Many in Africa and the Middle east are persecuted for practicing Christianity. If you are a Christian, would you be willing to take the punishment for those who were persecuted as a result of you or your church "spreading the word"
Usually punishment is lashing with a whip, a beating, or at times even murder. So would you take the punishment?
2007-12-01 02:34:23 · 11 answers · asked by Mkath 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
All who desire to live a life in Christ will be persecuted. No matter who are, no matter where we live we will face persecution in some form.
Yes, I would be willing to take the punishment. My Lord Jesus endured lashings, beatings, and death so why shouldn't I? It is much better that these people in other countries are persecuted for knowing and accepting the truth and spend eternity in heaven than are well cared for on earth and spend eternity in torment.
2007-12-01 02:39:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
Yes. Why not ask the believers in Russia and other places about being persecuted? They endured for 70 years but still were faithful, no matter what.
Jesus gave His life for me. How can I do anything else, but offer mine for Him? Besides, Paul observed that any suffering we have here on earth has nothing to compare with the glories in Heaven to come.
2007-12-01 05:10:50 · answer #2 · answered by Brother Jonathan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
But you can bet that any of these claiming they would go don't. China needs to hear from you, Iraq needs to hear from you, etc, etc. But it's been TWO MILLENNIA, people! When are they ever going to get around to converting?
No doubt, the people that really do go are brave, but is it really effective? Do enough people go? Or is it that there's a lot more that need to be converted in your very own church that are going around talking the talk, but don't walk the walk.
You know the people. Their Hummer is more important than Jesus. It's those people that sabotage the efforts because if you go abroad and talk to people, sure, you might inspire them for a little while, but then they notice those Mammon-worshippers in your own church and start to question why they should believe when your own people don't follow the rules.
So, in the end, what are you risking death for if people back home are just going to sabotage your point? Your work back here isn't even done yet.
Isn't there something about attending to your own doorstep first?
2007-12-01 02:56:13 · answer #3 · answered by urukorcs 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, as everyone around here knows, I'm not big into proselytizing ...
But the way I look at it, everyone has a choice. Just because a Christian shares their faith with someone doesn't mean that they absolutely must choose to follow it. We see that here everyday.
So therefore, if the individual makes a conscious choice to follow Christianity regardless of the consequences, its exactly that -- their choice. But I would never push someone into accepting Christ.
2007-12-01 02:39:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
> So would you take the punishment?
No - I'm not a masochist. Self-defense is more effective, and the agressors should be neutralized until they can be arrested, judged, incarcerated and forgotten (or rehabilitated, if possible at all) by civil society.
.
2007-12-01 02:52:41 · answer #5 · answered by par1138 • FCD 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just preached on this the other night... i asked them "if they would be willing to pay the price, just to follow after Jesus.. and to be just like him..." I would definitely go the extra mile, or whatever it would take, just to follow after Christ, and to make my home in Heaven when that trumpet sounds....
In 1 Peter 4:12-19 (in the bible) it talks about how that we should not think it strange that we suffer for God's glory, but someday we shall have our reward... if you would read it then it would explain everything....
- Brittany, 15 years, and even though people look at my age and say that it is impossible to preach for God, its the power and he Holy Spirit that leads and guides me... "Everything is possible, through Chirst Jesus who strengthens me!"
2007-12-01 02:50:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Saving them from an eternity in Hell or saving them from a few years of persecution? Hmmmm tough one.
Duuhhh!
2007-12-01 02:44:43 · answer #7 · answered by Nashgirl4 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
when you ask a question like this you are only testing a persons faith.
if a person would not be willing to be "punished" for believing then that person is not a true christian are they? it would mean they dont believe with their whole heart wouldnt it?
yes, if somebody wanted to harm me for believing i would do nothing but accept it.
i will not deny my god, not even at the end of a sword.
2007-12-01 02:40:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be reveled in us." Romans 8:18
~OM~
2007-12-01 02:43:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes.
2007-12-01 02:40:00 · answer #10 · answered by Spoken4 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋