Belief, trust, and loyalty towards God, Jesus, and the Christian religion.
35
votes
10answers
2k views
What happens to people who have never heard about Jesus? [closed]
There seems to be general consensus inside Christianity that in order to be saved, you must have faith, and that this faith has to be in Jesus Christ. Here is one verse sometimes cited for the ...
29
votes
8answers
1k views
Why do Jews not accept Jesus as the Messiah?
This is something that's always bothered me. However, it's something that has deep historical roots (all the way back to Jesus himself).
I've always been told that Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies ...
25
votes
11answers
1k views
Does believing in Jesus Christ save me, or do I have to do something more? [closed]
James 2:17 says that faith is not enough. Does that apply to salvation? Is belief (or faith) in Jesus Christ enough to be saved, or is one expected to act on that faith? If works are required for ...
23
votes
4answers
636 views
Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God?
I'm not really sure where to go with this question, since it is a question regarding Christianity. Also, I'm seeking a Christian perspective on this rather than a Muslim one. So, I thought that this ...
22
votes
4answers
4k views
Where does the concept of a “God-shaped hole” originate?
There's a concept that I heard used many times throughout my life in regards to idolatry. The idea is that inside each of us is a "God-shaped hole"--a place inside of our hearts that only God can ...
17
votes
7answers
631 views
Is it okay to have doubts? [closed]
I was raised Christian. I am Armenian, and my parents were raised Christian (however my grandmother was raised Catholic).
Every so often I think about my religion, and I can't help but think about ...
17
votes
7answers
1k views
Do I have to attend church every Sunday?
I used to be an avid church-goer, but as of late I haven't had the chance. This is primarily because of my scouting activities, which take place Sunday mornings (the same time the church service takes ...
17
votes
2answers
812 views
Interpretation of the scripture “One Lord, one faith, one baptism?”
Ephesians 4:5 states there is "one Lord, one faith, one baptism." Some Christians interpret this to mean that a single denomination (with its beliefs, doctrines, and practices) constitutes the "one ...
15
votes
9answers
2k views
Why does God not show Himself beyond reasonable doubt? [closed]
In this answer I commented that Christians believe that "God does not show himself as this would take away free will", to which I was answered "The only reason he would not show himself it's that it ...
15
votes
4answers
425 views
Why do OEC discount the literal interpretation of the book of Genesis?
This is to rephrase the question Are scientific findings a test to Christians' Faith?
It seems to me that, without any outside interference, the Bible itself gives no suggestion that the Book of ...
15
votes
4answers
188 views
What is “faith?”
The Bible and Christians talk about faith a lot. Matthew 12:32 talks about "faith as a mustard seed" for instance.
I've heard many Christians say things like "I don't have enough faith," or "I want ...
14
votes
8answers
813 views
Why has God never spoken to me?
I was born and raised in the Catholic religion. In the beginning I was, as far as I can judge, a good Christian.
But I never felt any connection to God while praying. It was like talking to myself. ...
12
votes
7answers
448 views
Is there a significant difference between salvation by faith with works and salvation by faith and works?
I used to think that sola fide meant salvation by faith irrespective of works. Then I started reading about it and realized it means salvation by faith with works.
Works are necessary for ...
12
votes
5answers
501 views
How is love greater than faith?
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Sola-fide states that faith alone brings salvation. In this oft-quoted ...
11
votes
3answers
237 views
Is repentance required for salvation?
I know that through faith alone I am saved. But is repentance a requirement for that salvation as a part of my faith? Is repentance a single act, or should it be continuous?
11
votes
2answers
147 views
How can I be sure someone I know is going to Heaven?
I am sure that through my faith my sins have been forgiven and I will get into Heaven. However, how can I be sure someone else will be forgiven and allowed in Heaven? Are there any good questions I ...
10
votes
4answers
323 views
Can you be Christian while wishing death upon another?
As an American on 9/11 I wanted death to come to all who planned or contributed to the attacks. As a Christian, I felt conflicted. Should I be feeling this anger? Am I right in thinking that Osama bin ...
10
votes
4answers
282 views
Was Jesus' power limited relative to the belief of others?
Mark 6 4-6:
4 Then Jesus said to them, “People everywhere give honor to a prophet,
except in his own town, with his own people, or in his home.” 5 Jesus
was not able to do any miracles ...
10
votes
4answers
250 views
Are faith and proof mutually exclusive?
Must something be unprovable to permit faith in it? Is it possible to have faith in something which is certain provable fact? If something is proven beyond any doubt can you still have faith in it? ...
10
votes
2answers
338 views
What is the meaning of `holy` for Christians?
What is the meaning of holy from a christian viewpoint.
I observed, that the term is used for
the gods, especially the Holy God (Father) and Holy Ghost
persons, like holy apostles, holy St. ...
10
votes
2answers
174 views
When do we as Christians draw the line on self-defense?
At what line do Christians stop at self defense? Take a look here:
Matthew 5:39
But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
...
10
votes
5answers
541 views
What does it mean to be “weak in faith”?
There have been some questions and answers which discuss the strength of one's faith such as Why do OEC discount the literal interpretation of the book of Genesis?
There is also a question which asks ...
10
votes
3answers
291 views
Is Christianity continuing to grow worldwide?
Is there continuing growth in Christianity around the world or has it stalled/declined? I'm interested in worldwide stats rather than for individual countries.
9
votes
7answers
294 views
Good person going to hell simply for not believing?
The scenario is as follows:
Believer, average life, many mistakes/sins. Asks forgiveness and tries everyday to be better. Goes to heaven.
Non-believer, better life than the believer, fewer mistakes ...
9
votes
6answers
177 views
Could more miraculous works bring more persons to faith?
There are those who say that if they saw the miracles that happens in the time of Moses, or the disciples they would surely have faith.
What are the Biblical reasons for miracle? Is it to create ...
8
votes
4answers
321 views
What is saving faith?
A common soteriological view among Evangelical Christians (such as myself) is that we are saved by grace, through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, this belief is usually accompanied by a ...
8
votes
2answers
158 views
How do “Sola Fide” adherents reconcile with the three aspects of faith?
Historical Protestantism (particularly in the Lutheran and Reformed traditions) have since the Magisterial Reformation held to two doctrines relating what is required of an individual for salvation.
...
7
votes
1answer
225 views
Should we allow doctors or God to heal us? [closed]
Inspired by this post regarding moving mountains by faith.
God has told us to rely on him (Matthew 6:25-34) for all things.
Also, James 5:15 says
And the prayer of faith will make the indisposed ...
7
votes
5answers
756 views
“How do I get more faith?” - how to understand Jesus' answer?
The question, "How do I get more faith?" has been posted here. When I read it, my mind went to the time the disciples and Jesus had a similar dialogue:
Luke 17:5-6
The apostles said to the ...
7
votes
5answers
389 views
Who are “Born again” Christians?
"Born again" is a term most often attributed to Christians. Yet what exactly does it mean, and what does the the use of the term encompass?
What is a "born again" Christian?
Are they of a specific ...
7
votes
3answers
250 views
When Jesus gave Peter his name (rock) what is the significance that he then said upon a ‘different’ kind of rock he would build his church?
When Peter made his famous confession, Jesus responded by saying:
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (NIV ...
7
votes
5answers
271 views
How do I get more faith?
I'm really terrible at faith. I understand that it's a choice to have or not have faith, I'd really like to choose the former, but my very much neurotic nature often gets the best of me, and often ...
7
votes
3answers
209 views
Is belief a work into salvation?
Is the placing of one's faith in Christ for salvation, a work? - Can I produce faith on my own?
How does the Bible answer that question?
7
votes
3answers
110 views
Is Belief in the Historical Accuracy of Gospels a prerequisite to Christianity?
Is it a requirement of the faith that all adherents must believe in the literal flow of events as conveyed by the Bible surrounding the life of Jesus Christ? Is it possible for someone to accept his ...
6
votes
8answers
952 views
Are there any documented instances of anyone moving a mountain in faith?
Jesus said we could tell mountains to move (Matthew 17:20), if only we had faith as small as the size of a mustard seed. Has this ever happened? If so, has it been documented or is there any evidence?
...
6
votes
3answers
99 views
Reading “Mere Christianity” and having a hard time with book III, chapter 12
I am reading "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis and just finished Chapter 12 in the 3rd section. In this chapter he is discussing the idea that we need to realize we cannot fight sin ourselves, but we ...
6
votes
3answers
170 views
Calvinist Regeneration, Interpreting Colossians 2:12
I am convinced that the scriptures teach of a God who is completely sovereign in salvation. I am a monergist. I can cite several passages that make me think this way. I think if you look at some of my ...
6
votes
4answers
347 views
How do you explain the Christian Message to people who have no Christian vocabulary or context?
Original Question: Is it possible to give some brief description of Christian faith to non-believing listeners without exposing them to context requiring faith?
If yes, can you provide one? Any term ...
6
votes
1answer
154 views
How did Pascal reconcile his wager with 2 Corinthians 9:7 and Psalms 50?
I'm not asking about a justification or an attack on Pascal's Wager.
I'm just curious how/if Blaise Pascal, being an intelligent and analytical fellow, reconciled his famous gambit with 2 Corinthians ...
5
votes
5answers
916 views
How should a Christian put a decision in God's hands if there is no logical answer?
Lets say a Christian is in a position where he must make a hard decision (assume it has to either be a yes or no by a deadline) and each one has it's negatives (more negatives than positives) how ...
5
votes
3answers
140 views
Dying for Christ
Matthew 16:25
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and ...
5
votes
4answers
139 views
From whom does faith come?
I've heard both of these claims, and they seem to have irreconcilable differences:
God does his part (the call/invitation), now you do yours (respond in faith)
God not only gave his son for you, but ...
4
votes
4answers
439 views
Why does Christianity claim to be the only true religion?
From where does the idea that Christianity the only true religion come? Other religions claim the same. What is the basis for the Christian claim?
4
votes
4answers
255 views
How should a Christian feel inside? [closed]
What does the Bible say about how a Christian should feel inside?
Should it be:
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world
giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be ...
4
votes
2answers
146 views
Troubled people showing interest in reading the Bible: how to explain to them that faith is a lifestyle and not an “ATM”?
I get that often. I meet a lot of people who have some sort of troubles in their life and they show interest in reading the Bible to heal themselves.
However, the majority of these people just ...
4
votes
2answers
121 views
Vacillating passion for Christ
Throughout a person's life they might experience some incredible highs in their relationship with Christ. They might receive answers to prayers and/or a bounty of unexpected blessings. A person might ...
4
votes
2answers
123 views
How to contemplate without the urge to have to comprehend
What makes people feel they have to figure it all out? How can someone strengthen their spirituality through contemplation while avoiding a desire to try to understand everything?
4
votes
2answers
225 views
C.S. Lewis's petitionary prayer paradox
The problem i am submitting to you arises not about prayer in general but only about that kind of prayer which consists of request or petition.... I have no answer to my problem, though I have taken ...
3
votes
4answers
330 views
Are scientific findings a test to Christians' Faith? [closed]
Science suggests that the earth is millions of years old, and many Christians accept this premise. Instead of accepting that God created everything in six days, they accept the finding of scientists ...
3
votes
3answers
397 views
How do I have self confidence, self esteem and work hard if I am a true Christian?
In church we learn to not lean on ourselves. We learn we can do nothing with our own power. That we must completely let go of control and let God. That everything that happens is from God and that we ...
