Results 1 - 2 of 2
|
|
|||||
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | 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 |
||||||
2 | 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 |
||||||