ROB513....

Not taking the Old Testament above Jesus.

On a personal level. The spirit of Jesus words "Love your enemies" applies. On a State level, Romans 13:1-5 applies.

Note I said the 'spirit' of Jesus words ?

Read the whole sermon on the mount... 'Gouge your eye out' if it sins.
...allows 2 sins. Hands.. cut them off... allows 2 more sins.

The spirit of those words ? "put sin as far away from your heart as possible"..

"Love your enemies" ?

PAUL Romans 12:14

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath.

COMMENT. "Evil" is where actions stem from sadistic pleasure.
It does not mean you cannot see justice done.
"What is right in the eyes of everybody" (eye for an eye is LIMITING punishment to the crime committed)

"Revenge" is about personal and carnal satisfaction, rather than justice. Yes, God will judge (for eternity), but in the mean time, justice must be upheld (See Rom 13)

cheers

DB Now you are putting the vindictive, self-appointed apostle Paul above Jesus - Jesus!

Dear Rob... its not a matter of one above the other.

I don't find Paul to be vindictive... any reason for you to say that ?

Apart from that.. please have a look at this, its most important.

http://islamicsydney.com/story.php?id=2996
and this
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/local-push-for-islamic-state/2007/01/08/1168104922239.html

And.. it might give you an inkling of why my concern is so strong.
You might also have a quick peak at the underlying mindset framework of the above by referring to this additional information (compiled by myself)
http://www.truetruth.wikispaces.com

You will clearly see from this, that the reference in the story to 'peaceful' means is quite deceptive based on Islamic history.

I hope and pray that you can see past what at the present time seem to be some spiritual barriers to full committment, and eventually come to share the life which is in Christ.