How do YOU Answer This?

[Dennis1209]

15 minutes ago, Walter and Deborah said:

Hello Dennis, I would say, Train up a child in the way it Should GO, but teach them the scriptures Rightly dividing the words of Truth, and we think it is always good to how it is important to remind them of 1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ, Our Fellowship is always with the Father And His Son.

Love, Walter and Debbie

Howdy,

I was strictly referring to children on the internet, not our own. It should go unsaid about all the pedophile predators out there stalking children, and it is a sad day even to mention that.  

[Dennis1209]

28 minutes ago, ayin jade said:

What she said

I have always and will always respond honestly to a seeker, adult or child. I also pray and speak as I believe the Lord leads me to speak. In chat, I used to have so many opportunities to talk to children who wanted to know about Jesus. Sadly I dont have many chances any more.

Amen, ayin jade. Another thing I did not mention is prevalent today. Perverts, child molesters, and pedophiles disguised under cover of religion, Catholics, Baptists, you name it.   

I can see parents taking offense with their children talking to strangers and discussing religion on a forum unbeknownst to them.

[Sower]

3 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

If an adolescent or juvenile asks you a question about Jesus, sin, or how to be saved on a social platform, do you ask permission from a parent to share the Gospel and repentance?

I would never consider parents friends neighbors enemies etc when dealing with the most important news I could give them.
Authorities in government schools may be (are) taking away parental rights, but not my conscience or calling.
I would keep answering a seekers questions while they were hauling me away.
What if they ask you if they should cut off their biological specific sexual parts to be accepted socially with their 'feelings'.

My thinking says to my heart this is a no brainer question.

Wonder what the persecuted biblical believers would think of this topic?

Thanks Dennis..

Sow seed! (as commanded)

And leave results, whatever kind, to God..

[Jayne]

I'll speak to anyone that God directs me to or who asks me questions.

As far as the underaged, I taught in public school for many years and was proud to do so.

I kept a plaque of the Ten Commandments on my desk and a Bible on my desk.  I had a handful of Muslim students ask me questions from time to time.  I answered without a flicker.  I had unchurched students ask me questions about what I believe - sometimes in the middle of science class or ELA class, even a math class or two - and I always answered.

The thing about the internet is that we have NO IDEA to whom we are speaking with.  I've been on Christians message boards for over 20 years and I've seen a LOT of pretenders.  Folks lying about who they are, lying in general, lying about how old they are, their circumstances, and more.

What's the answer for the lay people of the internet like us?

2 Timothy 4 = "Preach [and teach and model and obey*] 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 men will not put up with sound doctrine."

*addition in red mine

Edited April 22, 2023 by Jayne

[ChristB4us]

6 minutes ago, Jayne said:

I'll speak to anyone that God directs me to or who asks me questions.

As far as the underaged, I taught in public school for many years and was proud to do so.

I kept a plaque of the Ten Commandments on my desk and a Bible on my desk.  I had a handful of Muslim students ask me questions from time to time.  I answered without a flicker.  I had unchurched students ask me questions about what I believe - sometimes in the middle of science class or ELA class, even a math class or two - and I always answered.

The thing about the internet is that we have NO IDEA to whom we are speaking with.  I've been on Christians message boards for over 20 years and I've seen a LOT of pretenders.  Folks lying about who they are, lying in general, lying about how old they are, their circumstances, and more.

What's the answer for the lay people of the internet like us?

2 Timothy 4 = "Preach [and teach and model and obey*] 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 men will not put up with sound doctrine."

*addition in red mine

The irony is that there is a warning on the internet not to reveal anything about yourself that can be used for identity theft.  The Biblical thing to do is not answer those questions put forth or be tempted to impress someone on the internet with a fib as the media entertainment has convinced online daters to fabricate or embellish themselves which is the same thing as lying.

Ephesians 4: 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

That should be emphasized when joining any Christian forum so that we do not ask nor reveal any personal information about ourselves but to address the issue at hand with scripture if need be.

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

2 Corinthians 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

1 Corinthians 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

 

[Marathoner]

4 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

Would anyone disagree that we live in perilous and unprecedented evil times here in America?

Yes, I disagree. The evil in men's hearts today is neither unprecedented nor unparalleled on this earth, let alone in this particular country at this time. The insular perspective of one is not the reality lived by untold numbers of people who suffered unspeakable evil under the veneer of normalcy and acceptability. Their voices are silent, but they are not unheard; their suffering is faceless to so many, but there are some who have borne witness to what was done to them under the sun. The Lord sends some to witness these things and also to endure such evil themselves. 

"It didn't happen to me or my friends nor family." That's the insular perspective which is blissfully unaware of people who starve... who die from violence and disease... and who otherwise endure great tribulation literally under the collective nose of a developed nation like the United States. Horrendous evil has been perpetrated in the United States for over 200 years. The only real difference between then and now has to do with the proliferation of instant media and the tools of the trade. Digital devices are everywhere, and they are busy recording what has always been done here. 50 years ago, those devices didn't exist and so the majority of these horrific acts remained both unseen and unknown. 

I know of a family --- they are not unique nor isolated by any means --- who brutalized, terrorized, abused, neglected, and exploited their children in plain view of society. The perpetrators never faced justice for the unspeakable things they had done to their own children; indeed, when one of these children sought help from authorities whom everyone is supposed to trust, they weren't believed... and the child who sought help was beaten mercilessly for daring to seek help. That's an all-too common story in the United States of America, my friends. 

When I was younger the insular perspective of some stirred me to wrath, but I was young and naive. I didn't grasp how all of us can fall into the cunning snare of insolence. Now that I understand more than I ever wanted to know, it grieves me instead. The pathetic culture wars of today are paltry in comparison to was done during the good old days. What was done before shall be done again. The old days are no different from the new days. 

All things are wearisome;
No one can tell it.
The eye is not satisfied with seeing,
Nor is the ear filled with hearing.
What has been, it is what will be,
And what has been done, it is what will be done.
So there is nothing new under the sun.
Is there anything of which one might say,
“See this, it is new”?
It has already existed for ages
Which were before us.
There is no remembrance of the earlier things,
And of the later things as well, which will occur,
There will be no remembrance of them
Among those who will come later still.
(Ecclesiastes 1:8-11 NASB)
 

[Alive]

6 minutes ago, Marathoner said:

Yes, I disagree. The evil in men's hearts today is neither unprecedented nor unparalleled on this earth, let alone in this particular country at this time. The insular perspective of one is not the reality lived by untold numbers of people who suffered unspeakable evil under the veneer of normalcy and acceptability. Their voices are silent, but they are not unheard; their suffering is faceless to so many, but there are some who have borne witness to what was done to them under the sun. The Lord sends some to witness these things and also to endure such evil themselves. 

"It didn't happen to me or my friends nor family." That's the insular perspective which is blissfully unaware of people who starve... who die from violence and disease... and who otherwise endure great tribulation literally under the collective nose of a developed nation like the United States. Horrendous evil has been perpetrated in the United States for over 200 years. The only real difference between then and now has to do with the proliferation of instant media and the tools of the trade. Digital devices are everywhere, and they are busy recording what has always been done here. 50 years ago, those devices didn't exist and so the majority of these horrific acts remained both unseen and unknown. 

I know of a family --- they are not unique nor isolated by any means --- who brutalized, terrorized, abused, neglected, and exploited their children in plain view of society. The perpetrators never faced justice for the unspeakable things they had done to their own children; indeed, when one of these children sought help from authorities whom everyone is supposed to trust, they weren't believed... and the child who sought help was beaten mercilessly for daring to seek help. That's an all-too common story in the United States of America, my friends. 

When I was younger the insular perspective of some stirred me to wrath, but I was young and naive. I didn't grasp how all of us can fall into the cunning snare of insolence. Now that I understand more than I ever wanted to know, it grieves me instead. The pathetic culture wars of today are paltry in comparison to was done during the good old days. What was done before shall be done again. The old days are no different from the new days. 

All things are wearisome;
No one can tell it.
The eye is not satisfied with seeing,
Nor is the ear filled with hearing.
What has been, it is what will be,
And what has been done, it is what will be done.
So there is nothing new under the sun.
Is there anything of which one might say,
“See this, it is new”?
It has already existed for ages
Which were before us.
There is no remembrance of the earlier things,
And of the later things as well, which will occur,
There will be no remembrance of them
Among those who will come later still.
(Ecclesiastes 1:8-11 NASB)
 

I agree with this perspective. As I have suggested before, the difference today Imo is the national level of agreement with the unmentionable sins and worship of molech. I am convinced this is a significant difference and if national repentance is not granted, the west will be judged.

I wis this was not the case and pray accordingly.

[ChristB4us]

21 minutes ago, Marathoner said:

Yes, I disagree. The evil in men's hearts today is neither unprecedented nor unparalleled on this earth, let alone in this particular country at this time. The insular perspective of one is not the reality lived by untold numbers of people who suffered unspeakable evil under the veneer of normalcy and acceptability. Their voices are silent, but they are not unheard; their suffering is faceless to so many, but there are some who have borne witness to what was done to them under the sun. The Lord sends some to witness these things and also to endure such evil themselves. 

"It didn't happen to me or my friends nor family." That's the insular perspective which is blissfully unaware of people who starve... who die from violence and disease... and who otherwise endure great tribulation literally under the collective nose of a developed nation like the United States. Horrendous evil has been perpetrated in the United States for over 200 years. The only real difference between then and now has to do with the proliferation of instant media and the tools of the trade. Digital devices are everywhere, and they are busy recording what has always been done here. 50 years ago, those devices didn't exist and so the majority of these horrific acts remained both unseen and unknown. 

I know of a family --- they are not unique nor isolated by any means --- who brutalized, terrorized, abused, neglected, and exploited their children in plain view of society. The perpetrators never faced justice for the unspeakable things they had done to their own children; indeed, when one of these children sought help from authorities whom everyone is supposed to trust, they weren't believed... and the child who sought help was beaten mercilessly for daring to seek help. That's an all-too common story in the United States of America, my friends. 

When I was younger the insular perspective of some stirred me to wrath, but I was young and naive. I didn't grasp how all of us can fall into the cunning snare of insolence. Now that I understand more than I ever wanted to know, it grieves me instead. The pathetic culture wars of today are paltry in comparison to was done during the good old days. What was done before shall be done again. The old days are no different from the new days. 

All things are wearisome;
No one can tell it.
The eye is not satisfied with seeing,
Nor is the ear filled with hearing.
What has been, it is what will be,
And what has been done, it is what will be done.
So there is nothing new under the sun.
Is there anything of which one might say,
“See this, it is new”?
It has already existed for ages
Which were before us.
There is no remembrance of the earlier things,
And of the later things as well, which will occur,
There will be no remembrance of them
Among those who will come later still.
(Ecclesiastes 1:8-11 NASB)
 

@Dennis1209

I agree with Dennis1209 only because American churches do not equip the members of the church nor disciple young ones to have their guards up with the help of Jesus Christ as their personal Good Shepherd against the corruptive influences of our society.

It is one thing to have your guard up and be ready to die, leaning on Christ for help in a persecuted area, but when you are not at risk of losing your life as a believer, one tend to allow the cares of this life to become more of a concern and forgetting to rely on Jesus Christ in following Him in being a light to the world; especially when the love of money or even the security of having money has led many to corruption.

I have been taken advantage of and pretty much expect to be a victim of identity theft.  The Lord is helping me to give up my life when it happens.  I will not fight for my life nor do I care to because I hate it and I'd rather depart, but as long as the Lord provides for me, I shall remain as long as He enables me to remain.  The temptation is to be patriotic and fight for it.  Not what Jesus had taught.

It was a Freemason that said "evil triumph when good men do nothing" and since Jesus taught otherwise, I have to wonder in what spirit that freemason was saying it; mocking the Christian or....?

Matthew 5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. 41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Does that not sound like we are to be a doormat?

Course nowadays, the love of money and worrying has a tendency to take our eyes off of the Lord and be tempted to do things we would not consider if we were living in a persecuted country.  Like fighting for our rights or to make America great again.

The people of the New World Order are here now.  Our elected Freemason officials are casting their cords from us.  The love of money is the root of their evil while they continue to betray the American people in setting sides against each other.

So do not be surprised when suddenly America is a country no longer safe for Christians physically.  It wasn't safe for Christians spiritually, and so beware the sexually hyping media entertainment as it is of the world.  That failing, be ready to die.

Romans 5:7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

1 Peter 2:19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Colossians 3:1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 

11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Which would you guys prefer?  The fiery trials living in this society or being threatened with death to be with the Lord?

[kwikphilly]

1 hour ago, ChristB4us said:

The irony is that there is a warning on the internet not to reveal anything about yourself that can be used for identity theft.  The Biblical thing to do is not answer those questions put forth or be tempted to impress someone on the internet with a fib as the media entertainment has convinced online daters to fabricate or embellish themselves which is the same thing as lying.

Ephesians 4: 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

That should be emphasized when joining any Christian forum so that we do not ask nor reveal any personal information about ourselves but to address the issue at hand with scripture if need be.

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

2 Corinthians 4:5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

1 Corinthians 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

 

I understand people's hesitancy to reveal any personal info and their reluctancy to ask,I do.However,I am not- I am who I am,what is someone going to do? Come through the screen & get me?If I cannot be transparent about myself,my life,my own experiences then I cannot be a Living Testimony to the Glory of God.....

I don't have to reveal my address,social security number or provide anyone with the means to steal my identity but I do have to be honest,forthcoming and I have no idea how to communicate with people or to build relationships otherwise - but I'm not here to hide behind a screen and pretend to be something I'm not,I'm a humble servant & though I have no idea at first who I'm speaking to ,over time people do reveal themselves. Unless one is willing to put themselves out there they'll never receive what they are reluctant to give

That's the difference,I think,for the " Internet" or " Message Board," perspective.....for me this is one more door my Lord Opened up for me to relate to people,talk to them,love them- I don't know them,He Does

Y'all have no idea how many times I'm lead to " walk away"....and so I do, politely,peacefully and without pause - & maybe for" a time" - we only need Trust the Lord and be ourselves,be willing to say " Here am I,I'll go,I'll do it,Use me"

Imo,much ado about nothing- Being impersonal is fine for some but is that Who Jesus IS? Here I go,guess I'm thinking out loud again ....The trolls,pretenders,scammers, wolves,they've got God to answer to- I don't worry about them,they need Jesus too

[TrueFollowerOfChrist]

5 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

Today, churches and Christian media must be cautious to avoid discrimination, censorship, labeling, and lawsuits.

So, back to the question: How do we respond when a child asks us about Jesus on a social media platform?

Churches and Christians do NOT need to avoid discrimination, and censorship. They need to be true to scripture and preach the truth. If you are a Christian and not offending someone, you probably aren't being a faithful Christian. As far as social platforms, you tell the truth no matter the consequences.