Witnessing for Him

  • Welcome to Christian Forums, a Christian Forum that recognizes that all Christians are a work in progress.

    You will need to register to be able to join in fellowship with Christians all over the world.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon and God Bless!

Heart2Soul

Spiritual Warrior
Staff member
May 10, 2018
9,863
14,508
113
65
Tulsa
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
So the boyfriend starts to confess his sins to me once he’s pulled himself together, I didn’t see this coming. I have to admit it was was very strange.

12 years prior to me meeting him he’d lived in Florida, where he was involved in drug abuse him and his best friend in the work Shane. He was married at the time and had a small child. He and Shane would would hang out at an old shack somewhere off in a remote area where they would escape from the reality of life while his wife and child were left alone neglected.

One day they realized the area wasn’t as remote as they had thought, when law enforcement showed up seizing them and their escape stash. Of course Shane being the good friend that he is said it all belonged to the broken man in front of me. He spent the next 5 years in prison.

During his time in prison Shane assumes his role as daddy. 12 years later he says I loved my friend and I just want to forgive him and see my child, but this is when things get strange, he looks at me say the weird thing is your him, the other two present are nodding their heads in agreement.

I assure him I’ve never been in the state of Florida, he responds you don’t understand you look identical to him even speak and sound identical.... will you forgive me.
Wow....
 

Waiting on him

Well-Known Member
Dec 21, 2018
11,674
6,096
113
56
North America
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
So the boyfriend starts to confess his sins to me once he’s pulled himself together, I didn’t see this coming. I have to admit it was was very strange.

12 years prior to me meeting him he’d lived in Florida, where he was involved in drug abuse him and his best friend in the work Shane. He was married at the time and had a small child. He and Shane would would hang out at an old shack somewhere off in a remote area where they would escape from the reality of life while his wife and child were left alone neglected.

One day they realized the area wasn’t as remote as they had thought, when law enforcement showed up seizing them and their escape stash. Of course Shane being the good friend that he is said it all belonged to the broken man in front of me. He spent the next 5 years in prison.

During his time in prison Shane assumes his role as daddy. 12 years later he says I loved my friend and I just want to forgive him and see my child, but this is when things get strange, he looks at me say the weird thing is your him, the other two present are nodding their heads in agreement.

I assure him I’ve never been in the state of Florida, he responds you don’t understand you look identical to him even speak and sound identical.... will you forgive me.
I told him only the Son Of God has the power to forgive sins, and the gospel of John would be a good place to start, and I got my butt out of there.
 

Waiting on him

Well-Known Member
Dec 21, 2018
11,674
6,096
113
56
North America
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Witnessing for me always seems to be a beautifully ugly thing. If Gods in it there’s always trembling, brokenness, things simultaneously catching on fire. I’ve never experienced it in a somewhere over the rainbow kinda way. It’s always raw and unexplainable.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Heart2Soul

Waiting on him

Well-Known Member
Dec 21, 2018
11,674
6,096
113
56
North America
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Not expecting Him to answer, "Yes", I hope.
The answers I’ve relieved so far are that
He’s given us power to become the sons of God, I’m supposed to forgive those that trespass against me, and that we’re to confess our sins to one another. There’s more but I just got clocked in at work, will have to get back to you later. Been really busy lately.
 

Willie T

Heaven Sent
Staff member
Sep 14, 2017
5,869
7,426
113
St. Petersburg Florida
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
The answers I’ve relieved so far are that
He’s given us power to become the sons of God, I’m supposed to forgive those that trespass against me, and that we’re to confess our sins to one another. There’s more but I just got clocked in at work, will have to get back to you later. Been really busy lately.
I'm sorry, but you can stack that as high as you want to, and not a bit of it gives any human the power to forgive sins.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Heart2Soul

VictoryinJesus

Well-Known Member
Jan 26, 2017
9,581
7,857
113
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Forgiving those who sin against you is what we are told to do. They still must repent of their sins to God to be forgiven of Him.

Yes...but our forgiveness as children of God holds the power of love which holds no boundaries. Why else would God say over and over forgive or you will not be forgiven. Do good to your enemies. Love those who persecute and use you. Could list many verses but the main heart beat of it is that God does good to the just and the unjust. God forgives those who are sinners who can’t discern their left hand from their right hand. The worst of the worst, He seeks out that which is lost. We can’t downplay or skim over the Lord’s cry of “forgive them for they know not what they do.” As they crucified Him. Those we forgive...they do not know what they do ...or they would repent. As children ...Jesus Christ said God will give the children whatever they ask for in His name...proverbs says do good to your enemies ...to feed them and God will reward you. The only reward I can think of there is Life. Children born unto the kingdom ...otherwise why would God want to subject His children to brutality and pain and rejection as His Son shamefully suffered on the cross? For Forgiveness and mercy for those who have never tasted it but instead only tasted death. Romans 15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

Acts 7:58-60 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him : and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. [59] And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. [60] And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

2 Corinthians 2:7-11 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. [8] Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. [9] For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. [10] To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; [11] Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

The Sons of God are of a life giving(quickening) Spirit...what does that mean?

James 5:14-15
[14] Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: [15] And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
^ is it the “prayer of faith” or do they have to repent to God in addition to the prayer of faith?
 
Last edited:

Heart2Soul

Spiritual Warrior
Staff member
May 10, 2018
9,863
14,508
113
65
Tulsa
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Yes...but our forgiveness as children of God holds the power of love which holds no boundaries. Why else would God say over and over forgive or you will not be forgiven. Do good to your enemies. Love those who persecute and use you. Could list many verses but the main heart beat of it is that God does good to the just and the unjust. God forgives those who are sinners who can’t discern their left hand from their right hand. The worst of the worst, He seeks out that which is lost. We can’t downplay or skim over the Lord’s cry of “forgive them for they know not what they do.” As they crucified Him. Those we forgive...they do not know what they do ...or they would repent. As children ...Jesus Christ said God will give the children whatever they ask for in His name...proverbs says do good to your enemies ...to feed them and God will reward you. The only reward I can think of there is Life. Children born unto the kingdom ...otherwise why would God want to subject His children to brutality and pain and rejection as His Son shamefully suffered on the cross? For Forgiveness and mercy for those who have never tasted it but instead only tasted death. Romans 15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

Acts 7:58-60 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him : and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. [59] And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. [60] And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

2 Corinthians 2:7-11 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. [8] Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. [9] For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. [10] To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; [11] Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

The Sons of God are of a life giving(quickening) Spirit...what does that mean?

James 5:14-15
[14] Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: [15] And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
^ is it the “prayer of faith” or do they have to repent to God in addition to the prayer of faith?
Okay, but, is this person saved? They have received forgiveness of their sins.....up and to that point, but they walk away and continue to live in that sin. So how do you convince people to repent and be saved if they only need our prayers to save them? Are we taking away from the sacrifice Jesus gave for them that they should have eternal life through Him?
How do they come to the point of being baptized by water and the Holy Spirit without being born again?
This is a slippery slope....our testimony is of Jesus and how we are redeemed from the curse of sin and death through the shedding of His blood.
Jesus prayed and asked God to forgive them for they know not what they do but it didn't change them....they continued to rebel against Him and persecute Christians....martyring the Apostles.....they never received a heart change.
 

VictoryinJesus

Well-Known Member
Jan 26, 2017
9,581
7,857
113
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Are we taking away from the sacrifice Jesus gave for them that they should have eternal life through Him?

Yet we are to share and partake of His suffering so that when He is revealed, we with Him, are seen as He is. the word says ...all men will have praise of Him and also He comes to be “glorified” in those that “first” believed.

I can’t prove it and I’m sure others can easily shoot it down ...but I have some hopes of life. One is a young man who greatly impacted my life. He hurt not only me but every one closest to me and was a constant threat. If one person was the reason for my getting on my knees before God and crying...he would be it. I feared for constant torment and uncertainty of this young man’s reckless behavior and the impact of it. Yet because of circumstances he was a part of my life I couldn’t get away from. He mocked God and any belief in God. He destroyed so much. Never did I consider at thirty God would remove this young man through a sudden death...and the threat would be gone. Odd though...I loved this young man...despite what he did I still see his face. He is not the only one...I don’t hope my enemies suffer eternal punishment and destruction. That is not the hope. So I have maybe some weird hopes ...of reconciliation of all things unto God. In “the Father will give you whatever you ask in My name” that God’s will be done.

Remembrance of what was and has passed away...all things made New. God said He will remember those things behind no more. But in a child ...what will be brought to remembrance through them? unforgiveness of sins ...or forgiveness of enemies...which undeserved forgiveness glorifies Him. will God be put in remembrance that this young man taught forgiveness and mercy and love through it was needed and cultivated? That can’t be nothing. Is he wasted and I’m restored...by the casting of lots? maybe the remembrance of all things and all men having praise unto God ...is remembrance through how people impacted the lives of His children for the betterment toward Him; even through destruction of the flesh. Judas comes to mind...should Judas burn when he did what was given of God for him to do and to fulfill for the sake of the word? When ‘persecution comes for the sake of the word’...those tried and born of God fail not. For the sake of the word “persecution comes”.

Reconciliation of all things unto God.
A scarlet thread connecting and filling all things in reconciling the world unto God. Do you think God fails in He is patient and long suffering not willing that any perish but all come to life. You don’t have to agree...but there are people who I would ask “let their reproaches fall on me.” Not for any reason other than God weaved them into my life where they couldn’t be neglected or forgotten. Subdue the enemies ...is every knee will bow before Him ...all will confess Him as Lord. Does God fail in reconciliation of all things unto God?

1 Corinthians 15:25-28 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. [26] The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. [27] For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted which did put all things under him. [28] And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

Ephesians 1:18-23 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, [19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, [20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, [21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: [22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, [23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

...in heavenly places. That is where the children are seated also. Consider what is the glory ...when He Is revealed from within...to be glorified in us who believed? Why through blessings you will be blessed? And the merciful will receive mercy? Why “keep my sayings” and “why do you call Me Lord, Lord and do not what I say.” What did He say always? Love God. And Love your neighbour as you love yourself. Bless those who curse you. What is the power of this beautiful wonderful God we serve...is it not a Love like the world has never seen or known but searches for? Why does He only reveal it to some? ...are the rest waste?
 
Last edited:

Heart2Soul

Spiritual Warrior
Staff member
May 10, 2018
9,863
14,508
113
65
Tulsa
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Yet we are to share and partake of His suffering so that when He is revealed, we with Him, are seen as He is. the word says ...all men will have praise of Him and also He comes to be “glorified” in those that “first” believed.

I can’t prove it and I’m sure others can easily shoot it down ...but I have some hopes of life. One is a young man who greatly impacted my life. He hurt not only me but every one closest to me and was a constant threat. If one person was the reason for my getting on my knees before God and crying...he would be it. I feared for constant torment and uncertainty of this young man’s reckless behavior and the impact of it. Yet because of circumstances he was a part of my life I couldn’t get away from. He mocked God and any belief in God. He destroyed so much. Never did I consider at thirty God would remove this young man through a sudden death...and the threat would be gone. Odd though...I loved this young man...despite what he did I still see his face. He is not the only one...I don’t hope my enemies suffer eternal punishment and destruction. That is not the hope. So I have maybe some weird hopes ...of reconciliation of all things unto God. In “the Father will give you whatever you ask in My name” that God’s will be done.

Remembrance of what was and has passed away...all things made New. God said He will remember those things behind no more. But in a child ...what will be brought to remembrance through them? unforgiveness of sins ...or forgiveness of enemies...which undeserved forgiveness glorifies Him. will God be put in remembrance that this young man taught forgiveness and mercy and love through it was needed and cultivated? That can’t be nothing. Is he wasted and I’m restored...by the casting of lots? maybe the remembrance of all things and all men having praise unto God ...is remembrance through how people impacted the lives of His children for the betterment toward Him; even through destruction of the flesh. Judas comes to mind...should Judas burn when he did what was given of God for him to do and to fulfill for the sake of the word? When ‘persecution comes for the sake of the word’...those tried and born of God fail not. For the sake of the word “persecution comes”.

Reconciliation of all things unto God.
A scarlet thread connecting and filling all things in reconciling the world unto God. Do you think God fails in He is patient and long suffering not willing that any perish but all come to life. You don’t have to agree...but there are people who I would ask “let their reproaches fall on me.” Not for any reason other than God weaved them into my life where they couldn’t be neglected or forgotten. Subdue the enemies ...is every knee will bow before Him ...all will confess Him as Lord. Does God fail in reconciliation of all things unto God?

1 Corinthians 15:25-28 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. [26] The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. [27] For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted which did put all things under him. [28] And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

Ephesians 1:18-23 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, [19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, [20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, [21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: [22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, [23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

...in heavenly places. That is where the children are seated also. Consider what is the glory ...when He Is revealed from within...to be glorified in us who believed? Why through blessings you will be blessed? And the merciful will receive mercy? Why “keep my sayings” and “why do you call Me Lord, Lord and do not what I say.” What did He say always? Love God. And Love your neighbour as you love yourself. Bless those who curse you. What is the power of this beautiful wonderful God we serve...is it not a Love like the world has never seen or known but searches for? Why does He only reveal it to some? ...are the rest waste?
God loves all His creation and He grieves over those who are lost, we pray for those who are unsaved and we express His Love towards them in that while they are yet sinners they are loved. Not saved. No man cometh to the Father except that the Holy Spirit draws them. Your belief does not hold the sinner accountable for his own salvation through confessing Jesus as Lord, the only begotten Son of God. What you suggest is that there is no need to confess Jesus if others have already prayed for you. Is this Universalism?
 

VictoryinJesus

Well-Known Member
Jan 26, 2017
9,581
7,857
113
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
God loves all His creation and He grieves over those who are lost, we pray for those who are unsaved and we express His Love towards them in that while they are yet sinners they are loved. Not saved. No man cometh to the Father except that the Holy Spirit draws them. Your belief does not hold the sinner accountable for his own salvation through confessing Jesus as Lord, the only begotten Son of God. What you suggest is that there is no need to confess Jesus if others have already prayed for you. Is this Universalism?

You may be right. My question is when is: you will not be ashamed. Your enemies will be ashamed? Don’t see this manifest now. Do you think every knee will bow and confess Him as Lord. Don’t see this manifest now neither?

Romans 8:17-18 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. [18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

what is “glory” light? Respect what you are saying...knew it could easily be shoot down...Romans 8:20-23 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, [21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. [23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
 

Heart2Soul

Spiritual Warrior
Staff member
May 10, 2018
9,863
14,508
113
65
Tulsa
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
You may be right. My question is when is: you will not be ashamed. Your enemies will be ashamed? Don’t see this manifest now. Do you think every knee will bow and confess Him as Lord. Don’t see this manifest now neither?

Romans 8:17-18 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. [18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

what is “glory” light? Respect what you are saying...knew it could easily be shoot down...Romans 8:20-23 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, [21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. [23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
What do you do when you encounter someone who is living in sin...do you share God's Word with them about it or just go home and pray for them? Maybe we are just on 2 different subjects altogether. I will lift a brother or sister up in prayer who has wandered from the truth but in the final analysis they have to have a repentful heart and be sincere in their cry to God to forgive them of their sins.

I have seen the manifestation of my enemies being ashamed, of those who hear and receive the message of Salvation as bowing and confessing Him as Lord....

If you're trying to present this as happening all at once then what purpose does the scripture have in that there is a salvation for the Jews who died in their sins to have a chance to accept Jesus at His return?
 

VictoryinJesus

Well-Known Member
Jan 26, 2017
9,581
7,857
113
Faith
Christian
Country
United States
Your belief does not hold the sinner accountable for his own salvation through confessing Jesus as Lord

First fruits ...not “does not hold the sinner accountable for his own salvation through confessing Jesus as the Lord” ...that is not it at all but only suggesting His ways are higher. Romans 14:10-12 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. [11] For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. [12] So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
^ that is either true or it is not. “For it is written, As I Live saith the Lord...” Revelation 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

1 Samuel 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and he hath set the world upon them.

His temple...His body...He has set the world upon them. Can Spirit subdue the flesh into one body ...therefore in One body making peace and tearing down the wall; in joining the two in One New man which is Christ. Flesh of His flesh and bone of His bone?