The Insanity of the "right" to have guns!

ByGraceThroughFaith said:

Here in England, the problem is in London mainly, because of the gang wars, but in the other cities and towns, it is pretty much non existent. In the US gun crime is everywhere. Look what happened on Jan 6 last year at the White House!

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I believe there should be crazy strict laws for people to have guns here in America. A person should be of good moral standing, take a psych evaluation under a lie detector, and get referrals from friends and family (that they are of sound mind and character). In fact, they should talk about the importance of the value of life in a written essay and give points as to why life should be preserved. In other words, they should almost be talked out of getting a gun by an extremely strict test. The problem is the guns that currently exist in the hands of many now. So any strict laws would not immediately solve the issue (or if ever).

I am not a hunter personally, but I do enjoy the benefits of their work (because I like the taste of meat). So the only reason I can see a Christian owning a gun is if they hunt animals for food. Their trust should not be in a gun for safety, but it should be in the LORD. For whether we live, or die, it is unto the LORD.

Also, Christians don’t seem to realize that GOD is not only the giver of life, but He also is the taker of life. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away (Job 1:21). So any imagined sick bad scenario or reports in the news that pro-gun folks like to bring up is something that they feel happens by chance. But God counts our steps. All things work together for good to those who love GOD. But they don’t see it any different as car insurance. But I don’t believe the two are the same because our country does not require you to carry a weapon for self defense, and the Lord Jesus clearly taught Non-Violence for believers who live out their faith under the New Covenant.

ByGraceThroughFaith said:

Here in England, the problem is in London mainly, because of the gang wars, but in the other cities and towns, it is pretty much non existent. In the US gun crime is everywhere. Look what happened on Jan 6 last year at the White House!

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there are some who thought jan 6 was a good thing. That it sent a message.

ByGraceThroughFaith said:

Here in England, the problem is in London mainly, because of the gang wars, but in the other cities and towns, it is pretty much non existent. In the US gun crime is everywhere. Look what happened on Jan 6 last year at the White House!

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The thing is that I don’t believe Christ calls us to become politicians to change the laws for the better to help people. Also, protesting or speaking out against it really does not help that much, either. People are still gonna shoot each other no matter what anyone says. The situation is too big for us to solve. The thing I believe that God calls us to do is to focus on loving Him, and all others. Why dwell on what we cannot change?

I believe it is important that we as Christians preach the truth like New Testament Non-Violence to other believers. But to change the world or America? Yeah, I don’t think that is going to happen here in America. Could it? Anything is possible, but I think our focus should be on our serving Jesus Christ and in loving everyone (including those who do wrong things with guns). God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. It’s why there are prison ministries. Nobody should be left without hope.

Qoheleth said:

Thanks. I actually bought and read the book about 15 years ago. I've read Ratzlaf as well. I've read Dirk Anderson's stuff and all of the anti-Adventist websites and literary material back to about 150 years ago. I like to be well-informed. I can't read as fast as I used to, though. I appreciate it.

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Your welcome.

Blessings be unto you in the Lord.

ByGraceThroughFaith said:

I am of the opinion, that it was a great error, for whoever agreed to separate the Church from the State. It is because of this, that ungodly laws are passed by ungodly people, that have a very much bad influence on our daily lives, and has made it very difficult to live as Christians. Because of this separation, I believe that we are now seeing ungodliness on the rise, and everything anti Bible, is being forcefully promoted in our society. This has also led to the evil of homosexuality and trans being forced on our very young children, as the wicked of this world are in control, and the Church has lost its voice and place!

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I believe we should focus on that which is good and godly. For when times are dark, we need to cling ever more to Jesus and His good ways. The more we focus on improving ourselves and in being better at loving God and others, we will be content and at peace. All we can do is our part in life for the Lord Jesus Christ according to His Word. For the more we focus on the bad, it can get us down. Focus on the good. Focus on improving our walk with the Lord. By doing so, it could lead to affecting others in ways that you cannot imagine or see. Only the Lord knows the full scope of our efforts in loving Him, and others fully with everything we got. Help others to get on the life rafts as the large ship sinks. Let the love of Christ shine in this dark and lost world.

For to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

ByGraceThroughFaith said:

I am of the opinion, that it was a great error, for whoever agreed to separate the Church from the State. It is because of this, that ungodly laws are passed by ungodly people, that have a very much bad influence on our daily lives, and has made it very difficult to live as Christians. Because of this separation, I believe that we are now seeing ungodliness on the rise, and everything anti Bible, is being forcefully promoted in our society. This has also led to the evil of homosexuality and trans being forced on our very young children, as the wicked of this world are in control, and the Church has lost its voice and place!

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To encourage you, I would recommend checking out this Christian DVD.

Watch Polycarp | Prime Video

Bible Highlighter said:

Before moving on to other verses, I think it is best we deal with these two pieces of Scripture to see how you deal with this.
For me: This is teaching Non-Violence.

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And again, that is where you are wrong. There is a difference between initiating violence from defending yourself.

I know you like the verse where Jesus tells Peter to put the sword away. Can't recall your commenting honestly about Jesus telling us to sell our coat to buy a sword, if we don't have one already.

I do look forward to your honest and thoughtful reply to evidence that goes against your position.

ByGraceThroughFaith said:

I am of the opinion, that it was a great error, for whoever agreed to separate the Church from the State.

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I've thought long and hard about this.

Thomas Jefferson nails it in the Declaration of Independence. He talks about the right of the people to alter or abolish government that does not meet it's needs and to re-arrange it in whatever forms seems best to them to achieve happiness, peace and security. So, while I love the idea of acting on timeliness principles, there is also the principle that there are ideas whose time has not yet come.

Like Ecclesiastes points out, there is a time to separate Church and State and there is a time to unite. And I agree with you that the time to unite is upon us.

ByGraceThroughFaith said:

Look what happened on Jan 6 last year at the White House!

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Yea, let's look at it. Note: The 150,000 mostly peaceful protestors did not aim to replace the government. If that was their objective, no force on Earth could have stopped them from wiping out the corrupt politicians in Congress - with or without them being armed.

Rita said:

I should have said disciples, and I already mentioned it earlier. When Jesus was arrested it wasn’t just Peter that had a sword as the others asked if they needed to use them…… as I stated earlier, Jesus knew they had them.

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@Rita The fact that they had a sword when they went to Gethsemane meant that the Lord Jesus had the authority to use it; but wondrously He did not, but went obedient instead unto death, even the death of the Cross (Philippians 2).

Bible Highlighter said:

People are still gonna shoot each other no matter what anyone says.

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It is now fairly obvious that (a) mass shooters are mentally unstable people and (b) they are frequently already on the radar of law enforcement, and (c) law enforcement officers want to see an actual slaughtering of innocents before taking action. The institutions which were meant to handle insane or mentally handicapped people have been wiped out by the so-called "liberals". At the same time, governments at all levels have been encouraging lawlessness and criminality. So is it any wonder that criminals and gangsters are now on the loose? As a matter of fact, it's a wonder that things are not a lot worse (except in Chicago which is always ignored by the Left).

In 2021, Cook County, Illinois has had more than 1,000 homicides — including 777 in Chicago — according to CBS Chicago.

How come this is not big news in the mainstream media? Because it would reflect on the total incompetence and negligence of the black Leftist lesbian mayor of Chicago, who even went so far as to deny interviews to White reporters.

Why Aren't Media Calling Lori Lightfoot a Racist? | Opinion
Why aren't media calling Lori Lightfoot a racist? | Opinion

Looks like racism is OK as long as it is Black Racism.

Enoch111 said:

It is now fairly obvious that (a) mass shooters are mentally unstable people and (b) they are frequently already on the radar of law enforcement, and (c) law enforcement officers want to see an actual slaughtering of innocents before taking action. The institutions which were meant to handle insane or mentally handicapped people have been wiped out by the so-called "liberals". At the same time, governments at all levels have been encouraging lawlessness and criminality. So is it any wonder that criminals and gangsters are now on the loose? As a matter of fact, it's a wonder that things are not a lot worse (except in Chicago which is always ignored by the Left).

In 2021, Cook County, Illinois has had more than 1,000 homicides — including 777 in Chicago — according to CBS Chicago.

How come this is not big news in the mainstream media? Because it would reflect on the total incompetence and negligence of the black Leftist lesbian mayor of Chicago, who even went so far as to deny interviews to White reporters.

Why Aren't Media Calling Lori Lightfoot a Racist? | Opinion
Why aren't media calling Lori Lightfoot a racist? | Opinion

Looks like racism is OK as long as it is Black Racism.

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You are 100% correct. You know exactly what is going on in America.

Bible Highlighter said:

Yes, Jesus rebuked Peter.

1. Jesus told Peter to put his sword back in it’s place.
2. Jesus told Peter that he that lives by the sword shall die by the sword.
3. Jesus told Peter that He could have called down 12 legions of angels and He did not need Peter to protect him.
4. Jesus undid the damage of Peter’s work involving his sword.

All this is a lesson in Non-Violence in the Lord having to go to the cross. Jesus did not use violence to accomplish His plan of salvation that He was following from God the Father.

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Bible Highlighter, THAT SAME JESUS TOLD PETER TO BUY THE SWORD.
And this is why your story does not make sense.
Jesus is not teaching hear, your doctrine of no weapons no violence in self-defense.

Sir, you have Jesus telling His disciples to purchase two swords.
Then condemning them from using the sword for its purpose!

Yes, Jesus did not want Peter to use the sword in the way Peter used it.
That is why He said those who live by the sword die by the sword.

But, what is taking place ?
Jesus wants to be led away by the Jews.
Peter is preventing what Gods will is.
Peter is getting in the way of Gods will.
Not doing Gods will.
This is not a moral lesson about non-violence in self- defense.

John 18:10,
-Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. The servants name was Malchus.
-So Jesus said to Peter, Put your sword into its sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me.

That is the real reason Jesus tells Peter to stop His actions.
Jesus wanted to be delivered to them.
Peter was not doing the will of the Father.
Not intentionally rebelling, just ignorant of what was taking place.

Your interpretation of this story does not follow the story.
Bible Highlighter, why did Jesus tell them to buy weapons if Jesus is teaching use of weapons by christians is a sin?

ByGraceThroughFaith said:

I have watched this a few years back. what are you referring to in this?

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It shows that even amongst the persecution or darkness of life, that we should rather focus on shining the love of Christ vs. focusing on the negative things in life we cannot change (or be a part of a heavy mission God has not called us to partake of). To live is Christ, and to die is gain. It’s not to live my own way of thinking, and then to die. In the film, Polycarp said it was a great honor to share in the sufferings of Christ. He looked at things from a more glass is full perspective vs. a glass is half empty perspective. He focused on the goodness of our Lord to get Him through this dark world.

Philippians 4:8-9
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

Polycarp said to the little girl he adopted: “The weight of the world is on your shoulders child.”

But I believe we don’t have to carry the weight of the world and or try to speak in a way so as to change things on global level. We just have to do our part in loving God and all others and focus on that which is good and godly and the things we can change in our immediate view or capabilities. It starts with loving God, and loving our nearby neighbors. Sending them the love of Christ, and by showing that “Christ in you” (the hope of glory) is indeed the way, the truth, and the life (even if they may not appear to accept it). We put bits and pieces in the horses mouth to lead them about. One plants and another waters, but it is God that gives the increase. We walk by faith and not by sight. Any good we do may not be always immediately seen or if ever. But we know we will reap good by doing that which is good. Let all glory be unto the Lord as we shine the light of Christ to what appears to be a lost and dying world. We need to focus on the depths of the love of Christ and what He did for us more. We need to connect with the Lord in prayer and His Word more, and love others more. The more we do these things, this will help us to have a proper and balanced perspective on life that the Lord desires of us. I cannot protest or preach against another country’s policies as if that is going to change anything. That’s too big of a task. Instead, feed the sheep. Love the brethren. Love your neighbors. Spread the gospel of peace (Which makes peace).

I hope this helps, and may the Lord Jesus Christ bless you greatly today.

Enoch111 said:

It is now fairly obvious that (a) mass shooters are mentally unstable people and (b) they are frequently already on the radar of law enforcement, and (c) law enforcement officers want to see an actual slaughtering of innocents before taking action. The institutions which were meant to handle insane or mentally handicapped people have been wiped out by the so-called "liberals". At the same time, governments at all levels have been encouraging lawlessness and criminality. So is it any wonder that criminals and gangsters are now on the loose? As a matter of fact, it's a wonder that things are not a lot worse (except in Chicago which is always ignored by the Left).

In 2021, Cook County, Illinois has had more than 1,000 homicides — including 777 in Chicago — according to CBS Chicago.

How come this is not big news in the mainstream media? Because it would reflect on the total incompetence and negligence of the black Leftist lesbian mayor of Chicago, who even went so far as to deny interviews to White reporters.

Why Aren't Media Calling Lori Lightfoot a Racist? | Opinion
Why aren't media calling Lori Lightfoot a racist? | Opinion

Looks like racism is OK as long as it is Black Racism.

Click to expand...

You act like God is not in control of life and death. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Nothing happens outside of His sovereign will. God permitted Adam and Eve to eat of the wrong tree. He could have stopped them, but he gave the free will choice to make the wrong choice. God had a great plan for good even in the Fall. This is where the Savior comes in. Even with Joseph’s brothers doing evil against Joseph. What they intended for evil, God intended it for good. What looked like the death of the master Jesus, and the end of the story for the disciples was the greatest victory for the Lord. All things work together for good to those who love GOD. It’s not… I shoot others so they can have no hope of salvation because they appear to be a threat. If my life is a sacrifice leads a person to Christ, then let Jesus get all the glory. To live is Christ, and to die is gain.

ByGraceThroughFaith said:

thanks for taking your time to clarify what you meant

I am a believer that as we are meant to be Lights in this spiritually dark world, that if there were Christians in every area of power, that we can indeed make a real difference for the better.

When John Wesley visited a part in south England, he found that almost all of those living there, were godless and living ungodly lives. He spent a few months there, and by the Power of the Holy Spirit through his preaching, and doing good to people, the time when he left, almost all were converted to Jesus! This can be done throughout this world, if Christians are bolder for the Lord

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I am just saying that the task to speak in such a way so as to reform an entire country on it’s gun policies is not what God calls us to do. I believe we have our orders from the Lord and that is to love God and all others. To preach the gospel. Love the brethren. Help the poor, etcetera.