If for the sake of Christ and for His Gospel ...

[mikitta]

I should be ousted from membership in a club I've been a part of for 9 years, then I shall count it pure joy. Let not my desire to be accepted by mere humans over ride my desire to complete the Great Commission as afar as I am able and as far as it is up to me.

What shall you count as pure joy?

God Bless,
mik

[Obadiah]

Hi, Mikitta.

If in fact you're being expelled simply because you're a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, that's a blessing.

I've seen instances, though, where a Christian was rejected not because of his faithfulness to Christ but for other, less noble reasons.

I'm not proposing that's your experience, just raising the issue.

If you are reviled in the name of Christ, blessed are you, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On the one hand He is blasphemed, but on the other He is glorified. For let not anyone of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evildoer, or as a meddler in other people's affairs; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be put to shame, but let him glorify God in this matter. (1 Peter 4:14-16)

[mikitta]

It hasn't happened yet, and it may not happen. But there is a possibility.

You see, the club is for MMORPG gaming - in fact, it is a guild. An old guild (about 13 years old now). I have not posted anything on this guild's message boards as those are for gaming chat only - I respect that. However, there is another member who posted something tonight on Facebook about a wife pleading for the life of her husband who was accused of wizardry and convicted in some Islamic country.

I made the comment on his post "Remember that we are talking about Islam. Not the most progressive or, indeed reasonable government there is."

Another individual came in to that discussion and .. I can't say flamed because he didn't verbally abuse me, but he rebutted against religion, assuming I was preaching religion. I answered him back, however, the basic gist is that God doesn't exist and I contended with that - I hope in a godly manner.

Another person posted along the same vein and I rebuted what they wrote as well.

These individuals are all in the same guild. While the conversation took place on Facebook, there is the chance they will go to the guild master to complain. He is not above demanding that I "respect the beliefs of other guild members weather on the guild's boards or on Facebook and stop the religious discussion" or be kicked out. Time will tell if it comes to that or not. If it DOES come to that - my choice is obviously clear. I chose to be "shamed" of man that I might be honored of Christ.

I asked the Lord a long time ago to give me boldness concerning the folks in this group - in HIS timing and according to HIS will. I'm really horrible at trying to remember things and when I do it in my own strength, everything comes out jumbled and senseless - but when the Holy Spirit is prompting me and putting the words into my mouth - there is power from God to turn hearts to Himself.

Anyway :) I agree. Not all who claim they have been excluded on the grounds of Christ really have ground to stand on for that allegation.

God Bless,
mik