Interesting story - a Christian satellite channel is apparently one of the more popular channels in Iran. This stood out:
...SAT-7 [has] deliberately chosen not to tackle political issues and focuses instead on the message of hope and peace."I think we attract viewers in these times, because they're looking for an alternative message. They're tired of all the conflict and the war, and they do see opportunities for learning more about God's love, His forgiveness, reconciliation and peace," she stated.
Here is the central truth of Jesus' message - it is life. It doesn't need to be dressed up (or down) with politics. It certainly doesn't need partisanship's baggage. When given a chance it speaks life to people - life, love, forgiveness, reconciliation, peace.
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Donny, but the point of the tract Skipchurch cited, and it makes good sense to me, is when you arm yourself you're defending yourself, not Him, or you're fighting for your own power rather than His kingdom. The creator doesn't need to be defended from creatures unless your scripture is Jules Verne.
Skipchurch, what kind of socialist bidding?
The really bad stuff...like feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, educating children, and trampling on Sacred Corporate Rights in the name of justice and equality.
You know, in our great country people are free to be selfish, cruel, heartless, bigoted militaristic jacka***s. I just wish they wouldn't wrap themselves in the cloak of Jesus of Nazareth and piously claim to be the(real) Christians.
It's distasteful, unattractive, and false.
The Bible teaches that in the end times there will be those who come and teach a false doctrine. This false doctrine will seduce even the faithful away from the true message of the Gospel.
I believe a strong case can be made that the current iteration of politicially active evangelicalism is this false doctrine, and that the lust for power that these folks have given themselves over to may well be the great falling away described in II Thessalonians 2.
Oh, that kind.
I was afraid you were going to make me read Oprah's book of the month.
For Donny, the story of George Fox and William Penn's sword, and Luke 22-
http://www.qhpress.org/quakerpages/qwhp/pennswor.htm
The origins and orginal statements of the Quaker peace testimony-
http://www.quakerinfo.com/quak_pce.shtml
John 18:10-11
Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.
Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
Isaiah 42:1-2
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
It takes a long education in prayer and humility to arrive at the inner serenity and conviction of spiritual reality all these things speak of and witness to. Many who preach have none of these qualities.
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