rbnd,

As I stated originally, my participation in this thread, especially with its current direction, was done so with great reluctance. Your response would be one example why that reluctance is present.

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rbnd wrote:
Galatians 6:10 - "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." - Yes, it does say, "especially unto them who are of the household of faith," and I am in full agreement. Call me a Pharisee if you will. I agree with God's Word wholeheartedly. The modern temptation within churches is to cut off the last part of the verse so that it simply reads, "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men."
First of all, Gal 6:10 says to do good to "all men", particularly to fellow believers. No one, including me in anything I have written, would suggest that Christians be slighted of well-being. As I pointed out, the parable of the Good Samaritan does, however, point out the prejudices of some men to exclude those who are not as they; whether that similarity be in color, race, gender, economic status or religion. A Christian who dies for his faith is blessed and who will be ushered into the bosom of Christ. A non-Christian who dies faces immediate punishment and unspeakable torment. Should I not be concerned for the eternal destiny of those who are yet without Christ? BTW... I never called YOU a "Pharisee". What I wrote, and if you would carefully read my words, I spoke of a "Pharisaical mentality"; i.e., those who would help their "brethren" but refuse to help those who are not "one of them".

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You also wrote:
Also, I believe a large percentage of the people being killed in Africa are Christians, being killed by the Moslems.
I would beg to differ with you most strongly and challenge you to present any evidence to substantiate this claim. My local Jehovah's Witness nemesis often makes similar claims saying that the vast majority of persecuted individuals throughout the world are those who are Jehovah's Witnesses; who according to him are being martyred by the 1000's daily. Were the estimated 7 million who were murdered by Hitler and his regime Christians? How about all those slaughtered by Mussolini? and Stalin? Are Christians to discount their deaths or to prevent such things from occurring again, simply because they are not "of the household of faith"? And what of the millions of unborn children who are murdered by abortionists and self-centered women, none of whom can be rightly said to be "of the household of faith"? Would I be correct to assume that the vast majority of the world, therefore, would not qualify for your aid.

You may choose to answer any of the above or abstain as you so desire. But I'm bowing out of this one as I deem it unprofitable to continue.

In His Grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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