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VERY bad: Look where ISIS death squad terrorists just showed up

Brother Hekuran,I know very well good brother about the pains of war! I served two tours in Vietnam, I know how bad the odds can become in war as well,I understand how children suffer,and the pains of hunger and fear,all these things look to defeat each person,and if they entertain those thoughts for very long they will indeed become as they have already believed!

So, for the adults it is so important to not act like there children! For can the blind lead another to freedom if they have become blind themselves? Of course not! It was said long ago when Red China looked to roll over a citizen,who was standing in protest in front of a tank, he said " It is better to die on your feet, then to live on your knees before any common man!" i agree bro! One flees if they cannot fight,this is fine with me,it is the ones who can fight and flee which concerns me! For if a man does that,what has he become? you know the answer as well as I!
 
Please understand what is happening in Syria. There is fighting on all sides. Caught in the middle are men women and children who have no weapons. There is very little such people - cowardly or brave - can do against helicopters with barrel bombs. Find out about what has been happening in Aleppo and places like it. It is easy to find first hand testimonies of people who have fled the war.
You know who mostly were caught in the middle... christians. They were killed by Isis unless they renounced their faith in Christ. Most have already been killed, and those that fled, well, sinse its pc to not request christian persecuted refugees, they want everyone to take them all with little checks into their moral codes in life. A sure recipe for problems.
 
Yes I know about the plight of Christians. Christians have long been a minority in Syria and have been hit by the conflict harder than most. The Christian community is almost entirely wiped out now - killed or fled as you say. A tragedy.

In terms of gross numbers most of the casualties are Muslim.
 
Wide is the road and narrow the path. It has always been so. Never despair those that select their own path in life. We are ALL given choice and death comes to us all. Its not about the death and suffering of the physical as much as it is the death and suffering of the spirit. The physical is truly important and so is loving our brothers and sisters, but be saddened more so by those who have already died having rejected Christ. As long as those left draw breath, real policies are best used to make a difference in those still alive in reminding them of their spiritual choices.
 
As long as those left draw breath, real policies are best used to make a difference in those still alive in reminding them of their spiritual choices.
OK. To achieve this end for people in Syria and refugees, what kinds of policies and interventions would you like western governments to pursue?
 
OK. To achieve this end for people in Syria and refugees, what kinds of policies and interventions would you like western governments to pursue?
Does it really matter what I would like in policies? Those in government do what they wish with whatever policies are popular at the time with those in power, and rarely do any consider what is best for people spiritually. The moment someone brings up a Christian solution (unless it forwards its own desires in advance), it is looked down upon. But because you already know this, you are not asking because you could change it, but because you want to find fault with it, assuming I have either no ideas or bad ones. I don't argue for the sake of argument like so many do, or to win no matter how you twist the truth to do it, I try to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in either arguing to change attitudes and lives or to refuse to argue. You have shown no willingness to try to find any truth in what others have said here (who oppose you), so your ears are not set to listen. And please do not tell me you are ready to listen, you only listen to find fault in this matter.
 
I know it was a tough question, and yes, anybody attempting to answer it puts their ideas out there to be ripped apart. I wanted to steer the conversation in a creative direction. I do think it matters what all of us would like in policies.

I'll attempt to answer the question for myself, aware that I'm setting my ideas up to be shot down. I've not come across anyone who claims they have the answer to the conflict in Syria. I certainly don't.

Two passages from Scripture that have special relevance now:

He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigners residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.
Deuteronomy 10.18-19

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5.44​

There are evil forces at work. How can nations respond to evil with goodness? How can those of us who belong to the Kingdom of God respond to the Kingdom of darkness? Attempting to overcome violence violently does not seem to me to be in line with the values of the Kingdom. I cannot see how military action can easily lead to peace.
  • First, governments could be far more careful in the way they talk about the conflict, and insist that the media does the same. A high level of public debate would serve everybody well. For example, a look at much of the western media would suggest that the Syrian population is Islamic extremist and a threat to the West. This is not true. Before the outbreak of the war Syria was largely secular with religious freedom guaranteed. It is outside forces that have brought in a radical Islamist agenda.
  • I would like our governments to consider non-military responses to ISIS as seriously as military ones, and to give them the same level of resources. Facing ISIS with weapons is to meet them on their home territory. Every death creates more martyrs and aids their cause.
  • Many nations are playing games with Syria for their own ends. We do have the influence to put pressure on the the likes of Saudi Arabia, and this would help reduce the conflict.
  • It looks like ISIS is winning the propaganda war hands down, especially radicalising people through social media - a medium that defies national borders. Nevertheless, with the right resources, there is a battle to be won here.
  • A coordinated response to the refugee crisis is needed. If all nations played their part, the burden would not be too great. As it is, a few countries such as Lebanon are under unsustainable pressure. Christians in Italy have found a way to bring refugees from North Africa without having to make the dangerous boat crossing. More of these kinds of initiative would help.
  • I believe the aerial bombing campaigns are largely counterproductive, until there is a widely agreed vision of peace for the region and some kind of plan to realise that vision.
I know that these would go only half-way to dealing with some of the problems. And yes, I am ready to listen to anybody willing to engage with the issues that face us.
 
A question to Hekuran,If I were to come to your home, and start telling you how you should run your home, how long would you have me as a guest,and when you looked to explain the situation at your house to help me better understand,I would only keep telling you what you are not doing right,rather then encourage you as what you have done right so far as to deal with the situation at your home.

This is what we have done now with your people for over 14 years,and you can see where it has got the United States into! NOWHERE! That is because, and i know this truth will not make many feel good about,This is because we only have our own interest in mind! What is in it for us?? If we help you? You want us to help with no charge to any of your own people?? That is not good business sense to us at home!

So lets look at many of your fine points bro!! point 1 a very fine point! the question is to what end? 2. point 2 You know very well as I do, that only fear can bear results to people in the Middle East, swift action, warns others that if you cross over the line,you will have to answer for it! Threats are useless! Our President has done this,and you can see the results from only his words!

We need moles inside Isis to destroy them from within, not from without, as has been the case for so long.And the best people to preform this action comes from your own people in Syria!The idea is that if we force our will upon them,and leave nothing to chance, they will have to come to the table to wheel and deal with us! Like Japan did,like Germany did.

Final point to consider for the civilians.I now what I am about to say is going to go over like a lead balloon but to any soldier we know this truth.here goes!! There is NO innocence in any war! NONE! The more people that die for there cause, the sooner we can come to some sort of peace and understanding for the future. Life is not, nor has ever been fair! Life is about learning how to overcome,and to establish this for the future children as well!

Fear leads to doubt, and doubt leads to surrender.Did not want to use the word coward here,as that word is tough to take for many! But you see the point.Feeling sorry for a people, who themselves feel sorry enough for themselves is no answer to a solution.So I am not trashing any of your words bro!! If we were dealing with people who were looking to reason in the first place,then everything you have spoken is a fine idea!!!

But we are dealing with reality! those who look to bury there head in the sand rather then deal with the problem at hand,will never see any result in my humble opinion. I do not think you care for my mindset on this issue which I respect bro,so this will be my final take on this issue unless you wish me to speak further upon it. it is not that we here in the United States do not care about those who are suffering so greatly during this time!! But we ourselves have to get a President with some backbone to deal with the truth, rather then fantasy land he lives in!
 
Hi Brighthouse. From your post it looks like you think I am Syrian - I'm not. White British in fact.
Things we agree on:
  • Your analysis of the the west's intervention in the Middle East fits - though it needs to begin with you kicking my front door in.
  • The destruction of ISIS will probably have to come from within.
  • We need to deal with reality, not with what we'd like reality to be.
You can probably work out for yourself the bits that I profoundly disagree with. Peace.
 
No Hekuran I did not believe you were Syrian, I did however believe you know many from there,and are more then aware what is going on over there is all bro. I understand. thanks
 
Before I post anything, let it be known by anyone who reads this: I was wrong in taking up for any man, today or before, instead of taking God's side. Whether a man is right in his words can only be discerned by the voice of God, not by my hopeful conclusions concerning any of them. My views are foolishness.

I have repented to God; He has pierced my heart through with this, and many other threads on this site. It is doubtful I will post my personal views much any longer concerning disputes or discernment.

-- only God's Word and His views matter --

Proverbs 26:12
12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Proverbs 9:7-9
7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

1 John 4:7-8
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Romans 3:23
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Matthew 18:2-4
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Numbers 12:3
3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

Romans 14:4
4 Who are thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

2 Timothy 2:14
14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

Luke 6:46
46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

1 Peter 5:2-7
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Matthew 18:32-35
32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

James 4:10-12
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

Luke 12:4-5
4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

James 3:1-18
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Matthew 22:36-40
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Luke 23:34
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
 
Don't just talk the talk, but walk the walk. Yes I'm getting personal here, many men can build them self up on the computer screen. Yet the true test is when thing get hard and personal, real live problems. Not just the Muslim problem in the USA but around the world. The Christian Army is the worst Army in the world, because we keep shooting bullets at each other. what the Holy Spirit convicts one person may not be the same as the other. But the worst of these are the one's that don't practice what they preach!



Yes Brighthouse This is about you, who does not even have the common sense enough to stand up for himself, let alone others! Puff your gone from Facebook as I ask you for prayer. Why I can only come to the conclusion choosing friend christian over another. would have been nice if you said something, even nicer if you would have been praying for me. as I offered pray up for you many times.



A real men don't cower behind a skirt like a small child. Don't tell someone you understand compassion, when you don't even know how to be compassionate your self. look a Christ Jesus as your example!



Where is your Head and you Friends Head right now as I'm typing this on the screen. is it not a fact? you like this Quote to Justify your friends Silence.
2Kings 18: 36 But the people held their peace and answered him not a word; for the king's commandment was , "Do not answer him."
Why not, if it only brings trouble and chaos, holding ones peace confuses the enemy! When God speaks and acts in certain situation, victory is guaranteed! Thank You Jesus! Amen

I'm sorry for anyone that has to read this, But it just annoys me when someone speaks scripture and can't back it up with other scripture and their actions. being double minded in most cases. Now let me say I thought Brighthouse and his Friend would be great help on my mission here in the Philippines, spiritual support, considering his friends home town was one of the area's that needed the Gospel brought to it. "When God speaks and acts in certain situation, victory is guaranteed!" God did speak just not in the way stated above, But the Bible Study's in Baggao, Philippines did get started. This area is fill with NPA or The New people's army, Rebels. I'm leading to something here, A coward set back and complains and doe's nothing, crying its to hard or its to dangerous and bury there head in the sand, even with the small problems. here in the Philippine it Culture to say nothing and put your head in the sand. Romans 8:28-39. It take a group of people to get together with a command goal and do something about the Big problems. Now Jesus Miracle Crusade and through Faith in Christ was able to get escorts from the Philippine Army and peace for these bible study's. This was a show of force and peace at the same time.
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Practices what you Peach! where there is God's Will there is a way. If you only get up and do something about it. Faith with out action is dead faith. communication is the key factor in any relationship good or bad. ( Luke 22:49-53 ) some of the disciples swords and one even use it on the ear of the servant, Christ Jesus is all knowing and could have stopped him from using his sword before it even happened, Yet choose not to and showed compassion to the servant and healed him. For the Father God had a appointed time for all things. None of us can tell each other when it is time to show force to the Muslims for that is the Job of God through the Holy Spirit in each true Believer in Jesus Christ. protecting ones Home, Country, Family and Friends from evil is the Job of all good Christians. We all have God given gifts we can be using Daily to speak out again this Evil spreading across American. Our Nation is look at as a leader in the world and is in the spotlight right now. What is your Church doing, your neighborhood and your Home Town. Here a Video of American Muslims Stone Christian Preachers In Dearborn, MI.
Do you live near there?? are you setting at your computer or doing something about it? here is the point Muslim, Christian or what ever Religion should be able to go to a Festival wearing there Color's and be proud with out violence Breaking out. same as are pro sports Games and going to the Mall shopping. Now why is this Festival going on every year? Brighthouse what action will you take if this is near you? To many people blame politicians for not doing their Job, but no one will stand up and unite the people even in small groups to grow larger to support each other and make the Law work for them. personally I look at Muslims as organized crime and we have Laws against that. having knowledge or supporting criminal acts is a crime in it self.

here in the Philippines the Muslims have there own Territory / province what the Filipino Government has some kind of agreement. America is not about segregation, but there is a place for everything and put everything in its place. Satan is the World Champion at Quoting Scripture, His job is to bring us apart from each other as Christians and Brothers and Sisters in Christ. as we set back quarreling over works no action is taken and Satin advances. Remember this John 17:20-23
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one," Father, just as you are in me and I am in you." May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. "23 I in them and you in me so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me" and have loved them" even as you have loved me.

May the Christian Army understand this as Jesus prayer for all of us. let His will be done.
So tell us of all the good works and brave acts you have done, so that we can know you are not the man with the log in your own eye complaining about the speck in your brothers. The very thing you point out about, shooting bullets at our brothers, is what you do here. So sad.
 
I cannot believe what I am reading. The love of God is not inside this thread.

2 Timothy 2:3
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Every one of you needs to forgive each other and quit this bickering.

Revelation 12:9-10
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.


10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.


Is that Christ in us? Accusing our brethren? I think not. Satan accuses us, and here in this thread he doesn't even need to do anything... we will accuse each other!

What would Jesus feel like hearing words like these between His disciples standing under His cross? As He cry aloud "Father forgive them.." while they murder Him. And we cannot forgive the smallest of things professing to be Christ's.

I dare say that the things said would not have been so if Jesus, the God of creation, were visibly standing next to us!!!!

God have mercy on His Church, even those who profess Christ, divided against itself!!!
 
Fear not brother Captor he has been removed. I also removed my post back to him. Of all the powers we as the people of the Lord have, none is more powerful then words. Sometimes when you look to preform Gal 6:1 and that brother or sister treats it like Matt 7:6 there is no more point in looking to reason, or to help unless that person wants that help, so we move on. People do not understand the effect words can also have upon others, and that is because that person does not care either. I would be wrong in ignoring such posts, because I sure would not allow anyone to do the same to any of you either!!
 
Hi brother Captor, again look up and see the bitterness in the words, and ask your self this is that a Christ like reply. let me quote you, "Every one of you needs to forgive each other and quit this bickering." "Is that Christ in us? Accusing our brethren? I think not. Satan accuses us, and here in this thread he doesn't even need to do anything... we will accuse each other!" But again I tell you I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior!!! Thank You Captor for saying this, "Every one of you needs to forgive each other and quit this bickering." I did hear that well!! but again look up and what do you see in the quote.

Fear not brother Captor he has been removed. I also removed my post back to him. Of all the powers we as the people of the Lord have, none is more powerful then words. Sometimes when you look to preform Gal 6:1 and that brother or sister treats it like Matt 7:6 there is no more point in looking to reason, or to help unless that person wants that help, so we move on. People do not understand the effect words can also have upon others, and that is because that person does not care either. I would be wrong in ignoring such posts, because I sure would not allow anyone to do the same to any of you either!!

By Charles Spurgeon: Quotes
A sermon often does a man most good when it makes him most angry. Those people who walk down the aisles and say, "I will never hear that man again," very often have an arrow rankling in their breast.

He that can toy with his ministry and count it to be like a trade, or like any other profession, was never called of God. But he that has a charge pressing on his heart, and a woe ringing in his ear, and preaches as though he heard the cried of hell behind him, and saw his God looking down on him--oh, how that man entreats the Lord that his hearers may not hear in vain!

Lets see if we can follow Jesus as a example, I believe this will be good for all to read.

Stumbling blocks. You don’t want to be one. And you don’t want them in your life, either. But what do you do when the stumbling block comes from someone you love dearly, or from someone with whom you know you are called to labor in God’s Kingdom?

In order to avoid stumbling blocks, we need to recognize them when they arise along the narrow path. At the most basic level, a stumbling block is an obstacle to our progress in the Lord; it’s something that gets in between us and God’s perfect plan for our lives; it is anything that leads us into temptation. It’s a snare. Strong’s Concordance defines a stumbling block as “any person or thing by which one is (entrapped) drawn into error or sin.”

The phrase “stumbling block” is used 14 times in various translations of the Bible. I am going to focus on just one in this exhortation—one that came straight from the lips of the Anointed One to my spirit. It’s an example that shows how even those closest to us—even those called to walk with us and do great things for the Lord alongside us—can at times present a stumbling block in our path. How to we deal with people who present stumbling blocks in a spirit grace, mercy and love without falling into the trap?

Jesus called Peter a stumbling block after he rebuked the Lord for confessing that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priest and the teachers of the law, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter insisted that such a thing would never happen to Jesus. Selfishness was at the root of Peter’s words. Let’s listen in to how Jesus responded:

“Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns’” (Matthew 16:23, NIV). Peter was more concerned about himself than the plan of God, and therefore presented a stumbling block.

Imagine if Jesus had entertained Peter’s words … “You know, Peter, you are right. That shouldn’t happen to me. That’s not really fair. I have never sinned. Why should I die for the sin of the world? Maybe I will call on the angels to deliver me. Humankind can deal with its own problems!” Thank God that Jesus did not fall into the snare.

Here’s the point: How often do those around us—even those with the best intentions—speak the opposite of God’s will into our lives? How often do they discourage us from following our God-given dreams because of their unbelief? How often do they get us stirred up when persecution comes and tempts us to retaliate or merely defend ourselves when God wants to vindicate us in His time?

Jesus was quick to discern the stumbling blocks along the path to His destiny—a destiny that would take away the sin of the world—and He was quick to confront and press through them. That’s because He had in mind the concerns of God, not merely human concerns—not even His own concerns. Jesus’ mantra: Not my will, but yours be done even if it kills me. Jesus was quick to discern and deal with the stumbling block, but that didn’t mean that Jesus immediately cast the one who put the stumbling block in His path along the roadside. Jesus used wisdom. He knew Peter was an integral part in God’s plan to build the early church.

No, Jesus didn’t cast Peter aside. But Jesus didn’t allow Peter’s hindering words to live in His heart, either. Jesus instead taught Peter the right way to respond: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it” (Matt. 16:24-25). Jesus didn’t exclude Peter from His inner circle or even sit him down for a season. In His mercy and grace, He helped Peter get his focus back on the concerns of God rather than merely human concerns.

Indeed, six days later, the Bible says, Jesus took Peter, James and John to a high mountain where they witnessed His configuration (Matt.17:1-11). What a privilege! Then came Peter’s test. Jesus predicted His death a second time: “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life” (Matt. 17:22-23). Although the disciples were filled with grief, Peter did not stand against the will of God. He did not present a stumbling block.

Fast-forward to Matthew chapter 18 and Jesus is once again talking about stumbling blocks. “Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell” (v. 7-10).

People may introduce temptations (stumbling blocks) into your life, however, the responsibility to walk in righteousness by the grace of God falls squarely on our own shoulders. God may indeed deal with the one who introduces the stumbling block, whether it be a spirit of error or some form of lust—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the Pride of life—but the burden remains on us to discern, confront and press past that stumbling block no matter who introduces it and no matter what it is.
So what do you do if someone you are called to labor alongside in the kingdom—whether that is a family member, a spiritual leader or a friend—presents a stumbling block in your path? Of course be led by the Holy Spirit. Nothing I say here should usurp direct guidance from the Holy Spirit. But the Holy Spirit is always biblical. So I offer some words of wisdom from the Scripture:

Although there are certainly times when you must remove someone from your life who refuses to renounce and repent of a lifestyle or a doctrine that tempts you to stray away from God’s will, you shouldn’t make that move without doing what Jesus did: speak the truth in love, and if that doesn’t work take someone along with you to speak the truth in love. Remind them that whoever wants to be Jesus’ disciple must deny themselves—deny lusts, deny error, deny anything that would lead them outside the perfect will of God—and take up their cross and follow Jesus.

After all, Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Can you imagine if Jesus had excommunicated Peter for a single mistake rooted in selfishness? What if Jesus booted you out of His kingdom for foolish words, or even foolish acts? God is a forgiving God, and we should act like our Father. If we are strong in the Lord and the power of His might, we should be strong enough not to stumble when the snare arises. We should be strong enough to correct in love. And we should be strong enough to restore a believer’s focus on Christ. Amen!

Yes I'm guilty of stumbling and of being a stumbling Block, for we all are in away. but it is are actions after that really count, so what will you do?

My hand has always been out in Friendship in Christ, and will always stay out. But what do you see still. of course if you follow your own words, "when you look to preform Gal 6:1 and that brother or sister treats it like Matt 7:6 there is no more point in looking to reason, or to help unless that person wants that help, so we move on." Did you really do this??? Or did you just move on with out a word???

Now Brighthouse if you truly look up you will see Christ, Then look but again and remove the Quote I'm still in having my whole post quoted in it!! Then reflect on what ever Words I said to you that made you unfriend me in the first place, For I only asked you for prayer I believe!
 
You have to say I forgive bro LOL Which of course I do!

I can't laugh out Loud, when it comes to forgiveness, for someone I dearly love had to die on the cross, in order for me to be forgiven for my sin's. His name is Jesus Christ.

Forgive Just as God in Christ Also Has Forgiven You. And be kind to one another, tender in heart, forgiving each other. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

Let us talked about what forgiveness is—what it looks like and what it's not. I quoted Thomas Watson's definition which included:
  1. resisting revenge,
  2. not returning evil for evil,
  3. wishing them well,
  4. grieving at their calamities,
  5. praying for their welfare,
  6. seeking reconciliation so far as it depends on you,
  7. and coming to their aid in distress.

I fell short with some of these 7 listed at times, it take a true friend in Christ to point it out to me and help get my focus back on Christ, then getting up, start walking with and Following Christ.


If forgiveness was just merely saying words “I Forgive”, then why did God send his only Son to die on the Cross for our forgiveness of sins? Why in the Old Testament did it take a burnt offering to be forgiven for sin. Let us look a little deeper in to the actions that God did in order for our Forgiveness to come about, for our forgiveness through Christ Jesus.



Scripture: Ephesians 4:32–5:2


Before you were born:


  1. God has loved you with a special, personal, saving love from all eternity. (Ephesians 5:1)
  2. His Son gave his life for you to take the place of your judgment. (Ephesians 5:2)
  3. God was satisfied by the substitute and sacrifice of the Son. The debt was paid. (Ephesians 5:2)

Then after you were born:


  1. God brought you to faith and put you in a saving relationship with Christ. (Ephesians 4:32)
  2. God adopted you into his family as a child of his own. (Ephesians 5:1,)
  3. And God forgave all your sins and there is no condemnation. (Ephesians 4:32,)

Charles Spurgeon wrote: tells how his heart was set on wing by the pardon of God:

My life was full of sorrow and wretchedness, believing that I was lost. But, oh, the blessed gospel of the God of grace came to me, and with it a sovereign word, "Deliver him!" And I who was but a minute before as wretched as a soul could be, could have danced for the very merriment of heart. And as the snow fell on my road home from the little house of prayer, I thought every snowflake talked with me and told of the pardon I had found, for I was white as the driven snow through the grace of God.

But years later he added this:

To be forgiven is such sweetness that honey is tasteless in comparison with it. But yet there is one thing sweeter still, and that is to forgive. As it is more blessed to give than to receive, so to forgive rises a stage higher in experience than to be forgiven.

Let us rise higher because it is the gospel of Christ. Glorify the Father with your actions of forgiveness, Just saying the words “I Forgive” is only the first step in Truly Walking with Christ Jesus, so keep on stepping into new heights, with Christ Jesus. Are you ready to take the step's needed to truly forgive?


 
I can't laugh out Loud, when it comes to forgiveness, for someone I dearly love had to die on the cross, in order for me to be forgiven for my sin's. His name is Jesus Christ.

Forgive Just as God in Christ Also Has Forgiven You. And be kind to one another, tender in heart, forgiving each other. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

Let us talked about what forgiveness is—what it looks like and what it's not. I quoted Thomas Watson's definition which included:
  1. resisting revenge,
  2. not returning evil for evil,
  3. wishing them well,
  4. grieving at their calamities,
  5. praying for their welfare,
  6. seeking reconciliation so far as it depends on you,
  7. and coming to their aid in distress.

I fell short with some of these 7 listed at times, it take a true friend in Christ to point it out to me and help get my focus back on Christ, then getting up, start walking with and Following Christ.


If forgiveness was just merely saying words “I Forgive”, then why did God send his only Son to die on the Cross for our forgiveness of sins? Why in the Old Testament did it take a burnt offering to be forgiven for sin. Let us look a little deeper in to the actions that God did in order for our Forgiveness to come about, for our forgiveness through Christ Jesus.



Scripture: Ephesians 4:32–5:2


Before you were born:


  1. God has loved you with a special, personal, saving love from all eternity. (Ephesians 5:1)
  2. His Son gave his life for you to take the place of your judgment. (Ephesians 5:2)
  3. God was satisfied by the substitute and sacrifice of the Son. The debt was paid. (Ephesians 5:2)

Then after you were born:


  1. God brought you to faith and put you in a saving relationship with Christ. (Ephesians 4:32)
  2. God adopted you into his family as a child of his own. (Ephesians 5:1,)
  3. And God forgave all your sins and there is no condemnation. (Ephesians 4:32,)

Charles Spurgeon wrote: tells how his heart was set on wing by the pardon of God:

My life was full of sorrow and wretchedness, believing that I was lost. But, oh, the blessed gospel of the God of grace came to me, and with it a sovereign word, "Deliver him!" And I who was but a minute before as wretched as a soul could be, could have danced for the very merriment of heart. And as the snow fell on my road home from the little house of prayer, I thought every snowflake talked with me and told of the pardon I had found, for I was white as the driven snow through the grace of God.

But years later he added this:

To be forgiven is such sweetness that honey is tasteless in comparison with it. But yet there is one thing sweeter still, and that is to forgive. As it is more blessed to give than to receive, so to forgive rises a stage higher in experience than to be forgiven.

Let us rise higher because it is the gospel of Christ. Glorify the Father with your actions of forgiveness, Just saying the words “I Forgive” is only the first step in Truly Walking with Christ Jesus, so keep on stepping into new heights, with Christ Jesus. Are you ready to take the step's needed to truly forgive?
It is unwise when someone says they "forgive" to assume and site publicly that they are lying unless they follow your idea of what it should be. Be a lion, not a goat.
 
@Edward
I suggest you not bring into evidence what is not already evident in what we see here. Yes I state this as a warning! Though I should not have to do this dear brother.

It is not for us to determine the right or wrong of these actions between you both in open forum. That is why I was going to leave well enough alone, but this post of yours requires an answer. Not because you my Brother are at issue with another Brother in Christ Jesus. This goes without question is something that exists, should be resolved and breaks the hearts of those who are seeing this. However, open forum is not the venue for it. You have alternatives.

Now to why I felt moved to respond to your post. What seems to have escaped you, in your desire to be answered in some particular fashion for what has happened or not happened between you all, is that you have used a verse and placed conditions upon it without seeing what it is in truth trying to tell you.

Let's look at the actual verse you quote by Paul.

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31

These are not one, but three separate items. Notice the commas? Each instance is not conditional on the other. It's not fail in one you fail in all. No, each one is separate unto itself. The example is given of Christ Jesus. Yes, He was able to exhibit each instant in His life. So can we. It however does not mean that each "IS" exhibited every moment of our lives in order for any of them to be true in us.

You may say that we must! I would tell you to look into the mirror and ask yourself the very things that are mentioned by Paul and how you have responded to this Brother, your Brother in Christ Jesus. Have you been kind? Have you been tenderhearted? Tie them together and you have failed forgiveness. Treat them separately and you have not. Why should you be forgiven by what I have mentioned? You have placed conditions upon forgiveness that our Lord did not.

Remember our Lord did not require any actions from or of us for the forgiveness given. It was unconditional. Which is what Paul was talking about in Ephesians 4:31

Yes, you are hurt and I sorry for that. However, I will not allow you to continue being blinded by the very thing you desire to correct so that rather than being more Christ like you have become less so. I love you brother, though I have not met you. Just like I love each and everyone here at TJ, which include the trolls. My Lord; Your Lord would expect no different if we are truly Children of the Most High and Ambassadors of His Kingdom.

I will not respond to the rest of your post because it was only an extension of the Ephesians verse and what is truly troubling you. Plus, it really doesn't address the real issue between you and your Brother in Christ Jesus.

Pray before responding to him. Do it in private if possible. If not, then turn it over to God's capable hands. Who has resolved much greater issues in the past. Just remember as always. In His time and not ours.

Do not be like Paul and Barnabas. Contentions happen even in the most spirit filled people! We pray that the below instance was resolved, but scripture does not say. I truly pray that this does not happen to you both, and only for a short time if it must.

And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, [and see] how they do. 37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. Acts 15:36-40

My hope and prayer if possible is that one day you each may return to the other in Brotherly Love.
YBIC
C4E
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But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 1 Corinthians 1:27
 
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