Any time government involves itself in “religious” issues freedom vanishes. Indiana recently passed the Religious Restoration Act that gives businesses the right to refuse service to customers based on the business’s religious beliefs.
Gay rights groups are objecting. The ACLU may join the fray. The NCAA,
headquartered in Indianapolis, fears the law will adversely impact all the state’s athletic activity. Some corporations are ceasing to do business with Indiana. Politicians are taking sides for whatever position garners more votes. Gov. Mike Pence’s approval ratings are tanking.
It’s hard to imagine businesses benefiting from denying services for “religious freedom” reasons.
Should a business have the right to deny serving gay customers based on its “religious” freedoms”? Not my call.
We’re headed for a collision between “religious freedom” advocates and our worldly, quagmire culture.
To me, it’s a collision between law and grace–religious freedom vs. freedom in Christ.
Religion says, “We are free to make decisions based on our religion.” That may sound like religious freedom; but to me it sounds like bondage to the law.
Jesus says, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Maybe some “religious” folks still need to learn what that means.
etv2020
ין חנה
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Hmmm, I guess Jesus should have used more honey with the money changers, huh? He sure didn’t pour love all over them. I kinda doubt He would pour love all over a group of people seeking to change the very definition of marriage (the biblical definition of marriage I might add) with an act the bible CLEARLY defines as an abomination to God. Would He love them? Of course. Would He rebuke them for their sin? You bet He would and He would not nor did He ever partake in or condone ANY sin while upon this Earth. I think more people need to read the Word so they actually KNOW who Jesus was and STILL is.
You have struck a nerve. If more people really KNEW Jesus and who He is, there would be more love in the world. Great thoughts. Thank you for sharing.
Would he rebuke a person? no; he rebukes storms and wind. The blame is powers and principalities, not human beings created in the image and likeness of God. He disarmed powers and principalities with the cross, canceling our bond along with the legal requirements. Jesus would get down in the dirt and write with his finger just like he did with the woman caught in adultery…and at the end, when all had put down their rocks and walked away, he would say to them “go, no one has condemned you, AND sin no more” Jesus is the Word of Truth and Life!
Great thoughts. / Love this: He disarmed powers and principalities with the cross, canceling our bond along with the legal requirements. Thank you and God bless.
But, wait a minute, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and priests pretty harshly. In Matthew 23, he called these persons snakes and vipers.
“You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? 34Therefore I am sending you prophets and sages and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. 35And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.” Matthew 23:33-35
yes, so true, He could see the intention of the heart, therefore righteous judgment not based on physical appearances
Amen. Great chat, newheaven. Thanks for your comments and input. Always a blessing to exchange thoughts from the heart with fellow believers and bloggers. God bless.
God bless you!
I don’t know why people can’t just share in the love they receive from Christ instead of judging and hating other minorities! It goes back to that cheesey cliche you catch more bee’s with honey than vinigar! If someone hasn’t accepted Christ yet they are more likely to be open to the message if people show them love than if they are judging them and being nasty! God bless! Let us ALL rejoice in the love and blood of Christ!
Amen, Pen! Great thoughts of truth and love. Thank you for sharing.