One of the problems of with getting the Gospel in "closed countres" is that the authorizes believe our faith is subversive to their rule. Well I have news for those authorities, our Bible which tells a Christian what to believe says,
"All of you must obey those who rule over you. These are authorities are chosen by God. Those who now rule have been chosen by God. So whoever opposes authorities opposes the leaders whom God has appointed and those who do that will be judged.
If you do what is right you have no reason to fear your rulers. But watch out if you do what is wrong! You don't want to be afraid of those in authority do you? Then do what is right and you will be praised! The one in authority serves God for your good. But if you do wrong, watch out! Rulers do not carry a sword for no reason at all. They serve God. And God is carrying out his anger through them. The ruler punishes anyone who does wrong. You must obey the authorities. Then you will not be punished. You must also obey the authorities because it is right.
That is why you pay taxes. The Authorities serve God, ruling takes up all their time. Give to everyone what you owe them. Do you owe taxes? Then pay them. Do you owe anything else to government? Then pay it. Do you owe respect? Then give it. Do you owe honor? Then show it." St. Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ from the Book of Romans 13: 1-7 in the Bible.
Share this Scripture with the leaders and any authority, even military if they think you are planning to use the Christian faith to foster rebellion. For It will show them that according to God and your faith, you must obey authority and rulers.
Tell those who are skeptical, that our Lord Jesus Christ said, "My kingdom is not of this world, otherwise my disciples would be fighting to free me, (John 18:36)" this Jesus said to a Governor (Ruler) known as Pontius Pilate. Jesus also said when asked if he intended to usurp Rome (The Ruling Authority)'s collection of money via the Temple tax, "Whoses face is on this coin? To which the religious leaders said, "Cesar" and Jesus responded "Then give to Cesar what belongs to Cesar and to God what belongs to God." (Mark 12:15-17, Luke 20:23-25). Say this those who think you are going to integer or instigate rebellion against governmental/ruling money collecting and taxes, so that they may know you aren't subversive, seditious, insolence, rebellious, or full of anarchy.
Granted if any authority or ruler tells you to renounce your faith in Christ, then you must desist from obedience to that authority and do what it takes to keep your faith. But to open the doors to countries that are closed, use the verses I have listed as proof that Christians do not want to conquer land, take money, or usurp the rule of any power. Our goal is to save souls and to draw closer to the Savior Jesus. The purpose of sharing the verses I just did about authorities is to help missionaries understand that our mission is not to mess up those rulers who hold power but instead we are to obey them. It would be great to tell the leader or send him a letter, to a ruler like Kim Jong-un, "God has appointed you as ruler of North Korea, you are blessed and rightful to rule! We are told by an Apostle of Jesus Christ named Paul in our Bible to obey all authorities and rulers; that means you, for you are supported by our God! We are told to give you honor, respect, and obey your edicts." (Citing Romans 13:1-7).
Our mission as Christians is to follow Christ and to call more to Him. Jesus' Kingdom is not of this world. When the Lord returns to rule over the Earth, it will be God, not a man or some Christian Empire like the Latin Kingdoms of the Crusaders. In that case it will be God ruling, so then the leaders of this present age will not feel usurped, because how can you resist God who created all things and even made sure such leaders we born and could rule?
Comments
Post a Comment