Why...

[swee]

...do we encounter such hostility as Christians?

Why do people previously tolerant in their general outlook suddenly say we are in a cult, that our religion is messed-up (no matter HOW many times we tell them Christianity is about developing a deeper relationship with Jesus as opposed to the dirty word 'religion' has become in today's society).

If our salvation depends on spreading the Word of the Lord, what hope have we got when people will NOT receive it? And in my weaker moments, I think "well, if you don't want Him, fine," but I know that satan is rubbing his hands in glee when I talk like that.

Sorry, just frustrated this morning.

 

[LifeInChrist]

...do we encounter such hostility as Christians?

Jesus encountered hostility and as his followers we may bound to encounter hostility too. Could be mainly due to misunderstandings.

John 15:20 - Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

Why do people previously tolerant in their general outlook suddenly say we are in a cult, that our religion is messed-up (no matter HOW many times we tell them Christianity is about developing a deeper relationship with Jesus as opposed to the dirty word 'religion' has become in today's society).

This is because of the wide diversity of beliefs existing among the different christian groups all over the world. There is enough religiousity among some of us christians that people might not take it as a means to developing a deeper relationship with Jesus. We need to understand these facts and take it in our stride when we encounter such remarks.

If our salvation depends on spreading the Word of the Lord, what hope have we got when people will NOT receive it? And in my weaker moments, I think "well, if you don't want Him, fine," but I know that satan is rubbing his hands in glee when I talk like that.

Our salvation does not depend on spreading the Word of the Lord. Our salvation depends on receiving the Word of the Lord, His Spirit, Growing in Christ and fellowshipping with those who have received Christ and are growing in Christ. We are suggested to spread the Word of the Lord to those who invite us and maintain a certain kind of goodwill with us. Jesus even advised his disciples not to go to the people who reject them (Refer Matthew 10:1-14). Otherwise, we are suggested to keep growing in Human Love and Divine Love aspects.

Sorry, just frustrated this morning.

It is natural to encounter some frustrations when discussing about our religion to others who are not like-minded or not even interested.

 

[sistakrista]

Our salvation does not depend on spreading the Word of the Lord. Our salvation depends on receiving the Word of the Lord, His Spirit, Growing in Christ and fellowshipping with those who have received Christ and are growing in Christ. We are suggested to spread the Word of the Lord to those who invite us and maintain a certain kind of goodwill with us. Jesus even advised his disciples not to go to the people who reject them (Refer Matthew 10:1-14). Otherwise, we are suggested to keep growing in Human Love and Divine Love aspects.

AMEN TO THIS!!!

 

[Sketcher]

As it was said, Jesus predicted it. Satan's fine with any religion except the one that leads people to eternal life.

People also don't like the absolutism and accountability Christianity calls people to. One of the beliefs that lots of people hold sacred, even right up with their political opinions, is that it doesn't matter what you believe as long as you're sincere and don't hurt anybody God will accept you. People hide behind this because they want to be God in their own lives and this kind of thinking allows them to pretty much do that, create God in their own image. Or when you're talking to someone who is of a Hindu, Bhuddist, or New Age background, they believe everybody is a part of God, more or less.

"This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. " - John 3:19-20

Furthermore, there have been plenty of "bad apple" Christians who have turned people off to the faith by either being unloving or indulgent. We must be vigilant and prayerful so we don't become one of these. We need to read God's word and humbly listen to the Spirit. One of my greatest regrets is that I have been that guy before and there's probably at least one strong unbeliever out there partially because of it.

What we need to do is pray for these people, that God will draw themselves to Him and make their hearts receptive. And look for those people who may be receptive so they get their chance to hear the truth.

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day." - John 6:44

 

[DIVA_for_Christ]

...do we encounter such hostility as Christians?

Why do people previously tolerant in their general outlook suddenly say we are in a cult, that our religion is messed-up (no matter HOW many times we tell them Christianity is about developing a deeper relationship with Jesus as opposed to the dirty word 'religion' has become in today's society).

If our salvation depends on spreading the Word of the Lord, what hope have we got when people will NOT receive it? And in my weaker moments, I think "well, if you don't want Him, fine," but I know that satan is rubbing his hands in glee when I talk like that.

Sorry, just frustrated this morning.

Hi swee

Our salvation is determined when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Then we have the responsibility to spread the Good News. Once we spread the Gospel, it is up to the hearer to receive.

I know it can be frustrating at times but try to remember that some plant, some water but God gives the increase.

 

[swee]

Thankyou all! I feel much better now I've been to my housegroup tonight, heh. Also, among those people mocking my belief or getting angry at me preaching to them, the "I-don't-care-what-you-believe-but-don't-force-it-down-my-throat" individuals, I have had two non-Christians quietly ask me to pray for them/their family on certain matters.

So the Holy Spirit IS at work and I thank Jesus for stirring their hearts! Alleluia!

 

[TexasGirl06]

Persecution is to be expected...

but,

as in John 13:35...
As I have loved you, you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

 

[firechild]

Swee...
I'm with you in your frustration.

It's so hard to spread the word without being judged and rejected. It's an ongoing process, i suppose, to find the right ways to go about it for the right people.

And for many people it may take years of gentle, somewhat passive witnessing for you to get through to them.

This is a lesson i'm still trying to learn. I've had more luck getting Christians who have fallen off the wagon back on than getting complete outsiders to listen to the word of God.

Hang in there!

C

 

[BeautifulWorshipper]

...do we encounter such hostility as Christians?

Why do people previously tolerant in their general outlook suddenly say we are in a cult, that our religion is messed-up (no matter HOW many times we tell them Christianity is about developing a deeper relationship with Jesus as opposed to the dirty word 'religion' has become in today's society).

If our salvation depends on spreading the Word of the Lord, what hope have we got when people will NOT receive it? And in my weaker moments, I think "well, if you don't want Him, fine," but I know that satan is rubbing his hands in glee when I talk like that.

Sorry, just frustrated this morning.

I know what you mean. I also hate the word, religion or religious, and always try to use "relationship".

When a person is rejecting Jesus, pray for them, persist and pray the holy spirit touches them.

Katie x

 

[swee]

I have good news Of my online friends, I've had three discreetly email me over the last day confiding that they are searching, or were involved in church when they were younger and have fell away from Jesus and that they wish they had faith. They each asked why I believed so strongly in the existence of Jesus and two of them asked me to pray for family members.

I told them my personal testimony and gave them the link to this forum. I have prayed to Jesus that the Holy Spirit open their hearts and minds and it appears the Spirit is moving in them!

Blessed be our Lord, Jesus Christ!

 

[salida]

...do we encounter such hostility as Christians?

Why do people previously tolerant in their general outlook suddenly say we are in a cult, that our religion is messed-up (no matter HOW many times we tell them Christianity is about developing a deeper relationship with Jesus as opposed to the dirty word 'religion' has become in today's society).

If our salvation depends on spreading the Word of the Lord, what hope have we got when people will NOT receive it? And in my weaker moments, I think "well, if you don't want Him, fine," but I know that satan is rubbing his hands in glee when I talk like that.

Sorry, just frustrated this morning.

The world isn't going to receive us. Its not that they can't they won't- its the rebellious will. And yes, they will pay the price for this forever. The reality is - is that they are messed up spiritually because they have no hope at all.

Don't take it personal - they are in darkness and are spiritually dead and remember they persecuted Christ!! They like darkness more than light. I would pray for those you have witnessed to.

 

[fitmom]

I just like to say that I am not 'religious", I just Love The Lord.

 

[swee]

 

[BeLedbyHisSpirit]

John 14:15 "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."

A person who is real, must conclude that she does not love the Lord, in light of His standard. Can any of us claim we keep His commandments?

Matt 5:48 "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, "I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin"?

AND

Jeremiah 17:9 "The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately wicked; Who can understand it?

- - - - - - - - - -

If we do love the Lord, at all, it is only because He first loved us. What love we may have for Him, marginal as it is, is only because He put His Spirit into us, and enables us (at times, and when we are in the mood), to do right.

A better prayer from us, if truly realized and not just patronizingly said, would sound something like: "Oh dear God, wretched sinner that I am, I know that there is no good thing within me, but I am so grateful for Your love, Your mercy. Thank you so much. I look to your Son, Jesus, oh Father, and hope to continue in Your ways, but only by Your anointing. Crucify this flesh of mine, that Your Spirit would be enlarged in me, and that I might become a living testimony to Your goodness, not mine. I stand only by Your grace. Amen.

 

[sistakrista]

John 14:15 "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."

A person who is real, must conclude that she does not love the Lord, in light of His standard. Can any of us claim we keep His commandments?

Matt 5:48 "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, "I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin"?

AND

Jeremiah 17:9 "The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately wicked; Who can understand it?

- - - - - - - - - -

If we do love the Lord, at all, it is only because He first loved us. What love we may have for Him, marginal as it is, is only because He put His Spirit into us, and enables us (at times, and when we are in the mood), to do right.

A better prayer from us, if truly realized and not just patronizingly said, would sound something like: "Oh dear God, wretched sinner that I am, I know that there is no good thing within me, but I am so grateful for Your love, Your mercy. Thank you so much. I look to your Son, Jesus, oh Father, and hope to continue in Your ways, but only by Your anointing. Crucify this flesh of mine, that Your Spirit would be enlarged in me, and that I might become a living testimony to Your goodness, not mine. I stand only by Your grace. Amen.

AMEN!!!

 

[heymikey80]

I have good news Of my online friends, I've had three discreetly email me over the last day confiding that they are searching, or were involved in church when they were younger and have fell away from Jesus and that they wish they had faith. They each asked why I believed so strongly in the existence of Jesus and two of them asked me to pray for family members.

I told them my personal testimony and gave them the link to this forum. I have prayed to Jesus that the Holy Spirit open their hearts and minds and it appears the Spirit is moving in them!

Yes, you're seeing the "because" of your initial question.

The strongly "bad" reaction of people to religion and your defense of Jesus through it shows some people -- the people your Savior wants to see -- that they're missing something. I have to say I'm seriously proud of you bearing up under this and being "publicly Christian". I know it's tough. I pray you know that we know the score, and we're cheering you on bigtime. Follow the Spirit (Jn 3:8). Take the risks (1 Pt 3:14-18).

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Heb 12:1-3
​

 

[swee]

Jesus is so wonderful

I just received these 2 PMs on another forum from a woman there:

Dont ever change x

You are a star shining in this horrible world and i hope you stay true to yourself and dont ever worry about what other people think as they cant cope with you and your strong faith and its probably because they lack faith in their own life.
Shine like the star that you are Swee.
Love and peace to you and your family and god bless you
xxx

The Holy Spirit is truly powerful!!!!

 

[JPPT1974]

Jesus never changes and with Him
We should never change at all
As long as we have Him!

 

[savedbygracebre]

I just like to say that I am not 'religious", I just Love The Lord.

What i always say when someone starts off a conversation with"your a religeous man, what do you think" and i will interupt them and remind them that i am not "religious", i am "faithful". I would much rather be full of faith than religion anyday!

 

[JPPT1974]

I am more spiritual than religious
Would rather be full of faith as well!