[CS-FSLUG] Did the Apostle Paul Poke Nero in the Eye?

[sjm]

>>> soon we won't be able to voice any Christian position contrary to
>>> their policies or face fines and/or imprisonment. I'm certain that day
>>> isn't very far off.
>> To start one view of a discussion, I'm not sure God really cares.
>> Christianity in China seems to be doing fine without all those liberties.
>>
> It's not doing "fine" in China but suffering. Yes....there is some growth.

If you're implying that suffering means that one isn't doing fine, then 
what would you say to the apostles:

Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were 
counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. (Act 5:41)

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering 
produces endurance, (Rom 5:3)

If we feel that we shouldn't suffer are we too willing to not be salt 
and light?  to be one like the world's own? Do we feel we are better 
than our master?

"If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 
If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but 
because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, 
therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: 'A 
servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they 
will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep 
yours. (Jn 15:18-20)

I fear that too often Christians and churches expend too much energy 
trying to make the world act like one of Christ's through legislation of 
morality rather than trying to change the heart of the people so they 
naturally act like they should.

We rail against works based salvation, but then turn around and teach 
the world that works are what matter by trying to change the acts of the 
world (abortion, homosexual lifestyle, etc.) without the corresponding 
change of heart.

I would say that it looks very much like we are practicing hypocrisy by 
teaching against works based salvation, but, by our actions, showing 
that the works one does is the important thing.  Many in the church 
could be accused of being hypocrites and trying to make a bunch of 
hypocrites out of the wolves by just dressing them up in wool coats.

 From the American Heritage Dictionary:
   hy·poc·ri·sy

NOUN:
pl. hy·poc·ri·sies

    1. The practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one 
does not hold or possess; falseness.
    2. An act or instance of such falseness.



sjm



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