"I am a soldier for Christ!" [Archive]

Droobie

30th January 2004, 02:00 AM

This is a true story:

Roy Pontoh - 15 years old, Indonesia 1999

The teens could tell that the shouts and chanting were getting closer and closer. An older teen looked nervously at his friend. "The Muslims are coming. We'd better hide the kids," he said. Others, following his lead, helped the smaller children find hiding places in the buildings nearby. Then they hid themselves.

It was January and a crowd of mostly Christian children and teenagers had gathered for a Bible camp at the Station Field Complex of Pattimura University on the island of Ambon, Indonesia. When the camp was over, cars came to take the laughing, rejoicing children back to their homes. But there were not enough cars to hold the young people.

Mecky Sainyakit and three other Christian men had gone to Wakal village to try to rent additional transportation to take the rest home. But they had not yet come back.

What the kids waiting for rides home didn't know was that on their way to the village, the men were attacked by a Muslim mob, who pulled them from their car and out onto the road. Mecky and one of the other men were stabbed to death, and later their bodies were burned by the mob. The two other men escaped with their lives.

Before long, the mob reached the University. They found many of the teens and forced them to come out of hiding.

Roy Pontoh was forced from his hiding place and made to stand before the mob.

"Renounce your Jesus, or we will kill you!" they threatened.

Roy was terribly frightened. Though trembling, he answered, "I am a soldier of Christ!"

At this, one of the Muslim attackers swung a sword at his stomach. The sword hit the Bible Roy held, and ripped into it, knocking it out of his hand. The man's next swing sliced open Roy's stomach. His last word was "Jesus." At this, one of the Muslim attackers swung a sword at his stomach. The sword hit the Bible Roy held, and ripped into it, knocking it out of his hand. The man's next swing sliced open Roy's stomach. His last word was "Jesus."

The mob dragged Roy's body out and threw it in a ditch. Four days later, his family found it. Even though they are wracked with grief, Roy's parents stand proud of their son, who stood strong in his faith to the end.

What would it take for YOU to renounce your faith?

Salvatore Gonzales

30th January 2004, 02:04 AM

These stories of the martyrs always brings tears to
my eyes. Their strength in faith never ceases to
amaze me.

Check out this one:
http://www.christianforums.com/t54415

Konnie

30th January 2004, 02:19 AM

Never "I am a soldier for Christ!"

GraceReborn

30th January 2004, 03:17 AM

Never
End of Post.

gusto5

31st January 2004, 02:58 PM

I am a soldier of Christ. He who has faith shall move mountains.

tulc

31st January 2004, 03:05 PM

I would hope nothing would, but I am a person well aware of his weakness, I have been beat up, kicked, arrested, shot at had people try to stab me and haven't backed down but still I am a weak sinner, held together by the grace of God. So I voted "don't know"
tulc

tinkerbell

31st January 2004, 06:13 PM

By the strength of God, I hope to always stay true to Him. I have been put through much persecution, and by His grace, He has stayed by my side and I have made it through in His arms. I will love Him to the end!!

gusto5

31st January 2004, 06:27 PM

Remember to reply On the Strength of God, which is eternal and faithful and forever fulfilling. :clap: and be happy!

xylo phorus

31st January 2004, 10:45 PM

I would like to think that nothing could ever cause me to renounce my faith, and to that end I will always try my hardest to remain faithful to my Lord. Let us just hope that we're never put in such situations.

Henaynei

1st February 2004, 12:20 AM

I voted "Never" because I believe in the Archery principle. The best way to ensure you will hit the target somewhere is to try your very hardest to hit the bull's eye square on every time!!

I have never been in any of the situations offered in the choices and therefore I can only make it my goal, my hope and my conviction that nothing could move me from my commitment to G-d. :)

HolySpiritWarrior

1st February 2004, 06:40 PM

Never! I am a Soldier 4 Christ!!!!
I love God with all my heart and I could never deny him...

freespirit2001

2nd February 2004, 01:37 AM

This is a hypothetical question...when I think of denying the Lord and my faith...its a scary feeling to wonder where would I be without Jesus, the Light of my Life, my Shield, my Sword, my Hiding place...My Freedom....my friend in nature, the "One who rides on the Wings of the Wind": the mover of the clouds during storms and sunsets....the One who has always comforted all my pain and all my trials of life with comforting light and song in my soul.....or a very intelligent encounter..He has given me an inquisitive soul..a good attitude....a strong faith....and belief in my dreams....valuable knowledge of what good assertive skills are and what good quality of life is.....I never stop asking Him questions or admiring his work and help during the day or giving Him recogition and thanksgiving for small or great moments---usually moments taking alot of patience and thought to problem-solve...I'm a need to know person, Dear Lord....

But the story of Peter's denial is a sad sad real fact about human nature and denial...it can happen to any one of us...

I would rather focus on waiting patiently and actively perceptive and receptive to the Spirit of God...asking in prayer where the Lord needs us most at a moments call....just one person in this life that is focused on the Spirit of the Lord, can make a uncomprehensible difference in the life to another.....

I know its takes an active day by day surrendering or acknowledging to Christ's presence in our life...that is what active faith is about...and its a part of realizng what good actualized faith is...and staying perceptive of the Spirit

My hardest test comes with trusting my silence to him......some things in life are beyond words and beyond human understanding....

I think as a spirit-led person, I need to daily strengthen my self-esteem and work on effective communication skills; focus on affirming my feelings---assertively---not with control games or aggression ...and not getting sucked into those same power games by others unhealthy aggressions....

ABOUT THIS SURVEY:

I would rather stay focused on giving Jesus recognition for the present moment.....and stay focused on the NOW...and keeping a proactive perspective...than on giving up under moments of utter frustration...or fear [EXTREME FEAR AND TORTURE]...or the "what ifs"...or the part of our growing up with alot of emotional manipulation around us: denial...deceit.....drama....delusions...dread...destruction...

But through it all Psalm 139 is my most favorite of passages along with Romans 8......

.........I have a hope of "Waiting for Jesus on the Other Shore".........like Peter and the Disciples in the boat in The Gospel of John 21...such a beautiful vision of Christ to me....

leinahtan

2nd February 2004, 10:30 AM

I think that if you had asked Peter this question at the 'Last Supper', his answer would have been "Never! I am a soldier for Christ!", so I don't see how I can give that answer too.

The truth is I don't know. I struggle to stand up for him in situations which only call for me to stand up to friends, family, desires... etc. How can I say with any certainty that I would stand up for Christ if I was being beaten, or if I had a gun to my head, or if my son had a gun to his head? I wish I could say "Never!", but sorry I am just a poor sinner, and I have to honestly say "I'm not sure"

FBI78

2nd February 2004, 04:09 PM

I voted Never! Nothing will ever take from Christ.

FBI78

2nd February 2004, 04:10 PM

opps i meant take me from Christ

sonshiningonme

3rd February 2004, 03:51 AM

NEVER--EVER-EVER!!

freespirit2001

3rd February 2004, 10:27 AM

" If God is for us, who can be against us?"

Romans 8:31

" No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8:37-39

freespirit2001

3rd February 2004, 10:34 AM

" Nor shall derision prove powerful against those who listen to the spirit of humanity or those who follow in the footsteps of divinity, for they shall live forever. Forever."

Kahil Gibran

Gunny

3rd February 2004, 12:04 PM

JUDE 1:3
3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

JUDE 1:4
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
KJV

Gunny

3rd February 2004, 12:05 PM

II TIMOTHY 2:3
3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

II TIMOTHY 2:4
4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
KJV

Gunny

3rd February 2004, 12:07 PM

II TIMOTHY 4:1
1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

II TIMOTHY 4:2
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

II TIMOTHY 4:3
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

II TIMOTHY 4:4
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

II TIMOTHY 4:5
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Angeldove97

5th February 2004, 04:45 AM

I would love to say that yes I'm totally a soldier for God and I think and I pray that if I were put into this situation I would stand for my Lord Jesus at all times, I mean I'm not afraid to die cause I know I'll be with Him, but we're also of weak flesh and we can't really kno for sure if we'll be able to stand up to everything without failing. I'd rather just trust Jesus and know He'll help me get through everything.

AmeriLovesJesus

9th March 2004, 08:02 PM

I am a soldier for CHRIST!!

He is my everything... I would die for him..

LynneClomina

9th March 2004, 11:08 PM

i would have liked to vote NEVER, but i know i am weak.... by the grace of God, though, it WILL be never!!!!!!

maybe i voted wrong.......

Snowy

21st March 2004, 06:03 PM

I would never renounuce it!

Snowy

21st March 2004, 06:03 PM

i would have liked to vote NEVER, but i know i am weak.... by the grace of God, though, it WILL be never!!!!!!

maybe i voted wrong.......

don't give up hope! :hug: God bless You! :prayer:

Creationist2004

21st March 2004, 06:50 PM

I voted "i don't know"
I NEVER want to renounce my faith, i NEVER want to let Jesus down.

But iam weak. And i really don't know what i would end up doing if it actually happened. It's all very well to say that we wouldn't (and i'd really love to be able to say that too) but surely non of us knows what we'd do if the pain became too much.

Just a thought. Sorry if iam being the pessimistic one.

jeffs_girl_2004

23rd March 2004, 04:55 PM

I would never give up my faith for anything.

Iron Sun

23rd March 2004, 10:01 PM

I voted "I don't know" but the more I think about it the more I think it's never. God has never left me so why would I leave him. I guess the thought of seeing my wife tortured makes me unsure of what I would do at that moment... I guess I'll have to pray for strength if the situation ever comes up.

LightShade007

24th March 2004, 12:09 AM

I am a soldier and servant for christ.

I voted accordingly because Christ says be not afraid of man who can harm the body but be afraid of him who can harm the body and soul in hell.

In basic traditional doctrine anyways..

I have encountered numerous skeptics and ahtiests and debated my faith with them. It appears to be in vain, It only increased my faith and confused thiers.

I feel a need to stop try and revert to Timothy saying, "I have fought the good fight". But still feel a need to convince non-believers to accept Christ.

To choose between the two, I do not know!

:help:

†Neil†

25th March 2004, 04:35 AM

I am very proud to be a Christian and if I was asked no matter if my life was on the line I would say I am a Christian. If I die from saying that then I know I'm going to a good place.

Glorianna

30th March 2004, 04:19 AM

I WANT to die for my faith! God is the only One worth living for. I would NEVER renounce my faith. Plus, the sooner I get to heaven, the better!

TheMainException

14th June 2004, 11:43 AM

There are so many stories like that, it is horrible, but I would go and help them because the only reason I live is for Christ.

PaladinGirl

23rd July 2004, 04:52 AM

I'm honestly not sure. I am pretty stubborn when it comes to things like that so I know I wouldn't give up my faith easily. But then again, I tend to become a little paranoid when someone is seriously threatening my life or my family's life too so I don't know what I'd do in those situations.

Moros

23rd July 2004, 08:45 PM

Irrefutable science.

faith by day

15th August 2004, 09:41 PM

Not Sure... I reannouced my faith once... and it was from peer pressure, and not believing in christ anymore... and giving into the devil. But im proud to say that i am a Christian agian!

The "J"

2nd September 2004, 12:08 AM

Never surrender!

tqpix

2nd September 2004, 11:30 AM

If I should be put into a situation where I had to renounce, my mouth might renounce, but every other part of me, like my heart, will never renounce.

~Mrs. A2J~

2nd September 2004, 11:52 AM

I will never renounce my faith. I know Jesus is the truth.

Sarah

~Mrs. A2J~

4th September 2004, 10:32 PM

Jesus said, "I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God." (Luke 12:8-9)

If we renounce our faith before man, Jesus shall renounce us before God.

Sarah

Kristi1

4th September 2004, 10:34 PM

I voted ~> Never! "I am a soldier for Christ!" :clap:

DeusAmante

6th September 2004, 05:49 PM

Philippians 1:20-21

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

begoten son lover_1

6th September 2004, 06:02 PM

i voted never im a soldier for christ

i have to say that im purty disapointed in these peopleIf someone asked me to http://www.christianforums.com/images/polls/bar6-l.gifhttp://www.christianforums.com/images/polls/bar6.gifhttp://www.christianforums.com/images/polls/bar6-r.gif 55.05%
those 5 people are needing help if you were one of those people please pm me!!

i wish to help you get deeper with christ:help:

in him

Sarah :hug: (huggs for everyone)

Richard

6th September 2004, 07:04 PM

I voted "never" , but I will truly know if it comes up which I hope it never does .... because thats a situation where noone really knows what they would do !

okiemommy26

27th September 2004, 06:30 PM

Never I am a solider for Christ

Spyk

28th September 2004, 04:59 AM

zoe_uu

28th September 2004, 11:10 AM

soldier=army=war=killing ........scary implications there mates. And Christians wonder why the rest of the world doesn't trust them... we're afraid you're out to kill us, when you use terms like "soldier for Christ" and "army of God"

Spyk

28th September 2004, 11:45 AM

Not in the physical Sense bud.. were talking spiritual ..

brinny

28th September 2004, 12:16 PM

Jesus, that story is hard :(

I pray for strength in areas like these.. i Would more than likely stand as a warrior for Christ .. God give strength to those in need or to those who have to withstand evil like this on a daily basis..

Bless His Name ..
Spyk.

I agree. Only by God's grace can we withstand what we must. In our own flesh/strength we cannot. So we pray for His strength to get us through it.

God give strength to those in need or to those who have to withstand evil like this on a daily basis..

:amen:

Aegis_Avalon

28th September 2004, 12:22 PM

Thats rrich veggie... considerings a faction of a certain other religion has clearly stated that "killing" is their purpose and it seems rather then being scared of it most people want to "understand" them...

zoe_uu

28th September 2004, 12:47 PM

Not in the physical Sense bud.. were talking spiritual ..Tell that to the millions left dead in Christianity wake... and don't call me bud. :)
Thats rrich veggie... considerings a faction of a certain other religion has clearly stated that "killing" is their purpose and it seems rather then being scared of it most people want to "understand" them...And what religion would that be? None that I can think of, unless you're referring to the hateful propaganda currently circulating about Islam.

Spyk

28th September 2004, 02:03 PM

hehe sorry to hear ya soo bitter.. :) i guess aegis talking to her wont work .. Leave it to God ..

take care..
Spyk.

El_Ayin

28th September 2004, 02:08 PM

What would it take for YOU to renounce your faith?
I would NEVER renounce my faith! I am a solider for Christ!

Playerslight77

28th September 2004, 02:53 PM

zoe_uu

28th September 2004, 04:07 PM

hehe sorry to hear ya soo bitter.. :) i guess aegis talking to her wont work .. Leave it to God ..

take care..
Spyk.Not bitter, just a realist. :)

Lady_Firehawk

28th September 2004, 04:14 PM

I should certainly hope I wouldn't, but I could never be certain unless I ran into that kind of situation, to be painfully honest.

SuperSmart

28th September 2004, 06:36 PM

Never

Spyk

28th September 2004, 06:58 PM

veggie and Player.. Apologies for anything i wrongly said :( Shouldnt of been soo sarki or a realist is it .. :)

Bit of a weird one earlier.. Sorri for calling ya Bud.. if thats not what ya like ill hold back.. Thats just me tho ..

Take Care
Spyk..

Playerslight77

28th September 2004, 07:47 PM

Spyk

28th September 2004, 07:49 PM

Completely Agreed :) thankx bud.

Spyky.

Mimi

30th September 2004, 04:02 AM

I am not sure what I would do or say in certain situations. I never been in such situation, so how can I even imagine what I am going to do? By the way...I am not a "warrior" of Christ........I am a "peacemaker" of Christ

meebs

30th September 2004, 04:15 AM

i would renounce my faith if it was absolutely proved that God didnt exist. But that aint gonna happen. i think i would stick to it to the bitter end, but i dont really know unless such a bad situation happened. We never surely know how we are gonna act. :)

i hope i would never renounce it - i like to stand up for what i beleive in anyway, so i guess i'd never give up Jesus for my life. :clap:

Izzy23

30th September 2004, 07:01 PM

Never. Jesus is my best friend. He has proven Himself to me over and over again and I have done nothing to earn His love. To live is Jesus and to die is gain. I believe in Him more then I do in my own life.

Mimi

1st October 2004, 03:16 AM

How strong most of you are. Am I the only weak one here. I mean, I could say that I would never do it, but I live in a peaceful tolerant country with the right to have the faith I want. How can I ever imagine why people renounce their faith under torture and great pressure. In Tibet there were even monks that killed a fellow monk under the pressure of a gun to his head held by a screaming soldier. And believe me, to a Buddhist nothing is more worse than killing a living being. Fear does strange things with humans.

I pray and hope that none of us have to endure terrible torture for as long as we live.

Mims

Kathy

2nd October 2004, 01:05 AM

Jesus is my saviour and friend..I could never renounce him..Jesus has stood close to me my whole life and never left my side,I would do the same for him.. Kathy :crossrc:

GodFlute2

15th December 2004, 05:36 PM

I am a Soldier of God.

Waterhouse

30th January 2006, 10:13 AM

Woah... that's a tough one... couldn't say until I'm in that situation myself.

Lake

30th January 2006, 12:10 PM

I believe in martyrism. Nothing could make me denounce.To suffer would be grand,yes a stress-pain is demoralizing but endure this for Christ is a calling. The pain Jesus endured will never be matched.

Followers4christ

30th January 2006, 07:13 PM

I am a soldier for Christ

2 Corinthians 5:6-8"Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.We live by faith, not by sight.We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

DavetheProphet

1st February 2006, 04:16 PM

Answering a poll is very different than actually being there and going through it. I'd love to say I would easily stand up for Christ no matter what my situation, however in the face of death, people look at things pretty differently. I'm working to keep my faith growing daily, but at this point, I'm not sure what I would actually do given such a situation...

gal4God

1st February 2006, 06:16 PM

Never! My faith is 2 imporant 4 anything even danger 2 get in the way of it.

Face Value

2nd February 2006, 02:23 AM

im not sure. i hope im a solder but iv never been in a situation like that.

greenjeans

2nd February 2006, 05:31 PM

I would never give up my faith. jesus died for our sins. to give up my life for him is the least i could do.

IgnatiusOfAntioch

3rd February 2006, 12:05 AM

What good does it do to save your life and loose your eternal soul?

Stacey

5th February 2006, 11:50 PM

NEVERRRRRRRRR! :amen:

Stacey

5th February 2006, 11:52 PM

Like if someone's threatening to kill you because of your faith... they're probably going to kill you anyway. And even if they don't - you've already died inside. At least that's how I'd feel right now if I didn't have Jesus.

HolyGuardianAngels

6th February 2006, 01:04 AM

eaglex

6th February 2006, 04:27 AM

I would rather die than renounce My LOrd!

Glacian

9th February 2006, 11:11 PM

I do not like this poll's selection. It's worded in such a way as to imply that there isn't the option that you are convinced or persuaded in some non-threatening circumstances to renounce your faith; the poll would be fine, but the selection highlights its presumptuous nature.

For instance, why is there no option for one to be rationally convinced that Christianity is not true, and therefore one ought to renounce one's faith?

Why is there no option that one could be convinced that another religion is true, and therefore one should accept that, and by extension of that acceptance, renounce their faith in Christianity?

These selections all imply that it takes force or some type of psychological threat to cause one to renounce their faith, when the vast majority of ex-Christians that I know of did not leave Christianity for these reasons, but for intellectual reasons, such as their inability to maintain belief in notions they no longer believed plausible, or even possible.

When a Christian is held at gunpoint and forced to renounce their faith, from a Christian point of view (I'm no longer Christian, but this was my view when I was) I feel that it is alright to lie and to live under the circumstances. I believe there is some passage, though I'm not going to look for it now, in the Old Testament about the Jews being permitted to lie about their religion to others if it will save them from harm. There is a difference between renouncing god with words and renouncing god truthfully in one's mind/heart, and renouncing God at gunpoint or under threat doesn't necessarily mean you stop believing. It's also an intellectualy dishonest renouncement, that was garnered under coercion; hardly what I'd consider true apostacy.

At any rate, the other problem I have with this poll, as I said earlier, is that it seems rather presumptuous. Many people here seem to take pride in the fact that they would not ever renounce their faith, as if this is a quality attribute. It isn't. Wouldn't God want you to be more committed to the truth, whatever that may be, than to your current set of beliefs. What if it turned out that your current beliefs about God or Jesus were not correct? Yes, you may be certain that they are, but you are not infallible; it's reasonable, I think, to admit at least the possibility that you are mistaken to the point that your religious beliefs could change to the point of renouncing your current ones almost in their entirety (this doesn't mean renouncing god, just your beliefs, perhaps your ideas about god or jesus).

Don't you think God wants you to be committed to the truth, even if that truth would indicate that your particular beliefs about God and Jesus are not correct? And admitting in principle the possibility that God/Jesus don't exist or don't exist as you believe they do, wouldn't the option of being convinced of an alternative truth to your current set of beliefs be sufficient to cause you to renounce your faith?

Are believers more concerned with their beliefs as they are, or are they committed to the truth, whatever it may be?

I'd like to have seen options on here such as:

"If someone convinces you that Jesus's divinity is illogical." or something like that. The current options all imply that one is or ought to be completely impervious to dissuasion of the non-hostile sort. Mirroring reality, this is inaccurate, as the majority of Christians, as far as I know, leave the faith without having to be threatened or coerced out of it.

ysl_75

9th February 2006, 11:53 PM

Fight till the end ya...because Jesus is the greatest !!! :clap: :clap:

ysl_75

9th February 2006, 11:54 PM

NEVER..... :clap:

ysl_75

9th February 2006, 11:55 PM

I AM SOLDIER FOR CHRIST....

country

10th February 2006, 03:14 AM

I voted Never, I am a soldier for Christ! I hope and pray that's true if I am ever in such a situation.

Godslilgurlalways

27th February 2006, 08:58 PM

I am a soilder for the Lord and I hope and pray that I will never be faced with that situation:)

handmaiden97

28th February 2006, 01:19 AM

I chose never....but I have to admit, I would be speaking presumptiously and arrogently to say I would never renounce my faith if put through various forms of torture or witenssing of loved ones being killed. I hope and pray If I ever face any of that I would truly lean on God for strength and stand firm on my faith for Jesus.

I have read many inspiring stories of christians who have died as martyrs, I am inspired by their lives and their deaths. I trust that I will have the love, peace of God to get me through a tough situation

Many people say thay would die for Christ, but my question is do they really live for Him now?

Miracle Storm

5th March 2006, 01:35 AM

:prayer: I am a soldier for Christ!!!:prayer:
:bow: All glory, honor and praise be to God, in Jesus' name!!! Amen.

Buttermilk

5th March 2006, 10:13 PM

I would like to say never, but I, like many people who have already posted here have stated, we have never been in some of these awful situations, so we can't 100% say with certaintity how we would react, I am therefore voting Don't Know.

Soldier_For_Christ

6th March 2006, 12:37 AM

I think everyone here can guess what I voted...

die2live

6th March 2006, 12:44 AM

I'd like to say never and I truly would not intend to ever deny Jesus regardless of consequences. Yet I know I am weak and prone to fear. Still, I must trust in God's ability to turn my weaknesses into his strengths, as in 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10.

faith guardian

6th March 2006, 05:08 PM

I hope I can say never. But I am human, and I do not know, cannot know until I face such a situation.
God willing I will stay with Him. In mysef I do not have sucha strength, to see my family be killed or tortured and not renounce my faith.
In Him I might. God willing I will never face the dilemma. God willing, if I do He will grant me what strength I need.

Pogue

6th March 2006, 07:11 PM

If my family's lives were at stake, I would. It's just the way I feel. They do mean the most in the world to me.

Godisgr8r

7th March 2006, 05:07 PM

I feel like I would stake my life for Jesus.

GoDzLiLPrInCeSs

12th March 2006, 11:30 PM

never give up my faith......Jesus never gives up on me!!!!!!

fatpie42

13th March 2006, 07:53 AM

It's rather a dodgy title for this thread isn't it? How could anyone ever know whether you had truly renounced your faith?

I would be disturbed if anyone was not prepared to lie to save the lives of their children. Why should children die for the sake their parents' stubborn pride? God knows what is in your heart after all.

No one can make you renounce your faith - not with threats at least. Is lying about your faith for the sake others really such a bad thing?

(I'm sure many people are thinking of Peter's three denials of Christ, but the difference there is that he is lying to save himself. If you are lying to save children I think it is rather different.)

seeking_His_truth

13th March 2006, 07:49 PM

I pray that if i'm ever in such a situation That God would keep me strong and That I WILL NEVER RENOUNCE MY FAITH.

seeking_His_truth

13th March 2006, 07:50 PM

I pray that if i'm ever in such a situation That God would keep me strong and That I WILL NEVER RENOUNCE MY FAITH in JESUS. I Pray the same for any other Christian as well! :cool:

fatpie42

13th March 2006, 07:52 PM

I pray that if i'm ever in such a situation That God would keep me strong and That I WILL NEVER RENOUNCE MY FAITH.

Considering that you would still be a Christian really and that you would only be lying when you (pretended to) renounce your faith, surely God would rather you told a lie than allowed your family members to die? Which is greater sin? A direct lie, or indirect murder?

baseballdude

15th March 2006, 02:39 PM

hey

baseballdude

15th March 2006, 02:41 PM

sorry bout that...

runner_4_jc

17th March 2006, 01:47 AM

Gosh, this is a tough one, but i would have to say Never! Never will i renounce my faith in Jesus Christ!!! I am a Soldier For Jesus

firestar

20th March 2006, 06:20 PM

I don't think nobody can answer for real until they're in that situation. Obviously every Christian should say "NEVER!"

CardinalBaseball

20th March 2006, 08:05 PM

Hopefully nothing would make me, but you never know. I chose "I'm not sure"

Norseman

21st March 2006, 04:45 AM

Being a non-Christian, I reversed this before answering. Verbally renouncing my "faith" would require only a threat (of mutilation). That's not going to change my beliefs, but it will give me some time to decide what to do with the person who threatened me and to consider what kind of situation I'm in. If someone beat me up, I'd just come back later and return the favor, preferably with friends.

Unlike with the soldier of Christ attitude, I would prefer to buy some time and then take a moment of opportunity. e.g. if I were in a situation where someone had me at gunpoint asking me if I were an atheist, I would say I was a Christian, Muslim, Jew or whatever the "correct" answer is. If I were asked if I were a Christian or anything else, again, I would look for the "correct" answer. Then, if said gunman from any scenario turns his back to me after that, I'd kick him in the head, knock him to the ground, take the gun, and not be afraid to shoot him until the magazine is out, or he's lying on the ground, if he tries to take it back.

sherry40

21st March 2006, 04:50 AM

I have all of my hopes, dreams and rewards waiting for me in Heaven. There is nothing holding me to this earth so I would gladly give up my life for my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

sherry40

21st March 2006, 04:53 AM

But a Christians reponse to someone who hurt, beat up or killed you should be Lord forgive them for they know not what they do.

fatpie42

21st March 2006, 01:47 PM

I have all of my hopes, dreams and rewards waiting for me in Heaven. There is nothing holding me to this earth so I would gladly give up my life for my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

One of the options was whether you would renounce your faith if your FAMILY was in danger. It is quite selfish, in that case, to make your family suffer for your pride. No one can force you to do anything but lie about your beliefs; they can't force you to change your beliefs. I think it is selfish to refuse to lie in order to save someone's life.

But a Christians reponse to someone who hurt, beat up or killed you should be Lord forgive them for they know not what they do.

Sometimes when people do not know what they are doing, there is all the more reason to use force to stop them. If someone holds you at gunpoint and you manage to wrestle the gun away from them, that does not mean that you do not forgive them. If a baby picked up a knife we would say that they might not know what they were doing, but pulling the knife away from the baby is an act of love not of malice.

jerek

21st March 2006, 11:00 PM

I say that I would die and I am very sure in my mind that I die before turning my back on Christ, but i have never had my life threatened any certainly never been threatend to deny my faith.

sherry40

22nd March 2006, 02:42 AM

One of the options was whether you would renounce your faith if your FAMILY was in danger. It is quite selfish, in that case, to make your family suffer for your pride. No one can force you to do anything but lie about your beliefs; they can't force you to change your beliefs. I think it is selfish to refuse to lie in order to save someone's life..

Well I suppose that from a non christian point of view your response would make sense but my Heavenly Father would protect my family if He thought it was nessary. No one has power over christians except that which God allows them to have

Sometimes when people do not know what they are doing, there is all the more reason to use force to stop them. If someone holds you at gunpoint and you manage to wrestle the gun away from them, that does not mean that you do not forgive them. If a baby picked up a knife we would say that they might not know what they were doing, but pulling the knife away from the baby is an act of love not of malice.

If I was in that situation and it was possible to wrestle the weapon away then I would do it but seeings as how more often than not that is not possible I would still ask my Father to forgive them.
:crossrc::prayer:

fatpie42

22nd March 2006, 08:54 AM

Well I suppose that from a non christian point of view your response would make sense but my Heavenly Father would protect my family if He thought it was nessary. No one has power over christians except that which God allows them to have

Does that mean you don't need health insurance? :scratch:

sherry40

22nd March 2006, 02:18 PM

No it means that God is my insurance

HollyHobbie

22nd March 2006, 03:27 PM

Though I voted no I am a soldier of Christ.....I don't think anyone can totally honestly say that they would stand up for Christ .....until they are actually faced with the possibility of death ect

I beleive I would stand up for Christ.....but as a human I am weak we all are.

Look at Peter in the Bible he vowed he would never deny Christ and yet he did 3 times,but God forgave him....Yes in the end he did die for Christ years later.

I often ask myself if someone were to threaten killing my children in front of me unless I renounced my faith in Christ ....could I stand for Christ ?

As someone said previously I would have to be faced with that situation in order to make that decision..

I cannot honestly say I would now when I am being asked that question via computer and no real threat around me.

I believe I would though.

Love In Christ
Holly Hobbie
Laura

Norseman

23rd March 2006, 04:40 AM

No it means that God is my insurance

So then why waste money on insurance you already have? Wouldn't that money be better spent providing for the poor, or at the very least for yourself?

jbran555

26th March 2006, 12:43 AM

I want to say I am a a soldier for Christ but I put not sure because I would want to stand for Jesus but If my life or my family's life was at stake I would pretend to renounce my faith to survive maybe but I would never in my mind really stop beleiving. So I am not sure.

cat has felt the light!

30th March 2006, 04:37 PM

ok i admit it, i put not sure, i genuinely dont know what i'd do in any such situation i am blessed to have never been there and maybe one day i'll be able to tell u exactly what i'd do but i sure hope not x
C@ x

Gukkor

18th June 2006, 10:52 PM

This is one of those questions that you can't really know the answer to until you've been in such a situation. Sure, most of us would love to say we'd never renounce our faith, even under pain of death, but the fact of the matter is that we can't know how we'd react under such circumstances until we've actually been in them.

EDIT: I've rethought this. I would never truly renounce my beliefs, but if others were in true danger, I would gladly lie momentarily. I think it comes down to intention. Peter's denial of Christ was out of personal fear and embarrassment. Christians should NEVER lie to save face. When the safety of others comes into question, however, it changes from a matter of giving up our lives for personal integrity to temporarily damaging one's personal integrity for the sake of others. Integrity can be restored. Life cannot.

Soldier_For_Christ

18th June 2006, 11:02 PM

This is one of those questions that you can't really know the answer to until you've been in such a situation. Sure, most of us would love to say we'd never renounce our faith, even under pain of death, but the fact of the matter is that we can't know how we'd react under such circumstances until we've actually been in them.

You are correct. However, if we mentally train our mind to be willing to say "I believe in Jesus" regardless of the consequences, isn't it more likely that we will be able to hold to that?

Funny thing: As I reread that first post, "This Man" by Jeremy Camp played on my music player. "Would you take the place of this Man?" were some of the lyrics. Ironic...

godisgr8

25th July 2006, 08:08 PM

Absolutely nothing could. Never im a soldier of Christ.

DUSTINtheCHRISTIAN

26th July 2006, 03:36 AM

Never because I'm a "Soldier of Christ!":amen:

SecretSanta

27th July 2006, 10:44 AM

hylo

chadders

1st August 2006, 02:32 AM

I don't know to be honest. I am a recently converted christian so I havn't really been tested as far as faith is concerned.

musicalmeg20

2nd August 2006, 10:01 PM

I could never go back on my word. Not only am I a soldier of Christ, but I know it would hurt me worse than anything anyone else could do to me if I denied my own faith.

HOLYROLLER71

6th August 2006, 12:48 PM

I am a soilder,I will die professing that Jesus is my Lord and savior!

krys4ever

18th March 2007, 02:50 PM

I would never renounce Christ. No matter what. Denying Christ is saying u hate Him and u would be saying yes to eternal damnation. Their life on earth might be saved, but their soul will be lost forever. If one denies Christ, Christ will deny them.

BecauseHeLivesJG

18th March 2007, 04:36 PM

I will serve the Lord to the end, and if it costs me my life, so be it.

fireman1173005

19th March 2007, 12:05 PM

Although I do not desire to be a marter for my Lord I would happily lay down my life for him!!! Look at one of the girls who died at Columbine, they asked her to denounce God and she didn't, she died for it but man what a witness her story has been. I have used it a couple times in my youth class.

Brian

fiacha5

8th July 2007, 07:44 PM

I think one should listen to whats in ones soul, a verbal declaration on the point of death should hold no one accountable. Many believers have had to lie to survive and carry on there works. While many others have declared themselves and payed the price.

I will not go against god for my own sake, but if the punishment should fall on another, a child, or woman, I would have to look into my soul and see what was there.

I think another question, would be , if you came upon the situation that started the thread would you use force to stop the attack and would you be willing to kill?
I dont think there is aright answer, i jsut know what I would do.

Fiacha
"Here I am!"

cory533

8th July 2007, 08:48 PM

I have to trust I will not be tempted but that God will provide escape from temptation. Death is a sutible escape.

JeyJack

11th July 2007, 03:06 PM

I selected: Never! "I am a soldier for Christ!"
I would NEVER leave Him.. He just gave me too many proofs that He exists and loves me :)

Melanie91

12th July 2007, 05:58 AM

Never!

idest

27th July 2007, 08:56 PM

Voted "I'm not sure", because if there is something that would make me renounce my faith I am not aware of it. But I never plan on doing so because that would be lying. And lying is abhorrent.

JPPT1974

2nd August 2007, 11:57 PM

I am a soldier of Christ regardless of consequences!

lyonguard

29th August 2007, 01:42 PM

I hope I never have to find out.

JPPT1974

30th August 2007, 04:25 PM

I have to trust the Lord no matter what occurs
As we need to put our faith and trust in Him
Regardless of circumstances.

GodsAmbassador2Nicolette

4th September 2007, 05:15 PM

I would never renounce my faith. Can you imagine what would happen if you did and then they killed you anyway? Where would you go? I don't think heaven.

NostalgicGranny

19th September 2007, 09:52 AM

Completed the poll.

NostalgicGranny

19th September 2007, 09:53 AM

Never!

plutoaintaplanet

12th November 2007, 02:37 PM

Ideally NEVER!

However in reality I can only pray that he will give me the strength not to deny being a witness for him.

T3mpt3d

12th November 2007, 03:35 PM

If my family's lives were at stake it would be extremely hard not to if it meant their living or dying, but death only leads to eternal life for those Christians who don't renounce their faith. Knowing that would give me strength.

AnimalMother

21st March 2008, 03:48 PM

since i don't have any faith to start with, not sure....

Disippelen

21st March 2008, 07:04 PM

I answered "never". Basically because what Christ (and the Apostles) said is crystal clear on this issue. If we renounce him, he will renounce us. If we "save" our life here, we will lose our life there. There is no in between...

VictoryNGrace

21st March 2008, 09:54 PM

If it ever came to my child, I would.. But if I didnt have children around me or near me I could never re-nounce Jesus.. But like I said, I would if it were to hlep my kids to be safe and they would have their mom with them.. But thats me..

PARCmd

30th April 2008, 11:11 AM

Can renunciation of the faith or of God/Christ be forgiven?

gardenfairy

7th May 2008, 04:47 PM

I have never been in a situation where anyone has persecuted me for my belief in Christ. So, even though I want to say that I would never renounce my faith, I also don't want to be full of myself or egotistical. The truth is, if I am able to keep my faith while being persecuted it will be because of God's strength (Holy Spirit) in me.
We don't do anything separate or by ourselves. We live and die by the Lord. He refines me and purifies me so I can be the kind of Christian which He is not ashamed of.
I do try my hardest to always stay faithful, and God says that He counts our trying as 'perfect'.

God is full of mercy and wisdom.

:angel:

gardenfairy

7th May 2008, 05:02 PM

Can renunciation of the faith or of God/Christ be forgiven?

This is a broad question.

Can you give an example? There are many types of situations in which this could possibly occur where it may not be a serious renunciation.

Humans can't know the heart, but God can. So, if you could put your question into context, then perhaps it will be easier to answer.

Also, renouncing a man-made religion is not the same as renouncing God. Sometimes this confuses people, and they begin to think God no longer loves them and they are going to hell because of what the people at their former religious church said, not because of anything God has actually said.

To be kicked out of a human church is not anything even close to being kicked out of THE church, which is the true church and Bride of Christ. Two VERY different things entirely. The human church cannot save. Only Christ saves. Humans cannot know your heart. Only God knows your heart and is called the heart knower in the Bible.