hello all

[steelmagnolia]

I became a Christian this past April - on Easter.
I've always had a "head knowledge" but it was never in my heart.

I do have a questions and I was not sure where to ask it but I suppose this is about as good of a forum as any.

WHY do atheist/agnostic/humanist, etc, etc...visit this board, are regular members of this board?

I see no problem when they are here to seek the truth, however, I've read several threads that indicate to me that many are just here to instigate, argue and mock.

You know in God's word where it speaks of "casting your pearls before swine"?
How do you think this applies? Is it worth even replying to threads where these members are clearly instigating and mocking? When it's clear that they are true to their humanist beliefs and are not seeking truth and are not willing to change?

Again this question is in regards to those non Christians that never intend to become Christians but are here to argue and mock only.

Just curious of your thoughts

 

[pamincincy]

The act of sharing with you is to help me release the shame of my past.
The past is filled with hate of Christ and those that serve Him.
The recent past also includes reading the Bible for use against God.
By God allowing me to pursue hate, I am now with God.
Christ now lives in me.
My hope is that my family in Christ forgives me as does God.
A verse providing comfort to me is
Philippians 3:13
But the one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward
to those things which are ahead.
When one in Christ is persecuted, all in Christ are persecuted. I pray for your forgiveness.
Pam

 

[Knight]

WHY do atheist/agnostic/humanist, etc, etc...visit this board, are regular members of this board?

If you figure this one out be sure to let me know......

I see no problem when they are here to seek the truth, however, I've read several threads that indicate to me that many are just here to instigate, argue and mock.

Some are here for just that purpose. The world does not like Christianity. Christ warned us of this.

You know in God's word where it speaks of "casting your pearls before swine"?
How do you think this applies?

I'm honestly not sure. However, we are called to present the gospel. If they don't recieve it then it's not our fault.

Is it worth even replying to threads where these members are clearly instigating and mocking?

Depends on the situation but most of the time, no it is not worth the trouble. I've no trouble debating and contending for the faith but there is a huge difference between debates and mud-slinging.

Also, I do not recommend new Christians to get involved in internet apologetics. You're dealing with people who have come armed for battle. You need to spend time preparing yourself and have a genuine heart to reach these people with the Gospel.

 

[steelmagnolia]

The act of sharing with you is to help me release the shame of my past.
The past is filled with hate of Christ and those that serve Him.
The recent past also includes reading the Bible for use against God.
By God allowing me to pursue hate, I am now with God.
Christ now lives in me.
My hope is that my family in Christ forgives me as does God.
A verse providing comfort to me is
Philippians 3:13
But the one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward
to those things which are ahead.
When one in Christ is persecuted, all in Christ are persecuted. I pray for your forgiveness.
Pam

But the one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.

Pam, I've had a difficult time today with regards to much guilt about the way I lived before coming to Christ. That one statement you made blessed me today Thank you

 

[steelmagnolia]

If you figure this one out be sure to let me know......


Some are here for just that purpose. The world does not like Christianity. Christ warned us of this.


I'm honestly not sure. However, we are called to present the gospel. If they don't recieve it then it's not our fault.


Depends on the situation but most of the time, no it is not worth the trouble. I've no trouble debating and contending for the faith but there is a huge difference between debates and mud-slinging.

Also, I do not recommend new Christians to get involved in internet apologetics. You're dealing with people who have come armed for battle. You need to spend time preparing yourself and have a genuine heart to reach these people with the Gospel.

As previously mentioned, I've had a "head knowledge" of Christianity for a very long time so in that since - I know the word. However, I agree with you that when entering into apologetics, one must be VERY strong. I do have a heart for those people but I'm a rotten debater

 

[Knight]

As previously mentioned, I've had a "head knowledge" of Christianity for a very long time so in that since - I know the word. However, I agree with you that when entering into apologetics, one must be VERY strong. I do have a heart for those people but I'm a rotten debater

Debating is not really the key, at least in my opinion. The key is being able to present the truth in an easy to understand manner. Also being able to answer questions.

Personally, I believe that every Christian should have a basic understanding of apologetics and at least be able to give an answer to those who ask. Not necessarily for their good, though that would be the hope, but for yours.

 

[WashedClean]

I became a Christian this past April - on Easter.
I've always had a "head knowledge" but it was never in my heart.

I do have a questions and I was not sure where to ask it but I suppose this is about as good of a forum as any.

WHY do atheist/agnostic/humanist, etc, etc...visit this board, are regular members of this board?

I see no problem when they are here to seek the truth, however, I've read several threads that indicate to me that many are just here to instigate, argue and mock.

You know in God's word where it speaks of "casting your pearls before swine"?
How do you think this applies? Is it worth even replying to threads where these members are clearly instigating and mocking? When it's clear that they are true to their humanist beliefs and are not seeking truth and are not willing to change?

Again this question is in regards to those non Christians that never intend to become Christians but are here to argue and mock only.

Just curious of your thoughts

Oh My steelmagnolia,

You and I have much in common. I got goosebumps reading your post. I also came to Christ on Easter Day (2001). I also had a head knowledge but did not have Jesus in my heart.

I have often felt the same way about athiests/agnostics, etc. on these boards. That's why I pretty much stick to the Christian Only forums on here. I do check out the Questions about Christianity area sometimes because those folks seem to be geniuinely curious, most of the time.

I often think of that "casting your pearls before swine" verse when things get heated in here. While we should always show love, I find that I get too emotional at times and need to walk away. Once you've given them a taste of the Truth, it's up to them to accept or deny it, as someone else already said.

Anyway, I look forward to seeing more of your posts on here steelmagnolia. God bless you and welcome to the family!

WashedClean

 

[steelmagnolia]

Oh My steelmagnolia,

You and I have much in common. I got goosebumps reading your post. I also came to Christ on Easter Day (2001). I also had a head knowledge but did not have Jesus in my heart.

I have often felt the same way about athiests/agnostics, etc. on these boards. That's why I pretty much stick to the Christian Only forums on here. I do check out the Questions about Christianity area sometimes because those folks seem to be geniuinely curious, most of the time.

I often think of that "casting your pearls before swine" verse when things get heated in here. While we should always show love, I find that I get too emotional at times and need to walk away. Once you've given them a taste of the Truth, it's up to them to accept or deny it, as someone else already said.

Anyway, I look forward to seeing more of your posts on here steelmagnolia. God bless you and welcome to the family!

WashedClean

I find that I get too emotional at times and need to walk away. Once you've given them a taste of the Truth, it's up to them to accept or deny it, as someone else already said.

Yes, we are a lot alike. When it gets to heated my best and last reply is "we must agree to disagree".

What you said reminds me of planting the seed and then stepping back to let the Holy Spirit do the rest.

Anyway, I look forward to seeing more of your posts on here steelmagnolia. God bless you and welcome to the family!

Thank you!

 

[Sketcher]

I just avoid those people who are only here to provoke. Their provocation only makes me worse instead of better. I need to learn grace, forgiveness, and gentleness. Rather than read stuff that will only **** me off and reinforce grudges, I choose to only visit the outreach forum when it cmes to evangelising, etc. You don't get junk in there.

 

[steelmagnolia]

Thanks everyone for your replies. Sound advice