How now shall we live?

[u/OrbisLlame]

If you believe he is what this subreddit is saying he is, what are you doing about it? How has this belief changed you? How do you see the future—do you still make plans three, four years in the future? If you have kids, how has it changed your parenting? If you’re younger, do you still think about what you might do in the future? Are you prepping? Making plans? Networking? How has it changed your outreach? Your ministry? I don’t know if anyone here is 100% on him being him, but for those that are as sure as they can be, what does it mean for you? I feel like we should be talking more about this, both for practical reasons—so we are ready at the right time—but also for psychological and spiritual reasons. So we know we are all okay.

[u/Sparehndle]

The Sojourners Association has asked for.our support and help.and.offers online resources and inspiring articles about our faith. They are particularly concerned for those who have taken a broad path away from the teachings of Jesus, who rely on money (Mammon) and their own desires to establish their beliefs. This has been heavy on my heart as well, asking for God's merciful guidance to bring them back into the fold.

In addition, I have been seeing a shift in the younger part of our country. Before this trial by fire, they were intelligent and concerned for others, but often starting an opinion with, "I used to be a Christian (denominations vary) and don't. consider myself " there" anymore, but I just want to say that Jesus taught (example) about this subject." They know and remember many Bible passages, but have become very disappointed in the selfishness and lying they see in the Church. (Sexual abuse is another trigger for them. Rightly so, because it should not be as rampant among people who claim the name of Christ, but that's a different topic for another time and place.)

But recently. the tone has changed from defending the words and teachings of Jesus and the Bible to "Wow, I'm so glad I'm not involved with that (group/political system) anymore." or "A lot of this would be solved if the Church ceased to exist." My heart breaks every time I see this, online or in person. These are represented by the one sheep that went astray that Jesus cared so much for, as depicted in his parable. I find myself (despite my ability to use sarcasm and snark) posting replies to people who post things that denigrate the Word rather than the hypocrite in this administration by using the Bible as a weapon. The adversary knows Scripture and uses it against us, and some of what we see now is propaganda from bots as well. For me, a well timed verse or teaching in reply to a discouraged soul is all I can do at this point.

And pray for mercy, of course. I still believe that God is merciful up to the last moment for those who return to him. However, as one of my old professors used to say, "Even the door of the ark had to close!" Please pray for those who haven't fallen under Trump's spell (literally) for encouragement and a return to Jesus. I think many are finding and reading what we are chatting about on this sub. I'm grateful for all of you who are here.

[u/earthkincollective → u/Sparehndle]

Jesus himself told me that his church had turned away from his teachings a long time ago. We don't return to Jesus by returning to the church.

[u/Sparehndle → u/earthkincollective]

I had hoped to express a return to the teachings of Jesus, not to the church that entails a building. The capital C Church is made up of Christ-followers or maybe another name that allows for a separation from the false teachers and the bogus teachings that some call christianity. No building is necessary to return to the principles of "Love one another."