Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - a man's enemies will be the members of his own household (Matt. 10:34-36 NIV).Christ is pure, peaceable, and loving; but the effect of his message being contrary to men's pride and lust will cause division. As a result of the cross and the preaching of the gospel. Christ came to make peace with God for men, and to give the Gospel of peace, and spiritual and eternal peace to men; but not external peace. But a sword that I may divide. The Gospel is the sword of the Spirit, which divides asunder soul and spirit, and separates a man from his former principles and practices; and sets men apart from one another, even the nearest relations, at the greatest distance because of the sin of man. Which gives the occasion of great contention, discord, and division. Let us utter our testimony fearless in its entirety, not loving nor dreading the world or life. But looking forward to the completion of our testimony, when we shall enter into the joy of our Lord.
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