Peace

[Guest Happy]

Jesus said he didn't come to bring peace. If we are not to seek peace, and being saved does not bring it, then are the religions that promiss it false?

[Catsmeow]

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Matthew 10:34

Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

It would appear that those who follow Christ are called to be peacemakers.

Christ himself did not come to bring peace, but division. He has made it clear to all that if you wish to follow him, it requires total abandon and sacrifice.

Matthew 10:37

Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Jesus Christ and Christianity in general is NOT politically correct.

[Crusader4Christ]

Yes, that's true.

Peace is important. Without peace, well, the world would really be crummy

( that's exactly how the great tribulation wil be like...really crummy, amongst

other things.)

Anyways, peace is good.

[Guest Happy]

Christ came to divide, but we must make peace?

[Crusader4Christ]

Christ divided and made peace. We must make peace as Christ did.

[Guest Happy]

Okay, what about internal peace? God said we should be hot or cold, but other religions promote balance and/or peace.

[Catsmeow]

Happy, I love your questions..they're so down-to-earth. Too cool!

What Jesus meant by being hot or cold is that he didn't want half-hearted followers...

In other words, either go all the way or don't bother. Don't "play" Christian with him...it's a full time commitment. You can't be just a Sunday Christian.

Following Christ is a real commitment. There's no playing around - we either follow him or we don't. No middle ground.

God wants us to get serious -

Also, as far as other religions go, there's a lot of religions and they don't all teach balance.

There are some Muslim factions that are anything BUT peaceful. Hindus are anything but peaceful, despite all of their posturing with Yogis and meditation...truth is, it's all a facade. It's not real.

Just watch the drama being played out between the Indian Hindus verses the Pakinstani Muslims...they continually strive and battle - bombing each others temples and mosques...

No, friend..they're not as "peaceful" as you think.

If you look around and really do your homework, you'll find there's conflict and war everywhere in the world. It's rampant. Religions can "say" anything they like but they fail to deal with the root cause of war...man's own heart, which is by nature, sinful.

[Catsmeow]

Christ came to divide, but we must make peace?

We are to make peace as far as it is possible, especially among the brethren, (fellow believers)...

But the Lord knows that division is inevitable because there's a spiritual war going on...there's the key: spiritual war.

The war that exists can't be avoided... it's a war between God and Satan, between the heavenlies and the dark agents of Satan...an ongoing war that continues day and night.

The battle between the two will go on until the Lord Jesus comes with His Church and claims the final victory. Satan doesn't relish that day. He knows it's coming but he's determined to make it as difficult for us as he can.

[Adstar]

Hello Happy

Matthew 10:34

Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

I think it would be good to read this verse within it

[nebula]

Okay, what about internal peace? God said we should be hot or cold, but other religions promote balance and/or peace.

Actually, the verse this comes from is a misconception. I would not have known this if I had not heard. So, I will likewise share. Here is the whole thing in context:

Rev. 3:14-22 - "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation.  I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.  I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.  Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.  Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.  To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

Laodicea was located at a place near the joining of two rivers. One river came from the mountains and was cold. This water was for refreshing. The other river came from a hot springs source. This water was used for healing. By the time these waters came together, the water was lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, neither good for refreshing nor healing. It was useless, ineffective.

From the website here :

The one drawback to Laodicea's location was its lack of a local water supply. It had neither the cool well water of nearby Colossae nor the healing, hot water springs of Hierapolis across the Lycus valley. Water had to be piped in via an aqueduct from the Baspinar Spring five miles to the south (now in the town of Denizli). By the time the water arrived it was tepid--neither hot nor cold. The city's lukewarm, mineral-laden water was suitable only as a means to induce vomiting ("spit you out," from Greek emeo, literally "to vomit, throw up). John's metaphor comparing the church to the city's lukewarm, stale tasting water would have been easily understood by the Christians of Laodicea. Their apathy and complacency made John sick to his stomach.

This is the illustration Jesus meant when He said this. He was not rebuking the church for lack of fervor but for lack of effectiveness.

This passage, then, has nothing to do with "balance and/or peace."