Protesters at church spreading messages of hate.

This is a good post. I am in agreement with you. After the things that I've done, after the people I've hurt, after the sins I've committed...and will committ I'm sure...thank God He still loves me. Anyone can come to Him. Anyone seeking salvation.

Anyone. Even me. Even a former murderer who persecuted Christians--like Paul. Even a former slave trader like Newton, who wrote "Amazing Grace." That's the message of the gospel.

Pat~ said:

Anyone. Even me. Even a former murderer who persecuted Christians--like Paul. Even a former slave trader like Newton, who wrote "Amazing Grace." That's the message of the gospel.

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And that is definitely something to be thankful for. That is our reason to praise Him. THank God He gives us a reason to live.

Even me. *nodding*

Gehanna said:

Until today, I've only ever seen protesters on TV. I am all for making a difference as long as it does not promote hate. These people were protesting us because we believe that salvation is for anyone who seeks it. They are angry because we do not believe that certain types of people are exempt from salvation. Now, that's what I call being judgmental.
Gehanna

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That really is appalling. Jesus said, "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Matthew 9:13) and Acts 2:21 says "WHOSOEVER shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." and John 3:17 says "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
The call of the gospel is open to all, no matter what they have done. To say otherwise is to deny the words of the Lord Himself.
Linnea

No words can begin to touch the mercy that He extended to me. Why would I ever think He would not give it to others? I have enough on my plate keeping myself on the right path without picking to pieces others.

Sure am glad there is a place called heaven and there's a place in it for me. Will be nice to live without all this junk down here.

Just my two cents.

I know what you mean. It can be so frustrating to be Christian these days, because the term "Christian" can mean so many different things, many of them stemming very far from "Christ Followers." It discouraging to think of all of the people who never know what Christainity truly means and are turned off to it because the term "Christian" has become labeled by society with so many unappealing connotations.

Wow, Gehanna! I'm sorry that happened to you. But one thing you can be sure of, is that you're doing right in all this. Jesus said you would be persecuted because of the Gospel and because of righteousness. When this happens, He says to "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in Heaven." (Matthew 5, in the Beatitudes -- I don't have a Bible handy so I can't give the exact reference. Sorry)

Just remember that when these liars throw insults at you, do what Jesus did. He did not retaliate, and He made no threats (again, I don't remember the exact location because I don't have my Bible with me). He endured the Cross for our salvation, and we as His people, when we are persecuted, should rejoice because we know we're making a difference in the world around us.

Again, I wish this weren't happening. But God will give His grace as you need it. God bless you and your ministry. You're doing a good work, and "Making a difference" (Jude 22) in your world.

Thank God I was not "exempt from salvation." I met Jesus as Lord at age 10, and I shudder to think what sort of a life He kept from my doorstep. No way to know, of course, but I'm pretty sure without His accepting me because of His sacrifice, I wouldn't be here to write this.

Soberly & thankfully.