If we randomly ask people what they want in this present life, I am almost sure that peace would be one of the answers. Everywhere you turn, you see the absence of peace--1S1S. Syr1a. Palest1ne. Fallen 44. Magu1ndanao. People all around the world recognize this, in fact, there has been countless peace talks and agreements that were discussed, signed, and broken. Peace never came.
Another initiative that has been pursued is the interfaith dialogs and tolerance. We have heard that the current pope even promotes this wherever he goes--conducting interfaith meetings and dialogs. In fact, February 1-7 of each year has been designated World Interfaith Harmony
Week by the United Nations. It was launched in February 2011 to promote
harmony among people of different faiths at a time when inter-religious
conflict is claiming lives and livelihoods all over the world.
For this week's discussion, what are your thoughts about this? Does this really lead us to acquiring peace? Can this be related to what the Apostle John wrote in Revelation 17 and 18?
Perhaps the peace talks and other initiation of people to find peace can bring peace to our country but i believe that this kind of peace can never satisfy the desire of human for real peace. Why? Because earthly peace fails. When it is base on the human idea, it can never be achieved because the kind of peace that people are searching for, the one that penetrates into the soul can only be found in God. When people look for it from other people also, they will never find it. This is the reason why peace talks were not successful. No matter how hard the leaders of the nation tries, it always end up in failure. Only in Jesus we can find it. And as long as the people will not humble themselves and turn to God, this land will not achieve peace and healing; not until the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteThe days are now evil. This could also be the beginning of what Apostle John wrote in Revelation and of Matthew in Matthew 24. But whatever the purpose of God of allowing all these things to happen, there is one thing that the people must do, that is to repent and turn to God and surely there will be peace that transcends all understanding in every people, tribe and nation.
yes absolutely true..We can only find peace that will last in Jesus. People are lost and the only way in finding peace is humility of each one to humble themselves before God and turn from their wicked ways and repent from all their sins.
Deleteyes absolutely true..We can only find peace that will last in Jesus. People are lost and the only way in finding peace is humility of each one to humble themselves before God and turn from their wicked ways and repent from all their sins.
DeleteBasing my judgment from the given records, these just prove that finding peace here in earth is attainable yet temporary. We could enjoy peace from the peace agreement that nations and groups agreed. We dared to keep those as long as we can so that peace may be available to mankind. But reality states that we can rely to them for a long period of time. Some of them are subject to disruption. They can be easily broken by mankind. They are simply written papers that we can be harm anytime. People could easily violate this agreement. Violating is not new for mankind. It’s the very reason why sin enters into the world. Because Adam and Eve violated God’s simple law, sin has its way to human being. So in short, finding peace in human hands is not long lasting. We can only find peace in God alone through his son Jesus Christ. If we find peace in human work, they will just offer a short time peace but with God, He can offer you an ever lasting peace.
ReplyDeleteI don’t know if this incident relate to what Revelation 17-18 says. They may have similarity in terms of the event but they are not that close enough. If we view the Book of revelation, we look at the spiritual, the view of the author, and other view. If we view those events, I think they are just one sided view. But this does not credit the idea that the world is entering in the last days. They may be the sign but they could be not. Maybe there will be more sign and specific sign that will come later.
your thought are well organized brother. i agree with it. by peace, people of today's generation see it as a very calm maybe without conflict from each other, yet in terms of gaining it people tend to sacrifice things even life. wat an ironic issues we have.
DeleteThe book of Revelation is hard to interpret because it gives no detailed information on specific matter like the events or the sequence of things to come. People may vary in its interpretation and there is no specific interpretation until God will unfold all things. These facts, though, did not stop others from trying. I have a concern about this World Interfaith Harmony because I know the background of these religious groups and the one whose behind it all. For me, religion has a hidden agenda which is to draw people away from. So, its objective is accomplished through many lies and seeming benefits. One of it is peace. This is a clever plan for peace brings prosperity, and prosperity leads people to think they do not need God. It is effects can be subtle and people will hardly notice it that they drawn away from God. Somehow, I tend to think that this unity of world religion will lead to one religion which Satan is the head. This is very much related to what will happen in the future as we read in Revelation 17-18.
ReplyDeleteThis is indeed true. Revelation is hard to understand. I may not have any idea about the objective of this world interfaith Harmony and the religion involve but i do agree to the idea that every religion have their agenda that will give be beneficial and credential to them.
ReplyDeleteJohn 14:27 "Peace I live with you; my peace I gave you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not be troubled and do not be afraid."
ReplyDeleteGod himself knew that world cannot give the peace we are looking for that transcends all times. Thus, to the time he had to leave his disciple he gave His peace that even world cannot define.
Harmony Week can be helpful quite as the first time we had those agreements but as temporary at the same time, is also can be frustrating. The contract were even broken, but despite this I am looking forward to this Interfaith Harmony to extend more time of peace in the world.
Concerning Rev. 17 &18 this talks about the Fall of Babylon, I'm not sure but I cannot guess how this Inter-faith ruin Christians like the said dangerous the mother and the dragon. I cannot say that this somewhat like movement to silent the religions through promoting understanding each belief would be a great movement to kill the Christian martyrs who will really radically trade peace for the truth and that everyone who will believe that day might be saved. I cannot also say that this prophesied event will happen eventually in the success of this Inter-faith for the long run.I also cannot say that it is not the organization meant or the actual thing said that will persecute the believers. What I believe is that there will be war, severe persecution of Christians in God's appointed time of tribulation.
I believe that the peace we really aim for is not on this world, however, while on earth we may still acquire a glimpse of this which only in Jesus, and when the appointed time came that we will have this peace forever.
We, Christians are blessed to have known this peace but we should not be selfish. Knowing that this is what the world is looking for, we must respond to the need by telling the people that God is the Bearer and Author of peace and HE alone can give the peace the people desire; the kind of peace that lasts.
DeleteThis InterFaith Harmony could Possibly be a front up for the major purpose of the one who will arise someday that will deceive people away from the real truth. So, we should better be careful because the end is near. We must be prepared for things that will happen someday.
Delete“Peace, peace they say, when there is no peace”, Jeremiah 6:14. The prophet Jeremiah rightly and perfectly said this verse during his time. The people were did all that was right in their own eyes. They all forsook the commandments of God. The prophets and priests told lies to the people saying, “they are in peace” but honestly Jeremiah keep telling them that there was no peace since the judgment of God to them is coming in the hands of Babylonians yet they wouldn't listen to Jeremiah.
ReplyDeleteThe government told us that there are peace process going on in Mindanao for these groups who want to handle these lands in that area. Even before Pres. Noynoy came, there are lots of peace talks going on right now. But as we look at the years from the previous presidents who told us about these peace talks, we can see and think that there is still no peace happened since the government armies and the leftist are still fighting in Mindanao. Where is peace then? For me, I don't think this peace will be realized since most of our leaders, not all, are using their positions to control these groups to accomplish their evil plans and in return, whatever benefits from both parties are receive that means both in a win-win situation. Both parties are happy, of course, but who suffers every time there is war? The families who lost their loved ones fighting this so-called peace talks that up until now never came. Soldiers are awarded when they die, they call it honor, bravery and patriotism. Lies told again and again. When will this be over?
World Interfaith Harmony Week is a good move by the pope in order to have harmony for all religions. This can probably leads peace for some religions who joins this event. Talking about different religions, this event would take a long process for religions to agree on the same issues. Yes, they will agree on the issue of peace, that's for sure, but they can't control their members in the whole world to do what they want to do, to harm other religions. For example, “A member of a certain religion is killed by another religion, can leaders control the families of the victims to have revenge, if their leader who joins in the said event is from another country? I don't think so. The religious sects who joins this event have the full support for this movement of the pope but can't give peace to everyone.
Peace in this earth is only temporary. There will only be a period of time for peace, the next is not. In Revelation 17 and 18 there will come a time that peace will come for certain kings and kingdoms who will have their support for the beast. This is what I'm afraid of. If ever, this World Interfaith Harmony will be realized, certain countries will be united and encourage by this movement of the pope. Certain countries will be in peace, but this will just be for a time being. “They will have of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast” (Rev. 17:13). I don't know if this is the time that the Apostle John is referring to. But it might be, possibly, that's why when talking of peace in this world that would come, for me, could mean the rising of AntiChrist. Is there gonna be peace? Yes, but only for a time being. “Peace, peace they say, when there is no peace”.
I admire the way you see things, Brother in Christ. Peace is just a vague concept in this world for true peace is when the old order will be destroyed. It just that they use to aid their own agenda and hide their true motives. Frankly, I would be surprise if there will be peace for Christians because our Lord Jesus Christ says, I have come not to bring peace but a sword". This means that Christians have died in the name of Jesus Christ and it will happen again.
DeleteHow we have peace if do not know what what the true peace is? We want peace but we do not live with it. We ask peace but we do not give it either. Romans 3"17 " and the way of peace they have not known" this verse gives us clear picture of where these people are standing now. How can we ask peace if we don't fear God and don't even know Him whom the source of peace? How can we receive peace if we not even know the way into it? Maybe not all of us knows that there's no such perfect human solution, it always fail. If one person believe that he can have true and lasting peace through his own strength and ways its a sign of failure in his life. It is only God who can give us the true peace that we are searching and desiring to experience. We cannot have this "peace" from any other person, any other thing, or any other solution that we have. Peace requires the power of an All-powerful and All-Knowing One who can do everything including those things that man cannot do and comprehend. " Mighty People" they call it, famous, influential, famous and intelligent people cannot even give peace for themselves, how much more this chaos in this world can have peace. This complete confusion and disorder that is happening to our world is not controlled by anything or anybody it is only God can control it. If all of our activities does not center God we cannot have orderliness and the " peace" that we desire.
DeleteIt's to bad though, that what you're thinking might truly happen end the times we do not expect. I am also sad to think that this peace coordination will be the silent agent to shut up the Christians. Christian like Paul, a radical one, who really want a change for the Lord, didn't tolerate the other pagan practices.Like this is the reason why we go and make disciples and teach those people but now because of the Inter-faith idea, do you think we'll still be able to make more way to reach and challenge their belief? I also do not say there is no way but the possibility is that we are becoming more limited than before. They said respect and understand is the common denominator asked from each belief. Do you have more things in mind so to challenge their belief having such this parameter or fence? Challenging their belief might be rude anyway, and I am afraid, it is going to be a violation of the law of the world? Then certainly, we're becoming more vulnerable and weak if I am not wrong, hope I am, but this time is going to be God's power to be displayed not only Christians' faith.
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DeletePeace is for me a gift that one can truly experience and that peace is found only in God. As Christians we have peace in God though we live in this world of darkness and though we face lots of challenges and trials here. True enough peace is what every individual need in this world. But, for sure they will never found peace unless they will know Christ and unless there is genuine change in each one's heart. It is God who can make a difference in each life. If one did not have Christ in his or her heart, all effort of finding peace will just fail. What happened in our world right now, though there will be lots of peace talks if pride will arise and nobody will choose to be humble, nothing will happen and peace will never be achieved. Peace can truly be experience by each one through Christ.
ReplyDeleteYeah it is true te soy that we can only find
DeletePeace is for me a gift that one can truly experience and that peace is found only in God. As Christians we have peace in God though we live in this world of darkness and though we face lots of challenges and trials here. True enough peace is what every individual need in this world. But, for sure they will never found peace unless they will know Christ and unless there is genuine change in each one's heart. It is God who can make a difference in each life. If one did not have Christ in his or her heart, all effort of finding peace will just fail. What happened in our world right now, though there will be lots of peace talks if pride will arise and nobody will choose to be humble, nothing will happen and peace will never be achieved. Peace can truly be experience by each one through Christ.
ReplyDeleteYes te soy we will not find peace true human effort. We can only have peace through Christ alone..even if they are trying there best ti find it. it will not be found because they do not come to Christ first.
DeleteYes te soy we will not find peace true human effort. We can only have peace through Christ alone..even if they are trying there best ti find it. it will not be found because they do not come to Christ first.
Deletepeople as we see through those sets of facts is indeed aware that there's a need for worldwide peace. and the movement done by the people who advocates for this cause is indeed on the proper general motivation to achieve peace. yet, what differs is how we implement and how we see things. this is what we call the enduring problem, all is wanting to have peace yet everyone sees deffirently on how to acheive it. and why is that so. certain factors affects it, say for example, we dont have same recognized physical leader. next, is we have different cultures and practices about certain matters. lastly, we have different types of belief. its not wrong to aim for world why peace but the reality in the long run, there's impossibility for it. as the Scripture has said that there would be coming wars and immorality. that's one of the reason why Jesus has to come. he will be the standard of all things. actions done by those people like the pope, for example interfaith meeting, its a good way but it will not achieve peace in the sense that not all people recognize the pope as the leader. we Christians for me, is indeed to stick on our main mission, that is to make disciples. other than than would be a case to case basis depending on situation and issues as long as we dont violate wat the Bible says
ReplyDeleteeventually as the leaders of the different countries discussed peace the war in arab countries continues and became worst. the truth is there will never be peace however people tried to find or even fight because the Bible tell so. it is true what you have stated that Jesus will be the standard of all things, amen.
DeleteYes braderrr. what you said is really true. There are so many factors that would stop or block this desire of man to have peace. That even though they are one in desiring peace, they still have different culture and different recognized physical leaders. There will still be a debate of who will lead in this unity. There will still be questions of who is to be followed and who is right. Jesus is the only one can answer all of this. He is the only standard and giver of peace.
Deletefor me interfaith is good but we cannot do things that is beyond our power we cannot stop this things to happen in this world. we all know that it was written in the scripture and the scripture will always come to pass. In doing Interfaith for me it is not so good way or good solution in order to have peace in this world. instead of that interfaith every christian organization or group will think ways how to spread the good news to every Filipinos. we cannot have peace without the help of our Lord. Jesus Christ already told his disciple about this things that there will be wars nation against nation and many things will happened as a sign of his coming. but in our situation right now we can see bad things everywhere in the world.Jesus will come back at the right time. we will only have peace through Jesus alone.
ReplyDeletefor me interfaith is good but we cannot do things that is beyond our power we cannot stop this things to happen in this world. we all know that it was written in the scripture and the scripture will always come to pass. In doing Interfaith for me it is not so good way or good solution in order to have peace in this world. instead of that interfaith every christian organization or group will think ways how to spread the good news to every Filipinos. we cannot have peace without the help of our Lord. Jesus Christ already told his disciple about this things that there will be wars nation against nation and many things will happened as a sign of his coming. but in our situation right now we can see bad things everywhere in the world.Jesus will come back at the right time. we will only have peace through Jesus alone.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed true that we can never find peace without the Lord...it is only in God's hand we can be safe and not being in God's hand would really be an unsafe place where there is no peace always...as for the things that are appear information right now, we can't deny the fact that God's prophesies areally happening and that His coming will not be that long...
DeleteThe earthly peace that we can have here on earth will never satisfy anyone. It will lead us to want more,or desire more. The pease agreements kkeep what the Pope imposes is not wrong at all, maybe it can somehow give us earthly peace, but what I said before, it is not a satisfying peace that we really want. I believe that peace doesn't start from a country, but from the individual. Because it is not the country that needs peace but the individuals themselves. As for the wars, I think it won't be stopped anymore, it is in the Bible, and because we are still living here on earth..the true source of satisfying peace will always be Gis, until time cones that we will be in heaven where no more wars or cries, pains and many more things that we don't want here on earth.
ReplyDeleteWhile waiting here on earth, it is not wrong for me to impose peace or to make steps to have peace, because that's what God wants us to do, to live III n harmony and to live without hurting anyone, although it seems impossible for me, because I believe that we won't have peace unless we have Jesus Christ in our lives. That peace does not mean no wars or no pains alone, that peace means even though there are wars or pains we still have peace or a sound of mind.
As for the interfaith, I can really see that the motiveis good and I'm nit against it, but I also think that it will be impossible, but well I don't know what is God's will, maybe...
There is no such a lovely place in the presence of peace. all the movement done was design for better result to achieve the goal of having peace. but the more it was talked about the more it was recognize and seems got worst. yes everyone desire to have it yet all the taken moves were neglected. thank God for those people who take the lead in make away to acquire the solution of the unending problem. In the old testament time the war has already waged in different angle of this world. hope for the worldwide peace is found in Christ alone. the action is depend upon us, it is the people's responsibility to take the initiative working as a whole, there is cooperation and consideration in each differences. there are many factors that affect its unresponsive action from the engagement of different organization all over the world for peace. however believers knows that we can't have by our own we need Jesus, we all need Jesus. He alone can gave us the true peace that this world cannot give.
ReplyDeleteAmen! peace can be only acquired in Christ.. apart from it there is none..
DeleteMy thought about this is that it is really good. For people seeks peace in the world and desires unity. That evevnthough men are all sinners, there is still a place in their hearts for world peace. That they have this desire in their hearts that war will end. That hatred and killing to each other will stop. That misunderstanding and debates among religious groups will cease. That pride among church leaders of who is right will be felt and seen no more. But eventhough this desire is very good, i don't think that this will lead us in acquiring peace. For how many years of man seeking peace in this world, peace is never achived. For how many times of doing peace talk, peace is never acquired and war still goes on.In fact, the Scripture speaks about this that war and famine will only just be the start Great Distress. For even at the time of Christ's second coming, there will be a great war between him with his armies against the beast and his followers. So peace can only be acquired or achieved when Jesus Christ will come again. When the beast will be captured and thrown in hell. Christ reign here on earth is the only way that we will achieved peace.
ReplyDeletePeace can be resolve by Christ alone which He is the prince of peace.. I agree with that thought of yours brother.. Peace within and out is made possible by Christ alone..
DeletePeople longs for world peace but is it possible? This topic is being considered not only by Christians but by adherents of every type of religion, every type of belief or unbelief, and every type of political persuasion. It is not limited to the neither United States, nor Philippines or to any color or culture. The whole world is seeking peace. We know a lot of headlines in the papers about tragedies happening which discourages us form the hope of having world peace. In Philippines, however, the need of peace has been only partially realized. We are remarkably comfortable and smug in this country. Most of us do not know what it is to be without homes, without food, and without any hope of the future as far as this world is concerned. No conqueror has ever come to our homes and told us to get out with only the clothes on our backs and to abandon all our earthly possessions. We have never lost our children through separation while fleeing from an enemy see what’s happening today with the government and the rebel group but in spite of the fact that we have suffered so little in comparison to many millions of the earth, even in America there is longing for peace. Nothing is more universal in the world today than the longing for peace. Not only is there longing for peace politically, but if one examines the faces of people as they hurry along their way many of them tell the unspoken story of a longing for peace, for rest of heart, and for the lifting of some burden or trouble. There is much sorrow and difficulty even in our nation where we are blessed with so many material things. Peace of heart is a wonderful fruit of the Holy Spirit which is possible for believers in Christ. Even if war should come, Christians could have peace. This fact, so significant in itself, only emphasizes the need for world peace. Can the God who gives peace to the heart also give peace to the world? Can we have peace in our time? What does the Bible teach? It is well to recognize that the Bible says a great deal about peace. It is unfortunate that many Christians do not know what the Bible teaches on this subject. Many passages in the Bible speak of a coming time when the nations of the world will be at peace one with the other. For instance, in Psalm 72, Isaiah 2:4, and in Isaiah 9:7 there are many references to peace which predict that the Lord Jesus Christ will bring peace at His second coming. There are many predictions in the Old Testament of the time of peace, a time when nations will give up their instruments of war and turn them into instruments of peace. Why have these Scriptures predicting world peace not been fulfilled? Why is it that today? The answer to this question is quite clear. The Scriptures reveal that the peace which is promised the world is connected with the coming of the Messiah who is the Lord Jesus Christ. . In the Old Testament Israel longed for peace and did not have it because they were not willing to yield their hearts and lives to God. They were not willing to believe the Word of God. As a result, many sad trials came to them. They were warned that they would lose their homes, be led off into captivity, and be separated forever from their children. They experienced all these pangs of heart because they were not willing to let God have His way. The prophets accordingly exhort the people to turn back to God. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 a typical word of exhortation and promise is given: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” No amount of military arms will ever give us peace. It may serve as an expedient. We recognize the necessity of armed might, but it will not bring peace. Only Christ can bring peace. There will be no peace, according to the Scriptures, until Christ brings it.
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