Monday, November 10, 2008

Free Speech and the Right to be Evil

Today as I was surfing for some information online, I stumbled across a web site that made me feel like I had been punched in the stomach. This evil person's list of blogs are pointedly anti-faith/anti-Christian and he is a proud member of some evil atheist organization (yes, they actually call themselves evil.)

This man-demon David Rice who calls himself ShyDavid has a page that encourages non-believers in how to "witness" to Christians to smash their faith, using Scripture.

In the United States, we do have the right to free speech. In fact, God gave us free will. We all have the ability to say or do whatever we want. Yet I'm hard pressed to understand why anyone would be so hateful toward people who's intention is nothing but good.

I don't agree with the Jehovah's Witnesses or the Mormons but I don't hate them. I seriously don't agree with homosexuals or people who go out and get drunk. Yet my only responsibility or desire concerning any of these people or others I fundamentally disagree with about life choices is to:


  • Be who I am in Christ no matter what and stand firm in my faith
  • Be prepared to give an account for the hope I have in Christ Jesus
  • Love the sinners where they are even as I pray for and encourage them to see the light
  • Steer clear of their social circles (in so far as fellowship)
Though I believe the LDS and Jehovah's Witnesses are not true believer's but are in fact deceived by those that started their cults, I still have serious concerns for their safety and any Christians who might go door-to-door sharing their faith with strangers. We live in evil times and all are at risk. Should we not go?

On the contrary, we must be obedient to Christ's admonition to go into all the world and spread the gospel. For some of us that means living out our witness at work, school, or wherever we are. For some that may well be going door-to-door. There are numerous ways we reach the world with the truth through visiting the sick, helping a neighbor, offering prayer when the Spirit moves and so forth. No, we must obey. But we must also be wise and prepared.

I wanted to send this demon a message with Scripture from Matthew where the devil tempts Jesus. But of course he gave no contact information. Coward. Not that it would have done any good anyway. His passion against believers is deep and full of hatred. He tells unbelievers how to lure the Christian in and "test their faith."

Here is what the evil one journals regarding door-to-door witnesses: HolySmokeGarbage. This is truly sick stuff and yet I can't help but ask, is he demon-possessed or are the wounds just so deep from some terrible past that he's lashing out at the faithful because of their joy and love? Reading some of this guys other stuff, leads me tohe's damaged goods. He has no understanding of love and mercy whatsoever. But is he pure evil? Only God knows.

Here is Jesus response to Satan, because we must be bold and well equipped, as warned in Matthew 10:16 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Matt 4:1-114:1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."

4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:

"'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"

7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."

10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Don't enter the devil's lair without the full armor of God (Eph. 6). Never go alone. Always be prepared to give an account for the hope that is in us in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 3:15.)

Heavenly Father, are we facing the end times? As Christ sent the Apostles, have we reached every nation with the gospel? Shall He come again soon to claim us? Then Lord, we ask You to forgive us for our apathy, for sitting on our laurels when we should be urgently sharing the gospel with others. Spur us on in faith to do the work You've planned for us before we were even formed in our mother's wombs.'

Lord, my soul groans for those like the fool who calls himself "Shy David," who are so filled with evil intent toward us who love You. We cannot understand these things but we know people like this belong to the devil; they are full of hate because they have no hope and our hope is in You. If there is any hope for them yet Lord, we pray Your mercy and grace for them, just as You brought the light to Paul when he was persecuting the Christians in Rome. We are humbled that we've been chosen, adopted children, heirs to Your kingdom. Would we be ever conscious that it's not our place to judge. We are called to continue to spread the truth and leave the outcome to the Holy Spirit. Give us a burning desire to go, a holy boldness, unwavering faith, steadfast perseverance, and wisdom at all costs. Let us be wise as serpents but gentle as lambs, cautious, yet courageous. We shall fear none but God, holy and righteous. We pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.

After all, I eventually found a contact page with an email address. I will send Mr. Rice the Matthew verses in answer to his vile test of Christian faith but it likely will produce no good results. He has a right to choose evil. He has a right to freely speak his mind to the world. He who hates the light of Christ has made his choice.

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