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No free will question
indianabob:
Good point about it all being outside our control.
The politicians have to give us the illusion of control in order to keep us in line and paying our taxes, serving in the military, obeying their unreasonable edicts.
God wants His people to obey the government in power, not because they are correct or beneficial to the average person, but rathero because God wants us to have peace in our minds and hearts and that comes from the knowledge that God is in control.
If a man (Roman soldier/messenger) compels us to carry his burden for a Roman mile, do so with a smile and even offer to go another mile if you can. The lesson is valid. If you cooperate they will most likely leave you alone AND either way, God can make them to be at peace with you if God so desires. Matthew 5:41
Dave in Tenn:
Everybody is going to do what is most in their heart to do...and every work will be judged. Beyond what Ray had to say about it, I find myself unable to participate because it only causes frustration and some level of anger...and that is also mostly what I see and hear from the more vocal proponents of this or that political leaning. Enough finally is enough. I'm not in their debate any longer. The only "election" I am vitally interested in is the "election" that God is doing in individuals--and will continue to do until His Kingdom is ready.
(1Ti 6:6,7) But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
Some things are just for me, and I don't ask or expect others to either understand or do them. Isn't that what the Sermon on the Mount was about--especially the parable of the speck and the beam?
bob:
I am in complete agreement with Duane on this. Bob
1.2 Chronicles 7:14
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
indianabob:
Dear friend Duane,
I sincerely respect your view of how to be a good citizen in America or in other nations.
I used to feel the same way until I learned how the selection process works to fill the ballot in many locations. It seems to be all about being a member of the right party and having financial support. The vote is purchased with money from some source it would seem.
All of that is just my experience or opinion.
What matters to me in my particular case is the following:
I have come to believe that I am among the called out of God's church. I further believe that I may be one of the chosen (I'll find out soon enough) If that is the case then I also believe that I am called to be an Ambassador to the world around me, a light to them so to speak and not a fog horn blaring out the message in an unclear voice. (unclear to them)
There is more of the same that I could illustrate: the main point is that if I wish to influence others of my acquaintance it may be best to do it by my example of how I live and cooperate with others who need a better example, but in any case I'm not trying to impress others I'm trying to impress God with my growing in grace and knowledge of His spirit. I'm trying to store up treasure in the heavenly realm and not be a "men pleaser" and as you surely know, it ain't easy. (smile)
In a practical sense, since we who are called out and chosen are such a small minority that we never could change anything by our choice or our vote AND often I would not vote for either choice as presented, when I know (?) that they are both self serving and wicked.
Just my opinion and as you may observe this is just a quick once over and certainly not a detailed explanation.
Thank you for your consideration, Indiana Bob
--- Quote from: Duane on December 28, 2013, 05:24:15 PM ---I ALWAYS vote because it is a constitutional RIGHT that many people in many countries RISK THEIR LIVES TO DO! We, Americans, take so much for granted. What if we were NO LONGER ALLOWED TO VOTE?
We would cry DICTATORSHIP! UNCONSTITUTIONAL! WHAT IS THE U.S.A. COMING TO?
EVIL PREVAILS--when good men do NOTHING! PLEASE VOTE---Do you want illegal aliens to vote for you?
What about the "bought votes"? We MUST do OUR civic responsibilities or we deserve what "THEY" give us!
--- End quote ---
Rene:
--- Quote from: Dave in Tenn on December 28, 2013, 09:20:11 PM ---
The only "election" I am vitally interested in is the "election" that God is doing in individuals--and will continue to do until His Kingdom is ready.
--- End quote ---
8) :)
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