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Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,863
4,513
113
#1
cross+bridge.jpg

Question: Evil in the world has become increasingly evident. The divide between the righteous and the unrighteous has grown increasingly distant. As peacemakers are there common ground to agree on in order to build unity? Where can we meet to build a discussion? Where do we draw the lines on such topics?

Examples of topics could be:

  • Life
  • Liberty
  • Property
  • Family
  • Healthcare
  • Abortion
  • Immigration
  • Covid 19
  • National Security
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Military
  • Law and order
  • Law
  • Voting
  • LGBTQ
  • Divorce
  • News Networks
  • Entertainment
  • Music Industry
  • Pornography
  • Mental health
  • Economy
  • Global News
  • Climate change
  • Racism
  • Public Education
  • College education
  • 1st Amendment
  • 2nd Amendment
  • Women's rights
  • Legislative branch
  • Executive Branch
  • Judicial branch
  • Morality
  • Science
  • Sex trafficking

Of course, there are many more issues today we seem divided over but where if any can we find common ground, and would that common ground at least provide unity for discussion?

By locating this area may be in our discussions with those who believe differently we can find mutual interests.
 
Sep 3, 2016
6,344
530
113
#2
Matthew 13:24-30

New King James Version

The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares
24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field;


25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.

26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared.

27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’

28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’

29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them.

30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’ ”


IF IT IS NOT FAITH IN CHRIST AND THE CROSS...IT IS ANOTHER JESUS (2 COR. 11:4)

THIS MEANS YOU ARE THE TARES!!!!!!!
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,863
4,513
113
#3
Matthew 13:24-30

New King James Version

The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares
24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field;


25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.

26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared.

27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’

28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’

29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them.

30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’ ”


IF IT IS NOT FAITH IN CHRIST AND THE CROSS...IT IS ANOTHER JESUS (2 COR. 11:4)

THIS MEANS YOU ARE THE TARES!!!!!!!
Not relevant to my questions.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,777
113
#4
As peacemakers are there common ground to agree on in order to build unity?
Much as it would be beneficial, there is NO COMMON GROUND between the saved and the lost. There was a time when Christian morality and Christian values were largely accepted by the general population without any question. There was a time when everyone believe that the Constitution of the USA was an excellent basis for government. But those days are long gone.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,863
4,513
113
#5
Much as it would be beneficial, there is NO COMMON GROUND between the saved and the lost. There was a time when Christian morality and Christian values were largely accepted by the general population without any question. There was a time when everyone believe that the Constitution of the USA was an excellent basis for government. But those days are long gone.
We are to be salt of the Earth which means we must find ways to bridge it and preserve it.

For example with life. A common ground would be I believe both can agree life is important. Of course, they may disagree on what is considered life but if you at least find that common ground then it may can us discuss is productive manner rather than unproductive. You may find areas we agree on and that can help when discussing the parts we do not agree on.
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
17,131
3,689
113
#6
View attachment 221651

Question: Evil in the world has become increasingly evident. The divide between the righteous and the unrighteous has grown increasingly distant. As peacemakers are there common ground to agree on in order to build unity? Where can we meet to build a discussion? Where do we draw the lines on such topics?

Examples of topics could be:

  • Life
  • Liberty
  • Property
  • Family
  • Healthcare
  • Abortion
  • Immigration
  • Covid 19
  • National Security
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Military
  • Law and order
  • Law
  • Voting
  • LGBTQ
  • Divorce
  • News Networks
  • Entertainment
  • Music Industry
  • Pornography
  • Mental health
  • Economy
  • Global News
  • Climate change
  • Racism
  • Public Education
  • College education
  • 1st Amendment
  • 2nd Amendment
  • Women's rights
  • Legislative branch
  • Executive Branch
  • Judicial branch
  • Morality
  • Science
  • Sex trafficking

Of course, there are many more issues today we seem divided over but where if any can we find common ground, and would that common ground at least provide unity for discussion?

By locating this area may be in our discussions with those who believe differently we can find mutual interests.
How about we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,777
113
#7
We are to be salt of the Earth which means we must find ways to bridge it and preserve it.
Salt -- when applied to a wound -- stings and cleanses. So it is not a bridge but a cleansing agent (as well as a preservative). It is the Word of God -- the Gospel -- which is meant to bridge th gap between sinners and God (and the Word is also a cleansing agent). So when we share the Gospel, we are attempting to build the bridge and apply salt to the wound of sin.
 
Sep 3, 2016
6,344
530
113
#8
Not relevant to my questions.
My answer is only relevant when we understand that all Life comes from Christ, and the means is the Cross. If we don't understand this, then all spiritual answers pointing to the Cross of Calvary where the victory was won, will go right over our heads.

But as for me, may I never boast, except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. Gal. 6:14

Therefore, if your bible discussion question does not point to Calvary it is of the flesh.

The scripture says, "that no flesh should glory in His presence." 1 Cor. 1:29
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,863
4,513
113
#10
Salt -- when applied to a wound -- stings and cleanses. So it is not a bridge but a cleansing agent (as well as a preservative). It is the Word of God -- the Gospel -- which is meant to bridge th gap between sinners and God (and the Word is also a cleansing agent). So when we share the Gospel, we are attempting to build the bridge and apply salt to the wound of sin.
Good so where in these topics if any can the Word meet the culture?
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,863
4,513
113
#11
My answer is only relevant when we understand that all Life comes from Christ, and the means is the Cross. If we don't understand this, then all spiritual answers pointing to the Cross of Calvary where the victory was won, will go right over our heads.

But as for me, may I never boast, except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. Gal. 6:14

Therefore, if your bible discussion question does not point to Calvary it is of the flesh.

The scripture says, "that no flesh should glory in His presence." 1 Cor. 1:29
Ah gotcha. My Bible is the blueprint for life. I see scripture speak to all these issues.
 
Sep 3, 2016
6,344
530
113
#12
Ah gotcha. My Bible is the blueprint for life. I see scripture speak to all these issues.
The veil must be removed before you can understand the blueprint, or it will be understood in the letter only (the Law).
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,863
4,513
113
#13
The veil must be removed before you can understand the blueprint, or it will be understood in the letter only (the Law).
The Spirit is working in all mankind. The law of morality dictates to mankind. The lost may still be judged by the law of morality as in even in conscience they could be guided. Romans 1 and 2 explains this. The veil had been torn and this connection was open to all who will hear and believe.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,777
113
#14
Good so where in these topics if any can the Word meet the culture?
The Word condemns the culture so there is no question of "meeting" the culture. The culture reflects "the world" (the world systems, ideologies, philosophies, and customs), and "the world" is at enmity with God. As Scripture says, before we were saved we too were "enemies and aliens" of God through wicked works.

If we want to see how the Word confronts culture, we need to turn to Acts chapter 17. Paul was in Athens -- the center of Greek culture and philosophy. But the bottom line was spelled out in verses 30 -33.

ACTS 17: THE GOSPEL REJECTED IN ATHENS
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. 32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. 33 So Paul departed from among them.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,863
4,513
113
#15
The Word condemns the culture so there is no question of "meeting" the culture. The culture reflects "the world" (the world systems, ideologies, philosophies, and customs), and "the world" is at enmity with God. As Scripture says, before we were saved we too were "enemies and aliens" of God through wicked works.

If we want to see how the Word confronts culture, we need to turn to Acts chapter 17. Paul was in Athens -- the center of Greek culture and philosophy. But the bottom line was spelled out in verses 30 -33.

ACTS 17: THE GOSPEL REJECTED IN ATHENS
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. 32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. 33 So Paul departed from among them.
I believe you have misunderstood the question. In what areas of these topics or other topics can we point to, to say Biblically we also support such and such.

I believe your thinking we must sacrifice something to meet on common ground. But not so if there are areas in common belief.

Basically, all I'm saying is we best be real careful how we treat this. If we are desensitizing the unbeliever as we speak without love then that can result in violence as we almost dehumanize others.

It may result in self-defense from crazy people anyways but at least we know we tried to to be peacemakers.
 
P

pottersclay

Guest
#16
I believe you have misunderstood the question. In what areas of these topics or other topics can we point to, to say Biblically we also support such and such.

I believe your thinking we must sacrifice something to meet on common ground. But not so if there are areas in common belief.

Basically, all I'm saying is we best be real careful how we treat this. If we are desensitizing the unbeliever as we speak without love then that can result in violence as we almost dehumanize others.

It may result in self-defense from crazy people anyways but at least we know we tried to to be peacemakers.
First and foremost you have to care and be willing to be educated.
There are those who see and those who are blind now ask them who are blind to describe the world they live in. I'm sure it would be quite different from the ones that have sight. Same world different description. The education part is now you know what the enemy has done.
Jesus knew the heart of men...we don't but we can ask why do you feel this way? Why do you believe this? How do you think it can be better?
I've found that if you allow those who are affended to express there thoughts you open up the door of curiosity in how you see things.
I'm not here to force God on anyone or to debate his existence I just look for a place to plant a seed.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,863
4,513
113
#17
First and foremost you have to care and be willing to be educated.
There are those who see and those who are blind now ask them who are blind to describe the world they live in. I'm sure it would be quite different from the ones that have sight. Same world different description. The education part is now you know what the enemy has done.
Jesus knew the heart of men...we don't but we can ask why do you feel this way? Why do you believe this? How do you think it can be better?
I've found that if you allow those who are affended to express there thoughts you open up the door of curiosity in how you see things.
I'm not here to force God on anyone or to debate his existence I just look for a place to plant a seed.
I simply search for truth in all matters. God is truth and therefore truth will always exist even if people try to suppress it. I should easily point to something in the world that compliments the Word as truth. It can be abortion, immigration or lgbt but I can always see the evident effects once people rebel against the Word. Self evident as the aftermath will always be messy.
 
P

pottersclay

Guest
#18
I simply search for truth in all matters. God is truth and therefore truth will always exist even if people try to suppress it. I should easily point to something in the world that compliments the Word as truth. It can be abortion, immigration or lgbt but I can always see the evident effects once people rebel against the Word. Self evident as the aftermath will always be messy.
The most complex , perplexed people of the day gathered on a small mount to hear a young rabbi preach the message to them. Some had ears other had not. Some were blinded others mis informed.
Instead of bringing the message of wrath and judgement he brought the message of kindness and love.
Knowing there hearts he said "I know what you have heard but.....let me tell you the truth.
The gospel is very powerful all by its self. What a comfort to know that God was not angry or bitter but was broken hearted that they did not follow his words. That God was not willing that any should perish but he had made a way for them to be reconciled.
That grace and mercy would be offered to them
That his eyes were not fixed on them because of their disobedients but because he loved them so much he couldn't look away.
Many well meaning Christian's have put the word out in a judgemental way. Pointing fingers at the wrong but seldom at the truth.
They paint a picture of God as a God of wrath waiting for one to do wrong so he can punish them.
Jesus said I've not come to condem but to save.
Jesus said preach the good news (gospel) .
Oh I believe in the full council for sure but try to have them look up first.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,177
5,727
113
#19
View attachment 221651

Question: Evil in the world has become increasingly evident. The divide between the righteous and the unrighteous has grown increasingly distant. As peacemakers are there common ground to agree on in order to build unity? Where can we meet to build a discussion? Where do we draw the lines on such topics?

Examples of topics could be:

  • Life
  • Liberty
  • Property
  • Family
  • Healthcare
  • Abortion
  • Immigration
  • Covid 19
  • National Security
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Military
  • Law and order
  • Law
  • Voting
  • LGBTQ
  • Divorce
  • News Networks
  • Entertainment
  • Music Industry
  • Pornography
  • Mental health
  • Economy
  • Global News
  • Climate change
  • Racism
  • Public Education
  • College education
  • 1st Amendment
  • 2nd Amendment
  • Women's rights
  • Legislative branch
  • Executive Branch
  • Judicial branch
  • Morality
  • Science
  • Sex trafficking

Of course, there are many more issues today we seem divided over but where if any can we find common ground, and would that common ground at least provide unity for discussion?

By locating this area may be in our discussions with those who believe differently we can find mutual interests.
I believe that the gospel is the place to bring us together. The subjects Jesus brings up consistently humble us , so we understand we’re not the teachers we’re meant to learn from the lord himself.

arguing is terrible for the church I’ve noticed it usually begins because we have different ideas about what single verses mean or “ how we should interpret “ each individual numbered verse instead of reading Gods word as if he meant for us to hear what it is he came to earth to teach man for salvation

“It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:45-47‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The things Jesus taught and spoke about in his ministry is everything God wants
Mankind to agree with and follow after. Salvation is about who is willing to repent and believe the gospel when we agree in that place unity comes because that’s one of the things Jesus was teaching his believers that division destroys and unity is strength

even in such matters as prayer we should pray together , and really try to form bonds of love with one another when we find fellow children of God because there’s a world of darkness seeking to separate the sheep and and let the wolves in the darkness devour them

I love your subject post and the painting I like a lot also

to simplify we should focus on the things Jesus taught us were important that’s what causes the kingdom to manifest in us building faith ordained of God
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,863
4,513
113
#20
I believe that the gospel is the place to bring us together. The subjects Jesus brings up consistently humble us , so we understand we’re not the teachers we’re meant to learn from the lord himself.

arguing is terrible for the church I’ve noticed it usually begins because we have different ideas about what single verses mean or “ how we should interpret “ each individual numbered verse instead of reading Gods word as if he meant for us to hear what it is he came to earth to teach man for salvation

“It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:45-47‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The things Jesus taught and spoke about in his ministry is everything God wants
Mankind to agree with and follow after. Salvation is about who is willing to repent and believe the gospel when we agree in that place unity comes because that’s one of the things Jesus was teaching his believers that division destroys and unity is strength

even in such matters as prayer we should pray together , and really try to form bonds of love with one another when we find fellow children of God because there’s a world of darkness seeking to separate the sheep and and let the wolves in the darkness devour them

I love your subject post and the painting I like a lot also

to simplify we should focus on the things Jesus taught us were important that’s what causes the kingdom to manifest in us building faith ordained of God
to simplify we should focus on the things Jesus taught us were important that’s what causes the kingdom to manifest in us building faith ordained of God
I agree and not only focus on Jesus but the whole of scripture speaks either directly or indirectly to all matters of life. Think about it. A historian will see rich history. A Christian scientist will see elements within his field that glorify God. An architect will see design. A mathematician will see order. Basically, the Bible is so in depth it can speak within every subject of life.