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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: Did you ever wonder why God allowed polygamy in the Law? This practice had already been around for centuries, and the Jews were a "stiff-necked" people. God chose to regulate this practice to prevent its abuse and limit its potential harm, but Jesus made clear God's true arrangement that would now again apply to Christians. Notice that in the Law God made provision and laws for future kings. This he did, as he did in the case of polygamy and divorce, "out of regards for their heardheartedness." (Matt 19:8) Notice this: "And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you." (1 Sam 8:7,8) God's people have always been alien residents, awaiting the promise land. Imagine the apostle Paul suddenly faced with the challenge of supporting one of two Roman politicians. He's not going to try and pick the lesser of two evils, the one less farther "aligned with what the Bible says. He told believers not to unite themselves with unbelievers. (2 Cor 6:14) Even among Christians he said: " Never lay your hands hastily upon any man; neither be a sharer in the sins of others; preserve yourself chaste." (1 Tim 5:22) How much moreso would this be the case with non-Christians, even if they may profess to be Christians! How does one avoid becoming a sharer in their sins and preserve oneself chaste when laying his hands upon a man we know very little about. Often the truth is hidden and may only come out years later, when the damage has been done. I promote good citizenry, not patriatism. We can only serve one Master. |