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Obligations


I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome. I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." (Romans 1:13-16)

                 Some people have called me a troll because I correct them, disagree with them or argue with them. I think that they are trolling, as one would troll for fish, when they dangle comments out there like bait. Some people also think that we should be satisfied to believe what we believe within the confines of our churches, without inflicting our beliefs on anyone else, which means that we accept their beliefs, whether we want to or not, if we are in public. 
          Paul said that he was under obligation both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and to the foolish. We’re under obligation to the in-crowd and the out-casts. God has given us the task to tell anyone and everyone about Him and about His Son. I don’t pretend I’m good at doing so, but think about this for a moment.
          Christianity doesn’t discriminate. It never says that members of this group or that can’t become Christian. I know there are some people who claim to be Christians who discriminate, but show me where in the Bible it says that members of any group can’t be saved. It is inclusive of individuals. That doesn’t mean that their behaviors are acceptable, but they are. I read recently that Christians speak more languages and are part of more cultures than any other religion. It is authentically multi-cultural and diverse. Its purpose is two-fold: to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are far from perfect in this, but it is still the mission. In loving one another, we want what is best for each other, which means we serve one another. 
          Christianity is what the spirit of the age imitates and impersonates. Paul warned the Corinthians that “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” (II Corinthians 11:13) We should not be surprised when the world says, “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:9) And we should not be surprised when those who follow the world jealously accuse us because they think we threaten their power.

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