Free Online Support Groups for Church hurt

Christianity is greatly misunderstood these days. There is much within the church that is not Christlike in recent years. Whereas many have fallen away from the church due to it, there is also a great revival underway. Still, many find Christians rigid and unwelcoming, and I find that sad. We are called to exhibit love and acceptance to all, no matter their race, gender, age, beliefs, or views. I believe part of the problem is the divisions within the church itself. There are many opposing views on how to properly worship and conduct services. We won't know for sure what God's official desires are until we get to heaven, but these differences are ultimately secondary to the main point of Christianity - to worship Christ and accept His sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. We are saved by grace alone and not by works, so no one can boast. This is a safe place to bring your questions, no matter how small, big, simple, or difficult. If I or another in the group does not know the answer, I will research it and get back to you within the group chat as soon as possible. Feel free to post your questions ahead of time in the chat. There is no judgment here; there is no dumb question. All are welcome! I should add - neither my co-host nor I are pastors or religious study majors. We're just two women passionate about Christ and sharing about the relationship we have with Him. We want everyone to be able to experience that for themselves. ________________________________ We now move into the sixth and final week of the book of John. You do not have to read it to join. You do not have to answer the questions ahead of time. We will go over them together, I've put them here as a guideline for you. If you are just coming with questions about Christianity in general, we will address those first. Feel free to add them in the chat if you wish. Chapter 17 Day 1 (John 17:1-26) Read Jesus’ prayer in John 17. How did Jesus display trust in God’s authority and obedience to His plan? Have you ever found yourself looking down on others because they believed something different than you? If so, ask God’s forgiveness and do something to build a bridge to other believers. How can a unified church have a greater impact on the world for Christ? Chapter 18 Day 2 (John 18:1-40) After Jesus was betrayed, Peter wanted to protect Him. How did Jesus choose trust in God’s plan over resistance to His arrest? What did Jesus mean that His kingdom is “not of this world” (John 18:33-40)? When Jesus was mocked, why did the soldiers call him “King of the Jews” and place a crown of thorns on his head? Chapter 19 Day 3 (John 19:1-43) Read John 19:12-16. How did the people see Jesus as a threat to Caesar and the Roman Empire? Read Zechariah 12:10. What specific aspects of Jesus’ crucifixion did this verse predict? Have you ever contemplated what Jesus experienced during the crucifixion? Take some time to reflect on the abuse Jesus endured for your sins and thank Him for taking the penalty for your sin. Chapter 20 Day 4 (John 20:1-31) When Peter arrived at the tomb, what did he find? How do Jesus’ folded linens discredit the theory that His grave was robbed? After the resurrection, how did Jesus revive Thomas’s faith (John 20:24–29)? Are you like Thomas, needing to see proof before you will believe? What evidence has Jesus already given that you might believe in Him? What is holding you back from fully surrendering your life to Jesus? Chapter 21 Day 5 (John 21:1-25) How many times did Jesus ask Peter, “Do you love me?” Why is this number significant (John 21:15–19)? What did John state was the purpose of his writing (John 20:30-31)? How did John describe the magnitude of Jesus’ life (John 21:25)? Aren’t you thankful that Jesus offers us a second chance…and a third and a fourth and so on? All of us have fallen short, but God’s love is so great and His grace is so deep that He isn’t done with us. No matter what you have done, God’s grace is bigger. All you need to do is answer Jesus' question, “Do you love me?” Days 6 & 7 (Summary) What did you learn about Jesus this past week? Did your view of Jesus change through something you read? What did you discover about yourself as you read this past week? How can you become more like Jesus in your life every day?