Christians Should Not Riot

[GodB4Us]

This is why Christians are not to riot. Think of this as a conversation with Paul & Peter with us below on what they would say to us today as led by the Spirit of Christ.

Romans 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

1 Peter 4:1Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

I know that the current climate is trying to provoke the American people on both sides to react, but these are the signs of the times when we should be praying for our leaders & the American people, especially those of us as Christians that have gone astray in America and all over the world.

Pray even for world's leaders like Putin, because Jesus Christ is Lord and He can direct Biden, and Putin, along with world's leaders otherwise if it be the Father's will

Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

If the world continues to get worse & worse, it is the Father's will as Jesus Christ is still Lord but we are to look to Jesus Christ for help to get ready to leave with the Bridegroom to be found abiding in Him & His words for when He comes.

 

[Brother Paul]

This is why Christians are not to riot. Think of this as a conversation with Paul & Peter with us below on what they would say to us today as led by the Spirit of Christ.

Romans 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

1 Peter 4:1Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

I know that the current climate is trying to provoke the American people on both sides to react, but these are the signs of the times when we should be praying for our leaders & the American people, especially those of us as Christians that have gone astray in America and all over the world.

Pray even for world's leaders like Putin, because Jesus Christ is Lord and He can direct Biden, and Putin, along with world's leaders otherwise if it be the Father's will

Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

If the world continues to get worse & worse, it is the Father's will as Jesus Christ is still Lord but we are to look to Jesus Christ for help to get ready to leave with the Bridegroom to be found abiding in Him & His words for when He comes.

Yes they should not riot and neither should they when in power create or perpetuate systems that make people want to. Christians should gather in protest. It is not the same.

 

[GodB4Us]

Yes they should not riot and neither should they when in power create or perpetuate systems that make people want to. Christians should gather in protest. It is not the same.

I agree that it is not the same but yet at the same time, we need His discernment as to how we should protest so as to prevent the unruly from using that peaceful protest as an excuse to do evil by rioting, making those who sought to do peaceful protest look bad.

There is a political process of signing a petition to send to the necessary representative(s), just as there is one for putting it to the ballot for voting on locally.

Then there is that buying that air time at the local station to stage a protest in that way, which seems to be overlooked by many as if raising funds for that is impossible.

One would think the local News station would host such a thing if maybe a petition was sent to them for that purpose, but I do not know.

Then there is always podcast and even Youtube videos.

Seems there are more ways to hold a peaceful protest than the ones the American people are generally accepted towards where the devil can tempt some to go astray by or to tempt those who wish to do evil in joining.

 

[Brother Paul]

I agree that it is not the same but yet at the same time, we need His discernment as to how we should protest so as to prevent the unruly from using that peaceful protest as an excuse to do evil by rioting, making those who sought to do peaceful protest look bad.

There is a political process of signing a petition to send to the necessary representative(s), just as there is one for putting it to the ballot for voting on locally.

Then there is that buying that air time at the local station to stage a protest in that way, which seems to be overlooked by many as if raising funds for that is impossible.

One would think the local News station would host such a thing if maybe a petition was sent to them for that purpose, but I do not know.

Then there is always podcast and even Youtube videos.

Seems there are more ways to hold a peaceful protest than the ones the American people are generally accepted towards where the devil can tempt some to go astray by or to tempt those who wish to do evil in joining.

"I agree that it is not the same but yet at the same time, we need His discernment as to how we should protest so as to prevent the unruly from using that peaceful protest as an excuse to do evil by rioting, making those who sought to do peaceful protest look bad."

I agree. ALL anarchists, looters, and real subversives, who break or break in, and destroy property, hurt people, and so on, should be arrested and tried. I would put those that think it fine to just come onto your land and do what they want (especially for money) without your consent should also get arrested and fined and that followers of Jesus should not indulge in or support that practice either (which extends to the concept of eminent domain) but sadly many do (depending on the group or individual act).

Apparently this is a fine line subject, When Jesus exploded in the outer court and threw over the tables accusing the sons of Ciaphas of thievery He was right but still in violation of the law in that time and culture. Does this factor change or qualify when such behavior is appropriate, or is it a matter of personal judgment? Hmmm? If laws are to be "one law for all" then why is it applied differently for certain groups and individuals and when is that right? Hmmm?

Though I anticipate your well intended and well thought out response I hope others chime in as well....the above is obviously my opinion and I am sure some have a different perspective (agreeing to disagree). Be blessed, in His shem

"

 

[GodB4Us]

"I agree that it is not the same but yet at the same time, we need His discernment as to how we should protest so as to prevent the unruly from using that peaceful protest as an excuse to do evil by rioting, making those who sought to do peaceful protest look bad."

I agree. ALL anarchists, looters, and real subversives, who break or break in, and destroy property, hurt people, and so on, should be arrested and tried. I would put those that think it fine to just come onto your land and do what they want (especially for money) without your consent should also get arrested and fined and that followers of Jesus should not indulge in or support that practice either (which extends to the concept of eminent domain) but sadly many do (depending on the group or individual act).

Apparently this is a fine line subject, When Jesus exploded in the outer court and threw over the tables accusing the sons of Ciaphas of thievery He was right but still in violation of the law in that time and culture. Does this factor change or qualify when such behavior is appropriate, or is it a matter of personal judgment? Hmmm? If laws are to be "one law for all" then why is it applied differently for certain groups and individuals and when is that right? Hmmm?

Though I anticipate your well intended and well thought out response I hope others chime in as well....the above is obviously my opinion and I am sure some have a different perspective (agreeing to disagree). Be blessed, in His shem

"

Jesus being God, would have the right to judge them for what they were doing in His Father's House as He would be doing it in according to the Father's will.

As for applying what He had done as an example for us to follow, His words says otherwise.

Matthew 5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. 41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Sounds like He is asking us to be a doormat, and yet it is not in our flesh to do this, but we are to lean on Him to help us to follow Him, giving us the love we need to love our enemies.

Romans 5:7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

1 Timothy 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

When He reminds us what Christ had done for Paul whom was on the road to Damascus for the sole point & intent for persecuting and killing Christians after he had done away with Stephen, we may see why we are to love our enemies with His help, because the devil would live to get a grip on our anger and turned it into hatred & malice in making like the over zealous American patriots crying out "Avengers Assemble!!" thus resorting to fleshly lusts that war against the soul.

Luke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

The example set by Jesus on the cross in suffering offenses was this, and yet Jesus prayed that the Father would forgive them for they know not what we do. May He remind us of our sins that were forgiven so we may forgive others.

Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

Thank you for sharing.

 

[Brother Paul]

Jesus being God, would have the right to judge them for what they were doing in His Father's House as He would be doing it in according to the Father's will.

As for applying what He had done as an example for us to follow, His words says otherwise.

Matthew 5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. 41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. 43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Sounds like He is asking us to be a doormat, and yet it is not in our flesh to do this, but we are to lean on Him to help us to follow Him, giving us the love we need to love our enemies.

Romans 5:7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

1 Timothy 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

When He reminds us what Christ had done for Paul whom was on the road to Damascus for the sole point & intent for persecuting and killing Christians after he had done away with Stephen, we may see why we are to love our enemies with His help, because the devil would live to get a grip on our anger and turned it into hatred & malice in making like the over zealous American patriots crying out "Avengers Assemble!!" thus resorting to fleshly lusts that war against the soul.

Luke 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

The example set by Jesus on the cross in suffering offenses was this, and yet Jesus prayed that the Father would forgive them for they know not what we do. May He remind us of our sins that were forgiven so we may forgive others.

Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. 35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

Thank you for sharing.

Absolutely! His house thus His will be done. And also YES the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. I say first within and then without (speck and beam). Again thank you for this well thought out and scripturally sound response. God be with you (and He is).