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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: "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. |