I loved the idea that we should have Mary’s heart and Martha’s hands.
I was recently talking to a friend about CSG and if Christian should participate (hands) with the hope of befriending unbelievers so that they might know Jesus (heart).
CSG seems so big in our area but I’ve been unsure if and how to get involved.
Any thoughts?
I assume that when you say “get involved in CSG” you mean get involved in the protest? If so, here are a few thoughts…
– For a start, I think Christians should ONLY get involved in the CSG protest if they believe that CSG mining is wrong. Otherwise, we’re just being dishonest and the ends doesn’t justify the means.
– Christians should have a perspective on CSG mining that is informed BOTH by the facts about CSG mining (as difficult as they may be to determine) AND the gospel.
– Christians should ALWAYS be looking for opportunities to share the hope we have in Christ with our friends who don’t know it. I saw a great quote the other day: “evangelism isn’t about changing the topic, It’s about bringing the gospel to bear on the topic.”
Why not chat with a few friends about some of the ways that the gospel bears on the topic/issue of CSG mining. I suspect you might come up with quite a few!
Thanks Pete,
Sometimes it feels almost wrong to be involved in protests as they seem like we are going against the God instituted authorities (Romans). And it also seems as if Christians may judge me and think I am not focussing on what’s most important (God) (But I agree that I can bring the gospel to bear on this).
Also what if the majority of Christian in ones Church (not saying they do, but just so I know) disagree with ones stance on CSG and people are offended about ones protesting? Should one stop or continue?
Hey Mark, I take it these are the verses you’re thinking of;
Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. For government is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience.
Romans 13:1-5
I’m also still uncertain about your last point. I think that Romans 14 might be helpful (Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about doubtful issues..) – Pete could you explain what it means to “put a stumbling block or pitfall in your brother’s way.”?
In Christ, Mitch
I loved the idea that we should have Mary’s heart and Martha’s hands.
I was recently talking to a friend about CSG and if Christian should participate (hands) with the hope of befriending unbelievers so that they might know Jesus (heart).
CSG seems so big in our area but I’ve been unsure if and how to get involved.
Any thoughts?
Hi Mark
I assume that when you say “get involved in CSG” you mean get involved in the protest? If so, here are a few thoughts…
– For a start, I think Christians should ONLY get involved in the CSG protest if they believe that CSG mining is wrong. Otherwise, we’re just being dishonest and the ends doesn’t justify the means.
– Christians should have a perspective on CSG mining that is informed BOTH by the facts about CSG mining (as difficult as they may be to determine) AND the gospel.
– Christians should ALWAYS be looking for opportunities to share the hope we have in Christ with our friends who don’t know it. I saw a great quote the other day: “evangelism isn’t about changing the topic, It’s about bringing the gospel to bear on the topic.”
Why not chat with a few friends about some of the ways that the gospel bears on the topic/issue of CSG mining. I suspect you might come up with quite a few!
Thanks Pete,
Sometimes it feels almost wrong to be involved in protests as they seem like we are going against the God instituted authorities (Romans). And it also seems as if Christians may judge me and think I am not focussing on what’s most important (God) (But I agree that I can bring the gospel to bear on this).
Also what if the majority of Christian in ones Church (not saying they do, but just so I know) disagree with ones stance on CSG and people are offended about ones protesting? Should one stop or continue?
Hey Mark, I take it these are the verses you’re thinking of;
Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. For government is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience.
Romans 13:1-5
I’m also still uncertain about your last point. I think that Romans 14 might be helpful (Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about doubtful issues..) – Pete could you explain what it means to “put a stumbling block or pitfall in your brother’s way.”?
In Christ, Mitch