[CS-FSLUG] Did the Apostle Paul Poke Nero in the Eye?
sjm
sjm.mlists at gmail.com
Sun Sep 27 10:10:28 CDT 2009
>>> 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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