Carl Emerson
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CF has always been a site that welcomes people from different backgrounds and beliefs to participate in discussion and even debate. That is the nature of its ministry. In view of recent events emotions are running very high. We need to remind people of some basic principles in debating on this site. We need to be civil when we express differences in opinion. No personal attacks. Avoid you, your statements. Don't characterize an entire political party with comparisons to Fascism or Communism or other extreme movements that committed atrocities. CF is not the place for broad brush or blanket statements about groups and political parties. Put the broad brushes and blankets away when you come to CF, better yet, put them in the incinerator. Debate had no place for them. We need to remember that people that commit acts of violence represent themselves or a small extreme faction.
Too many Jonah’s and not enough Nathans
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I assume your reply is addressed to me and apologise if I misunderstood you.
Perhaps it depends on where you live. I'm in the UK and we don't get many Christians deploring the state of the world. It's quite hard to explain to people that we are all sinners, as they are so nice. I tend to say that none of us are perfect, but God is, and Jesus has taken the punishment for our falling short. On the internet, and sometimes on TV, I've come across people like you mention. Maybe they live in places where crime etc. is worse. Sometimes, though, it seems like an 'us' and 'them' battle, whereas I see us as all being on life's journey and at some point we have a chance to accept Jesus as our Saviour. Those of us who have already done so can help those who have not yet come to salvation. It's a spiritual battle but it's not against flesh and blood, as the Bible says.
Sorry again for misunderstanding you.
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I am grateful for your kind and thoughtful reply. It's good you reminded me Christianity is not a 'Made in the USA' product. Thank you. So, I should clarify that in the context of today's American conservatives there seems to be too many driven by their fear and loathing and too few courageous enough to speak truth to power. Too many Jonahs and not enough Nathans.I assume your reply is addressed to me and apologise if I misunderstood you.
On the internet, and sometimes on TV, I've come across people like you mention. Maybe they live in places where crime etc. is worse. Sometimes, though, it seems like an 'us' and 'them' battle, whereas I see us as all being on life's journey and at some point we have a chance to accept Jesus as our Saviour. Those of us who have already done so can help those who have not yet come to salvation. It's a spiritual battle but it's not against flesh and blood, as the Bible says.
Sorry again for misunderstanding you.
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Rescued One
...yet not I, but the grace of God that is with me
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Conversion to Christ is a work of God Who is all powerful. No one can stop God's intent.
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Of course, some have simply been Evangelical too long, they don't see how Jesus' ethics fit in with the deeper Jewish ethos of tikkun (repair). That requires personal investment and sacrifice more than marking out strict in-group/out-group boundaries. Bridge-building, not wall buildng. In the words of Thomas a Beckett - "the Church is not a fortress".
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I do respect prayer and the powerful positive role it plays in our lives. An encouragement, like yours, to pray is always welcome. But standing around prayerfully waiting for God to do something does not fit for me. I need to be a part of Christians who are dedicated to making charity and kindness a reality.
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Indeed. And while I may be wrong, I do believe the Bible clearly calls us to demonstrate our faith through acts of charity and kindness so that people turn to God. So, I think we do have a part in the conversion of people to Christ. Honestly, if you look at history, you won't find a single group of Christians who God converted all by Himself. They were led to God by other Christians.
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Carl Emerson
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I am referring to a different level of faith.
I ask for divine appointments and open doors to share faith.
Then, for example, when I walk the dog , the direction I take and timing, leads me to folks ready to hear some good news.
We take serious daily being in His purpose and timing in the ways we represent Him in life.
This is approach leads to fruitful exchange and can result in a home bible study with the respondents. Charity and kindness are also high on the priority as He leads.
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This is something I can definitely relate to. This is exactly how faith operates. And I am probably just elaborating what you would say yourself is that when God points us towards charity and kindness it is not only that we are supposed to do that, but that is seriously God's means of setting a beacon to draw His people to Himself.
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Carl Emerson
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There is also an amazing blessing from being charitable to others in the body anonymously.
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