Feel like I am getting hammered

[Kusanagi]

I am starting to get hammered after I publicly, in a gaming forum (which has a majority of atheists and non-belevers), stated that I beleve in God and that I am a Christian. Lately I have been bashed with statements such as "God does not exist", and other posters telling me that I should not follow "shouldn't follow some invisible, unproven man who seems to be robbing you of your happiness."

I wonder how other christians pull through in places where the majority are athiests and/or non-belevers

 

[Kutl3ss]

You just gotta stay strong and know that what you belive is right.

 

[night2day]

I agree. Being on several online RPGs in the past, I've noticed many of those who show such hostility don't even know much about Christianity itself -- only pieces of it. And those peices can be rather fragmented.

By my own experiance, there was often brought up whatever individuals wrongly did in Christ's name and attempt to use that to plummel and bash all of Christiandom. In doing so, they don't seperate a person's actions and how they may directly contridict God's word and what He has said and written. However, the Bible has been misused and abused by individuals for their own personal gain just like they would have used any other means to obtain a certain goal.

To their comments of:

s "God does not exist" and "shouldn't follow some invisible, unproven man who seems to be robbing you of your happiness."

Maybe reply back to them if God is so unproven, then how can they prove He doesn't exist when so much in Creation says that He indeed does. As to the comment regarding your happiness, maybe ask them why they think they can tell you what makes you blessed and what not? Why do they accuse you of being robbed when they can only assume from their own viewpoint that you are...simply because you do not agree them?

Those who often cry for the most tolerance and acceptance are often those who are least able to give it.

Perhaps pray for guidance that the Holy Spirit gives you the words to speak. Who knows, this may be a chance for some of them to be exposed to the Gospel through you. If some choose to listen, fantastic. For those not, remember it's not you they're truley against. It's Jesus Christ, the one we follow as Lord and Savior.

If the board is moderated in any way, if the harrasment continues, report it to the moderators. If they actually allow it, you can choose to ignore the bashing or depart. I wouldn't recommend responding to harrasment such as that since it only makes the situation worse for you. And Jesus did tell us not to "cast perls before swine"...meaning not to toss something as priceless as the Gospel to those who care nothing more than to rip it to shreads.

All you can do is share the Gospel as Jesus told us. The Holy Spirit does the rest.

 

[Athanasian Creed]

(snip)

For those not, remember it's not you they're truley against. It's Jesus Christ, the one we follow as Lord and Savior.

Maybe, but maybe not. It might be that the Christians they know are hypocritical in their witness. Unfortunately, many non-believers "throw the baby out with the bath water" IOW, they judge the Person of Jesus and His Word by the example (or lack thereof) of Christians they know.

A bumper sticker i've seen in the past says "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven" which is true, however, it can also prove a crutch for Christians who aren't growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus as they should who use it as an excuse for being a lousy witness !

Bottom line, we who name the Name of Christ have an awesome responsibility (and priviledge) to "be Christ" to those around us. Let's strive to be the best example of Him that we can be !!


Ray

 

[QuantaCura]

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you. 16 But with modesty and fear, having a good conscience: that whereas they speak evil of you, they may be ashamed who falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better doing well (if such be the will of God) to suffer, than doing ill.

 

[QuantaCura]

Matt. 5:43 You have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thy enemy. 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies: do good to them that hate you: and pray for them that persecute and calumniate you: 45 That you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven, who maketh his sun to rise upon the good, and bad, and raineth upon the just and the unjust. 46 For if you love them that love you, what reward shall you have? do not even the publicans this? 47 And if you salute your brethren only, what do you more? do not also the heathens this? 48 Be you therefore perfect, as also your heavenly Father is perfect.

 

[QuantaCura]

Luke 6:22 Blessed shall you be when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. 23 Be glad in that day and rejoice; for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For according to these things did their fathers to the prophets.

 

[QuantaCura]

John 15:18 If the world hate you, know ye, that it hath hated me before you. 19 If you had been of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember my word that I said to you: The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have kept my word, they will keep yours also.

 

[night2day]

...It might be that the Christians they know are hypocritical in their witness. Unfortunately, many non-believers "throw the baby out with the bath water" IOW, they judge the Person of Jesus and His Word by the example (or lack thereof) of Christians they know....Bottom line, we who name the Name of Christ have an awesome responsibility (and priviledge) to "be Christ" to those around us. Let's strive to be the best example of Him that we can be !!

Since we were addresing harrasment due to one simply saying one is a Christian, it has ultimately no bearing what the other party has experianced whether previous encounters have been with those who have failed them in the past....whether they be hypocrites or Christians who have merely stated the right thing in the wrong way. Otherwise, you're claiming people have a right to make assumptions of others based on past events which may or may not have occured.

In quite a few places within the Bible it states such hostility is based on unbelief regardless if the other person attempts to conjuor up past experainces or only his/her version of past experiances. Individuals have been known to reject and be hostile to even the barest hint of any mention of Christianity simply for the reason it cramps their lifestyle. Or inclusive ideology which supports Universalism where "all will be saved". The list goes on.

On judgement, our Lord will not tell the unbelieving individual "I'll let you in on account of (insert purpose here)..." even though the Scriptures have always relayed a person is only saved by grace, through faith in Christ, from Old to New Testament. Jesus Christ Himself already told us were the situation stands:

John 3:16-18
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"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

Rejetion of the Holy Spirit by a person cannot be placed on the shoulders of Christians having a presence and it not being liked by others. The Holy Spirit can work through Believers despite our sin and despite our shortcomings. Rejection of the Gospel and all related to it is something that occurs at a heart level apart. Hostilities of non-Christians towards Christians cannot be excused by assumptions, past experiance with others whoever they may be, or whatnot.

If a person wishes to reject the Gospel and remain hostile...they will do so regardless of their reasons. Ultimately they are not rejecting the messanger...but the message itself. As well as the sole Author of the message.

After all, in matters of eternity, rejecting any normal human being means nothing. Rejecting the message of Jesus' Person and Work means everything.



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[Athanasian Creed]

Since we were addresing harrasment due to one simply saying one is a Christian, it has ultimately no bearing what the other party has experianced whether previous encounters have been with those who have failed them in the past....whether they be hypocrites or Christians who have merely stated the right thing in the wrong way. Otherwise, you're claiming people have a right to make assumptions of others based on past events which may or may not have occured.

(snip)
​

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No, i was saying that there are non-Christians who act in a hostile manner to Christians and the Christian message simply because of past bad experiences with other Christians. It's a fact, it has happened to me on several occasions. If they don't have a knowledge of the Word of God we are the only Jesus they see. I made it a point to encourage us all to live lives worthy of the name "Christian" so that when people see us they see a true representation of Jesus and what He can do in a person's life.

It is true that some act in a hostile manner just because they are in rebellion against God but some do not. Some have geniune beefs against those who call themselves Christians but their words/actions don't back up the claim. Even if that be the case, they cannot use this as an excuse to reject Jesus; they are responsible for their own actions and decisions despite the lousy witness of Christians.


Ray

 

[night2day]

No, i was saying that there are non-Christians who act in a hostile manner to Christians and the Christian message simply because of past bad experiences with other Christians...

Whether or not they do because of past experiances ultimately will not factor in. Biblically, we are by our very nature sinners, corrupt, and enemies of God ever since the Fall way back in Genisis. It is only by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ solely because of his Person and Work a person is saved.

Non-Christians by nature remain enemies of God due to being without Christ. It's not until the Holy Spirit works faith within an individual's heart they have complete forgiveness of sins and eternal life. If the work of the Holy Spirit is rejected, they remain enemies of God.

To me it appears you are addressing human interaction and giving reasons why a person may give the excuse for their actions. I make referance to something altogether deeper than. The Scriptures already explains what the core issue is.

1 Corinthians 1:18-21; 25-28
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe...Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are..."
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1 Corinthians 2:12-14
"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
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It's a fact, it has happened to me on several occasions. If they don't have a knowledge of the Word of God we are the only Jesus they see. I made it a point to encourage us all to live lives worthy of the name "Christian" so that when people see us they see a true representation of Jesus and what He can do in a person's life.

Yet, here you are addressing two seperate things. How a Christian lives and grows in faith, as well as how they share that faith. Yet, the actual wittnessing and doing so in the way God has laid out for us in His word is not what is being addressed.

The second is how the other individual responds to that wittness. A wittness which is brought forth by God's word and the Holy Spirit working through it. However, no one is responsible for the other person's unbelief but them should they reject the Holy Spirit's work. Since the op mentioned all that had to be mentioned was he was a Christian and he faced hostility, it's not up to us to second guess, explain away, or excuse the reasons why whatever harssment was given. To do so would state the harraser isn't responsile for their actions, thus giving him ready excuse to continue acting the why he/she is.

On an online RPG, or anywhere where you interact with people, there needs to be a certain civility enforced. The one being harrassed shouldn't be made to feel they bring harrsament on themselves when the exaxpt oppisite is true.

It is true that some act in a hostile manner just because they are in rebellion against God but some do not.

Define sin. Being in rebellion need not be a conscious matter. All peoples of the Earth are in state of rebellion against God. The differnace between Christians and Non-Christians is at heart level the Christian has been transformed by the power of the Gospel, is heartily sorry for their sins and at a heart level repents of his sins. Not to mention they know their sins are already forgiven by Christ's shed's blood.

A Non-Christian doesn't have this. Instead, they seek everything and anything, even if it's relying on themselves or even hoping they no longer exist afer their deaths. The same thing which happened in the Garden of Eden all over again. "My way instead of God's way."

Some have geniune beefs against those wo call themselves Christians but their words/actions don't back up the claim. Even if that be the case, they cannot use this as an excuse to reject Jesus; they are responsible for their own actions and decisions despite the lousy witness of Christians.

Which is basically what I was phrasing in a sense. Only conscious of their beefs or no, it all falls down to our Fallen state. Mankind is within a state of rebellion against God. At heart level, they can do nothing else unless God changes them from within.

And that also means God is more than capable of using us despite our own sin and failings.

 

[hex98co99]

( I am a CHristian)
Hey maybe you should look into those claims other people make about christianity and see if they are true or not and why that is so. This will give you strength later on in life cuz you will know what you believe and how solid it is. This works on two different levels. 1) the scientifical/intellectual level what are the facts out in the world about this and 2) personal/spiritual level, how have I seen God talk to me and do things in my life.

I need to leave now. talk to you later. hopefully.
Hector
><)))">

 

[night2day]

( I am a CHristian)
Hey maybe you should look into those claims other people make about christianity and see if they are true or not and why that is so. This will give you strength later on in life cuz you will know what you believe and how solid it is.

I would suggest studying God's word beforehand. Relying on the authority of the Scriptures which defines the Christian faith makes for a good foundation on which to compare/contrast other beliefs.

As for solidity of faith...it's not a good idea to trust one's own ability to believe. Faith doesn't gain it's power from the person...but on the focus of the faith. As human beings we tend to falter. Yet, we can look to Christ and God's promises and rest within them. And also know the Holy Spirit is also looking out for us where faith is concerned.

This works on two different levels. 1) the scientifical/intellectual level what are the facts out in the world about this

Talking to another regarding where they stand in these matters helps in knowing to approach them from there. Being able to meet a person where they're at. Much like the Apostle Paul did in Athens when he saw all the idols and noticed there was also one with an empty space entitled "To the Unknown God". (Guess they didn't want to leave any out.) And he based his sermon on this to proclaim Christ. (ref. Acts 17)

2) personal/spiritual level, how have I seen God talk to me and do things in my life.

 

[strawberrygirl]

I know what you're talking about. My school houses a lot of atheists and non -believers. One of them, happens to be my ex best friend. After some confrontations, we both drifted apart. When we were friends he acted like he was a Christian, and even said he believed in God. After we stopped talking, he said he doesn't and has turned into a big jerk. I've prayed that he could find Christ, and welcome him into his heart. It's still hard though, because that's all I can do, for now at least.

 

[strawberrygirl]

The only thing we can do is too as Christians is to endure the mockings, preach God's word, and pray for them to find Christ. The rest is up to God.

 

[Maynard Keenan]

I am starting to get hammered after I publicly, in a gaming forum (which has a majority of atheists and non-belevers), stated that I beleve in God and that I am a Christian. Lately I have been bashed with statements such as "God does not exist", and other posters telling me that I should not follow "shouldn't follow some invisible, unproven man who seems to be robbing you of your happiness."

I wonder how other christians pull through in places where the majority are athiests and/or non-belevers

Not to be rude but...I don't see that as persecution. Its no different than Christians telling atheists they're wrong and that God will make their lives better.

 

[CaptainMercy]

Mat 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

Mat 5:2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Mat 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Mat 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Mat 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Mat 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Mat 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 

[Beanface]

I know where you're comign from.. and not even just from games.. even in a chat room, having the entire room turn on me for stating my faith, and defending it for as long as I could.. just hte ignorance gets to me.. I'm not a violent guy generally, since I quit playing hockey (yeah, it was nice to be able to really hit willing participants sometimes - I wasn't a Christian back then, so I put my anger / frustration to hockey or a punching bag) but I knew one of the guys assaulting me in taht chat room one time, and I was nearly to the point where I was going to log off, hop in my car, knock on his door, and strike him repeatedly. I decided against it natureally, but it was the first time I really felt like hitting someone since I believed.

 

[Godslilgurlalways]

I am starting to get hammered after I publicly, in a gaming forum (which has a majority of atheists and non-belevers), stated that I beleve in God and that I am a Christian. Lately I have been bashed with statements such as "God does not exist", and other posters telling me that I should not follow "shouldn't follow some invisible, unproven man who seems to be robbing you of your happiness."

I wonder how other christians pull through in places where the majority are athiests and/or non-belevers

Just wanted to let you know I hear you and understand what you are staying. It comes to a point where really you have to decide who will you stick with and who you will believe, than you have to stand strong and firm on that. When they are doing that they have no idea what they are doing. Some don't know they should never mess with a child of God, b/c when they do that offending you it's offending you God also. Give it to God and ask him to give you the words to say and what not to say to them. In places like that is when faith sometimes really gets tested or whether or not you will stand. Be encourage that I and oher here have you back but most of all God has your back and he will step in right on time. If you check out Ephianas 6:11-17 it talks about us not wrestling against flesh and blood but against rules or darkness and so on. God Bless you indeed