No, I am asking you if you love Jesus must you hate your country. Is that so? and do you?
Nationalism as Idolatry
Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by ABCJim, Jan 13, 2007.
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Well I am curious how you have determined what is in the heart of "to many conservative professing christians". As far as what Jesus did you will find it hard to actually come up with a context for what Jesus did in relation to Nationalism. The Jews were in bondage to Rome and did not have their own country. It appears you have just thrown waht Jesus did into the mix to justify your point. But clearly there is not context with regards to Jesus in your point. -
So by that, would we be correct in assuming you would not join the US military and be willing to die for your country? No "let freedom ring?" No "pledge allegiance to the flag and the United States of America?" -
It's not a case of hating anything, but loving something more. -
I served for 17 years before being medically retired..............absolutely no regrets. I knew what my priorities were........never questioned them.......the Kingdom of God was far greater. As a young man I felt that I would contribute at least three years of my life in service as I have enjoyed many freedoms that citizens of many other nations can only dream of.........I felt blessed in that respect. I really don't know why I made a career out of the Army......parts of it I liked......parts of it I loathed..........overall it was a job......the way I looked at it anyway. No regrets here whatsoever.......I lost some good friends. Would I do it again? I don't know - I just know I don't have any regrets. :smilewinkgrin:
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Blessed be the LORD your God, who delighted in you, setting you on the throne of Israel! Because the LORD has loved Israel forever, therefore He made you king, to do justice and righteousness.”
1 Kings 10:9
Israel Beloved of God
2 “ I have loved you,” says the LORD. .............
Malachi 1:2
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All I'm suggesting is another angle to consider things-perhaps from a "heavenly" angle.
Consider these words of Paul:
Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
I am respectful of our nation, as I would be to any other, since all authority is from God alone. But it and all nations and civilizations are so...puny...in comparison to eternity and the magnificent Holiness of God. Some day this will simply be all dust, and only the work of the Kingdom will remain. So it only seems to make sense to be about the Father's work.
But I do understand there are differences of opinion on this topic--some heatedly so. I offered it as something new perhaps to consider, and not in a "globalist UN New World Order" sort of way. -
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I think that this is one of those issues where if you go to far to EITHER side then you are wrong.
You are wrong if you consider being American and Christian the same thing, if you think that America has a pass from God due to...... well just being American. You are wrong if you think the stars and stripes are posted behind Gods throne.
You are equally wrong if you think that just becasue you love God the most and put him as number one that you have to abandon your love for country and family.
It is all about priority. I love my God, my family and my country. IN that order. -
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My interpretation of the scripture is that it's talking about who is master over your life and that by hate it means put aside that other master. Mixing patriotism and Christianity is not acceptable because it does not involve putting aside the other master (our country). I personally think that in light of other scripture we are called to be good citizens. Our feelings for America must not be on the same level as our committment to Jesus. -
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Christians should love America?
The Founding Fathers started a war . . . and they would not like anyone changing what they started . . . Believing that they were even remotely Christian is just flat out modern and liberal rhetoric.
Christians loving America. Bah Humbug! They should hate America and move to Iraq.
Mostly kidding. But, it is sad that we should even have a discussion about the merit of a Christian loving America.
IMHO.
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Worshipers of their Constitutional rights, the Constitution, the flag, etc. Let's think about that before we so arrogantly ask God to bless just America. -
John of Japan Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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John of Japan Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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