It Makes Me So Sad

[angelique510]

..and I don't know what to do.

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. John 3:19

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,
who put darkness for light and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Isaiah 5:20
​

I am speaking about the thread in the Outside forum "Is Christianity Batter Than Islam?" In it, and so many other threads, people are very much against faith. Not only our Christian faith, but any faith at all. They are so condescending to anyone who believes in God - or in any god for that matter. They love their darkness and defend it with vehemence.

I know that no one is so far gone that they cannot be reconciled with God. I know that we are supposed to witness to people and it is God's desire, and our desire, that every single person be saved. I know that some unbelievers may have heard the gospel a hundred times already, but maybe hearing it one more time might be what they need.

But these people are so adamantly against God. They pretty much come straight out and say that nothing will change their minds, and they don't want to hear anything on the subject (except if you want to join them in ridiculing the faithful). How do I, as Christian, witness to them?

It breaks my heart that these people, many of whom I truly like, refuse to hear. If only they were willing to listen, I would do anything to help them understand God's love. I so want to make a post on that thread, but I don't know what to say or how to say it. Please pray with me that God will give me (or someone else) the proper words, and our vaping friends will read those words with an open heart.

~A

 

[Saintscruiser]

Angelique, you are so precious in that you have a burning desire to witness to the lost. All Christians are supposed to have that desire, but I fall short, I can tell you.

As far as the Outside goes, my lunch got eaten in there quite a few times, and I did crawl out there licking my wounds, shaking my head. There are some people in there that are there for debate purposes only. There are some in there that want to cause some discord. Then there are those who are flat out evil....you can tell by the venom they spew from their mouths. I, decided to go back to a part of the board where I could be encouraging to others. This website was created to help those who are searching for answers on how to quit smoking and it helped me so much that I wanted to help others. The Outside was created for forums that are not welcome in other parts of the board, and have nothing to do with not smoking.

We are hated because people hated Jesus first. Satan knows that he cannot hurt God, (the created cannot be greater than the Creator) so he hurts those that God loves. In this day and time, there is a massive falling away from God. What did Jesus say? I've not come to unite, but to turn brother against sister, and daughters against fathers.....that's not a direct quote. Lay this burden at the foot of the Cross, and you continue to pray for the lost.....act when directed by the Holy Spirit. "The prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Give this burden to Jesus to guide you, as He comforts as well. I love those Heavenly hugs. They are wonderful!

 

[RedDeath5]

i used to be one of those who's purpose in life was to argue Christianity at any given opportunity. it took me till the tender age of 27 to realize i was wandering aimlessly. three years into my walk with The Lord and i'm finding people like i used to be everywhere. i used to engage in stupidity with them...now i simply pray they see the light before it's too late. that's really all any of us can do...pray for them.

 

[trukinlady]

Angelique;

When I was a young Christian, I used to believe there was good in everyone. There is hope for everyone to turn away from sin and become born again. But I've also come to believe there are those who are not redeemable in God's eyes. They have made their choice to follow evil. That is their choice for eternity. They are the devil's minions, and want to cause hate, conflict, discontent, and chaos wherever they go.

There is a spiritual battle going on for the souls of the lost. God knows exactly who will become born again, and who won't. But it is up to us a Christians to stand up boldly, by His Grace, and with His protection, to proclaim God's Word to the lost.

Hebrews 4:12 "12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." KJV

Those who attack we Christians aren't only attacking us, they are attacking the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are in for a rude awakening one day.

Let us all pray for God's wisdom and guidance about this.

Matthew 18:18-20 "18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." KJV

God Bless, everyone.

 

[LisaLisa]

Angelique, I've tried for a long time to witness to all of them, they do not want to hear it, and they will hate you for standing for Jesus. After the last thread I started there on God, I just decided to call it quits. They all have heard the truth, and they hate it and they reject it. I don't believe there is anything you or I can say to change their minds. They take delight in ridiculing God and His people, they have made their choice, atleast for now. The only thing you can do is pray for them, pray that God will soften their hearts and they will be humble and seek Him out. Talking to them won't help, they will just all pile on you and they treat it like a great sport. Don't waste your time or energy on it, trust me.

They group together in numbers, and they feed off eachother. Somehow they believe that if they all believe it, it will be true. It's a deception, and one day they will know. Satan is using them. It is a pity, but they are too hateful to even try to reach when they are all together on a forum. They are like a pack of wolves. Best to leave it up to God to sort it out, but you can pray for them. Probably the only thing that would reach them at this point is a life changing experience at some point in their lives. This is between God and them, He knows what is best.

If you desire to try and reach them, go ahead and try. God will bless you for your efforts even when they mock you.

 

[Saintscruiser]

Since they have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ numerous times, they are now accountable to Almighty God, Angelique. They have heard the truth and rejected it, like Lisa pointed out. Jesus told his disciples that if they weren't received and welcomed in a town, to brush the dirt from their sandals as they left the town. There is nothing you can do. You can't do it for them and that is very very sad, as they don't realize what they are rejecting and what the penalty is for this rejection. I told the one who claims to be a wiccan that the demons will turn on her one day. I got verbally beaten to a pulp. But I told the truth and I'll go back in there one day.

One of the Scriptures that breaks my heart is during the tribulation when the unsaved hide and call to the mountain "fall on us to hide us from the Face of Him." I can't wait to see the Face of Him! They look upon Him as evil because they themselves are evil. Have you ever noticed that God's and Jesus' Names are the only ones used as curse words? I've never heard anyone else use budda or any other dead god's name being taken in vain. Why? Because satan only attacks the real God....not the fake ones.....like the name allah....is the moon god. Islam had 360 gods and the moon god's name was chosen. So, allah is not another name of Almighty God. But, I'm sure ya'll already know that. Keep heart, Angelique. You're storing crowns in Glory.

 

[NuGalicia]

If you go back to witness, do it when you're so full of LOVE that nothing can hurt you. HE's your only shield, and HIS word is your only weapon.

You seem to have the heart of a pastor or evangelist. Pastor's are like fathers & mothers - they often don't see results for years, but they wait for growth. Evangelists are fearless, but their confrontational nature won't tolerate wickedness while waiting for people to change. Neither of those let people walk away, like apostles, prophets & teachers do and as Jesus did with the young rich ruler (Mk 10:21-22).

Have you prayed about which you're called to be (Eph 4:11)?

Confronting certain people unprepared is always unwise (Acts 19:13-16). On the streets of San Fransisco late at night I led a youth group giving out roses to cross dressing male prostitutes so we could tell them God loves them. One person walked up to a shy young girl and threatened to beat her up. I stood between him and her and declared that he wouldn't. When he left, a police car came out of an alley and warned us that person had assaulted hundreds of persons without provocation. It wasn't the only time I reacted that way. It's not for everyone, but if you've been called out of the tombs, you're not afraid of what's in them. (Mk 5:1-20)

 

[trukinlady]

If you go back to witness, do it when you're so full of LOVE that nothing can hurt you. HE's your only shield, and HIS word is your only weapon.

You seem to have the heart of a pastor or evangelist. Pastor's are like fathers & mothers - they often don't see results for years, but they wait for growth. Evangelists are fearless, but their confrontational nature won't tolerate wickedness while waiting for people to change. Neither of those let people walk away, like apostles, prophets & teachers do and as Jesus did with the young rich ruler (Mk 10:21-22).

Have you prayed about which you're called to be (Eph 4:11)?

Confronting certain people unprepared is always unwise (Acts 19:13-16). On the streets of San Fransisco late at night I led a youth group giving out roses to cross dressing male prostitutes so we could tell them God loves them. One person walked up to a shy young girl and threatened to beat her up. I stood between him and her and declared that he wouldn't. When he left, a police car came out of an alley and warned us that person had assaulted hundreds of persons without provocation. It wasn't the only time I reacted that way. It's not for everyone, but if you've been called out of the tombs, you're not afraid of what's in them. (Mk 5:1-20)

AMEN, brother!

 

[Saintscruiser]

Triple Amen! Almost all the time, I am a seed sower. I always want to do more, but sometimes, I am unprepared. If I think I've botched it, I ask the Lord to send the person someone else that they can identify with. Remember, the power is in the truth.....the truth is The Word of God. Don't do it without prayer first. When Jesus was in the desert, he didn't talk to satan when he was approached. Jesus answered by quoting the Word of God. Why? Because the Word is truth and the Word does not come back void. Satan knows the Scriptures too and tries to twist them to his way of thinking. Satan cannot battle truth. Just rebuke him in the Name of Jesus and go on. Like the 12 disciples, God will equip you with what to say and do, if He has prompted you to do something. Keep on keeping on.

 

[HexKrak]

What would Jesus do? He'd sit down with them and have supper, not argue, not admonish, not verbally lash. Show them the love and grace that God has shown you. Then remind them every now and then that you are Christian, and that's why you are the way you are. If they ask, or show interest, give them every resource you have at your disposal, and then there's nothing more you can do. God will give you the words to say if you only ask, and then listen really hard.

 

[HyOnLyph]

Angelique;
When I was a young Christian, I used to believe there was good in everyone. There is hope for everyone to turn away from sin and become born again. But I've also come to believe there are those who are not redeemable in God's eyes. They have made their choice to follow evil. That is their choice for eternity. They are the devil's minions, and want to cause hate, conflict, discontent, and chaos wherever they go.

There is a spiritual battle going on for the souls of the lost. God knows exactly who will become born again, and who won't. But it is up to us a Christians to stand up boldly, by His Grace, and with His protection, to proclaim God's Word to the lost.

Hebrews 4:12 "12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." KJV

Those who attack we Christians aren't only attacking us, they are attacking the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are in for a rude awakening one day.

Let us all pray for God's wisdom and guidance about this.

Matthew 18:18-20 "18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." KJV

God Bless, everyone.

Just purusing through and am new here. But I think it needs to be said that I don't believe it is our place to decide or even assume whether or not someone is beyond redemption. The same thing could have been said about Paul. (or me for that matter) It is our place to love them. I agree that we should proclaim Christ boldly. But so often we think "boldy" means "aggressively". I think warfare should be accomplished in my prayer closet. Then witnessing should be in peace and love.

I don't think the Lord gave us the scriptures (about those who attack us for Christ's sake) for us to be offended by those that attack us or to write them off. He gave them, so that we could understand them and love them anyway.

I've been in the Outsider's forum and was pretty disgusted by it. But I think that IF I ever go back, I must go back with a heart to love them, rather than convince them. The fruit of the Spirit will soften them to the Spirit. And the Spirit will lead them into all truth, the Truth of Jesus. just my $0.02 worth.
Blessings to you all.

 

[LisaLisa]

Just purusing through and am new here. But I think it needs to be said that I don't believe it is our place to decide or even assume whether or not someone is beyond redemption. The same thing could have been said about Paul. (or me for that matter) It is our place to love them. I agree that we should proclaim Christ boldly. But so often we think "boldy" means "aggressively". I think warfare should be accomplished in my prayer closet. Then witnessing should be in peace and love.

I don't think the Lord gave us the scriptures (about those who attack us for Christ's sake) for us to be offended by those that attack us or to write them off. He gave them, so that we could understand them and love them anyway.

I've been in the Outsider's forum and was pretty disgusted by it. But I think that IF I ever go back, I must go back with a heart to love them, rather than convince them. The fruit of the Spirit will soften them to the Spirit. And the Spirit will lead them into all truth, the Truth of Jesus. just my $0.02 worth.
Blessings to you all.

That really is an excellent point. It's really hard sometimes tho..........been there done that. Still doing it, but it's difficult.

 

[5cardstud]

Angelique I know your feeling. But it was foretold in the bible and look what Jesus went through defending Christianity. When I see people just want to ridicule and put God down I don't continue because I remember the verse about casting your pearls before swine and I think it's wrong to continue the conversation so they can belittle and mock our Heavenly Father. Instead I pray for them.
Matthew 7:6
6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

 

[HyOnLyph]

That really is an excellent point. It's really hard sometimes tho..........been there done that. Still doing it, but it's difficult.

Yeah, I was talking to myself more than to anyone else.
I hope you don't think I was preaching at you... just hoping to lend a little perspective.

I have to remind myself.... the only reason for getting agressive or angry is that I am insecure about myself. If I'm not defending or unsure of myself, then I don't need to be angry or afraid or hurt etc. When it's about me, I fail to love. When it's about Him, I can't help but love. And you are right... it's a moment by moment reminder.

 

[LisaLisa]

I hope you don't think I was preaching at you... just hoping to lend a little perspective.

No, not at all.

 

[LisaLisa]

Oh, the dreaded muslim topic!!!!!!!

I"m going to go out on a limb and say what I really think about them. I think the majority of muslims are peaceful people. But the minority that are radicals are seriously way out there and dangerous, and I would never want to be under their laws which are barbaric.

I have no problem with peaceful muslim people, but I have a big problem with the radical muslims, and they are out there.

 

[LisaLisa]

That is a fair assesment and was not by a long shot the type of thing being said that led to my posting the "how is christianity and better" thread.

I didn't read the thread Mac, but I'm going to take a guess that Angelique meant the attitude twords Christianity in the OUTSIDE forum is very intolerant, and sometimes down right hateful. If that's not what she meant, I'm sure she will be along shortly to correct me.

But, I've seen that attitude, experienced that attitude and intolerance for a long time. As soon as you bring up God around there, several posters come out of the woodwork to start mocking. You know it's true.

 

[HyOnLyph]

I didn't read the thread Mac, but I'm going to take a guess that Angelique meant the attitude twords Christianity in the OUTSIDE forum is very intolerant, and sometimes down right hateful. If that's not what she meant, I'm sure she will be along shortly to correct me.

But, I've seen that attitude, experienced that attitude and intolerance for a long time. As soon as you bring up God around there, several posters come out of the woodwork to start mocking. You know it's true.

Absolutely!!
I read that thread (not all but alot). Most of what I read was bashing Christians and/or anyone who believed in God. From what I saw, it wasn't really a Pro-muslim thread so much as an anti-religion thread. It's possible that my take on it was limited to what I saw. But that is all I have to go on. Again, from my observation, it was not a Pro-tolerance thread either. It was anything but tolerant.

 

[HyOnLyph]

It was neither pro muslim or anti religion. It was a simple question posed to illustrate a simple point.

yeah, I get that. My comments were about the tone of the thread as I saw it. Not really interested in debating my opinion. It's just my opinion.

 

[LisaLisa]

Absolutely!!
I read that thread (not all but alot). Most of what I read was bashing Christians and/or anyone who believed in God. From what I saw, it wasn't really a Pro-muslim thread so much as an anti-religion thread. It's possible that my take on it was limited to what I saw. But that is all I have to go on. Again, from my observation, it was not a Pro-tolerance thread either. It was anything but tolerant.

Yea, that's usually how it always goes on the OUTSIDE when Christianity is involved. Just so much hate thrown around, and mainly for Christians. It's really sad and pitiful. For that reason, I don't even read those threads anymore. The only ones I participate in are the ones that I start myself, and I even limit my participation in those too. Mostly, I'll just post a message, and then leave and it always turns ugly, the same posters over and over again just keep on beating it into the ground. I feel sorry for them really in a way.