Pastor Steve continued his teaching today on peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). Christians are often at odds with the world. Jesus said no matter, take heart, the world rejected Him first, so expect rejection and live not for this world. But we are also called to be peacemakers, so how do we stand for Truth in a fallen world but at the same time make peace in (not with) the world?
Christ does not call us into a culture war. We are to be salt and light in the world and stand for things that are biblical truth --- but in a way that causes the world to want to know Jesus, not reject Him. Talking about and getting involved in the issues, whether they be political, moral, social, religious, are important. But at the end of the day, talking with your opponent about the issues of the soul -- what is compelling you to be Christ-lie in nature --- is more important than winning arguments or referendums or.... Otherwise, the world will marginalize us as those crazy evangelicals who want to thrust our religion down their throats (think the Crusaders), and they may never come to know the true Christ.
"Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord..."
(Hebrews 12:14)
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