One of the ongoing debates in our society is whether or not the death penalty is a legitimate practice of government. There are very strong opinions on both sides of this very controversial and divisive policy. As with all issues, the answer to this question can be found in the pages of God’s Word.
IS KILLING ALWAYS MURDER?
Many, who believe that capital punishment is wrong, point to one of the 10 commandments.
The issue of giving to the Lord is one that is greatly misunderstood and about which there is much false teaching today. For the most part, Christian teachers have taken two approaches to giving. They either talk about it constantly, making it the only measure of faith and blessing, or they completely ignore the issue not wanting to be accused of being a “money hungry preacher.” Neither approach is proper. A careful study of what God has to say about giving is needed.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
There is perhaps no other single verse in all the Bible that states so clearly the truth of Christ’s life living in believers in the Age of Grace. While most of professing Christendom seeks to make their lives more “Christ-like” this verse presents a totally different path. God’s desire is not to make your life more Christ-like. Rather, he has crucified your life and given you the life of Christ. Living the life of Christ does not make your life more Christ-like but allows the life of Christ that God has placed within you to live out through your body of flesh. There is all the difference in the world between trying to make your life like Christ’s life and living the life of Christ. Our goal is not to make our life like His; it is to live His life in our flesh.
Many today reject any study of God’s Word because they believe that it is not relevant to their lives. In reality the God revealed in the pages of Scripture is the only source of life.
God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; Acts 17:24,25
An understanding of and relationship with the God of the Bible is the only way to have a life of meaning and purpose. In Him alone we find, get, learn, and live LIFE!
As we look around us today, we see a society that seems to be falling apart. The streets in many of our cities are becoming more and more like war zones. Confidence in our elected officials and other people in positions of authority are at an all-time low. Half of all marriages end in divorce which causes many children to come home to single parent families. Worse yet, many other children are in situations where they are abused in all kinds of evil ways. From the highest halls of government, to our own dinner tables, the evidence of a society in crisis is clear. Although the problems seem to be clear, the solutions to those problems seem to be complicated and illusive. Governments, schools, psychologists, social workers, etc., etc., all seen to be powerless to find a way to stem the tide of violence and hopelessness that afflicts our society today.
In the eighth chapter of Romans God offers believers some of the most comforting verses in all of His Word. These verses allow believers to face the trials and tribulations of life with confidence and victory. They are easily remembered because they all contain the number 8. These verses are Romans 8:18, 8:28, and 8:38.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Today there are many opinions among believers as to how we should view our relationship with government. Some teach that we should have nothing to do with government and politics, but should concentrate only on “spiritual matters”. Others believe that Christians should become very politically active and “claim our government for Jesus” by reforming it from within. Still others see a virtual “holy war” of revolt against our government as the only way to rid ourselves of what they perceive to be the root of all evil in our nation. Obviously, all of these widely differing viewpoints cannot be correct. The Bible has much to say about the believer’s relationship to government. We need to not be confused about how we should relate to the governmental authorities that rule over us.
All too often we slip into “poor me” mode. You don’t get a parking spot near the door of the store when it’s raining. You got 30” of snow and you have to shovel because your snow blower isn’t working. You find out you owe $500 in taxes that you didn’t expect. You rush in the door hands full of packages to a ringing phone… and it’s a telemarketer!
Or, maybe it’s something more serious. Like you lost your job and the bills are piling up. Or a dear friend has been diagnosed with cancer. Even more devastating is the loss of a loved one – especially when it’s a child or a younger person.
How in this world can we put a man on the moon,
And still have a need for a place like St Jude’s?
And why is one man born, In a place where all they know is war?
An’ a guy like me, Has always been free.
An’ how can two people who built a lovin’ home, Try for years an’ never have a child of their own?
When somewhere out there tonight, There’s a baby no-one’s holdin’ tight: In need of love.
To me, that don’t add up.
In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians he gives a heartfelt admonition to the Body of Christ.
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. II Corinthians 6:1
Paul’s beseeching of the Corinthians not to receive the grace of God in vain reminds us of a very important aspect of our salvation. Our salvation frees us from the vain existence of fallen man. Our salvation allows us to live with meaning and purpose instead of the purposelessness of our natural existence.