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NASB | Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [Prov 25:21, 22] |
Subject: Denounce militant Islam? |
Bible Note: Hi, Norrie! So true! The same machinery that's condones infanticide also approves of capitalization of the natal by-products for bioengineering, beauty treatments, rejuvenation and perhaps, once technology allows it, human organ farming--it's Coma meets Solyent Green! And what is infamously sad, is that many who call themselves "Christians" do not see any problem with our cultural practices... it seems that the Scripture is just another "choice" of "lifestyle" for them... Now, if Christ tells us that we will have to answer even for our words (Matthew 12:33-37), could you imagine what these people (those who both engage in infanticide, and other abuses against life, and proselitize the world into their culture) will have to answer to? Jesus spoke about them in John 3:19 when He said that they rejected the Light because their works (deeds, behavior, "lifestyle") were evil! As Christians we must not fall sleep and allow the world to distort Scripture... we must be active and consistent... but it starts in our own towns and cities... I dare say, in our own families! Atheists and anti-Christians cannot separate us from Christ (Romans 8:35-39); certainly, there's no power on earth that can remove us from Christ's hands... but if we willingly allow the culture of hate, lust, and destruction to entice us away from Christ... we will be no better than those of whom Peter and Jude spoke about (2 Peter 2:17; Jude 1:12): empty clouds tossed and turned at the whim of the wind! I do not deny that we are headed in that direction... I visit various forums and speak to "Christians" whose greater concern is how many times must we be submerged/sprinkled for a baptism to be valid or something as obscure as the meaning of pomegranate as decoration in the Tent/priestly garments or the various translations or transliterations, etc... while atheists and anti-Christians unite in their assaults against the Chruch and Christ Himself! Again, I understand your frustration... but we cannot condemn a nation because some of its members are extremists who are bent on mayhem and murder--yes, even when the predominant majority openly supports their homicidal and destructive behavior! Jesus said that if our justice is not greater than that of the Sadducees and Pharisees we cannot be His disciples. (Matthew 5:20) We must confront any and all anti-Christian behavior, but we must do it in Christ! All Christians forums should be buzzing with prayer petitions for peace in the world; the buzzing should also include a huge exchange in edifying the Church; lastly, all Christians forums should be educating and informing Christians about the multi-border and multi-faceted offensive that atheist and anti-Christian are constantly conducting against Christ and the Church--it goes without saying that all communication should include not just the revelation of problems but also solutions and sample activities that we should engage in order to fend against the fiery darts of the Devil! God Bless! Angel |