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For a far more studied look at why politics for a Christian is wrong: Part I
Nov 10, 2020 11:12:23   #
rumitoid
 
“No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:4).

One would think that after a verse like that, no further commentary would be necessary. However, in light of increasing involvement of professing Christians in politics it has become necessary to expound more specifically such texts. Every Christian is a soldier of the Lord, and like it or not, is engaged in warfare. And one reason why so many wage an ineffective spiritual warfare, not being able to “fight the good fight of faith,” is entanglements. This world system dangles before every Christian various spider-webs of entanglement, and politics is one of those. The Lord, the One who enlisted us as soldiers, is never pleased with any such entanglement, let us be clear about that at the outset. Why, then, do Christians become entangled in politics?

Mixed Motives

Putting the best possible construction on the situation, we must say first of all that there are those who entangle themselves because in their heart they really believe that they are doing good and that God does not object, but rather approves. As our text insists, they are sadly, but honestly mistaken. There is nothing wrong with wanting things to be better, or being against injustice and the like. To those who feel that way, we say that we share their desire. But politics is tricky business, and there are others with other motives, such as fame, money, power, and self-aggrandizement. Of course, the only way to have those things that the political system offers is to be voted in, and to be voted in you must, among other things, be popular with people. And to be popular with people, you must tell them that you are interested in helping them and serving them, or else you'll get no votes from them. So there remains a serious question about the purity of motives and the depth of true, untarnished, humanitarian interest in all politicians. Those who deny it are either naive or not completely honest. The trouble is, a good number of people seem to not want to face that reality. Politics offers not only what it tells you, namely, improvements, but also power and fame and money. Those who sincerely enter for “good” motives soon find themselves in a large tree where many other birds can and do roost, or to put it another way, they find themselves in an entanglement. But this involves the voters, too, and not just those who run for office. Think of the hours spent campaigning and listening to campaigns. Think also of the money spent in the most modest campaign, and ask yourself if this time and money would not do more if invested in the kingdom of God, the progress of the gospel? They answer that it is ridiculous to suppose that alternative, because the political parties will not spend money on the gospel. We must reply, then, with the simple question, “Then what is a Christian doing entangled with them, devoting time and money to such things?”

Black Holes In Space

Perhaps you're aware of the discovery of what they call “black holes in space,” those collapsed stars, extremely dense, whose gravitational pull even draws light rays from nearby stars into them to disappear forever. Nothing ever appears again once it enters. That is an illustration of what has happened to some Christians, and will happen to others, who give their time and energy to the politics of this planet. It is a hopeless situation. Think about it, how many years of recorded history are there on this planet? Something over 3,000. How many of the basic problems of mankind today are the same as when they began? All of them. Selah. How many sins has man eliminated in all these thousands of years? Not one. Just think of all the myriads of kings, governors, parliaments, congresses, courts, and other officials and governing bodies that there have been. From all over the world, in every age, in every conceivable circumstance, they have been trying politics from every possible human angle of approach, and they still have not been able to solve mankind's problems. No, dear Christian, they don't merit one cent of the money nor one second of the time that God has entrusted to us as stewards who will give account.

On the other hand, consider the gospel. How many of the basic problems of mankind does the gospel solve? “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things have passed away, behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). What can repair marriages? The gospel. What can reform prisoners? The gospel. What can affect employer/employee relations? The gospel. What can guarantee the care of the elderly and sick? The gospel. Every time a person gets saved he becomes the temple of the Holy Spirit, and not only changes inwardly, but outwardly as well, and so his change affects those around him, permanently. Consider, then, which is the best investment of time regarding the world and it's problems. Politics, or the gospel? But don't make the mistake of trying to mix them, they're like oil and water!

There has never been a political system that has ushered in the millennium, nor will there be. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself will personally introduce that era when He comes to reign in glory. What the politicians can do, as history proves, is rearrange the problems, treat the symptoms of sin, and even at times impede its advance, but they can't eliminate it. Therefore the Christian who becomes involved in the politics of this world unfortunately sees his time and money disappear into this “black hole in space,” instead of seeing them invested in the gospel and bringing him everlasting results. Politics cannot produce those kinds of results. Why not? Because mankind's basic problem is spiritual in nature, and not related in any way to political science. If someone has pneumonia, they need internal medicine and not a band-aid. The gospel gives man that internal medicine that he needs, but politics can only offer a band-aid.

Human Government Established By God

“But,” they argue back, “in Romans 13 and other passages the Bible supports human government going back as far as the time of Noah after the flood. After all, God ordained human government.” That is correct, God ordained human government. But He did not ordain all the accompanying political science that adorns government today. Neither did He ordain government to be the Savior of mankind. Politics cannot save souls or produce a truly better world to live in.

“More laws! Better laws! Enforced laws! More law enforcers!” they cry to us. Well, if these are the tools of the politicians, then they only make loud confession that politics is not working, or else why would such things be needed? Yet they propose to us that through these administrative, executive, and judicial functions the Christian can serve God in the world today by making it a better place in which to live. Are they ignorant or arrogant who hang their hopes on such ideas? Let us ask a question. Who can make better laws than God? Is not His law good, perfect, and holy? But when will Christians learn that the law, not even God's Law, cannot impart to us the needed power to keep it? You cannot eliminate sin or wickedness by legislation, but you can by salvation.

Moral Obligation

Eliminate sin - that is a feat that the best of political scientists is absolutely powerless to achieve. So they tell us that they know they can't eliminate sin, but that Christians have a moral obligation to get involved (entangled) in government/politics as a means of restraining lawlessness. Well then, let them produce verses, in context, to support such claims. The Bible tells us in plain language that as Christians we have a moral obligation to obey the law, but it never tells us that we have a so-called moral obligation to become involved in politics. No, not even once.

Combating Humanism

No true Christian is in favor of any form of humanism or its creeds. On that we are agreed. However, it is a favorite approach of Christian political activists to alarm the Christian community with reports/statistics of how the humanists are taking over the government and what will happen as a result. They propose that we should all go to the polls and vote for the pro-Christian candidates to prevent this. The idea is to organize Christians as a powerful voting block. To this end they even produce reports and voting guides for Christians, giving the profiles of the views of different candidates on the issues. For example, they said we all should have voted for Reagan because he is for prayer in public schools and against abortion. So in not four, but eight years of President Reagan which of those two very specific issues has been solved? What they couldn't tell you is that the President wouldn't do anything about those items, but that he would subject himself and the affairs of the nation he represents to such occult influence as astrology. That is just one example. However, the main problem is not the surprises that elected officials produce, but the basic idea of fighting humanism in government by what amounts to a Christian version of humanism - producing a man/men who have the answers. Does man have the answers?

Human Responsibility

“What about our human responsibility?” they insist. “What are we supposed to do, then, just sit in Sunday School and let the world get worse and worse?” They insist that we cannot take such an passive and unrealistic approach to problems, but that it is our responsibility to vote, to campaign for certain candidates, and even to run for office so as to have Christians in government. The cry of “human responsibility!” is intended to wake us up to the fact that we're being overly spiritual and, in their eyes, irresponsible in the matter, taking an extreme position. In these days of “balance,” “balance,” and more “balance”, calling someone extreme is like calling them a heretic. But the early Christians were extreme enough to not get involved in politics, not even a little.

Another angle of attack is when we are told, “if you don't vote, then don't complain later about who is in office or what they do.” That's a nice political-scientist cliche, intended to shame us into entangling ourselves, but we reply that we will not complain, because it is a sin to do so, even if you do vote! And isn't it odd how the very ones who campaign and vote are the ones who are the most vocal with their complaints? Think about it.

Yet we must answer in the affirmative regarding our human responsibility. We do believe very much in being responsible Christians. But that responsibility is defined for the Christian by the Bible, not by university professors or political scientists or campaign advertisements. First of all, it is the responsibility and obligation of every Christian to PRAY as the Lord teaches us in 1 Timothy 2:1-2. This tremendous responsibility is often neglected by professing Christians. Some are disinterested. Others say they don't have time. Let us ask the Christian political activists how regular and consistent and fervent their personal prayer lives are, and if they are consistently devoted to the prayer meeting of their local assembly? If not, they should be ashamed to talk about responsibility to others. They talk about “putting feet to your prayers” - one of those sayings not found in the Bible. How about putting knees to your prayers? How about putting fasting to your prayers? God did say to pray, but He did NOT say to vote. Think about this - we can do more in 5 minutes on our knees in prayerful communion with God than we can do if 5 minutes in a voting booth. So why do they offer to provide transportation to vote but not to prayer meetings? A look at the private prayer lives of many, and the attendance at the prayer meetings of their churches, will tell you why professing Christians turn to politics. They do so because they believe that politics gets results, and that prayer doesn't. What kind of Christianity is that?

Second, we believe strongly that it is our human responsibility and moral obligation as Christians to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). We believe that we should follow the example of the early Christians, who according to Acts 8:4 “went everywhere preaching the word.” If we really believe this, then we believe that we can do more by going door-to-door for Christ, or by distributing gospel literature, than by canvassing door-to-door for some politician, however pious. Which campaign should we work for and support? The gospel campaign! What a shame it is to see some spending time and money in politics, laboring tirelessly, devotedly, always talking about politics and candidates and votes. They do it so well that they have little or no time for testimony or impact for Christ in the way that the early Christians did. They are entangled, and it is wrong, and Christ is not pleased. How much worse is the case when their own local church is struggling along and in need of help, or when we consider the tremendous amount of work that remains to be done in planting and edifying assemblies of God's people around the world. What responsibility to these who are involved in politics feel towards seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness as the Bible commands?

Love Not The World

1 John 2:15 instructs us, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.” This is violated by those who give themselves to politics. It is never our responsibility to help the world system nor much less to love it. Yet they will tell us openly that they love politics! They pursue the mirage of doing good through politics in a way that the unsaved political scientists admire. But politics is something that the world has produced, not God. It is one of the things that is in the world. If you don't believe that, just read Luke 4:5-8 and see who is behind this world's kingdoms. We must remember that the world is an orderly system, organized and headed by the devil, leaving God out, designed for the purpose of making man happy without God. Why should any Christian want to mix with such a system, much less find it lovable? What communion has light with darkness? What ever happened to “come out from among them and be ye separate?”

The problem is often a case of misplaced love. As someone said, “Some Christians love the world so much that they anticipate making it their heaven.” But God expressly prohibits love of and entanglement with the world system. His Son received no justice from the best-developed political system that the world of that day knew, the Roman empire.
C:\Users\Owner\Documents\New Files\THE CHRISTIAN AND POLITICS.mht

Reply
Nov 10, 2020 13:55:21   #
Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...
 
We must obey God. In his high priestly prayer Jesus said to God the Father, "I have brought you glory on earth." (John 17:4) How did he do this? By completing the work God gave him to do. When we obey God, we render unto Him His due, and thus honor and glorify Him. This is our purpose in life!

Christians have a unique opportunity to engage society through participating in higher education and learning. His words have solidified our approach to politics. Christians who equip themselves with skills in rhetoric and the knowledge of philosophy, history, and evangelical theology are better prepared to engage and influence society without the risk of losing “saltiness” as Matthew 5:13 instructs us.

One of the inherent problems with the modern American Church is its reluctance to permeate culture. The fear of engaging in politics is partially caused by secular man's misrepresentation of the meaning of “separation of church and state,” Jesus Christ explicitly talks about politics in the Gospels when He said we are to "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars and unto God the things that are Gods. Whenever and wherever the policies, platforms or laws of political governance contradict the clear commandments of God, it is God who must be obeyed because the authority of God always supersedes any system of governance by man.

The reason Christians should not be afraid to express interest in or participate in politics also traces back to Christ’s Great Commandment to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). If we truly believe that God has gifted us with unique skills and passions, then it follows that He desires to mold us as a potter to his clay so that we can fulfill His plan for us to exhibit the reality of the glory of His kingdom. Christians need not question their career path or interests as long as they are following Christ, obeying His commands, and seeking to fulfill his purpose.

The ideology that expresses hesitation towards politics or law is the same ideology that has inhibited the Church from actively engaging its culture and preparing Christians to permeate society to further God’s Kingdom. Christians are called to be “the light of the world” that cannot be hidden, and the salt of the world that prevents deterioration and rot. (Matthew 5:13-16).

What did Paul mean when he said that he became all things to all men?

1 Corinthians 9:19: “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.”

Paul's summation, after he describes his goal and those people whom he wanted to reach, meant that he became all things to all men for evangelism.

He adapted his teaching to their thought in their culture to reach them. He divides his world into the religious Jews with the law, and the pagan Gentiles with no knowledge of Mosaic law.

1 Corinthians 9:20 "Not being myself under the law":

He was emancipated from the law as a means of salvation, yet he knew how to speak to them because of his understanding of their beliefs and life (Galatians 4:21). He knew how to put the gospel to them without compromise and without offense.

An example of this is recorded in Acts 17. He showed the philosophers they were wrong using logic, their own history, and the truth of the Bible, thereby explaining to them what is right.

In 1 Corinthians 9:22 Paul said by inspiration of the Holy Spirit: “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”

If this is isolated from the rest of Scripture one would assume that Paul was willing to do anything to reach the lost, including adopting their lifestyle and compromising his ethics, moral and beliefs. This doctrine is popularized among the apostate multitude-member seeking evangelism prevalent today. If we use this logic, one cannot reach a drug addict unless they become one, one cannot reach a drunk unless they drink alcohol.

When we compare Scripture with Scripture, we find that Paul did not mean this. Paul taught that believers are to “abstain from any appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Paul would not have done anything contrary to Christ and his ways in his own life and ministry. Remember how he rebuked Peter for his compromise of the gospel to the Jewish brethren.

Galatians 2:12-13 speaks of the Judaizers “for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who taught the necessity of circumcision. Paul criticized Peter in Galatians 2:14 “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?"

So Paul did not mean that we are to act one way with one group of people and another way with another group.

In 1 Corinthians 9:21, he said, “To them that are without law, as without law, (BEING NOT WITHOUT LAW TO GOD, BUT UNDER THE LAW TO CHRIST,) that I might gain them that are without law.”

To them that are without law. We have good examples how Paul acted among the pagans, those outside the Mosaic law (Romans 2:14), not lawless (Luke 22:37; Acts 2:23; 1 Timothy 1:9). Paul simplified the message by knowing his audience so they could understand.

Paul explains that he is always under the law to Christ and he is never free to do things that would be contrary to the new covenant. And in Galatians 5:13 he says, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; ONLY USE NOT LIBERTY FOR AN OCCASION TO THE FLESH, but by love serve one another.”

Paul’s liberty in his evangelism was not a freedom to serve the flesh in any way. Paul was always strict in regard to sin and he did not allow anything in his life that would bring the result of sin by spiritual carelessness. He would not become a glutton to reach over-eaters, he would not become a drug user to reach addicts, neither would he become a drinker of alcohol to reach a drunk.

And in 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul says “But I discipline my body and BRING IT INTO SUBJECTION: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified (a castaway)”

Paul simply meant that he would use their own beliefs and ways to show them the truth. So to a religious Jew he would use the law to speak to them, to a gentile he would use his conscience and culture.

God is a healer, and he is able to bring wholeness to our minds, bodies, and emotions like nothing else. However, the peace of Christ (John 14:27; Colossians 3:15; James 3:18;) runs deeper even than our mental health, our sense of emotional peace, or the physiological responses that so potently influence our lives.

In a political climate that is, by its nature, consistently antagonistic and divided, the call for Christians to participate in government and in society is essential. Christians have the peace from Christ of existing in this world without being of it. This comes with a responsibility to be a living witness of the Gospel, and to motivate and influence others toward Christ, for the peace of Christ is essential in any attempt to dissolve the greed, fear, and striving that fuels earthly warfare between families, political parties, races, cultures and nations.

Serving in politics as a Christian benefits our society which desperately needs Christ, and it will continue to need the presence of Christ's disciples upholding the gospel until He returns. Therefore, Christians should not be afraid to pursue higher education or their political interests. If God leads you to politics, trust that He will use you according to His will. Consider applying for political internships to gauge your interests and gain experience.

The separation of Church and State exists to protect the church from political interference, but not to isolate it's members, nor does it negate the need for Christian political philosophy to be disseminated by Christians operating within political society or society-at-large.

Reply
Nov 11, 2020 12:27:25   #
rumitoid
 
Zemirah wrote:
We must obey God. In his high priestly prayer Jesus said to God the Father, "I have brought you glory on earth." (John 17:4) How did he do this? By completing the work God gave him to do. When we obey God, we render unto Him His due, and thus honor and glorify Him. This is our purpose in life!

Christians have a unique opportunity to engage society through participating in higher education and learning. His words have solidified our approach to politics. Christians who equip themselves with skills in rhetoric and the knowledge of philosophy, history, and evangelical theology are better prepared to engage and influence society without the risk of losing “saltiness” as Matthew 5:13 instructs us.

One of the inherent problems with the modern American Church is its reluctance to permeate culture. The fear of engaging in politics is partially caused by secular man's misrepresentation of the meaning of “separation of church and state,” Jesus Christ explicitly talks about politics in the Gospels when He said we are to "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars and unto God the things that are Gods. Whenever and wherever the policies, platforms or laws of political governance contradict the clear commandments of God, it is God who must be obeyed because the authority of God always supersedes any system of governance by man.

The reason Christians should not be afraid to express interest in or participate in politics also traces back to Christ’s Great Commandment to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). If we truly believe that God has gifted us with unique skills and passions, then it follows that He desires to mold us as a potter to his clay so that we can fulfill His plan for us to exhibit the reality of the glory of His kingdom. Christians need not question their career path or interests as long as they are following Christ, obeying His commands, and seeking to fulfill his purpose.

The ideology that expresses hesitation towards politics or law is the same ideology that has inhibited the Church from actively engaging its culture and preparing Christians to permeate society to further God’s Kingdom. Christians are called to be “the light of the world” that cannot be hidden, and the salt of the world that prevents deterioration and rot. (Matthew 5:13-16).

What did Paul mean when he said that he became all things to all men?

1 Corinthians 9:19: “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.”

Paul's summation, after he describes his goal and those people whom he wanted to reach, meant that he became all things to all men for evangelism.

He adapted his teaching to their thought in their culture to reach them. He divides his world into the religious Jews with the law, and the pagan Gentiles with no knowledge of Mosaic law.

1 Corinthians 9:20 "Not being myself under the law":

He was emancipated from the law as a means of salvation, yet he knew how to speak to them because of his understanding of their beliefs and life (Galatians 4:21). He knew how to put the gospel to them without compromise and without offense.

An example of this is recorded in Acts 17. He showed the philosophers they were wrong using logic, their own history, and the truth of the Bible, thereby explaining to them what is right.

In 1 Corinthians 9:22 Paul said by inspiration of the Holy Spirit: “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”

If this is isolated from the rest of Scripture one would assume that Paul was willing to do anything to reach the lost, including adopting their lifestyle and compromising his ethics, moral and beliefs. This doctrine is popularized among the apostate multitude-member seeking evangelism prevalent today. If we use this logic, one cannot reach a drug addict unless they become one, one cannot reach a drunk unless they drink alcohol.

When we compare Scripture with Scripture, we find that Paul did not mean this. Paul taught that believers are to “abstain from any appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Paul would not have done anything contrary to Christ and his ways in his own life and ministry. Remember how he rebuked Peter for his compromise of the gospel to the Jewish brethren.

Galatians 2:12-13 speaks of the Judaizers “for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who taught the necessity of circumcision. Paul criticized Peter in Galatians 2:14 “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?"

So Paul did not mean that we are to act one way with one group of people and another way with another group.

In 1 Corinthians 9:21, he said, “To them that are without law, as without law, (BEING NOT WITHOUT LAW TO GOD, BUT UNDER THE LAW TO CHRIST,) that I might gain them that are without law.”

To them that are without law. We have good examples how Paul acted among the pagans, those outside the Mosaic law (Romans 2:14), not lawless (Luke 22:37; Acts 2:23; 1 Timothy 1:9). Paul simplified the message by knowing his audience so they could understand.

Paul explains that he is always under the law to Christ and he is never free to do things that would be contrary to the new covenant. And in Galatians 5:13 he says, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; ONLY USE NOT LIBERTY FOR AN OCCASION TO THE FLESH, but by love serve one another.”

Paul’s liberty in his evangelism was not a freedom to serve the flesh in any way. Paul was always strict in regard to sin and he did not allow anything in his life that would bring the result of sin by spiritual carelessness. He would not become a glutton to reach over-eaters, he would not become a drug user to reach addicts, neither would he become a drinker of alcohol to reach a drunk.

And in 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul says “But I discipline my body and BRING IT INTO SUBJECTION: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified (a castaway)”

Paul simply meant that he would use their own beliefs and ways to show them the truth. So to a religious Jew he would use the law to speak to them, to a gentile he would use his conscience and culture.

God is a healer, and he is able to bring wholeness to our minds, bodies, and emotions like nothing else. However, the peace of Christ (John 14:27; Colossians 3:15; James 3:18;) runs deeper even than our mental health, our sense of emotional peace, or the physiological responses that so potently influence our lives.

In a political climate that is, by its nature, consistently antagonistic and divided, the call for Christians to participate in government and in society is essential. Christians have the peace from Christ of existing in this world without being of it. This comes with a responsibility to be a living witness of the Gospel, and to motivate and influence others toward Christ, for the peace of Christ is essential in any attempt to dissolve the greed, fear, and striving that fuels earthly warfare between families, political parties, races, cultures and nations.

Serving in politics as a Christian benefits our society which desperately needs Christ, and it will continue to need the presence of Christ's disciples upholding the gospel until He returns. Therefore, Christians should not be afraid to pursue higher education or their political interests. If God leads you to politics, trust that He will use you according to His will. Consider applying for political internships to gauge your interests and gain experience.

The separation of Church and State exists to protect the church from political interference, but not to isolate it's members, nor does it negate the need for Christian political philosophy to be disseminated by Christians operating within political society or society-at-large.
We must obey God. In his high priestly prayer Jesu... (show quote)


Brilliant. You were the voice I desperately hoped would reply. And not a disappointment. Thank you.

Reply
 
 
Nov 11, 2020 23:55:57   #
Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...
 
rumi, "brilliant" is a step too far (John 3:30).

Be prepared... the role of an "agent provocateur" will grow tiresome (Psalm 26:2; Jeremiah 17:10).



rumitoid wrote:
Brilliant. You were the voice I desperately hoped would reply. And not a disappointment. Thank you.

Reply
Nov 12, 2020 00:19:45   #
rumitoid
 
Zemirah wrote:
rumi, "brilliant" is a step too far (John 3:30).

Be prepared... the role of an "agent provocateur" will grow tiresome (Psalm 26:2; Jeremiah 17:10).


Speaking the truth to power my be, to some, an "agent provocateur"; not to me.

Reply
Nov 12, 2020 01:20:44   #
Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...
 
Don't be obtuse.

The fleeting and delusional political power of man can not be compared to the all-consuming infinite and eternal power of God. An "agent provocateur" in that political segment/section known for rudeness, crudeness and vulgarity would be superfluous, - otiose, pointless, wasted and futile.

If and when addressing the political and earth bound segment/section commonly recognized and addressed on OPP's "Main" forum, speaking our own version of "truth" to earthly politics, we may all in theory do.

I was addressing your ambiguity in the Spiritual section of OPP in which you, IMHO, do function as an "agent provocateur," by drawing out and exposing to public purview, tightly held beliefs we often conceal (even from ourselves), within the recesses of our heart.

If, on the other hand, you are presuming to speak your own conception of "truth" to the infinite power of Almighty God, in this set aside and rarely observed section where you placed this thread, that is acknowledged as being dedicated spiritually to a realm mastered by hands that are not seen, - you're toast.



rumitoid wrote:
Speaking the truth to power my be, to some, an "agent provocateur"; not to me.

Reply
Nov 13, 2020 09:13:12   #
rumitoid
 
Zemirah wrote:
Don't be obtuse.

The fleeting and delusional political power of man can not be compared to the all-consuming infinite and eternal power of God. An "agent provocateur" in that political segment/section known for rudeness, crudeness and vulgarity would be superfluous, - otiose, pointless, wasted and futile.

If and when addressing the political and earth bound segment/section commonly recognized and addressed on OPP's "Main" forum, speaking our own version of "truth" to earthly politics, we may all in theory do.

I was addressing your ambiguity in the Spiritual section of OPP in which you, IMHO, do function as an "agent provocateur," by drawing out and exposing to public purview, tightly held beliefs we often conceal (even from ourselves), within the recesses of our heart.

If, on the other hand, you are presuming to speak your own conception of "truth" to the infinite power of Almighty God, in this set aside and rarely observed section where you placed this thread, that is acknowledged as being dedicated spiritually to a realm mastered by hands that are not seen, - you're toast.
Don't be obtuse. br br The fleeting and delusiona... (show quote)


Very clean and cool assessment. Thank you. But too bad you do not know me better. Not everything I say is my belief: it is for debate and discussion, what I find interesting.

Reply
 
 
Nov 13, 2020 17:07:44   #
Rose42
 
rumitoid wrote:
Speaking the truth to power my be, to some, an "agent provocateur"; not to me.


Truth to what power?

Reply
Nov 13, 2020 21:19:28   #
Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...
 
I do understand that, rumi, just be aware there is a fine line.

As I am one who falls on my face daily, and must be picked up and brushed off by my Lord, after confessing to Him what He already knows.

Playing with people can be entertaining, if you can refrain from being a stumbling block.

Sir Walter Scott: "What a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive"

As long as you know what you actually believe, and square it with the God of Creation... who said, "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve." (Jeremiah 17:10)

Never forget, Matthew 10:33: [Jesus said] "But whoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."

It is my personal opinion that no one ever really knows anyone, other than through what is revealed by the Holy Spirit, who indwells those who are Christians, and no one has ever fooled Him.



rumitoid wrote:
Very clean and cool assessment. Thank you. But too bad you do not know me better. Not everything I say is my belief: it is for debate and discussion, what I find interesting.

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Nov 17, 2020 23:08:20   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
Zemirah wrote:
We must obey God. In his high priestly prayer Jesus said to God the Father, "I have brought you glory on earth." (John 17:4) How did he do this? By completing the work God gave him to do. When we obey God, we render unto Him His due, and thus honor and glorify Him. This is our purpose in life!

Christians have a unique opportunity to engage society through participating in higher education and learning. His words have solidified our approach to politics. Christians who equip themselves with skills in rhetoric and the knowledge of philosophy, history, and evangelical theology are better prepared to engage and influence society without the risk of losing “saltiness” as Matthew 5:13 instructs us.

One of the inherent problems with the modern American Church is its reluctance to permeate culture. The fear of engaging in politics is partially caused by secular man's misrepresentation of the meaning of “separation of church and state,” Jesus Christ explicitly talks about politics in the Gospels when He said we are to "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars and unto God the things that are Gods. Whenever and wherever the policies, platforms or laws of political governance contradict the clear commandments of God, it is God who must be obeyed because the authority of God always supersedes any system of governance by man.

The reason Christians should not be afraid to express interest in or participate in politics also traces back to Christ’s Great Commandment to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). If we truly believe that God has gifted us with unique skills and passions, then it follows that He desires to mold us as a potter to his clay so that we can fulfill His plan for us to exhibit the reality of the glory of His kingdom. Christians need not question their career path or interests as long as they are following Christ, obeying His commands, and seeking to fulfill his purpose.

The ideology that expresses hesitation towards politics or law is the same ideology that has inhibited the Church from actively engaging its culture and preparing Christians to permeate society to further God’s Kingdom. Christians are called to be “the light of the world” that cannot be hidden, and the salt of the world that prevents deterioration and rot. (Matthew 5:13-16).

What did Paul mean when he said that he became all things to all men?

1 Corinthians 9:19: “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.”

Paul's summation, after he describes his goal and those people whom he wanted to reach, meant that he became all things to all men for evangelism.

He adapted his teaching to their thought in their culture to reach them. He divides his world into the religious Jews with the law, and the pagan Gentiles with no knowledge of Mosaic law.

1 Corinthians 9:20 "Not being myself under the law":

He was emancipated from the law as a means of salvation, yet he knew how to speak to them because of his understanding of their beliefs and life (Galatians 4:21). He knew how to put the gospel to them without compromise and without offense.

An example of this is recorded in Acts 17. He showed the philosophers they were wrong using logic, their own history, and the truth of the Bible, thereby explaining to them what is right.

In 1 Corinthians 9:22 Paul said by inspiration of the Holy Spirit: “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”

If this is isolated from the rest of Scripture one would assume that Paul was willing to do anything to reach the lost, including adopting their lifestyle and compromising his ethics, moral and beliefs. This doctrine is popularized among the apostate multitude-member seeking evangelism prevalent today. If we use this logic, one cannot reach a drug addict unless they become one, one cannot reach a drunk unless they drink alcohol.

When we compare Scripture with Scripture, we find that Paul did not mean this. Paul taught that believers are to “abstain from any appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Paul would not have done anything contrary to Christ and his ways in his own life and ministry. Remember how he rebuked Peter for his compromise of the gospel to the Jewish brethren.

Galatians 2:12-13 speaks of the Judaizers “for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who taught the necessity of circumcision. Paul criticized Peter in Galatians 2:14 “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?"

So Paul did not mean that we are to act one way with one group of people and another way with another group.

In 1 Corinthians 9:21, he said, “To them that are without law, as without law, (BEING NOT WITHOUT LAW TO GOD, BUT UNDER THE LAW TO CHRIST,) that I might gain them that are without law.”

To them that are without law. We have good examples how Paul acted among the pagans, those outside the Mosaic law (Romans 2:14), not lawless (Luke 22:37; Acts 2:23; 1 Timothy 1:9). Paul simplified the message by knowing his audience so they could understand.

Paul explains that he is always under the law to Christ and he is never free to do things that would be contrary to the new covenant. And in Galatians 5:13 he says, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; ONLY USE NOT LIBERTY FOR AN OCCASION TO THE FLESH, but by love serve one another.”

Paul’s liberty in his evangelism was not a freedom to serve the flesh in any way. Paul was always strict in regard to sin and he did not allow anything in his life that would bring the result of sin by spiritual carelessness. He would not become a glutton to reach over-eaters, he would not become a drug user to reach addicts, neither would he become a drinker of alcohol to reach a drunk.

And in 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul says “But I discipline my body and BRING IT INTO SUBJECTION: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified (a castaway)”

Paul simply meant that he would use their own beliefs and ways to show them the truth. So to a religious Jew he would use the law to speak to them, to a gentile he would use his conscience and culture.

God is a healer, and he is able to bring wholeness to our minds, bodies, and emotions like nothing else. However, the peace of Christ (John 14:27; Colossians 3:15; James 3:18;) runs deeper even than our mental health, our sense of emotional peace, or the physiological responses that so potently influence our lives.

In a political climate that is, by its nature, consistently antagonistic and divided, the call for Christians to participate in government and in society is essential. Christians have the peace from Christ of existing in this world without being of it. This comes with a responsibility to be a living witness of the Gospel, and to motivate and influence others toward Christ, for the peace of Christ is essential in any attempt to dissolve the greed, fear, and striving that fuels earthly warfare between families, political parties, races, cultures and nations.

Serving in politics as a Christian benefits our society which desperately needs Christ, and it will continue to need the presence of Christ's disciples upholding the gospel until He returns. Therefore, Christians should not be afraid to pursue higher education or their political interests. If God leads you to politics, trust that He will use you according to His will. Consider applying for political internships to gauge your interests and gain experience.

The separation of Church and State exists to protect the church from political interference, but not to isolate it's members, nor does it negate the need for Christian political philosophy to be disseminated by Christians operating within political society or society-at-large.
We must obey God. In his high priestly prayer Jesu... (show quote)


Amen

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