Questions tagged [christian-living]
The practice of day-to-day living in a Christian manner.
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How is Pride the enemy of Hope?
The Bible has much to say about hope, especially in Romans chapter 8. The Old Testament has much to say about pride, which God hates (Proverbs 8:14, for example). As for despair, Christians are ...
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Does "fasting" bring a Christian closer to God?
First, I want to clarify that I don't like using the word "fasting" to describe this concept because it is a novel term used for people trying to lose weight, but this is the term that ...
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How Are Trials Supposed to Build Faith? [closed]
As Christians go through trials, the trials are supposed to strengthen the faith the the Believers.
One example is Romans 5:3-5 (NIV):
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we ...
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What are ways in which God reveals Himself to a Christian in the context of a two-way, one-on-one relationship?
Many atheists and skeptics claim that God is hidden.
In fact, in philosophy of religion there is a whole argument against God's existence known as "the argument from nonbelief" or "the ...
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Why were the disciples so concerned about their status within the group?
Why did the disciples, and the mother of James and John, seem so concerned about their status within the group of disciples? eg Mark 9 - but others too.
I am wondering if there is more to this than ...
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Why do Christians fall into sin despite Biblical promises to the contrary?
I'm referring to promises such as:
13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he ...
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According to Protestant interpretations of the Bible, is there justification for “disliking somebody”?
We know that if we hate a brother we are a murderer at heart:
“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the
brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever
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What is an overview of beliefs about how the Holy Spirit guides Christians?
How are Christians led by the Holy Spirit?
How does the Holy Spirit communicate God's will to Christians?
What mechanisms does the Holy Spirit employ to this end?
Since these are probably ...
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What is the Protestant view with what happens to a Christian who resists the Devil but he doesn’t flee?
We read a text in Scripture like:
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
James 4:7
Q: What does it mean that a Christian submits to God, resists the devil, but ...
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Is it right to say "Truly for Christ" or "Truly in Christ"?
I am looking for a simple way to say which gives the meaning - I will do anything for christ or I will stand for Christ.
I was wondering if it is right to say - "Truly for christ" or "...
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How do Cessationists view "being led by the Holy Spirit"?
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. [Romans 8:14 KJV]
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh ...
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What are the present conditions (or restrictions) regarding professing Christians in Hong Kong?
What are present conditions like for professing Christians in Hong Kong, both as private citizens and as gathered fellowships, in view of the political changes since 'comprehensive jurisdiction' was ...
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How does the power of the Holy Spirit manifest in Christians, as opposed to non-Christians who don't have access to this power?
To the best of my knowledge and understanding, access to the power of the Holy Spirit is an essential and distinctive attribute and privilege of Christians. People from other religions, as well as ...
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Should hands be folded or clasped together when praying? What's the difference and does it matter?
I grew up being taught to pray with my hands this way:
(hands clasped together)
Though I also often see Christians praying this way:
(folded hands, put together)
What's the difference? When should ...
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What is an overview of Christian spiritual practices for cultivating and increasing love over time?
Love is, without question, the most fundamental virtue and principle of Christianity.
The Apostle John makes this very clear:
7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever ...
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According to Pentecostals and Charismatics, what are concrete practical ways by which Christians can be filled (and stay filled) with the Holy Spirit?
The concept of "being filled" with the Holy Spirit is mentioned multiple times in the New Testament, and according to the book of Acts it appears to have been a crucial aspect of the early ...
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According to Catholicism, what are concrete and practical ways by which Christians can be filled (and stay filled) with the Holy Spirit?
The concept of "being filled" with the Holy Spirit is mentioned multiple times in the New Testament, and according to the book of Acts it appears to have been a crucial aspect of the early ...
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According to non-Pentecostal Protestants, what are concrete practical ways by which Christians can be filled (and stay filled) with the Holy Spirit?
The concept of "being filled" with the Holy Spirit is mentioned multiple times in the New Testament, and according to the book of Acts it appears to have been a crucial aspect of the early ...
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According to Catholicism, how should Christians "seek" and "find" God?
Many Christians encourage people to "seek" God. Similarly, many Christians claim that God can be "found". I'm also well aware of the existence of many passages in the Bible that ...
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According to Protestantism, how should Christians "seek" and "find" God?
Many Christians encourage people to "seek" God. Similarly, many Christians claim that God can be "found". I'm also well aware of the existence of many passages in the Bible that ...
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How do Christians who subscribe to the "religion vs. relationship" dichotomy make sure that their own relationship with God is genuine?
Many Christians emphasize the importance of having an actual relationship with God/Jesus as opposed to merely being religious. The previously asked question What is the origin of the "religion vs....
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How do Christians who emphasize the "religion vs. relationship" dichotomy respond to claims of "relationship with God" in other religions?
Many Christians emphasize the importance of having an actual relationship with God/Jesus as opposed to merely being religious. The previously asked question What is the origin of the "religion vs....
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How does God communicate to people today?
We all know that prayer has always been considered the standard way in which people can communicate to God, but what about the different ways in which God can communicate back to people?
I'm ...
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What is Christianity’s view on moral dilemmas?
Can God create a situation in which a Christian has to face a moral dilemma and go for "the lesser sin"? (I.e. to choose the smaller evil) Or should the Christian look for a third ...
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According to Latter-day Saints, what are the essential features of a true follower of Christ, and can such be found in other denominations? [duplicate]
Not much to add to the title. I would like to know the Latter-day Saints' definition of a true follower of Christ, that is to say, what features are considered by them to be essential for a person to ...
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According to Jehovah's Witnesses, what are the essential features of a true follower of Christ, and can such be found in other denominations?
Not much to add to the title. I would like to know the Jehovah's Witnesses' definition of a true follower of Christ, that is to say, what features are considered by them to be essential for a person ...
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Most reliable sources telling whether movies are true to the Christian faith?
I watch “Christian” movies sometimes and am inspired and filled - popular film, historical fiction or other fiction genres. Sometimes the movie ends up being propaganda pushing un-biblical heresy, or ...
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Do any Christianity denominations really offer something for addiction problems specifically?
I have a family member who says there is nothing in any religion of real use there for addiction. I have heard this before about Christianity in particular. She doesnt have a runaway issue but it is a ...
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What is an overview of how contemporary Christians discern that God is giving them instructions to follow a very specific course of action?
By 'very specific course of action' I mean some specific assignment that cannot be inferred from just reading the Bible. For example, in the case of missionaries, the question about when and where to ...
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How do Christians discern if they are being called by God to ministry, and what ministry specifically?
The concepts of "being called by God" and "ministry" are biblical. We can find them in passages such as:
Ephesians 4:1-14 (ESV):
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to ...
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Do any Christian groups/denominations encourage their members to seek personal revelations from the Holy Spirit to accurately interpret Scripture?
The notion of relying on God's guidance to walk the right path has ample support in Scripture. Jesus was in intimate connection with the Father and relied on His direct guidance at all times to carry ...
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How do proponents of Sola Scriptura choose the "correct" interpretation of a key Bible verse?
As a Protestant who really tries to abide by the sola scriptura principle to subject my understanding of God, His works, and His relation to us under the accepted Protestant canon, I am bewildered on ...
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How do Christians apply the Parable of the Ten Virgins to their lives?
Matthew 25:1-12 (ESV):
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the ...
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What is an overview of how Christians interpret 2 Timothy 1:6-7 and apply it to their own lives?
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV):
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and ...
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The Christian Duck Test? [closed]
If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.
There is arguably little difference between the lifestyle of the Stoic and the lifestyle of the ...
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How do Christians discern whether they are on the narrow path that leads to life or the broad path that leads to destruction?
Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV):
13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is ...
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What are the meaning of and the biblical basis for the practice of pleading the blood of Jesus in prayer?
I've heard people say this phrase in prayer many times. A simple Google search for the exact phrase "plead the blood of Jesus" confirms that this is the case, returning about 280,000 hits (...
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Are there any denominations that teach their members how to hear God's voice better, as exemplified by the Apostles in Scripture?
From time to time I have come across people who claim to have heard the voice of God speak to them in various circumstances. To someone who has never experienced this firsthand, this may sound a bit ...
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How do Christians who adhere to the maxim “in essentials unity; in non-essentials liberty; and in all things charity” determine what is essential?
The phrase has been worded in different but equivalent ways. For example, the Wikipedia article titled In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas says:
In necessariis unitas, in ...
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How do Trinitarians deal with imbalances in their relationship with each Person of the Trinity?
This is a practical question. According to Trinitarianism, three distinct Persons form the Godhead: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. In principle, they are all just one God, but in practice ...
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What are illustrative examples of how the Sabbath can be broken according to Sabbatarian Christians?
I've always heard examples of how the Sabbath is not broken, for instance, doing good to others, healing people, etc. However, I noticed that I've never heard examples of the opposite (how the Sabbath ...
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Why is "Fearing the Lord" equated to loving Him?
This question is probably more directed an Old Testament pattern of a description of our attitude towards the Lord. I equate "fear" more closely with "hate". For example today ...
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How do Jehovah's Witnesses pay obeisance to Jesus in their daily lives?
I would like to know how Jehovah's Witnesses pay obeisance to Jesus Christ in their daily lives. Do they use expressions such as “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor ...
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What is the difference between obeisance and worship? [closed]
After reading the answers to this question, I realized that many do not necessarily see it as idolatry if someone prostrates before someone else (e.g. Jesus), as long as it is done to pay obeisance ...
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Is there scriptural basis for spiritual 'growth'?
In my denomination from time to time I hear about spiritual 'growth'.
I get quite confused about it. It seems to me that Jesus taught to love people, give what we have to the poor, pray for people, ...
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In Reformed Theology what mechanisms and practices does God provide a believer to help fight temptation?
In Reformed Theology what mechanisms and practices does God provide a believer to help fight temptation?
Common answers are grace, prayer, Holy Spirit, and possibly others. But how does God make ...
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Are there any denominations that give official advice on how to handle the uncertainty in their doctrines?
It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone the existence of doctrinal discrepancies among different branches of Christianity. Most of the time, these doctrinal differences arise from the differing ways in ...
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What is the difference between "love" and "worship"? Do "love God" and "worship God" mean the same thing?
I've never quite understood the concept of worship and how it differs from the concept of love. Are worship and love the same thing? Or is worship = love + something else? If someone loves God, does ...
user50422
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When Christians say "the Lord" in everyday speech, do they mean Jesus or the Father?
It's very common to hear Christians say "Lord" or "the Lord" in different contexts: everyday conversations, prayer, testimonies, sermons, etc. Some example sentences that come to ...
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Does the holiness of a person grow over time?
Does the holiness of a person grow over time?
If not, does the acts of charity/love of a person made in their youth matter if they lose their faith later in life?
The only way to get to heaven is ...
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