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Following the leader

is more cult-like than anything that I've come across lately. Anyone seriously thinking about our society today has already the obvious examples of that on the mind. The two key-words for christians are humility and obdience to God after all.

Why are so many christians so sure about particular politician or country to support? Isn't it rather about following the example of Christ and not anyone else, nor even any nation or group in particular at all? Couldn't it actually be a real attempt to manipulate even God in his being?

Often I've wondered about this radical shift in the christian community out large, especially in the United States. Then I came across something in my on-going studies of theological matters...

In theology there's something called 'apostolic affirmation'. It's a process by which the authenticity and authority of a person or group, often in a religious context, is recognized and endorsed by an authoritative figure, such as an apostle or a council of elders. It's used to gather around the one person. Not my thing because who actually wants that as a true christian, is my own remark up front about that already.

Apostolic affirmation is often rightly criticized for being a form of self-focused, manipulative prayer rather than a humble submission to God's will. Critics argue that it can distort the purpose of prayer by implying that speaking certain words or maintaining a specific mindset can control outcomes, which is seen as a departure from biblical principles of God's sovereignty.

In short, there's a distorted view of God's sovereignty, an emphasis on too much self-focus, a real potential for deception and unrealistic expectations, and most of all a clear misuse of scripture.

What is needed now is still more of the same that's been needed for centuries past...

Instead of relying on affirmations, critics suggest focusing on studying Scripture, praying with humility and submission to God's will, and seeking to understand and align with God's purposes. It will emphasize a relationship with God that is based on faith, trust, and obedience rather than on manipulative techniques
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So much to be said for this and in a pub I'd talk and clarify and disagree with you on some points but spot on.

Crying about borders, etc naturally lacks a view of God's sovereignty- if people weren't meant to come into a Country then by God's will they wouldn't.

More people in more cities means more church membership and more evangelism opportunities.... and of course more inspiration amd encouragement from Christian migrants.

You only see the huge Country idolators on here and if you disagree with them they block you... what a way to show love to Christian brothers and sisters!

Unless we're talking about the alt right who weaponise Christianity this doesn't seem to be an issue here in the UK, especially at the church I attend.
val70 · 51-55
@BritishFailedAesthetic And how so then? Because it doesn't fit your own vision?
@val70 Because you don't see the Bible's vision.
val70 · 51-55
@BritishFailedAesthetic And that is the contrary that I wrote about? I'm very much aware that God knows. You exclude your neighbour, God excludes you, for example. That's for real in the Bible. Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's, as Christ so eloquently put it. I don't think any diversion is possible from that pathway
God expects even Christians to pray about whom we wish to lead our country. That is our right and privilege to pray for our president and our choices.
DanielsASJ · 36-40, M
@val70 It's AI pic on which DJT even commented.
val70 · 51-55
@LadyGrace Matthew 10:14: "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet"
@val70 God expects us to pray for our decision in whom shall hold office in our nation. And for whichever leader takes office.

2 Chronicles 7:14 from the Bible. It states, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

God commands us to pray for all leaders, including those in authority. This prayerful approach is encouraged for various reasons, such as promoting peaceful and godly living, and aligning with God's will for those in positions of power.

The New Testament, particularly 1 Timothy 2:1-2, instructs Christians to pray for all people, including kings and those in authority. This prayer is not conditional on the leader's moral character or political alignment, but rather a general call to intercede for those in power.

Praying for leaders is about aligning with God's will. Christians are encouraged to pray for wisdom, guidance, and righteous decisions for those in authority, trusting that God can work through them to achieve His purposes.
Charity · 61-69
Scripture says judgment starts at the church, 1 Peter 4:17.
val70 · 51-55
@Charity 1 Peter 4:17 means that judgment, in the sense of trials, purification, and correction, begins with God's people (the "household of God") before it falls upon the ungodly. This principle is exemplified by the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, which was a judgment on the then Jewish nation, and it continues to be relevant today as Christians endure suffering to be purified and to glorify God, rather than for punishment that was dealt with on the cross
Charity · 61-69
@val70

Judgment starts with the church
https://biblehub.com/commentaries/1_peter/4-17.htm

 
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