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I got to thinking about this topic because of something that happened today. Spouse and I had talked a couple of weeks ago about something, and I had pointedly stated that if we made the purchase we were talking about, there was a certain brand which I liked, and that the other brands I wasn't so keen on. So what happened today? Spouse, intending to be nice, makes the purchase - but purchases a brand I said not to purchase. And when I was displeased, suddenly I was the "ungrateful" person. It was a difficult moment, and the purchase as ultimately returned unopened.
But how often do we do this with God? He has given us the Holy Scriptures in which his will is recorded. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through our reading of these scriptures. Yet how often do we go directly against what God has told us, and still expect him to be pleased?
Here's a verse which can be troubling if one thinks about it and applies it their own life.
I have said all this to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues; indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. John 16:1-2 Revised Standard Version
In the past I have read this verse as referring solely to people seeking to kill me. Terrorists who bomb public places. Vigilantes who don't like my faith. And so on.
But could the reverse be true? What is my attitude about the killing of terrorists? Vigilantes? And so on? Am I happy about this? Do I think God is pleased? The answer is in the Bible.
But if a wicked man turns away from all his sins which he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness which he has done he shall live. Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? Ezekiel 18:21-23 Revised Standard Version
God is NOT pleased when the wicked die. So we shouldn't be either. And we need to be careful about ourselves. It is entirely possible to do things - believing we are pleasing God - that actually displease God very much.
Showing posts with label Judging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Judging. Show all posts
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Sunday, November 15, 2009
We are all Fools, And We Continue to Go Astray
It's been a while since I've posted. Posting here has become difficult. As much because this blog gets so few hits as because of weariness. But I just read something this morning which bothers me to no end, and I have to post about it. What is it? What else?
Religious Intolerance acting in the name of Christ.
If you are curious about what I read you may find it here. The blog is maintained by Lee Wind. It is a blog supporting the Gay->Bi-sexual->Lesbian->Transgender segments of society.
This hatred in the name of Christ has to be the most disgusting thing on the planet. It's worse than pedephilia, terrorism, murder, rape, or any other crime you can think of. Why? Because if you accept this kind of hatred - hatred in the name of God - then you are capable of ALL of those crimes - and much more.
Who in the Bible did Christ hate?
NOBODY!
He didn't even hate the Pharisees and Sadduces who plotted to kill him. He wept for them because of the horrors which were coming.
So how can anyone who claims to have Christ's spirit in them hate so much?
I was reading in Romans today.
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5 Revised Standard Version
When we focus our attention on banning books, or withholding social rights to others are we not focusing on the flesh?
When we create entire political action organizations using the name of Christ, have we not set our minds on the things of the flesh?
We do these things and we claim we are doing them for God. We claim we are representing God.
THAT IS A LIE!
Read what Jesus Christ himself said about governments and politics.
He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Luke 20:25 Revised Standard Version
The laws of our society are NOT Christ's concern. How much, or even whether, we pay taxes. Where should speed limits be set? What books should be allowed here or there? These are the things of the flesh. They are NOT Christ's concern.
Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's slave and cut off his right ear. That slave's name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, "Put you rsword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup with the Father has given me?" John 18:10-11 Revised Standard Version
Jesus answered, "My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world." John 18:36 Revised Standard Version
We are NOT to fight. That is a direct order from Jesus himself. If he refused to allow it when he went to the cross, how much more will he refuse to allow it over the matter of books?
This is what Paul says.
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blashpemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1-5 New King James Version
I hilighted the portions which come to mind when I see and hear people who talk and act like Christian Conservatives.
I can't think of a single person on the planet who associtates Christian Conservatism with love.
What did Jesus say to the church of Ephaesus?
I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left you first love.Revelation 2:2-4 New King James Version
God does not want us wasting our time hating other people who are different from us. Not even if we are absolutely convinced they are horrible, sinful, people. Because is that not what we are without Christ? Nobody is holy and pure except that God, through Christ, forgives their sins. There is no degree of sin to get in or be excluded from heaven. One sin. Any sin. Keeps us out. And we have all sinned. God says so.
You worried about worldly influences on yourself, your family, your children? Don't be. Hear what God has to say.
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 Revised Standard Version
Spend less time worrying about the "don't" and more time on the "do's".
The "do's" of God are love and forgiveness.
Please, Please, Please remember that. I wish I could only make the Political Religious understand this.
Religious Intolerance acting in the name of Christ.
If you are curious about what I read you may find it here. The blog is maintained by Lee Wind. It is a blog supporting the Gay->Bi-sexual->Lesbian->Transgender segments of society.
This hatred in the name of Christ has to be the most disgusting thing on the planet. It's worse than pedephilia, terrorism, murder, rape, or any other crime you can think of. Why? Because if you accept this kind of hatred - hatred in the name of God - then you are capable of ALL of those crimes - and much more.
Who in the Bible did Christ hate?
NOBODY!
He didn't even hate the Pharisees and Sadduces who plotted to kill him. He wept for them because of the horrors which were coming.
So how can anyone who claims to have Christ's spirit in them hate so much?
I was reading in Romans today.
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5 Revised Standard Version
When we focus our attention on banning books, or withholding social rights to others are we not focusing on the flesh?
When we create entire political action organizations using the name of Christ, have we not set our minds on the things of the flesh?
We do these things and we claim we are doing them for God. We claim we are representing God.
THAT IS A LIE!
Read what Jesus Christ himself said about governments and politics.
He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Luke 20:25 Revised Standard Version
The laws of our society are NOT Christ's concern. How much, or even whether, we pay taxes. Where should speed limits be set? What books should be allowed here or there? These are the things of the flesh. They are NOT Christ's concern.
Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's slave and cut off his right ear. That slave's name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, "Put you rsword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup with the Father has given me?" John 18:10-11 Revised Standard Version
Jesus answered, "My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world." John 18:36 Revised Standard Version
We are NOT to fight. That is a direct order from Jesus himself. If he refused to allow it when he went to the cross, how much more will he refuse to allow it over the matter of books?
This is what Paul says.
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blashpemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1-5 New King James Version
I hilighted the portions which come to mind when I see and hear people who talk and act like Christian Conservatives.
I can't think of a single person on the planet who associtates Christian Conservatism with love.
What did Jesus say to the church of Ephaesus?
I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left you first love.Revelation 2:2-4 New King James Version
God does not want us wasting our time hating other people who are different from us. Not even if we are absolutely convinced they are horrible, sinful, people. Because is that not what we are without Christ? Nobody is holy and pure except that God, through Christ, forgives their sins. There is no degree of sin to get in or be excluded from heaven. One sin. Any sin. Keeps us out. And we have all sinned. God says so.
You worried about worldly influences on yourself, your family, your children? Don't be. Hear what God has to say.
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 Revised Standard Version
Spend less time worrying about the "don't" and more time on the "do's".
The "do's" of God are love and forgiveness.
Please, Please, Please remember that. I wish I could only make the Political Religious understand this.
Monday, October 12, 2009
It Turns Out God Made Them After All
There are many divisive issues confronting us today. They range from race relations to religion to matters of law and even sexuality. For a person who grew up with very precise definitions of sex and sexuality I am a Johnny-come-lately to the discussion. There was a time I held a stance and was quite dogmatic about it. I wasn't willing to hear anything which didn't agree with what I had already decided.
But my decision was not based on my own knowledge, experience, or investigation.
The question of gay rights has been around for several decades now, and it seems to be heating up. Not seems to be. It is heating up. There was a march of some kind in Washington yesterday or today in which gay activists and supporters of gay rights are calling out a reminder to President Obama that he promised to bring positive resolution in at least some areas.
I am not a model Christian, and for many that immediately excludes my opinion from counting for anything. For others, the fact that I now stand against them on certain points is the reason to no longer listen to anything I have to say. But I am a Christian. I believe Jesus Christ is God himself, known to us as The Son of God (which is a confusing term to us in this society - but probably not to those in an older society which no longer exists). I believe he died on the cross in order that God could forgive us our sins and accept us back to himself. I believe he rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, where he poured his blood on the alter as payment.
Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:22 Revised Standard Version
I believe this faith I own makes me a Christian. Not my lifestyle. Lifestyle cannot make anyone a Christian. Only forgiveness.
Now, that being said, I want also to say that I believe the answers to the sex and sexuality questions can be found in the Bible: but only for those who are willing to have faith in it.
Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 6:7-12 Revised Standard Version
So, I have been gaining knowledge and experience through my own investigation. Others have done a much better job, and with that thought in mind I would like to direct you to the blog of one Sarah L. Specifically, this post here. In it, Sarah discusses scientific fact about the number of people born as a-typical males and females. In some cases they are both. Even the chromosomes do not distinguish, as the combinations are just too diverse to say certain people are male or female.
So where does that leave us with regard to God?
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 Revised Standard Version
Do you see it? It's there, although I confess I'm nervous about interpreting it. God created man - as male and female.
How does that relate to the questions of gay rights which confront us today? I must confess I am not sure. But I do believe we must be careful. The Bible is not just one verse, and God's will and purpose is found in the entire Bible. What is the constant message?
Today, while searching for answers in scripture about hermaphrodites, I came across someone else's scripture reference. I will surround the verse they referenced so that it shows more in context. But I find it most interesting.
Now before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, though faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. Galatians 3:23-29 Revised Standard Version
Again, I hesitate to make an explicit interpretation of this reference, but it does raise a question in my mind. Why are we concerning ourselves so much over this question?
That people are born without being solely male or solely female is a documented fact, and has been for hundreds of years. According to the information Sarah L found, it isn't nearly so rare an occurrance as some wish to believe. Do you realize that there are more people in the United States alone with this condition than live in Wyoming, Vermont, North Dakota, Alaska, and Vermont - COMBINED?
But even if it WAS only one person. Did not God make that person? Everyone who is born is born according to God's will. People cannot exist unless God creates them. Only God can create a spirit.
So did God make more than three million mistakes in the United States? I don't think so. God doesn't make mistakes. These people were created according to God's will. So did God create people just to hate them? No. God loves these people. They were created exactly according to his plan. Why do we feel this insane need to oppress them?
I think we in the Christian Community are in great danger of becoming the servant who lost the grace given to him by the king.
Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imporing him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servatns who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience wit hme, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed ,and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you; if you do not forgive you brother from your heart. Matthew 18:23-35 Revised Standard Version
People, we need to be careful with how we view other people.
But my decision was not based on my own knowledge, experience, or investigation.
The question of gay rights has been around for several decades now, and it seems to be heating up. Not seems to be. It is heating up. There was a march of some kind in Washington yesterday or today in which gay activists and supporters of gay rights are calling out a reminder to President Obama that he promised to bring positive resolution in at least some areas.
I am not a model Christian, and for many that immediately excludes my opinion from counting for anything. For others, the fact that I now stand against them on certain points is the reason to no longer listen to anything I have to say. But I am a Christian. I believe Jesus Christ is God himself, known to us as The Son of God (which is a confusing term to us in this society - but probably not to those in an older society which no longer exists). I believe he died on the cross in order that God could forgive us our sins and accept us back to himself. I believe he rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, where he poured his blood on the alter as payment.
Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:22 Revised Standard Version
I believe this faith I own makes me a Christian. Not my lifestyle. Lifestyle cannot make anyone a Christian. Only forgiveness.
Now, that being said, I want also to say that I believe the answers to the sex and sexuality questions can be found in the Bible: but only for those who are willing to have faith in it.
Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 6:7-12 Revised Standard Version
So, I have been gaining knowledge and experience through my own investigation. Others have done a much better job, and with that thought in mind I would like to direct you to the blog of one Sarah L. Specifically, this post here. In it, Sarah discusses scientific fact about the number of people born as a-typical males and females. In some cases they are both. Even the chromosomes do not distinguish, as the combinations are just too diverse to say certain people are male or female.
So where does that leave us with regard to God?
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 Revised Standard Version
Do you see it? It's there, although I confess I'm nervous about interpreting it. God created man - as male and female.
How does that relate to the questions of gay rights which confront us today? I must confess I am not sure. But I do believe we must be careful. The Bible is not just one verse, and God's will and purpose is found in the entire Bible. What is the constant message?
Today, while searching for answers in scripture about hermaphrodites, I came across someone else's scripture reference. I will surround the verse they referenced so that it shows more in context. But I find it most interesting.
Now before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, though faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. Galatians 3:23-29 Revised Standard Version
Again, I hesitate to make an explicit interpretation of this reference, but it does raise a question in my mind. Why are we concerning ourselves so much over this question?
That people are born without being solely male or solely female is a documented fact, and has been for hundreds of years. According to the information Sarah L found, it isn't nearly so rare an occurrance as some wish to believe. Do you realize that there are more people in the United States alone with this condition than live in Wyoming, Vermont, North Dakota, Alaska, and Vermont - COMBINED?
But even if it WAS only one person. Did not God make that person? Everyone who is born is born according to God's will. People cannot exist unless God creates them. Only God can create a spirit.
So did God make more than three million mistakes in the United States? I don't think so. God doesn't make mistakes. These people were created according to God's will. So did God create people just to hate them? No. God loves these people. They were created exactly according to his plan. Why do we feel this insane need to oppress them?
I think we in the Christian Community are in great danger of becoming the servant who lost the grace given to him by the king.
Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imporing him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servatns who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience wit hme, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed ,and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you; if you do not forgive you brother from your heart. Matthew 18:23-35 Revised Standard Version
People, we need to be careful with how we view other people.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
We Are the Reason We Should Be Ashamed
Yesterday I brought my son to Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN, for his saxophone lesson. While there I found a copy of the July, 2009, edition of Minnesota Christian Chronicle. On page 4 I found a short editorial by Carl Nelson who, as it is explained at the end of the editorial, is president and CEO of the Greater Minnesota Association of Evangelicals.
I won't take word-for-word excerpts from the paper (as I would probably find myself sued for copyright infringement), but I will give the gist of what Mr. Nelson wrote.
Apparently, Pew Research did a national survey and found that "62 percent of white evangelical Protestants believe 'the use of torture against suspected terrorists to gain important information' to be often or sometimes justified." The greater frequency of church attendance and the more likely this was true.
Now, Mr. Nelson is against this trend. In fact, he writes that he added his name to the National Religious Campaign to Ban Torture, and participated in a speaking event at the Center for Victims of Torture. He gives a web address: www.evangelicalsforhumanrights.org. Good for Mr. Nelson.
So many of us Christians get self-righteous about the fact the the world hates us so much. And let's be honest - the world does hate us. But when we support torture, hatred, intolerance, exclusionism, imperialism, and a host of other evil practices, I don't think we have much to be proud of. In fact, we are in danger of hell fire.
One of the main biblical themes God gives us in Holy Scripture is the the concept of sowing and reaping. "As a man soweth, so shall he reap." Spew out hatred, and that is what you will get in return.
So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12 Revised Standard Version
If you are in favor of torturing suspected terrorists in order to gain information, think about what it is you are in favor of. What if someone - anyone - suspects you of something? What you are saying is that they should torture you in order to find out about it. This is true whether you know anything or not.
You say these people would not be in custody if they weren't guilty? What are you saying? Think about it. This means if anyone thinks you are guilty they should put you in prison and torture you.
Carry your thoughts through, people! Don't base your actions on fear. We live in a culture of fear. We are constantly being told by all kinds of people that we should be afraid. Politicians want us afraid so we will vote for them. Merchants want us afraid so we will buy their products. News and weather people want us afraid so we will watch/listen to/read their reports. Preachers want us afraid so we will come to them for guidance.
People. God is NOT about fear.
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 1 Timothy 1:6-7 New King James Version
Jesus set us the example when he was here. How did he react to sinners? And I mean real sinners, and not just people who were different, or hated him. The woman caught in adultery is probably the finest example Jesus gave. (I still find it amazing that only the woman was brought. It takes two people to be caught in the act of adultery.)
So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." John 8:7 Revised Standard Version
So, what am I saying? We should do nothing with these suspected terrorists? Yes. I guess so. Without proof, we are as evil as the evil we purport to fight if we hold them. With proof, we should deal with them according to the law - the real law and not invented law based on fear. Real law forbids torture.
People, the saying is true. God started it, but it has been modernized. "What goes around, comes around." Whatever we unleash on others will eventually come back to us. It's a boomerang.
Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1 Revised Standard Version
We live in a world of fear. Jesus told us it would be so. Let us learn to relax in God's will and in the truth that God is in control. It is a learning experience, and it takes effort as well as time.
Luke Chapter 21 (emphasis mine)
[8] And He said: "Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and, 'The time has drawn near.' Therefore do not go after them.
[9] But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immeidately."
[10] Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
[11] And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and tehere will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
[12] But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to th synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake.
[13] But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.
[14] Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer;
[15] for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.
[16] You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death.
[17] And you will be hatd by all for My name's sake.
[18] But not a hair of your head shall be lost.
[19] By your patience possess your souls.
[20] But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.
[21] Then let those who are in Judea flee t othe mountains, let those who are i nthe midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her.
[22] For thse are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
[23] But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people.
[24] And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
[25] And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;
[26] men's hearts failing them from fear and the expecation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the hevens will be shaken.
I won't take word-for-word excerpts from the paper (as I would probably find myself sued for copyright infringement), but I will give the gist of what Mr. Nelson wrote.
Apparently, Pew Research did a national survey and found that "62 percent of white evangelical Protestants believe 'the use of torture against suspected terrorists to gain important information' to be often or sometimes justified." The greater frequency of church attendance and the more likely this was true.
Now, Mr. Nelson is against this trend. In fact, he writes that he added his name to the National Religious Campaign to Ban Torture, and participated in a speaking event at the Center for Victims of Torture. He gives a web address: www.evangelicalsforhumanrights.org. Good for Mr. Nelson.
So many of us Christians get self-righteous about the fact the the world hates us so much. And let's be honest - the world does hate us. But when we support torture, hatred, intolerance, exclusionism, imperialism, and a host of other evil practices, I don't think we have much to be proud of. In fact, we are in danger of hell fire.
One of the main biblical themes God gives us in Holy Scripture is the the concept of sowing and reaping. "As a man soweth, so shall he reap." Spew out hatred, and that is what you will get in return.
So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12 Revised Standard Version
If you are in favor of torturing suspected terrorists in order to gain information, think about what it is you are in favor of. What if someone - anyone - suspects you of something? What you are saying is that they should torture you in order to find out about it. This is true whether you know anything or not.
You say these people would not be in custody if they weren't guilty? What are you saying? Think about it. This means if anyone thinks you are guilty they should put you in prison and torture you.
Carry your thoughts through, people! Don't base your actions on fear. We live in a culture of fear. We are constantly being told by all kinds of people that we should be afraid. Politicians want us afraid so we will vote for them. Merchants want us afraid so we will buy their products. News and weather people want us afraid so we will watch/listen to/read their reports. Preachers want us afraid so we will come to them for guidance.
People. God is NOT about fear.
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 1 Timothy 1:6-7 New King James Version
Jesus set us the example when he was here. How did he react to sinners? And I mean real sinners, and not just people who were different, or hated him. The woman caught in adultery is probably the finest example Jesus gave. (I still find it amazing that only the woman was brought. It takes two people to be caught in the act of adultery.)
So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." John 8:7 Revised Standard Version
So, what am I saying? We should do nothing with these suspected terrorists? Yes. I guess so. Without proof, we are as evil as the evil we purport to fight if we hold them. With proof, we should deal with them according to the law - the real law and not invented law based on fear. Real law forbids torture.
People, the saying is true. God started it, but it has been modernized. "What goes around, comes around." Whatever we unleash on others will eventually come back to us. It's a boomerang.
Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1 Revised Standard Version
We live in a world of fear. Jesus told us it would be so. Let us learn to relax in God's will and in the truth that God is in control. It is a learning experience, and it takes effort as well as time.
Luke Chapter 21 (emphasis mine)
[8] And He said: "Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and, 'The time has drawn near.' Therefore do not go after them.
[9] But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immeidately."
[10] Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
[11] And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and tehere will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
[12] But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to th synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake.
[13] But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.
[14] Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer;
[15] for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.
[16] You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death.
[17] And you will be hatd by all for My name's sake.
[18] But not a hair of your head shall be lost.
[19] By your patience possess your souls.
[20] But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.
[21] Then let those who are in Judea flee t othe mountains, let those who are i nthe midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her.
[22] For thse are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
[23] But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people.
[24] And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
[25] And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;
[26] men's hearts failing them from fear and the expecation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the hevens will be shaken.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Rejoice Not in the Death/Punishment of the Wicked
So, what is a hypocrite? Who is one and who isn't?
According to Wikipedia, "Hypocrisy is the act of pretending that one has beliefs, opinions, virtues, feelings, qualities or standards that they do not actually have; this is usually done in order to mask their actual motives or feelings; falseness."
It goes further to state: "The term hypocrite is widely misused. Many persons state that hypocrisy is the action of 'not practising what you preach'."
So, hypocrisy is NOT saying certain behavior is wrong and then performing said behavior. Hypocrisy is saying certain behavior is wrong, performing said behavior, and then DENYING one has done it or, more commonly, RATIONALIZING the behavior.
It is easy to become guilty of this. We see someone we don't like undermining someone we like, and we get angry and criticize them for it. Then we undermine the offender. However, when challenged, we state that in our case the behavior is justified, so it isn't the same.
Consider recent news. Bernard Madoff has just been sentence to 150 years in prison for swindling people of their life's savings. How easy it is for us - especially those of us who have personally suffered from his schemes - to react with joy, declaring he but reaps the fruits of his labor.
But what of ourselves? Is that how we wish to be judged? True, we may not have swindled people out of their money - or maybe we have. Just not millions and billions. But whether we have swindled or not is not the point. The point is this: Is that how we wish to be judged?
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is te log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. Matthew 7:1-5 Revised Standard Version
So what am I saying? That we just let all criminals everywhere go free? No. I'm saying we need to be careful how we judge others, because that is how God will judge us. If we offer no mercy to others, we will get no mercy.
So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12 Revised Standard Version
Do not take pleasure in the punishment and suffering of others, even when it is so clear their punishment and suffering is of their own doing. Do not rejoice at their destruction, for God does not.
And you, son of man, say to the house of Israel, Thus have you said: 'Our transgressions and our sins are upon us, and we waste away becaues of them; how then can we live?' Say to them, As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel? Ezekiel 33:10-11 Revised Standard Version
I am as guilty as the next person in expressing joy at the suffering of those who have inflicted pain and misery across the world, or even to a few I know. It's hard not to be that way. But the truth is, I don't want to be judged like that. I want mercy. I want forgiveness. Therefore, I must offer mercy. I must offer forgiveness. Otherwise, I disqualify myself.
The real tragedy with Madoff isn't even the people who have suffered - and died - because of his actions. It's that he may not "turn from his way and live". Then God will be grieved, too.
According to Wikipedia, "Hypocrisy is the act of pretending that one has beliefs, opinions, virtues, feelings, qualities or standards that they do not actually have; this is usually done in order to mask their actual motives or feelings; falseness."
It goes further to state: "The term hypocrite is widely misused. Many persons state that hypocrisy is the action of 'not practising what you preach'."
So, hypocrisy is NOT saying certain behavior is wrong and then performing said behavior. Hypocrisy is saying certain behavior is wrong, performing said behavior, and then DENYING one has done it or, more commonly, RATIONALIZING the behavior.
It is easy to become guilty of this. We see someone we don't like undermining someone we like, and we get angry and criticize them for it. Then we undermine the offender. However, when challenged, we state that in our case the behavior is justified, so it isn't the same.
Consider recent news. Bernard Madoff has just been sentence to 150 years in prison for swindling people of their life's savings. How easy it is for us - especially those of us who have personally suffered from his schemes - to react with joy, declaring he but reaps the fruits of his labor.
But what of ourselves? Is that how we wish to be judged? True, we may not have swindled people out of their money - or maybe we have. Just not millions and billions. But whether we have swindled or not is not the point. The point is this: Is that how we wish to be judged?
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is te log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. Matthew 7:1-5 Revised Standard Version
So what am I saying? That we just let all criminals everywhere go free? No. I'm saying we need to be careful how we judge others, because that is how God will judge us. If we offer no mercy to others, we will get no mercy.
So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12 Revised Standard Version
Do not take pleasure in the punishment and suffering of others, even when it is so clear their punishment and suffering is of their own doing. Do not rejoice at their destruction, for God does not.
And you, son of man, say to the house of Israel, Thus have you said: 'Our transgressions and our sins are upon us, and we waste away becaues of them; how then can we live?' Say to them, As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel? Ezekiel 33:10-11 Revised Standard Version
I am as guilty as the next person in expressing joy at the suffering of those who have inflicted pain and misery across the world, or even to a few I know. It's hard not to be that way. But the truth is, I don't want to be judged like that. I want mercy. I want forgiveness. Therefore, I must offer mercy. I must offer forgiveness. Otherwise, I disqualify myself.
The real tragedy with Madoff isn't even the people who have suffered - and died - because of his actions. It's that he may not "turn from his way and live". Then God will be grieved, too.
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