Violence vs nonviolence

So, I'm going to use this post to hash out some of my views regarding wars and the use of force. This might require more than one post, or I may not even express all my thoughts. I've just been thinking about it more now because of the US government's bombing of Libya (which I won't be discussing in particular).

Jesus never condoned acts of violence in the New Testament. He set the example of peace and loving one's enemies. God has not commanded His people (Gentiles now included) to harm anyone else under the New Covenant; in fact, He has commanded the opposite: to be patient, loving, kindhearted, praying for those who abuse you, and blessing those who curse you. Where the Israelites would have stoned to death someone who was living in sin (especially sexual sin) among their congregation, the New Testament believers are commanded to rather cast the person out of fellowship. Just like the sacrificial system, I believe the switch to the New Covenant signaled switch from these physical acts of violence to actions which denote more spiritual consequences. As a follower of Christ (although a poor one at that), I do not feel that violence is an acceptable avenue in dealing with problems, whatever that may mean.

I could say more, but that is all for now.

Peace.

A Short Thought

So, I was driving behind someone who was going 45mph in a 55 mph zone. I started thinking, "Man, old people sure are obnoxious on the road." Then I had another thought. "Why would I try to respect the elderly everywhere else but while I'm driving? Why don't I ask myself why they're driving slow and what could I do to respect them better as another driver?" Just an interesting thought.

Peace.

CCCA

So, I just got back from a three-day camp conference. It was so good. I just can't explain how much I learned there. Here are some thoughts, though.

Jesus is no longer the object of our faith; our experience with Jesus has become the object of our faith. If we're having a bad day, we get bummed out and forget that Jesus told us we need to count the cost before choosing to follow Him.

"The Spirit Himself bears witness that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him." Romans 8

Faith in Christ is not about what we see or feel. "Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?" Romans 8

Our faith is not about ourselves. Peter, Jesus' closest friend on earth, was also Jesus' great stumblingblock, as told in Matthew 16. Jesus told the disciples how He had to die, but Peter told Jesus it should not be so. Satan's best tool in trying to foil God's purpose (which is oneness) is often the person that is closest to us. The great lie of Satan is that it's all about us.

When people talk about "God told me this" or "the Holy Spirit told me to do that," it's often something that's good for the person. When God spoke to Saul in the New Testament, however....

I WILL SHOW YOU WHAT IT MEANS TO SUFFER FOR MY NAME'S SAKE.

You're not students of the Word for your own benefit, are you? Everything we do should be done in devotion to God and others.

Stir others up to faith and good works.

Just some thoughts.

Peace.