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Examples of Religious Conflict
History of religious conflict
History of religious conflict
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AM I MY BROTHER’S KEEPER?
SCRIPTURAL TEXT: Gen. 4:9
ME:
Once again, Good morning church. This morning the Spirit of God is bringing our way another focal point in our Christian faith; who we are to our fellow brethren. Sometimes I find myself wondering how to respond to situation in my relationship with other people (friends and acquaintances). In the early time of my Christian transformation, I did struggled with putting others in my daily agenda, a situation where I do not know what to do, whether to express more love for them or not. I tend to place self above others. However, in whatever direction I pursue, I have no excuse for doing wrong.
WE:
I imagine you have found yourself in situations where you weren’t sure what to do either; a confusion state. God posed a question to Cain in our text, after he had done something terribly wrong to his brother, Abel: “Where is Abel thy brother?” Cain’s response revealed his depravity, selfishness and hypocrisy because he claimed ignorance the where about of Abel as he asked “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Although at that time there was no direction, no written commandment, yet Cain had no excuse and the moral right because God’s commandment was written in his own heart. He therefore contradicted God’s commandment when he killed Abel. And was punished severely because of his wicked act. Just like Abel (equally as I am), you have no excuse not to thread on the right path in your relationship and what you do with others.
We have the responsibility to be our brother’s keeper. We are to do everything that lies in our power and in the sphere of our influence to keep and protect the life of our brother or sister, physically and spiritually. Although Cain claimed ignorance, we cannot do the same t...
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... that ye be not judges’ (Mat. 7:1); all what the Lord is saying is that we should not judge unfairly. Without mercy and consideration. We are not to, in judging other be severe, condemn or hurt others but to judge righteously. We have a great responsibility both to keep our souls and the souls of our fellow men. The soul of every man is eternal.
As God has saved us at a great price and is keeping us and is being vigilant and watching over us, so must we be ready to deny ourselves and make necessary sacrifices to help other people - to correct, challenge, and teach and to warn them so that we will prevent them from backsliding. If others correct us, we should humbly take such correction as a gift from God and not to despise the vessel used. We are to be our brother’s and speak out in time when we see our brother going astray. I pray may we never fail God.
While driving behind a vehicle plastered in bumper stickers, the first one to catch someone’s attention may say “Real Christians don’t judge.” Most will not give it a second thought, while others may analyze its message and the individual giving the message. In general this sticker may be found on a variety of vehicles. The vehicle itself is not as important as the individual driving it. While discussing this bumper sticker it will be important to understand where it is found, the fallacies it involves and the problems with the argument.
...cording to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment,” New American Standard Bible, John 7:24. If we are not judging someone righteously, then we should not be judging. To judge someone righteously simply means that we judge them against the word of God, not against our own opinions or feelings. If we do not Judge righteously, then judging is not justified.
There are a lot of people today who believe as did Cain. God, through His Word, states what He expects people to do to be saved; yet, there are those who believe that certain commandments are not necessary for salvation; baptism, for example. (Acts 2:38)
...between the ways of God and the ways of Satan. We cannot trust society, or others to tell us differently. Paul writes, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5). A Christians, we must dedicate our lives to obeying God and our way of life, our Christian ethical code. We must live our lives with great dignity and moral character.
"And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in
Overall, the real question in the end after reflection, inquiry, and acknowledgement is whether I, or any other, can choose to trust in God. Will we choose to rise above our insecurities and habits, and do what promotes justice? Will we have the “courage to be” during this difficult realization, and the courage to choose God over ourselves? If, and when we do, we will realize the only thing more important than our insecurities are the people God tells us to call our brothers, and sisters in our greater community.
There came a day when Cain and Abel both went to make an offering unto Jehovah; Abel made an offering from his flocks while Cain made an offering from the first fruits of his harvest. Cain’s offering was rejected by Jehovah, Cain became jealous of Abel and his favor with Jehovah. In a jealous rage Cain slew Abel.
Doing the right thing isn't always easy. Instead of standing up for those without a voice, it's easier to stick with the crowd. But even when doing what's right, there are still going to be people who oppose you; there still may be people who continue to ridicule you and everyone else. Your job is to stand firm and be an example of Christ.
"And, behold, one came and said unto Him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And He said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but One, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto Him, which? Jesus said, THOU SHALT DO NO MURDER, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." ~ Lord Jesus Christ Quote, Matthew 19:16-19, King James Version Bible
The Bible first mentions what to do in case of extreme crime in Genesis 4:11-15. In this passage, the Bible is talking about two brothers, Cain and Able, who have presented gifts to God. After God denied Cain’s gifts and instead accepted Able’s, Cain became outraged and killed his brother. The Bible tells us that:
(II Corinthians 5: 7) Farming is difficult and all farmers are proud when they are blessed with an exceptional harvest. No doubt, Cain expected that all the hard work, care and time that went into his offering would make it acceptable. This is evident from his reaction to the Lord’s rejection. Cain’s sacrifice was not rejected because he did not worship in earnest. Indications are that Cain was sincere; nonetheless, he did not worship by faith which comes by hearing the word of God. He worshipped according to his feelings by changing, adding and subtracting from God’s Word; however, his feelings were wrong and he violated God’s commandments. (Deuteronomy
...that to the Lord and he will make the right decision. He will decide what the sinner does and doesn't deserve.
“I have not come to judge the world, but to teach them in humility and to save them, and to create an example for my disciples, so that they will do as I do.”
The shepherd and sheep relationship is the best illustration for the relationship between pastor and parishioners. When Jesus asked Simon Peter does he love him three times and said to him “Feed my sheep”, the shepherd and flock relationship has been set. Since Jesus is our good shepherd (Jn. 10:11a), he laid out a good example for us to follow - to lay down his life for the sheep. (Jn. 10:11b) Thus, the wellness of both in and out of the parishioners should always be the concern in the pastors’ hearts. Soul care for the people is essential. Christian friendship is the foundation of Christian soul care. Pastoral ministry including preaching, teaching, and worship forms the broad context of pastoral counseling. Pastoral care is within pastoral ministry but broader than pastoral counseling. God’s love is the source and motivation. Within the pastoral care, there are spiritual direction and pastoral