Are you a Liberal Christian?..

[pop james]

First order of business concerning this post is this......In NO way am I attempting to persuade the reader to become loyal to ANY political party in the USA! ...Thought I better be up front with that.....considering the election(choosing) of candidates is upon us. This post is simply to explore the thinking of how some christians use the word liberal with disdain,, including even, some I consider to be saintly servants of our LORD JESUS, who preach the gospel in Spirit and truth.
I will point out some scriptures.....do not rely on my interpretation.....if you are interested in the subject search for yourselves.
In this age we live in, some words lose their meaning and sometimes , it seems, can reflect on the very opposite of it's true meaning.....such is the word "liberality". In this day and time in religious circles if one proclaims to be a liberal they are looked on as supporting gay rights, abortion, extreme womens lib causes, extreme church doctrines that are unscriptural etc. In todays mind set this is a normal assumption. My point in this is that the Christian should rethink his/her stand on being a liberal Christian........here is why:

Liberality simply means......bounteous generosity.

Liberality is Pleasing to GOD.....2cor 9:7...heb 13:16
something CHRIST set an example of....2 cor 8:9
a characteristic of saints ps 112:9
should be shown toward saints...rom 12:13...servants....deut 15:
12-14....the poor...Is 58:7.....strangers...lev 25:35....enemies
prov 25:21....all men....gal 6:10.....should be shown willingly..
2 cor 8:12.....
the lack of brings many a curse...prov 28:27...is a proof of not
loving GOD...1 john 3:17.....is a proof of not having faith...james
2:14-16
good examples of are the Christians...acts 2:45....barnabas
acts 4:36,37...church of antioch...acts 11:29,30...Lydia...
acts 16:15...Paul...acts 20:34...poor widow...mark 12:42-44
Churches of macedonia...2 cor 8:1-5.

Our LORD stressed liberality in matt. 25:34-40......Luke recorded that the needy and helpless should be dealt with liberality...
I hope that these verses will convey to those who are HIS that as HIS children and by HIS example we should be/must be liberal Christians...

" But whoso has this worlds good and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion(heart of mercy) from him, how dwells the love of GOD in him?.....My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue(talk); but in deed and truth...1 john 3:17-18.....................regards...Pop

[FreetoloveGod aka DanV]

In short, you are either a saint or you aint. I'll leave terms like "liberal"..."conservative"...and "moderate" to the political arena.

FreetoloveGod

[Wendell]

In this age we live in, some words lose their meaning and sometimes , it seems, can reflect on the very opposite of it's true meaning.....such is the word "liberality". In this day and time in religious circles if one proclaims to be a liberal they are looked on as supporting gay rights, abortion, extreme womens lib causes, extreme church doctrines that are unscriptural etc. In todays mind set this is a normal assumption. My point in this is that the Christian should rethink his/her stand on being a liberal Christian........here is why:

You are correct I think pop... and it is tragic that the word, liberal, has come to be defined with such ugly associations; But the fact remains, that that is the reality of the meaning of the word today. I had quite a conversation the other night in the chatroom with a person who was a "liberal". But his idea of being liberal mean that he thought it perfectly fine to be genrous with other peoples money and goods. In other words he thought it perfectly fine that the government be the liberal giver and benefactor of all in need, despite the fact that the only aid government can give is accumulated by confiscation from others. And yes, he did support abortion, and gay rights etc.

He also made it clear that any one who opposed such a system for charitable works, in his view, were full of hate, and greed. Trying to keep all their wealth to satisfy their own lusts... merciless, and uncaring.

God, did not ordain government to carry out Gods plan for his people to be a people of mercy compassion, and generous liberality. Gods method for such a charactaristic common to all who believe, is that his people, will, from a love that springs from a new heart, and a new nature, given by the supernatural act of Gods free grace, give according as God has blessed him. This latter form of liberality I wholeheartedly endorse, and practice. (not as much as I should) While the former I deplore as an antiGod, antichristian, deception, designed to turn people away from God, (from whom comes every good and perfect gift), And from their God given responsibility to the poor, especially within the body of Christ; To an institution niether intended or designed, by God for that purpose.

So with all that, YES..I agree.. Give generously...give liberally... give hilariously...:-)

Luk 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

2Co 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

cheerful = hilaros G2431 ie G2436 propitious or merry..(hilarious) that is prompt or willing, cheerful...from strongs concordance

blue

[pop james]

Yes brother....I fully understand your concern when it comes to government, of course, I did stress the post was not about government. I do hope if any thing is gained from the post it would be that GOD looks at the heart and as Christians we should strive to have a liberal heart.

You mention in your reply that "GOD did not ordain government to carry out mercy, compassion and liberality". I agree.....of course it appears that HE has given over the world system to the evil one.....but....he(prince of this world) will soon be judged along with his world system(another study). I do want to point out though that we do have an example of these things that we must not ignore....that is within the assembly(church). "Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common"...acts 4:32.....this is a example of believers meeeting the needs of others.....also see 2:44......."If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, depart in peace and be warmed and filled, but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body...what does it profit?.......james 2:15.....of course james is making a point about faith and works but saying what is words of compassion without works of compassion?

The post is simply bringing our attention to our responsibility to be liberal as Christians.......Thanks for your reply....may GOD continue be glorified in our communications..............regards..Pop

[Crikey Cheetah]

Yes, we need to give generously, to which causes I'll leave up to you, but personally, I'm giving my 20% to Wildlife Warriors or WWF. The Crikey Fund. If someone I knew was in need of some amount of money, I'd give it to him, but I would give him a job along with it.

Ever heard the phrase "Give a man a fish, and he'll eat for a day. TEACH a man to fish, and he'll eat for a lifetime." If we merely give money, without giving them motivation and job training, we are merely doing them a complete dis-service.

[stanleyg]

First order of business concerning this post is this......In NO way am I attempting to persuade the reader to become loyal to ANY political party in the USA! ...Thought I better be up front with that.....considering the election(choosing) of candidates is upon us. This post is simply to explore the thinking of how some christians use the word liberal with disdain,, including even, some I consider to be saintly servants of our LORD JESUS, who preach the gospel in Spirit and truth.
I will point out some scriptures.....do not rely on my interpretation.....if you are interested in the subject search for yourselves.
In this age we live in, some words lose their meaning and sometimes , it seems, can reflect on the very opposite of it's true meaning.....such is the word "liberality". In this day and time in religious circles if one proclaims to be a liberal they are looked on as supporting gay rights, abortion, extreme womens lib causes, extreme church doctrines that are unscriptural etc. In todays mind set this is a normal assumption. My point in this is that the Christian should rethink his/her stand on being a liberal Christian........here is why:

Liberality simply means......bounteous generosity.

Liberality is Pleasing to GOD.....2cor 9:7...heb 13:16
something CHRIST set an example of....2 cor 8:9
a characteristic of saints ps 112:9
should be shown toward saints...rom 12:13...servants....deut 15:
12-14....the poor...Is 58:7.....strangers...lev 25:35....enemies
prov 25:21....all men....gal 6:10.....should be shown willingly..
2 cor 8:12.....
the lack of brings many a curse...prov 28:27...is a proof of not
loving GOD...1 john 3:17.....is a proof of not having faith...james
2:14-16
good examples of are the Christians...acts 2:45....barnabas
acts 4:36,37...church of antioch...acts 11:29,30...Lydia...
acts 16:15...Paul...acts 20:34...poor widow...mark 12:42-44
Churches of macedonia...2 cor 8:1-5.

Our LORD stressed liberality in matt. 25:34-40......Luke recorded that the needy and helpless should be dealt with liberality...
I hope that these verses will convey to those who are HIS that as HIS children and by HIS example we should be/must be liberal Christians...

" But whoso has this worlds good and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion(heart of mercy) from him, how dwells the love of GOD in him?.....My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue(talk); but in deed and truth...1 john 3:17-18.....................regards...PopHalf of the Christians, or 100% of the conservatives in the United States and/or abroad find the word liberal offensive. The paradox is that liberal or liberalism is a concept derived from the term liberty. Liberty is documented in the Preamble, United States Constitution, Pledge of Allegiance, Gettysburg Address, Emancipation Proclamation, Statue of Liberty, Land of Liberty, or Liberty Bell etc.

As you have stated, the concept of liberty is documented throughout the word of God as well. So, I wonder how is it possible that any Christian in the United States and/or abroad could find the term liberal or liberalism to be offensive?

[SlayTheBeast]

I think their first name, communist, was better.

[Wendell]

Stanley.... It is not the term that is the problem... It is the definition of the term. If the term liberal or liberty is used in the bible, or even perhaps in the declaration of independence, it will have a certain definition. In our day, the word liberal can have an entirely different meaning. So when the term is used, it is important to know which definition is intended.

another example of this problem, is the word "gay". compare the use of that word fifty years ago, and compare the definition today. The meaning of words can change, to the point that the word is no longer useful to convey the meaning it once had. clarification is required.

blue

[m.o.m.]

Thanks for pointing this out, Pop.

I have felt for a very long time that too many Christians today...at least the ones here in America that I am familiar with...do not take our responsibility to the poor to heart. There are government programs, faith based programs, and even church benevolence funds which all do very good things, but they do not absolve us of our personal responsibility to care for the less fortunate God places in our path. I am not sure we are even to judge whether they are worthy of our assistance as some would say. Jesus helped many who the religious leaders of the day would not have felt were worthy of their time.

Just a few of my thoughts and wondering what others think.

In Christ,

m.o.m.

[Steve777]

First order of business concerning this post is this......In NO way am I attempting to persuade the reader to become loyal to ANY political party in the USA! ...Thought I better be up front with that.....considering the election(choosing) of candidates is upon us. This post is simply to explore the thinking of how some christians use the word liberal with disdain,, including even, some I consider to be saintly servants of our LORD JESUS, who preach the gospel in Spirit and truth.
I will point out some scriptures.....do not rely on my interpretation.....if you are interested in the subject search for yourselves.
In this age we live in, some words lose their meaning and sometimes , it seems, can reflect on the very opposite of it's true meaning.....such is the word "liberality". In this day and time in religious circles if one proclaims to be a liberal they are looked on as supporting gay rights, abortion, extreme womens lib causes, extreme church doctrines that are unscriptural etc. In todays mind set this is a normal assumption. My point in this is that the Christian should rethink his/her stand on being a liberal Christian........here is why:

Liberality simply means......bounteous generosity.

Liberality is Pleasing to GOD.....2cor 9:7...heb 13:16
something CHRIST set an example of....2 cor 8:9
a characteristic of saints ps 112:9
should be shown toward saints...rom 12:13...servants....deut 15:
12-14....the poor...Is 58:7.....strangers...lev 25:35....enemies
prov 25:21....all men....gal 6:10.....should be shown willingly..
2 cor 8:12.....
the lack of brings many a curse...prov 28:27...is a proof of not
loving GOD...1 john 3:17.....is a proof of not having faith...james
2:14-16
good examples of are the Christians...acts 2:45....barnabas
acts 4:36,37...church of antioch...acts 11:29,30...Lydia...
acts 16:15...Paul...acts 20:34...poor widow...mark 12:42-44
Churches of macedonia...2 cor 8:1-5.

Our LORD stressed liberality in matt. 25:34-40......Luke recorded that the needy and helpless should be dealt with liberality...
I hope that these verses will convey to those who are HIS that as HIS children and by HIS example we should be/must be liberal Christians...

" But whoso has this worlds good and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion(heart of mercy) from him, how dwells the love of GOD in him?.....My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue(talk); but in deed and truth...1 john 3:17-18.....................regards...Pop
I think if we look at it from the other side.
Is Jesus liberal to us Christians in His abundant Love, Grace, and Forgiveness for us, when we deserve nothing but than death for our sins?
The least we can do is be liberal in our worship for Him.

[SlayTheBeast]

In Christ's time there wasnt welfare,food stamps, and section 8. It was a harder time when good hard working people had real trouble making ends meat being easily exploited by the rich and powerfull. Giving to these exploited people was true charity.
No where in the bible does it say to reward the sins of sloth, drug addiction etc. Liberals reward and make excuses for every sin. And no where does it say to intercede in God's punishment, which for many is the only way they will learn. Many of these liberals would try to cater to the people of Sodom and Gomorah and burn along with them.

[m.o.m.]

Hellos Slay,

Just a thought....Jesus healed all ten lepers eventhough only one bothered to come and say thanks to him.

I see your point and it's a tough call sometimes; however, I really don't see where in God's word it says to help only those who deserve it. I'm not talking about our government interventions. I'm talking about our Christian duty.

God bless!

m.o.m.

[pop james]

Liberality is pleasing to GOD...heb 13:16
should be exercised:
toward saints....rom 12:13....toward servants....deut 15:12....the poor...Is 58:5.....toward strangers...lev 25:35.....toward enemies.....prov 25:21...
did I leave any out?....oh yes...ALL men....gal 6:10....
GOD never forgets liberality....heb 6:10.....Christ set an example of liberality...2 cor 8:9.......

For these reasons....all believers should have a liberal heart.......regards....Pop

[SlayTheBeast]

Liberal goodness and Liberal politicians are as different as night and day.

[hearthammer]

With regards to your post, I understand what you are getting at. When talking about politics I have been a staunch supporter of democrats and jumped the fence and was then a die hard supporter of republicans. To tell you the truth, I did not vote in this last election for the first time in 5 yrs. The number one reason being Christ was not on the ballot. The number two reason is: if he would have been he would not have been elected. Number three: When has the majority ever been right. I choose to no longer partake of this system. (the fourth beast is the fourth kingdom upon the earth ref. Daniel). I have bought into the lies of both parties and ideologies, conservatives and liberals.
Conservatives-They believe in "moral values" and fiscal conservation. They also support big business and capitalism. Greed, pride.
Liberals-They believe in individual rights, abortion, governmental control to protect people. Sexual immorality, idolatry.

I have said it before and I will say it again. God cannot be legislated by any government. If the people are not submitted to God in their heart they will consider any form of law based on His word to be a burden or yoke to be shaken off of their shoulders.
The perfect world would have man giving of their abundance freely, without the government making laws to do so. The perfect world would have a sound moral code which would be observed by all without desire to find loop holes or alternative interpretation. In short we should long for the reign of Christ as He ushers in His Kingdom. Everything man has tried for 6000 yrs has fallen so far short as to be laughable.
Take Care and God Bless You all in Jesus Holy Blessed name amen.

[SlayTheBeast]

Who you vote for makes very little difference these days. All politicians are carefully screened by the beast to his will. A good man will never be seen on your tv unless he's being slandered.They give us lip service while our country steadily goes in the same direction. Even for those who haven't educated themself to what is happening must pause and think when their choices for our highest leader, of our once great country, are John Kerry and George W. Bush.

[jeps901]

There Is No Such Thing As A Liberal Christian. For An Example In The Scripture, Look At Simon The Sorcerer (acts).

[pop james]

Perhaps not in YOUR mind....but ample scripture has been given to support that a Liberal spirit is to be excercised in the believers life........Not sure of your point concerning simon........regards.....Pop

[guido]

Liberals aren't Christian...the entire liberal LEFT's platform is PRO-DEATH...reason God's judgment is coming upon the US....abortion, sodonmites and woman's lip. As the saying goes..if YOU see a liberal's lips moving, they are lieing!

[m.o.m.]

Did you even read the premise of this thread? it seems to me that you saw the word liberal and reacted to your assumptions about what was being said.

Excuse my sarcasm, guido....sometimes it takes over.

God bless!

m.o.m.

[pop james]

Guido........I call you Guido in respect to matt. 23:9......My only response is....perhaps you should read the original post!!!.............Pop

[geetrue]

In short, you are either a saint or you aint. I'll leave terms like "liberal"..."conservative"...and "moderate" to the political arena.

FreetoloveGod


I like FreetoloveGod's view point ... Your either a saint or you aint :-)

There's a casting call for saints ... Sometimes it takes a life time to find out if you made it ... :-)

But a saint is also a servant of the Lord God most high and He is not gay ...

I don't know of any married Christian women getting abortions (although I'm sure some do) The sin starts at conception with un-married women. God has allowed not only the law of abortion to stay on the books, but many, many laws in many, many countries and they are all coverd by this simple scripture.

Romans 13:1
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God