Though there are many opinions and approaches to war and violence within the Church-at-large, the opinions do not necessarily reflect all the subtle aspects that come with war. The same is true of Christians and internal conflicts that involve police action. The result too often is a conviction that is not based as much on the bible as the passing, ever-changing cultural climate of the time. Nations obviously exist. Police obviously need to exist. Evil cannot be ignored. And war and violence are part of life. So how does a Christian begin to approach dealing with these realities? Having surveyed the broad causes of war and violence and the common positions Christians take, in this related series we consider the many principles in the bible that relate to war, violence and even law enforcement.
Biblical Principles of War: Part 4
January 7, 2024 • Matthew Henry • Judges 3:1–2, Habakkuk 2:6–17, Numbers 31:7–12, Deuteronomy 20, Psalm 20:6–9
War in Israel - A Biblical Perspective: Part 10
March 17, 2024 • Matthew Henry • Romans 9
In this series we explore the biblical theology behind the attack by Hamas upon Israel and answer the question of why it matters. Why is Israel so important in the flow of human events? How should we view Israel? Why do so many in the Church seem to dismiss the nation of Israel? Should we? All of this is driven by certain theological convictions of which most are unaware of. This is a rather technical series that seeks to explain and answer the whole issue of Israel and the Church. In this final message we see the Apostle Paul carefully and systematically show the sovereign purposes of God in both choosing Israel, hardening Israel, and then saving Israel and how Gentiles are the recipients of saving mercies in all of it.
War in Israel - A Biblical Perspective: Part 9
March 10, 2024 • Matthew Henry • Matthew 19:28, Matthew 23:37–38, Acts 1:2–7, Acts 3:19
In this series we explore the biblical theology behind the attack by Hamas upon Israel and answer the question of why it matters. Why is Israel so important in the flow of human events? How should we view Israel? Why do so many in the Church seem to dismiss the nation of Israel? Should we? All of this is driven by certain theological convictions of which most are unaware of. This is a rather technical series that seeks to explain and answer the whole issue of Israel and the Church. In this message we see that the New Testament continues with the promise of a future for Israel as a nation, not merely individuals.
War in Israel - A Biblical Perspective: Part 8
March 3, 2024 • Matthew Henry • Zechariah 13—14
In this series we explore the biblical theology behind the attack by Hamas upon Israel and answer the question of why it matters. Why is Israel so important in the flow of human events? How should we view Israel? Why do so many in the Church seem to dismiss the nation of Israel? Should we? All of this is driven by certain theological convictions of which most are unaware of. This is a rather technical series that seeks to explain and answer the whole issue of Israel and the Church. In this message we specifically see how God has promised a future restoration of Israel as part of His plan of redemption.