Results 1 - 3 of 3
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Denounce militant Islam? | Matt 5:44 | alienresident | 131779 | ||
Tim, you wouldn't want others to use that sort of reasoning. Just because the Bible does not address a particular matter specifically, we have principles to guide us. Let's take using marijuana, for example. Scripture does not clearly say, 'Thou shalt not use marijuana.' But it does say to obey the authorities (assuming the request does not violate a command from God). It also says "Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." Physicians have proven the 'contaminating' effects of marijuana, thus we know how to distinguish the wrong in this case. Whatever each of us decides as regards voting, smoking or any other decision in life, there is a right course and God will examine us as to how we did. Thus "opinions" matter. |
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2 | Denounce militant Islam? | Matt 5:44 | Norrie | 131790 | ||
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CHRISTIAN CITIZEN There are at least five good reasons why Christians should vote: God has granted us authority. All authority belongs to God, but He has put human beings on the earth as caretakers. What is our task? According to Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20, we are to go out and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey God in every area of life. This includes politics. We must disciple people to make godly decisions about government, and promote the efforts of those who are already doing so. We need to stand against evil. St. Augustine said those who are citizens of God’s kingdom are best equipped to be citizens of the kingdom of man. The alternative is unthinkable. In the 20th Century, atheistic and secular humanistic leaders gained control of nations all across Europe, Asia and Africa. What was the result? According to historian R. J. Rummel, almost 170 million men, women and children have been brutally murdered by these governments, all in the name of human progress. These facts led historian John Hallowell to note, "Only through a return to faith in God, as God revealed Himself to man in Jesus Christ, can modern man and his society find redemption from the tyranny of evil." Christian values contribute positively to society. The Bible’s solutions make sense. It is Christian involvement in government through the ages that gave us hospitals, civil liberties, abolition of slavery, modern science, the elevation of women, regard for human life, great works of art and literature, a workable system of justice, education for common people, the free-enterprise system, and much, much more. When we see the good that results from applying God’s principles, and the horror that results from rejecting them, doesn't it seem cruel and irresponsible to keep Jesus’ teachings about truth, love and compassion to ourselves? At very least, we should vote to keep OUT of office those who attempt to oppose God's authority. |
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3 | Denounce militant Islam? | Matt 5:44 | alienresident | 131951 | ||
"we are to go out and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey God in every area of life. This includes politics." Disagree. Could not find support in your argument. "We need to stand against evil. St. Augustine said those who are citizens of God’s kingdom are best equipped to be citizens of the kingdom of man." Agree. Wholeheartedly. :In the 20th Century, atheistic and secular humanistic leaders gained control of nations all across Europe, Asia and Africa." Not sure how voting would have helped this situation. "Only through a return to faith in God, as God revealed Himself to man in Jesus Christ, can modern man and his society find redemption from the tyranny of evil." True, but this redemption will only come when the Kingdom of God has brought to nothing "all" governments. (Dan 2:44; Rev 19:15) Man will never bring this about, and to think we can is not only naive, but counter to prophecy. "Christian values contribute positively to society." Amen. Not sure Christendom can take all the credit for the positive changes you've noted, nor am I sure they wouldn't have come about without the input of Christendom's involvement in politics. One thing for sure, only via the Kingdom will sickness, death, injustice, crime, famine and every other malady be eliminated. (1 Cor 14:24-26) "When we see the good that results from applying God’s principles, and the horror that results from rejecting them, doesn't it seem cruel and irresponsible to keep Jesus’ teachings about truth, love and compassion to ourselves? At very least, we should vote to keep OUT of office those who attempt to oppose God's authority." I would not be a Christian if I kept Jesus' teachings to myself. (Matt 28: 19,20) We can't settle for the least, but must 'do our utmost utmost to present yourself approved to God, a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright. But shun empty speeches that violate what is holy.' (2 Tim 2:15,16) "Hence, beloved ones, since YOU are awaiting these things, do YOUR utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace." (2 Pet 3:14) I've heard too many empty speeches to thing any human, no matter how powerful, intelligent or well-intentioned, will actually provide true peace and security. To remain spotless, we must avoid the defiling nature of politics. Really, do you think all "Christians" have the same views on all the issues? Do you not see how divisive this is to brothers? The ruler of this world started out telling the first humans that they could detemine right and wrong for themselves. He lied and thus became a manslayer. Man cannot direct his own steps much less rule others. (Jer 10:23; Eccl 8:9) When I first started to study the Bible 10 years ago, I struggled with this issue, so I don't expect to change anyone's opinion. That would take what it took for me, knowing God's original purpose for man and the earth, why he has allowed man to rule himself for thousands of years, and what the future holds. Only the truth about these matters can enable a person to make the correct decisions in all of life, as this permits accurate understanding of Bible principles. Interest subject though, given the times we live in. |
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