Category: ‘Hard Questions’ Series

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Can a Man Impress God?

Let’s be real—have you ever tried to impress someone? Maybe a crush, a boss, or that overly spiritual brother in church who prays in King James English. You go out of your way, adjusting your behavior, choosing your words carefully, maybe even throwing in a dramatic “God bless you, my brother!” to sound extra holy.

But what about God? Can we impress Him?

What Does It Even Mean to Impress God?

Impressing someone usually means doing something that makes them go, “Wow!” So, can we do something so remarkable that God, the One who created galaxies with a whisper, looks at us and says, “Wow, I didn’t see that coming”?

Well… not exactly.

1. God is Not a Man

First off, God isn’t human. He isn’t moved by human standards of “impressive.” You could pray for ten hours straight, fast for 40 days, and still, your righteousness is described as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Compared to His perfection, our best efforts don’t make Him raise an eyebrow.

Think about it:

  • Solomon built a temple so glorious people traveled from distant lands to see it. Did God go, “Wow, Solomon, I’m speechless!”? No, instead, He said, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me?” (Isaiah 66:1). Basically: “Nice temple, Solomon, but I own the universe.”
  • Job was the most righteous man of his time, yet when he finally encountered God, all he could do was repent in dust and ashes (Job 42:5-6).

2. But… God DOES Delight in Us

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Even though we can’t impress God in the way we impress people, we CAN please Him. There are things that delight God:

Faith:

“Without faith, it is impossible to please God”

(Hebrews 11:6)

A Humble Heart:

“These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit”

(Isaiah 66:2)

Obedience:

“To obey is better than sacrifice”

(1 Samuel 15:22)

In other words, God isn’t impressed by our efforts but by our heart posture. It’s like a little child drawing a crayon picture for their father. The father isn’t impressed by the artistic skill (because, let’s be honest, it’s mostly scribbles), but he treasures it because it came from love.

3. So, Should We Stop Trying?

Some people might say, “If I can’t impress God, what’s the point of striving for righteousness?” But that’s the wrong question. We don’t pursue holiness to impress God; we do it because we love Him. Just like a husband doesn’t try to “impress” his wife by buying flowers—he does it because he loves her.

Paul says,

“I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me”

(Philippians 3:12)

It’s not about impressing God; it’s about growing closer to Him.

Final Thoughts: What Actually Moves God?

A broken spirit and a contrite heart (Psalm 51:17).
Genuine faith, like that of the centurion (Matthew 8:10).
True worship, not performance (John 4:23-24).

So, can a man impress God? No. But can he touch God’s heart? Absolutely. Not by showing off, but by surrendering. That’s the paradox of the Christian life—the greatest way to “impress” God is to stop trying and start trusting.

Now Over to You:

Have you ever tried to impress God? What do you think truly delights Him? Drop a comment and let’s talk!

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Why Did God Allow That? – Wrestling with Suffering, Pain, and the Problem of Evil

“If God is good, why did He let this happen?”

It’s one of the hardest, rawest questions people ask—whispered through tears, shouted in anger, or left unspoken in quiet despair. A tragedy hits, betrayal crushes you, suffering lingers, or loss rips away something dear. And deep inside, a question burns:

Why did God allow that?

For some, this question is intellectual—a theological puzzle to solve. But for many, it’s deeply personal. Maybe you’ve lost someone too soon. Maybe a dream shattered. Maybe life’s unfairness seems unbearable. You pray, you plead, and yet… nothing changes.

Where is God in all this?

1. The Hard Reality: We Live in a Broken World

Let’s start with a truth that no one enjoys hearing: this world is fallen.

God made the world good, but sin broke it (Genesis 3). From the moment Adam and Eve disobeyed, suffering, sickness, and death entered the world. And since then, things have been messy. The Bible doesn’t sugarcoat this:

Jesus Himself said,

“In this world you will have trouble”.

(John 16:33)

Paul calls creation “subjected to futility” (Romans 8:20) and describes it as groaning under the weight of brokenness.

This means pain is part of life on this side of eternity. Not because God delights in suffering, but because sin corrupted the world.

2. “But If God is in Control, Why Didn’t He Stop It?”

This is where things get really difficult. If God is sovereign, couldn’t He have prevented that car crash? That abuse? That diagnosis?

Yes. He could have.

But the Bible shows us that God doesn’t always intervene the way we expect. Instead, He allows human choices and natural consequences to unfold—sometimes with devastating results.

  • He didn’t stop Joseph’s brothers from selling him into slavery (Genesis 37).
  • He didn’t prevent Job from losing everything (Job 1-2).
  • He didn’t keep Jesus from the cross (Luke 22-23).

And yet… in every case,

He was working something greater through the pain.

3. God’s Plan is Bigger Than Our Pain

Let’s revisit Joseph. Sold into slavery by his own brothers, falsely accused, thrown into prison. Where was God?

Right there, turning the worst moment of his life into the very thing that saved millions from famine (Genesis 50:20).

Or Job. He lost his family, health, and everything he owned. Yet, in the end, he encountered God in a deeper way than ever before (Job 42:5).

And Jesus—beaten, mocked, crucified. It seemed like the greatest evil in history. But that very moment became the source of salvation for the world.

What does this tell us?

  • God sees beyond what we see.
  • Pain is not wasted.
  • What Satan or others intend for evil, God can use for good.

It doesn’t mean every tragedy will make sense immediately. Some things we won’t understand this side of heaven. But God is still in control, even when life feels out of control.

4. The Cross is God’s Answer to Suffering

When we suffer, we want answers. But God doesn’t just give an explanation—He gives Himself.

Jesus didn’t stay distant from suffering; He stepped into it.

  • He was betrayed, abandoned, beaten, and crucified.
  • He felt the depths of human pain.
  • On the cross, He cried out: “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46).
God doesn’t just watch our suffering—He experienced it Himself.

This is why Christianity is different from every other worldview. Many religions say, “Just accept suffering.” Atheism says, “Suffering is meaningless.” But Jesus says, “I have suffered with you, and I will redeem it.”

5. “So What Do I Do With My Pain?”

If you’re hurting, here’s what you can do:

  1. Be honest with God. He can handle your anger, doubt, and confusion (Psalm 13).
  2. Trust that He sees the bigger picture. Even if you don’t understand, He is working all things for good (Romans 8:28).
  3. Remember, suffering is temporary. This world is not the final chapter (Revelation 21:4).
  4. Lean on Jesus. He’s been there, and He walks with you now (Hebrews 4:15-16).

God doesn’t promise a pain-free life. But He promises that one day, all pain will end. Until then, we hold onto Him.

So, why did God allow that?

Maybe we won’t fully know. But we know who He is. And that is enough.

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Why Do Some Christians Never Seem to Change?

Ohhh, this is going to ruffle some feathers—but hey, truth has a way of doing that!

Let’s be real: we all know that one Christian who has been “born again” for 15 years but is still as impatient, rude, or unkind as ever. Maybe it’s a church leader who preaches fire on Sunday but is a nightmare to deal with on Monday. Or maybe—let’s be honest—sometimes that person is us.

So… why do some Christians never seem to change?
Shouldn’t faith in Jesus transform us?
Is it possible to be in church your whole life and still act exactly the same?

Buckle up—we’re about to unpack this.

Why Do Some Christians Never Seem to Change?

Spiritual Stagnation, Fake Growth, and the Difference Between Information & Transformation

I. The Expectation vs. The Reality

Let’s start with the Bible’s expectation of a Christian life:

✔ New birth (John 3:3)
✔ Ongoing transformation (Romans 12:2)
✔ Growing in love, joy, patience, kindness… (Galatians 5:22-23)

Now, compare this with the reality we often see:

❌ People who have been Christians for years but still gossip, slander, or hold grudges.
❌ Churchgoers who know the Bible inside out but lack love, humility, or integrity.
❌ Believers who talk about spiritual growth but never actually change.

What’s going wrong? Let’s break it down.

II. The 5 Big Reasons Why Some Christians Never Change

1. They Confuse Knowledge with Growth

There’s a huge difference between knowing the Bible and being transformed by it.

👉 Some people attend every Bible study, memorize verses, and debate theology—but their hearts remain unchanged. Why?

Because knowledge alone does not transform.

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees—they knew Scripture better than anyone, but their hearts were far from God (Matthew 23:27).

Real growth happens when we OBEY the Word, not just study it. (James 1:22)

✔ Knowledge says: “I know I should forgive.”
✔ Transformation says: “I actually forgive.”

2. They Rely on Church Attendance Instead of Real Discipleship

Some people think that showing up to church = spiritual growth.

🚫 They listen to powerful sermons but don’t apply them.
🚫 They enjoy worship but don’t worship outside Sunday services.
🚫 They serve in church but neglect their personal walk with God.

Church attendance is GOOD—but without personal devotion, it’s just religion.

The early church didn’t just gather once a week—they lived out their faith daily (Acts 2:46).

✔ Christianity is not a spectator sport.
✔ You don’t grow just by watching others live for Jesus—you grow by walking with Him yourself.

3. They Don’t Deal with Hidden Sin

Some people don’t change because they won’t let go of secret sins.

✔ Unforgiveness? Keeps us stuck (Matthew 6:14-15).
✔ Pride? Blocks transformation (Proverbs 16:18).
✔ Addiction? Chains the soul (Romans 6:16).

Let’s be blunt: you cannot grow in Christ while holding onto sin.

If you refuse to let God deal with the root issues, you’ll keep repeating the same struggles, year after year.

The hard truth:
🚫 God won’t transform what you refuse to surrender.

4. They Lack Spiritual Hunger

Some people don’t change because they’re spiritually lazy.

👉 They want the benefits of Christianity (peace, blessings) but don’t want to put in the effort (prayer, fasting, seeking God).

✔ They want wisdom but won’t read the Bible.
✔ They want breakthrough but won’t pray.
✔ They want anointing but won’t spend time with God.

Here’s the thing: growth requires pursuit.

“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

🔥 No hunger = No growth. 🔥

5. They Are Trying to Change Themselves (Instead of Letting God Do It)

This is huge. Many people try to change themselves instead of letting God transform them.

👉 They depend on self-discipline instead of God’s grace.
👉 They think trying harder will fix their spiritual life.
👉 They get frustrated when they keep failing.

But real transformation is God’s work, not ours.

“He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion.” (Philippians 1:6)

Our job? Surrender to Him.
His job? Change us from the inside out.

✔ It’s not about striving—it’s about abiding.
✔ It’s not about struggling—it’s about surrender.

III. What’s the Solution? How Do We Truly Change?

If you’re tired of stagnant faith, here’s how real transformation happens:

1. Stop Just Listening—Start Doing

🚀 Don’t just hear the Word—apply it! (James 1:22)
🚀 Make small, daily choices to obey God, even when it’s hard.

2. Prioritize Relationship Over Religion

🔥 Growth isn’t about church attendance—it’s about knowing Jesus personally.
🔥 Spend time with Him in prayer, worship, and the Word—not just in services.

3. Be Brutally Honest With God

😨 Struggling with hidden sin? Confess it.
😨 Feeling spiritually dry? Tell Him.
😨 Need transformation? Ask for it.

The Holy Spirit is the One who changes hearts—but He won’t force transformation on you. You have to want it.

🔥 Your Turn! Let’s Talk 🔥

👉 Have you ever felt “stuck” in your faith?
👉 Which of these reasons do you relate to most?
👉 What practical step will you take TODAY toward real change?

Drop your thoughts in the comments! Let’s grow together. 🚀🔥

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What Exactly Is True Salvation? Is There a False One?

We hear it all the time: “Are you saved?” But what does that even mean? Saved from what? How do you know you are truly saved?

Here’s the scary part: Jesus Himself said that some people who think they are saved… aren’t.

📖 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

— Matthew 7:21

Think about that—people who pray, go to church, maybe even preach… but Jesus says, “I never knew you.”

That means there is such a thing as false salvation. People can have a fake version of faith that looks real but isn’t. So, what does false salvation look like? And how do we know we have the real thing?

1️⃣ The Illusion of False Salvation

A false sense of salvation is like drinking saltwater when you’re thirsty. It looks like it will quench your thirst, but the more you drink, the more dehydrated you become.

Jesus described false believers as people who claim to know Him but never truly surrendered to Him. They might look Christian on the outside but lack the real, transforming power of Christ.

2️⃣ Signs of False Salvation (With Illustrations)

1. Salvation by Words, Not Heart

🚨 “I said the sinner’s prayer, so I’m saved, right?”

Imagine James o. One Sunday, during an emotional altar call, he walks to the front, repeats a prayer after the pastor, and everyone claps. He leaves feeling good. But nothing in his life changes. He doesn’t seek God, doesn’t fight sin, doesn’t care about holiness.

James believes he’s saved because he prayed a prayer. But here’s the truth: Saying words doesn’t save you—faith in Christ does.

📖 “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”

— Matthew 15:8
🛑 False Salvation: Saying “Lord, Lord” but never actually surrendering.
✅ True Salvation: A heart transformed by God, not just lips that say the right things.

2. Salvation by Works, Not Grace

🚨 “I go to church, I tithe, I serve… I must be saved!”

Now see Debbie. She’s the definition of a “good Christian.” She never misses church, she donates to charity, she even volunteers every Sunday. But ask her about Jesus? She doesn’t really know Him. She trusts her good works more than God’s grace.

The Pharisees were like this. They followed all the religious rules but had no real relationship with God.

📖 “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

— Ephesians 2:8-9
🛑 False Salvation: Trusting in church attendance, religious activities, or personal goodness.
✅ True Salvation: Trusting in Christ alone for salvation.

3. Emotional Salvation, Not True Faith

🚨 “I felt God’s presence in worship, so I must be saved!”

Now it’s Sarah. She loves worship services. The music makes her cry, she feels goosebumps, and in those moments, she feels close to God. But when she steps outside church? Nothing changes. She has no hunger for God’s Word, no fight against sin, no desire for righteousness.

Feeling moved emotionally is not the same as salvation. Emotions fade, but true salvation leads to a lasting relationship with Jesus.

📖 “The seed on rocky ground represents those who receive the word with joy, but since they have no root, they last only a short time.”

— Mark 4:16-17
🛑 False Salvation: Temporary excitement about God without true commitment.
✅ True Salvation: A lasting faith that endures, even when emotions fade.

4. Cultural Christianity

🚨 “I was born in a Christian home, so I’m saved.”

Meet John. He grew up in a Christian family. He knows Bible verses, prays before meals, and calls himself a Christian. But he’s never actually surrendered his life to Jesus. He assumes he’s saved because his parents are Christians.

But here’s the truth: Salvation isn’t inherited. You don’t become a Christian by birth—it’s a personal decision.

📖 “To all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”

— John 1:12
🛑 False Salvation: Thinking Christianity is just a cultural identity.
✅ True Salvation: A personal decision to follow Christ.

3️⃣ What True Salvation Looks Like

Now, let’s talk about real salvation—the kind that transforms, sustains, and secures us in Christ.

📖 “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

— 2 Corinthians 5:17

Here’s how you know your salvation is real:

✅ 1. True Salvation Begins with Genuine Repentance

Not just “feeling bad” about sin—turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.

✅ 2. True Salvation is By Grace, Through Faith (Not Works)

📖 “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works.”

— Ephesians 2:8-9

You can’t earn salvation; you receive it by faith in Christ alone.

✅ 3. True Salvation Produces a Changed Life

Not perfection, but transformation. If Jesus is in you, it shows.

There’s a hunger for God, a hatred for sin, and a desire to obey Him.

✅ 4. True Salvation Endures

📖 “The one who endures to the end will be saved.”

— Matthew 24:13

A true believer doesn’t walk away from the faith.They may struggle, but they cling to Christ till the end.

🔥 Final Thought: Are You Truly Saved?

This isn’t about scaring anyone—it’s about examining ourselves. Paul said:

📖 “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.”

— 2 Corinthians 13:5

Salvation is not a feeling. It’s not church attendance. It’s not good works. It’s a genuine, surrendered relationship with Jesus.

💬 What do you think? Have you ever struggled with assurance of salvation? How can we be sure our faith is real? Let’s talk! 👇🔥

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Can You Lose Your Salvation?

Or… are we asking the wrong question?

The Man Who Almost Gave Up

Jacob gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles white with tension. His breath was uneven. The shame was suffocating.

“God, are You still with me?”

He had failed again. The same sin. The same empty promises to never do it again. The same guilt clawing at his soul.

And now? Silence. Emptiness.

Was he still saved? Or had God finally given up on him?

Maybe you’ve felt this before. Maybe you’ve laid awake at night, staring at the ceiling, wondering if you’ve crossed some invisible line—if your mistakes have finally made God walk away.

Or maybe you know someone who once sang in church, lifted their hands, preached the gospel—and now? They don’t even believe anymore. What happened?

So let’s ask the question that shakes so many hearts:

👉 Can you lose your salvation? Or were you never truly saved in the first place?

But wait—maybe we’re asking the wrong question.

1. Are We Missing the Point?

Think about it—why are we asking this?

  • Are we trying to figure out how much sin we can get away with?
  • Are we afraid we’ve already lost it and there’s no way back?
  • Are we trying to understand why some walk away?

But what if the real question isn’t, “Can I lose my salvation?”

What if the real question is:

👉 Do I truly belong to Christ?

Because if you are His—truly His—not just in words, but in the deepest part of your soul—He won’t let you go.

📖 – “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand.”

John 10:28

2. The Great Debate: What Christians Believe

For centuries, believers have wrestled over this. Two main views emerge:

A. “Once Saved, Always Saved” (Eternal Security)

This says: If you’re truly saved, you can’t lose it.

  • No sin, no failure, no mistake can undo what Christ has done.
  • If someone falls away, they were never truly saved.

📖 – “You were sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.”

Ephesians 1:13-14
🛠 The Argument: If salvation is a gift from God, not earned by works, how could we lose it by failing?

B. “You Can Lose It” (Conditional Security)

This says: Yes, salvation is a gift, but we must remain faithful.

  • A believer can reject Christ, turn away, and forfeit salvation.
  • The Bible warns about people “falling away.”

📖– “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened… if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance.”

Hebrews 6:4-6 
🛠 The Argument: If salvation requires faith, and faith can die, then walking away from God means losing salvation.

So which one is it?

3. What About People Who Walk Away?

We all know someone who once looked like a believer—but later denied the faith.

Did they lose salvation? Were they never saved?

The Bible gives two possibilities:

🔹 They Were Never Truly Saved
📖 – “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us.”

1 John 2:19

🔹 They Walked Away
📖 – “If we deliberately keep on sinning after receiving the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left.”

Hebrews 10:26

Either way, one thing is clear: A true Christian is known by their fruit. (Matthew 7:16)

4. What If You’re Struggling?

Maybe you’re thinking, “I don’t feel close to God. Does that mean I’ve lost my salvation?”

No. Feeling distant from God is not the same as losing Him.

King David—the man after God’s own heart—wrote:

📖 Psalm 13:1 – “How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?”

Even Jesus cried out, “My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46)

But feeling distant doesn’t mean God has abandoned you. It’s an invitation to seek Him deeper.

📖 Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”

5. The Real Question: Do You Love Jesus?

Forget debates for a second. Forget theological arguments.

Look at your heart.

  • Do you long for Him?
  • Do you desire to obey Him—even if you fail sometimes?
  • Do you come back to Him when you fall?

📖 Psalm 145:18 – “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.”

If salvation is just a prayer you prayed once, you’re missing it. Salvation is knowing and loving Christ.

Because here’s the truth:

🚨 If you are truly His, He won’t let you go.
🚨 If you abandon Him, it means you never really knew Him.

6. A Call to Surrender—Not Just Safety

The question isn’t just about security—it’s about surrender.

📖 Matthew 22:37 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.”

This isn’t about arguing theology or finding loopholes. This is about your soul.

Do you love Jesus? Not just in words—but in how you live, how you surrender, how you run back to Him even when you fail?

Because salvation isn’t just about being safe from hell. It’s about being completely His.

7. What If You’ve Wandered?

Maybe you feel far from God. Maybe you’re Jacob in the car, wondering if you’ve lost it all.

Here’s the truth:

🔥 If you’re worried about it, you haven’t lost it.
🔥 If you still want God, He’s not done with you.
🔥 If you repent and return, He will welcome you.

📖 Luke 15:20 – “While he was still a long way off, his Father saw him and ran to him.”

You are never too far gone. The arms of Jesus are always open.

Final Thought: This Isn’t About Theology—It’s About Jesus

At the end of the day, this isn’t a doctrine to debate—it’s a call to follow Christ.

🚨 Stop asking if you can “lose salvation” and ask:
👉 Do I truly know, love, and follow Jesus?
If you do—rest in His grace.
If you don’t—run to Him today.

🔥 Let’s Talk! 🔥

💬 Do you think salvation can be lost, or is it secure?
💬 Have you ever felt like you were too far from God?
💬 What scripture gives you assurance?

Drop your thoughts in the comments! Let’s dig deep. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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