₦airaland Forum

Samunique:
Thanks op for this beautiful write up.

However, in a situation like this, we need to actually know what God is saying. The church is not responsible for this pandemic problem but the world itself.

And[b] the world itself is not ready to ask for the help of the church, rather, it has chosen to mock and castigate the church and her children for what she knows nothing about. In fact, it's looking like the whole thing was plotted from the pit of hell to ridicule the church.[/b]

Before now, science and religion has been on each other's neck, with the formal being used as a manipulative tool against the religion and the existence of God by the power that be, even though the religion in some aspects is also scientific.


What a perfect time such as this for the world to make mockery of what they have always wanted to, even though they are dying.


Now, go round the nairaland and other social media platforms, u will be amazed at what people are vomiting against the church as if she is the one responsible for this scourge.

Then what do you want the church to in this situation?

Even the Bible says, "Jesus could not perform much miracle in His home town bcs of their unbelieve".


I can assure you that millons of believers are praying over this case , you and I inclusive, but then, the will of God must also be done.


The question is , what's the mind of God?
What's He saying in this situation, this is the area I will agree with you that the church needs to wake up, bcs the Bible says, there's always a reason and purpose for anything that happens under the sun.

First off, very interesting OP @ xpanciated.
I agree with most of what you wrote.

Samunique,
Very well written.
Just scrolling down the Religion section looking at the titles here on Nairaland, makes me sorrowfully pity Nigerians.
When I think I've seen it all, something new pops up beyond my imagination.
I agree with you though that the enemy and his minions have been waiting for the chance to fully blame the religion of Christianity...note that I said Christianity....for what's occurring.
Remember:

Ephesians 6:12-18 (KJV)


12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints


I have to remind myself of the above quote when I come to Nairaland, because sometimes I actually envision little demons typing away invisibly and giggling with a high-pitched screeching voice saying,
" I got em' now..heeheehee!"
However, it's human beings fully demonically possessed sitting at their computers, devices or typing ferociously and rapidly on their phones like starving wolves.

They have allowed the enemy access, turned their ears away from truth and have been blinded. They now are completely taken over used by satan sadly.
Only a very few will eventually repent and surrender.

2 Peter 3:3-9 (KJV)


3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.


I haven't experienced folks here in the U.S. blaming the church. Of course Nigeria would mock and blame the church because there is a blatant war specifically against Christianity there.
I read about it daily right here on Nairaland.
Which I find so interesting because, if "religion" is to blame and Islam is the predominate religion over there then....blame would have to go....um...hmmm.....oh nevermind before I get censored or threatened.
However, prophecy tells us that the whole world will persecute those who stand for Christ Jesus...so I'm sure there are little pockets here and there in the U.S. who also like Nairaland/some Nigerians want to blame the church.

I so love the Lord and His Word because He tells us what will happen.
We may not know the exact time and date, but we should always be sober and vigilante.
You said it correctly though by stressing that God is trying to say something.?

oyinkel:
Its really a trying time for the world right now and all I can say is that may GOD have mercy on us all.

Many Christian have said that the pandemic is a judgement of GOD on the sinners, but I believe (like I said in my previous post on this topic) that is more of a wake up call to the saints. Its really amaze me to see how children of GOD are seemingly rushing to take refuge in the blood of JESUS and in the secret place of THE MOST HIGH, I thought that's where we have been dwelling all this while.


Really, if you have truly lived privately and publicly like the child of GOD you claim you are, there would be no need for the emergency proclamation of security as if you were in any way insecure the whole time. It is the wicked that flee when no one is pursuing him, the righteous at the other hand is as bold as a lion.


That said, I want to say that this is not the time to tell the world how judgemental GOD can be, but a time to proclaim, the love of GOD personified in JESUS CHRIST, a time to tell them of the rest and peace that can only be found in CHRIST and how willingly GOD is ready to save all who come to HIM at such a time like this.

Its somewhat amazing, that we preach JESUS the righteous, who for the sinners gave HIS life and then go ahead and condemn the sinners to judgement and death in HIS name. We sit in our church, sing good songs, proclaim GOD'S blessings for ourselves and declare judgment on the world, and when the judgement came, it did not spare the assembling together of saints, as many of our worship center that we take pride in were empty on Sunday.


GOD is not in the building, HE is after the lost, and we must go with HIM fishing for men souls. Is not a paradox that there is a joy in heaven over the soul that is saved and yet there is joy on earth among the saints over the death of the wicked who died in their sin, sometimes we are even the ones that pronounce their death sentence.



Let us take advantage of the season and tell the world that JESUS saves and in HIM alone is help and salvation.


GOD bless you

I really like what you wrote here.
Nigeria, Nigeria, Nigeria....
Although I have never lived there, my heart truly breaks for the country.
I really mean it.
When I said that you guys are deeply in my prayers, I meant it.
I was even wondering about Boko Haram...whether they knew what was going on and had ceased their activities?
They need prayer as well...as much as I sometimes do not want to do so for them.
Perhaps one, two or three may surrender their lives to Christ...regardless of the circumstances.
I am even praying very deeply for (6) specific people here on Nairaland...four of them know because I have told them in one way or another. However, the other two people here on N.L. do not know, but I have been impressed to bring them before the Lord daily which I am committed to doing.
Anyway, we, Christians should be sharing the Saviour with the world AND looking introspectively into our lives to see if we truly are in the faith.
Makes me think about the large number of "disciples" (minus the appointed 12) that Christ had in the early days of His ministry (John 6:65-68 KJV).
Yet when the going got "tough", (meaning the truth about His personage and what His ministry entailed), the crowd dwindled down to only a few.
See people wanted the benefits of being around a supernatural, blessed person, yet weren't willing to sacrifice what was required.
It's very easy to preach a prosperity gospel and enjoy the "alleged" benefits from it, but is that the gospel that Christ preached and lived?
Gargantuan buildings, nice clothing, expensive cars, wealth and fame won't do a person a bit of good once Jesus returns.
Pastors, family members, ministries, co-workers etc., cannot save you.
Only Jesus Christ can.
Christians, (me included), start truly developing a real, sincere, unbreakable bond with your Lord and Saviour.
Stop playing church, dig into that Word through prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, confess and forsake your sins, and then go into the world with the commission of (Matthew 28:18-20 KJV).
Who's really ready to get down into the trenches, minister to lost souls, and introduce them to the Only One who can set them free from sin and bondage?
This pestilence is only the beginning of birth pains for the end times. We are told in the scriptures.
This is more prophecy being fulfilled and should really increase our faith in Christ Jesus.
Worrying and running around hysterically about a cure for a pestilence in this world which will one day soon be destroyed, while one's soul is unclean and lost (be it in the church or out) yet not thinking about eternity truly shows where one's heart is centered.
Christians, we must do better.

PART 2

Answer to the second part of your question as promised.



Does failing a test lead to sin or falling into temptation?


I think that people sometimes use the words "testing" and "temptation" interchangeably.
I do not know that they really work that way in most cases.

As I previously stated and provided scriptural evidence, God cannot "tempt".

So if He cannot tempt, then either it's the enemy or our own lusting through human flesh.
Scriptural evidence in my previous post.

Temptation


1 : the act of tempting or the state of being tempted especially to evil : enticement

2 : something tempting : a cause or occasion of enticement


https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temptation

Temptation does not necessarily have to be an evil thing.

Ex. A woman is dieting and has completely cut out artificial sugar from her diet.
She, one day, sees a brownie at the bakery part of the store, stares at it and decides to purchase it. She eats it.
She was tempted...although the brownie is a lifeless object. She could have continued walking past it, but she didn't.
That was the lust of her own flesh.
HOWEVER, was her eating a sugary treat evil?
No..
Did it really affect anyone else other than herself?
No

However, yielding to the temptation in the Garden of Eden did affect everyone...even until today.
Eve was tempted by the serpent and she yielded.
That was a deadly, tragic and sinful mistake.

God tested Job (see previous post for scriptural reference) and Job didn't even know he was being tested. It was really to show satan that there were some faithful servants of God who would serve Him regardless of the circumstance. God knew Job would be faithful...
Job passed the test abundantly.
But had Job "failed" the test, I do not know what the results would have been.

One more example: Peter's denial of Christ (3) times (John 18: 15-27 KJV).
Peter sincerely felt that he would go to death for his Lord regardless of the circumstance.
But when the circumstance came, Peter cowardly denied ever knowing Christ!
Fear ruled him so greatly (due to his misunderstanding about Christ' mission on earth and what the Roman soldiers were doing) that he even used profane language!
Christ knew that Peter would "fail" yet He reassured him that when he got coverted, to "strengthen his brethren" (Luke 22:32 KJV).

Peter didn't know his own character flaws, but a testing in time of trial--Christ' capture & ultimate death--revealed them to him.
Peter had more chances to preach and teach about Christ in an even bolder, courageous manner. This time around he did not deny Him.
Going to his death (for preaching Christ), Peter would not even allow his murderers to crucify him as they did Jesus because he felt not even worthy enough to die in the same position! Wow!
This time Peter passed!

So tests (by God) usually strengthen one's faith or reveal character flaws that may need to be addressed, or just glorify God.

If you can differentiate between a "test" and a "temptation", that may help you more.
Sometimes, you may get confused.
Sincere prayer..and fasting when necessary...are the keys to help eradicate any confusion.

I don't know what kind of "test" you may be experiencing, but if you fail and it is the type of testing that does not lead you to sin, then I am sure God will speak to you through the Holy Spirit via guidance, rebuke, or strength needed.

JuanDeDios:
You're so smart and logical though. We should be together.

But am I Godly and biblically wise?
That is the most important question.

The above bolded KINDA, SORTA, IN JUST A TEENY, TINY WAY, reminds me of the biblical account of Joseph and Potiphar's wife...the basic premise of temptation and distraction.
(Full account is in Genesis 39: 1-23 KJV).
I'm playing the role of Joseph...and you are...ummm...well there's only (1) other role so....

There Joseph was minding his "own" business, yet glorifying His Father in Heaven while serving his "master" Potiphar who entrusted him with the care of his home....
When up out of the blue comes a more than likely lovely, charming, charismatic and probably tempting woman who wanted to "fraternize" with him. She probably complimented him first though.
The temptation for Joseph must have been really tremendous...
Would it be a wise move for him to chat with this seemingly charming person?
How should he approach the situation?
What does he decide to do?

Anyone who doesn't know how the story unfolds, please read it from the above-mentioned scripture passage.

Hmmmm.....

I so admire Joseph that I, Ms. Eviana, had to take a "page out of his book"...

You be blessed Mr. charming, anonymous, stranger.
Your compliments are humbly appreciated.




Sorry for derailing the thread folks.
Keeping Nigeria at the forefront of my prayers.
God still sits on the throne.

frosbel2:
And what is the evidence that you are saved from your sins besides quoting from your slave master's book.

If this forgiveness of sins is so potent , then we have to wonder why the Nigerian church ( not to mention Nigeria as a whole ) is ridden with moral scandal after moral scandal.

Well, I thank God I wasn't born a slave back during those times, because honestly, I do not think I would have lived.
Perhaps too outspoken about certain things..
I think they would've thrown me overboard on the journey from Africa over to the U.S.

To your second paragraph, well that's a question that Nigerians in Nigeria would need to assess.
Christ offers forgiveness to those that recognize their need of Him...through FAITH that He is Who He said He is and sacrificed Himself for us.

It is a daily sanctification process.
However, uncoverted people exist in all religions.

Professors only by "mouth" and not lifestyle exist in Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and idigenous religions too...I'm quite sure of that.
Church and state should be separated.
Morality starts at HOME.
Then trickles to church...then to community...then to government.

JuanDeDios:
Will you marry me?

I am both "tickled" and "flattered".
Very nice one....thank you sir

I went to church.
I think people need to be wise yet practical.
While people should be informed and cautious about any worldwide pestilence, all a professor of Christ "can" and "should" do is pray about the entire situation, be vigilante and consistent about being as clean (washing hands with soap thoroughly, using hand sanitizer, Clorox, Lysol or powerful chemicals that can kill germs etc.)as one can and continue living life.
Do not deliberately put vulnerable people (sickly elderly people--aged 65-70 and above- or immunocompromised people etc.) in situations where they can be more at risk (ex. large crowds etc.)
When one has done all one can do practically, then leave it in God's hands.
Being fearful or afraid to the point where one becomes irrational is unhealthy and destructive.
Unbridled fear can debilitate or paralyze a person...which is not good.

Christians should not be living that way...as if we do not have a Father in Heaven who still rules this entire planet and understand what is occurring.

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

CAN ONLY JESUS FREE ME FROM MY SINS?

ANSWER=YES!


Matthew 1:21 (KJV)
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins


1 John 1:9 (KJV)
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I highlighted a portion of this opinion piece which I found to be very interesting.
It appears to be written from Nigerian (Yoruba-not sure if the person's male or female)...so I think that what he/she has written carries some weight.
A gentle reminder about intermixing tradition/superstition with Christianity.



YOU CANNOT MIX CHRISTIANITY WITH TRADITION, It’s either you end your life with JESUS CHRIST or you end it with your traditional great grandfathers.

“NO MAN can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. YE CANNOT SERVE GOD AND MAMMON.”(Matthew 6:24)

https://www.facebook.com/oluwafemi.ilori.16

frosbel2:
Free thinker biased towards GOD as in the one God who we call Chukwu in Igbo



Igbo



I am not enraged with the name Jesus. It is just that Jesus does not exist in the religious vocabulary of my fore fathers.

FYI , I was a 'born again Christian' for up to 20 years before I decided it was , and is a SCAM....

Thank You

I appreciate you answering. Thank you.
Yes, I know very well what Chukwu means.
So you must be a traditionalist, who wants to preserve your culture perhaps?
Igbo really?
I have to admit that I have never heard of an Igbo "free-thinker" or Muslim.
To me, it's 99 percent impossible.
I cannot wrap my head around that.
My disbelief that you are Igbo is likened to you not believing in Jesus...which is truly unfortunate.
Interesting that you used to be a Christian..yet now you are one of the fierest opponents of the faith??
Something happened to you....as I always say when a person fights this hard in religion.
You believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel yet you reject His Son?
Doesn't make sense to me...
Something about your position is odd...

I may have briefly spoken with you under my former moniker a year or so ago...on a thread.
Can't remember..but I remember seeing your moniker.
Gonna sincerely add you to my prayer list...if you don't mind.
Thanks again for responding.

From what I've read about your religious beliefs or lack thereof, I do NOT agree with you at all.
You are 100 percent biblically wrong...with all due respect sir.
BUT this list here, which you posted, is 100 percent factual.

Frosbel2,
May I ask you (3) quick questions if you don't mind?

Feel free to ignore as well. Wouldn't be surpised at all... I'm used to that.

Anyhow, the answers to just (2) of the questions would confirm a whole lot to me.
Thanks sir.

1. Are you a "free-thinker", or a Muslim?

2. Are you Igbo?

3. Why are you so enraged with the name Jesus?

MuttleyLaff:
Ma'am, I was put on this earth to do either of two things, to amaze and piss people off, OR, to amaze and make people smile, lol. Which one did you get blessed from me with, lol.

Nah, you looked down the wrong end of the telescope judging by this your comment, lol. I was just playing devil's advocate with you, picking apart your intensely filled with emotion strong feelings and emotional outbursts post, lol.

When you began reeling out the most descriptive adjectives using the words: vicious, volatile, vile, animalistic, barbaric, ferocious and life-threatening (in several ways) to describe the boxing sport, I muttered to myself, watch, she'll soon run out of superlatives to continue describing this with, lol, then lo and behold, guess what. You actually did stop, lol

Of course, you know why I dearly love you, beside you having a good head on your shoulders, is your good sense of humour and ability to have a good laugh, lol.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, madam. Ease up ma'am, first and foremost,
1/ Where did MuttleyLaff use Jacob's wrestling with God as a comparison for what Mr. Wilder and Mr. Fury do as a profession?
2/ Where did MuttleyLaff use Jacob's wrestling with God as a justification for what Mr. Wilder and Mr. Fury do as a profession?
3/ Where did you read and/or find MuttleyLaff condemn or condone Mr. Deontay Wilder and Mr. Tyson Fury choice to take up boxing as a chosen profession that will bring in money

So? Yeah, did he or not shadow box ni, hmm?

You are being emotional now just as when you penned the original post

That's an illusion because I wouldnt particularly say, I love boxing. Sorry to burst your bubble. Now, if you must know, I at times, merely just says things for sake of needing to be real and say things the way I see them, and most of the time, not neccesarily, minding whose ox is gored.

The emboldened "I did not outright call boxing a "sin"" vindicates me, lol. Mission Accomplished. Sweet Success, lol, by the grace and power of God Almighty



"With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit,
and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,"
- Ephesians 6:18

I have come back calm and level-headed.
Well, in actuality sometimes I do not know when you are playing devil's advocate and when you are being serious.
So much deception in this section, you know.
I actually didn't think that Acehart's reply deserved to be crossed-out or place in the trash.
That was inappropriate.
I think it was well-written.

I just did not understand your use of Jacob, Paul and the Saviour of the world..in comparison to a sport called "boxing"?

I was extremely puzzled...still am.

I have not checked out the Manny Pacquiao video.
I have heard of him though and his philanthropic nature.
He is retired from boxing now, correct?
What is he doing now?
Perhaps I should research him.

I was initially interested in this post because, as I said earlier, the fight had been the "talk of the town" here in the U.S. for awhile.
It had been doubly interesting to me because of the spiritual aspect between the two.
Mr. Wilder's dad is a pastor...which I found out from my research.
I still will keep both men in my prayers....

MuttleyLaff:
Ma'am, I was put on this earth to do either of two things, to amaze and piss people off, OR, to amaze and make people smile, lol. Which one did you get blessed from me with, lol.

Nah, you looked down the wrong end of the telescope judging by this your comment, lol. I was just playing devil's advocate with you, picking apart your intensely filled with emotion strong feelings and emotional outbursts post, lol.

When you began reeling out the most descriptive adjectives using the words: vicious, volatile, vile, animalistic, barbaric, ferocious and life-threatening (in several ways) to describe the boxing sport, I muttered to myself, watch, she'll soon run out of superlatives to continue describing this with, lol, then lo and behold, guess what. You actually did stop, lol

Of course, you know why I dearly love you, beside you having a good head on your shoulders, is your good sense of humour and ability to have a good laugh, lol.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, madam. Ease up ma'am, first and foremost,
1/ Where did MuttleyLaff use Jacob's wrestling with God as a comparison for what Mr. Wilder and Mr. Fury do as a profession?
2/ Where did MuttleyLaff use Jacob's wrestling with God as a justification for what Mr. Wilder and Mr. Fury do as a profession?
3/ Where did you read and/or find MuttleyLaff condemn or condone Mr. Deontay Wilder and Mr. Tyson Fury choice to take up boxing as a chosen profession that will bring in money

So? Yeah, did he or not shadow box ni, hmm?

You are being emotional now just as when you penned the original post

That's an illusion because I wouldnt particularly say, I love boxing. Sorry to burst your bubble. Now, if you must know, I at times, merely just says things for sake of needing to be real and say things the way I see them, and most of the time, not neccesarily, minding whose ox is gored.

The emboldened "I did not outright call boxing a "sin"" vindicates me, lol. Mission Accomplished. Sweet Success, lol, by the grace and power of God Almighty



"With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit,
and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,"
- Ephesians 6:18

Oh,
How did you do that?
I see you have my original post...which I thought I had erased because you hadn't replied yet.
I thought I had been too harsh, or too "emotion-filled", so I erased certain parts and cleaned up others...lol.
But I see they've been re-birthed.
This is the internet, after all...

You and I have had our doctrinal differences, and probably will have some in the future but I can respect your willingness to discuss the Bible in depth rather than at surface level...although sometimes done in a questionable way.

I'm gonna read through your reply slowly (a little later) as I have only quickly glanced through and seen that my original reply to you..all of it...is still here.

Will come back..

Yet the most extremely important belief that divides us, (Christians and Muslims) is the belief of Jesus the Christ' deity.

Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God, is the only way to the Father, and sits at the right hand of God.

John 1:14 (KJV)

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 10:30 (KJV)
30 I and my Father are one


Revelation 3:21 (KJV)

21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

P.S.

Was just noticing, sir/ma'am through several of your posts that there seems to be a lot of hatred against Christians, particularly Igbo's.
I hope that you, as a Muslim, would preach "love" and not "hate" towards a different religion or group of people.
I would hope that Christians wouldn't mistreat, condemn, criticize or murder a person of a different religion either.

I would hope that any future ADULT encounters of meeting Muslims would be a positive, learning experience, because I have yet to experience that.
I am waiting to experience it.
What I have read (in your posts) directly contrasts the peace and love that you say Islam is promoting through the article by Robin Scott.

Acehart:
I enjoyed your writeup. I have also heard many Christians boast about the victory of Tyson Fury being a victory for the faith: it sounds like what politicians would say for popularity. It’s a travesty of the gospel to say the least.

I watch boxing (don’t slay me) [/b]though but what Fury did in the sixth round isn’t of the spirit of Christ: didn’t the Jerusalem council admonish the Gentiles to abstain from blood? The urge he felt was “cannibal-like”; this couldn’t have been the Lord’s doing?

Didn’t our Lord say we aren’t of the world? Didn’t he say we shouldn’t love the things of this world? Where does this boasting lead sinners to? Does boxing commend its stakeholders to righteousness?

[b]Fury reminds me of Elijah: he would get the victory (because God would not let His name to be ridiculed) but God will rebuke him thereafter: His victory against Wilder would be like a loss when he comes face to face with God.

Don’t worry Ms. God will take care of the situation.

Thank you for your well written reply.
Don't worry, I'm not judging you.
I appreciate your honesty in admitting you like the sport plain and simply.

Interesting analysis with the Fury/Elijah comparison.
I am praying for both of them.

MuttleyLaff:
I enjoyed reading both E/viana and A/cehart writeups, lol.

E/viana, certainly is entitled to voice her opinions. As it's just exactly what they are, they are views and/or conclusions formed about things, that are not necessarily based on fact or correct knowledge, lol.

I am going to cut to the bone and straightaway without any ceremony or wasting time come straight to the point, by asking you these few simple, easy, direct straightforward questions:
1/ How did Jacob sustain the hip injury he limped and suffered from?
2/ Who was until daybreak wrestling with God?
3/ Why would Apostle Paul say: "I do fight as if I were shadowboxing", hmm?
4/ Was what Jesus endure, suffered and went through at the hands of Pontius Pilate, the Roman soldiers, the arduous journey to Golgotha, the hanging on the cross and the culminating brutal death at same Calvary, any less vicious, volatile, vile, animalistic, barbaric, ferocious and life-threatening than the Wider vs Fury II fight, hmm?
5/ Did you perchance also read that the black guy (i.e. Deontay Wilder) said he believes in ancestors spirits? He actually said the Bronze Bomber is an ancestry spirit, that, it is this ancestry spirit that possesses him. Deontay, by the way, nicknames himself the "Bronze Bomber"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wj7tYm9vHKU
I made mention in my earlier post somewhere above there, that the demon inside Deontay, at the 2:02-2:14 minute mark of this YouTube clip, was with hostility, shouting out from him, Deontay, saying "... there's only one Bronze Bomber, there's only one Bronze Bomber, there's only one Bronze Bomber ..." and that it was so surreal to watch and hear.

Let him/her who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone

Some Parts Modified


Sir,
With all due respect, it appears that you suffer from a case of "cherry-picking-when-it-suits-me-or-supports-what-I-believe-itis"....

Anyhow sir Muttley, I appreciate "your opinions" about "my opinions".

You seriously used Jacob's wrestling with God as a comparison and justification for what Mr. Wilder and Mr. Fury do as a profession?

Then you said "shadow-boxing" and Paul in the same sentence?

Then you compare the brutal, despicable treatment by satanic Roman soldiers to my Righteous Saviour, who was doing the will of His Father in Heaven--taking death as the penalty of sin for a fallen world-- as justification for boxing? Wow..
Muttley, seriously?


Let me take a moment here..

Ok...mercy.
Mr. Muttley, you would have done better to just plainly say, "I love boxing", as Mr.Acehart did.

Yep, I know Mr. Wilder is "now" into ancestral "worship"...which is not part of Christianity..which is why I said that he has back-slidden from the faith in some areas.
I know my Nigerian people are gonna attack me for speaking against
indigenous/traditional/native worship.
I don't get into the "color/race" issue of Jesus.
I don't care what His skin color was.
I care about His "blood"....the one that was shed for me....that color only.

It is very easy to allow a demonic spirit access in our lives when we make choices that allow him to do so.
Each day is a spiritual warfare battle for the Christian's soul. I am not exempt from that nor have I ever said that.


Romans 3:23 (KJV)
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;


I am also aware of the caution we should take when it comes to judging.


Matthew 7:1 (KJV)
7 Judge not, that ye be not judged.


However, professors of Christ are told to judge righteous judgment.


John 7:24 (KJV)
24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.


That means "sin" is "sin" is "sin" is "sin".
There are biblical guidelines that followers of Christ are supposed to adhere to...
Regardless of what I may "feel" or "think", there is a measuring stick of sorts created by God that I am to use when professing Christ.

Because I like something, doesn't lesson what the reality is...no matter how much I may try to justify it. I did not outright call boxing a "sin", but I did point out that the characteristics of that particular sport, do not represent the characteristics of Jesus.

As I said in my initial post, I am praying for both of them sir Muttley.

Let me first put out a disclaimer:
I DO NOT WATCH BOXING.
I ABSOLUTELY AND UTTERLY DESPISE THIS SPORT AS I DO AMERICAN FOOTBALL...AND WILL ALWAYS DESPISE IT.


Reason being, that it is a vicious, volatile, vile, animalistic, barbaric, ferocious and life-threatening (in several ways) sport.
Was trying to use the most descriptive adjectives.
These men get their brains knocked around just as they do in American football. That is not what the body was designed for. It really is a form of abuse on the body to be constantly pummelled and pounded on to the point of swollen eyes closed shut, bloody faces, backs and ears, ruptured ear drums etc.
God does not condone that sort of "sport".
God has "0" part in that...regardless of what folks may think.

Anyhoo, I do not live under a rock and have heard folks talking about the much-hyped match a week or so ago. So I researched the two guys briefly, and also searched for a clip of the fight and could barely watch 5 seconds.
It was grotesque.
People were speaking about something that the white guy did to the black guy.
I watched it....and was sickened in the depths of my stomach. The image was detestable.
Also, people were speaking about the confession of Christ by the white guy.

Now looking from a purely spiritual perspective,
the white guy supposedly professes Jesus as his Saviour.
Yet he engaged in an extremely inappropriatly stated sexualized ritual before getting ready for a match or matches?
Then, what he specifically did to that black guy (not gonna describe it) that night towards the end of the match (I think caused I only saw a clip) had not even the slightest hint of Christianity. It was abnormal.
Clearly, another entity had taken over him.
That entity was NOT God...no way.
None of that is Christ...nor is it Christianity.
Quite naturally, when two men are practically beating each other to death, then there has to be another spirit taking over.
That is exactly what happened.

I read that the black guy comes from a religious family, however, it clearly looks like he has strayed.
He looked quite odd on that night in his regalia.
That outfit looked very dark...an ungodly spirit was attached to it.
What you guys saw was Hollywood....a script....a movie....actors on a stage....need I say more?
That is what happens when the quest for fame, wealth, and power consume a person to the point that they forget Who and what are truly important in life.
Now, I don't doubt that once upon a time, these guys professed Christ and maybe even lived it.
It's quite possible they have back-slidden.
But now, seing what "both" of them have done, as opposed to what they "profess", well we need to be praying for their full return to the Lord Jesus, because right now, sadly and unfortunately, they are not serving him.
People need to be cautious about what we label as Chritianity or who we follow because he/she professes Jesus.


1 John 4:1 (KJV)

4 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Hi,
If you don't mind, I cut out the first part of your question and will post it here

What is the difference between Tests and Temptations? Are they the same?

Also, let me say that I am not a Bible scholar.
However, I think your question(s) are very important and need to be tackled on this rather complicated subject.
Will try to answer in two posts.
Any other Christians who have sound, Biblical additional info are free to post as well.

The pastor, per se, is not completely wrong in saying that "tests" come from God and "temptations" from the enemy.
If you look at the first chapter in the Book of James, more clarification about "temptation" is given.

James 1:12,13 (KJV)

[i]12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

From that scripture, one can know that it isn't God who tempts one to do evil.
So that leaves (2) other options on who tempts.


Genesis 3: 1-6, 13 (KJV)

3 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat
[/i]
13 And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

The enemy (in the form of a serpent) deceived & tempted Eve... (which she yielded to).


James 1: 14, 15 (KJV)

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death


We, humans, have an affinity to yield to temptation based on the "lust of our flesh"...


1 John 2:16 (KJV)


16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.


So the "lustful" desires of anything is a result of being born into a fallen world with fallen natures.
We are not talking about something trivial as in a person on a diet of "0" sugar, but then sees and then eats a cookie or a slice of cake.
Although that is a "temptation" of sorts, it is not a temptation that brings forth evil/sin.


WHAT IS A TEST?

A test is designed to strengthen one's faith in God and comes from God. Oftentimes, illustrations or parallels are drawn through the experiences.
The tests may appear opposite of what we may expect, but that is where a relationship with Christ comes in. You have to know it is His spirit speaking to you.


Examples:

Abraham offering Isaac (Gen 22:1-19)
Job's huge trial of faith (Book of Job)
Hosea marrying Gomer (Book of Hosea)



This second part of your question coming later.

Does failing a test lead to sin or falling into temptation?

MuttleyLaff:
I never mentioned or used King Darius.

King Darius was about Daniel and the lions den but I know you meant King Belshazzar sha, lol

Lol...oh I'm sorry.
I got that wrong.
Yes, I meant King Belshazzar...the king who ultimately chose worldly pleasure and pride over the Lord after having been repeatedly warned.
I've been studying in Daniel for a few weeks now and had just finished Daniel 6...the time when King Darius was reigning and Daniel was in old age and essentially got thrown into the lion's den as you stated.
So King Darius has been on my mind...but it was King Belshazzar's --King Nebuchadnezzar's grandson-- actions that mimicked Pharoah's as you rightly stated.
Wonder if there's something about being placed in such high positions of power that really poses a challenge for many people...?? Perhaps...
Thank you for the correction & understanding.

Acehart:
Good morning,

We see in the Book of Romans Paul’s expression: For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened; Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity. (Romans 1:21,24)

The tense in which the God’s sense of hardening is spoken about is the same sense as Paul’s explanation of God’s judicial action - sentencing them to the most extreme limit of the heart’s inclination against Him - judgement. Even in the original language, two words for “harden” are used; and that attributed to God agrees with Paul’s argument.

God gives the same benefit of grace to all but as the scriptures said: A man who hardens his neck after much reproof Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy (Proverbs 29:1). God reached His limit and judgment was pronounced.

(There is a limit to God’s reproof and Pharoah more than most got it in full measure - God did everything possible for his believing, but he resisted. God knows those who will believe Him but He will speak to all men about His righteousness nonetheless. God doesn’t tempt or influence any man to do evil.)

Good evening (your time),
I can live with your explanation here.
I, think, essentially and based on this particular post, that we may be saying almost the same thing...ultimately.
The one thing I don't want to do is confuse folks further than they may already be in this section.

Thank you for your insight.

MuttleyLaff:
"Why harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened theirs?
When He afflicted them, did they not send the people on their way as they departed?"
- 1 Samuel 6:6

E.viana, by saying Pharoah hardened his own heart is 10000% correct and no chance making a contradiction

Why are you comparing apples with oranges, hmm? Of course, Manasseh was just as badass as Pharaoh, if not more, but there was a beacon of light and/or ray of hope at the end of Manasseh's tunnel, unlike in Pharaoh's case, who was irredeemable and in collision course with the light in his tunnel that was that of a fast moving freight train

Read the following next coming, as it gets the better of your best way to explain “hardened”
[b]
Back in the day, talking of when being in dormitory at boarding school now, when two kids are raring to fight, usually a senior(s) or their mates will try to prevent them from having the fight and slugging it out. Sometimes, the senior(s) or their mates, will relent and give in because the boys are still doing "agidi and gra-gra" that they want to fight. When the principal finds out about the fight and then asks, who made them fight, the answer he usually gets is, it's the senior or the mates who did, and this because of the fact that the boys were been separated and blocked from fighting each other, but wouldn't have any of that, so the senior or their mates allowed the boys to start having the fight. So in a way, thats how it is concluded that the senior and/or their mates allowed and made the boys fight, although they, the boys in actual sense were raring to fight initially/fight as well and so to an extent were impossible to stop or prevent from having the fight.

It is similar with Pharaoh and God, just like the boys' seniors and room mates didnt per se make the boys fight, but just stepped back or aside for them to go ahead fighting, so God didnt directly harden Pharaoh's heart.

Pharaoh's heart with God's Hand on it, was like a sponge saturated with water (i.e. word of God) and so prevented for drying out and hardening, but the moment God withdrew His restraining Hand on Pharaoh's heart, Pharaoh had the freedom to do as he wish in his heart. That is how God indirectly hardened Pharaoh's heart.

We see divine hardening, as in meaning God letting Pharaoh have his way and self hardening, as in meaning, Pharaoh had his wish and way comes into play.
[/b]

I totally agree with your "school boys" illustration and overall response here.
Your last two paragraphs basically sum it up.

CORRECTION

Yep, you are also correct about
King Belshazzar...good example.

Acehart:
You said: people misunderstand the “hardened part”. With your explanation, I think many more people will continue to misunderstand because the scriptures says God hardened Pharoah’s heart but you have said Pharoah hardened his own heart - a contradiction.

When we look the scriptures we see that God is the sole source and instigator of repentance- He will have mercy on whom He will have mercy on. Didn’t we read that “the goodness of God leads to repentance”?Wasn’t Manneseh ‘more evil’ than Pharoah? yet God caused Him to repent.

The best way to explain “hardened” is to look at the interaction between fire and wax: The closer fire is to wax, the softer it gets; Jesus said, “… everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.” (John 3:20). Yes, many of us had experienced the truth in this verse in that when we have sinned, we avoided situations (e.g., not attending worship services and/or small group meetings) where we would be reminded of our broken fellowship with God. We avoided the light that would shine on our darkness. Yet God found a way to approach us in our “waxen” state and we repented - what goodness!

But when God withdraws His presence, it can be likened to when a kindled fire is put far from wax: the wax turns stiff and remains so. God intended to save Pharoah through the messages of His prophets; and signs and wonders, but He rejected God - he hated the light so that his wickedness would not be exposed. For this, the psalmist said: But as for me, the nearness of God is my good (Psalms 73:28) - this is our boast.

The last state of Pharoah’s heart (cruelty) is a reflection of what happens when God’s withdrawal from a nation or person is in effect (Isa. 54: 8 ). So God hardened (made cruel) Pharoah’s heart and not Pharoah hardened (made impregnable) his own heart, as you said. The scripture is not wrong.

Hi,
I appreciate your detailed explanation.
I think I understand what you were trying to say.
I agree with most of it.
I just wanted to get the point across that Pharoah made a choice to reject God.
It's dangerous to say that God "hardened" one's heart, (although the verse literally says that in the KJV ), because that would imply that "free-will" was not even offered.
That would go against God's character of being a God of mercy, impartiality and justice.
Yes, He decides who He will have mercy on...however I would not compare that to someone choosing to surrender his/her life to Christ. Mercy encompasses a whole lot of things..outside of salvation in my opinion.
The idea of God "hardening" one's heart against Himself is not plausible to me.
That would be delving into the dangerous and false Calvinistic view of pre-destination...where only a few "elect" are destined to be eternally saved and others are destined to be eternally condemned.
Sometimes, it's important to dig further for a meaning rather than take some phrases as "literal".

Very well written....people misunderstand "the hardened" part.
Pharoah hardened his own heart...through his repeated defiance/failure to repent from repeated warnings/signs from God through Moses.
His cup finally filled up and his choice had been sealed.
People always have a "choice", but there is a "cut-off" time...of which we do not know.
Reminds me of King Saul.....

Hebrews 3:15 (KJV)

15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation

Well written....and biblically sound.

CAPSLOCKED:
SIN-RAVAGED WORLD, AS IN HOW?

ASSUMING GOD IS THE CREATOR, DO YOU THINK LIONS AND SHARKS (LET'S NOT INCLUDE DINOSAURS) WERE BUILT TO EAT GRASS?

IS EVERYTHING NOT THE ALL-KNOWING GOD'S PERFECT PLAN? INCLUDING IGNORANT EVE EATING THE DAMN FRUIT?

Thank you for the question.
"Sin-ravaged" as in the perfect world becoming engrossed in sin after Lucifer's choice of rebellion, subsequent ejection from Heaven to earth (specifically the Garden of Eden), temptation to sin offered to Eve, and Eve's acceptance of his offer and effectual disobedience to God.
[b]Isaiah 14:12-15 (KJV)
Genesis 1 Entire Chapter (KJV)
Genesis 2 Entire Chapter (KJV)
Genesis 3 Entire Chapter (KJV)


Ever since then, sir, this world...planet Earth...has been ravaged by sin.
That would include humans, nature, and animals.
I believe that lions, sharks, or any predatory carnivorous animal were NOT originally designed to eat meat...each other.
That would mean "before" sin entered the earth through Adam's and Eve's disobedience.

Romans 6:23 (KJV)

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord


If death equates to a life being taken....regardless of who or what does it, then an animal killing and eating another animal (taking its life) is the effect of sin.
Their natures were changed from calm and docile to aggressive, violent and predatory.
Isaiah 11:1-9 (KJV) explains the state in which predatory animals and their prey will co-exist in the New Jerusalem...when all is said and done and He has returned via His 2nd coming.
Isaiah is referring to Revelation 21: 1-27 (KJV).


Yep, God is ominiscient....knew everything that would happen, is happening and will happen.
He knew Lucifer would develop iniquity in his heart...although perfectly created. That is called the "mystery of iniquity".
He knew Eve would be deceived and choose to eat the fruit...
He knew Adam would follow his wife and eat the fruit although he was not deceived.
As the poster stated earlier to you....it is called FREE WILL...the right to choose what one wants to do. God gave the couple a choice....although He commanded them not to do a particular thing.
God developed a "plan of salvation"--Jesus Christ as Redeemer through His death and resurrection--to still be able to reconcile man to Him once again and eternally...in spite of the fact that damage(sin) had been committed and sin was now on earth.

Sir, I hope you can prayerfully receive this.
I sense your rage through your words (you even write in red) and hope that one day you will humble yourself, repent and surrender to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. You will not regret it.

[quote author=prof.2007 post=86964122]UNITED States-based Interfaith leaders, after a fact-finding mission to Northern Nigeria which has been under sectarian attacks, yesterday declared Nigeria a ticking time bomb which may soon become the most dangerous place on the planet.

‘Does anyone give a damn about the innocents dying every day in West Africa? If so, it’s time to show it,’ said Rabbi Abraham Cooper and Rev. Johnnie Moore.

A source close to Mission said Rabbi Abraham Cooper, Associate Dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, and Rev. Johnnie Moore, President of The Congress of Christian Leaders and a Wiesenthal Center honoree, last week embarked upon a fact-finding mission to northern Nigeria to investigate targeted attacks by Islamist extremists against vulnerable Christian communities and other issues related to the ongoing conflict in West Africa.

Throughout the week, they met with Christian and Muslim religious leaders, representatives of non-governmental organizations, senior government officials, and more than 50 survivors of attacks by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and herdsmen.

Consequently, Rabbi Cooper and Reverend Moore said in a statement after the interface: “You, like us, have no doubt heard of the attacks on communities throughout vulnerable parts of Nigeria. “You’ve heard of the kidnapping and abuse of young women, the churches that have been burned, the homes that have been razed, and of the million or more children now roaming the streets out-of-school.

“Maybe last week, you also heard about the second anniversary of the kidnapping of the courageous teenager, Leah Sharibu, or the torching of a bus the week before that or of the grotesque beheading of a noted Christian pastor two weeks before that.

“After our journey there, we want the world to know that you haven’t heard half of it. The terrorists’ aim to ethnically cleanse northern Nigeria of its Christians and to kill every Muslim who stands in their way. If things don’t change immediately, portions of Nigeria and the broader Lake Chad region may soon become the most dangerous place on the planet.

”This portion of Africa will be ground zero for the next generation’s war on terrorism, and the humanitarian cost of letting these problems fester and multiply in the near-term could result in disaster for much of Western Africa.

“Our message to the leaders of Nigeria is that the status quo is unacceptable, and the government must do more to immediately fulfill its fundamental responsibility to protect all of its citizens.”

SOURCE: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/02/us-interfaith-leaders-declare-nigeria-ticking-time-bomb/[/quote]

Truthfully told, I used to be quite afraid of death..
How, when, and where were my questions?

See I was looking through a carnal mind-set..my faith had weakened tremendously.
I did a Peter move...and lost my hold on Jesus for a time.

While death is the result of a sin-ravaged world, and is a very tragic and distressing event for anyone who's experienced it (via loved ones, friends, people of high influence etc.), it should not paralyze the Christian who has a rock-solid faith and belief in Jesus' death & resurrection.
The person who wholeheartedly believes in God's Word..His promise to those whose faith relies solely on Him...regardless of how or when death may come.

I marvel at the disciples of Jesus, such as Peter who found himself unworthy to be crucified in the same position as Jesus but rather opted to be crucified upside-down.
Or the early reformers such as John Wesley, and the remarkably courageous Martin Luther.
Or John Huss who was singing as he was being burned alive
Or perhaps the millions of Christians tortured and killed through such heinous means (ex. ripped to shreds by starving lions, or boiled alive etc.) during the Dark Ages.
Or the Christians of today (all over the world...including there in Nigeria) who would rather be in captivity or suffer death than deny their Lord and Saviour...
Mercy....
They have my utmost admiration and respect...

There is no question about the above people's faith & trust in God...even until death.
Do I fear death?
Not anymore (and by His grace)..and I say that because of the continual command to "Fear Not", which is reportedly said to be written 365 times in the Bible.
Why should I fear, if my anchor is held onto God's unchanging ship....


2 Timothy 1:7-8 (KJV)

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;



Isaiah 41:10 KJV

Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Psalm 27 (KJV)

27 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?


Revelation 2:10 (KJV)

10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

That's a very powerful one too...
I have too many "favorites"....

I really like this OP.
Interestingly, creatively and nicely written....

[quote author=easy/digitallink post=86781820]The Lord shall fight for you and ye shall hold your peace[/quote]One of my favorites indeed.....