CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible. 

Jude 3
...it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith...

During my time of blog hiatus, for several days, our Lord instructed me to go to secular websites to make comments on certain topics.  He expressed His desire that more Christians need to make themselves "heard," and not just on Christian sites and blogs.  

So wouldn't you know that one of the first secular website topics that our Lord had me to comment on has the title, "Student Suspended for Saying "I'm a Christian and I Think Gay is Wrong."  Did our Lord have me to comment and then to vacate the site?  No, He had me to stay on there for hours to comment and to respond to folks who responded to my comments.  At a certain stage, spiritual warfare kicked in high gear.  My comments started getting blocked by tech issues.  Error messages impeded my progress.  It was a battle for sure!  Finally, I retired for the night.  As I lay in bed, I casually said to our Lord, "I'm not going to do that all day anymore."  I didn't think it wrong to say that to Him.  Well, immediately after I uttered those words, our Lord sternly spoke this to me, "Don't you tell Me what you're not going to do.  Do you understand Me?"  I, with Godly fear, answered, "yes."  Then I asked our Lord to forgive me.  All was then well with my soul.  When I said what I did, I didn't note that it was complaining, but our Lord sternly let me know that He received it as complaining about what He had told me to do... 

The next morning, a Saturday, our Lord told me to go back on to the subject site and to enter what I couldn't insert the day before because of the blocking, etc.  The same thing began to happen.  Our Lord stressed to me that I couldn't quit.  He mandated that I persevere.  Glitches were frequent.  I pressed on and got all of the subject comments entered.  It took hours.  When I finished, our Lord gave me such a rush of spiritual triumph.  Further, He let me know that He was pleased that I had persevered.   We slew that Goliath! 

The topic was posted on the subject site seven days ago.  Today when I visited the subject site, there were a total of 287 comments entered! That comment count is high and way above what is standard, secular or otherwise.  It so surprised me that so many comments would be posted on a secular website, relative to a topic about a Christian boy who was suspended for saying that he believes that, to use his words, "gay is wrong."  After seeing that high comment count, I understood more of why our Lord told me to go on that secular site to comment and respond.

I'm going to share here some of my comments under the subject topic, as well as some of my replies to some people who responded to me.  For copyright reasons, I can only copy here what they said in "fair use" context.  So it is limited relative to what I've placed here from the standpoint of their quotes.  I have inserted information which makes it easier to follow without full use of the quotes of others.        

Some folks, Christians included, may disagree with some manner of what I commented.  I'm fine with that because of the certainty that I obeyed GOD.  Also, even the twelve disciples didn't always agree.

As I shared in a previous post, "THERE'S A LION IN THE LAMB, " 'Recently, our Lord emphasized to me that JESUS is a Lamb, and a Lion - both are representative of His character.  The composition of our characters should reflect the attributes of both, as well.

'This is my roar out:

'GOD wound us up and "jack is out of the box" to set it off in the name of JESUS!   Squeeze us and out comes JESUS juice.  This is how we roll, people.  Oh yes, this is how we roll!'

Here is the link to that previous post http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/02/hail-theres-lion-in-lamb.html

Before sharing the comments/responses from the topic on the site, "Student Suspended for Saying "I'm a Christian and I Think Gay is Wrong," here are some scriptures:

Ref: John the Baptist:
Luke 3:4
...Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Jude 3
...it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith...

1 Corinthians 2:15
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things,...

Philippians 1:17
But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

The Acts 15:7
And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them,...

Ref: Paul:
The Acts 19:8
...and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

Matthew 11:12
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

Relative to the comments, when I note the number of "likes" after a comment, it means that that many people posted that they liked the subject comments.  When I noticed some likes beside my comments, our Lord stressed to me that even though I was commenting on a secular site, some of those people liked what our Lord expressed through me.  He stated that that is important to realize.  He further stated that that is why He desires that more Christians go on secular websites to comment.  Also, our Lord stated that we don't necessarily need to do heavy duty Bible comments.  The use of wise and sensible truths can do much to impact, and reach the hearts of people.  The MOST VITAL issue is to be led by and to obey the Spirit.

This post is long so for those who are time pressed, I have highlighted some comments that may be of particular interest.

IT BEGINS:

Here is what one Christian commenter responded relative to my numerous comments:

"…Miss Sandra…; You seem like a real treasure... we need more like yourself.  Love to you darlin'!"

This is the initial comment that I made on the site:

“Good that the truth was expressed, and that his mother stood up for her son, and his right to freedom of speech.  His spoken truth is appreciated by those who support truth.

“Truth cannot be silenced.  It will stand, regardless.” - 2 likes

My response to commenter that believes that the boy was wrong:

“The boy wasn't wrong.  What he did, freedom of speech, was tell his classmate that he believes that "gay is wrong."  The teacher overheard him.  The boy was unjustly suspended; that's why it was reversed.  If his mother hadn't protested, the unjust suspension would have stood.  A salute to the boy and his mom.  You go, Christian soldiers!” - 3 likes

My response to another commenter who believes that the boy was wrong, and that he imposed his Christian beliefs:

“He didn't impose his Christian beliefs.  He made a comment to a classmate that was overheard by the teacher.  Aren't some public schools teaching that homosexuality is acceptable?  Hasn't it become part of the curriculum in some public schools?  I heard that it is being taught in some public schools that children can have two "mommies" and two "daddies" - speaking of same sex couples who have children.

If that is the case, then Christians should be able to discuss their beliefs in public schools.  Fair?

“It amazes me that, increasingly, people desire to exclude GOD, whose air we all breathe.”

My response to commenter who falsely stated that I have disdain for homosexuals:

“GOD loves homosexuals and so do I.  One of my relatives, now deceased, was a homosexual.  I loved him dearly but didn't love his preference for homosexuality.  I don't have disdain for any fellow human being.  We don't all agree but that is no reason to hold disdain for others.

“What I spoke is truth that is contained in GOD'S Holy Bible.  In the Bible, GOD informs that homosexuality is a sin.  In the Bible, it also informs that GOD is love.  GOD loves people but hates sin.” - 15 likes

My response to commenter who disagreed with me and called me the “B” word:

"And you were inclined to call me a "B..." because?

“I can most assuredly assure you that that label does NOT apply to me.  The GOD that I serve reigns and I can tell you, for certain, that He doesn't lightly esteem that you called me a "B."

“It's in your best interest to apologize....” - 3 likes 

My response to another commenter:

 “GOD loves everybody but He does NOT love the wrong that people do.

"John 4:8
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” - 4 likes

My response to another commenter:

“Thank you!

“I'm glad you expressed the truth that GOD loves people but hates sin.

“Loving people that we disagree with is very important. 

I'm a Christian and have been called negative names for expressing GOD'S truth.  I firmly believe in love but also firmly believe that we must NOT be silent or passive about the truth of GOD'S Word, the Holy Bible.

“In the Bible, Christ was called a devil.  How did he respond?  He kept loving, speaking and living the truth, and He rose again in spite of what came against Him and His pure truth.

"Getting called negative names is worth it to please GOD, and to be in His kingdom, and proclaiming His full gospel truths.

“Amen - Hallelujah - Glory to GOD, the most High!” - 6 likes

My response to commenter who sternly criticized me for not being open minded…:

“Hi Mr. Hemendez -

“True Christians are NOT interested in opening our minds to that which is contrary to the Holy Bible, which contains the truths of GOD.

“The Holy Bible states that JESUS is the same yesterday, today and forever - Hebrews 13:8.  You mentioned "time and era."  JESUS is NOT confined to times and eras.  He is beyond times and eras.  Again, He is the SAME yesterday, today and forever.

“No one is as well informed as GOD Almighty. That is why, regularly, I consult His Holy Bible to learn more about how to please Him, as it is my sincere aim to enter into the kingdom of heaven.

“You asked "...what is your understanding and knowledge like about the pre-Christian era?"

“My understanding is what the Holy Bible says in Genesis 1:1, "IN THE BEGINNING GOD..."  And what it states in Revelation 22:13, "I AM ALPHA AND OMEGA, THE BEGINNING AND THE END, THE FIRST AND THE LAST."  That is GOD from Genesis to Revelation, and all in between.

“I am satisfied that my research has proven that GOD is the uttermost and the Most High.  My research continues to learn more about His love, grace, forgiveness, mercy, peace, and joy....” - 8 likes

My response to another commenter:

“Hi Yolandar -

“Thank you for expressing truth.

“You are right - so says the Holy Bible.

“Here is what I found in the King James Bible:

“New Testament:

Romans 1:26, 27

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

“And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

“Old Testament:

Leviticus 20:13
If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination:...

“Note: Some people do get mad about truth but truth is what it is and it must be defended.  It is vitally important to know, though, that disagreements should be handled with care and consideration for others.

“You expressed yourself well, Yolandar....

“We live and learn...”  - 14 likes

My response to a commenter who rudely disagreed with Yolandar: (Also, he asked her if she were a virgin when she got married)

“Hi Trentaye -

“I love you but take issue with you addressing Yolandar as a "B..." That was not class conduct at all.

GOD doesn't require that Christians be virgins when they get married.  He is a forgiving GOD and when we have pure hearts, we enter into the kingdom of heaven. We all need forgiveness and when we, in sincerity, seek GOD'S forgiveness, and amend our wrong ways, His Holy Bible states that He forgives us." - 6 likes
(Sandra's note: What I should have said was that GOD commands that we abstain from sex before marriage but that if we aren't virgins...He will forgive...)

My response to another commenter who rudely disagreed with Yolandar:

"Yes, true Christians do go to heaven. That is Holy Bible truth.

“For you to label Yolandar an idiot is a poor representation of your character.  And it makes no sense for you to go further and state what you are certain about relative to her.  You readily stated that sex outside of marriage is a sin.  Is it a sin to unfairly label someone an idiot - especially if you don't know them?” - 3 likes

Below is my response after a commenter defended same sex sexual unions as being acceptable to GOD.  He informed me that I had misinterpreted the scriptures that I had earlier cited - Romans 1:26, 27 and Leviticus 20:13.  He went further to “interpret” the subject scriptures whereas they were placed in a context that GOD does approve of same sex sexual unions.

My response: 

“Nowhere in the Holy Bible does it state that GOD approves of same sex sexual relationships in marriage or otherwise.  Nowhere in the Holy Bible does it indicate that GOD approves of same sex marriages.  Not one such union is mentioned in the Bible.  Nowhere in the Bible does it mention two men or two women marrying in the same sex sense.  Why isn't it mentioned in the Holy Bible?  Because GOD does NOT approve of such, as stated in the scriptures that I cited, Romans 1:26, 27 and Leviticus 20:13.  We disagree with the interpretations of those verses but I believe that the absence in the Holy Bible of such unions being mentioned as acceptable to GOD supports my firm belief that GOD is against homosexuality.  JESUS IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER - Hebrews 13:8” - 5 likes

My response to another commenter:

 “Hi -

“Amen, Gina -

“Your bold declaration of GOD's truth is commendable.

“Thank you.” - 2 likes

Commenter who rudely disagreed about my homosexuality comments – He also objected to me posting scriptures.  He commented:

"GOD created Adam and Eve"

“So, that would mean in order for the population to have increased as it did, Adam and Eve were participating in incest…" - 2 likes

My response to that comment: 

“Logically, what happened was due to the limited population on earth at the time of early human development and progressive human multiplication.

“Today we are heavily populated so, reasonably, different engagements exist from the standpoint of human relations.

“All of creation is the result of GOD breathing life into various races of people.  He is the Architect of all human existence.  We mere mortals don't possess GOD's awesome knowledge and so certainly we don't have all of the answers.  None of us knows all.  But GOD does.  That is why I depend on Him, our CREATOR.

"Posting scriptures is placing truths for those who are inclined to believe and accept truth for what it is.  I can assure you that I don't believe simply what sounds good to me, nor do I necessarily believe what people tell me.  GOD gave us individual minds to use to think and to learn.  I investigate and seek proofs.  GOD has given plentiful truths to those who are inclined to partake.  You expressed, "...stop using the word truth the wrong way or at least get better understanding of the word itself before u use the word."

“My response is that I have done sufficient investigation and obtained the necessary help from GOD to support the truths that I have expressed.  That said - I am fully confident that I have legitimately used the word truths. The fact that you don't believe it does NOT negate the truths that I have expressed.  Your unbeliefs are NOT my baggage.

“My level of understanding is such that I wisely elect to disregard your false expressions, to eagerly embrace GOD's truths.  Ah! what a relief it is.” - 1 like

My response to another commenter: 

“Hi –

“Thank you for what you expressed here.  It is sensible to disagree without being obnoxious or hateful.” - 11 likes

My response to another commenter:

“Why are you inclined to be rude in your expressions?  How about disagreeing without being obnoxious?” -  3 likes

Another commenter had earlier disagreed with some of what I expressed.  When I responded to him, he stated:

“I can tell by your writing style that you are an educated and level headed person…

“Thanks for your respectful input”

My response to that:

“You are certainly welcome.

“I'm not sure what your definition is relative to educated but for the record, I'm an eighth grade dropout who later obtained a GED.  For years, I've been an avid reader and researcher into an assortment of subjects.  And, thanks to GOD, I'm a published writer.  I'm prone to be level headed but sometimes I think, say, and do boneheaded things.  Don't we all? - smiles.

“I firmly believe that disagreements should be harmonious and handled with consideration for others.

“You're right,.....that the "student should not have been reprimanded...

"We live and learn...” - 6 likes

This commenter criticized my beliefs about homosexuality, as well as that I dropped out of eighth grade - the comment:

“8th grade drop out, only has a GED and became homeless...that explains a lot lol XD” - No likes

This commenter defended me after the above criticism:

“…she has wisdom and eloquence. she is no doubt more wealthy morally than anyone YOU know of.” - 2 likes

This is an earlier response that I made to the commenter (immediately above) when she expressed her views about homosexuality:

“I like your spunk.

“There is plentiful truth that GOD exists.  We can start with every breath that we take; GOD owns the air.

“Truth is available for those who sincerely desire to know it.” - 1 like

My response to another commenter who criticized Christians:

“There are some real loving Christians, as well.  I appreciate that they exist.  Their help to me has been valuable and deeply appreciated.  They proved to me that TRUE Christians are truly about the goodness of GOD.

“As for those who don't love...they aren't true Christians.” - 4 likes 

Another of my responses:

"Those who sincerely desire to seek and to know GOD will be provided plentiful evidence that indeed He exists and that His Holy Bible is truth.  Do true Christians understand everything that is contained in its pages?  No.  But this I can declare FOR SURE - true Christians understand enough to KNOW:

that GOD is love.
that GOD is JUDGE of all.
that we all breathe GOD's air.
that GOD IS MOST HIGH. 
that GOD rewards those who follow His instructions.
that GOD gives people choices to please Him or to please the devil.
that heaven and hell are real.
that holy people go to heaven.
that unholy people go to hell.

“Revelation 21:8 says:‘But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers,and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:...’

“Those who insist on taking their chances on believing that that isn't true, and leave this earth as atheists will DISCOVER - too late - that it's true, but by then they will have no recourse but to accept what is stated in Revelation 21:8 as shown above.

"OR choices can be made to believe the truth and do as is stated in Romans 10:9: ‘That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.’ - 2 likes

My responses immediately below are to a commenter who made numerous comments that were rude in tone.  At least twice in his comments, he cursed GOD.  This is the same commenter who criticized me for being an eighth grade dropout.  Here is my first response after he cursed GOD:

 “You used some profane language against GOD Almighty.  I pray that you repent and cease to curse GOD because if you don't...woe to you...

“For sure, if you don't believe now, you will when you exit this life but then it'll be too late.

“Please forsake your life as an enemy of GOD.  He ALWAYS wins and so do His people.

If you don't choose GOD - He's certainly not pressed because He does now and always will occupy His throne.  He extends invitations but for those who decline...a heavenly celebration SHALL happen for those who wisely team with GOD.”  - 2 likes

Afterwards, the subject commenter responded with more curses against GOD but this time he was particularly vile, expressing F—K GOD and anal sex references to GOD.  This is what I responded after that:

“Hi again -

“This is my last comment to you as I'm not inclined to expend any more energy on someone who is bold enough to curse GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY, whose air we all breathe.  You're bold enough to curse GOD now but what about on judgment day?  Whatever...it's in your best interest to seek GOD'S forgiveness for cursing Him.  If you don't - HE'S GOD, REGARDLESS, AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT ANYONE CAN DO TO OVERTHROW OR STOP HIM!!!  He gets the last Word as HE BOLDLY SITS ON HIS THRONE WHERE HE RULES AND REIGNS - FOREVER!!!”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note: On the subject website, after some rude opposing comments were written relative to some comments that I expressed, at least three people wrote comments to defend me against my detractors.  That was certainly appreciated.  I'm not sure whether my defenders are Christians; I didn't get the impression that they are.  A fourth person commended me and in the comments submitted, identified as a Christian.  All praise and glory to the Most High, our mountain smoking GOD!  

In sum:

This was a time consuming project but I'm content that it has served GOD'S purposes.  Of course, typically, people don't have all day to spend commenting on sites, secular or otherwise, but when the Spirit leads, we should follow, however and whenever He leads.
He reigns and rules over all, so says His Holy Bible.

Love to you all.  

Note: Photo credit - http://www.vistaprint.com/
I obtained 100 of the subject postcards.  The words on the cards are what our Lord told me to have printed on them.  Vista Print provided 100 of the cards free.  I paid only for the shipping.