Christians only,is it really better to be persecuted by the world than to be rejected by God?
139231
Absolutely! Without question!\nThe Bible is full of verses that say so directly. \nMatthew 5:10-12, 5:44, etc.\nThe Bible actually promises that "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" 2 Timothy 3:12\nJesus was persecuted - Why should his followers expect not to be? The disciple is not above the Master.\nWith the exception of John, all of the original 12 disciples were actually killed for their faith (They tried to kill John several times, but he was spared every time).\nThe True Church throughout history has accepted that persecution would be normal.\nThe Bible is also very clear on how believers are to respond when they are persecuted. Romans 12:14, 1 Corinthians 4:11-13\nAlso, those who patiently endure persecution bear more fruit of the gospel, and often see their persecutors enter into the kingdom of God! (like Saul/Paul, who later became one of the most important figures in Christianity began as a persecutor).\nMy own personal experience bears this out as well! I won't go into detail, but trust me, I could!
636653
I am more afraid to NOT live for God.  I don't think people are afraid they are just too lazy and self centered.  Truely living a life that is pleasing to the Most Merciful is not easy but it is well worth the work.
687826
I agree that Christians do get a bad rap when individuals who call themselves Christians behave in extreme ways.\n\nHaving said that, I would defend the rights of anyone who may wish to tell me that I am going to hell (at least they care enough about me and my soul to tell me what they think -- and this can provide the opportunity for me to ask them why they come to this conclusion -- and may be I can learn from them).\n\nMy Background: I used to be an atheist. Over a period of time however, I grew convinced of the existence of the Christian God, and ultimately committed my life to Christ. For a draft-version of my journey from atheism to Christ, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/chri/testimony/seek.html\n\nCordially,\nJohn
540237
Yes if you read the bible-people suffer because they 'rejected' God's rule. Satan rules the world at this time(in your bible)He is the blame. God has appointed a time when this will change. He has allowed not caused suffering. Read your bible-there will be no disputes (because of all that has happened) when God stops all of Satan's influence. Time and History  (a long history)will be proof that Man cannot rule without God. And that question will never need to be answered again.
280032
we think it might be bad here i have a magazine from Voice of the Martyrs(VOM) and Christians are persecuted alot worse in foreign countries than we are!!their churches are torn down and  ppl and murdered.so we really dont have it bad like we think!!i pray in public no matter whio ikm with or what im doin or who ever is around me i stand up for JESUS CHRIST!!!im Baptist and that is how I am  brought up!
508494
Not in the least.  Take a look around and you'll see that just about every faith is slammed by people here.  Look at the way some supposed religious people answer questions about other faiths and you'll see that Christians do plenty of viewing others negatively themselves.
1131434
i think religon-christianity or any other have no part in making ppl better.\nits all about being a great human being and your karma will reward you.\nreligon or the lack of it is insignificant as long as we are not evil and we intend to do no harm.
782830
I'm a christian- but you should not stand by and do nothing. being a christian i believe in sin. and a sin is not only what you do but also what you don't do. if you can help others and do not, it is a sin for you. but don't worry, I'm not a Jesus nut, i listen to reason.\n\nI think your question is very good and is a truth on to it's self.\n\nif you apply this to religion that hates another religion...\nChristians have no excuse. YOU should not hate anyone. or any religion. it is not your place. that's Gods job. if he hates something, he'll take care of it. or do you not believe that God is REAL and is a thinking living person. so for Christians an aggressive stand point on this question is ... out of the question. it is a Christians job to reason and convince the person or government or authority figure to not hurt/abuse/kill but they must leave the... force, to God. God said "vengeance is mine"-Deuteronomy 32:35. And Jesus brings his vengeance "upon those who do not know God"-2Thessalonians 1:8. So back off, Christians! Gods got it under control. Christian should use the teachings of there religion to show a better way to whoever is attacking. but if so-called Christians are the ones that hurt/abuse/kill, then God will take care of them too.\n\nthe same goes for those that are hurting the environment
53411
My impression from the Christians on this site (myself included) is that we are trying to at least clear up the confusion about Christianity and the Bible, but whether or not anyone is interested I can't say. \n\n My personal feeling is that if you're going to reject something, say Christ, you should at least know about what you're rejecting.  Some people do understand and reject what the Bible says, but most don't understand at all and have all kinds of pre-conceived notions that they've learned from the culture at large.
725527
Hey "I LOVE JESUS", yeah, there are "choices", and the CONSEQUENCES of making the WRONG choice are being sent to Hell and suffering forever.\n\nThat IS a punishment.\n\nAnd if I were a deity I would NOT be so pompous as to think that my creations, with all their intelligence and complex reasoning skills and ability to look beyond their primative fears and live life without needing my help, would NEED to worship me.\n\nIn fact, I'd be proud of those who didn't feel the need to cling to my leg like a quivering 4 year old.  I'd be extra fond of the independent ones, the strong ones who could survive and flourish unassisted.
320035
First, being a Christian = being a sinner!\n\nSo, true Christians don't really say they are better than others, just compassionate enough to dialog about GOD. Condemning is GOD's job as the the judge of his creation.\n\nGod is Loving, Merciful, but Just!\n\nHe loves his creation, which means he loves you!\n\nHe is merciful, so for you he sent Jesus to pay for your sins and transgressions! Is it harder to cry about GOD creating hell or to accept his simple plan for redemption. \n\nAccept that GOD loves you! He was merciful to pay for your short comings and hell will not exist for you!\n\nHowever, in the end GOD is a Just GOD!\n\nYou have the choice! You don't have to be perfect, Just accept a perfect GOD!\n\nYou are not a dog, you have a choice! If you say screw you GOD, God loves you enough to Honor your choice! \n \nYou want to be rewarded for doing good! What about when you are bad! Should you not have to answer for how you treat others! Justice says yes! \n\nI hope and pray everyone will accept Jesus and Hell will be empty, But I am glad GOD is Just.
329238
I am christian and I feel it's not right to think like that it's because your flesh wants it so you should not give in, Satan works in our thought so be careful.
1003562
I think it's funny how then Christians are answering this with basically, "follow Christ or else!"  and completely ignore the whole point of this.  I personally agree with you and think it's stupid how when push comes to shove, their whole "defense" for Christianity is either "believe it or else" or "well what harm is it in playing it safe and being a Christian to avoid being in Hell"
950273
Someone is punished for the wrong he did and that is punishment.If you are punished and you die in the cause of the punishment, you must have merited it.\n   On the other hand if God allow you to be passing through some difficulties we can call it trials.God may do that to see how much you love Him or He may do that to glorify His name at the end. The point here is that if you remain faithful to God until you die in that situation, that is not punishment.Look at the trials Job had in the Bible. His wife even asked him to curse God and die but he refused and said it is God that gave and He has taken back. Look at what happened to him at the end. You see how God showed his power? If you do not know the story read Job.\nI live in Cameroon, the neighbour to Nigeria.
253039
Rejoice if you believe you have been discriminated against for your Christian faith.  In Matthew 5:11, Jesus said  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.\nMatthew 5:44  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;\n\nAlso in John 15:20  Jesus said "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also."
699627
If they are born again. It is not hard to do, but someone who rejects God cannot do it. For the first step is to believe that God exists, second believe that one falls short of His glory (admit sin) third see that Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God who died to take away the sins of the word, who rose again to conquer death and rose to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father.
759921
Jesus said the way  was to follow the narrow road and few will find it.  I guess the attitudes that are received on yahoo and generally in the world from some people are a reflection of this.  Jesus was persecuted and we as his followers should expect some as well\n\nConsider it pure joy if you are being persecuted for the sake of Christ!  The truth will always face opposition.  Stand strong in the Lord and don't be discouraged.