As Christians, we are very much like "strangers and pilgrims" as we wait for Jesus to remove us from this earth and take us into heaven wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Like Jesus, "Our kingdom is not of this world." (John 18:36)
We are as lights in this world for we do not live as this world lives.
We do not make this world a better place as some strive to do. (The world speaks to the flesh of man while we deal with the individual spirit showing godliness by our lives.)
We are witnesses to God as we live godly lives here.
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This world will grow worse and worse, says the apostle Paul.
2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
Paul also says the end times will be "perilous". And Paul describes men as follows:
2 Timothy 3
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
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Jesus says it will get so bad that even the elect would not be saved, but for the elect's sake the days at the end will be shortened.
Matthew 24:21-22 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
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One day, I was reading 2 Peter 3 and God explained this to me:
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to HIS promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of HIM in peace, without spot, and blameless.
"Righteousness is in the new heaven and new earth. You will never be able to make this present earth righteous. It will be destroyed for its sins."
Some people think they will make this present earth righteous. But no matter what we do, sins get worse and worse and are flaunted openly by the world in front of our eyes.
Paul told us what we are to do as we live on this earth:
2 Timothy 3
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
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In the 1980's, I visited in Paris, France. I was sitting on a park bench and it was so lovely and peaceful. Then the Holy Spirit said to me: "It's peaceful here because you don't know the language and the words they speak sound lovely to you."
In USA, I know the language and when I hear what people of this world say, they often seem strange to me, for though I live here I am not one of them because I am of God. Therefore I don't participate in many of their things that they cherish, because I am as a stranger and pilgrim here, just waiting till Jesus returns and removes me from this earth.
I don't participate in their protests and rallies which they think will make this world better. I don't vote in their elections either for the apostle John said:
II John
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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But I do pray for the kings and rulers for this is what the apostle Paul said to do:
1 Timothy 2
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
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In politics you are taught to hate the opposite party. You are taught to put your trust in the party that you elect.
But I know this world will not be made better by governments of men. People often think the government will make their lives better on this earth. But we are not focused on this earth and God tells us, "having food and raiment let us therewith be content." (I Tim. 6:8) And as a Christian, I look to God to provide all my need as the apostle Paul told us to do. (Phil. 4:19)
And I know I am as a stranger here just waiting.
As I pray for whichever party is in office, I believe God will help me to live in peace until I can be redeemed.
I see it compatible with the Bible to live here as if I am a visitor, just waiting to be removed by Jesus.
I see it to be important to pray for rulers.
And I see it important to live in peace, personally.
But I know by the Bible it will get worse and worse here and men will be increasingly violent as they were in the days of Noah and sin will be rampant until the end when the wrath of God is poured out on this earth because of the sin.
But if the time is not shortened, even the elect would perish in the end. But for the elect's sake the days will be shortened!
Hope in God. Trust in God, for you can really trust God.
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