How do you feel about people who have rejected God?

[Classik]

Alright!
I want to know your opinion. How do you feel about people who have refused to accept God, and how do you look at their end?

I feel terrified about them. I know most of them are acting out of ignorance. My greatest fear about the whole thing is the fact that God will deny them (I am not judging) at the end.

 

[stovebolts]

if we are the body of Christ, then often when they see us, they see Jesus. Unfortunately, we often fail to reflect Christ in us, and what they see, is our sinful, selfish nature.

we are to be fishers of men reconciling the world, but sadly we've turned into something ugly, and we call it defending the faith.

we are often consumed in being right, than tending to the hurt and pain of others.

 

[stovebolts]

So, the question is, how do we bring them to Christ? Well, I know what NOT to do...

Romans 12:14-15 Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep.
Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Romans 14:19 So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another.
Romans 12:17 Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.
Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.


1 Corinthians 2:1-5 And I, brethren, when I came unto you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

2 Corinthians 10:12 For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with certain of them that commend themselves: but they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding.

 

[Classik]

if we are the body of Christ, then often when they see us, they see Jesus. Unfortunately, we often fail to reflect Christ in us, and what they see, is our sinful, selfish nature.

we are to be fishers of men reconciling the world, but sadly we've turned into something ugly, and we call it defending the faith.

we are often consumed in being right, than tending to the hurt and pain of others.

Yes, Stove - it is true. Christ just did it in a simple way and achieved a fantastic result.

--
I feel I do my best - yet my best is not enough. At times I feel so guilty. Should I stop? No.
--
We are so much consumed with personal stuff. We always think about 'us'. At times I wish I could be beaten up by God to awoken my senses.

 

[stovebolts]

We are so much consumed with personal stuff. We always think about 'us'. At times I wish I could be beaten up by God to awoken my senses.

I think this is why God gives us wives :D Honestly, my wife used to tell me all the time, "This isn't about you"... It took me years to figure it out.

Sometimes we have to stop looking at ourselves, and look at what the other person is crying out for. I believe that we are selfish and self righteous by nature, and humility is such a foreign concept for many of us... When all we have to really do is just reach out to somebody, and show them mercy, and honestly let them know that we care, and we'll help them. Sometimes, that means biting your tongue and shutting our mouth.. Sometimes, a hug is better than a lecture or our self imposed wisdom.

 

[leftyatbest]

They are regular people just like everyone else. What am I supposed to feel about them? I don't understand why this is such a dividing factor.

 

[Classik]

They are regular people just like everyone else. What am I supposed to feel about them? I don't understand why this is such a dividing factor.

Hey Lefty@best!
You still there?
--
--
I know you do not understand - neither do you see what I see.
Maybe sometime in the future you will.

 

[stovebolts]

Hey Lefty@best!
You still there?
--
--
I know you do not understand - neither do you see what I see.
Maybe sometime in the future you will.

What if it wasn't about him seeing what you see, but rather... You seeing what he sees. Remember... Its not always about you.

 

[reba]

There are folks in my family i love, who i doubt will spend eternity with God.

For years our home was the place where folks would show up to rest from the party life.. i have met lots of folks/friends who are not what we would call Christian. BUT that is Gods choice/call not mans.

Because of my belief in the Words of God man serves one of two masters. We are free in Christ or a slave to sin.

I do believe there are gonna be a lot more folks 'in heaven' then we Christians think..

 

[Classik]

I do believe there are gonna be a lot more folks 'in heaven' then we Christians think..

AMEN! AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!

AMEN! AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!

 

[Gazelle]

I understand what you are asking, however running on feelings will get you into trouble "every" time. ;)

For those I know personally, such as family, I have claimed them for God. I have asked God and am faithing (believing with faith) that He will reach them in time. I trust Him because it is according to His will, and I have petitioned Him and He promises to do it..also because I have faith that He will. (I waited nearly 40 years for my mom, but at the age of 84 she finally prayed with a preacher on tv. and accepted Christ. She passed 5 years later, but saved.)

As for the rest, whom I do not know, I do what I can to share God's message with them... when I give them money, such as street beggars, it's inside a simple tract of some type. I start conversations in elevators (captive audiences) about going UP? or down? etc. I don't have time to hold their attention, but I get their attention and start them thinking about God at least. God promises His Word will not return to Him void.

While faith and following God has diminished somewhat here in the USA, it is blooming around the world! Nearly 15,000 muslims A DAY are coming to Christ, because of a loving God they've never known about. There is not a single church in Afghanistan, and yet, under penalty of immediate beheading, there are believers there scurrying about avoiding the enemy and muslim neighbors...and winning others to Christ. Look at the increase in messianic Jews? Awesome. God is awesome.

Ok I side tracked about those who do find Christ. But there are so many people who are ready to hear, and I can do nothing to make someone not ready to hear to hear, my time is spent on finding those seeking. God will send them to you, or you to them. The rest is all about them, not me. It's all about them and God.

God says His evidence is even written in the stars etc. He created the zodiac, yet so many only see the devil's side. It is what it is.

For those who out and out reject the message? I am saddened. I can't even imagine how sad God is.

 

[Classik]

I understand what you are asking, however running on feelings will get you into trouble "every" time. ;)

For those I know personally, such as family, I have claimed them for God. I have asked God and am faithing (believing with faith) that He will reach them in time. I trust Him because it is according to His will, and I have petitioned Him and He promises to do it..also because I have faith that He will. (I waited nearly 40 years for my mom, but at the age of 84 she finally prayed with a preacher on tv. and accepted Christ. She passed 5 years later, but saved.)

As for the rest, whom I do not know, I do what I can to share God's message with them... when I give them money, such as street beggars, it's inside a simple tract of some type. I start conversations in elevators (captive audiences) about going UP? or down? etc. I don't have time to hold their attention, but I get their attention and start them thinking about God at least. God promises His Word will not return to Him void.

While faith and following God has diminished somewhat here in the USA, it is blooming around the world! Nearly 15,000 muslims A DAY are coming to Christ, because of a loving God they've never known about. There is not a single church in Afghanistan, and yet, under penalty of immediate beheading, there are believers there scurrying about avoiding the enemy and muslim neighbors...and winning others to Christ. Look at the increase in messianic Jews? Awesome. God is awesome.

Ok I side tracked about those who do find Christ. But there are so many people who are ready to hear, and I can do nothing to make someone not ready to hear to hear, my time is spent on finding those seeking. God will send them to you, or you to them. The rest is all about them, not me. It's all about them and God.

God says His evidence is even written in the stars etc. He created the zodiac, yet so many only see the devil's side. It is what it is.

For those who out and out reject the message? I am saddened. I can't even imagine how sad God is.

Very lovely.
--
The other time my dad came home and told us: 'I went to preach in a market square and was driven away'
I saw the frustration on his face.
++
A pastor went to preach during a funeral but was denied a microphone. He had only managed to speak for about a minute when someone snatched the microphone away from him.
((
And my friend told me: 'Sorry - I have to do it my own way...'

--
Such things are frightening

 

[leftyatbest]

I am not afraid for my soul (I don't believe I have one) and I believe I am a good person, whats there for other to be scared of?

On the other hand, I have never been threatened in any way by atheists because of my "beliefs" (or lack of), theists on the other hand have gotten quite hostile with me. I am sure you all know this from the other perspective and I am sure there have been atheists who have become hostile towards you. This isn't about who is or is not a good person, it is simply a clash of ideals between the two sides. Good people will justify themselves for any behavior no matter what side they subscribe to, this includes hostility towards the opposing side.

I can Understand why you would fear for the "soul" of an unbeliever but to have any personal negative emotions towards them is unreasonable, this works both ways though. An atheist will be saddened by the fact that you still believe, but personal negative emotions towards a believer just because they believe is unwarranted.

From my side, I would be very glad if you all let go of your faith, but I have no negative thought or emotions for any of you personally because I do not know you personally and cannot make a judgement about your character solely based on your beliefs.

From your side, I am sure you would all be very glad If I regained my faith, but you shouldn't have any negative thoughts or emotions for me personally because you don't really know me on a personal level sufficient to make a judgment of my character.

And yes, I am still here.

 

[Classik]

I am not afraid for my soul (I don't believe I have one) and I believe I am a good person, whats there for other to be scared of?

On the other hand, I have never been threatened in any way by atheists because of my "beliefs" (or lack of), theists on the other hand have gotten quite hostile with me. I am sure you all know this from the other perspective and I am sure there have been atheists who have become hostile towards you. This isn't about who is or is not a good person, it is simply a clash of ideals between the two sides. Good people will justify themselves for any behavior no matter what side they subscribe to, this includes hostility towards the opposing side.

I can Understand why you would fear for the "soul" of an unbeliever but to have any personal negative emotions towards them is unreasonable, this works both ways though. An atheist will be saddened by the fact that you still believe, but personal negative emotions towards a believer just because they believe is unwarranted.

From my side, I would be very glad if you all let go of your faith, but I have no negative thought or emotions for any of you personally because I do not know you personally and cannot make a judgement about your character solely based on your beliefs.

From your side, I am sure you would all be very glad If I regained my faith, but you shouldn't have any negative thoughts or emotions for me personally because you don't really know me on a personal level sufficient to make a judgment of my character.

And yes, I am still here.

Your username is such a funny one And I wonder the NUMBER of times you fought those fellow kids who called you 'Lefty' ...sort of anti 'righty'

--
--
Thanks for you contribution...However the topic is the other way round :D

 

[leftyatbest]

I have to live with my left handedness every day. I used to fight against the oppression from right harnders but now I have come to accept my inferiority. 2

 

[stovebolts]

The fact of the matter is this. Not everyone will accept Christ, and we can't make anyone accept Christ. It just doesn't work that way... it never has.

Christianity as a whole has a long list of offenses that frankly, are pretty ugly and non-Christian like. Burning witches at the stake is just one that comes to mind as we enter the Halloween season.

So it comes down to how I feel about people who have rejected God... and I heard another poster state that we shouldn't trust our emotions, yet we are emotional people and we all know it's not good to repress our emotions. Instead, we need to work through our emotions, and find that balance. But I regress, I feel sad for those who reject God, and I have my reasons.

But I get a feeling that some feel threatened by those who have rejected God, and it reminds me of my jr. high days when I was full of insecurity of who I was as a person. But I also get a feeling that there are those who are threatened by Chrisitianity, and react quiet the same. So it really amazes me on how similar both one who has accepted God, and one who has rejected God really are alike. And these similarities resonate across a broad spectrum of emotions, thoughts and pattern of actions.

So you see, it doesn't really matter much how I feel about people who reject God, but one thing that I do feel that is as much, if not more important, is how we treat those who reject God because what it comes down to, is that the darkness is dark, that's what it is. So why do we blame the dark for being dark? Instead, why don't we ask ourselves why the light isn't shining as bright as it could because good always overcomes evil, just as light always shines through the darkness.

 

[reba]

I have to live with my left handedness every day. I used to fight against the oppression from right harnders but now I have come to accept my inferiority. 2

I am the only RIGHT kid of five.


back to topic

 

[handy]

I have to live with my left handedness every day. I used to fight against the oppression from right harnders but now I have come to accept my inferiority. 2

Keep that chin up, Lefty!

It has been shown that people who use their right hands tend to be left brain dominate and people who are left handed are right brain dominate.

Which means, of course, that only left-handed people are in their right minds! ;)

 

[stovebolts]

Keep that chin up, Lefty!

It has been shown that people who use their right hands tend to be left brain dominate and people who are left handed are right brain dominate.

Which means, of course, that only left-handed people are in their right minds! ;)

:toofunny:toofunny:toofunny:toofunny Good one! lol!

 

[jasoncran]

handy this poster brakes the rules.

i fire my 16 and m9 pistol left handed. i also force my self and gotten good at it using both sides in mma as that is a must.

i am right handed yes but i am left eye dominant. and i can if i practice use both sides.

phhttt.