All In The Name of God (John 16:2)

I was skimming through a world history book the other evening and lamented the long bloody history of wars fought in the name of religion. Conflicts between Christians and other religious groups; conflicts within Christianity between Protestant and Catholic; conflicts within Islam between Sunni and Shia. The list is endless and shameful.

Jesus warned His disciples that the time was coming when many of their fellow countrymen would seek to kill them, justifying their actions by stating that they were doing it in the name of God. In reality, their motives were motivated by hate and prejudice. This prophecy definitely came true within a few years. But even to this day, the prophecy is being fulfilled as we hear and witness violent acts performed as a service unto God.

They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.
John 16:2 (ESV)

There is only one God. We are commanded to share the Good News of the Gospel to everyone. We are not commanded to physically abuse or coerce anyone to accept our beliefs. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to draw a person to Him and convict them of their sins, leading them to repentance and to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

And when that happens, our actions and motives will be directed by God and not by our own selfish motives. We will preaching and telling the world about the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Gospel.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.