I Peter 2
9 Unto you therefore which believe HE (The Word) is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him (The Word) who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light:
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation (of judgment).
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow HIS steps:
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Comments by Joan Boney:
In today's world, we see so many things being called "good" which are actually evil.
* I believe it is evil to be swept up in politics and governments of men. But most worldly people in USA campaign to try to get people to "vote". I do not believe godly people put their hope in governments of men. And to sanction either side would be to wish that person well and often to think evil of the other side. If we wish someone well when he is actually committing evil, the we read the following:
II John
* I believe it is evil to be swept up in politics and governments of men. But most worldly people in USA campaign to try to get people to "vote". I do not believe godly people put their hope in governments of men. And to sanction either side would be to wish that person well and often to think evil of the other side. If we wish someone well when he is actually committing evil, the we read the following:
II John
8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
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We are also told to pray for those in authority:
I Timothy 2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
The people of this world tell us to vote. Organizations of men of this world have campaigns to try to get us to register to vote. They consider they are doing a good work. But their good is just worldly.
But I believe the truly godly are as as follows:
Hebrews 11
I think we, too, are strangers and pilgrims on this earth ... just passing through to eternal life. While we are in this world, we are not part of this world. Our life is hid in Christ. (Colossians 3) Like Jesus, our kingdom is not of this world. (John 18:36) We are a part of the new heaven and new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. (II Peter 3:13)
14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for HE hath prepared for them a city.
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The Holy Spirit who lives in us shows us what we are to do concerning the matters pertaining to this life.
Follow that which the Spirit of Truth shows you.
HE will:
- teach us all things,
- remind us of all that Jesus has said,
- guide us into all truth,
- show us things to come. (John 14:26 & John 16:13)
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Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
So we pray about all things ... and follow that shown us by the Holy Spirit.
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