Results 1 - 4 of 4
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Should we shake the dust from our feet? | Matt 10:14 | charis | 16877 | ||
Dear Bill, Greetings in Jesus' name! I think that "Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces." Matthew 7:6 NASB, can be applied to countries or religions. Only with individuals or households can we discern this, and even then not a permanent judgment. We are to be wise AND gentle. Sometimes it is wise to discern a (presently) inpenetrable wall, and pray for the Lord to deal with it while we move on. There may come a time when the door for ministry is open. As to whether these verses can be applied on a larger (country) scale, I don't think it would work. We would 'give up' and surrender an entire nation or religion to the devil. Even in Afghanistan and North Korea there are faithful saints. Japan has an extremely low proportion of Christians for an 'advanced' nation, but I cannot give it to the enemy. I have had a few times when I have put certain individuals 'on hold.' In a few cases, doors were opened at a later date that were effective to salvation. Even 'don't throw pearls' and 'shake off the dust' are not permanent, but temporary or giving them unto another vessel for ministry. In Christ Jesus, charis |
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2 | Where do we draw the line? | Matt 10:14 | Bill Mc | 16915 | ||
Dear charis, Thanks for the response. You said that you think that this verse CAN be applied to countries and religions but only with individuals and households can we discern this. I'm not sure what you mean by this statement. Is it a typo? But how should we respond to countries that are ready to kill and have killed missionaries? Should we just say, "Well, they knew the risk"? Do we continue to send in more people into harm's way into countries that see Christians as the enemy? We have missionaries on trial right now that could be executed for sharing the gospel. It is illegal to share the gospel there. How do we reconcile this with the admonishion to obey the laws of the land that the Bible speaks of? I've heard that some missionaries even have to have a 'cover' so that they can still stay in the country and share the gospel. Does God condone us telling lies to the foreign governments in order to accomplish a 'higher goal'? If we followed what this verse says, it would eliminate some of these problems. Why did Jesus say this if He didn't intend for it to be followed? Granted, if we literally follow this verse, then many more will also die without God. So, is there a balance? If so, where? Also, why do you say that 'don't throw pearls' and 'shake off the dust' are not permanent? Thanks, in Christ, Bill MC |
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3 | Where do we draw the line? | Matt 10:14 | charis | 16924 | ||
Dear Bill, Greetings from Yokohama! Oops! That's what I get (and you get) for trying to say something lucid past my bedtime after a long day. With a bit more sense, I say... These verses can NOT be applied to entire countries or religions, only on a more personal basis. Even 'towns or cities' would be difficult to justify considering the size of today's mega-cities. Regarding the missionary, I can only say that some (not all) are where they are because they have a holy burden for that people that was given by God. They devote their lives, and the lives of their family, to the land specified by the Holy Spirit. Whether their life is long, prosperous or 'effective' is not important. Even if it cut short, or they don't meet a 'quota,' they serve a Divine purpose. I , personally, cannot imagine 'quitting' this place, though I have not seen people or blessing flowing in. I have, however, seen a few bright lights of faith, and experienced more than a few victories for Christ. To be fair, I have had to 'stop throwing pearls' a few times, and had to 'shake the dust off my sandals' on a few doorsteps. Sadly, this includes a few church doorsteps. But I do not strike them from prayer, or pronounce a permanent ban. (more later) *We* don't send them, if they are true missionaries. God sends them! Historically, preaching the Gospel is potentially dangerous. We can't stop! Now, as to morals, we do have a problem. Brother Andrew, Open Doors ministries, etc. basically state that the call of God supercedes any political ban. I agree to some extent, but indeed some ministers-ministries are a bit too 'sneeky' for my taste. Many churches in Japan have no legal status, and do lie to the government. I do not condone this, as there are ways to preach the Gospel legally. (I do!) In some countries, this is impossible. Perhaps the Lord is gracious to those whose zeal overcomes honesty when the situation demands. :-) Is there a balance? YES! What exactly is it? I don't know! But each person answering the call of God must find that balance himself, and "Follow Him wherever He goes!" As to the permanence of 'giving up' on a person , place or situation, I do not think this is of God. In the Lord, *we* can never pronounce a permanent curse. That is His business. We can 'give unto the Lord' and-or 'give to another's care,' whoever that may be. Ours is to follow the leading (away) of the Holy Spirit, not pronounce the judgment. The time of repentance is not up to us, only the discernment of the present. I hope that this makes my opinion a bit more understandable, my friend. I am almost awake! :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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4 | Where do we draw the line? | Matt 10:14 | Bill Mc | 16934 | ||
charis, thanks for your response. And the grace to not be 'preachy.' There is much wisdom in what you write (not just here, but in other posts too). Thanks for the balanced view and your honesty to admit, like me, that you do not know exactly where the balance is. I do understand what you are saying. The Lord bless you as you serve Him in Japan, my friend. Resting in Him, Bill Mc |
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