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@Knittinggrace here are some of my thoughts on the matter.
“The church doesn’t need freedom of religion to move forward.” This is true. But the Church should work and fight for the freedom of religion because it is the right thing to do. Without the freedom of religion, godless bullies wreak havoc on countless victims. Freedom of religion is a matter for justice, like feeding the poor or defending the weak.
“My kingdom is not of this world,” is better translated “My kingdom is not from this world,” as in, originating from this world. But without question, Jesus’ Kingdom is FOR this world. As Jesus taught us to pray: “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
@KarlGessler @Knittinggrace Thanks, Karl. I have been thinking about these very things the past few weeks. You did a great job of putting it into words. One thing that really stood out to me lately was that Jesus said ALL authority has been given to Him (in heaven AND on earth) and then He gave a command. We don't need permission from earthly governments to follow the orders of the One with this kind of authority. Anyone who opposes these orders is in serious danger.