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Salvation is a gift from God. We cannot buy it, earn it, nor steal it. God gave us something that we as sinners did not deserve. His grace. His undeserved favor, saved us from condemnation by the blood of Jesus Christ. Yes, salvation is a free gift that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ paid heavily for.

Well, Hollywood along with social media in general has an agenda...it always has. Now we have to deal with the whole gay and transgender agenda that's teaching our children that they can be any gender they want other than the one they were born with. The devil is working overtime!

"Are the street preachers doing the 'good works'?" Well, what do you think Jesus and the apostles were doing? In addition to teaching the Gospel in the synagogues, a lot of the evangelism work and performing of miracles were done in public places. While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. - Act 17:16-17 When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. - Matthew 8:1-3

Well, the bible never really touched upon Jesus's physical appearance. So I don't get involved or try to imagine what he looked like when he walked the earth. But If I had to imagine Jesus in the physical, he would be a bright shinning light. And what I don't believe is, Hollywood's version of what he looked like. I don't believe Jesus is a blonde hair, blue eyed white man.

I have a co-worker who's a JW. We have discussions, and at times - intense discussions about our faiths. They have so many false doctrines that I can't keep count. But the 3 main topics we talk about are -the deity of Jesus, the spiritual body and the 144,000. They do not believe that Jesus is God manifested, they do not believe that he was raised in a physical body but instead, as a spirit being, and they believe that only 144,000 of their JW anointed ones will go to heaven as spirit beings. The rest of the JW's (the great crowd) will live on a paradise earth. They also do not believe that the spirit is immortal and when the body dies, the spirit ceases to exist. I once asked my coworker this question: If the Holy Spirit dwells within all born again Christians, does the Holy Spirit ceases to exists when a christian dies? That was months ago and I have yet to receive an answer from him. Whenever I show him scripture that debunks their false doctrines, he always comes us with something - that's not even biblical (basically a lie) to justify his beliefs. It's truly sad how brain washed they are. All I can do is pray for God to open his eyes and that he would see the organization for the blasphemous cult it really is.

Good evening Ogner. I think the point that many in this thread are trying to make is...the sins that you have mentioned above -the murderers along with the rapists, child molesters, adulterers, liars, etc... those are the sins that Jesus died for. Does a sick person need a doctor? No. Does a righteous person need to be saved? No. To God, all sins need to be atoned for and there is no sin too great or small for our Lord and Savior to forgive. King David was a murderer and an adulterer. Apostle Paul (when he was Saul) was responsible for having Christians killed, but didn't God forgive them? Yes, he did. 1 John 2:2 says of Jesus"He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." None of us deserves God's forgiveness - regardless of the sins. We all deserve judgement because we have all fallen short of God's standard. I know it's hard to understand how strong and powerful God's love is for us - even for the murderer. But God's love is not like our love that runs hot and cold...that turns on and off. God's love is an Agape love (1 Corinthians 13:4-13) His love is unconditional, faithful and sacrificial. God's love is supreme over all and the only kind of love that will sacrifice a Son to atone for the sins of the world. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Speaking in tongues is mentioned in the book of Acts as well. Many people today believe that if one does not speak in tongues, they have not received the Holy Spirit. Not true. During the building of the early church, the apostles were baptizing many believers who were Gentiles who spoke in different languages. So perhaps God wanted to prove that the Gentiles received the same Holy Spirit as everyone else. "Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days."

The bible is filled with verses that says God has put the knowledge of himself in everyone. Therefore, no one is without excuse. So, it doesn't matter whether so called Atheism claim there is no God. God has proven of his existence through all that he has created. They just reject it.

Thank you!???

Before we lay down, we bow down in prayer…. Heavenly Father, we come into your presence, with thanksgiving and praise for delivering us through this long day. We are grateful for all that you have provided for us, and we sing praises to you for all that you have brought us through - in this day alone. Lord, we ask of you as we settle down for the evening, to keep watch over us and our families and all people with your eyes and cradle us in your arms. In the name of Jesus, we pray that you keep us in your presence –protected with your full armor as we retire for the night. Lord I pray for those who are lost that they may find you in the midnight hour. I pray for those who are destitute that you will give them peace before they sleep. I pray for those who are hungry that you will provide for them a bite by the end of the night. I pray for those who are without homes that you will bring shelter to them from out of the cold and I pray for those who are sick that you will provide healing before the night is old. Lord, you are our refuge, our rescuer, our way maker and our chain breaker. Give us restful sleep and sweet peaceful dreams as you shepherd us into the morning and bring us through another day that you have already prepared and planed for us. We love and honor you. In Jesus name, Amen Goodnight all.

Hello NathWChristian. Peace and blessings to you. Of course Jesus can help you. Jesus loves you and wants the best for you. Pray to him and ask him to help you overcome your worries and fears. But when you pray, you have to open your heart, be still and wait for him to answer. He may not come when you want him to, but he will come in his own time. In the meantime, there are some things you can do while you wait for God to work in your life. Do you belong to a church? If not, seek out a bible based church. There, you can meat other Christians, join a ministry to keep you busy and make new friends. Go to job fairs and take Jesus with you. Pray to him and ask him to lead and guide you to the right places and to meat the right people. Don't stay locked up in your home. When you isolate yourself from others, it gives the devil a foothold to come in and do damage. Try to go out and be around other people and ask God to put you into the company of those who are trustworthy. Ask God to give you confidence and to know that you are not a failure, because God does not make mistakes! He has a plan for you. Be patient with the Lord and trust in him to transform your life. Seek his kingdom first, and all other things will be added. God bless!

Everything you said, I agree with 100 percent. Separating from unbelievers does not mean that we do not care about them. We are to be salt and light to the lost, but we must also remain as we are called to be a holy nation, sanctified and set apart from the world. Praise Him!!

Good Morning PromisesPromises, and thank you for your reply! I totally agree with you. God has equipped Christians by the Holy Spirit with everything we need in order to do his work and wants us to be bold and uncompromised in both our teachings of the Gospel and in our faith. As Christians who are representatives of Jesus Christ, we cannot be concern with what's popular when it comes to doing God's work. 2 Timothy 4:1-3 says: "In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." Sadly sometimes, Christians too, do not want to hear the truth and would rather listen to what makes them feel comfortable. They will ignore scripture in order to accommodate how they choose to live instead of how God wants us to live. So yes, we have to stay in prayer for the body of believers who are weak in biblical knowledge and hope for them to come to full understanding and completeness in their faith and boldness for Jesus. It's all about Jesus. God bless, in Jesus name.

I found this article by Franklin Graham and wanted to share with my Worthy family. Very interesting commentary and filled with truth from beginning to the end. Just like Franklin, I too believe that many Christians are sacrificing their convictions in order to conform to what's popular and politically correct. I have only been on this forum for a short time and sadly to say, I have already witnessed it here. He made a comment that was so profound to me: "It is cowardice to excuse sin by claiming we have no right to judge what God has already judged." Christians should never be afraid or feel uncomfortable to speak the truth to those we claim we have compassion for. There are a lot of lost people in this world and they need to know what they are up against. God's Word is his word and we need to stand strong in it. Anyway, I just wanted to share. God bless. Cowards or Overcomers? Standing Strong on God’s Word By Franklin Graham • July 10, 2014 Heaven is not for cowards! Recent comments I made while speaking at an event in Washington, D.C., have drawn some controversy. In a challenge to those who are afraid to speak out on moral issues addressed in the Bible, I referenced a chilling passage—a warning from God about the most catastrophic indictment the world will face someday: “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone” (Revelation 21:7-8). Christians cannot ignore parts of God’s Word because they are unpopular or cause division. Our commission is to proclaim Christ and all He stands for. This is what the church’s presence in the world is all about. We cannot sincerely proclaim the truth of God’s love while ignoring what He hates, and God hates sin. His love pours out the remedy for sin that holds mankind in bondage. It is found in His unmerited grace—the gift of salvation. For this reason, the whole Gospel must be preached, as demonstrated by the Apostle Paul. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes … For in it the righteousness of God is revealed” (Romans 1:16-17). What immediately follows this bold declaration demonstrates the importance of God’s entire message to the human race. Paul wrote in connection to the Gospel: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them … so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God … but became futile in their thoughts. … Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for a lie” (Romans 1:18-21, 24-25). Followers of Jesus Christ, and especially pastors and church leaders, have a responsibility to speak the truth of Scripture, calling sin what it is, and acknowledging that it has always reigned in the hearts of the human race. It is not any worse today than it was “in the beginning.” After all, sin brought about the Great Fall and then the Great Flood because “the wickedness of man was great in the earth” (Genesis 6:5). It is not just a debate about abortion or homosexuality; all sin is immorality—and all immorality is evil. In America today we are experiencing an epic drought. It is not just the basic misunderstanding of the Word of God; it is the absence of God’s complete Word. Christians are called to shun acceptance of sin in all forms, not because we are perfect people but as a testimony to the transformation God brings about in a life surrendered to Him; washed clean by the blood of Christ and clothed in His righteousness. We must be people of endurance in the face of criticism or any form of persecution. If we do not exhibit godly courage to stand strong in the faith, we cannot overcome Satan’s seducing spirit that grips the world. The Bible says: “Now the Spirit [of God] expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared. … If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:1-2, 6). If we as God’s people refuse to speak about sin because it will make others uncomfortable, we are cowards. We are called to sound the alarm, warning them that God demands obedience to His perfect law, which is designed for the good of the human race. Do not miss the staggering truth that God’s law brings about contentment. “The law of the Lord is perfect … rejoicing the heart” (Psalm 19:7-8). Those who reject this truth reveal that they do not know Him. “Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God. … His commandments are not burdensome … and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 3:10, 5:3-4). True faith is what empowers us to speak God’s Word and live it before an unbelieving world. Someone has said: “To sin by silence when they should protest turns people into cowards.” The definition of a coward is one who refuses to do the right thing for fear of consequences. This certainly falls short of possessing godly character. We are soldiers in God’s army, and we cannot stand down on biblical issues out of fear of being labeled a homophobe or judge. People make judgments every day. The world’s system passes judgments accepted by governments and citizens. But the world considers Christian judgment to be biased, judgmental and intolerant. Christians have only one standard on which to base judgments—it is called the Bible. Without its instruction and authority, we cannot possibly know how to live, so we are told to “judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24). It does not matter how mankind defines sin; the ironclad Word of God has already laid it bare, and it is unchangeable. “If anyone … does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words” (1 Timothy 6:3-4). Twisting God’s Word leads to rejecting God’s message. We must guard against handling the Word of God in a cowardly fashion but rather preach the entire Word of God because His grace and His judgment flow from His love. Sin is at the very heart of all that is against Almighty God; it is bowing the knee to worldly living, serving selfish desires so that the things that we used to call sin no longer seem to be sin to us. Some pastors I know say they just want to preach the Gospel and not become targets by speaking out on specific issues that Jesus Himself did not address. Sadly, this reveals a lack of basic Bible knowledge. That would be like suggesting that because Jesus never preached a sermon about jealousy it is not a sin; however, the Bible states clearly that jealousy is a serious sin against God (Galatians 5:20). Jealousy is the very sin that caused Lucifer to rebel against God. The point is that God’s servants cannot preach part of the Gospel. They must preach the entire Word of God, regardless of how it may impact church attendance or trigger unfavorable tweets! Those who say they stand on biblical principles need to understand that persecution will come in some form, even if only losing popularity, the least of all maltreatment. The Lord Jesus was certainly a target. Yet He willingly went to the cross and suffered for us. He died, was buried, rose from the grave and ascended to Heaven. That was more than 2,000 years ago, and still today He is a target. He is hated. He is rejected. How can we fear rejection by the world when He gave His all for us? But still He extends His salvation to all who will come to Him. He is the One who empowers us to stand strong in the face of persecution for what the world does not affirm. He gives us the power to overcome sin, and that includes cowardice, triggered by ignoring all that God proclaims. “Many are my persecutors and my enemies, yet I do not turn from Your testimonies. I see the treacherous, and am disgusted, because they do not keep Your word … The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever” (Psalm 119:157-158, 160). If God’s people do not stand strong, who will? Many in the church have accommodated worldliness (a devotion to temporal interests and pleasures to the neglect of spiritual things) in order to be relevant and increase attendance. This approach has desensitized the conscience. There was a day when God’s messengers was preached against drunkenness. Unfortunately, this is seldom heard from the pulpit anymore; rather, there is widespread acceptance of the intoxicating drug. When preaching falls short of God’s whole truth, it becomes easier to overlook or redefine evil behavior. The result is that we get our worlds mixed up. We are not to become like the world; we are to illuminate the world with the light of Christ and distinguish ourselves from the darkness. There are those who minimize this astounding message in an effort to make sinners comfortable in their sin. This is egregious to Almighty God, and He has prepared a lake of fire for those who reject His truth. In other words, there is grave danger in not preaching, as the apostles did, the whole Gospel. Just as our nation has drifted from the strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, so has the church seriously drifted from taking God at His Word. Sin is destructive to people, to families, to nations and to the church. Sinful behavior that is excused and repackaged as personal choice is Satan’s greatest deception. His greatest victories today take place within the church by those who remain silent; who are not aware of his divisive presence. The Body of Christ must recognize that we have allowed Satan to distract us with non-essentials. It is time to get back to the basic teaching of God’s Word. It is cowardice to excuse sin by claiming we have no right to judge what God has already judged. There is only one personal choice that decides where we spend eternity; if we choose Christ and all He stands for, we gain Heaven; if we deny Christ’s Word, we are cowards and deserve hell. “Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, you people in whose heart is My law: Do not fear the reproach of men, nor be afraid of their insults. … You have feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor” (Isaiah 51:7, 13). We can be fearless when we stand strong on the Word of God because as Joshua proclaimed, “The Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you” (Joshua 23:10). What are the characteristics of God’s people? Have we become so accustomed to the worldly system that we fear we cannot overcome it? Or do we draw strength from the One who has overcome? Can we stand with the believers at Thessalonica who did not seek comfort and fulfillment but endured hostilities because of God’s Word? Paul wrote to them: “So that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer” (2 Thessalonians 1:4-5). Who does not remember the cowardice of Peter, the salty fisherman—the sea-walking but fainthearted follower—who denied Jesus Christ? Out of his anguish he overcame his greatest failure, and a bold and mighty faith emerged. He became a soul-winning fisher of men—the disciple who instructed others in serving as effective shepherds of God’s flock (1 Peter 5:2). He wrote: “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles [the very Word] of God” (1 Peter 4:11). We must understand that the very Word of God is the Bible. Let’s overcome cowardice with courage. Let’s be fearless ambassadors of Christ and stand strong for the glory of God our Savior, pulling others from the fire of eternal judgment (Jude 23).

Good evening all! “Does God need defending?” I guess in a way we should defend the deity of our heavenly Father. God is more powerful than anything and anyone. 2 Chronicles states: Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, and said: “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? So, I don’t think God himself needs defending since all of our defense comes from him. But in 1 Peter 3:15, Peter says this: “…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” In addition, Paul speaks about “defending the Gospel” in Philippians 6:16. Christians are called to defend their faith/hope and the reasons why they believe what they believe. We can only do this soundly by knowing what we think and understanding what we feel in our hearts and comparing those thoughts and feelings to scripture. This is why I implore all believers to stay in the scriptures…study them and meditate on them at all times. Pray for patience, wisdom and discernment. This way, whenever we are approached or bombarded with questions – or attacks, we will also be able to defend our faith, our hope and the Gospel of Jesus Christ with absolute truth, clarity and compassion - no matter how they are presented to us. No, we shouldn’t quarrel or fight – but we should be able to make a strong representation of our case. Whenever I am in a biblical discussion with someone (including other Christians), I limit my personal opinions by concentrating more on speaking from the scriptures. I always let the Word of God speak for itself. Peace and blessings.

"Yes, of course. But when it comes to "entertaining" people here using philosophy, for instance, I have trouble seeing why making the unbeliever's posts invisible is "worship and praise". Hey Thomas! I never said anything even close to making the unbeliever’s posts invisible “is worship”. But separating from unbelievers, from worldly interruptions - in general, to praise and worship God, IS…. and it’s biblical. That was my point. I don’t think there is room to refute this. "Look, I truly trust in George and believe that he made the right decision. Nevertheless, I'm against any cheering for shutting them out of philosophy debates, for instance. For non-believers can truly be great philosophers." God is not concerned with the philosophy of the unbeliever. Their wisdom is from the world so to him, their wisdom is foolish: "“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” 1 Corinthians 3:18-20 And there was no cheering. I did not see anyone cheering. There is nothing to boast about someone losing out on salvation because of the rejection of God. Thomas, I talk to unbelievers all the time. And it truly breaks my heart to hear them say the things they say and feel the way they feel. Some can express their rejection of God with such anger and venom. I have personally experienced this. And the more we show love and compassion towards them…the more Christians try to share the message of God’s grace and mercy with unbelievers, they will just become even more hostile and dismissive. I take no joy in that. And I am in no way saying that Christians should ostracize themselves from unbelievers. This isn’t what it’s about. It is a Christian’s mission to share the Gospel of Christ Jesus with as many people as we possible can. 2 Peter 3:9 says that “God is long suffering, not willing for anyone to perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Jesus did not discriminate against sinners because we are the people he came to save. They were drawn to him and followed him everywhere. But…we also must remember what the bible says about stubborn, hardened hearts of unbelievers. Jesus was relentless in his mission to get them to repent. He even prayed for those who persecuted him. But no matter what he said, no matter how many miracles he performed or how many times he professed his deity to them…they still would not believe. And things have not changed to this day. No matter how much love a Christian show, how many seeds are gently planted…no matter how hard we try to reach them with the message of salvation…they still will not believe. We are to have mercy for them, but…Christians must also be careful to not engage is the ways of the unbelievers to ensure that we will not fall back into sin. We are not to be equally yoked with those who oppose the teachings of Jesus and we must be mindful of what we do and say in their presence. Once again, this is not me just talking…. it’s biblical. "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” 2 Corinthians 22:14 We are to share the Gospel with them. But if they reject it, we are to remove ourselves from among them and keep it moving. This is not what I say…it’s biblical: “But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus.” Acts 19:9 "George simply shuts them out, and he explained the reason. It is as it is, but we need to know the price he paid for this situation to exist. He sacrified equality, in my opinion. Non-believers now feel as individuals treated as inferior or second class, when they can't even participate in the philosophy discussions." Thomas, non-believers have chosen to separate themselves from God. If they are having problems with the disconnect on this website, think how they are going to feel when they’re separated from God for all eternity. Their main concern should be to listen to what the believers are conveying to them about Jesus Christ – then repent. It’s a hard truth even a few Christians do not want to speak about. "They also can be of great help when Christians shout out loud to have found "overwhelming" scientific evididence for this and that - nonbelievers can truly be great scientists, so why can't they even participate in debating science (yes - I know why... just asking for the sake of the argument)." God created science. Scripture explains science. The bad thing is, many scientists have completely left God out of the equation. But the good thing is, many scientists who were evolutionists have since become creationists and even born again upon discovering the truth of what makes more sense than anything else. "They could help to pull down all the fake science that happens to appear on worthy, in my opinion.When they are shut out from participating in this, they can't use their skills in here, they can't show what they are good at. Hence they must feel treated in a condescending manner when the opposite is true." And exactly what can an unbeliever serve or do as “good” in a Christian forum? This is the same as asking, how can an unbeliever serve in the body of Christ where they can be an encouragement to Christians? What productivity can they produce in helping new believers build their relationship with God? How can they pray for Christians who may be going through trials? The answer is, they can’t - nor do they wish to. Iron sharpens iron. And only believers can uplift, encourage and edify other believers in their faith. "Jesus has been killed by - other than what people might think - believers, see Matthew 21:38. Those even believed in Jesus as the son of God (same verse). " Were they believers, Thomas? We must remember who Jesus was speaking about in his parable. Jesus was speaking about the wickedness of the unbelieving crowds, pharisees and religious leaders. They did not believe who he said he was and wanted to stone him to death for claiming to be God. Isaiah first spoke about the rejection of Jesus in chapter 53. But it was John who spoke about the FULFILLMENT of Isaiah’s prophecy in chapter 12:13-42. The pharisees and Sadducees lived for the law of Moses but, were unbelievers when it came to Christ. So no, they were not believers. "Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are “gods”’[d]? If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside— what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp." John 10:31-39 "So I don't understand why people always try to link non-believers to Satan." Why? Because they are. Not only because I say so, but because Jesus says so: Jesus speaking to a crowd of unbelievers: “Our father is Abraham!” they declared. “No,” Jesus replied, “for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example. Instead, you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing. No, you are imitating your real father. ”They replied, “We aren’t illegitimate children! God himself is our true Father.”Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me. Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me! For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me! Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me? Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.” John 8:39-47 Thomas, I am not a politically correct person. I don’t believe there is room for political correctness in Christianity. No, we are not to go around maliciously offending people or making people feel uncomfortable - but we cannot partner with the world and live for Jesus simultaneously either. If we truly have love and concern for the skeptics and unbelievers, we would not want them to lose out on salvation. We must tell them the truth as it is written. Followers of Jesus cannot serve two masters. Christians cannot serve the world and God at the same time. There is no grey area when it comes to serving God. A lot of people - (Christians included) love to 'soft-soak' the Gospel. They don't want to talk about the hard reality that is to come. I see this even in some churches. But the truth is, Jesus spoke about hell more than he spoke about Heaven. I know that some will disagree with me, but I am not here to pander feelings. I am here to speak the truth according to the Gospel of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As those who belong to the body of Christ – we are to remain holy and blameless in the Father’s eyes. And we cannot not do this successfully and completely if we are compromising our convictions by stifling the truth just for the sake of of not offending anyone. The cross of Jesus is offensive to many. But as his followers, we must always…ALWAYS stand true to what we have been taught, even if it makes us feel uncomfortable. Peace and blessings.

Hi Thomas! Thank you for responding to my post. First, let me just say that I am aware that as Christians, we should be patience with and have compassion for all. But please allow me to explain my position. I considered this forum as a church – a place where the body of believers gather together in fellowship and in worship and praise for our glorious Father. If we start to freely engage in debates with unbelievers, it will interfere with the purpose that this forum was created for. God is not a God of confusion…he likes order. And if this forum were to grant unbelievers freedom to post as they choose, they will just run amuck, creating chaos and dissension - just like they always have ever since Jesus walked this earth. I’ve seen it happened on in other sites. Brother Thomas, we must remember something that is very, very important…when we are dealing with unbelievers, we are dealing with the works of Satan. This is something we should avoid as much as possible. We cannot argue someone into believing something they do not want to believe in. That is not what we are called to do. We are called to testify about Jesus Christ and plant seeds by sharing the message of the Gospel. And we have done this within this forum. Yes, Christians are supposed to be salt and light to the world. We are to be gentle and kindhearted in spirit to everyone. But anti-Christianity is real. And Christians should never give those who oppose God the freedom to blaspheme against him. God bless you, in Jesus name. “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” Proverbs 20:3 “Remind them of these things and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.” 2 Timothy 2:14

It's not about feelings...it's about obedience. "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial[b]? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Therefore,“Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” And,“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14:18