Is being politically active unChristian?
There is a reason we call the revelation given to us from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 the “Bible.” The Greek word biblos (βίβλος) — from which we get the English word Bible — means “book.” The Bible is one book even though it has 66 (39 + 27) individual parts.
No single verse can be properly explained and understood without considering it in the light of the whole Bible. No verse can or should stand on its own. For example, the Hebrew word el and the Greek word theos are translated “god” in the Bible. Without a whole-Bible context, they can refer to pagan gods (Deut. 10:17) or Satan himself (2 Cor. 4:4). You only know the difference by studying the immediate context and the context of the whole Bible.
I bring this up because of the article “The Salt of the Earth” written by Phil Johnson for the January 2012 edition of Tabletalk magazine published by Ligonier Ministries. Johnson begins his article by citing the following verses:
“You are the salt of the earth… . You are the light of the world… . Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:13–16).
Then he offers these comments
Continue reading at americanvision.org
G.D.: "I suspect that most people would praise our Christian founders for putting into law the protections listed in the First Amendment to insure that churches can speak, write, and assemble about religion…."
True, but the rub (and it's huge, in fact, it's sedition against Yahweh, the God of the Bible) is that the First Amendment also insures Muslims, Hindus, etc. to promote their gods and religions in defiance of the Fist Commandment. This is a 180 degree about face from what was practiced in 17th-century Colonial America, whose governments were truly based upon Yahweh's morality as codified in His commandments, statutes, and judgments.
For more, see "Amendment 1: Government-Sanctioned Polytheism" at http://www.missiontoisrael.org/biblelaw-constitut….
Find out how much you really know about the Constitution as compared to Yahweh's moral law (His commandments, statutes, and judgments). Take our Constitution Survey at http://www.missiontoisrael.org/constitutionsurvey… and receive a free copy of the "Primer" (an 85 page book, normally $7 plus shipping) of "Bible Law vs. the United States Constitution: The Christian Perspective."
-TedRWeilandI don't much like when other people tell me what text in the Bible "means".
-davesDave, I feel sorry for you; you're missing out some real blessings. Personally, because I recognize that I'm not infinite and, therefore, don't have the market cornered on Scriptural understanding, I *love* it when someone can shed light on something I previously didn't understand or interpreted incorrectly.
-TedRWeilandBut how do you know they are correct?
-daves2 Timothy 2:15
-TedRWeilandG.D.: "If anything, the Constitution is our Caesar…."
What an admission! Think about this statement from the perspective of who and what Caesar represented. I offer the following as an alternate interpretation regarding Christ's statement regarding Caesar:
"In Mark 12:17, we find Jesus’ oft-misused statement: ;Render to Caesar the that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.' Many people have interpreted this statement to mean that Yahweh and Caesar have separate jurisdictions, powers, and possessions. Is this true or is there another explanation for Jesus’ statement?
"The term “Caesar” is used today to represent government in general. However, at the time Yeshua made this statement, Julius Caesar was a real life and blood Roman dictator. Just what was it then that Jesus was saying should be rendered to Caesar? Did the bodies, souls, and spirits of man belong to Caesar? Did reverence and obedience belong to Caesar? Did the people’s land and other possessions belong to Caesar? What about taxes? Romans 13:7 tells us to 'Render therefore to all their dues: tribute [tax, NASB] to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.' In Verse 6, Paul indicated that all of these things are due to God’s ministers or servants. Did Caesar qualify as one of the ministers of God described by Paul? No he did not, not according to Paul’s description of such ministers in Verses 3 and 4:
'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: 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.' (Romans 13:3-4)….
"Only Yahweh determines what is good and what is evil. Consequently, the government described by Paul in Romans 13:1-7 is clearly a Christian government, based upon the moral laws of Yahweh…. This brings us back to Jesus' answer to the Pharisees and Herodians, 'Render to Caesar the that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.' This statement begs answers to the following two questions: What belongs to Yahweh and what belongs to Caesar? The answer to the first question answers the second question. Yahweh reigns over and owns everything:
' The earth is YHWH’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.' (Psalm 24:1)
"What does this leave for Caesar? Jesus' answer was merely another instance of Jesus trapping the Pharisees with their own words – in this instance, forcing them to choose their god, Yahweh or Caesar? [the same as when Elijah required the Israelites on Mt. Carmel to choose between Yahweh and Baal]."
Excerpted from "Amendment 10: Counterfeited Powers" at http://www.missiontoisrael.org/biblelaw-constitut….
-TedRWeilandDUDE, YOU ARE A LONG WINDED WINDBAG !!!!!!
-Byron PotterIT'S NEITHER OR BOTH. Frankly, who gives a rip.
-Byron PotterI think you are right about the constitution. I have not a clue what was in the minds of the writers. It starts off "We the People" only, "We the People." I would like to know what little knot hole, We the People put HIM. It is as if they recognized HIM, they were ashamed to admit it. WHY??? Did they think that We the People could do all the things they are promising in the documents, without HIM
Thanks millions for opening my eyes!!!!
However, there may be one difference in what we believe, or maybe I am putting it badly. I think I have to stand against evil, that not to do this I am accepting the evil. and "MAN DO I FIGHT!" I know I am just so small up beside GOD and HIS SON JESUS CHRIST, but am trying to teach the things that JESUS TAUGHT AND DIED FOR.
-MyrtlelinderMrytle, I'm, of course, pleased that I've contributed to "opening your eyes." However, for the life of me, I can't figure out why you think I'm not for standing against evil. My life is devoted to standing for Christ and Yahweh's morality, which means I'm equally devoted to standing against evil where ever it's found, regardless how unpopular.
-TedRWeilandI do apologize. I think what I was saying is that you and I go at it in a different way. I usually attack like a bulldog and you go about in a completely different way. You don't put your foot in your mouth like, I am so good at doing. You mostly use common sense scriptures and reasoning. I guess I do the same in m little way, because I did not have the opportunity to be a Bible scholar, did not even finish high school, therefore I cannot do it in the same way that you do it. Thanks, for bringing this to my attention. I'll try to do better next time.
-MyrtlelinderNo problem.
-TedRWeilandBeing "salt and light" is one thing but God also gives mankind a directive to "be good stewards" of all His creation, which includes government because HE created government. As Christians we are to ensure the political candidates we cast a vote for is worthy of that vote or you just may be compromising your own values for evil works forthcoming. We also must be spiritual influencers to ensure all candidates standing on Christian values actually have those values and live them.
-WinstonNo, but being obsessed with it like you are is most certainly un-Christian and (I feel) sinful as well.
I receive these posts even on the Lord's Day, the Christian Sabbath, when you should have your Bibles open and be in the house of God worshipping the Triune God, not playing politics.
The same Bible that says were are to be salt and light also says we are but strangers and pilgrims here. It would appear that you have your priorities very wrong.
-Steven DotsonEvery day is the Lord's Day Steven. Stop being a rules-based Christian telling others how they should observe their faith.
-DSMNOT being politically active is unChristian . Furthermore , it is unAmerican . America , though allowing religious freedom , has a VERY strong Christian heritage going back to the VERY beginning of this country , and is the REASON for this countries success . The MOST unconstitutional thing this government EVER did was when , under Johnson , religious freedom was banned from the churches under threat of being taxed out of existance . That , along with Madelain O'Hara has put the United States on a down hill ride to callapse evr since , with the sole exception being the REAGAN era . Democrats are refered to as demon rats for a very good reason , they are comparable to the demons Christ drove out of the afflicted during his time on earth . They can claim to be Christians 24/7 , but Christ would never support abortion , homosexuality , lying , thieving , and fraud in historically huge numbers .
-buckTed R. Weiland, you are what I call a niche preacher. Your niche is that the U.S. Constitution is not inspired of God and it is, in fact, partly or wholly of Satan.
But you have outdone yourself in this blog. The idea is absurd that Jesus was simply trapping Pharisees with His answer to them in Matthew 22:21. "Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s".
If Jesus were telling them not to pay taxes because everything in reality belongs to Him, He was putting them and everyone else who believes Jesus's words in the untenable position of committing sedition.
We have no record of early Christians inviting wholesale slaughter by refusing to pay their taxes.
Ted, your private interpretions of the scriptures really need to stay private.
-VladimirLet every soul be subject… Paul uses the word soul, meaning this is spiritual, not physical. Hence the higher powers he speaks about is God. The 2nd verse states that he who resists faces condemnation. However, to prove the first point, if this meant the earthly powers, then if the earthly powers passed a law banning praying to Jesus, would we then be condemned by resisting? According to a governmental interpretation of the first 2 verses you are saying Yes. Hence they do not refer to government, but to God. Also, verse 3 in original text refers to magistrates, or officers of the higher power. Verse 4 refers back to the magistrate as being the minister of god. I highly doubt the government is the minister of god. This is one of the most misread areas of the bible.
-Deep_ThinkerIn my opinion, what is the responsibility of Christians towards activism in politics? No politics or political literature to be circulated in any church. Every nation has both believers and unbelievers and a nation should not have “Christian” laws since this would be tyranny. Christians have civil responsibility – no violence or intrusion of privacy on others but to serve in the military and learn and do God’s will. Separation of Church and State is important. See Book of Numbers. Freedom, marriage, family & government and “give unto Caesar…” means we should pay taxes and vote. The laws of establishment principles should give us freedom but there is no freedom without authority. There should be laws against criminals. Execute those who murder and rape. Activism is grieving the Spirit not living by the Spirit. As goes the believer so goes the client nation to God.
-msjallenSuggest you all watch One Nation Under God – a documentary regarding this very issue. If you have trouble finding it, go to http://www.ChampionTheVote.com and you can buy a copy for $5.00 which includes shipping and handling. It is a fact packed 2 hour doc. in which you'll learn some things you never knew.
-paxcat