Eviana:

7 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith".
2 Timothy 4: 7 (KJV)

While verse "8" of 2Tim. gives the follow-up "reward" of that faith, I do not want to focus on anything but the above verse.

How did Paul--the ruthless "Christian" guilty of the imprisonment and death of innumerable followers of Christ--turned one of the mightiest soldiers of Christ-- feel confident enough to voice those words knowing that his time of death was near??

Words that every sincere follower of Christ needs to thoroughly examine.
Ponder them carefully....serious self introspection time.

In this thread, I want to examine snippets of the lives of various followers of Christ...from notable biblical figures to martyrs... and what got them to the point of a peaceful confidence in Christ.
Coming soon...

I hope readers will be blessed and encouraged in their walks with Christ.

LordReed:
Even when a lizard crosses your path you guys call it spiritual warfare.Na wa.

Ev.iana:
For the purposes of this thread,
if/when possible, I think it may be well worth one's time to read the following chapters in the book, The Great Controversy by Ellen G. White:

Chapter 2
"Persecution in the First Centuries"

Chapter 3
"An Era of Spiritual Darknes"

Chapter 4
"The Waldenses"

Chapter 5
"John Wycliffe"

Chapter 6
"Huss and Jerome" (Especially read this chapter)

Eviana:


Actually I do not believe that sir nor have I ever said that.
I am scared of lizards simply because they are slick, yucky looking and fast...period.
I have written 1 million times about how I do not believe in superstition......
I do believe that spiritual forces (good and evil) exist. There is 1 Lord God Creator & 1 enemy of God.
However, child witches, spirit spouses, destiny killers/stealers, humans turning into animals, animals being evil, rituals involving underwear, bodyparts, animal parts, etc., thunder fire prayers, every dream having a spiritual significance, hold no water for me. I do not believe in any of that.

Have a good day and please do not derail my thread further.

Ev.iana:
For the purposes of this thread,
if/when possible, I think it may be well worth one's time to read the following chapters in the book, The Great Controversy by Ellen G. White:

Chapter 2
"Persecution in the First Centuries"

Chapter 3
"An Era of Spiritual Darknes"

Chapter 4
"The Waldenses"

Chapter 5
"John Wycliffe"

Chapter 6
"Huss and Jerome" (Especially read this chapter)

Eviana:
Good morning and Happy Sabbath to all,

I felt led by God to let someone on this site know that your prayers (for me) have been felt....they really have. God bless you...

I, also, do not know exactly who you are and may never know until eternity (by God's grace)...but I have felt it recently.
I had to be rebuked by the Lord that He still has 7,000 sincere and faithful warriors that have not bowed to baal.

What is so awesome & praise-worthy about our Savior (through the Holy Spirit) is that He knows how to comfort, strengthen and encourage at just the right time!
God bless you again....

e.viana3:

Eviana:
I remembered why I created this thread several months ago. Needed to come back and revisit it.
Situations occur that quickly jolt me back into reality about the spiritual warfare continuously occurring.

Anyhow, wondering if I could answer this topic question personally?

Wondering if I will cave into pressure when having to either choose the world OR choose Jesus?

Wanting sincere do followers of Christ to do the same as they read through.
(My apologies for the distractions on here though).

Because it's quite easy to "go along to get along" for the sake of the world's approval. Going against conviction because of persecution.
But what does Christ think?
Has He approved of the calling He has given His children?

I recently came to the strong belief that when one has literally gone through significant spiritual storms (that keep preparing me and building my faith in Jesus) and (even temporal storms) that nothing and I mean absolutely "0" can break him/her..even to the point of death for the One who so lovingly and willingly gave His life for me...then the power of the evil one is broken.
I have come to this conclusion.
Persecution while living, death in Christ Jesus or death because of allegiance to Christ Jesus is counted a privilege and honor....one that if He sees fit that I leave this world before His soon return, I pray He counts me worthy.
I now understand why Peter (after he was truly converted), asked to be crucified upside down because even he was not worthy to die as Christ Jesus did...

PeaceJoyLove:

By now, you should know that I will talk here. I will write. So no vex. Feel free to write on mine too.

Do you remember Peter? He beat his chest..."never will I betray you. Never. Never. Never." All na wash. Jesus was just looking at him. At the end, the cock did its thing and he remembered the words of Jesus.

Jesus is 100% God. When it got to the stage he couldn't bear it again, he shouted..My God My God, why had thou forsaken me? Remember what he had taught His disciples: " do not lead us into temptation". Many have contested this phrase that it is wrong. But the bone of contention is that He prayed to God for strength in crisis. Again, he demonstrated it Himself. He went into the wilderness to pray. I know within me that He couldn't have gone to Golgota without a powerful force behind him.

Now, let's talk about our present world. Did you watch the videos of people dropping from the plan high in the sky when that US military plane took off from Afghanistan yesterday? Eviana, on a good day, who will ever do such? Now, think of many children who had done that from developed nations and died in the process. That is called desperation. Now, the world is beginning to see desperation. They know the kind of painful death they will face. The punishments they will get. They rather want to try to get out and if in the process they die, so be it. But to face to Talibans? They cannot.

My point is this: It is not easy. I will call you dearest and sweetheart now cos I want to touch a part that is sensitive. My dear, it is hard. So hard. I dont know if we have discussed it, but see...I have seen poverty and wealth. I have experienced both. I know what they are both. But trust me, it is easy for someone in a cool area to beat his or her chest that...yeah...I will die for the sake of Christ. I will do this...I will do that. Its cos you have food to eat na. You have everything within your reach. Go and tell that to those Afghans. They are terrified. There are Christians there..so go tell that person that you are ready to die.

So, swertheart (I cant believe it I can even quickly change and start using soft words for you ), let us ask for GRACE. Yes, I know you are willing to. No doubt. But hmmmm. Ask for the GRACE ooooo. And always plead for MERCY. Grace to die for christ. See...if these Jihad people handle one, even the strongest Christian will deny Jesus. I'm telling you. But when the person had already asked for GRACE, the strength to take it will come.

Eviana, I researched how the Romans used crucifixion as a capital punishment. Honestly, those people are m.ad. very wicked. It is one of the most painful death. Ha! I could remember those days when I stepped on a nail and I didn't treat it on time, I saw heaven. I mean, I saw God Hmself. Not to talk of the nail still intact and the whole weight of the person is acting as a force on the wounds - both hands and legs for many hours. They had put thorns on his head oooo. Let me gist you. I had a small piece of thorn from a grass under my nail and i was so uncomfortable. I had to rip my finger open to take it out till I was ok. And I didnt mind the pain. But having the small thorn there was a hell. But Jesus' crown was made of thorn and was on his head for do many hours. They forced it inside his head. Imagine the pains even before crucifixion. Yet, they lashed him with those whips. Just one and the scar will be there for many years, but they beat him mercilessly too. He was there helpless. It was Mil Gibson who showed the pain cos all those movies before his were just showing the death of Christ was like partying...but Mil Gibson showed how he was battered. His body was destroyed. Yet, one na.sty soldier went ahead to still give him a bad wine when he said he was thirsty knowing He was dying slowly. And they still reasoned among themselves to use a spear to open his ribs....mehn! Those Roman soldiers were brutal. They were merciless.

What else can take someone above that if not for GRACE?

I am not attacking you....but my fight with you is that you see us (Nigerians) like we are so lazy in Christ. See, we are overwhelmed. No job, no food, nothing. As in...no job again. I mean no job. And the president was so bold to say it that he will not create jobs if the youths are stubborn. As tough as Trump is, can he say that? Yet, we are happy. We make fun. We crack jokes. We are still moving...... it's our slogan... We Mooooovvveeeee!

I can go on. Is it Hushpuppi and Invictus who destroyed our images more?

See...come down to Nigeria and see. This is my fight with you. Come and see...amd dont just post here. Cos you dont want to understand at all.

Instead of you to encourage us, you are fighting us that we are harsh. Lol. Continue ooo.

I think I am the first you have met who has tackled you and has refused to yield to your side. Nope. If you want to really preach this...come and feel our pain. Jesus Christ can talk and say he knows our feelings cos he came and took it all. We arent saying you come and take our portion of poverty, but just come and witness how we try daily. Come. Then after, you can say you are willing to die for whatever your faith is in a Nigerian forum.

What did you eat this morning? Maybe oat with nice sausages. And 3 hours later, 3 drumsticks chicken plus the breast of a chicken or Turkey fully grilled or roasted with salads, and then 4 hours later you will have nice chilled fresh fruit juice pressed by yourself...and so on. Ask where is called Oshodi in Lagos and see how people are hustling. Move to Mushin like 15 mins drive away and see the struggle for survival.

Anyway, think about these things. The grace of God is important. And find good words to encourage us. Not making us feel we arent doing enough and if only you who can stand firm.

Goodluck!

Eviana:


Allow me to read through this entirely and reply a little later please.
I would like to reply in a sincere and truthful way cause there's a lot written here.

Eviana:
Peter repented....and became a mighty soldier for the Lord.

Judas kissed the Lord on His cheek.......YET......


Think on that sir.

P.S.
I don't know who "Hushpuppi" is. Learned about Invictus Obi right here on N.L. a year or so ago.
Don't know Invictus Obi personally either yet someone said that I definitely do...mercy.

PeaceJoyLove:

Please do. Take your time. I pray this is a new beginning of discussing the word together without any friction again. Amen.

E.viana:


I thank you for the info on Hushpuppi....saw his name mentioned several times on Nairaland, but honestly wasn't really interested in his story.
Maybe I chose to stay willfully ignorant about him.

Here's the thing: I don't want this thread to go off course again. I want to reply you cause you have once again leveled so many accusations against me.
I'm no perfect person/angel not have I ever tried to be.
Yet you consistently paint me out to be the worst of the worst.

However, I honestly want to know how to peacefully "co-exist" on this site without being ambushed and character-assassinated. I am Nigerian too...at least 1/2 and I have a right to be on this site....commenting, rebuking, encouraging etc.,
You can't regulate or control how I choose to comment. I'd rather be unlawfully banned like I had been several times last year and earlier this year.
You are gonna have to find out a way to thrive without blowing a vein in your head over my comments.

Honestly, I'm so very disappointed in the way you flip out and go ballistic on statements that I make on this site. If I'm allegedly inciting violence amongst religions, why aren't my comments banned? Because I'm not doing that...nor have I ever deliberately tried to do so. You took it that way, but I didn't mean it that way.
You keep going and going and going....and threatening me.
You have leveled so many accusations and false statements that I can't even keep up now. Like 95 percent of the accusations and statement s are false which is what frustrates me.
Do I pattern myself after Jesus and quietly let you continue the accusations against me as Pontious Pilate did? Or do I keep continually debating, arguing and trying to defend myself?
I literally have to restrain my fingers from commenting on practically every single thread in the Religious section for the day.
Yet I pick a few and because you don't like or approve of my comments, you start the character assassination to all. That's when I know that, that
spirit is not of God.
You think I post for attention, but you are so wrong.
I don't communicate with anyone outside this forum, so where's the attention that I'm desperately seeking?
I get practically no likes most days I post....except for a few here and there.
I even say on my personal text that I don't accept or send emails....so where's the attention.
You come into threads I'm on....or maybe the threads belong to your buddies' (whomever they may be)... don't know.

I had been gone for the month of July off the forum....find out you've left (2) messages on separate threads even counting down the number of days of my absence! I don't reply your mentions, make a comment on someone else's, and then here you go into name-calling. I then reply to ease the tension, stating that I don't want issues and then thought things were okay.
If I reply you, you flip out.
If I don't reply you,you flip out.
One minute you're praising me, the next you are killing me with your words.....
I can't win....this is too tiring. I'm too mature to argue back and forth.

This thread is about standing for Jesus.....even to the point of death.
That means that I have to speak truth...however difficult that may be. I have my Savior to answer to...
Because many there are afraid to venture into certain controversial topics, doesn't mean that I am.
My allegiance is to Christ Jesus.
That means that I'm not gonna be popular with the masses...which is verified by being on this site.
It's ok though.
My love for Christ does not begin and end with an online website. I am just as passionate in real-life.
My worth does not nor could ever be from the applause of "man".
But I had to get to this point....and by His grace I am finally here.

This wasn't the reply for the other comment on here that you made earlier today. I still haven't processed it all, but I'm feeling weird about having to defend myself yet again against some very wrong judgments. Not sure if I want to expend energy that way.
So I "may" address it, but perhaps later in the week on a thread of yours. I don't want to lose the essence of the message.
I'm curious about the bolded portion/question I asked earlier though.

Thank you

Eviana:


I thank you for the info on Hushpuppi....saw his name mentioned several times on Nairaland, but honestly wasn't really interested in his story.
Maybe I chose to stay willfully ignorant about him.

Here's the thing: I don't want this thread to go off course again. I want to reply you cause you have once again leveled so many accusations against me.
I'm no perfect person/angel not have I ever tried to be.
Yet you consistently paint me out to be the worst of the worst.

However, I honestly want to know how to peacefully "co-exist" on this site without being ambushed and character-assassinated. I am Nigerian too...at least 1/2 and I have a right to be on this site....commenting, rebuking, encouraging etc.,
You can't regulate or control how I choose to comment. I'd rather be unlawfully banned like I had been several times last year and earlier this year.
You are gonna have to find out a way to thrive without blowing a vein in your head over my comments.

Honestly, I'm so very disappointed in the way you flip out and go ballistic on statements that I make on this site. If I'm allegedly inciting violence amongst religions, why aren't my comments banned? Because I'm not doing that...nor have I ever deliberately tried to do so. You took it that way, but I didn't mean it that way.
You keep going and going and going....and threatening me.

You have leveled so many accusations and false statements that I can't even keep up now. Like 95 percent of the accusations and statement s are false which is what frustrates me.

Do I pattern myself after Jesus and quietly let you continue the accusations against me as Pontious Pilate did? Or do I keep continually debating, arguing and trying to defend myself?

I literally have to restrain my fingers from commenting on practically every single thread in the Religious section for the day.
Yet I pick a few and because you don't like or approve of my comments, you start the character assassination to all. That's when I know that, that
spirit is not of God.

You think I post for attention, but you are so wrong.
I don't communicate with anyone outside this forum, so where's the attention that I'm desperately seeking?
I get practically no likes most days I post....except for a few here and there.

I even say on my personal text that I don't accept or send emails....so where's the attention.
You come into threads I'm on....or maybe the threads belong to your buddies' (whomever they may be)... don't know.

I had been gone for the month of July off the forum....find out you've left (2) messages on separate threads even counting down the number of days of my absence! I don't reply your mentions, make a comment on someone else's, and then here you go into name-calling. I then reply to ease the tension, stating that I don't want issues and then thought things were okay.


If I reply you, you flip out.
If I don't reply you,you flip out.
One minute you're praising me, the next you are killing me with your words.....
I can't win....this is too tiring. I'm too mature to argue back and forth.

This thread is about standing for Jesus.....even to the point of death.
That means that I have to speak truth...however difficult that may be. I have my Savior to answer to...
Because many there are afraid to venture into certain controversial topics, doesn't mean that I am.

My allegiance is to Christ Jesus.
That means that I'm not gonna be popular with the masses...which is verified by being on this site.
It's ok though.

My love for Christ does not begin and end with an online website. I am just as passionate in real-life.
My worth does not nor could ever be from the applause of "man".

But I had to get to this point....and by His grace I am finally here.

This wasn't the reply for the other comment on here that you made earlier today. I still haven't processed it all, but I'm feeling weird about having to defend myself yet again against some very wrong judgments.

Not sure if I want to expend energy that way.
So I "may" address it, but perhaps later in the week on a thread of yours. I don't want to lose the essence of the message.
I'm curious about the bolded portion/question I asked earlier though.

Thank you

PeaceJoyLove:

Sure. God will strengthen anyone who genuinely repented and asked for the GRACE. The same Peter who boasted and failed received power when the Holy Ghost came upon him. That's MERCY & GRACE at work.


I do not get what you want to bring out here. When you reply, kindly explain further.

Eviana:


In regards to Peter, yes the concept of "mercy and grace" was given to him because of his repentant heart which was practically shown.
Jesus even told him to "strengthen his brethren when he was converted." (Luke 22:32) KJV .
So Christ knew....He foresaw Peter's genuine change.

In regards to your second question, Judas, on the other hand, was along for the ride.
Very close to the Lord by being in the inner group of the "12" disciples, but without a repentant heart.
He pretended as if he was about the cause of Christ...the gospel. However, he was not.
Judas had traits which needed to be eradicated....selfishness, love of money etc.,
Hopefully by understanding the true character and mission of Christ, He would surrender. Allow Christ to give him victory of sin in his life. However, within those three years and being close to Christ, he still refused.
I posted a thread about Judas under my Eviana3 moniker...very interesting read.

He was a traitor, a deceiver and ultimately the one who carried out the final act of sending the Lord to death. Judas eventually killed himself after what he thought Christ would do (defend Himself), He didn't.
He betrayed the Lord, sent Him to His death... with a brotherly kiss on the cheek...with a kiss.. (Luke 22: 47-48) KJV.
Isn't that something?


Sir, I would so appreciate it if the pics of Hushpuppi & link would be removed from my thread. Out of respect for my topic of Christ, I'd so appreciate that. Thank you in advance.

Jesus is the Son of God....my Lord and Savior.
Whatever you think that I think, is purely for you to decide. If you have read my church's official "28" fundamental beliefs, then there you have it. What is crucial towards the understanding of salvation is there.

Again, I sincerely forgive you, hold no malice or bitterness or desire for revenge and hope that you forgive any offense that I have made towards you knowingly *and* unknowingly and I sincerely mean that.

It is my sincere desire that we can "co-exist" on this site peacefully. It can be done...without any harshness.
I won't bother you....and appreciate the same.

You are not "led" to pray for me.....which is so odd being that you claim Christianity. We are called to pray for ALL...even our enemies......
In my prayers you have been, and in my prayers you will be. I will definitely include exactly what you want--mercy and grace-- but also what you need.

I am serious about not doing the "debate/arguement/defense thesis" type of thing. I will not engage in that. I know when to end.
People are free to believe what they want.
It is the HOLY SPIRIT who reveals the truth as revealed in God's Word to a sincere, prayerful seeker. He will do it too.
Blessings to you...

Eviana:


In regards to Peter, yes the concept of "mercy and grace" was given to him because of his repentant heart which was practically shown.
Jesus even told him to "strengthen his brethren when he was converted." (Luke 22:32) KJV .
So Christ knew....He foresaw Peter's genuine change.

In regards to your second question, Judas, on the other hand, was along for the ride.
Very close to the Lord by being in the inner group of the "12" disciples, but without a repentant heart.
He pretended as if he was about the cause of Christ...the gospel. However, he was not.
Judas had traits which needed to be eradicated....selfishness, love of money etc.,
Hopefully by understandingbthe true character and mission of Christ, He would surrender. Allow Christ to give him victory of sin in his life. However, within those three years and being close to Christ, he still refused.
I posted a thread about Judas under my Eviana3 moniker...very interesting read.

He was a traitor, a deceiver and ultimately the one who carried out the final act of sending the Lord to death. Judas eventually killed himself after what he thought Christ would do (defend Himself), He didn't.
He betrayed the Lord, sent Him to His death... with a brotherly kiss on the cheek...with a kiss.. (Luke 22: 47-48) KJV.
Isn't that something?

Sir, I would so appreciate it if the pics of Hushpuppi & link would be removed from my thread. Out of respect for my topic of Christ, I'd so appreciate that. Thank you in advance.

Jesus is the Son of God....my Lord and Savior.
Whatever you think that I think, is purely for you to decide. If you have read my church's official "28" fundamental beliefs, then there you have it.

Again, I sincerely forgive you, hold no malice or bitterness or desire for revenge and hope that you forgive any offense that I have made towards you knowingly nor unknowingly and I sincerely mean that.

It is my sincere desire that we can "co-exist" on this site peacefully. It can be done...without any harshness.
I won't bother you....and appreciate the same.

You are not "led" to pray for me.....which is so odd being that you claim Christianity. We are called to pray for ALL...even our enemies......
In my prayers you have been, and in my prayers you will be. I will definitely include exactly what you want--mercy and grace-- but also what you need.

I am serious about not doing the "debate/arguement/defense thesis" type of thing. I will not engage in that. I know when to end.
People are free to believe what they want.
It is the HOLY SPIRIT who reveals the truth as revealed in God's Word to a sincere, prayerful seeker. He will do it too.
Blessings to you...

PeaceJoyLove:
Is arc angel Michael your Jesus
Please, this is a direct question. Kindly answer it. And may God bless you as you answer it.
God bless!

MaxInDHouse:


Whether she agree or not JWs will never accept her answer until she PRESENT Michael in ACTION doing what Jesus promised to do!

JWs accepted that Jesus is Archangel Michael not just after reading letters on books but seeing all the promises Jesus (Michael) made been fulfilled in the gathering of those who IDENTIFIED him!

So don't come and tell me that because Eviana says her own Michael is Jesus then it means she's talking about our own Jesus (Michael). She must support her claims with vivid proof!

PeaceJoyLove:

I am going to respect her wish sir. You have been trying to get my attention. Lol. But not on her thread here. She will tell me all when we talk sir. She knows how and when to talk to me. And Vice versa. Apparently, she doesnt want to talk about Arc Angel Michael here.

After she talks to me, I will understand her clearly. So, dont worry. It is not a public discuss. Just for the two of us. So bro...I am not going to change my mind to discuss it here...cos I see you want us to continue debating it while you drink "kunu" with pop corn reading and enjoying it all. But ...no show for you. Eviana is discussing with me privately on this...and I have accepted it.
So, deal with it sir.