Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? - Religion - Nairaland
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| Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by OkCornel(m): 7:25am On Jun 10, 2019 |
Good morning everyone, Trust your week started on a bright note. Considering the fact that joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit as stated in Galatians 5 v 22, the question is...Should a spirit filled believer be battling depression, contemplate and succumb to suicidal thoughts? First of all, let us get the definition (from www.dictionary.com)of what joy and depression is to kick start the thread. Definition of Joy - A feeling of great pleasure and happiness Synonyms of Joy - delight, great pleasure, joyfulness, jubilation, triumph, exultation, rejoicing, happiness, gladness, glee, exhilaration, ebullience, exuberance, elation, euphoria, bliss, ecstasy, transports of delight, rapture, radiance; enjoyment, gratification, felicity; cloud nine, seventh heaven; Definition of Depression - feelings of severe despondency and dejection. Synonyms of Depression - melancholy, misery, sadness, unhappiness, sorrow, woe, gloom, gloominess, dejection, downheartedness, despondency, dispiritedness, low spirits, heavy-heartedness, moroseness, discouragement, despair, desolation, dolefulness, moodiness, pessimism, hopelessness; the slough of despond; upset, tearfulness; informalthe dumps, the doldrums, the blues, one's black dog, a low; Now bear in mind per the dictionary definition of both joy and depression, these are both feelings... Life is full of the good times, the bad times, the horrible times and the ugly times... but should a spirit filled believer's outlook and feelings ultimately be controlled by the situation they face? No. Things are not getting rosier... and guess what? Even the early believers in the new covenant, at the height of persecution in the roman empire faced a lot worse than some...if not most self professed believers today! Can you explain having your properties and all you've worked for unjustly seized? Having your loved ones fed to the lions right before your eyes for not denying the truth? For a better understanding... let's have a deep dive into the lives of the early apostles and the early true worshipers in the early church who never had their spirits broken despite the challenges of life they faced! They faced this, not by their strength...but by the power from the Spirit of God... Yes, that same Spirit that is the source of Joy unconditional... I would make reference to scriptural and historical evidences to buttress my points. Also try to download this e-book. Foxe's Book of Martyrs. 1 Like 1 Share |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by Dencotext: 11:10pm On Jun 13, 2019 |
OkCornel:Honestly you be a very confused and eccentric bobo. What has suicide and depression to do with martyrdom of the early Christians? No wonder you go about spamming other people forum with your stubborn dull brain that cannot say anything coherent in your own forum. Shame!  1 Like |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by OkCornel(m): 8:36am On Jun 14, 2019 |
Dencotext: The point of this thread is to show how early Christians perservered to the very end despite the hardships they faced in their time. They were not Lily livered or faint hearted like the self professed Christians...some of which are battling depression and committing suicide today... I hope this is basic enough for you to understand... Cc: Agrogbeide, elated177, maximus69, guess who showed up here... after dodging questions on the tithes and first fruits thread... Please check the content of what this thread is about and check Dencotext's response...then tell me if he is really sane... |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by FOLYKAZE(m): 6:56am On Jul 16, 2019 |
OkCornel: Interesting topic you have there. I think MuttleyLaff and me can take our turn here instead of derailing that other beautiful thread. This time, out vocal point will be suicide and heaven. As a christian, you believe there is a heaven, under the rulership of Jesus. In this place, there is no pain, suffering, tribulations, disease and depression. It is eternal bliss and infinite merriment. If this place is real, why are you still here on earth? Why haven't you commit suicide and have yourself ported to heaven? Could your insistence on staying on earth with struggles and pains mean heaven isn't real? |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by MuttleyLaff: 7:35am On Jul 16, 2019 |
OkCornel:Fyi, Agrogbeide, a long time ago has deactivated that Agrogbeide moniker ID. Now since FOLYKAZE, is ever hankering and having this strong desire to have things like this happen, he'll be happy and pleased to be told that he'll see suicides happen more self destructs, come on, at least on obodo Nairaland Tbh, I know and see some other moniker IDs that out of shame, embarrassments, frustrations, depression, humiliations, disgrace, being found out etcetera who too sooner or later will fall and rest on their swords self destruct deactivate their moniker ID. FOLYKAZE:FOLYKAZE, just doesnt give up. FOLYKAZE, did God that put human beings on earth, ask them to hurry back and come to heaven ni? If you know of any place where God did say this, then kindly please point me to where and show me please FOLYKAZE, even, if in this place, there is pain, suffering, tribulations, disease and depression, so what?. Kini big deal? Shey na you send me put for earth ni? Pesin wey put me here, is not in a hurry of having me back nau. FOLYKAZE, we have made our beds and so going to lie in it. FOLYKAZE, we haven't committed suicide and ported to heaven yet because life on earth is for the enjoying. There’s plenty of time to commit suicide, if that's your thing. To commit suicide is easy, but to live on earth, that you say is full of pain, suffering, tribulations, disease and depression, that is difficult. Why cant you advise to find something on earth to live for, instead of encouraging people with reasons to die for? Why your morbid fascination in seeing people commit suicide, erhn? Why are you death-obsessed in other people's untimely death, hmm? FOLYKAZE, do you hear OkCornel, say: "early 1 Like 1 Share |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by Nobody: 8:34am On Jul 16, 2019 |
Nice one OP. The truth is that the orientation of the church at the time was very different from the church we have today. For a church that is built on the easy words of the flesh, should not be expected to have the same orientation as that which was built on the hard Words of the Spirit. As Jesus said the flesh profits nothing, but it's the Spirit that quickens. Therefore this saying is justified with the different outcomes, when the church faces the same storms. God bless. 3 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by CaveAdullam: 10:25am On Jul 16, 2019 |
Lol. You are very on point bro. Selfish ambitions are the major causes of depression which in most cases always lead to suicide. If the life of a Christian is wholly focus towards heaven and not on earthly things (although he needs them), such Christian will always find joy and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. At this stage of my Christian life, though in my early twenties, God by His grace has brought me to that stage where I can say with Apostle Paul that for me to live is Christ and to die is gain. The Lord Jesus Christ even told us that the house that is built upon the rock(Jesus Christ) will not fall when the rain descends, when the flood comes or when the wind blows. He again also told us that He will provide for us shelter, food, and clothing just like the flowers in the field and the birds of the air. So no matter the circumstances we experience in life we must allow God leads and comfort us by His Spirit so that His divine will be fulfilled and we also will leap in Him from glory to glory. Anytime depression or thoughts of suicide comes our way as Christians we should remember the Lord Jesus Christ and His sufferings while on earth, Job, David, Elijah, Stephen and a host of others who through Christ overcame the trials, temptations and tribulations of life. Nevertheless, just as Apostle Peter said, ".......rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." I have glance through that book the Foxe's book of martyrs, I even have a copy of it and will read it carefully during my leisure. NB: Agrobeide>CaveAdullam. Thanks OkCornel. God bless. 4 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by OkCornel(m): 10:32am On Jul 16, 2019 |
FOLYKAZE: Lol, I had slightly different plans for this thread, but no problem. I'll have to put the updates here whilst the discussion continues... |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by alBHAGDADI: 11:08am On Jul 16, 2019 |
Dencotext: I thought I was the only one that noticed the troll's ways. 
|
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by OkCornel(m): 12:27pm On Jul 16, 2019 |
alBHAGDADI: First off, I must say I find this Patrick Vieira's picture very funny. I don't know why I laugh whenever I see it.... Then, of all the posts on this thread you can see to latch on is this one? alBHAGDADI, you are bigger than this... The issue of suicide and depression is really serious especially in this country where we have professed believers committing such... I am sure you have something really useful to contribute on the matter here... And if you don't, no need for this distraction. Stick to the topic and make your points... |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by MuttleyLaff: 2:50pm On Jul 16, 2019 |
Dencotext:You dont understand. It is not what you think, that suicide and depression has anything to do with martyrdom of the early Christians. I presume that OkCornel opened up this thread because of seeing the antics of popular and widely know FOLYKAZE. FOLYKAZE, is someone who happens to have this wacky idea and morbid fascination in wanting to be seeing people, christians/believers especially committing suicide. FOLYKAZE is that death-obsessed, he is encouraging people, christians/believers in particular, with reasons, why they should be taking their lives, just die and die off. alBHAGDADI: OkCornel: MuttleyLaff:I am still laughing. Na wa ooo. 1 Like 1 Share |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by OkCornel(m): 3:00pm On Jul 16, 2019 |
MuttleyLaff: As in... it's a comic relief |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by OkCornel(m): 3:04pm On Jul 16, 2019 |
CaveAdullam: Duly noted brother. At the end of the day, whatever one decides to focus his or her mind on determines how the person would turn out eventually... If one dwells on selfish lofty ambitions, or negative thoughts and thoughts of self worthlessness, depression and perhaps suicide will set in eventually... No wonder the scriptures admonishes we focus on positive and good things that would edify... 1 Like |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by OkCornel(m): 3:09pm On Jul 16, 2019 |
jesusjnr: Thanks bro, God bless you. Unfortunately, most of what we have as churches these days are doctrine led, pastor led or Mammon led churches... If we had Spirit filled and led churches, things would not degenerate to this level... Joy as a fruit of the Spirit...is severely lacking. Even the rich and comfortable are putting up masks of happiness whereas they are not immune to depression... Seen a lot of scary things... better not to say for now. 1 Like 1 Share |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by MuttleyLaff: 3:31pm On Jul 16, 2019 |
CaveAdullam: FOLYKAZE: MuttleyLaff: FOLYKAZE: MuttleyLaff: FOLYKAZE: MuttleyLaff:To nwanne CaveAdullam, the moniker ID formerly known as Agrogbeide, welcome back. You're a phoenix! |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by CaveAdullam: 4:07pm On Jul 16, 2019 |
MuttleyLaff: 1 Like |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by CaveAdullam: 4:09pm On Jul 16, 2019 |
CaveAdullam:lol. Well done Sir. 1 Like |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by OkCornel(m): 4:17pm On Jul 16, 2019 |
Lemme quickly book the next few slots to discuss on the struggles, pains, hardships of the Apostles and early believers with biblical and historical evidences... I'll modify the posts and update accordingly.. Thanks for understanding |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by OkCornel(m): 4:17pm On Jul 16, 2019 |
Stephen & The Early Believers After the ascension of Jesus (translated as Yeshua, Yahushua or Joshua in Hebrew; and Iesous in Greek), the Holy Spirit descended on those who waited on Him in the Upper room. That day we all know as the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit empowered the believers to speak in diverse tongues which could be heard and clearly understood by Jews and gentiles who were resident in foreign nations, but were present in Jerusalem at the time. Peter was inspired by the Holy Spirit to address the crowd, and that day 3,000 souls were baptized and added to the flock. Most likely, these foreigners must have taken the tidings of the good news and their testimonies back to their various nations. The believers were merely viewed as another sect in Judaism, as their belief system was relatively in its infancy back then. The first act of persecution recorded in the scriptures (Acts 3 & 4) was Peter and John held in custody for healing the crippled man at the beautiful gate. The threat of this belief system was viewed as a threat to the established order and religion of the day - Judaism. Even more worrisome and confusing to the established order of the day (the Sadducees, The high priest e.t.c) was how "unlearned and ignorant" men (i.e. Peter and John) defended themselves brilliantly before those who experts in the Law. Nothing could be done, the works (healing of the crippled man) and testimonies of same had gone forth, and the evidence could not be covered up! It was all calm and rosy, up until Stephen's blood was spilled by the established religion of the day - Judaism. Stephen was murdered brutally, sentenced to death by stoning. He died at the age of 29. He lived from AD 5 - AD 34. What could have empowered a young man who had his life ahead of Him to die readily for the TRUTH he believed in? He had resolved to serve the Lord through thick and thin, good or bad. And must have been convicted and empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in the TRUTH. Stephen was full of power (from the Holy Spirit) and performed signs and wonders among the people. He was also full of wisdom (wisdom and knowledge are two out of the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit). He displayed this gift in the synagogues, and his debaters who were sore losers accused him of blasphemy (well, the TRUTH always sound like blasphemy to hard-hearted people who follow traditions without insight or understanding), and set him up to be killed. The full story of Stephen in the scriptures can be found in Acts 6 and 7 |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by OkCornel(m): 4:18pm On Jul 16, 2019 |
The Early Believers Cont'd And the death of Stephen set the tone for the early believers resident in Jerusalem to be exposed to all sorts of persecution. This wave of persecution was spearheaded by the passionate Saul (later known as Apostle Paul). Many believers were taken by surprise and hauled into dungeons for their faith. Who knows? perhaps some were tortured to death, some were imprisoned with the promise of freedom only if they recant their faith and turn their backs on the TRUTH. Ordinary men and women going about their daily activities suddenly faced with the reality of rotting away in prison cells and dungeons. Some, maybe separated from their families never to see them again. In the face of all this, what could still give such God loving men and women the strength to face such persecution if not for the unconditional Joy of the Holy Spirit? Nicanor - one of the seven deacons that was appointed alongside Stephen also suffered martyrdom at about the same time Stephen was killed. Likewise, according to historical sources, about 2,000 believers were killed in that wave of persecution in Jerusalem that started with the murder of Stephen. These are men and women who faced hardship that would ordinarily give room for depression. Some would have had the chance to save their lives, recant their faith and return to their comfort zones and means of livelihood. But no, they endured to the very end. This cannot be possible without the power of the Spirit of God. The wave of persecution in Jerusalem chased believers to regions of Judaea and Samaria, and consequently the gospel and good news of the Kingdom of God spread there as well. |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by OkCornel(m): 4:19pm On Jul 16, 2019 |
The following posts are extracted from Foxe's Book of Martyrs. This would give insight on the horrible conditions and tensed atmosphere believers lived in the early centuries; The First Persecution, Under Nero, A.D. 67 The first persecution of the Church took place in the year 67, under Nero, the sixth emperor of Rome. This monarch reigned for the space of five years, with tolerable credit to himself, but then gave way to the greatest extravagancy of temper, and to the most atrocious barbarities. Among other diabolical whims, he ordered that the city of Rome should be set on fire, which order was executed by his officers, guards, and servants. While the imperial city was in flames, he went up to the tower of Macaenas, played upon his harp,sung the song of the burning of Troy, and openly declared that 'he wished the ruin of all things before his death.' Besides the noble pile, called the Circus, many other palaces and houses were consumed; several thousands perished in the flames, were smothered in the smoke, or buried beneath the ruins. This dreadful conflagration continued nine days; when Nero, finding that his conduct was greatly blamed, and a severe odium cast upon him, determined to lay the whole upon the Christians, at once to excuse himself, and have an opportunity of glutting his sight with new cruelties. This was the occasion of the first persecution; and the barbarities exercised on the Christians were such as even excited the commiseration of the Romans themselves. Nero even refined upon cruelty, and contrived all manner of punishments for the Christians that the most infernal imagination could design. In particular, he had some sewed up in skins of wild beasts, and then worried by dogs until they expired; and others dressed in shirts made stiff with wax, fixed to axletrees, and set on fire in his gardens, in order to illuminate them. This persecution was general throughout the whole Roman Empire; but it rather increased than diminished the spirit of Christianity. In the course of it, St. Paul and St. Peter were martyred. To their names may be added, Erastus, chamberlain of Corinth; Aristarchus, the Macedonian, and Trophimus, an Ephesian, converted by St. Paul, and fellow-laborer with him, Joseph, commonly called Barsabas, and Ananias, bishop of Damascus; each of the Seventy |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by FOLYKAZE(m): 6:03pm On Jul 16, 2019 |
I have given you enough chance to establish a line of defence from the scripture where God frowned or forbid suicide but you have not been able to stretch out any tangible and coherent point. Also, I have showcased with different suicide reports in the bible that God approved and assisted suicide, and in the evidences from Abimelech who wasn't punished for suicide, it has shown God do not condemn and necessarily condone suicide. The next checker move would validate or not if the heaven you lots claim that exist truly does. If it is, you will all be eager to catapult there. The fear and cowardice been displayed toward suicide, even when God condone it, tells that the heaven claim is just a paradise on lip, it isn't real. But what else do you have, lets see. MuttleyLaff: How many times do I have to tell you the cogent factor that define 'suicide'? The intent or intention is CONSTANTLY from human (suicider), not God. If the intention is from God, then it is not suicide any longer. MuttleyLaff: Thank goodness you admit that the world is not a bed of roses. We are making progress. The tenet of your faith is to live a life better than what you have now. This isn't just about living, it is living eternally, this is a feet that cannot be achieved on earth. Not only that, there will be no more pain, suffering, disease, tribulation and agony. Another important thing, there will be no more sin. God give human the gift of breathe and life (Isaiah 42:5). Not only that, he give human the freedom of choice ( 2 cor 3:17). For survival, the migration pattern of any organism is always in the direction of better places than where they were. Therefore, unless Heaven is not real, unless you do not have confidence in your faith, unless the whole promises are mere paradise on the lip, you would want to move to a world where all struggles ain't present. MuttleyLaff: What exactly are you enjoying in this world? I will like to know. MuttleyLaff:Nah, it is not my thing. You see, I don't have alternative to this life I am living today, so I am giving it my all. I don't have a heaven or paradise. I know I am returning to nothingness which is another long painstaking boredom. Infact, I don't want to go to life beyond. Cuz it scares me. And hey, we are different sir. You have the best of the the best alternative. I wouldn't understand why you chose to endure pains and suffering. To what end? The end is always death which you could have given yourself. MuttleyLaff: Suicide is a valid last resort for those enduring major pain or trauma. It affects no one and is potentially to the advantage of the individual. Why would you prolong a miserable existence, because of some frivolous advantage which the public may perhaps receive from you? Encouraging someone to continue miserable existence is the worst crime. Because you are wishing such person more pain and sufferings. That is wickedness. In this world we are, when you find something to live on, there will be multiple problems to die for. The only something that one should live for is complete elimination of all problems which is impossible. So why would I ask you to juggle more for impossibility? A world without problem is heaven. Up there you can enjoy all the bliss till eternity. Since you believe there is such place, I will fuucckkingg advice you to move there. And that is the right advice. MuttleyLaff: To what end? How will you define end? And is it that ends that open the tunnel to heaven? Where are your bible backing? |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by Nobody: 6:15pm On Jul 16, 2019 |
OkCornel:Really sad but very true. For all those feelings like joy, hope, peace etc., have the original and the counterfeit. And while the original which is of God is hinged on the things of the Spirit which are eternal, the counterfeit which is of the world is hinged on the things of the flesh which are temporal. So why today's church easily succumbs to significantly lesser troubles than the church faced at that time is because it's the counterfeit of such feelings that they have, and not the original as that church did. Therefore it's imperative that the basis of such feelings in the church is switched back to the original otherwise such is bound to continue. Thanks and God bless. 1 Like 1 Share |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by FOLYKAZE(m): 6:23pm On Jul 16, 2019 |
MuttleyLaff: The thread is old, I only resurrect because we are discussing something related MuttleyLaff: Haba. Na you of all people dey do this? I wasn't the one who asked over 750 members of People's Temple to terminate their lives. It happened in Jonestown, in USA. I wasn't the one who asked over 900 people in Uganda to kill thenselves. I read about these incidents and drew a pattern. That they believe in Christ, that they believe heaven is real, and that they believe when they die, they are going to make it to heaven. In order to escape hypocrisy and continual sin, they committed suicide and moved on. You acclaimed Christians believe in Jesus and also that there is a better world for you. If these beliefs are truth, why ain't you confidence enough to take your life and move there? Could this mean heaven isn't reality and you guys are only given oneself some hopeful wan ky panky fantasy? |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by OkCornel(m): 8:33am On Aug 18, 2019 |
The Second Persecution, Under Domitian, A.D. 81 The emperor Domitian, who was naturally inclined to cruelty, first slew his brother, and then raised the second persecution against the Christians. In his rage he put to death some of the Roman senators, some through malice; and others to confiscate their estates. He then commanded all the lineage of David be put to death. Among the numerous martyrs that suffered during this persecution was Simeon, bishop of Jerusalem, who was crucified; and St. John, who was boiled in oil, and afterward banished to Patmos. Flavia, the daughter of a Roman senator, was likewise banished to Pontus; and a law was made, "That no Christian, once brought before the tribunal, should be exempted from punishment without renouncing his religion." A variety of fabricated tales were, during this reign, composed in order to injure the Christians. Such was the infatuation of the pagans, that, if famine, pestilence, or earthquakes afflicted any of the Roman provinces, it was laid upon the Christians. These persecutions among the Christians increased the number of informers and many, for the sake of gain, swore away the lives of the innocent. Another hardship was, that, when any Christians were brought before the magistrates, a test oath was proposed, when, if they refused to take it, death was pronounced against them; and if they confessed themselves Christians, the sentence was the same. The following were the most remarkable among the numerous martyrs who suffered during this persecution. Dionysius, the Areopagite, was an Athenian by birth, and educated in all the useful and ornamental literature of Greece. He then travelled to Egypt to study astronomy, and made very particular observations on the great and supernatural eclipse, which happened at the time of our Savior's crucifixion. The sanctity of his conversation and the purity of his manners recommended him so strongly to the Christians in general, that he was appointed bishop of Athens. Nicodemus, a benevolent Christian of some distinction, suffered at Rome during the rage of Domitian's persecution. Protasius and Gervasius were martyred at Milan. Timothy was the celebrated disciple of St. Paul, and bishop of Ephesus, where he zealously governed the Church until A.D. 97. At this period, as the pagans were about to celebrate a feast called Catagogion. Timothy, meeting the procession, severely reproved them for their ridiculous idolatry, which so exasperated the people that they fell upon him with their clubs, and beat him in so dreadful a manner that he expired of the bruises two days later. |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by OkCornel(m): 8:35am On Aug 18, 2019 |
The Third Persecution, Under Trajan, A.D. 108 In the third persecution Pliny the Second, a man learned and famous, seeing the lamentable slaughter of Christians, and moved therewith to pity, wrote to Trajan, certifying him that there were many thousands of them daily put to death, of which none did any thing contrary to the Roman laws worthy of persecution. "The whole account they gave of their crime or error (whichever it is to be called) amounted only to this-viz. that they were accustomed on a stated day to meet before daylight, and to repeat together a set form of prayer to Christ as a God, and to bind themselves by an obligation-not indeed to commit wickedness; but, on the contrary-never to commit theft, robbery, or adultery, never to falsify their word, never to defraud any man: after which it was their custom to separate, and reassemble to partake in common of a harmless meal." In this persecution suffered the blessed martyr, Ignatius, who is held in famous reverence among very many. This Ignatius was appointed to the bishopric of Antioch next after Peter in succession. Some do say, that he, being sent from Syria to Rome, because he professed Christ, was given to the wild beasts to be devoured. It is also said of him, that when he passed through Asia, being under the most strict custody of his keepers, he strengthened and confirmed the churches through all the cities as he went, both with his exhortations and preaching of the Word of God. Accordingly, having come to Smyrna, he wrote to the Church at Rome, exhorting them not to use means for his deliverance from martyrdom, lest they should deprive him of that which he most longed and hoped for. "Now I begin to be a disciple. I care for nothing, of visible or invisible things, so that I may but win Christ. Let fire and the cross, let the companies of wild beasts, let breaking of bones and tearing of limbs, let the grinding of the whole body, and all the malice of the devil, come upon me; be it so, only may I win Christ Jesus!" And even when he was sentenced to be thrown to the beasts, such as the burning desire that he had to suffer, that he spake, what time he heard the lions roaring, saying: "I am the wheat of Christ: I am going to be ground with the teeth of wild beasts, that I may be found pure bread." Trajan being succeeded by Adrian, the latter continued this third persecution with as much severity as his predecessor. About this time Alexander, bishop of Rome, with his two deacons, were martyred; as were Quirinus and Hernes, with their families; Zenon, a Roman nobleman, and about ten thousand other Christians. In Mount Ararat many were crucified, crowned with thorns, and spears run into their sides, in imitation of Christ's passion. Eustachius, a brave and successful Roman commander, was by the emperor ordered to join in an idolatrous sacrifice to celebrate some of his own victories; but his faith (being a Christian in his heart) was so much greater than his vanity, that he nobly refused it. Enraged at the denial, the ungrateful emperor forgot the service of this skilful commander, and ordered him and his whole family to be martyred. At the martyrdom of Faustines and Jovita, brothers and citizens of Brescia, their torments were so many, and their patience so great, that Calocerius, a pagan, beholding them, was struck with admiration, and exclaimed in a kind of ecstasy, "Great is the God of the Christians!" for which he was apprehended, and suffered a similar fate. Many other similar cruelties and rigors were exercised against the Christians, until Quadratus, bishop of Athens, made a learned apology in their favor before the emperor, who happened to be there and Aristides, a philosopher of the same city, wrote an elegant epistle, which caused Adrian to relax in his severities, and relent in their favor. Adrian dying A.D. 138, was succeeded by Antoninus Pius, one of the most amiable monarchs that ever reigned, and who stayed the persecutions against the Christians. |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by OkCornel(m): 8:48am On Aug 18, 2019 |
One who is truly filled with the Spirit of God cannot wander through life aimlessly. The Spirit would reveal his or her purpose in life, and instruct him or her on how to accomplish such. A purpose driven life that aligns with the will of the Almighty, the Uncreated One, is a life full of fulfillment, despite the challenges and storms of life 3 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by OkCornel(m): 7:39am On Aug 21, 2019 |
Further updates coming up... Good morning everyone 1 Like |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by Desemond: 7:24pm On Aug 21, 2019 |
Thanks for your question. Depression is natural but as children of God, we should learn how to handle or overcome it. As for suicide, it is not natural nor pleasing to God. Suicide is sinful and all who embrace it will have to answer before God. Condemnation is what awaits such people. Use these Bible Verses About Strength at " https://bestofchristianity.com/bible-verses-about-strength/ " to overcome depression and suicidal thoughts because God loves and will never abandon you. 1 Like 1 Share |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by OkCornel(m): 7:28pm On Aug 21, 2019 |
Desemond: Cheers bro. That's the mentality every true believer ought to inculcate. And the fruit of joy from the Holy Spirit goes a long way in helping one, even in the tough times. |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by OkCornel(m): 6:38am On Sep 25, 2019 |
And the believers were so soaked in the truth that they were ready to pay the supreme price for it; Some were fed to lions and wild beasts, some were crucified, some were burned alive, some were flayed to death, some were speared through, some were beheaded e.t.c. Some had the liberty of tasting death quickly, while some had to endure tortures and agony thus dying a slow painful death, yet they did not recant on their faith and confessions. What lessons and inspirations can today's believers going through tough times draw from the early believers? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biH0PDMo23E 2 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Should A Spirit Filled Believer Succumb To Depression And Suicide? by Nobody: 11:12pm On Sep 25, 2019 |
We have stories of those who were stoned, sawed in two, murdered in cold blood; stories of vagrants wandering the earth in animal skins, homeless, friendless, powerless. The world didn't deserve them, so they made their way as best they could on the cruel edges of the world. Not one of these people, even though their lives of faith were exemplary, got their hands on what was promised, yet they never gave up on God. A lot of so called Christians today will cave in and renounce their faith just because a promised blessing is delayed. The Lord Jesus, having known what the believer in Him will face, has without mincing words, told of the tribulations to come and.had consequently given us the charge to rejoice cos the overcoming power through His Spirit has been given to us. So when a believer turns his face away from Master Jesus like Peter did, and focuses on the raging stormy sea, there is possibility for such to sink. The antidote to this is to keep our eyes focused on Jesus and keep His words in our hearts. 4 Likes 2 Shares |
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