction in
I'm not expecting answers for all because they will become known as I follow my faith and journey but I thought it would be helpful to post them here;
- When Jesus returns and we are saved and risen, won't we feel sorrow for loved ones who are not saved?
- Will the Devil ever give up at tying to manipulate our faith and soul, and if so when?
- Is it sinful to say things like 'oh my god' and 'what the hell', and if yes, how can I make it right? (Sometimes it is just habit)
- How do you know when you have 'finished' your journey towards following your faith? Is there a destination or it is an infinite path?
- How do you know if you are doing the right things to please the Lord?
- If someone you know has a little bit of faith but does no follow or use it, will they still be saved/risen?
- Does the Lord appricite my (sometimes twisted) sense of humor?
- Do I need to feel guilty if I don't attend church every week or don't pray for an extended period of time?
- What do we do if someone is saying blasphemous things and going against God? Do we challenge them?
- Are modern and 'cool' things also sinful? And secretly they are cool and trendy because they have been used by the devil to manipulate people? (For example the desire for expensive cars and explicit rap music). And if so should I turn away from them? I enjoy listening to rap music ect.
- If I have sinful friends, does God also want me to turn away from them? Even if I don't copy what they do?
- Can I still successfully follow my faith but at the same time hide it from people who I fear may judge me?

Sorry for a lot of questions but maybe you can see a common theme here and answer generally or if you like just answer one or two questions
Thanks for reading answering may God Bless you all!

Click to expand...

Hi, I will try my best to answer and will do in order as you have asked

1.No, we will have sanctified bodies and will be justified and like Jesus we will have glorified bodies and have no remorse. If it weren’t, then sadness is in heaven and that’s not possible. I will wipe away every tear Revelation 21:4

2. Never. He knows his days are numbered and will always try to decieve until His judgment. Even after Christ’s millennium reign, he is set loose for a short while to destroy. A leopard doesn’t change his spots
Revelation 20:7

3. Yes it is sinful but who can tame the tongue
James 3:8-14 it’s best practice to realise what your saying and keep asking God forgiveness for every slip of the tongue. We sub conscience utter stuff out. Creatures of habit. Being aware of the habit and apologizing will bring about change

4. We end our journey with death. A new beginning and new body will enjoy the rewards. The journey is due to the fall. We have a journey because we have free will but heaven is the end of the road. We are home. Unfortunately that can be said of hell. That to is home for the lost and damned

5. Read your bible and align your life to His ways. Anything outside His ways are sinful. It’s an open and shut case. He is right and we are wrong when we disobey. The truth is that His ways are best anyway so why not run along now a be a good little child lol

6. This is always debated but I will stick to what I know the Bible says. We must excercise our faith by walking in accordance to Jesus teachings. If we say we belief yet do not bear fruit, are we really saved. Wages of sin is death but the wages of spirit is life. If we have no spiritual qualities, surely that resembles a life of living for the flesh for which multiple scriptures warn us that hell awaits those without the spirit. Ye must be born of the spirit
John 3:1-21 so No, we can’t cannot excercise our beliefs and expect to be saved.

7. God is a God of emotions. We are made in His image. God surely has a sense of humor. He designed us to laugh and be funny. Be happy and have the ability to raise people up. Nothing cures a saddened person better than laughter. It’s the best medicine and it cures multiple sicknesses. Nobody ever suffered a panic attack when in a fit of giggles now do they. Back to self control and taming the tongue. If your sense of humor involves putting others down or perverse talk, then God is not amused, but if in your sense of humor you lighten the burden of others around you, make others laugh whilst not being dis- obiediance towards God, I’m sure God is laughing with you. After all, He designed you and part of your design is emotions, the very essence of laughter. If He is there to mourn with you, He is there to laugh with you. If it weren’t then it would be like the potter making a flower pot and telling it not to be a flower pot

8. No. Going to church doesn’t improve your relationship with God. It will however teach you about God character. In saying that, you could just read a bible and have a relationship with God but we are advised to meet regularly because iron sharpens iron. Hanging with other Christians tends to bring out a better you. It doesn’t give you relationship with God rather Gods other children. If you tend church everyday yet do not have the Holy Spirit, on judgment God will say I dont know you and you can argue all you want that you went to church daily and He more than likely will say, why didn’t you come to me daily? I’m the way the truth and the light. This brings me to your point about prayer. I can’t advise you enough to pray daily because this is true relationship with God. He wants you not a church building. Remember that we are the church. That’s you and me and mr. sullivan, basically everybody that’s in Christ is Christ’s Church

9. To a certain extent. For one to blasphemy God, means they first need to believe there is one. Point out their errors and if they repent then good, if not walk away. Plenty of verses in the book of proverbs showing us that we are not to put up with fools or those who cause division amongst the brethren. Those who hate God are also your enemies and are to be treated like enemies. To blaspheme God is to take Gods goodness and glory and give the devil credit for it. That’s what the Pharisees did in Mark 3:28-30
If God says it’s the one sin that won’t be forgiven, are we to treat it otherwise?

10. Yes and no. Modern trendy things were also modern trendy thing when they were new 1000 years ago. We are warned not to store up treasures on earth where rust and moths will destroy. This is everything under the sun because nothing lasts forever as you know. We cannot love God and wealth but that doesn’t mean wealth in and of itself is bad. Look at king David and king Solomon, Moses and Abraham. All were very wealthy and it was God who richly blessed them. There are Christians who are millionaires but the God looks at the heart and knows if one can’t get enough money although he is very rich and one who is rich and is willing to swap it all for God in His life. It’s why it says you can’t serve the two.
As for modern rap music and even the chart music today is nothing more than satanic. They clearly show it off today. They brainwash our kids that the more money the better your life. Sex is natural but all they do is exploit it. Cheating and having multiple partners is what thy project. Read your bible and then watch any videos. Not only are they being wrong, they are completely in rebellion to Gods ways. This is what Satan does, he twists everything from God on its head and back to my first point about wealth. A lot of artists sell their souls in exchange for worldly wealth and fame. Complete opposite to being humble and dying to self. Yes we should turn from anything that says it’s right to live against Gods ways

11. No you shouldn’t. If that were the case Jesus would have only came for the righteous. But he didn’t, He came for the sick and to bring them back to repentance.It is good you mentioned even if I don’t copy what they do.
Jesus hung around with sinners and preached to sinners but did not sin. Not doing what they do and doing what Christ did is exactly how we are to be. Matthew 5:14-16
You could preach all day long but for some, they will only come to God because they saw Christ within somebody. This is why it states you are like the lamp shining over the whole city. Everybody will remember a man of good honest noble character. They will also remember a plonker. We can’t get away from none believers, they are everywhere so it’s best if we let Christ shine from within us so tha people might actually come to Christ. They will see the joy and happiness you have in Christ and might just come to Him as a result of you just being you

12. No you can’t. Just as I said in no. 11, people might come to faith in Christ because of you, people will also hate you because of Christ Matthew 10:22
The flip side to having eternal life with Christ is that the majority will hate you. It’s ok because Christ tells us to expect it. Do not think the servant is greater than the master, if they hated me, they will hate you also. Do not take it personal, that’s what Satan wants you to do.
We do not battle against flesh and blood but against dark forces and rulers of this world (Satan and his demons) Ephesians 6:12
Just as Jesus lived, hate the sin, love the sinner.
One more point I’d like to make about hiding your walk with Jesus for fear of men judging you and 2 scriptures come to mind and they are horrific to know that God cannot lie
Matthew 10:28-33
Look at what God can do that no man can’t and how our only hope for salvation will refuse to save us if we are ashamed of Him. Don’t ever be ashamed to show your love for Jesus Christ because He wasn’t ashamed to hang brutally on a cross for you with thorns and nails drilled into His body after being whipped to the point of death. Remember the lashes he got before he was sentenced to death would have killed any man. It didn’t kill Him because scripture foresees and states that the messiah will be hung on a cross. From this, getting decapited for Him is worth it, losing friends is easy, and getting mocked is nothing to me. Being judged by men is nothing more than a walk in the park. People will judge you for not knowing Him for God sake. Never ever be ashamed to show Jesus is your life. To hell with money, looks, cars, women, inappropriate content, drugs. Only one thing lasts after Armageddon and that’s those only found in Christ Jesus. Amen

So I hope this helps
God bless
Jonathan