differences division

The differences between Christians are ever growing.

Are the differences enough to alienate us from one another?

It is hard for two to walk together, if they are not in agreement (Amos 3:3).

It depends on the disagreements, and how they are handled.

God seems to use these disagreements for a purpose:

For first of all,

when you come together as a church,

I hear that there are divisions among you,

and in part I believe it.

For there must also be factions among you,

that those who are approved

may be recognized among you.

(1 Corinthians 11:18-19)

accountable faith

 In the context of doubtful things and Christian liberty, we read in the book of Romans, “whatever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). Christians in good conscience can disagree over what is acceptable to do. This can go beyond just what we can eat and drink—even though that is the main issue but involve social philosophy and the role of government. There are things that the Bible clearly identify as sin—even though those can be debated too.

We need to be true to our conscience and go with what we believe until otherwise persuaded differently. If you think someone is wrong or misinformed, then be willing to discuss the issue(s). The problem is whether we can follow Jame's directive: “let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; ²⁰ for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (the book of James 1:19-20). Usually, no one wants to discuss the issues, or they only want their view heard or they get mad-which shuts the conversation down.

There is the fact that we are all ultimately accountable to God. The context of Romans 14 concerning doubtful things makes that point (14:7-12). That is what I say to those who ask me as to how someone can be a Christian and believe certain things that they (the one to asks me) find disagreeable or unacceptable. I say they are accountable to God just as you (the one asking) and I are. In the end, we are both accountable to God for what we believe and do.

Jame's Directive

If everyone could all live by these words, they could have more productive dialogue: “let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (the book of James 1:19-20). Unfortunately, people fail to respond in conversation according to this directive, and the conversation fails.

James also talks about asking for wisdom—if you lack it—and God will give it (James 1:5). This directive on how to respond is wisdom in itself, but there are a lot of tough issues--especially today-- of which we are faced, and it is hard to know how to respond to them.

We should pray for wisdom on how to respond to the issues. You should seek to be the person God wants you to be. That directive from the book of James is definitely wisdom on how God wants us to be. It's especially tough today with so much change in society and how people think about and respond to things.

Christ makes war

"What would Jesus do?"

The second coming of Christ will not be as the first coming of Christ, for Jesus will come to wage war against the beast and the false prophet and their kingdom and the nations of the earth.

This is what He will do at His coming: make war ...

11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.

Revelation 19:11-16

17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, 'Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, 18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great.'

Revelation 19:17-18

19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. 20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.

Revelation 19:19-21

click to enlarge 

3rd day

 

Some believe the resurrection was on Wednesday or Thursday.

The main support is Matthew 12:40 saying “3 days and 3 nights.”

Mat 27:3 says “after three days” he would rise (yet secure the grave for 3 days not 4). This view puts the resurrection on Saturday, but after 72 hours in the grave, being Thurs, Fri, and Sat.

But Jesus also said he would rise on the third day.

Lk 9:22; 13:32-33 (notice the inclusive language of today, tomorrow, and third day), 18:33.

Luke 24 is especially a problem, since it is clearly Sunday, and it is said to be the third day. 24:1, 6-7, 18-21: third day since “these things.”

So you have a resurrection on the third day, Sunday, yet a ref. To 3 days and nights.

There is the Old Testament account of Joseph putting his brothers in prison for 3 days, and bringing them out of prison on the third day:  "¹⁷ So he put them all together in prison three days.

¹⁸ Then Joseph said to them the third day," Genesis 42:17-18.   It says they were in prison 3 days, yet he brought them out on the third day.

UFO demons

 In my teenage years, I was into the UFO stuff, and one of my favorite books was by Erich Von Daniken. titled “Chariots of the Gods.”

I wanted to believe.

I don't recall the exact timing of things, but I believe I was either 18 or 19 (1976-77) when I watched an episode of the Science program “NOVA” on PBS when they did a critique of Von Daniken's claims that we humans have been visited by Aliens.

NOVA demonstrated that he misrepresented the evidence for things like landing sites for UFOs. They demonstrated that he was a liar. I don't remember exactly how I felt about that, but I think I accepted their conclusions.

About that time, I think I was becoming more positive towards Christianity, and my views about UFOs and such were changing. I remember that it just dawned on me one day that the UFO phenomenon was a deception. I kind of remember the moment a thought entered my mind: “it's

I think if a person goes looking for a UFO encounter, they will eventually have one.

I remember a coworker told me they were reading a book called “Communion” by Whitley Strieber, which was claimed to be a true story involving the author of his encounter with an alien. The coworker told me that the book was so disturbing, that he had to physically remove the book from his bedroom at night before he could go to sleep.

I went to the local Library to find the book. I read through a major portion of it. It's been many years since I read the book, and going off memory, I recall how the author says he was staying at a remote residence of his. He says that while he was sleeping, he was awakened by something, and when he looked towards his door, he saw someone peeking at him through the bedroom door. I remember something about him floating out of his bed and along the floor and outside. Outside, this creature or creatures did some physically invasive things to him. I seem to recall that as days went on, he was experiencing agitation, and I think his wife did the same. I think he said there was some sort of UFO sighting or activity claimed in the area. You'd have to read the book to get the details. Like I said, it was many years ago that I read it.

I thought the title “Communion” made sense. It was a paranormal encounter.  I thought of the Scripture that says we are not to have fellowship with demons: “I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.” 1 Corinthians 10:20

Government intervention

 

I know this oversimplifies things, but the difference between social liberals and social conservatives is what they believe government intervention should be.

What one side believes should require more government intervention, the other side believes less, and vice-versa.

I believe this is true whether the issue is about abortion, immigration, gender issues, law and order, or making life fair. There can be exceptions from individual to individual, but groups usually stick together on an issue, especially those in government when it comes to voting.

Sometimes, it seems, that the opposition of a certain view of government intervention just depends on who is in political office. If someone like Trump is for something, those who oppose him are against it, even if they align with or voted for someone in the past who was for it. You can find YouTube videos of those who took the same stance on an issue as the opposing person that the opposition rejects.

People will disagree on the role of government as they do everything else. The division seems to be getting greater and more violent. It's hard to discuss the issues because people get so upset and angry. God give us wisdom on how to respond to this.

“² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:2-5

^“18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. ¹⁹ For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.” 1 Corinthians 11:18-19

^'17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. ¹⁹ Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. ²⁰ Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.' Romans 12:17-21

“Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. ²³ But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.” Romans 14:22-23

^“10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10-11