> General Discussions
Patriotism, nationalism, and statism as forms of idolatry
Colin:
G’day John
The thoughts expressed by those who have contributed have been good in encouraging our consideration of the topic and comparison with relevant scriptures. Bare verses, without commentary can leave us perplexed and left to guess at the intended input behind a posting. Could I suggest that for an improved friendly “family discussion”, that a hint of your views be provided? That way, all readers with varying levels of understanding could benefit. Colin
John from Kentucky:
--- Quote from: Colin on September 24, 2015, 04:47:47 PM ---G’day John
The thoughts expressed by those who have contributed have been good in encouraging our consideration of the topic and comparison with relevant scriptures. Bare verses, without commentary can leave us perplexed and left to guess at the intended input behind a posting. Could I suggest that for an improved friendly “family discussion”, that a hint of your views be provided? That way, all readers with varying levels of understanding could benefit. Colin
--- End quote ---
For those who have the Spirit of God, God's Words in the Scriptures, especially the Words of Jesus, do not need commentary. God will give understanding.
Are you telling me that you do not understand the Words of Jesus, which I quoted from three Scriptures? ::) As Ray once said, "I may have been born at night, but not last night."
Besides, through the ages we have had way too much commentary from mankind. I prefer the Commentary of God, which He expresses in His Word.
lurquer:
Dear Colin,
Your suggestions will always be ignored by John. That is because he is MUCH smarter than you and MUCH closer to God.
Just thought I'd save you some effort... ;)
John from Kentucky:
--- Quote from: Neo on September 24, 2015, 09:47:48 PM ---Dear Colin,
Your suggestions will always be ignored by John. That is because he is MUCH smarter than you and MUCH closer to God.
Just thought I'd save you some effort... ;)
--- End quote ---
Neo,
You sound like you have a sour stomach. My grandmother always recommended a bowl of blackberries in such a case.
In Christian love,
Dr. JFK
repottinger:
Well, Largeli, I think that if I add emphases to some of the passages I had cited, it might help to answer your questions:
Romans 13:1-7, AKJV
13 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
I Peter 2:13-17, AKJV
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 as free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
So we see that the representative of the state (which would include such things as the government, military, and police, I would think) “is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil,” and that these ministers “are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers.” To me, this means that they are there for our legitimate use (as in reporting a serious violent crime like a murder or robbery) and that, if we call upon them, we aren’t “living by the sword,” but, in effect, using one kind of “evildoer” (the government representative, who stands for and upholds the Babylonian world system)--from a Christian standpoint, since we are not “of the world”--to “punish” another (the criminal).
Thanks a lot for such interesting thoughts on the subject.
Randy
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version