My religious zeal is dwindling, what should I do?

[Joined2krist]

I feel for you brother. Jesus said His Kingdom is not of this world. So, don't be disturbed by what your government is doing. Quietly, find God by remaining in His Word and bear fruits.

 

[Brad D.]

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

Brother I don't know how long you have walked with the Lord, but for me after nearly 30 years I can tell you the ups and downs of Christianity, and our emotions are many. Sometimes there is much singing and jubilation as the children of Israel had crossing the Red Sea witnessing the Lord grant a great victory. They sang the Song of Moses with joy for all the Lord had done for them (Exodus 15) and not long after they were brought into Elim where it says there were 12 wells of water and seventy palm trees and they were allowed to camp by the waters for a time (Exodus 15:27). But then they were tested and things were dry. The Song of Moses had faded from their heart and the severity of the desert bore down upon them. And instead of coming to another Elim the Lord led them to Rephidim (Exodus 17:1) But there was no water to drink and the people contended with Moses loudly., saying " Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?" And so we know the sad story from the book of Hebrews that they were never able to enter His rest because the did not mix it with faith. (Hebrews 4:1-10)

One of the most beautiful sacrifices of praise we can give Him is to praise Him even when we are being tested severely like you are , both in the outward circumstance through the persecution of your government, and in the interior dryness of your spirit. What do you think would have happened if the Children of Israel had in Rephidim said to Him instead of bitterly complaining something like, " Lord all around us is dry, we feel nothing, we have nothing. There is no water, our little ones suffer, our wives our livestock cry out. We are beside ourselves what to do, but yet we will praise you. Whether we live or die we will praise you. We know it's by your hand you have brought us here. Rephidim this place you have brought us to is of you, by your Spirit we know you have led us here. If this is where you led us, if this is where we are assigned to be, then it must be for our best. We submit our lives to you tonight dear God. Do with us as you will. You are good. You are faithful. We put our trust in you."

This is where faith is forged in us that is stronger than our emotions. This is where we enter into the Rest of God. Be willing to sit in the fire with Him tonight and praise Him. The fire may not go away, nothing in your circumstance will probably change, but I will pray you will begin to sense a sweetness there with you in the fire that will begin to strengthen you deep within your Spirit until soon the sunshine of His Holy Spirit breaks through. This is where the image of Christ is forged deep within us by fire. This is where we are made into the likeness of Him.

Sometimes He leads us to Elim, sometimes we must camp for a while in Rephidim. He is the God of both. Be patient with yourself. You are under tremendous stress there. Our emotions are fickle, but God is not. Keep looking up. You will see Him again soon. Blessings and prayers.

 

[SimonPeter111]

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.

Thank you for your proposal, but Chinese churches prohibit young people under the age of 18 from entering the church, except for patriotic churches, other churches are considered illegal

 

[SimonPeter111]

You are probably in a dead end theology.

what should i do？

 

[Jesus is my Superhero]

If you have access to a Bible in your language, it will help you immensely, if you read passages that encourage.
Perhaps read Matthew 5, 6 and 7, commonly referred to as, The Sermon On The Mount. The start of Matthew 5 are the beatitudes, which are a list of blessings received for applying the teachings mentioned by Jesus. Meditate on these. Applying these teachings will make you stand out among your peers, but they will not be able to discern why you stand out and may eventually ask you about your philosophy. You need to be careful how you respond, depending upon who is doing the asking.
I'll pray that the peace of Jesus Christ be in your life.

 

[d taylor]

what should i do？

You might try a comparative theological study.

I personally find free grace the most accurate teaching in many Biblical areas. Here is a link to a free grace website Grace Evangelical Society This would, i am sure help in growth or possibly in helping to keep an interest in study and growth.

 

[LeafByNiggle]

Do not worry about a loss of the feelings of zeal or the presence of God. Many great saints suffered similar periods of "the dark night of the soul". God sends us these trials for His own good purpose. Even Christ on the cross said "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me." Just remain faithful and believe that God loves you, even when you don't understand his ways.