Many years ago, some one asked an army chaplin how he, as a representative of the Prince of Peace, justified serving in the armed forces ?
His answer was, he believed the army to be a peace keeping force. Which i thought at the time was a pretty good answer, although knowing what i know now i would probably disagree with him, for as Jesus said we are to love our enermies, not blow their heads off.
At Rom.12:20, it Says “But if your enermy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty , give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals upon his head.”
As i understand it, this heaping fiery coles upon an enermies head is referring to the iron smelting process used in those days, when a layer of burning coles was layed on the furnace floor, with a layer of iron ore on top of this, then a further layer of fiery coles on top for maximum heat. The principle here being, by showing kindness to our enermy we might soften his heart, and bring out the best in him.
So how are we as Christians defend ourselves and our families ?
Well as Christians we are advised at Rom.12:17,18, to “Return evil for evil to no one – as far as it depends on you, be peacable with all men.”
So one form of defence is to avoid if possible agitating others, without comprimising our beliefs of course. An answer when mild, turns away rage, but a word causing pain makes anger come up.” Prov.15:1 tells us.
On several occasions Paul was rescued by an army officer from an angry mob wishing to do him harm. (Acts 21:30-36) So it would seem we can turn to the secular authorities for protection if necessary with a good conscience, for as conscientious tax payers, (Rom.13:7) we should be entitled to their protection.
With Christian regards
Steve
——————————————————
Thank you for this message and it should be a blessing to all who receive it—I know we are getting closer and closer to the the return of our Lord Jesus Christ’s return—-The signs are everywhere— Never did I think that America would be in the shape it is now, but the Christians need to speak up and be heard about these Last Days—Keep the messages going out—God bless you in your work—In Christ’s Name—Harlene
——————————————————
Hi Jim and Jack,
Excellent article (Cult of the Second Amendment). This is the truth and it is quite simple. If we were to take up weapons against the government or other evil forces, there would be some precedent in the New Testament, especially considering that Israel (God’s people) were being oppressed by such an evil and wicked government. But there is not a single example or Scripture in the New Testament to support opposing evil with force but speaking specifically of the brutish Roman Government (at whose hands Paul had been physically beaten many times for preaching the Gospel) he says:
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.” (Romans 13:1-6).
Kind regards
Anton
——————————————————–
Good article; sounds solid to me…..makes me think of Apostle Paul, the disciples, and most all the Christians of his day; they were butchered, fed to the lions, burned alive, etc. and did not take up guns or rather, swords, spears, etc. my flesh sure is not into this message at all….I’d rather go down fighting, using whatever weapon at hand; my Marine Corp training shouts at me to “kill, kill’ kill”….the pigs who would trample on all of my family, friends, wife, children, way of life, homes, etc.
Well what you say might be the truth, but it’s hard to swallow….I really need to pray about all of this. Just flopping over and giving up, letting someone else take your life and your loved ones lives, is repulsive to me….without even any fight at all….man, what you propose is really ‘hard stuff’…..I’m more like Peter….who took out a sword and at least tried to take off someone’s head! (although he missed and only took off his ear)…dude must have known how to duck, huh? You got to be right though, but it is tough stuff…..
Ron
——————————————————————
Hi Jack, I love reading your writing. I have a question. If someone breaks into your house don’t we as Christians have the right to protect ourselves however we need to?
Lori
———————————————–
Thanks for adding me to the mailing list. Please pray that God gives me the correct knowledge, love for the unsaved, and courage, to call others to repentance. It is certainly not easy, especially since I am alone in a very liberal college.
Peace in Christ,
Sean
———————————————–
I forward this as a think piece. I see one political party wanting to eventually get the guns – all of the guns. No matter the type or use.
I see some gun owners in an “out of my dead cold hands” mentality. I do not align myself with either party. I align myself with Jesus Christ,
And He crucified. As for the guns, “heaven and earth shall pass away but My words will by no means pass away.” Jesus in Matthew 24:35.
I read in 1 Thessalonians that Jesus is coming back again, sooner than we expect, to take some of us out of this world. I say some of us
Because there are far too few looking for Him. It may go well for you if you would re-re-re-read that chapter all over again. Those wanting to
Put their trust in earthly defense, well, go for it. I can only wish you happiness as you defend that which will remain. As for me and my
Household, I intend to trust the Lord. When Jesus returns and puts his feet on the ground of Jerusalem proper. That is too late for any
Argument about guns. It will all be over. Those who tried to defend their earthly property have lost. They can’t take any of those earthly
Possessions anyplace. The whole of which will be burned up. To what end yet? No, I will place my trust in Jesus the Christ. Shalom. Even
So, come LORD Jesus. “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus! The grace of
Our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Revelation 22:20-21.
Bruce
——————————————————
Jack, you said:
“There is much division and controversy among American Christians concerning governmental gun control, self-defense, the just war doctrine, taking up arms in revolution, and many related teachings. As I understand these controversies the problem lies with “ignorance about” the characteristics of our human sin nature, God’s allowance of Satan and his fallen angels rule over all nations, and lastly, our ignorance of last days prophecy or what is to come upon the nations at the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. When you mix with all of these problems the apparent disability for most Christians to walk in the supernatural love of God for their worst enemies, you have nothing left but a raging inferno of strife within an organized religious system called Christendom. The bottom line and simple solution my friends and dear family members is to fall in love with the Lord Jesus Christ and “begin or renew” a relationship with him on a personal level.”
JACK:
YOUR FRIEND HAS OVERLOKED MANY THINGS ABOUT HUMANITY, PRIMARILY, UNSAVED HUMANS. THOSE WHO ARE NOT MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST ARE AFFLICTED WITH THE SAME SIN NATURE AS THOSE DAVID AND NEHEMIAH LIVED AMONG. THE NATURAL MAN HAS NOT CHANGED SINCE THEN AND THEY SURROUND US, THE SAINTS. I AM SURPRISED THAT JIM DIDN’T RECOMMEND THAT WE, AS A NATION, TOTALY ERADICATE ALL POLICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND REMOVE ALL THE LOCKS ON OUR DOORS AND WINDOWS. ONE OF THE OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS OF PEOPLE LIKE JIM IS THAT TOTALLY IGNORE THE LESSONS OF HISTORY, THE MAIN REASON THAT GOD’S WORD INCLUDES THE OLD TESTAMENT. READ WHAT THE APOSTLES TELL US ABOUT THE OLD TESTAMENT (ROM 15:4; I COR 10:11). FRANKLY, I BELIEVE JIM HAS MISAPPLIED SCRIPTURE TO FIT HIS PERSONAL OPINIONS AND PHILOSOPHY.
BUZ
——————————————————-
Dear Jack,
I have a new definition of SIN: self-inflicted nonsense.
Frosty Wooldridge
—————————————————————–
Please give me your web site address. This seems to be on target. Will read it in prayer. Thank u. Pastor Mickey Green
————————————————
Jack,
I read it. It all sounds good…but there is another aspect that didn’t seem to be covered.
God truly blessed me. He gave me my wife (of 30+ years) to treasure and protect. I’ll keep my guns for her protection. I will not allow anyone to kill her (if and when when SHTF)…I will gladly die protecting her. God did two things for me: He made me one of His saints and He made me my wife’s protector. I will always do as the Holy Spirit directs me and I will always keep my vows to my wife. Life is quite simple, the Bible is quite easily discerned and easily understandable…I don’t think we need to complicate it.
I took the vow I made to serve my country quite seriously. I was willing then to give my life for my country.
I take my vow to serve as husband/provider/protector of my wife seriously, too. God understands my heart, Jesus is my Saviour, and I have been given (through manhood) the responsibility to be the defender of my home. I don’t intend to rise up against my government, but I don’t intend to let my government rise up against me and my constitutional rights, either.
That’s my take on it.
Semper fi, and peace be with you,
Harry
———————————————-
Jack
The problem with you christians is that you believe that crap. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist, nor a messenger from the gods, to make predictions. Christ never lived, the story was stolen from antiquity, aa a Roman plot, & the sooner you realize your all hanging on Ceasars balls, the better off you will be.
06.01.2013
June 2013 Comments
Hello Jack,
Many years ago, some one asked an army chaplin how he, as a representative of the Prince of Peace, justified serving in the armed forces ?
His answer was, he believed the army to be a peace keeping force. Which i thought at the time was a pretty good answer, although knowing what i know now i would probably disagree with him, for as Jesus said we are to love our enermies, not blow their heads off.
At Rom.12:20, it Says “But if your enermy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty , give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals upon his head.”
As i understand it, this heaping fiery coles upon an enermies head is referring to the iron smelting process used in those days, when a layer of burning coles was layed on the furnace floor, with a layer of iron ore on top of this, then a further layer of fiery coles on top for maximum heat. The principle here being, by showing kindness to our enermy we might soften his heart, and bring out the best in him.
So how are we as Christians defend ourselves and our families ?
Well as Christians we are advised at Rom.12:17,18, to “Return evil for evil to no one – as far as it depends on you, be peacable with all men.”
So one form of defence is to avoid if possible agitating others, without comprimising our beliefs of course. An answer when mild, turns away rage, but a word causing pain makes anger come up.” Prov.15:1 tells us.
On several occasions Paul was rescued by an army officer from an angry mob wishing to do him harm. (Acts 21:30-36) So it would seem we can turn to the secular authorities for protection if necessary with a good conscience, for as conscientious tax payers, (Rom.13:7) we should be entitled to their protection.
With Christian regards
Steve
——————————————————
Thank you for this message and it should be a blessing to all who receive it—I know we are getting closer and closer to the the return of our Lord Jesus Christ’s return—-The signs are everywhere— Never did I think that America would be in the shape it is now, but the Christians need to speak up and be heard about these Last Days—Keep the messages going out—God bless you in your work—In Christ’s Name—Harlene
——————————————————
Hi Jim and Jack,
Excellent article (Cult of the Second Amendment). This is the truth and it is quite simple. If we were to take up weapons against the government or other evil forces, there would be some precedent in the New Testament, especially considering that Israel (God’s people) were being oppressed by such an evil and wicked government. But there is not a single example or Scripture in the New Testament to support opposing evil with force but speaking specifically of the brutish Roman Government (at whose hands Paul had been physically beaten many times for preaching the Gospel) he says:
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing.” (Romans 13:1-6).
Kind regards
Anton
——————————————————–
Good article; sounds solid to me…..makes me think of Apostle Paul, the disciples, and most all the Christians of his day; they were butchered, fed to the lions, burned alive, etc. and did not take up guns or rather, swords, spears, etc. my flesh sure is not into this message at all….I’d rather go down fighting, using whatever weapon at hand; my Marine Corp training shouts at me to “kill, kill’ kill”….the pigs who would trample on all of my family, friends, wife, children, way of life, homes, etc.
Well what you say might be the truth, but it’s hard to swallow….I really need to pray about all of this. Just flopping over and giving up, letting someone else take your life and your loved ones lives, is repulsive to me….without even any fight at all….man, what you propose is really ‘hard stuff’…..I’m more like Peter….who took out a sword and at least tried to take off someone’s head! (although he missed and only took off his ear)…dude must have known how to duck, huh? You got to be right though, but it is tough stuff…..
Ron
——————————————————————
Hi Jack, I love reading your writing. I have a question. If someone breaks into your house don’t we as Christians have the right to protect ourselves however we need to?
Lori
———————————————–
Thanks for adding me to the mailing list. Please pray that God gives me the correct knowledge, love for the unsaved, and courage, to call others to repentance. It is certainly not easy, especially since I am alone in a very liberal college.
Peace in Christ,
Sean
———————————————–
I forward this as a think piece. I see one political party wanting to eventually get the guns – all of the guns. No matter the type or use.
I see some gun owners in an “out of my dead cold hands” mentality. I do not align myself with either party. I align myself with Jesus Christ,
And He crucified. As for the guns, “heaven and earth shall pass away but My words will by no means pass away.” Jesus in Matthew 24:35.
I read in 1 Thessalonians that Jesus is coming back again, sooner than we expect, to take some of us out of this world. I say some of us
Because there are far too few looking for Him. It may go well for you if you would re-re-re-read that chapter all over again. Those wanting to
Put their trust in earthly defense, well, go for it. I can only wish you happiness as you defend that which will remain. As for me and my
Household, I intend to trust the Lord. When Jesus returns and puts his feet on the ground of Jerusalem proper. That is too late for any
Argument about guns. It will all be over. Those who tried to defend their earthly property have lost. They can’t take any of those earthly
Possessions anyplace. The whole of which will be burned up. To what end yet? No, I will place my trust in Jesus the Christ. Shalom. Even
So, come LORD Jesus. “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus! The grace of
Our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Revelation 22:20-21.
Bruce
——————————————————
Jack, you said:
“There is much division and controversy among American Christians concerning governmental gun control, self-defense, the just war doctrine, taking up arms in revolution, and many related teachings. As I understand these controversies the problem lies with “ignorance about” the characteristics of our human sin nature, God’s allowance of Satan and his fallen angels rule over all nations, and lastly, our ignorance of last days prophecy or what is to come upon the nations at the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. When you mix with all of these problems the apparent disability for most Christians to walk in the supernatural love of God for their worst enemies, you have nothing left but a raging inferno of strife within an organized religious system called Christendom. The bottom line and simple solution my friends and dear family members is to fall in love with the Lord Jesus Christ and “begin or renew” a relationship with him on a personal level.”
JACK:
YOUR FRIEND HAS OVERLOKED MANY THINGS ABOUT HUMANITY, PRIMARILY, UNSAVED HUMANS. THOSE WHO ARE NOT MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST ARE AFFLICTED WITH THE SAME SIN NATURE AS THOSE DAVID AND NEHEMIAH LIVED AMONG. THE NATURAL MAN HAS NOT CHANGED SINCE THEN AND THEY SURROUND US, THE SAINTS. I AM SURPRISED THAT JIM DIDN’T RECOMMEND THAT WE, AS A NATION, TOTALY ERADICATE ALL POLICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND REMOVE ALL THE LOCKS ON OUR DOORS AND WINDOWS. ONE OF THE OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS OF PEOPLE LIKE JIM IS THAT TOTALLY IGNORE THE LESSONS OF HISTORY, THE MAIN REASON THAT GOD’S WORD INCLUDES THE OLD TESTAMENT. READ WHAT THE APOSTLES TELL US ABOUT THE OLD TESTAMENT (ROM 15:4; I COR 10:11). FRANKLY, I BELIEVE JIM HAS MISAPPLIED SCRIPTURE TO FIT HIS PERSONAL OPINIONS AND PHILOSOPHY.
BUZ
——————————————————-
Dear Jack,
I have a new definition of SIN: self-inflicted nonsense.
Frosty Wooldridge
—————————————————————–
Please give me your web site address. This seems to be on target. Will read it in prayer. Thank u. Pastor Mickey Green
————————————————
Jack,
I read it. It all sounds good…but there is another aspect that didn’t seem to be covered.
God truly blessed me. He gave me my wife (of 30+ years) to treasure and protect. I’ll keep my guns for her protection. I will not allow anyone to kill her (if and when when SHTF)…I will gladly die protecting her. God did two things for me: He made me one of His saints and He made me my wife’s protector. I will always do as the Holy Spirit directs me and I will always keep my vows to my wife. Life is quite simple, the Bible is quite easily discerned and easily understandable…I don’t think we need to complicate it.
I took the vow I made to serve my country quite seriously. I was willing then to give my life for my country.
I take my vow to serve as husband/provider/protector of my wife seriously, too. God understands my heart, Jesus is my Saviour, and I have been given (through manhood) the responsibility to be the defender of my home. I don’t intend to rise up against my government, but I don’t intend to let my government rise up against me and my constitutional rights, either.
That’s my take on it.
Semper fi, and peace be with you,
Harry
———————————————-
Jack
The problem with you christians is that you believe that crap. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist, nor a messenger from the gods, to make predictions. Christ never lived, the story was stolen from antiquity, aa a Roman plot, & the sooner you realize your all hanging on Ceasars balls, the better off you will be.