People are discussing, and living, their 'religion' (path of belief, or personal belief system) every day on a public forum. Even in silence beliefs are betrayed by action (the fruit of a life). The term 'religion', however, has taken on a very narrow and formal meaning, directed at very specific groups. Belief is the broader meaning of 'religion'. Jesus said, in Matthew 7:16, "You will know them by their fruits." Fruits are evidence of belief as much as, if not more than, words.
Jesus Christ is a historical Person - Son of Man; Son of God. Historical and present day testimonials support His existence. There is physical evidence to support His existence. Rather than being a religion, Jesus Christ is a Person. The most divisive individual in History...
There is an account in the book of Luke regarding the birth of Jesus - Luke 2:8-15: [8] In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. [9] And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. [10] But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; [11] for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. [12] This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." [13] And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, [14] "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." [15] When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."
This peace the angels told of to the shepherds, which Jesus came to give, is peace men can now freely have with the God of all Creation. This peace is not a peace of person with person; nation with nation. Jesus said, in Matthew 10:34, "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword."
Ever notice that when people are swearing they say G_dd_mmit, or Jes_s Chr_st? Why not Buddha, or Krishna, or Allah, Odin, Horus, Thor, etc.? This is because the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Jesus Christ is a real historical Person. There is a real place we call Heaven, and a real place called Hell. There is a real devil, and he is a thief and a liar, set out to kill and destroy. The names of the gods of the religions I mentioned above are not a concern of the devil. Unless the believers of these turn to Jesus Christ (repent) the devil already has these souls. It is the Name of Jesus Christ that the devil seeks to twist and malign.
One can communicate the philosophies mentioned above all day long, but speak of Jesus and people want to silence you. They tell you that religion (in the more formal, narrow, meaning of the word) is a personal and private matter that should not be discussed publicly lest we offend and lose relationships. This is because the Person of Jesus Christ is a divisive influence between good and evil, light and dark. Add to this, NO ONE APPRECIATES THEIR IDOLS BEING TRAMPLED AND TRASHED - as they perceive it. Confront pet ideologies (idolatries) and now you're meddling.
I see people speak love and spew hate all day long, every day, on my social media feeds. I have made it a practice to look away and scroll on by, and have not politely told anyone to keep silence about their 'religion'. Rather, I post (nearly exclusively) scriptures and some commentary on their meaning and how it applies to the world. Some of my posts confront the world's corporate lies of the evil one - lies which may sound enlightened, yet are sending the believers in those lies to Hell in literal droves. I also have contended for the true Gospel of Jesus Christ among His Believers and those who profess His Name. Yet, who am I? I am no one, except a Child of God. I boast only in Him! Do not consider my words, ever, except to be challenged against the scripture of the Holy Bible. Be a Berean! (Look it up.)
Matthew 7:13-14 says, "[13] Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. [14] For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it."
My motive is love for God, and love for others. My motive is not to be appreciated, popular, or loved in return. Not at all. John 15:18 says, "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you."
Know this, I will be judged by my words, and even by my silence if I fail to warn. I have had to repent of my words more times than not! And, Lord please forgive me if I have errantly kept silent about Jesus in cowardice. Lord, forgive me for my complete unworthiness and incompetence in sharing your Gospel. In spite of this, may Your Light shine through and may Your Name be glorified! Amen.
Stephen was a Martyr spoken of in the Books of Acts. He was the first Martyr of the Disciples following Jesus' death. He was killed for his words. The listeners were so offended and cut by Stephen's words that they gnashed their teeth at him, took him outside the city, and stoned him with rocks until he was dead. That is one way to say, "Shut up!"
Here is the account of Stephen's murder, in Acts 7:54-60: "[54] Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. [55] But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; [56] and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." [57] But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. [58] When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. [59] They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" [60] Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!" Having said this, he fell asleep."
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