This could sound smug, and it's absolutely not meant to. I'm not talking about those whose politics differ from mine.

but there are some people who takes Jesus' name and use it as a guarantee for their own hate and fear. They do so much damage to the gospel, and turn so many people away from You... why do you let them persist? You can do anything... why don't you do something dramatic to show that these people are not your representatives?

Bravus ... This is a heart wrenching question. I know of your pain. It shows you have a love for God's work.

This may be one answer and give you some comfort.

See COL 122 below:

"The casting of the net is the preaching of the Gospel. This gathers both good and evil into the church. When the mission of the gospel is completed, the Judgment will accomplish the work of separation. Christ saw how the existence of false brethern in the Church would cause the way of truth to be evil spoken of."

I think that God is not afraid to have the Devil's side presented. All of us will have a clear opportunity to see the Love of God and to make a decision.

David had those questions, friend. Each of us know what it's like to want iniquity to end. It will -- just as evil had a complete beginning, it will have a full and complete end.

olger

Yes, thanks olger, I find the Psalms the best thing I can read when these questions come up, and I'm delighted that God was willing to have those questions and challenges brought up in the Bible. I know He has it all under control, and I know (end of Job) that I'm not capable of understanding his plans and purposes. I'd still ask the question if I could, though...

And thanks Redwood too: yes, the parable of the wheat and the tares says the same thing - the church will contain all kinds of people right up to the end of life on this earth.

I asked this question several years ago, and sat down and listened for a long time.... What I heard was disturbing....

"How do you know that your actions, and your words are not as bad as the ones that you perceive?"

What am I doing that is causing those very thoughts in others...?

Kinda sobering....

Wow! You guys had me think a lot about my actions. We are currently studying revelations at my church on Sabbath afternoons and I see that there are particular people that have JUST started coming to the lessons. Let me say that there is always tension during our lessons and I look at these particular people that come in and I just want to shout at them. I know that it is self trying to pop up. But thanks for bringing up the wheat and the tares and colossi ans, that right there, put out studies and the feeling I got that we were being invaded, into perspective.

Thanks for your desire to study the Word. I will pray that God will abundantly bless your fellowship and labor.

olger

Bravus,



For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. 1Co 11:18,19

That's what came to mind after reading your post.

I don't understand the need for this topic thread. It is not like we have to wait until eternity to ask God anything. Just break out the prayer rug, or prayer pillow, get on your knees in prayer, and ask away.

DB