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Russia invades Georgia (thankfully for me, not the state) on a pretext. Apparently, Georgia’s pro-western stance has Russia irritated to say the least. Ukraine is not on Russia’s list of favorite nations for the same reason. They may have been behind the attempted poisoning of the Ukrainian president that occurred a few years ago. These are troubled times. My thoughts and attention have been drawn to that part of the world quite often. Having visited Ukraine twice, I have a special interest in the work of the gospel there. Our church supports a missionary couple in Odessa with whom we are good friends. I keep a picture in my office of the Reformed church in Odessa that was given back to the church after the fall of communism. My prayer is for peace for Georgia and that region and the ceasing of violence. I pray our nation will take the appropriate posture towards Russia that communicates our deep dissatisfaction at this aggression. Russia and China- two nations (like our own) that need our prayers. May God protect His people in Georgia, Ukraine, and in China.
Comments:
3 Comments posted on "The Bear is stirring"
sayewhat? on August 15th, 2008 at 11:46 pm #
Question: In regard to sociological paradigms, what is the difference between Christianity and Communism? Is it that Communism forces everyone to share and, in Christianity, sharing is expected, but voluntary?
Paul Bankson on August 16th, 2008 at 8:10 am #
One form of sharing is coerced (in practice and I suppose even in theory) the other is motivated out of the gospel Iwould say. I would think what the early church models in the book of Acts raises your question as the church is described as “selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” (Acts 2:45) It’s interesting to note in Acts 5 that Peter rebuked Ananias and Saphira for their lying and deceit in particular and even suggested that their property was theirs to do with as they pleased, “While [the property] remained unsold, did it not remain your own?” (v.4 ESV). That’s my stab at an very good question.
JH on August 18th, 2008 at 12:43 pm #
Georgia may be “innocent” but took a calculated risk I doubt I would’ve taken. With Russia drawing a big line in the sand saying DON’T CROSS, even if it is an illegitimate line, sure would seem convincing to me if I was Georgia. Feels like deja vu to me, and i was little back during the cold war. Post a comment
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