Need advice

[Anguspure]

Sister, find yourself a nice, local church in your area. Don't fuss over what type of denomination etc, a community church for example would be ideal in my opinion. This is one of the reasons why we are called to gather together.

The problem with this advice is that 2 hours on a Sunday singing and listening to a figure on a stage and maybe an hour or so 1 night a week studying the bible just doesn't cut it as "community". In my experience trying to find a healthy christian relationship with anybody that wants more than that is like trying to find the proverbial needle.

 

[PeaceJoyLove]

Our testimony in not just in words, but our actions. Your actions speak loudly concerning godliness. It does not mean one is ashamed of the Lord, at all. Actions speak much louder than words...for our actions come from what is truly in our hearts.

There is a scripture that pertains to a godly wife and how she might save her ungodly husband without saying a word. Her actions, by how she honours her husband according to God's way, not preaching to him...but being a living testimony in her actions. I'm certain this works in honouring parents, too.

Be blessed Davida!

 

[HeLeadethMe]

Bless you sweetheart, and know you are loved. Be encouraged in the Lord, He is with you in your wilderness time, and in your weakness His strength is made perfect as you lean to Him for strength. Know that you are not alone in what you are going through, and you are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.......believers throughout the ages undergo opposition to their faith, it is part of the cross that we carry for Jesus, but I know it is not easy especially for a young person. Rejoice......because it means your name is written in heaven. Take one day at a time, and look to the Lord each day....His strength is for today, His grace is for today, His provision for you is for today.

1 Peter 4:12-14 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

 

[frienden thalord]

Oh Davida, I understand what you are talking about. I had the same kind of situation when I was your age. It is very hard, but HE is with you. And, you are very wise in the Lord, not arguing with them. That does not mean you are weak, but oh so strong in HIM. It would be so easy to lash out and get angry at it all, but by the grace of God you do not. God is good!

Cast not your pearls before swine lest turn and trample you. (Matthew 7:6) So being silent about your faith is keeping peace, for "Blessed is the peacemaker". Be blessed!

I am praying for you.

She is right davida , we love you , we will pray for you , and keep encouraging you.

 

[S.O.J.I.A.]

spend as much time as you can in the Word and in Prayer in the privacy of your room.

honor your parents by obeying them as much as you can. if they're asking you to do something that isn't sinful and is lawful, do it as cheerfully as possible.

be salt and light to your family as much as you can in being a good believing example in your speech and behavior towards them. however, if they're verbally abusing you for your faith, try to limit your interaction with them as much as possible. if they can't treat you with respect simply excuse yourself from the seen. you're not required in scripture to sit and take abuse. you can't retaliate, but you're not commanded to take it.

make some phone calls to some bible believing churches in your area. the pastors will be glad to speak with you and they could possibly arrange transportation for you.

 

[Galatea]

I want to go to church, but I can't drive there myself yet and no one else will drive me there. But I'm almost old enough to get my driver's license so maybe I will be able to go soon.

Many churches have bus ministries and will pick you up to attend church. Call your local churches and see if one has a bus ministry.

 

[Reformed2]

The problem with this advice is that 2 hours on a Sunday singing and listening to a figure on a stage and maybe an hour or so 1 night a week studying the bible just doesn't cut it as "community". In my experience trying to find a healthy christian relationship with anybody that wants more than that is like trying to find the proverbial needle.

Microwave fellowship is indeed a hurdle, partucularly in our western society. Just need to push through it. As the body of Christ we are to be VERY close, a family. Maybe the Holy Spirit has gifted you with this drive to bring a Church closer together as believers. ☺

 

[Sketcher]

Do what you can now, and when you are able to get your license, pursue that.

Have a Bible? Read and study it. Pray every day. Are there any devoted and smart Christians at school that you can get to know and eventually befriend?

If you have a question or a concern about the faith, do not hesitate to ask either this forum or me directly via PM.

Also, something else to keep in mind: You're probably at an awkward age where you are figuring out a lot of things, so you're probably getting harassment for some other things not related to the faith as well - it's important to be able to filter out that which is related to the faith and which is not. It doesn't really excuse that behavior, though.

 

[ChristianFromKazakhstan]

I am the only Christian in my family, which is full of agnostics and atheists. I don't know any other Christians in real life right now.
I get criticized and insulted for almost everything I do. My family members joke about horrible things (like one time they saw in the news that some Mexicans were killed and they laughed and joked about it, because some of them hate Mexicans), argue about almost everything, and don't seem to have anything nice to say about anyone. Except Donald Trump...

Sometimes I feel so weak and discouraged. I cry almost every day because I feel so sad that there are so few people who love God, but at the same time Jesus gives me a lot of hope.
I wanted to ask for some advice on how to deal with this, and not get discouraged. I do have a lot of faith, but at the same time I feel weak.

Run away from family as soon as you're an adult and are able to live on your own!

 

[pgarcia43]

I am the only Christian in my family, which is full of agnostics and atheists. I don't know any other Christians in real life right now.
I get criticized and insulted for almost everything I do. My family members joke about horrible things (like one time they saw in the news that some Mexicans were killed and they laughed and joked about it, because some of them hate Mexicans), argue about almost everything, and don't seem to have anything nice to say about anyone. Except Donald Trump...

Sometimes I feel so weak and discouraged. I cry almost every day because I feel so sad that there are so few people who love God, but at the same time Jesus gives me a lot of hope.
I wanted to ask for some advice on how to deal with this, and not get discouraged. I do have a lot of faith, but at the same time I feel weak.

I would try to find a church to go to and try to get into a small group. You need to fellowship to succeed as a Christian.

 

[Blade]

DavidaAC... know that its the Christ in you they dont like. No matter how you FEEL about your self in your Fathers eyes you are in right standing with Him aka Righteousness. And that is what they see and it convicts their heart. Which is AWESOME! Why? It shows you He is at work! So I give you what He said " Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house"

You know I share this sometimes.. I love it.. I do. Well to many times we think and yet know we are nothing as if the world is going by and we dont matter..God sees us but has better things to do. But.. He holds your face and says look..look up? See all of that? Everything I made.. I made for YOU! You will be standing with MILLIONS in heaven.. you look over to your left and.. huh? Why is He only looking at me? Its as if YOU are the only one He sees. He lets you know that YOU are the most important thing to Him. You are the Apple in His eye. And to then know.. this is how He feels about ALL of His children..how He does this..I truly dont know. But He is GOD. Yeah.. He came for you. He new before you were ever born. If He didnt do something..YOU would be lost forever. So He left heaven and came for YOU! We to many times say ALL and never make it personal. He is not man. He loves YOU.. He made all for YOU. He can look at you and say it.. and then say it to me and its ALL true. We find it hard to love so many..for me just my wife and boys hello! ..

But He is not man nor thinks like one. You have NO clue what is IN you yet around you. This man...your friend..best friend. Your brother your savior..your GOD. HAHA you are on His MIND IN His heart period. There is not TIME to this. We find it hard to keep thinking on something or at least I do for a few mins But.. not Him! He ALWAYS thinks about you. And with every ...get this.. its not just to be nice. With ever tear.. He crys with you. He feels EVERYTHING you do. If it hurts YOU it hurts Him. You just can not see the breast of the one your head is laying on.. in whos arms you are being held. Ask Him.. no really ask Him..WHEN have you EVER let go of me? Go for it..

So.. WHO is this Christ? Brother? yes.. best friend? yes.. Savior? Yes.. GOD? Yes! Sorry.. but we who is your ABBA? Who is your Father? Try to remember.. its not like mans thinking. He is truly your REAL Father and HE made EVERYTHING for YOU!... what does the best of man ..what would he do for his daughter?

Ask HIM...tell HIM what YOU need..what you want.. just speak from your heart... and HOLD ON!

If I have said things to offend.. forgive me. What I say is how He shows me at times. But.. strange and I mean strange.. is.. He always makes sure I KNOW this is how HE wants for ALL His Children. He can be with each one of us for EVER and NEVER leave our side.. you know this?.. man if I had to talk to BILLIONS of people.. sorry..get in line.. you will all get your moment haha.

You are we are so loved. He does in fact cry so hard because as you know.. we dont know how much He loves us. WOW huh.. at about 24 HE show'e me this. To be hurt because someone has no clue how much they love you. Then to be thinking.. they really dont love me. That ...wow.. forgive me Jesus

 

[Nick714]

I am the only Christian in my family, which is full of agnostics and atheists. I don't know any other Christians in real life right now.
I get criticized and insulted for almost everything I do. My family members joke about horrible things (like one time they saw in the news that some Mexicans were killed and they laughed and joked about it, because some of them hate Mexicans), argue about almost everything, and don't seem to have anything nice to say about anyone. Except Donald Trump...

Sometimes I feel so weak and discouraged. I cry almost every day because I feel so sad that there are so few people who love God, but at the same time Jesus gives me a lot of hope.
I wanted to ask for some advice on how to deal with this, and not get discouraged. I do have a lot of faith, but at the same time I feel weak.

i would strengthen your faith more by looking into apologetics. iv been reading a really good book called "i dont have enough faith to be an atheist" (its very smart and witty). i wouldnt nessisarily debate them though because there are emotional issues that can prevent people from looking at the truth sincerely. but it could be something good to keep in your tool belt even if its just extra security for being around certain people.

above all things and i know its gonna sound hard but the best thing to do is to love them and go the extra mile with loving actions. you will make a difference in there day. and they might even say something mean to see if it is for real. like my family. but you just need to stick with it. forgive them every night in prayer if you need too. and keep your ground. dont let them bring you too there level. if they hurt you and you dont budge an inch you will receive grace. but tears will come and thats alright becasue what you are doing is carrying there cross and love will overcome!

 

[Nick714]

also if you are doing pretty good on sin. be blameless. ask them what you did wrong and they might not be able to answer.

and you can tell them to stop bullying you

 

[Anguspure]

Microwave fellowship is indeed a hurdle, partucularly in our western society. Just need to push through it. As the body of Christ we are to be VERY close, a family. Maybe the Holy Spirit has gifted you with this drive to bring a Church closer together as believers. ☺

That would be good and we're working on it. My current challenge is being physically separated from all Christians by thousands of miles for more than half my time. When I do arrive back in the land of the living they are so stuck in their seven day ritual that a person that actually wants to live connected has very limited options, and then I'm off again before anything can be established. I find it ironic that the unbelievers and the other religions get it right.
They have community meeting places and people that are actually open, available 7 days a week and all hours whether its a pub, a temple or a mosque, these are all unencumbered as to when they can meet other people of their group. But Christians? Nup has to be in associated with a formal or semi formal meeting that is heavily controlled and decidedly non-social.
The local church buildings all have cafe style areas that could be opened for this sort of thing but remain stubbornly closed 6 days a week (except for advertised organised gatherings). What gives?
Today's rant over.

 

[Beautyinsteadofashes]

I am the only Christian in my family, which is full of agnostics and atheists. I don't know any other Christians in real life right now.
I get criticized and insulted for almost everything I do. My family members joke about horrible things (like one time they saw in the news that some Mexicans were killed and they laughed and joked about it, because some of them hate Mexicans), argue about almost everything, and don't seem to have anything nice to say about anyone. Except Donald Trump...

Sometimes I feel so weak and discouraged. I cry almost every day because I feel so sad that there are so few people who love God, but at the same time Jesus gives me a lot of hope.
I wanted to ask for some advice on how to deal with this, and not get discouraged. I do have a lot of faith, but at the same time I feel weak.

I pray for people who don't believe in god and i genuinely feel sorry for them because life has no meaning without god. So just pray, but don't feel like you have to save everyone. God can use you to persuade someone to come to him, but if you try to do it in your own power because you feel its your responsibility, you will only end up frustrated. And lastly, never let yourself become ashamed of your faith. Its not always the popular thing to do, but the benefits if faith will always far outweigh the discomfort

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

QUOTE="Anguspure, post: 71275001, member: 287386"]That would be good and we're working on it. My current challenge is being physically separated from all Christians by thousands of miles for more than half my time. When I do arrive back in the land of the living they are so stuck in their seven day ritual that a person that actually wants to live connected has very limited options, and then I'm off again before anything can be established. I find it ironic that the unbelievers and the other religions get it right.
They have community meeting places and people that are actually open, available 7 days a week and all hours whether its a pub, a temple or a mosque, these are all unencumbered as to when they can meet other people of their group. But Christians? Nup has to be in associated with a formal or semi formal meeting that is heavily controlled and decidedly non-social.
The local church buildings all have cafe style areas that could be opened for this sort of thing but remain stubbornly closed 6 days a week (except for advertised organised gatherings). What gives?
Today's rant over.[/QUOTE
Never give up seeking God's Kingdom.
You haven't found the earthly ekklesia dwelling in His Kingdom yet
if you haven't found the ones meeting every day
and keeping themselves free of idols, and unspotted in this evil generation... (i.e. like some of the ones you mentioned in your post, most things or groups or whatever being available or meeting every day are NOT godly nor righteous nor even belong to God nor follow Jesus)....
Once you become aware of God's Kingdom FROM HIS WORD,
(see the best example in ACTS and EPHESIANS, possibly, that you will ever see, or have ever seen yet)
and seek and keep seeking (for HIS KINGDOM; not man's imitation),
and from HIM ask and keep asking (for HIS WAY, not man's imitation),

KNOW that HE KNOWS, perfectly, and HE knows what to do - HE planned this all along, His Kingdom (not man's imitation),
and HE is perfectly working it all out, TODAY, every day,
as HIS WORD PROCLAIMS ! (in spite of man's imitations)....

 

[HQwriterADH]

I guess it would be easier to tell you this if I knew your age. Because whether you're and adult or youth would make a big difference. This would be a very difficult thing to deal with, but the obvious advice would be to get involved in a church and get around other christian believers. Make sure to begin reading the Bible and listen to sermons, the closer you get to God the clearer everything you need to do will become.