To see me here is an odd occasion on this 'Theological' forum . I don't come here ...at all . This is a dangerous place for those of faith in my opinion . Mostly a battleground of 'Ideas' or 'Opinion' . When this board began I thought to leave this forum . Having had much to do with this type discussions as a mod and admin on other forums . Yep ! That's how much I was against it .
I have seen too many of 'faith' trying to destroy one another in these discussions . I encourage you that believe in the one true living GOD we share the same belief in to temper your words and even more your reactions to others . We as followers of Christ are to build one another , to confirm to one another . Through our common conviction in our Lord we are bound to support and love one another .
Do not let self proclaimed atheists detract , interfere , influence or make you stumble in your walk with GOD . Do not frail them with scripture they profess to hate and deny , wasting GOD's words on those that detest and hate the truth . Do not judge them , we are spared that burden by our Lord himself as he will be their judge . You need not hate them . Do not reach a point you are defending GOD . God doesn't need to be defended , he is more capable of defending himself than you are . Each of us created by GOD himself is given choice and as sad as it may seem not all will acknowledge even their creator . If is their choice...not mine to make for them . Love them , pray for them seeking GOD to intervene in their lives . If you become embroiled in vitriolic divisive debate they have already 'won' the fight . Be an example showing true strength...your faith in GOD . I leave you with ;Matthew 10:14
And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.
Testify , witness , prayer or the offer of eternal salvation for all . We are to be examples for them . Use the sword of GOD to those actually seeking . The sword of GOD is his holy word as described in putting on the armor of GOD . Most quoted is Ephesians 6:10-18 ;
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints .
We have all read this verse before and understand it's meaning . But be careful using the sword of God to be effectual in his name . Lets explore the rest of this verse that is extremely important and given to us by him in the following scripture that should be included . Ephesians 6;19-20 ;
19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
The last two verses are often neglected but key to meaning . You are empowered by GOD through his Holy Spirit to speak for him . Be sure your using the Holy Spirit though and are an example .
I will post more , those put upon to distract me might want to wait a bit and gather more wood for that fire that will burn with no light in their minds .