Have you ever wondered whether the assumption "what I see must be the real deal" is correct? The religious establishment of Jesus' day steadfastly believed in what they were doing. Everyone, the leaders and the followers alike, were absolutely convinced that they were fellowshipping - between themselves and with God - as God desired. They were in great error. Jesus, the Master, said as much.
Yes, it is true, they were sincere about killing the One who called them out of the bondage of Egypt. In the name of doing God a favor no less - all the while claiming that should they have been alive at the time, they surely would not have put God's holy prophets to death! Would it surprise the reader to know that what has been done before, will be done again? It is dangerous to simply assume not.
Jesus made it very clear that we can either serve God or Mammon. Therefore, we need to pay great attention to how we administrate our finances. In the modern day tradition of Church, it is expected that the Christian pay a tithe. This is the equivalent of a 10% invoice on our income. If one works 40 years, this bill totals then 4 years of our working life.
The wise and discerning will test to see whether the tab is justified, otherwise he is a poor superintendent of wealth. A person of middle intelligence and of higher honesty, when left to himself and all the verses pertaining to the subject matter, is able to convince himself to a solid degree inside of 8 hours that the Christian is in no way obliged to pay any tithe. Is 8 hours worth 4 years of your life?
It is the Christian's duty to influence government, if only with prayer. When we want to encourage government in a certain direction, we must first ask the questions: "What is government?" and "What are its taskings?". Until we have answered these, we will be tossed to and fro upon the waves of media hype and election posturing.
Romans chapter 13 has few verses on the topic, but true to biblical style, there is very much wisdom to be found. Even the person with a preconceived anti-biblical slant must acknowledge and respect the clarity and simplicity of the Apostle Paul's viewpoint. Romans 13 serves as the theory of secular government.
The Romans chapter 13 viewpoint of government...
The woman question, the question concerning the ministry of women in the church, has divided Christians for a long time. Unfortunately, the debate is still lingering on, with opposite views being expressed, both sides claiming to be 'Scriptural' and to have received revelation from the Lord. Obviously, there is only one truth.
Health and fitness cannot be delgated to others. One must take this issue into his own hands if one does not want to become a victim.
These are miscellaneous essays that may be of assistance.
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