Tag: bible

What Are the Prayers of the Faithful?

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

The Prayers of the Faithful are a collection of corporate prayers that are spoken at western liturgical churches, such as Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, and Lutheran churches. As the name suggests, faithful followers of Christ gather together as a church body to make intercessory petitions for the Church, global issues, individuals, and their community.

Are the prayers of the faithful known by other names?

The Prayers of the Faithful also recognized as General Intercessions or Universal Prayer.

What Are Their Origins?
The Prayers of the Faithful were most likely inspired by the public prayers that took place in Jewish synagogues. With the commencement of the Early Church, this practice of making corporate petitions for the community and individuals in need was encouraged by Christian leaders, including Timothy (1 Timothy 2:1-8).

In the second century, the continuation of the Prayers of the Faithful are noted predominantly in the writings of the Christian apologist Justin Martyr. In his First Apology, which was published in AD 155, Justin Martyr addressed the Emperor Antoninus Pius, claiming that Christians were the “best helpers and allies in securing good order” for the Roman Empire.

Accordingly, Christian theologians such as Augustine of Hippo, who lived from AD 354-430, continued the conviction of practicing the Prayers of the Faithful. Augustine of Hippo was even said to have written, “Here we do not speak evil of anyone” on the walls of his lodgings.

By the fourth century, Roman rite mass included nine prayer petitions called “Solemn Prayers of Intercession,” which are still observed at Good Friday Mass today.

Over time, the practice of speaking the Prayers of the Faithful subsided. However, the Second Vatican Council, which mediated between the Catholic Church and modern-day society, reinstated the Prayers of the Faithful as the universal prayer in the 1963 Sacrosanctum Concilium, which is the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy.

In Chapter Two, point 53, it states:

Especially on Sundays and feasts of obligation there is to be restored, after the Gospel and the homily, “the common prayer” or “the prayer of the faithful.” By this prayer, in which the people are to take part, intercession will be made for holy Church, for the civil authorities, for those oppressed by various needs, for all mankind, and for the salvation of the entire world.

Are the Prayers of the Faithful Mentioned in the Bible?


The Prayers of the Faithful find their origins in 1 Timothy 2:1-8:

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

And for this purpose, I was appointed a herald and an apostle — I am telling the truth, I am not lying — and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. Therefore, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

When Are the Prayers of the Faithful Performed during Mass?


Roman rite Mass consists of four parts:

  1. The Introductory Rites
  2. The Liturgy of the Word
  3. The Liturgy of the Eucharist
  4. The Concluding Rites

The Prayers of the Faithful are performed at the conclusion of the Liturgy of the Word.

How Are the Prayers of the Faithful Structured?
The Prayers of the Faithful follow the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, a document providing detailed guidelines on the celebration of Mass and the Roman rite, which is the predominant liturgical rite of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Structure of the Prayers of the Faithful
The Prayers of the Faithful consist of three parts:

  1. A brief introduction by the presider of the liturgy, who invites the congregation to pray.
  2. The speaker of the petitions then proceeds. The congregation is encouraged to vocally affirm the speaker’s petitions by replying with brief invocations such as, “Lord, hear our prayer.”
  3. The conclusion or oration to the Prayers of the Faithful is given by the presider.

Prayer Guidelines
Included in the guidelines is that the following four intentions should be included in all compositions of the Prayers of the Faithful:

  1. Prayer for the Church
  2. Prayer for public and governing authorities and for the salvation of mankind
  3. Prayer for those burdened by adversity or difficulties
  4. Prayer for the local community

The scope of prayer is designed like a funnel, where the petitions are first directed globally and are then tapered down micro-economically.

How Often Are the Prayers of the Faithful Performed in the Church Calendar?
The Prayers of the Faithful are performed at Sunday and weekday mass. They are also performed on special occasions, such as weddings, baptisms, and religious holidays, where the petitions are composed to align with the occasion at hand. They are also performed at funerals.

Who Can Offer the Prayers of the Faithful?
Customarily, the Prayers of the Faithful are performed by deacons or lectors. Often priests perform the petitions during a weekday Mass.

However, the Prayers of the Faithful can also be performed by a cantor, who traditionally sings solo verses or passages during the mass. Alternatively, a lay faithful from the congregation can also present the corporate petitions.

How Effective Are the Prayers of the Faithful?
Matthew 18:20 encourages us that when we come together in prayer, God is in our midst. James 5:16 also states that we should pray for one another, as our righteous petitions are powerful and effective.

Corporate prayer exemplifies the strength of our petitions and evokes intense divine responses, additionally, it also encourages church unity, disciplines us to put other’s needs before our own, and allows us to co-operate with God as the Body of Christ, all of which was Jesus’ aim when He founded the Church.

What Does it Mean That We Are God’s Workmanship?

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

Paul wrote to God’s holy people in Ephesus who were faithful followers of Christ Jesus, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10, NKJV).

Other English Bible translations use words such as “handiwork, masterpiece, accomplished, creative work, or the product of His hand” (heaven’s poetry etched on lives) instead of workmanship.

In the Oxford English Dictionary, workmanship is defined as “the degree of skill with which a product is made, or a job done” and synonymous with craftmanship, which is “the quality of design and work shown in something made by hand; creative skill or ability.”

The truth that Christ’s believers are God’s workmanship reflects His works of creation, redemption, provision, and sanctification in every believer’s life.

  1. God’s Work of Creation in His Workmanship
    All human beings are created in the image of God, regardless of whether or not they put their faith in His Son, Jesus Christ (Genesis 1:26-27). All we are the clay, and the Creator is our potter (Isaiah 64:8).

God created the universe by His word: He spoke, and things came into existence. But it was only when He created man that He did something different: “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7).

Therefore, unlike animals and plants, every human being possesses a spirit, which means having the ability to perceive spiritual realms or matters and the things of God, who is Spirit (John 4:24).

  1. God’s Work of Redemption in His Workmanship
    Because of sin, originated by the enemy (i.e., the fallen angel or Satan), God’s image in every human being is corrupted. As a result, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

This means that we are all sinners, by nature and by choice, and no amount of good works can save us from the penalty for sin: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

We all need God’s mercy and grace for our salvation. We all need God taking the initiative to restore the relationship — and thankfully, He did! (by sending His Son, Jesus Christ) — so that we can have peace with God.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:1-2).

This redemptive and restorative mission has been fulfilled by Jesus Christ, who came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). Here is the wonderful truth: God’s image in every believer is restored by Jesus Christ, the perfect, visible image (i.e., the exact representation) of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Romans 8:29), as we live in Him, and He lives in us.

  1. God’s Work of Provision in His Workmanship
    Everyone who trusts in Jesus can be sure that God is able to supply all our needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

As King David declared, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:1-3).

It is for His name’s sake that God provides all our needs. We can trust Him, the Possessor of heaven and earth, for our every need, including physical, financial, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Note that we are “God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus,” having been blessed, not only with eternal life but also with a new life (2 Corinthians 5:17) and abundant life (John 10:10) in Him. Praise the Lord!

  1. God’s Work of Sanctification in His Workmanship
    As we receive and believe Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit resides in us, making our hearts His home (Romans 8:9). By the Holy Spirit alone, we can realize that Jesus is Lord (1 Corinthians 12:3). The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, of our need for God’s righteousness, and of His judgment (John 16:8), and He guides us into all truth (John 16:13).

We live in a broken world and oftentimes our faith in Christ is challenged by the temptation and values of this world. Hence, we need God’s Spirit to continue to sanctify us from the sins of this world that could “pollute” our hearts.

And as we are God’s workmanship, the Holy Spirit ultimately transforms us into Christlikeness (2 Corinthians 3:18), producing the character of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit in us (Ephesians 5:8-10; Galatians 5:22-23). This means that our sinful nature (i.e., tendency to disobey and rebel against God) is replaced with a new, godly nature that desires to please, obey, and glorify the Lord.

The Purpose of God’s Workmanship
It is amazing to see that the triune God (God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) all participate in this workmanship, which displays His divine nature — His greatness and goodness.

And now, Ephesians 2:10 tells us further that we are God’s workmanship for good works, which He ordained beforehand that we should walk in them.

The preceding verses say, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJV). It is clear that we are saved by God’s grace through faith that should be manifested in good works.

In other words, God’s grace in our lives through Christ Jesus should result in good works, which, I believe, speak of our unique calling and purpose in Him. These are related to God’s original plan in creating mankind (Genesis 2:28), which is then translated into the Great Commission.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

These good works ultimately bring honor and glory to the One who creates, redeems, provides, and sanctifies us with His unchanging love. All glory to God!

Christianity and the Death Penalty?

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

The death penalty is a popular topic today as well as a politically heated debate. There are two arguments for the death penalty, those who are for the death penalty and those who are opposed to the death penalty.

Believers are divided on this ethical topic as some believe the death penalty is permitted; whereas others believe it is never permitted. There are weighty arguments on each side of the coin as each individual Christian has to make their own decision about the death penalty.

The Argument for the Death Penalty
There are multiple arguments in support of the death penalty; however, the most popular argument is “The death penalty is an effective deterrent.” In other words, the death penalty prevents the criminal from committing any future harm.

Right now, in 2021, the death penalty is legal in 27 states of America, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

All of the current criminals in limbo on death row have all been found guilty of murder. More specifically, according to the Death Penalty Information Center, “Death sentences may only be imposed for crimes in which a victim is killed, but state legislatures can determine what specific circumstances make a murder eligible for a death sentence.”

Thus, the death penalty is only enacted if murder was involved. In the past, the crime of rape would be found worthy of the death penalty; however, in the 21st century, rape is no longer seen as a crime deserving death. As of 2021, the only crime guilty of receiving the death penalty is murder.

Was the Death Penalty Used in the Bible?
The Old Testament does show evidence for capital punishment. The punishment of death was not only for murder (Exodus 21:12), but also for rape (Deuteronomy 22:24), adultery (Leviticus 20:10), kidnapping (Exodus 21:16), homosexuality (Leviticus 20:13), and bestiality (Exodus 22:19). False prophets were also condemned to death.

That prophet or dreamer must be put to death for inciting rebellion against the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. That prophet or dreamer tried to turn you from the way the Lord your God commanded you to follow. You must purge the evil from among you (Deuteronomy 13:5).

Does this mean that when a believer sees any of these things occur, the criminal should be killed? Even though each of these crimes was punishable by death, God extended mercy to each individual as shown in the case of David.

David had committed adultery with Bathsheba, but God did not order that David be killed. Instead, God showered David with mercy. David confessed his sin to God and expressed his need for God’s forgiveness (2 Samuel 12:13).

Believers today should extend mercy and kindness just as God did to David; however, believers must also be aware that there are consequences for sin even though God forgives the sin. God is merciful, loving, and forgiving, but He is also righteous, holy, and perfect (1 Samuel 2:2; 1 Peter 1:16; Psalm 99:9). Sin cannot coexist with God as sin separates us from God.

The Argument Against the Death Penalty
As stated by the FIACAT Representation to the United Nations, “The death penalty does not respect the right to life.” In addition to this main reason, other arguments include that the death penalty is not an effective deterrent, it is built upon a faulty governmental system, it does not truly protect society, and it does not give the opportunity for the criminal to repent.

Concerning the last reason, if a person is sentenced to death, they would never have time to accept Jesus into their lives. There are numerous ministries today focused on helping prisoners come to know Jesus across the world. Prison ministries emphasize forgiveness and redemption to the prisoners as all people can be saved.

A person is only given forgiveness because of placing faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Even if a person’s past is filled with sin, God can still forgive them and redeem them. Nothing is too unforgivable for God if the person comes before God in genuine remorse. Paul was a persecutor of the faith, he strongly opposed the apostles’ message, and he was even a murderer.

And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison (Acts 8:1-3).

In 1 Corinthians 15:9, Paul states, “For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them — yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.”

In the same way, God can redeem the lives of criminals, prisoners, and murderers today.

A Hard and Complicated Situation
Each Christian has to choose whether or not they believe in the death penalty. There are strong reasons for each side of the argument. In the Old Testament, there were times when the death penalty needed to be enacted and it was carried out.

Even though capital punishment is a reality in the present world today, believers need to approach the subject with wisdom. Galatians 6:6-7 tells us, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

God does not desire anyone to die; however, there are consequences for our sins. God can forgive any sin, but the government and authority figures have created their own human system for justice. It is fully possible for criminals, prisoners, and murderers to place faith in Jesus and receive forgiveness.

As Christians, we need to study the Bible and come to our own findings on the death penalty. Praying for God’s guidance, direction, and wisdom will help believers make good decisions for all areas of life, including taking a stance on the arguments of capital punishment. God promises to give us wisdom if we ask for it.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you (James 1:5).

What We Can Do While God Is Working Behind the Scenes

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

While God’s actions seem to be hidden from sight, we can trust He is working. We are not trapped in our circumstances or current situation. He wants us to faithfully keep our eyes on Him, our hearts in prayer, and our souls in the Word. Even David of the Bible recognized the power of hoping in God while he questioned how God was working, “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again–my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 42:5). God uses other things or people to instill hope, faith, and trust. God is using everything for your good–to strengthen your faith and character. He’s orchestrating an outcome that will bless you and He will be with you through it all. all the way. We can wait in confidence and keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Reasons Why God Is Working Behind the Scenes

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

Where is God and what is He doing? I know that question. I’ve often asked Him in the middle of the night or when I’m really stressed. What I didn’t realize was how God is always at work behind the scenes. Even when you can’t see Him. Sense Him. Hear Him.

Are you going through a difficult season? Maybe it’s a hormonal teenager, or maybe you’ve hit a rut in your marriage. Maybe it’s something in your financial life? No matter what it is, you feel like your life is a frozen field on a cold winter day. You peek out the windows at first light to see that it is still dark, and a blanket of snow still covers the ground. Life looks dreary, cold, dead, and bleak.

5 Reasons God Is Working Behind the Scenes in Our Lives

  1. He is revealing His will. He desires to have fellowship with us; that’s why we were created. He wants us to look to Him for today and the future even if we don’t understand what He is doing but He will show us the way.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8, 9

  1. He is revealing His purpose. Sometimes we pray and fast, and think we’ve made the right decision, only to have everything fall apart around us. The job didn’t pan out, the diagnosis came back worse than expected, or the answer is no. But we can trust He is working behind the scenes as He works out His purpose—one day at a time.

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” John 13:7

  1. He is teaching us how to walk in faith. Have you ever seen a mom scold her baby for falling after taking a few steps? Of course not! She kisses his boo-boos, steadies her child, and encourages him to walk again. This is how our Abba Father works on our behalf to build our faith. Especially when He leads us to unknown places. Especially when we are grappling in the dark. And especially when we grapple with how to walk in faith that he will work all things together for our good.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

  1. He is building your confidence. It’s hard to depend on God when we are used to relying on ourselves. But the Bible teaches how to build confidence in God, not ourselves. The Scriptures give us a picture of what it will look like when we genuinely develop confidence in God. His Word reveals that no matter what tomorrow holds, He is still holding us steady in His plans for His purpose.

“He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:3,4

  1. He is instilling hope. Hope is the heartbeat of God’s promises. He helps us rise in the middle of our circumstances. No matter the situation, God wants you to hope anyway.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

10 Steps to Fight Satan

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

Grab your bible and let’s discuss 10 Steps to Fight Satan together…if you think I;m missing any steps and should add more please let me know so I can do that!

10 Steps to Fight Satan – Grab Your Bible

Here’s how…

  1. Open to the Gospel of Matthew.

That’s page one of the New Testament. You can read all 28 chapters of this short volume in an hour or so.

  1. Keep reading.

You will read three other gospels similar to Matthew—Mark, Luke, and John—but different, on the life and ministry of Jesus. Each writer has something unique to offer.

  1. Keep reading.

Acts of the Apostles tells what happened after Jesus left.

  1. And yes, keep on reading.

You are now to the “epistles,” a fancy word for “letters,” most of them from the Apostle Paul to churches in various locales. You won’t understand everything, but you can grasp a great deal.

  1. Don’t worry about what you cannot understand.

Treasure all that you do understand, because there is a great deal of it.

  1. Read it consecutively.

Not just jumping around. And, in large sections, at least one hour at a time.

  1. When you finish, go back and start again.

You will get more the second time through than you did the first.

  1. Pray.

Each time you open the Bible, say this: “Father, help me to understand this and to get what You want me to see. Thank you for hearing my prayer.”

  1. Get help.

After you have read it through a few times, ask a pastor if there is a Bible study class you could attend. To hear a good teacher teach about what you have been reading can be a privilege.

  1. Obey it.

In John 13:17, Jesus said, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” Also, see James 1:22. The blessing comes from obeying His teachings, not from reading or learning them.

Eventually, you will be able to say what Job did:

I have esteemed the words of Thy mouth more than my necessary food – Job 23:12

How Should Christians Approach Dating

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

I’m not looking to date anyone until after I graduate from college, but I do ponder how Christian should go about dating in our app based dating society where everyone bases who they want to date just on how they look on the outside and not what makes them who they really are on the inside…I know this sounds “cheesy”, but I hope that the man I marry loves me for me and not for anything other than that.

Among modern evangelical Christians, there have been multiple books, movements, and rules presented as the “biblical” approach or method to dating. From Joshua Harris’ I Kissed Dating Goodbye in the early 2000s to the many rules for dating in contemporary Christian circles, there is no end to supposed scriptural views on dating.

Amid this overwhelming sea of methods and rules, many Christians wonder what the Bible says about this overly discussed topic and how they should approach dating.

Specifically, there is nothing in the Bible about dating. In fact, none of the people mentioned in the Bible ever dated but rather participated in prearranged marriages and betrothals. The modern Western idea of dating did not exist in biblical times and even many cultures today do not practice dating either.

Scripture, however, does provide a few general principles that can be applied to the modern practice of dating and courtship, including maintaining a proper perspective while dating and focusing on purity in romantic relationships.

Common ‘Biblical’ Methods and Rules for Dating
In churches and Christian culture, there are many popular rules for dating. Some of these include not holding hands or not showing affection, only dating someone with the intention of marrying them, only dating for a set period, having a required chaperone on dates, or not dating at all in order to wait for a person’s “one true love” to come.

These rules are not found in the Bible since Scripture does not discuss dating. Instead, these assumptions have developed over time due to major movements in Christian culture.

In the early 2000s, Joshua Harris’ book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, swept through the Christian world and encouraged Christians to no longer date, but wait for the one person whom they would marry.

Many believers followed the teachings found in the book and refused to date anyone to instead wait for the divinely chosen person whom God intended for them to marry. Such teachings gradually declined in popularity and Joshua Harris recanted his book in 2016 and announced he was no longer a Christian in 2019.

Currently, the popular trend among evangelical Christians is to prepare and pray for their future spouse. This is especially popular among Christian girls and women who are encouraged to prepare, pray, and dream about their future husbands. Dating is not discouraged but is rather pushed into strict seriousness by requiring Christians to date with the intention of marrying.

The problem with this view, however, is that there is nothing in Scripture about praying for one’s future spouse, someone that is unknown or may not even exist. While Christians can participate in dating, there is no biblical promise or guarantee that every Christian will have a spouse.

Maintaining a Proper Perspective While Dating
For Christians, their first priority in all situations should always be the Lord (Matthew 6:33; Luke 10:27). Oftentimes in dating, people become infatuated and almost obsessed with their new boyfriend or girlfriend. Other important relationships often take a back seat to the new person they are dating.

Even a Christian’s relationship with the Lord can be negatively impacted by putting too much focus, time, and energy into pursuing dating or a new relationship. As Marshall Segel states in his article about dating, “The first step in dating should always be the step of faith we take toward our Lord, Savior, and greatest Treasure, King Jesus” (“The Golden Rule in Christian Dating,” Desiring God).

Just as each individual Christian should be deliberate about their relationship with the Lord, seeking to glorify Him in their life, they should also ensure that the person they are dating is completely in love with the Lord. Believers should not date unbelievers because of the possibility of marriage in any dating relationship (2 Corinthians 6:14-15).

Also, even if a Christian is dating a believer, they need to be aware of the other person’s relationship with God. Are they actively growing in their walk with Christ? Do they desire to love Him more than anything in the world, including being in a relationship or getting married? Believers should be aware of the spiritual state of the person they are seriously dating.

Finally, in regard to keeping a proper perspective while dating, Christians should also avoid falling into the trap of desperation. The church culture in the Western world, especially America, places a large emphasis on marriage, which places pressure on single believers to get married.

This often causes single Christians to become desperate and to date anyone because of the pressure to be married often just to have sex within the confines of marriage. Such a mindset goes against the Bible, which urges believers to seriously consider marriage or singleness based on legitimate reasons and not because of external pressure (1 Corinthians 7:35).

Although these Christians can still date with the intention of finding someone to marry, there is still the possibility that they will remain single for a part or the rest of their life. Being single is not a lesser state but has many great benefits in serving the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:32, 34).

Believers would be wise not to waste the time they have as single individuals, but instead pray and be open to God’s guidance about when, who, and if they should be dating.

The Need for Biblical Purity
While Scripture does not give any rules for how a person should date, the Bible does teach about the need to maintain purity in romantic relationships (1 Corinthians 6:13). Purity is a foreign idea to the worldly system, which promotes sexual immorality.

Many unbelievers and even some believers will commonly date someone, live with them for a while, and then find another boyfriend or girlfriend. However, Christians who want to live glorifying lives for Christ according to the Bible should avoid the temptation of living with their girlfriend or boyfriend and instead maintain celibacy until marriage.

Teenagers and young adults are especially susceptible to the temptation of sexual relations outside of marriage because of the inundation of lust-inducing messages from movies, TV shows, music, and celebrities.

Scripture speaks against this, however, by stating, “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts” (2 Timothy 2:22, NLT). Sexual relations should only occur within the bonds of marriage, between a husband and his wife (Matthew 19:4-6; Hebrews 13:4).

Thus, Christians who are dating should avoid any situations for the temptation to sin (1 Corinthians 6:18). Having accountability to godly family members and friends can help protect against sinning against the Lord and the person one is dating.

Also, asking for friends to double date could also be helpful in some situations. Believers should be aware of their hearts and know what will cause temptation, which can help prevent compromising situations of impurity.

If a Christian is tempted during a date, they should pray and seek to leave the situation (1 Corinthians 10:13). Both men and women followers of Christ should pursue purity in their dating relationships to glorify the Lord and follow His Word (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Christians and Dating
Though there are many dating methods and rules suggested in Christian circles, the Bible does not explicitly discuss how a Christian should approach dating. However, Christians need to view dating differently than those in the world, which promotes impurity and sexual immorality.

Instead of merely thinking about their own preferences in finding a boyfriend or girlfriend with the intention of marrying, believers should place God first in their lives and seek to be pleasing to Him in all they do, including dating.

Staying focused on one’s love for God will provide a proper perspective for romantic relationships since God is the one who provides ultimate fulfillment and love.

How Have We Adopted Law Keeping in the Church Today?

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

We don’t observe the Old Testament Law today, but we can still fall into the same mindset when we try to live according to our works. If we approach the Throne based on how much we read the Bible, go to church, give, visit, or witness, we do the same things the Pharisees did. This works-based mentality means we are dependent upon what we do to please God and not on what Jesus has already done.

Good works should be a fruit of our relationship with God, not a means to try to obtain His acceptance. Nothing we do can bring more affection to us from our Father.

The Word as flesh fulfilled the Law. Faith in what He did is what saves us. We are to rely on His holiness and not our works.

MORE ARTICLES ALL CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE AWARE OF….

Every Christian Should Watch This Before Its Too late – CLICK HERE TO WATCH!

Russian Attack On America’s Power Grid “Imminent?” – CLICK HERE FOR INFO!

Anyone with Enlarged Prostate Should Watch This – CLICK HERE

If You Believe in God, CLICK HERE to Watch This. It Will Blow Your Mind!

Shocking Truth About The Biggest Threat To Come – CLICK HERE FOR INFO!

Urologist: Try This if You Have An Enlarged Prostate – CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO!

Why Are So Many Women Lost Souls? OnlyFans Blasted for Reversing Course and Hosting Porn

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

Hi again! It’s me the Christian Tech Nerd. I hope you are having an AMAZING day! I just read the below story and it made me so sad and I would like anyone’s feedback on it! I HATE websites and companies such as OnlyFans that exploit young women and cause them to sell their souls to sinful perverted men! I am a young 22 year old Christian woman that had to delete ALL of my social media accounts because too many men kept messaging me with rude and perverse comments…and I BLAME gross “porn” sites like OnlyFans for creating a culture that rewards perverts. I DO NOT blame the women who sell their bodies on OnlyFans because I believe they are lost souls that need guidance and are being taken advantage of without their knowing. I urge all women to believe in themselves to be more than just a naked body and to pick up a bible and learn about the blessings of Christianity.

Anyways, I’ve rambled enough…please read the below story and feel free to share your comments with me.

News article starts here:

“OnlyFans has chosen to continue its exploitation, despite knowing that it will face increasing criminal scrutiny over reports of filmed child sexual abuse, sex trafficking, and other non-consensually recorded sex acts being sold on its website,” said Haley McNamara, vice president of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation.

NCOSE highlighted a BBC investigation that found minors under 18 have used fake IDs to set up accounts. The BBC investigation also discovered that a 14-year-old girl used a grandmother’s passport to create an account.

“If OnlyFans couldn’t distinguish between a girl fresh out of middle school and her grandmother, this ‘verification’ system is systemically flawed,” McNamara said. “And this problem is inherent because OnlyFans allows user-uploaded content, like other pornography tube websites, with weak age of consent verification of those depicted in the material. This problematic policy creates a platform that is rife for abuse and criminality.”

The National Center on Sexual Exploitation will hold OnlyFans accountable for “enabling abuse and exploitation,” and “we reiterate our call on the Department of Justice to join the FBI and other law enforcement agencies in investigating this platform,” McNamara said.

Earlier this month, OnlyFans said it would begin banning sexually explicit content on October 1. That announcement came after banks and companies that handle financial transactions requested that OnlyFans stop hosting pornography.

But in its Wednesday tweet, OnlyFans implied that it had rectified its dilemma.

“We have secured assurances necessary to support our diverse creator community and have suspended the planned October 1 policy change,” the tweet said. “OnlyFans stands for inclusion, and we will continue to provide a home for all creators.”

BEST #CHRISTIANITY HASHTAGS

Posted on by thechristiantechnerd

If you’re on Instagram, Twitter, or FaceBook and want to search for the best comments, posts, and pictures for “Christianity” then here are the hashtags you should be using:

TOP 10 CHRISTIANITY HASHTAGS

Best christianity hashtags popular on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr:

christianity – 27%

jesus – 10%

god – 10%

christian – 9%

bible – 8%

faith – 8%

jesuschrist – 7%

love – 6%

church – 5%

christ – 4%

Recommended HashTags

gospel

holyspirit

religion

prayer

bibleverse

pray

catholic

hope

scripture

grace

truth

godisgood

islam

salvation

christians

biblestudy

christianliving

amen

worship

blessed

More hashtags to consider:

christianity #jesus #god #christian #bible #faith #jesuschrist #love #church #christ #gospel #holyspirit #religion #prayer #bibleverse #pray #catholic #hope #scripture #grace #truth #godisgood #islam #salvation #christians #biblestudy #christianliving #amen #worship

inspiration #christianlife #godsword #atheist #jesussaves #peace #believe #jesuslovesyou #wordofgod #motivation #christianwoman #spirituality #atheism #theology #dailybibleverse #saved #verseoftheday #science #biblequotes #godislove #jesusislord #dailydevotional #encouragement #cristianismo #freethinker #cross #lord #dbd #biblejournaling #reformedtheology