Conference yukon::christian_v7

.0
    
>    We were to treat everyone (husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, fathers,
>    mothers) as if it were the Lord Jesus himself!

I agree -- zealously and wholeheartedly, but some Christians will be quick to
add that "some restrictions may apply."

    Thy servant in Christ,
    Richard

    .1
    
    Hmmm... this Christian can't think of restrictions that apply.  Why do
    you come in here and take stab like that, Richard?  I'm very
    disappointed in you.
    
    In His Love,
    Nancy

Re: Note 387.0                  
WROS01::SHALLOW_RO "Isaiah 45:17"                    32 lines  29-JAN-1994 14:43
    
>>    What a concept if...
    
>>    We were to treat everyone (husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, fathers,
>>    mothers) as if it were the Lord Jesus himself!
  
Ironically, restrictions do apply here.  For example, it would be incorrect
for us to bow in worship to anybody above other than Jesus.  I'm playing 
devils advocate here.  I do know what you are actually referring to.
        
>>    What a wonderful world it would be! (at least within the Body of Christ)
>>    Others might see how we love each other, and join the flock!
  
I believe one of the main faults of the church is that they have allowed the
Federal government to handle the responsibilities the church is 
supposed to handle.  I know we are way to deep in the quagmire but wouldn't it
be wonderful if all entitlements stopped and all these responsibilities 
were carried over to the local church?  I believe membership would soar,
tithing would increase, and many more would hear the gospel and see it in 
action.

-Jack  

    .3
    
    Hi Jack... worship and showing Christ's love towards others are *very*
    different.
    
    I agree that we rely on the Government to do the church's business.  If
    everyone brought their tithe to the storehouse, the church, then
    welfare could be eliminated and church's could and would take care of
    their own.
    
    Nancy

    Please excuse my ignorance, but what does the government have to do
    with running the church's business? I thought the church belonged to
    God, (as well as the government, and everything else for that matter,
    but they just haven't acknowledged it yet 8^)
    
    Bob

    Bob:
    
    It isn't ignorance on your part, just my point of view.  As you may know 
    from my replies in other conferences, I am a supply sider, I believe in
    government being as small as possible.  I believe taxes, although
    necessary, are evil and rob people of their property, etc. etc. 
    I thought it necessary to lay a foundation of where I stand in the
    political realm.
    
    Now to address the question.  I believe as layed out in the epistles of
    Paul to the various churches, it is the role of the church to take care
    of these types of affairs.  The mandates do apply to the church
    membership, granted.  However, could you imagine the hysteria that
    would occur if the Federal Government went bankrupt and all
    entitlements ceased?  I believe this will eventually happen.  Where
    will these people turn when they realize Uncle Sam deluded them into
    believing they would be taken care of?  
    
    I believe the local church will offer a Beacon of hope to many in times of
    trouble.  Recall what happened when JFK was shot?  Thousands of people
    on the streets praying throughout the country.  It is natural for the
    natural man to bow to God only when there is a need in their lives.
    I believe when (not if) the US government fails in this way, many will
    turn to the local church.  This will bring many opportunities for many
    to hear the Word of God.  Right now however, America is still in the 
    "you owe me" mentality!!  It isn't governments business to create a
    nation of dependents.  We have seen first hand what this has done in
    Eastern Europe!!
    
    I also believe that this kind of strife will seperate the wheat from
    the chaff.  I believe the lukewarmness of local churches will be
    exposed and they will either repent or prove a bad testimony.  
    
    In Christ,
    
    -Jack

    I think you hit the nail on the head, Jack.  

    GREAT REPLY JACK!  I couldn't have said it better... hey have you been
    listening to my Pastor preach!?
    
    :-)
    In His Love,
    Nancy
    
    P.S.
    Thanks for the phone call, as yousual, yer a chawmer. :-)

    Last night I memorized some verses with my oldest son from I John:
    
    v.16-18
    Hereby we perceive the love God because he hath laid down his life for
    us, as we ought to lay down our lives for the Brethren.
    
    Whoso hath this worlds goods and seeth his brother have need and
    shutteth up the bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of
    God?
    
    My little children let us not live in word, neither in tongue but in
    deed and in truth.
    
    As I pondered the meaning of this verse with my son, it became
    evidently clear, that God requires us to give all that we have, even
    our lives for the Brethren.  If I see a brother/sister in need and I
    don't give [proportionately to what I have] towards that need, I am
    quenching the love of God from flowing through my life.
    
    Inversely, we KNOW that Jesus loves us because he laid down his life
    for us... if we want someone in our lives [husband, wife, child, etc],
    to KNOW that we love them, we must die to self and SEE their NEED.
    
    Perhaps in another note, I'll explain how this is helping to transform
    my way of viewing my ex-husband.
    
    Nancy

    Re -.9
    
    Very nice note, and how true! To lay down our lives, beings,
    possesions, In watching a show this morning, they gave a "life lesson"
    segment of "Give it all, or don't give at all" type thinking.
    Kind of a "count the cost" issue. Count the cost if you are willing to
    "give all to the Lord", and...count the cost if you are not willing.
    
    Re -.6
    
    Thanks for the reply Jim! And as promised, I publicly admit you seem to
    have found the only exception to the base note! 
    
    As far as taxes, and other stuff the government requires/approves, I'll
    hold my tongue (or fingers as it may be :^). In learning more about
    what The Lord requires, obedience to authority, whether it looks right,
    or wrong, is imperitive. Don't want any strife (perhaps THE enemy of
    love) to bother my walk with God.
    
    We really need to continue to pray for the leaders of this nation, and 
    (Philipians 4:6,7) expectantly await on  God to do the miracles we all 
    know He can do, perhaps even in the hearts of President & Mrs. Clinton.
    
    Still in his love, by his grace, much to the dismay of you know who!
    
    Bob

    Bob:
    
    You made an error in one of your sentences..It is the president and
    Mr. Clinton!! :-)
    
    I'm in full agreement with you on subjection to authority.  I speak
    from my heart when asked and do all my wielding at the voting booth.
    I do believe in democracy and regardless of whose in office, I am
    content with the majority vote.  
    
    It is the churches place to support the widow, not the states.  In
    these matters, the local church is subjecting to the state or
    relinquishing its responsibility to the world.  This is one of the
    major causes of lukewarmness I believe!
    
    -Jack