Replies

1. No - never said that. I don't know their faith. I'm speaking (as many here) of the situation they were in and what we as Christians would and should do, not that 'I' said it, simply what the Bible states.
2. overly righteous? I don't think so. We're just quoting Scripture as to what it says regarding this - I think we've all been pretty humble to state that we hope and pray we'd do the right thing before God - since He promises the strength and the way to do so - always.
3. You are correct - Jesus did say that the angels rejoice with repentence and returning.
4. Please show where what has been stated as true belief and/or facts of faith contradict Scripture.
5. I try not to tempt God. If He wanted me specifically to do such (go to Gaza with a 'Jesus Saves' sign), He'd give strength and a way to do it and I would trust Him that no matter what happened, I'm in His control and hands to keep me or bring me home.

Here is your answer to 4.

The overly righteous FReepers sitting comfortably in their easy chairs were stating, "I would take a bullet before converting to Islam..."

Another overly righteous FReeper quote, "If you convert to Islam you are denying Christ"

Basically, from the comfort of their computer room these FReepers were stating, how if they were in Centanni's situation they would stand up for Christ, ect...

I said that was a bunch of BS, and they know that too. So they bring up Scripture to defend themselves. I brought up the parable of the prodigal son, that came from Jesus's mouth. I would stake my house that everyone of these FReepers posting from their nice air conditioned homes would do the same thing that Steve Centanni did if they had a gun to their head.

It sure is easy to make decisions behind a computer screen without a loaded gun to the head.

My issue is that these (overly righteous FReepers) are the folks that make outsiders avoid Christianity. They see these holier than thou folks, who can talk all the talk behind a computer screen, but then go out and deny Christ by their actions. It's despicable.

Do you understand what it would take in the anthropology of man to exercise sufficient faith which manifests itself in resisting outward temptation, whether by the flesh or worldly lust or spiritual persuasion?

The answers you have received are sufficient to express the substance of things not seen which are manifest in such boldness, insofar as the things of faith might be communicated from one man to another.

The faith required is only provided by the Holy Spirit and not man. The manifestation of that Spirit in our own and displayed by our heart are responses such as are memorable of many martyrs and as mentioned by many FReepers here who have been blessed so as not having to suffer the physical calamity, but nnetheless display the same faith requisite to withstand such adversity.

Your appeal to the flesh as the reason why they do not submit in adversity to deny Christ or to readily accept another as a false god is the same false appeal used by Satan in the book of Job to God Himself.

When evil exercises force it will ultimately be overcome by greater force, unless by the grace of God the evildoer returns to Him by His protocols. I encourage you to reconsider Job.