2 AUG 2023 · Ever wondered what Just War Theory is all about? Well, we've got you covered! In a nutshell, Just War Theory is a set of ethical principles used to assess the morality of using military force. But here's the kicker—we need to explore it from a critical perspective, especially for those of us who strive to follow Christ's teachings of peace. Related Video: Just War Theory vs Jesus Christ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5TV7OrJaws Just War Theory acknowledges that war and violence are generally seen as negative, but it proposes that there may be certain situations where the use of force is deemed necessary and justifiable. Key principles of just war theory include the idea that the use of force should be a last resort, that it should be used to achieve a just end, and that it should be conducted in a way that is proportional to the harm being addressed. However, as peacemakers in Christ, we must question and examine this theory through a different lens that values Christ’s commands above the tradition of men. If you're interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Just War Theory and exploring its implications from a critical perspective, we invite you to watch this short and enlightening 10-minute video clip by Jerry Robinson. https://youtu.be/HMJt1zDs17E Jerry offers insights that challenge the conventional narrative and provoke thoughtful consideration. Let's pursue peace in all that we do! This clip is an excerpt from our full-length video on this topic entitled: "Just War Theory vs Jesus Christ." You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/A5TV7OrJaws

15 MAY 2023 · “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12) Has your love grown cold? The love of many has grown cold in America (and around the world,) which explains why so many today prefer hatred of enemies over Christ’s law of enemy love. Enemy love is an unpopular message both in the pews and the pulpits. (Let alone outside the four walls of the church.) When we hate our enemies, we become what we hate. This is the way of death. The way of life is found in peace and love with both friends and enemies. We know this because of the nonviolent love of both friends and enemies modeled by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The way of life is the way of peace not found in carnal weapons. The true gospel (GOOD news) of Jesus Christ is a gospel of peace that calls men to walk in the way of peace as they follow their Prince of Peace. Press into Jesus for He is our peace. Keep reading online here: https://truerichesradio.com/has-your-love-grown-cold/

21 APR 2023 · In this latest episode, Bible teacher/author Jerry Robinson explores the profound and often misunderstood teaching of Jesus on turning the other cheek. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus famously issued this radical command to all who would follow Him: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." (Matthew https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpqJZLxKE9g&t=338s,39) This powerful message of forgiveness has the potential to transform our lives and the world around us, but what exactly did Jesus mean when he told his followers to "turn the other cheek?" As a Christian for many years, I must say that I’ve heard many explanations of this passage that usually suggest that it is not about violence but more about “interpersonal relationships.” Strangely, I’ve rarely (if ever) heard a sermon that digs into the Old Testament context of Christ’s command. In fact, one simple way to understand what Jesus meant by this command is to look at the context of the Mosaic law that Christ is referring to. Namely, the Old Testament command "eye for eye, tooth for tooth." The phrase "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" is part of the legal code in the Torah and is often referred to as the law of retaliation or lex talionis. The principle of lex talionis is an ancient legal concept that was adopted by various legal systems and is reflected in various religious texts, including the Old Testament. In essence, it is the idea that a punishment should fit the crime, or that the punishment should be proportional to the harm caused. This phrase appears three times in the Mosaic law. 1) Exodus 21:24 - In this passage, the law is in reference to a pregnant woman who is maimed or murdered as a result of two men who are fighting/warring. 2) Leviticus 24:20 - This passage refers to a person who is “disfigured” (i.e. injured) by another man. 3) Deuteronomy 19:21 - This passage refers to a person who is being falsely accused of a capital offense (likely worthy of death) by a false witness. In all these cases, retaliation against the guilty party is demanded in proportion to the harm caused. In this episode, we take a deep dive into these biblical texts and examine the historical context that Jesus’ audience knew well to gain a clearer understanding of Christ’s radical command to not repay evil for evil, even to one’s enemies.

10 APR 2023 · What does the Bible say about good and evil? In this next video episode of the Rethink series, teacher/author Jerry Robinson tackles the topic of good and evil. Jerry begins with a basic review of God's good creation to reveal that God only does and makes "good" things. Next, he examines the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and provides a simple, but often overlooked, explanation for what the text is revealing to us about God's true nature. Later, Jerry explains what it means that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil by acknowledging the existence of "the evil one." This teaching uncovers the hidden tracks of "the evil one" throughout the scriptures and shows how God defeated the adversary's darkness with light. It will also challenge you to "rethink" what scripture reveals about good and evil and includes numerous insights and eye-opening details about God's eternal goodness. Learn more about Jerry Robinson and our ministry work at https://truerichesradio.com

27 FEB 2023 · One of the greatest questions that faced the early church was whether Christians could join the military and participate in war. When the question of Christians joining the military and using the sword arises, inevitably someone will turn to Matthew 8:5-13 where Christ publicly praises the faith of a Roman centurion (soldier) who requests a miracle. Put simply, the Centurion’s “faith” coupled with Christ's silence on the Centurion's occupation has long been used as a reason why Christians can join the military. Here’s what the Bible says: “And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." (Matthew 8:5-13) The logic goes like this: Since Christ applauded the Centurion’s faith, and because Christ does not explicitly command the soldier to forsake his military occupation, it must mean that Jesus supports the idea of Christians joining the military. But is that really what is going on in this Biblical account? Are we to assume that Jesus approves of His followers joining the military simply because he was silent on the Centurion’s choice of occupation? In this new teaching, we dive headlong into this question and many others in an attempt to discern how Christ's followers are to respond to military service. We will also consider other examples of Centurions throughout the New Testament in our investigation. Learn more about Jerry Robinson and our ministry work at https://truerichesradio.com

26 JAN 2023 · Have you ever questioned the morality of Christian involvement in war? It's a complex and nuanced topic that has been debated for centuries within the Christian community. On one hand, the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ came to bring peace and that Christians are called to love their enemies and turn the other cheek. On the other hand, there are passages in the Old Testament that seem to condone violence and warfare. One way to understand the Christian perspective on war is through the concept of just war theory. Just war theory is a framework that attempts to justify the use of military force by examining whether a war is morally justifiable. According to just war theory, a war can be considered just if it is fought for a just cause, such as self-defense or protecting the innocent; if it is fought using proportionate means; and if it is fought with the intention of achieving a lasting peace. Many Christians believe that just war theory provides a way to reconcile the Bible's teachings on peace and nonviolence with the reality of a fallen world in which war and violence sometimes seem necessary. The Church's long and enduring "Just War" tradition has made it morally "safe" for many Christian leaders to be pro-military at all times and to support America's wars without any pause or hesitation. Because wars can be just, the idea goes, followers of Christ should not only support them, they should participate in them. The Just War tradition carves out a well-reasoned justification for Christians, who are not even allowed to hate their enemies or sue at law, to kill their enemies. Of course, Christ's commands to love one's enemies are nowhere to be found in the many criteria of the so-called "Christian" Just War theory. Let's be honest. Just War theory openly rejects the way of Christ in preference of homicidal violence as a means of conflict resolution. None of its criteria consult Him, let alone acknowledge Christ's existence. Just War doctrine reads as if Christ never came and never existed. Sadly, this is the moral measuring stick used by many Christians for deciding when homicidal violence is justified or unjustified. And the way that the Just War theory works is that as long as the war is "just", the killing is not "murder." That's the way the theory works. But let's not forget that if the war does not meet ALL of the Just War criteria, then the war is "unjust" and the killing is "murder." Do you find it strange that none of the Christian Just War advocates are willing to explain exactly how the Pentagon's methods, means, and conduct satisfy the Just War criteria? When was the last time you heard a sermon about just war or just homicide? Ever heard a sermon about "unjust" wars? Are all of America's wars "just" now? Does the theory that greenlights Christian participation in war have no criteria today except our own lusts and desires? In this new teaching from our ongoing Rethink series, by Bible teacher Jerry Robinson will share why he rejects the Christian nature of the Just War Theory. In this teaching, you will learn about: - Christ's nonviolent love of friends and enemies - The Apostle's nonviolent love of friends and enemies - The nonviolent and antiwar roots of the early church - The ancient origins and wide-ranging history of the Just War theory - How "Just War" came to be considered a "Christian" revelation superior to Christ's commands to love one's enemy - Why Christians should rethink Just War theory and consider a more Christ-centered approach to conflict resolution While the world may continue to war after Christ's resurrection and ascension, it does not follow that Christians must join the world in waging its wars in order to be considered virtuous. If there was ever a time to adopt a more Christ-centered approach to military warfare, when better than our present nuclear age? Ultimately, whether or not Christians should participate in war will come down to our consciences and our interpretation of Christ's commands. The question we must all answer for ourselves is this: "Can I rightly keep Christ's commands to love my enemies by killing them?" Learn more about Jerry Robinson and our ministry work at https://truerichesradio.com

27 DEC 2022 · Watch the video teaching here: https://youtu.be/37TtcOqyKA8 In this new video teaching, Bible teacher/author Jerry Robinson takes you on a deep dive into understanding what the New Testament says about the topic of peace. Specifically, Jerry focuses this teaching on: - The Prince of Peace - The way of peace - The gospel of peace The world doesn't know peace. Any peace it claims to have is short-lived and always ends in more war and savagery. Those who are spiritually lost have a deep yearning for peace, but cannot attain it in their own strength. And yet, followers of Christ have the peace of God permanently ruling in their hearts and minds. And the world is unable to take this peace from them. This teaching is filled with many important insights and eye-opening details that will challenge you to rethink the importance of a proper Christian understanding of peace. Learn more about Jerry Robinson and our ministry work at https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0YxTElLNy1FOTEzS09QeUlELTA5RzFKN29qQXxBQ3Jtc0trd0ZaMjlGQ3MyUHROUWcxVHAwMlZJZEtNZnE3ZkZ3VjZxb1Q2ZzdQMG1Nd3RIZHJROFpfblZHZ3I2dXY4ZmxVUXJJQmlPdEdBaWdRdTJmNmFSZlhmbzdaYjMzRHpMMnhSYkR6MW1yZjBJZ0xLdU5mYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftruerichesradio.com%2F&v=vj25iuuTRqY

20 DEC 2022 · Watch the video teaching here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQSUtgDqjpg What does the Bible say about rebels and rebellion against authority? In this second episode of the Rethink series, teacher/author Jerry Robinson tackles the thorny topic of rebellion. Whether it’s rebellion against parents, the governing authorities, or God, the Bible warns us to avoid the path of the rebel. "My son, fear the LORD and the king; And do not associate with those who are given to change [of allegiance, and are revolutionary], For their tragedy will rise suddenly, And who knows the punishment that both [the LORD and the king] will bring on the rebellious? (Proverbs 24:21,22 AMP) Unfortunately, we live in an age that prizes rebellion and praises rebels. This teaching is filled with many important insights and eye-opening details that will challenge you to rethink the importance of a proper Christian understanding of rebellion against authority and God's order. Learn more about Jerry Robinson and our ministry work at https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0YxTElLNy1FOTEzS09QeUlELTA5RzFKN29qQXxBQ3Jtc0trd0ZaMjlGQ3MyUHROUWcxVHAwMlZJZEtNZnE3ZkZ3VjZxb1Q2ZzdQMG1Nd3RIZHJROFpfblZHZ3I2dXY4ZmxVUXJJQmlPdEdBaWdRdTJmNmFSZlhmbzdaYjMzRHpMMnhSYkR6MW1yZjBJZ0xLdU5mYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftruerichesradio.com%2F&v=vj25iuuTRqY

19 DEC 2022 · When you think of America’s founding father Thomas Jefferson, what comes to mind? Some might point to his writing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence or his establishment of the University of Virginia. Others might recall Jefferson as the third President of the United States who helped lead the infant American nation through its early turbulent period. In this new teaching, Bible teacher/author Jerry Robinson takes you on a deep dive into the spiritual beliefs of Thomas Jefferson. This teaching is filled with many important insights and eye-opening details that will challenge you to rethink the propositions of Thomas Jefferson. Learn more about Jerry Robinson and our ministry work at https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0YxTElLNy1FOTEzS09QeUlELTA5RzFKN29qQXxBQ3Jtc0trd0ZaMjlGQ3MyUHROUWcxVHAwMlZJZEtNZnE3ZkZ3VjZxb1Q2ZzdQMG1Nd3RIZHJROFpfblZHZ3I2dXY4ZmxVUXJJQmlPdEdBaWdRdTJmNmFSZlhmbzdaYjMzRHpMMnhSYkR6MW1yZjBJZ0xLdU5mYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftruerichesradio.com%2F&v=vj25iuuTRqY

29 SEP 2022 · When you think of Adolf Hitler, what comes to mind? For most, the name Hitler conjures thoughts of the Nazi regime that terrorized continental Europe throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Others will recall Hitler as the visionary engineer of the Nazi-led Holocaust, which led Germany to systematically enslave and murder millions of Jews and other minority groups in an effort to purge the Aryan (white) race of the defiling presence of “impure” and “inferior” races. But few, if any, living in the 21st century would readily link the historically despised Adolf Hitler with the name of one of America’s most prominent founding fathers: Thomas Jefferson. However, in this article, I want to focus your attention on five important beliefs that both of these men (Adolf Hitler and Thomas Jefferson) shared in common regarding the topics of Jesus Christ, the Bible, and the Christian Church. As we begin, we do well to recall the words of President Harry Truman as he reminds us that “the only thing new in the world is the history you don’t know.” Read the entire article online: https://truerichesradio.com/five-religious-views-shared-by-adolf-hitler-and-thomas-jefferson/