My religious zeal is dwindling, what should I do?

[SimonPeter111]

No longer interested in listening to sermons, no longer feeling the presence of God

 

[Dave G.]

You might consider yourself blessed because now you can go find a church where the presence of God is there. He said to seek Him and you will find Him. Don't be bound by the system but seek the person of Jesus Christ, that's what He wants from each of us. And you will find Him.

 

[BobRyan]

No longer interested in listening to sermons, no longer feeling the presence of God

1. Select exceptionally good and motivating Christian meditation music when you read about the life of Christ.
2. Don't watch secular entertainment of any sort for a month... so that means shutting the door on Satan for a month.
3. Find a Bible based small group fellowship when not at church - one that believes the Bible is true and that we are accountable for what God tells us.
4. Attend a church that encourages all the above.

Read a good easy-to-read commentary on the life of Christ - free online (I have a link to a world class one)

 

[Rescued One]

No longer interested in listening to sermons, no longer feeling the presence of God

If you live in China, it might be difficult for us to advise you.I would say talk to God. I believe there are periods in our lives that are more difficult than others, but life without God is dreary and He always wants us to trust Him.

 

[Petros2015]

No longer interested in listening to sermons, no longer feeling the presence of God

Of thy neighbors
Find thy neighbor who needs the most love
And give it to them

 

[timf]

Many present Christianity as a feeling based experience. Feelings can come and go. Perhaps a better approach to Christianity is through truth.

A sermon that makes us feel good may not produce any lasting effect. A sermon that helps us grow in understanding truth can help us draw closer to God.

 

[SimonPeter111]

If you live in China, it might be difficult for us to advise you.I would say talk to God. I believe there are periods in our lives that are more difficult than others, but life without God is dreary and He always wants us to trust Him.

I do live in China and a lot of people despise Christians and sometimes I argue with them, which for me is my apologetics test. It made my faith stronger, Christians in China are in pretty bad conditions, churches are being burned and shut down, we are seen as treason by a lot of nationalists (which is a serious offense), Christ in China disciples have a very strong faith

 

[SimonPeter111]

If you live in China, it might be difficult for us to advise you.I would say talk to God. I believe there are periods in our lives that are more difficult than others, but life without God is dreary and He always wants us to trust Him.

Our thoughts are controlled by the government, the Chinese Christian songs is blocked, we have been educated on patriotism since childhood, teenagers have to learn two songs about patriotism every year, and they have to participate in the flag raising ceremony every Monday, and those who are not patriotic will be punished. Sent to prison or ostracized, teachers warned students in class not to believe in religion, but to believe in communism. We were even forced to sign agreements to assist in banning youth under 18 from church

 

[SimonPeter111]

If you live in China, it might be difficult for us to advise you.I would say talk to God. I believe there are periods in our lives that are more difficult than others, but life without God is dreary and He always wants us to trust Him.

China is befriending Muslim countries, I think the persecution will increase further, we are ready

 

[DaveM]

GO serve people in need

 

[Rescued One]

I do live in China and a lot of people despise Christians and sometimes I argue with them, which for me is my apologetics test. It made my faith stronger, Christians in China are in pretty bad conditions, churches are being burned and shut down, we are seen as treason by a lot of nationalists (which is a serious offense), Christ in China disciples have a very strong faith

i want to tell you that America is changing and not for the better. But I pray for the world because so many places are experiencing horrible times. I care about people everywhere. I want people to have happy lives. Heaven is wonderful I'm sure. Remember that. Years ago I had the thought if someone wanted to kill me for being a Christian, my faith would be stronger because there is so much difference between evil and good.

I will pray for you. God bless you.

 

[Rescued One]

GO serve people in need

Y'all need to realize how hard life is in CHINA. People are responding as if to an Amercan. Even the priests and preachers have to be careful with their sermons in other countries.

 

[Rescued One]

You might consider yourself blessed because now you can go find a church where the presence of God is there. He said to seek Him and you will find Him. Don't be bound by the system but seek the person of Jesus Christ, that's what He wants from each of us. And you will find Him.

Please, I'm begging you, please read the thread!

 

[Lukaris]

What about just praying for and trying to help other persecuted Christians whether financially or otherwise? Just as the Lord says in Matthew 6:1-15.

Granted, I do not know the difficulties that exist here.

 

[d taylor]

No longer interested in listening to sermons, no longer feeling the presence of God

You are probably in a dead end theology.

 

[RileyG]

No longer interested in listening to sermons, no longer feeling the presence of God

Continue to pray and remain faithful. That's all you can do.

 

[Dave G.]

Please, I'm begging you, please read the thread!

I'm part of a missions based church with 800 satellite churches around the world in various places, I know the oppression. But Jesus was present in the fiery furnace with the 3 Jewish boys. He and the Holy Spirit have no boundaries, so them we seek. And miracles they perform without bounds. In this day when churches fail and Christians feel stranded or even abandoned we all still very much have the person of Jesus Christ if we seek Him. Jesus does His best work in peculiar places with common folk. Where the oppressed are and with those who want Him and ask.

I can only give the message, so do. Seek Jesus Christ all the more. I may be guilty of many things but withholding His name is not among them. Praise God ! People dwell on the problem rather than the cure and the cure is Him. Problems are all over the fallen world inside and outside of what we knew as normal churches, He's still the answer and always will be.

 

[eleos1954]

No longer interested in listening to sermons, no longer feeling the presence of God

God’s Presence is Known, Not Felt

While on earth, we must experience God through faith. Faith is knowledge (Hebrews 11:1) and comes from hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17). Faith is knowing God is present when I feel happy, knowing He is present when I feel sad, knowing He is present when I feel like He is next door, and knowing He is present when I feel like He’s a million miles away. Even when I don’t feel like it, I KNOW by faith that God is present.

But one may ask, “Then why do I feel something special when I worship, when I study the Bible, or engage in other spiritual activities?” The Gospel – the Good News that Jesus Christ has reconciled us to God – should evoke an emotional response from us. When the knowledge of what God has done for us through Christ, and the knowledge that we can approach God’s holy throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16), really sinks deep into our hearts, we ought to be overwhelmed with emotion!

The fact that a song about God’s love for us brings tears to your eyes, doesn’t mean God suddenly showed up during that song; it just means a beautiful truth just sank a little deeper into your heart.

We are encouraged search God’s word and know His will. Know the reality of His omnipresence. Obey the gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:8) so that “Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” (Ephesians 3:17).

And know that, if you are a Christian, God is uniquely present within you no matter where you are and no matter how you feel.

Study His word for yourself it is the most rewarding thing one can do.

May the Lord lead us all through the truth of His Word. Amen

 

[Dave G.]

God’s Presence is Known, Not Felt

While on earth, we must experience God through faith. Faith is knowledge (Hebrews 11:1) and comes from hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17). Faith is knowing God is present when I feel happy, knowing He is present when I feel sad, knowing He is present when I feel like He is next door, and knowing He is present when I feel like He’s a million miles away. Even when I don’t feel like it, I KNOW by faith that God is present.

But one may ask, “Then why do I feel something special when I worship, when I study the Bible, or engage in other spiritual activities?” The Gospel – the Good News that Jesus Christ has reconciled us to God – should evoke an emotional response from us. When the knowledge of what God has done for us through Christ, and the knowledge that we can approach God’s holy throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16), really sinks deep into our hearts, we ought to be overwhelmed with emotion!

The fact that a song about God’s love for us brings tears to your eyes, doesn’t mean God suddenly showed up during that song; it just means a beautiful truth just sank a little deeper into your heart.

We are encouraged search God’s word and know His will. Know the reality of His omnipresence. Obey the gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:8) so that “Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” (Ephesians 3:17).

And know that, if you are a Christian, God is uniquely present within you no matter where you are and no matter how you feel.

Study His word for yourself it is the most rewarding thing one can do.

May the Lord lead us all through the truth of His Word. Amen

Speak it out brother !

 

[BobRyan]

Our thoughts are controlled by the government, the Chinese Christian songs is blocked, we have been educated on patriotism since childhood, teenagers have to learn two songs about patriotism every year, and they have to participate in the flag raising ceremony every Monday, and those who are not patriotic will be punished. Sent to prison or ostracized, teachers warned students in class not to believe in religion, but to believe in communism. We were even forced to sign agreements to assist in banning youth under 18 from church

There is a testimony by a Chinese atheist woman here on CF - who became a Christian as a result of encountering God.