The Death Penalty

[BrotherEastman]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

Do you know that he has chosen so?

We have to go through this again? Do you know that he has not chosen so? Once again read Gen 9:6.

[BrotherEastman]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

One reason would be that WE would mean the church.

The secular judicial system are not the body of Christ and are not God's hands.

The church is the Body of Christ.

Neither were the armies that terrorized Isreal over and over, but God still used them.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by BrotherEastman

Would that be because prisoners are taking advantage of the system? If our prisons were really prisons, then they wouldn't want to go back.

Punishment will never be severe enough to redeem a man whether it be spiritually or simply in a manner of civic redemption.

Harsher punishments do not make nicer men.

Rehabilitation is the key. Real rehabilitation.

This would, to me, require the church becoming more active in the prisons (did not Jesus say I was in prison and you visited me not).

Jesus IS the answer... we have the answer.

Punishing them harder won't show them a better way. If they have their time to serve... then they need to serve it... but they need a real, relevant, one foot in front of the other rehabilitation that comes from the word & spirit of God.

That is their only hope. What is born of the flesh is flesh. They need a new birth.

[BrotherEastman]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

Punishment will never be severe enough to redeem a man whether it be spiritually or simply in a manner of civic redemption.

Harsher punishments do not make nicer men.

Rehabilitation is the key. Real rehabilitation.

This would, to me, require the church becoming more active in the prisons (did not Jesus say I was in prison and you visited me not).

Jesus IS the answer... we have the answer.

Punishing them harder won't show them a better way. If they have their time to serve... then they need to serve it... but they need a real, relevant, one foot in front of the other rehabilitation that comes from the word & spirit of God.

That is their only hope. What is born of the flesh is flesh. They need a new birth.

I agree with this post.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by BrotherEastman

Neither were the armies that terrorized Isreal over and over, but God still used them.

Used them to do what?

Bring his own people back to truth.

When the church is out of step with God then our ability to be his hands and feet is compromised. In those times God used an outside hand.

When the church is in step with God then there is no need nor desire for an outside source to be his hands & feet.

[BrotherEastman]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

Used them to do what?

Bring his own people back to truth.

When the church is out of step with God then our ability to be his hands and feet is compromised. In those times God used an outside hand.

When the church is in step with God then there is no need nor desire for an outside source to be his hands & feet.

Not all were brought back to truth, for they died with the use of ARMIES!

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by BrotherEastman

Not all were brought back to truth, for they died with the use of ARMIES!

But the point remains...

The armies were used because God's people had forgotten him. When God's people had not forgotten Him then there was never a need for such outside intervention.

[BrotherEastman]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

But the point remains...

The armies were used because God's people had forgotten him. When God's people had not forgotten Him then there was never a need for such outside intervention.

I agree with the point that remains, thats why I said what I said. People died with the use of an Army that God used.

[James Griffin]

Originally Posted by BrotherEastman

I'm all for showing love, and you are making some good points. I have nothing against our prison system, I just do not understand why thier is no evedence of the so called rehab that these prisoners fail to exhibit with a track record that keeps growing.

There are two reasons in my opinion.

The state is making no attempt at rehabilitation especially in the areas of those imprisoned primarily for drug use offenses. Getting out of jail without counseling, usually on a very strict parole. Now with the added pressure of being a convicted felon. (Try getting a job with that on your resume). Those who participate in classes, vocational training and the such like do stand a marginally better chance of staying out. So while I have no problem whatsoever with creature comforts being limited I would not want to limit things like being about to earn an honest living upon release. The current philosophy and application is overwhelmingly punishment period. They are being taught society's value is an eye for an eye.

Which brings to part two- The failure of the church as a whole to reach them. Permanent change is heart change. There are some sterling examples of prison ministry, but not enough is being done to reach the millions, yes I said millions we have in jail. But even then we feel our job is done when we have revival in jail. However, as be pointed out jail house religion is easy. Who supports them when they get out? Not the state and definitely not the church!! We pretty wash our hands once they are out, but that is when the most help is needed.

[James Griffin]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

Punishment will never be severe enough to redeem a man whether it be spiritually or simply in a manner of civic redemption.

Harsher punishments do not make nicer men.

Rehabilitation is the key. Real rehabilitation.

This would, to me, require the church becoming more active in the prisons (did not Jesus say I was in prison and you visited me not).

Jesus IS the answer... we have the answer.

Punishing them harder won't show them a better way. If they have their time to serve... then they need to serve it... but they need a real, relevant, one foot in front of the other rehabilitation that comes from the word & spirit of God.

That is their only hope. What is born of the flesh is flesh. They need a new birth.

Sorry Digg, I had already posted to an earlier response before I read your excellent answer.

JAG