The following is an exchange between myself and a fellow Vietnam veteran, Ron White, that took place because of Jim Bramlett’s newsletter calling for all Christians to remember and honor veterans, including the Centurion and Cornelius, officers of the first century Roman Empire who became followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. I had sent this exchange to my mailing list. You might want to start at the bottom of the page which began the exchange and work your way up.
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Greetings Ron and Jim,
Thank you for your courteous and thoughtful reply. From your comments it does seem that you understand from Revelation 18:4 that we must not become one with the Babylonian system or the “world” as our Lord Jesus called it. This has many applications as you mentioned, but first and foremost to me, is the fact that this is Satan’s system which he declares through unsaved men to be the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. How can you or I justify killing anyone for this system? The Apostles let this system revile them, persecute them, and eventually take their lives without lifting a finger in defense. Why?
You will agree with me, I am sure, that becoming one in our hearts with this evil system includes a proud (pride of life as John describes it) patriotic attitude, and a defensive militant response to those who would come against it. Do you agree that this is one component of our sin nature, 1 John 2:16, Philippians 3:17-21? With this deep-seeded attitude, patriots can then very logically state that its wars are “just” and righteous. This is where the religion of Babylon comes into play by giving its politicians and military warriors a religious “covering” or authority for their actions. Romans 13 does address this and it is clear that our God allows Daniel’s prophesied antichrist governments to execute judgment upon evildoers as a restraint and deterrence. This does not mean that followers of Jesus should join with Caesar to take up arms for the nation or empire. We are to preach the blood of the cross and second coming of Jesus to destroy all Gentile nations, and then imprison the fallen angels who rule over them.
You must admit, Ron, that from the time of the Apostles until the time of Constantine, the followers of Jesus, both Jew and Gentile, refused to kill their personal or national enemies. They all took the words of Jesus literally and understood the prophecies of Daniel concerning the fourth Gentile beast to mean the Roman Empire. John clearly did. Just think for a moment how the Centurion and Cornelius must have felt when they learned from the Apostles that Daniel was calling their empire a beast that would be destroyed at the second coming of Jesus. It was very difficult for these proud Gentile patriots to admit that they were deceived, but I want to believe that both of them loved the prophetic truth more than their own lives and position in the Emperor’s army.
I am not “projecting” my views or opinions upon anyone, Ron. All I am doing is repeating what our Lord Jesus Christ said: My kingdom is not of this world (Gentile nations or empires)….love your enemies…resist not evil men…pick up your cross and follow me….I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves, be harmless as doves, etc. I find it very difficult to mix these clear commands of our Lord with the so-called “just” wars of Mystery Babylon that Constantine and Augustine authorized for Christians in their day. This damnable religious lie has produced rivers of blood the last seventeen centuries, and will be responsible for much more during Daniel’s 70th week of seven years which is at the door. The Jesus I know is returning to clear and cleanse his name among the nations and will destroy all those who took his name, and then take the “loyalty” mark of the last American President inspired by the last Pope.
Thanks again, Ron. Please don’t be offended by what I am about to say. I know we are close on many things, but you haven’t yet fully realized how dangerous and deceptive the political-religious-military aspect of Babylon is, nor do you understand how much our Lord hates having his name applied to and mixed with the doctrines of devils. The Centurion and Cornelius were confronted with these same questions by Jesus and his Apostles. I am confident they spoke the truth of the Jewish Messiah to their superiors in Rome, and mostly likely paid with their lives or at least their livelihood. As Moses chose not the pleasures of sin for a season by siding with his suffering Jewish brethren, so did these two great men of God. They rested in the finished work of the cross and were overtaken by the vision of the second coming of the King of kings.
Your brother in Jesus,
Jack
—– Original Message —–
From: Ron White
To: Jim Bramlett ; Jack Hook
Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 9:55 AM
Subject: Re: Honor to ALL Veterans
Hi Jack
Thanks for the comments and good quotes that apply to all believers. They’re good reminders to all of us.
I note that the references you quoted did not mention anything related to military or police service, but pertain to living a Christian life.
The quote of John refers to Jesus’ kingdom that is not worldly. He doesn’t address this in a “conquest” or other type of kingdom building.
Mark’s quote of Jesus also refers to living a victorious life, compares a sinful life of gaining the whole world by sinful means, and losing one’s soul. That’s not the way I view government authorities nor America’s getting involved in just wars — that is, gaining the world or all its goods or riches by crookedness and sin is the way this speaks to me.
The 1 Peter 2 reference is a call to live a life of holiness as Jesus did. The phrase “walking in His steps” pertains to living a righteous and holy life. It cannot mean that every Christian become a pastor, priest, apostle, prophet or other office that Jesus held — NOR does it mean not serving in the military — walking in His steps are in agreement with other admonitions and teachings about living a godly and sinless life.
Your statement, “The words here of Jesus Christ himself and his word through his apostles clearly teaches us that all earthly Kingdoms and Empires are manipulated and controlled by the fallen angels and will be until the Lord Jesus returns to chain them in Hell for 1000 years, Revelation 20” — I don’t read that anywhere in the references. That it is true, that earthly and the ruler of the world is Satan, by God’s allowance, that doesn’t mean that anyone with a government job is a heathen working for Satan. Such thinking seems to be quite a stretch, especially in view of Jim Bramlett’s excellent article and quotes. (I think these are two different subjects, with exceptions noted below.)
Paul addressed several questions from various churches, giving both his own “fleshly” (or speaking as a man) and Holy Spirit inspired answers. Some of the teachings were morally and ethically neutral. 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 is one of several examples which addresses something that others thought was sin. Paul corrected this, with an exception.
“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake; for ‘the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.’ If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake. But if anyone says to you, ‘This was offered to idols,’ do not eat it (not because it is sin, but) for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake; for ‘the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness. (Note the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness — not Satan’s – stated twice here — not to be misconstrued that sin belongs to the Lord or anything of that nature). ‘Conscience,’ I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience? But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks? Therefore, whether you eat or drink (including measured fermented drink), or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”
Then Paul says in 1 Cor. 11:1, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (Which is how I view all your quoted references. We can imitate Paul and still serve. Also, my point here has nothing to do with food, but things that may be morally or ethically neutral in Scripture.)
John provides us with the probable position you find yourself today, and that you seem to apply to yourself, after having once served in military uniform.
“”My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before HIm. For if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.”
In today’s times, it seems by your emails and writings that condemn others for serving, that your own heart condemns you so much that you wouldn’t feel right and for conscience’ sake or other, you would likely think of it as sin to serve in uniform, thinking that our national leaders and all wars are orchestrated by Satan and ruler of the world for evil purposes. Your heart would condemn you; therefore, you couldn’t serve with a clear conscience.
Not everyone has that condemnation of heart in service of their country, either to serve now to fight terrorism, or in the past such as in WW I or II. Or, for that matter, to serve as a policeman which may also require corporal punishment by officers. (I wrote about this in a previous email, quoting and discussion Romans 13:1-7 as a clear biblical reference that allows such service [which I won’t repeat here].)
Like most others, I respect your position today. You aren’t alone. Many become conscientious objectors for a variety of reasons, some of which are religiously based.
However, I strongly disagree with “projecting” such values on others, as if others are or may be living in a sinful state to serve in the military or as a policeman. Such a thought or statement is nowhere stated nor implied or inferred in Scripture — and if this weren’t true, then Romans 13 would be in error.
Perhaps I’m a bit weird and different from others, but….had I shared your philosophy and views, I might have taken a different approach, perhaps by arguing with Jim Bramlett’s article and quotes, that Jesus didn’t object, condemn, or tell others to get out of the army and get a civilian job — neither did Jesus condemn the prostitute caught in the act by Pharisees, yet prostitution is clearly a sin leading to spiritual death. The argument being, just because Jesus didn’t condemn something doesn’t mean it isn’t sin. (But I would still take exception to this specific example of service in the military, because such service was practiced and approved by God in both the OT and NT, and not one writer in all the NT states anything negative about military service in any manner. Plus, Romans 13:1-7 allows for such service.)
The way I support your thinking 100% is the command in Revelation 18:4 that I truly believe refers to today’s times, and pertains specifically to the United States of America as “mystery” Babylon. That command is not an option but an imperative if we want to enter God’s eternal kingdom: “Come out of her (harlot whore mystery Babylon) My people, lest you share in her sins and receive of her plagues.” (“You” is understood; it applies to all believers.)
Now THAT command applies (I firmly believe) to the USA. Plus, to “come out of her” means to not participate in anything that supports the N.W.O. goals of installing the Antichrist beast as world ruler-dictator, because working for, donating money to (except for mandatory taxes), and even VOTING for CFR and other N.W.O. candidates (which includes most of them at the national level, especially for the oval office), would be violating this command to “come out of her.” (But this has not seemed to be your position or argument, but general military service to you is evil and such service is supportive of evil satanic leaders.)
Because you feel so strongly about not serving the the military today, do you plan to vote in the national elections in Nov. 2008? You also believe the USA is mystery Babylon, as I do. Do you not also feel that voting for a CFR/N.W.O. candidate for president would be participating in and supporting the one-world ruler-dictator whom we know as the Antichrist beast?
I ask this, because you’ve written extensively about your heartburn with military service today for yourself, but I haven’t read anything about your “coming out of her” mystery Babylon in any other way. I would think we need to be consistent in those things that causes our hearts to condemn us in view of a very clear command about coming out of corrupt harlot mystery Babylon, whereas, there is no such command regarding military service (except as provided in this Rev. 18:4 command.)
I’m not sharing here to be confrontational, nor am I trying to provide you with another reason and basis for not serving in the military, nor an additional reason to condemn those who serve.
I’m simply providing what I know that is applicable to me and not trying to project my values on others. As Paul wrote, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.” (The “all things” here does not mean sinful acts, but those things that are morally or ethically neutral in Scripture.)
In his article, Jim Bramlett didn’t quote Jesus’ command to the 70 to take a sword with them, but this is God who commanded this, and these were evangelists, NOT soldiers or centurions or other military persons. A literal application here could mean that today’s pastors could get permits to carry firearms. (I’ve also written about the ten commandments, thou shalt not kill, means thou shalt not murder.)
I fully support your view and stance for yourself. I cannot support your view for every believer in Christ, except from my own view of Rev. 18:4. That you are so strong and adamant in your stance, and this subject elicits more responses from you than most any other subject I’ve addressed with you, tells me that it is high on your list of heart priorities. I still do not buy, don’t support, and don’t apply your view to every believer, nor do I share in condemning those who served. I’m still firmly of the strong belief that we served with honor and for honorable purposes, because the days we served were entirely different from today — I don’t think anyone I knew (certainly not me) had any inkling in the 1960s or 1970s that the USA is mystery Babylon except from a hate-America-hippy or similar view.
If Jesus didn’t condemn those who served, but instead lauded them for their faith and baptized some in the Holy Spirit as the very first Gentile examples in the NT, and if we truly want to be more like Jesus and follow in His footsteps, a less strong anti-military service position would seem to be more Christ-like. The reverse seems to be true — a very strong anti-military service position would seem to be less Christ-like.
Like you, I read nothing in Scripture that indicates where any of the cited examples “fell away” and I refuse to inject anything of that thinking process in Scripture. I’m certainly not above God and certainly don’t know better than the Holy Spirit something that isn’t there. Nothing gives any indication that the Centurion or Cornelius fell away from Christ, but we do read where Paul gave examples of some who did, and John gave some categories of some who had fallen away (calling some liars in his epistles) — but to introduce such a notion or to question such things not stated in Scripture that the Centurion or Cornelius might have fallen away (especially due to military service) is probably a tad unwise, if not sinfully judgmental or worse.
To be more Christ-like and to follow in His footsteps — it would appear that there are more important subjects to address, since such a stance is evidently not a hot topic with OT or NT writers or Jesus — actually, your position is not stated anywhere in Scripture. Making something not stated in Scripture a major ministry in action or discussion topic would seem to be what we call extra-biblical or outside the Bible. In view of following in His footsteps, this anti-military service subject (in and of itself) may cause some to condemn themselves or think they lived a sinful life in uniform, but the subject doesn’t appear to be a very evangelistic or pastoral or encouraging message that leads others to Jesus’ love and walk with Him. Perhaps that’s the part that I’m missing that may apply to you personally that I’ve not encountered elsewhere.
Others may feel personally condemned in heart or conscience for taking an alcohol-based tablespoon of cough syrup. I’m more like Paul in his thinking about such things. If I don’t cause someone to stumble or fall, or if it doesn’t edify others, and is not forbidden in Scripture, then I may do things Paul did, but in private — things specifically forbidden, I don’t practice and try not to do at all. Jesus, Paul and Timothy drank fermented wine, but some today condemn such practices, judging one to be so sinful to be on their way to hell — a totally unwise, unbiblical, sinfully judgmental, and arrogant stance that is nowhere condemned in Scripture — it’s “excess” imbibing that is sinful and condemned in Scripture. “Projecting” one’s own values on others or on Scripture which isn’t stated is unwise at best, for you, for me, for anyone. This is one reason we must know Scripture for ourselves, because many preachers practice this habitually and often — as Paul asked in a series of questions, some evangelists unwittingly preach sermons to themselves about subjects the Holy Spirit may be speaking specifically to that minister to do, not necessarily for preaching it to others.
On an intended humorous note, you likely don’t have any Uncle Sam photos on your mail box, and you likely won’t be applying for a job as an army recruiter any time soon, right? (Neither will I!!!) We’d both prefer to enlist folks in Jesus’ army, right?
It’s Jesus, His angels, and all who are resurrected or rise at the last trumpet who comprise great armies that destroy the evil armies surrounding Jerusalem. May we be counted worthy!
Thanks again for your views. I share my views to attempt to help grow in maturity in the Lord with fellow beloved brothers.
In His eternal love to a brother,
Ron White
—– Original Message —–
From: Jack Hook
To: Jim Bramlett ; Ron White
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 10:12 AM
Subject: Re: Honor to ALL Veterans
Greetings Ron and Jim,
Thank you for keeping me on your mailing list and sharing Jim Bramlett’s message. It is important that Christians communicate with each other and share their understanding of scripture. But we must always test things with the complete context of any subject which I am certain you agree with. Your message here to honor veterans and not castigate or condemn them finds complete agreement in my heart. For one who is truly born again should never in a spirit of wrath, castigate, condemn, or speak down to anyone for whom Jesus loved and died. However, I think you and brother Jim have forgotten some rather important teachings of Jesus that must be mentioned in the same breath.
As a former veteran, there was a day in my early born again Christian life I would stand shoulder to shoulder with you and Jim in an attempt to justify that Christian men can participate in carnal wars among men and nations. Most of us veterans who love the Lord have these same sentiments until we are confronted by Jesus Christ and his teachings. The Centurion and Cornelius would tell you the same thing, Ron. Jesus told us to beware of false believers like Constantine and Augustine who came dressed in sheepskin suits, who inwardly are manipulated by the beastly sin nature we all are born with. Jesus also clearly teaches those who become his followers, that fallen angels are the rulers of the world system (all nations and empires) and Satan even offered the “glory” of them to Jesus. The Centurion and Cornelius, if they continued to follow in the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ would have learned this foundational truth, and would have heard Jesus, Peter, and Paul say to them:
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John 18:36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
Mark 8:34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35For whoever wants to save his life[c] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 38If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
1 Peter 2:21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22″He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[e] 23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d]says the Lord. 20On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e] 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
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The words here of Jesus Christ himself and his word through his apostles clearly teaches us that all earthly Kingdoms and Empires are manipulated and controlled by the fallen angels and will be until the Lord Jesus returns to chain them in Hell for 1000 years, Revelation 20. Until that day we are to walk as Jesus walked and realize that all men are born with a sin nature that Jesus wants to save them from. We are all born with the wrathful, lustful, and proud nature of fallen angels which Satan wants us to “glory” in, 1 John 2:16, Ephesians 2:1-7, Philippians 3:17-21. Jesus came to save us from that and not the boot of the Roman Empire that ruled the world by military force then and now. He will do that at his second coming, Revelation 19.
When Jesus came the first time to suffer and die he postponed the wrath of God that Israel saw and used against the pagan Gentiles of the promised land in the Old Testament. Let us truly understand the bloody cross of Jesus my dear friends and step away from encouraging, in any way, the warlike nature that all nations and men exhibit naturally. It was hard for me as a proud patriotic veteran who became a disciple of Jesus to admit that I was deceived, that I was believing the lie of the “just” war doctrine of Constantine and Augustine, both professing Christians. Ron, I was born again when I learned that, for even though my heart was instantly made new, my mind needed to be renewed daily in the teachings of Jesus. We all enter by the new birth into the Kingdom of Heaven with the remnants of the sin nature yet in our flesh and carnal minds. We need to grow up from children to become sons.
The Centurion and Cornelius made the same confession before our gracious Lord Jesus when they were confronted by the truth of the cross, “or else” they fell away from the apostles and followers of Jesus. We will have to wait and see when Jesus comes, for the scriptures do not say if they “continued” in the words of Jesus. Personally, I think that both of these converted Gentiles put down their literal swords to pick up their cross and wield the spiritual sword of the Holy Spirit. I also believe they honored their veteran friends as Peter said…honor all men…but that does not mean to honor or glorify what they did, but who they are, men for whom Jesus loved and shed his blood.
Your eternal friend,
Jack http://www.BabylontheGreatisFalling.net
—– Original Message —–
From: Ron White
To: Ron White
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2007 6:24 PM
Subject: Honor to ALL Veterans
Friends,
The following was forwarded by a friend and fellow veteran. May this message be received in the spirit intended, including those who once served, but are now castigating others for their service, some even claiming that today’s vets are misled, are antichrist, or should adopt “more spiritually based views” of the Bible, instead of being led into war by war mongers. Thanks for forwarding Dave and Jim. If ever a solid, biblically-based series of thoughts have been written, it’s this article.
Ron White
Remembering veterans in the New Testament
Jim Bramlett
Nov 12 2007 08:51AM
Dear friends:
Military veterans in the New Testament?
Many people do not realize that there are military veterans mentioned in the New Testament, and in a very positive light. They were not castigated, as some modern-day anti-American universities do our honorable military recruiters and ROTC students. (And self-righteous, well-intentioned, but misguided anti-war Christians, including some vets!)
On this Veteran’s Day observance, let us take a look at them.
1. Jesus’ encounter. Jesus told a Roman army officer that He had not found anyone with such great faith in all of Israel! What an incredible statement!
Matthew 8 and elsewhere records that when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a Roman army officer came to him, asking for help. He said, “Lord, my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering.”
Jesus replied, “I will go and heal him.” (Jesus did not say, “Well, we can ask, but I’m not sure it is the Father’s will to heal.”)
The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith! Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that very hour.
Jesus did not say, “Now, you war monger, repent and get out of the army. Get a civilian job.”
2. The first Gentile convert. Acts chapter 10 records that at Caesarea there was another Roman army officer, named Cornelius, in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
The Lord also gave Peter a vision and directed him to Cornelius’ house, where Cornelius had a crowd of relatives and friends gathered and waiting. Peter began speaking. The Scriptures record, “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.”
Can you imagine having Peter show up and start preaching at your home group meeting, with everyone suddenly speaking in tongues and praising God? Anyhow, Peter did not add, “Now, you war monger, this praise meeting is nice, but you need to repent and get out of the army. Get a civilian job. Stop following that war-mongering president whom everyone hates!”
3. John the Baptist’s encounter. In Luke chapter 3, John the Baptist was preaching righteousness and different people asked him, ‘What shall we do?”
Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” John simply replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely — be content with your pay.”
That’s all he said! He did not say, “Now, you war mongers, repent and get out of the army. Get a civilian job.”
4. The book of Hebrews in the New Testament lists great men of faith, including war-fighting veterans from the Old Testament some of whom were also warriors, including those who encircled the walls of Jericho, Gideon, Samson, David, “who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword (military weapon), became valiant in battle, turned to fight the armies of the aliens” (Hebrews 11:30-34). The writer of Hebrews honored veterans — not one time are such folks dishonored for service as a military fighting warrior! They are called great men of faith! The written Word of God is God’s opinion!
CONCLUSION:
Jesus, John the Baptist, Peter, and author of Hebrews knew about the professions of these men. They knew they were professional soldiers, whose profession was war. Unlike the usually benevolent American army, they knew the Roman army was especially brutal, and that Rome was an imperial nation. But they did not demean these men or their professions. They seemed to accept them as a normal part of society and honored them as heroes of faith.
The above are examples from the New Testament. The Old Testament has many positive references to righteous “warriors,” such as to Gideon and David. An angel even said to Gideon, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior” (Isaiah 5:12).
There are also some dramatic examples of God and angels being with the Israeli army and manifesting miracle protection and victory during Israel’s wars since 1948, as well as General George Washington’s successes against all odds during the Revolutionary War.
Today, let us thank God again for our modern veterans, and also for those mentioned in the Bible. After all, aren’t we supposed to be Christians and obey our examples in Scripture? Or, are some of us “more righteous” than Jesus, John the Baptist, Peter and the heroes of faith by “seeing the light” and who are now “converted” war protesters? Do we believe popular media rhetoric and human opinions over Scripture, or don’t we? From that gleaned from Scripture about God’s blessing those who bless you, it appears that such a promise may be applicable to veterans also – that is, we should honor and bless veterans as our example Jesus did, so that we, ourselves, will be blessed!
May God continue to bless our veterans whom we honor, both living and deceased, and their families! According to God, it’s an honorable profession! This applies to police who sometimes have to exercise corporal punishment as well (Romans 13:1-4).
Jim