Results 1 - 9 of 9
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | How do we respond to war as Christians? | Deut 7:2 | Martha | 24219 | ||
A lot of people keep reading Deuteronomy to justify war, but that's the old covenant. I think they forget we have a new one. Besides God declared war againt the people occupying the promised land because of their evil doings. I have to read that again and quote it, I guess. | ||||||
2 | How do we open eyes to truth? | Deut 7:2 | coop1 | 24230 | ||
Yes I know. There are a lot of different arguments out there "for" war. I think it is a "reasoning" that is taking place. It is what we humans do to justify our actions when they do not line up with the word of God. What surprises me...is the number of Christians who are doing this, when clearly as you say...we are under a new covenant...and also when Jesus was so against any kind of revenge or fighting back theology. The whole Jesus story says..."you can count on our Father in heaven, you do not have to avenge yourself". For some reason, people seem to be having a hard time applying this to our current situation. I stand that...God is a MIGHTY God, and perfectly able to defend those who stand with Him, against terrorism. It is only those who are not standing on the word of God, that need to fear and there for, want hopelessly to try and defend themselves. Our war is a spiritual war as Christians and that is where we will find victory. How do we open the eyes of fellow Christians to this truth? Where do we begin? coop1 |
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3 | How do we open eyes to truth? | Deut 7:2 | charis | 24237 | ||
Dear coop1, Greetings in Jesus' name! I am not 'for' war, and I really don't know of many that ARE! But I am 'for' justice and self-defence, and obeying the earthly authorities set over me by God. War IS ugly! So is terrorism, murderous fanatacism, drug-and/or-greed inspired violent crime, etc. You are assuming that these people have an ear to hear the Gospel. When a child is throwing a tantrum, he cannot hear love and reason. You must 'contain' this rage/selfish behavior, THEN talk. You can call this the equivalent of wrapping him in your arms! If you let a wild beast follow their 'instincts,' they continue the rampage until they are spent! Do you suggest that we allow these madmen to continue until they are spent? Perhaps you did not lose a friend or loved one to murder, therefore you are willing to allow it to happen again. We deal sometimes with truly crazy people! You cannot just say that they have 'diminished responsibility' because of their social environment. Friend, I disagree that we should 'turn the other cheek' toward insane violence and terrorism. Jesus was speaking of disputes among brethren, not about those bent on annihilation. I agree that we should share the Good News to all, and in order to do that with some, it requires 'containment,' especially if they vow to kill until their own death or the death of all of other faith (i.e. Christian). Your view is admirable, but not very practical. I cannot help thinking that you take your stand while being far away from the conflict. :-) Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, charis |
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4 | Where is your faith? | Deut 7:2 | coop1 | 24242 | ||
Hello Charis, Actually I am very close to the conflict. My son is in the Air Force and is packed and ready to go! And while I respect his decision to fight for the cause...I still disagree with it entirely. What makes you think that just because God can defend us on a seperate basis as we turn the other cheek in our personal lives, that He is not capable of doing the same for us collectively as a nation against violent madmen? Do you think He is less powerful when dealing with many people than when dealing with only one or a few? How do you justify our actions? While the terrorist wrongly and terribly killed many people...what gives us the right to do the same? Where is it written in the Law of God that we are allowed to kill when one of ours has been killed? Where is the 10 commandments disguished between singular and plural? Where does it say...thou shalt not murder unless you have been attacked by terrorist? Our war is a spiritual war as Christians, not with flesh and blood...but with the principalities of darkness. Here we are to take on the armour of God not the weapons of men. (Ephesians 6:10-18 When it comes down to it, our fight is not with Bin Ladin or any terrorist group...but with the spirits of darkness that cause these men to commit the evil acts they do. From a fleshly, earthly stand point;it is a war of man against man, country against country, with political overdrops. But in Truth, this is ultimately a war of evil against righteousness..a spiritual war. And that my friend, is where the true battle lies. With the tools laid before us, we can move mountains with a grain of faith. Where is your faith? Is it in almighty God or is it in the power to destroy through massive weaponry and the intellegence and reasoning of mere humans? coop1 |
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5 | Where is your faith? | Deut 7:2 | charis | 24257 | ||
Dear coop1, Greetings in Jesus' name! Friend, my faith is in Christ Jesus, and I will dwell in His house forever. But for the moment, He has placed me here, among the brethren AND among the heathen. Jesus has given me clear instruction about how to fellowship with the brethren, and I do my very best to live by His instructions. The Lord has also taught me in the Bible that the heathen need to hear the Word of God, and I serve Him in this capacity in a hostile (but not murderous) environment. He teaches that we must portray love and grace, but at the same time be wise and sensible. I'm afraid that history has shown that ignoring and 'forgiving' murder and terrorism has NEVER changed the collective hearts of those bent on destroying all of a different faith. True, God CAN do anything! But history and revelation show that He has not changed and will not change the collective hearts of murderers and warmongers. These things WILL continue until the return of our Lord. I, too, have friends and relatives that have served, or are serving in the Armed Forces of the USA. I know for a fact that their presence and heroic efforts are necessary for what little peace we have now in the world. One day, the Lord will do away with such things, but we are not just going to 'slide into' a peaceful world because of our humanistic 'mercy flow.' This goes against all prophecy of the Bible. In any case, no 'nation' is truly under God, but only those with individual faith in Christ Jesus. I am to submit to this authority, and my nation has declared war on terrorism. I will serve my country if called upon. (Though I am a bit old :-)) I am sorry if you are offended by my comments. Aren't you getting a bit 'hot' for a pacifist? :-) In Christ Jesus, charis |
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6 | Where is your faith? | Deut 7:2 | coop1 | 24271 | ||
I think you miss the point. We do not "turn the other cheek" as you say for the sake of the terrorist...so that they will turn around and see the light, (although personally I think our victory would be much greater should these men be converted instead of slaughtered); But rather, we assume meekness for the sake of the plan of God in the fulfillment of the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven and as a defense for ourselves; so that we should abide by the word of God and of Christ teachings, and not be consumed by evil. We must do as Christ has taught...and I do not know of Him calling us to war. Sorry friend, our word of knowledge seems to differ here. Funny...I never considered myself a pacifist...and I too continue the teachings of Christ in a 'hostile' environment. Christianity is coming under attack everywhere, including America, and pehaps in the coming days...even more so here than abroad. One day soon, we shall all find our heads on a block for our beliefs, be it here or there. We can not stop all that is to take place, but we can continue in the ways we were taught by Christ and the Holy Spirit. As for obeying the the governing laws, yes we must...I am not protesting or stopping armies from being sent out, but I do not have to condone it in my spirit nor encourage it. Obeying the laws of the land is just another spot where we are called to submission of authority and we do that not for the sake of the governing leaders, but UNTO GOD...because He has commanded it. (He has a plan inwhich we do interfer but rather aid.) Again, this is His plan...and I will continue to do my best to obey Him under both headings; obeying the laws of the land in respect of Him and also by not taking part in or a gruesome satisfaction in killing and war. This in respect to Him and Christ' teachings. But if I had to choose between what a non-Christian govenment leader told me to do and what God told me to do...I would choose God. And my friend...the time IS coming when we will have to choose; because sometime soon, satan himself will be in command of the entire world. coop1 | ||||||
7 | Where is your faith? | Deut 7:2 | coop1 | 24281 | ||
'I forgot a word...we are "not" to interfere (sorry, can't spell) in God's plan, but aid'... Also, have you sparked a bit of anger in me...yes, when you assumed that I was distant from the situation, I must admitt, it caused some anger. I may loose my son to a war that I do not even believe in. Yes, it bothered me...I too live here and must deal. Even so...God's will be done. coop1 |
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8 | Where is your faith? | Deut 7:2 | Radioman | 24288 | ||
You're angry? If anyone implies that this country (USA) and its freedoms are not worth fighting for, then it is that person who sparks anger in other people. | ||||||
9 | Where is your faith? | Deut 7:2 | coop1 | 24327 | ||
We are to take offense of none, that was my mistake. I am ok...frustarted may be a better word. We are strangers here. For our tue home is in Heaven. I know you know that because you before made a similar statement. When Jesus was teching in the synagagoue, his mother and brother stood without, desiring to speak to Him. And one said to Him, behold your mother and brother stand without, desiring to speak to you. But He answered and said to them...Who is my mother and who are my brothers? And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, Behold, my mother and my brothers. For who so ever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother and sister and mother. (Matthew 12:47-50) Maybe it is that we are confused about who our true family is. Maybe it is that we should reconsider our true "people" and place our loyalties accordingly? As believers, we have been grafted into a whole new tree. We are of God's family first and are of USA family second...don't you think? coop1 |
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