What can Jesus and Christianity do for you

[Theja]

Jesus neither preached against nor endorsed slavery, though slavery was legal and prevalent under Roman rule. Also though possessing the power, instead of overthrowing an oppressive government, Jesus declared that His kingdom is not of this world.

It was a kingdom established in the hearts of men and women. when the heart change, the person changes. It is from the heart that we are to acknowledge Almighty God and receive His grace. If the heart is not right with God, following religious rules does not impress God one bit.

The beauty of Christianity is that it can survive under any government and any social setting. Over time, because the heart changes and the mind is fed with the teachings of God's Word, societies transforms and impoves.

One of the most beautiful letters the world ever produced is the letter by the apostle Paul to Philemon. Spiritually speaking Paul played a significant role in discipling Philemon; and using his influence, Paul urged Philemon to receive his runaway slave back as a brother, not as a slave. Now the master and servant has a common heritage: salvation in Jesus Christ. Their status become equal.

But the role remains. That Onesimus still remain under Philemon as slave, but with the knowledge that both master and slave now have a common master: Jesus Christ.

This time, instead of abuse, respect and good relationship will prevail.

Paul or none of the apostles advocated against slavery considering the Roman world was nearly half slave at the time. Had they done so, Turmoil and insurrection would prevail and Christianity would be blamed for it.

The Christian faith touches the heart, and without openly advocating againt slavery, it has the power to change society gradually, which is what happened with the early Christians: that eventually they stopped owning slaves.

When the Arab Muslims were raiding Africa and selling Black slaves to the Europeans, it was a Christian movement from Britain that passed a law against it.

Same with polygamy. Though not explicitly forbidden in the New Testament, people came to the understanding that it was the Christian thing to have only one wife.

The HEART. When the heart is touched, everything changes.

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James, notice that Paul did something greater than simply offering sanctuary to Onesimus: he reconciled master and slave without animosity. Understanding that their spiritual heritage is equal (in Christ) the stigma of being called a slave is gone. In fact, this time, Onesimus got a life-time employment -- from a master whose heart has been changed by the power of the gospel.

(Just an observation: you would be surprised millioms of people from nonChristian countries are dreaming or struggling to migrate to countries where the Bible has played a big role in moulding the societies -- Canada, US, Australia, New Zealand, UK, etc.).

[-theTruth-]

another version of events I think one day I will be forced to axccept that the colour black is actually white

[Theja]

Save the street advice for your children, adonis.

[Theja]

eat, drink and be merry.....