HUMAN RIGHTS vs KINGDOM Living

HUMAN RIGHTS vs. KINGDOM Living

A mature FOLLOWER of CHRIST knows the difference between “human rights” and KINGDOM living:

Denying ONESELF: A FOLLOWER of CHRIST understands the importance of self-denial, as emphasized by Jesus in Matthew 16:24-26. Mature FOLLOWERS of CHRIST willingly put aside personal desires, selfishness, and worldly attachments to follow Christ wholeheartedly through God's grace.

Surrendering Personal Rights: Mature FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST recognize following Jesus requires surrendering their personal rights. They willingly give up the right to seek revenge, the right to a comfortable home, the right to a good reputation, the right to spend money freely, the right to hate enemies, the right to be honored and served, the right to understand God's plan fully, the right to live by one's own rules, the right to hold grudges, the right to complain, the right to put oneself first, the right to express sexuality freely, and the right to rebel against authority.

Aligning with God's WILL: By denying their rights and embracing Jesus's teachings, mature FOLLOWERS of CHRIST trust GRACE to align their lives with God's will. Their actions and attitudes demonstrate selflessness, love, humility, and obedience by Grace through Faith working by LOVE.

Trusting God's Justice and Righteousness: Mature FOLLOWERS of CHRIST recognize that human rights, though well-intentioned, cannot ensure everyone is treated with respect, equality, and justice. INSTEAD, mature FOLLOWERS of CHRIST trust in God's ultimate justice and righteousness, knowing He is THE ONLY ONE who can create a just and equitable KINGDOM where all individuals flourish.

Coming Out of Babylon: Mature FOLLOWERS of CHRIST understand the call to "come out of Babylon" as a metaphorical invitation to separate themselves from the corrupt and worldly systems that oppose God. They reject the values, practices, and false teachings associated with these systems, and BY GRACE, they obey God's truth.

Dying to Self: Mature FOLLOWERS of CHRIST grasp the concept of dying to self, which involves putting aside the desires of the flesh, selfishness, self-righteousness, and rebellion. They understand that denying oneself is a daily process of surrendering to God's will and following Jesus, relying on His grace and power.

Experiencing the Transformative Power of God's Grace: Mature Christians recognize that denying their human rights and embracing KINGDOM living is not a burdensome duty but a path to experiencing the transformative power of God's grace. Mature FOLLOWERS of CHRIST understand that it is through God's grace that they can deny themselves, grow in Christlikeness, and bring glory to God.

KINGDOM Living is the CENTRAL REASON to BECOME a FOLLOWER of CHRIST

Denying oneself is indeed a central aspect of Christian discipleship and KINGDOM Living, as emphasized by Jesus in Matthew 16:24-26. It involves putting aside personal desires, selfishness, and worldly attachments to follow Christ by GRACE wholeheartedly.

The passages and examples mentioned here highlight various rights and privileges that believers surrender for the sake of their Christian faith through Grace.

By denying “Human Rights” and embracing the teachings of Jesus, we are trusting God's Grace to provide EVERYTHING. By trusting the Grace o God to meet all of our needs, we demonstrate selflessness, love, and humility, and we glorify HIM. By denying oneself BY GRACE, Christians become more Christlike BECAUSE WE KNOW the transformative power of God's grace.

JESUS WAS AND IS ABSOLUTELY SELFLESS; HE HAD NO SIN!

Jesus CLEARLY DENIED ALL HIS RIGHTS, EVERYONE OF THEM. Jesus emphasized the importance of selflessness, love, and surrendering personal rights for the sake of others. There is no other way to put it, "human rights" are inherently contrary to Jesus' teachings, and therefore "human rights" as we know them today are anti-Christ.

HUMAN RIGHTS, defended and declared by HUMANS, at their core, are a set of principles and values that recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. THAT IS AWESOME! But those who have defined "human rights" have FAILED MISERABLY to protect them. The truth is, we are in a FALLEN World, and the world is RIGGED AGAINST US. Jesus came to change that, AND HE DID. Apart from Christ, we can do NOTHING. Fighting for our human rights HAS PROVED MY POINT.

Good-intentioned humans CANNOT declare and define HUMAN RIGHTS and then ensure everyone is treated with respect, equality, and justice. If they could, they would. Declaring "Human Rights" have good intentions indeed, but still, "human rights" are a myth that can’t be achieved no matter how hard HUMANS try.

There is a REASON why Jesus taught about selflessness and prioritizing the needs of others; He also valued the dignity and worth of each person, AS He claimed WE ARE ALL PRICELESS CHILDREN OF GOD and worthy of His suffering, sacrifice, and death!

The TRUTH IS the modern concept of "human rights" does not align with the Biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself. Advocating for human rights unintentionally and ignorantly promotes self-defense, self-centeredness, self-concern, self-promotion, self-ambition, self-righteousness, and EVERY KIND of SELFISHNESS. Human rights proponents do not trust God to create a just and equitable KINGDOM where all individuals can flourish, so they create the illusion of HUMAN RIGHTS.

Human Rights activists trust HUMANS and HUMAN efforts to protect HUMAN RIGHTS but do not seek God, OUR CREATOR; they deny GOD and HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS and have no love for the truth. People backing the modern human rights movement intentionally or unintentionally deny God and Jesus completely.

Fighting for our own human rights is inherently wrong and contrary to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. DYING to SELF IS THE COMMAND JESUS GAVE US. And, if we FOLLOW HIM, He promises that He will PROVIDE EVERYTHING WE NEED FOR A LIFE OF GODLINESS through Grace. That's AMAZING GRACE!

Ultimately, interpreting and applying the fight to promote and protect "human rights" in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is WRONG IN EVERYWAY. Either WE believe in HUMAN INSTINCTS, or we DENY SELF and FOLLOW JESUS and TRUST the GRACE of GOD alone. 

COME OUT OF BABYLON!

In the Bible, Babylon has multiple meanings and symbolisms. It refers to the historical city of Babylon, a significantly humanistic empire in ancient Mesopotamia. Babylon was known for its power, wealth, and idolatrous practices. The city's prominence and its role in Israel's history make it a powerful symbol in biblical literature.

When someone states, "Come out of Babylon," they often refer to a metaphorical Babylon rather than the physical city. In the context of the New Testament, particularly in the book of Revelation, "Babylon" is used as a symbol for a corrupt and worldly system opposed to God. It represents the forces of evil, spiritual idolatry, and immorality.

The call to "come out of Babylon" is an invitation to separate oneself from the influence and enticements of this world's corrupt system. It urges believers to reject ALL values, practices, and false teachings associated with it. It's a call to live in obedience to God and to distance oneself from anything that contradicts His truth.

The origins of Babylon with Nimrod, as mentioned in Genesis 10:8, highlight the city's beginnings as a place of pride, rebellion, and the worship of false gods. The story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11 portrays the arrogance of the people in their attempt to reach the heavens and become like God. God responded by confusing their languages and scattering them throughout the earth, thus disrupting their plans.

Throughout the Bible, Babylon is often used as a symbol of judgment. God used Babylon as an instrument of His judgment against Israel and other nations due to their wickedness. Babylon's destruction and downfall serve as a reminder of the consequences of rebellion and immorality.

In the book of Revelation, the fall of Babylon is prophesied, representing the ultimate judgment and destruction of the corrupt system opposed to God. The imagery of Babylon in this book portrays the downfall of evil powers and the ultimate triumph of God's KINGDOM.

Metaphorical Babylon represents a system characterized by rebellion, idolatry, immorality, and opposition to God. The call to "come out of Babylon" is an exhortation for believers to separate themselves from such influences and to align themselves with God's truth and righteousness.

Just a few Biblical Ways We CAN Deny Ourself and bring GLORY TO GOD, our Father!

Jesus made it clear for any who desires to follow after Him. The key, the first step, the gateway to entering into a fruitful, joyful discipleship relationship with Him, is to “deny yourself.” Deny yourself refers to dying TO SELF, which is FLESH.

Flesh refers to DYING COMPLETELY to many EVIL, DARK, twisted, and perverted things, including the lust of the flesh, personal rights, human rights, self-righteousness, self-defense, self-awareness, self-consciousness, selfishness, and every form of rebellion, arrogance, pride, and hatred.

Matthew 16:24–26 (NKJV) “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?’”

Deny yourself. It sounds simple enough. It’s not that simple for many. I’ve met many men and women who gloss over this important command to deny self. Others pick and choose how they will sort of deny themselves “things,” “episodes,” and unwanted things. They approach their Christian lives like going through their closet and pulling out the things for Goodwill. I don’t want them anymore anyway, so let’s give them away and make room for new things I will purchase for myself.

Are you searching high and low for the “secret” to a fulfilling life IN CHRIST? The answer is super simple; it’s absolutely 100% GOD’S GRACE!

The only way to enjoy the gracious blessings of God in THIS LIFE is to learn to give up your RIGHTS daily, moment by moment, and INSTEAD, choose to FOLLOW HIM because you can, through HIS GRACE.

Jesus came to earth to take upon ALL SIN and DIE. To accomplish this, HE WAS SINLESS. He DENIED HIMSELF, picked up a CROSS, and GAVE UP HIS LIFE to SAVE ALL OF CREATION. Jesus was the most RIGHT person in the history of mankind, yet He was treated like a thief and a murderer (AND DID NOT DEFEND HIMSELF)

Yes, JESUS was PERFECT yet ACCUSED of MANY EVIL THINGS, and did not defend Himself. Instead, in all of God's incredible wisdom, JESUS DID NOT DEFEND HIMSELF and instead TRUSTED HIS FATHER.

Jesus, the RIGHTEOUSNESS of GOD, was put to death as a sinner even though HE IS THE most innocent man ever to live. Jesus could have defended Himself, yet HE DID NOT. He did nothing to DEFEND HIMSELF.

Jesus, the WORD OF GOD, the SON OF GOD, who is LOVE and who made EVERYTHING IN LOVE, for LOVE, did not defend himself and instead CHOOSE to go upon the CROSS to suffer and die.

Jesus had every right to defend HIMSELF and had all the authority to defend Himself, but he chose to obey HIS FATHER’S Command and denied ALL RIGHTS. Jesus willingly gave us his rights for LOVE, LOVE FOR US, and LOVE for HIS FATHER.

IN CHRIST, we give up the right to take revenge (Rom. 12:19–20) Romans 12:19–20 (NLT) “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.’”

TRANSFORMED INTO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST, we give up the right to have a comfortable, secure home (Luke 9:57–58). Luke 9:57–58 (NLT) “As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ But Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.’”

Having THE MIND OF CHRIST, we give up the right to a good reputation (Matt. 5:11). Matthew 5:11 (NLT) “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.”

As an AMBASSADOR of Heaven, representing the KING in His KINGDOM, Jesus, we give up the right to spend money however we please (Matt. 6:19–21). Matthew 6:19–21 (NLT) “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

SAVED by GRACE, fully forgiven and accepted by the FATHER by the blood of Christ, we give up the right to hate an enemy (Matt. 5:43–47). Matthew 5:43–47 (NLT) “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.”

We have received the full humility of Jesus so that we can easily give up the right to be honored and served (Mark 10:42–45). Mark 10:42–45 (NLT) “So Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”

Knowing that Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, and the Father all intercede for us, for all mankind, we give up the right to understand God’s plan before we obey him (Heb. 11:8). Hebrews 11:8 (NLT) “It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.”

Knowing God’s incredible MERCY and FAITHFULNESS, we give up the right to live by our own rules (John 14:23–24). John 14:23–24 (NLT) “Jesus replied, ‘All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me.’”

Jesus the SINLESS ONE, the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD FORGAVE US ALL of EVERY SIN, EVERY FAULT, EVERY FAILURE, so we give up the right to hold a grudge (Col. 3:13). Colossians 3:13 (NLT) “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

Jesus went willingly in great JOY, went to the Cross, and suffered horribly to give all of us eternal life when we did not, and could not deserve it, ever. So, we give up any and all rights to complain (Phil. 2:14, 1 Thess. 5:18). Philippians 2:14 (NLT) “Do everything without complaining and arguing,” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

Jesus, the WORD of GOD and the SON of GOD, humbled HIMSELF and became a man, suffered, and died to save us. JESUS put ALL of MANKIND and ALL of the CREATION before Himself; therefore, we give up the right to put ourselves first (Phil. 2:3–4). Philippians 2:3–4 (NLT) “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

Jesus is LOVE and called us to ABIDE in HIS LOVE with the intention of TRANSFORMING us into LOVE. Therefore, we give up the right to express one’s sexuality freely (1 Cor. 6:18–20). 1 Corinthians 6:18–20 (NLT) “Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”

Having the PEACE with GOD the Father, being REDEEMED and RESTORED to the Father by Grace, we HUMBLY give up the right to rebel against authority (1 Peter 2:13–15). 1 Peter 2:13–15 (NLT) “For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you.”

Jesus made it clear for any and all who desire to follow after Him. The key, the first step, the gateway to entering into a fruitful, joyful discipleship relationship with Him, is to “DENY YOURSELF.” There is no way to spin this truth differently, to soften it, twist it, or paint it in any other light. Jesus’ enter LIFE WAS SELFLESS. There was no SELF in Jesus. Therefore, with NO SELF, Jesus was sinless. SIN is SELF, and SELF is SIN.