Freedom
The United States of America Declaration of independence
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Noble words. Freedoms most in the world aspire to reach.
We in the west particularly here in North America have incredible freedoms. Freedoms many in the world can only dream of. All of this because we live in a secular democracy, in which politicians do their best to strike a balance that affords freedom for all.
Christianity has benefited from that freedom as has all faiths. Freedom is the ideal soil for any faith to grow.
However there are those calling themselves Christians that are I believe threatening the freedoms we have.
I can only speak as a Christian here, as I am a Christian.
But there are those who espouse to be Christians and Christians who would like to restrict the rights of others that live at peace and do no harm in our secular democracy.
As a Christian Jesus tells me to love God, my neighbour, and even my enemy.
The apostle Peter writes,
“Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.”
1 Peter 2:16,16
James the half brother of Jesus writes,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,
because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!”
James 2:12,13.
The apostle Paul writes,
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”
Titus 3:1,2.
To the Romans Paul writes,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18.
As Christians the Apostles knew what it was to live in a world that didn’t share the same moral code as they had. Paul and Peter were put to death under Nero one of the worst persecutors of Christians. Yet they said live at peace with all men, honour the king
The apostle Peter writes,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Dear friends,
I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.’
1 Peter 2:9-12.
The principle job of a Christian was expressed by Jesus who said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20.
We are not to judge the world we are to love the world. To love all people no matter who they are.
The apostle Paul makes things clear what Christians are to do with respect to those outside the church when he states,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
To may way of thinking Christians are to present their beliefs to anyone who will listen. Present not force upon others their faith. Christians are not to judge those outside the church. But rather as far as possible live at peace with all men.
I am thankful to God I live here in Canada were there is freedom for all. It allows me to express my ideas and have an open and honest dialogue with those of different faiths and differing views.
If you are a Christian reading this, I would ask that you consider what I’ve said and think about your attitude to others that you interact with each day.
Think about your attitude toward those you disagree with. Do you show respect toward them?
Please think about it.
The United States of America Declaration of independence
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Noble words. Freedoms most in the world aspire to reach.
We in the west particularly here in North America have incredible freedoms. Freedoms many in the world can only dream of. All of this because we live in a secular democracy, in which politicians do their best to strike a balance that affords freedom for all.
Christianity has benefited from that freedom as has all faiths. Freedom is the ideal soil for any faith to grow.
However there are those calling themselves Christians that are I believe threatening the freedoms we have.
I can only speak as a Christian here, as I am a Christian.
But there are those who espouse to be Christians and Christians who would like to restrict the rights of others that live at peace and do no harm in our secular democracy.
As a Christian Jesus tells me to love God, my neighbour, and even my enemy.
The apostle Peter writes,
“Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.”
1 Peter 2:16,16
James the half brother of Jesus writes,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,
because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!”
James 2:12,13.
The apostle Paul writes,
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”
Titus 3:1,2.
To the Romans Paul writes,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18.
As Christians the Apostles knew what it was to live in a world that didn’t share the same moral code as they had. Paul and Peter were put to death under Nero one of the worst persecutors of Christians. Yet they said live at peace with all men, honour the king
The apostle Peter writes,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Dear friends,
I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.’
1 Peter 2:9-12.
The principle job of a Christian was expressed by Jesus who said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20.
We are not to judge the world we are to love the world. To love all people no matter who they are.
The apostle Paul makes things clear what Christians are to do with respect to those outside the church when he states,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
To may way of thinking Christians are to present their beliefs to anyone who will listen. Present not force upon others their faith. Christians are not to judge those outside the church. But rather as far as possible live at peace with all men.
I am thankful to God I live here in Canada were there is freedom for all. It allows me to express my ideas and have an open and honest dialogue with those of different faiths and differing views.
If you are a Christian reading this, I would ask that you consider what I’ve said and think about your attitude to others that you interact with each day.
Think about your attitude toward those you disagree with. Do you show respect toward them?
Please think about it.
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