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James Sanders
The Bible does say obey the authorities. In the case of gun control, I am not sure it would be prudent. The founding fathers thought to disobey Britain and to fight for freedom. If they had not, we would not have America, a Christian nation. God honored the revolution and gave us our freedom. History speaks that it is not a good idea to give up your guns of self protection. The people did it under Hitler, Stalin, Mao and many others; millions were murdered. Atheistic dictators came into power. As a result. To me it is not a black and white issue. God has gray areas where he works his plan. I own guns to protect myself and family in a dangerous world. God wants me to protect self and others no matter what. That is the God I know; tough but fair.
S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
The recent shootings across the United States have caused much heartache. The senseless and tragic incidents have also renewed the intensity of discussion regarding American gun laws. Politicians, ...
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Ron Ray
God's laws supersede the laws of man. When God's teachings are contradictory to the laws of human government, then God wins every time! God says the believer who does not provide for his family is worse than an unbeliever. That word "provide" should be examined in depth. What do we as parents, husbands, fathers, wives and mothers provide? We provide shelter, food, clothing, direction, guidance, discipline, encouragement, answers and an ear when needed. Do we provide protection? Do we provide safety? Do we provide comfort and security? I don't know about anyone else, but I believe God wants me to provide all of those things and more for my family until I no longer have a family anymore or until I die. If we fail to provide for any of our family's needs, we fail to provide. This may not be a popular response for many, but the truth often offends. I notice that many Christians read the Word of God and cite the Word. However, I notice that too many read the Word in its immediate context and do not complete the study by understanding the word in the context of the chapter, book and entirety of Scripture. This is a lesser type of eisegetical analysis in that the immediate meaning is understood, but the comprehensive meaning is lost. Do we have the right to keep arms and to use them to protect ourselves and our families? Absolutely! Will I as a Born again Christian believer ever allow any government to keep me from "completely providing" for my family? Unto my last breath, my priorities are my relationship with Jesus Christ, my family, and then everything else and this shall never change.
Emo Tenorio
With an eye to the true, correct lessons of human world history, sometimes paid for at a great price and faith in our God to light our path with His wisdom! First and foremost the Creator has endowed us with unalienable rights that supersede any that a state may choose to grant, these rights under natural law are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness with knowledge of a future account. A founding pillar of any tyrannical system is to deceive it's victims into willing surrendering their God given rights by any means the system deems necessary. Consider the world human nature score card for genocide in the 20th Century. Governments murdered four times as many civilians as were killed in all the international and domestic wars combined. And murdered millions more people than were killed by common criminals. The governments who were to protect with the power, choose instead to use it against their people, as victims, they were unarmed and unable to resist. Gun control first appeared in our nation in or around 1831 put fore by Southern Democrats (Dixie Crats) to keep firearms out of the hands of Negros! A 1941 supreme court ruling by justice Buford stated that the 1893 Act was intended to keep firearms out of the hands of Negros. And never intended to apply to the white population at all, exposes the racist history of American gun control laws and the indirect protection of the KKK. The 1906 mississippi firearm form request's race of the purchaser for sensible taxes or denial, that question is still asked on modern day federal documents. Dr. Martin Luther King jr. Protection while in the Southern freedom marches was provided by a group of armed Negro world war two and Korean war veterans called the Deacons. With fifty chapters also providing protection to voters and other citizens from local and state governments in the 1960's land of the free! The 7-13-1968 gun control act, public law 90-618 by democratic senator Thomas J. Dodd is an almost exact copy after translation from German, of another infamous act, passed legally by enlightened people in another land. The May 18 1938 Reichsgefrbatt that restricted firearm ownership in Nazi Germany, what a coincidence during the Nuremberg Trials Dodd was a senior member on that Trial Board, appointed by pal supreme court justice Jackson. "The constitution does not impose a duty on the state or local governments to protect the citizens from criminal harm" Deshaney vs Winwebago county 1989 U.S. supreme court Consider today there is a sensible gun free utopia, it's called Chicago with only 503 murders last year, odd how mass murders only happen in gun free utopian zones like schools, etc. By the mentally ill that the ACLU has freed. A recent survey of criminals showed 57% feared an armed victim and an armed women in a combat stance even more so, now that's true women liberation, choosing not to be a victim. The legal and moral responsibilities of firearm ownership require proper responsible training on your part, not everyone needs a gun. It only takes only one or two sheepdogs to keep the flock safe, is a sheepdog in your zone, next time you gas up look around check out who's watching, are you their next victim or their sheep? Let no man deceive you, know the truth and it will set you free in the land of the free for as long as it's free enjoy my brothers and sisters........Luke 22:36 Massachusetts congress 1774 Acts 25:11 Resistance to tyranny becomes the Christian and social duty of each individual, to defend the rights heaven gave and no man ought to take from us. John Adams "The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave." "If a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live" Dr. Martin Luther King jr. Gun control? It's the best thing you can do for crooks and gangsters. I want you to have nothing.............Sammy "The Bull" Gravano In the Lord's freedom a sheepdog standing.........
Bruce Lyon
I view gun control as a state responsibility. If the legislators decide that any restriction on gun ownership is necessary for the public good I have no problem with that. Actually, my person belief is that if one is not an active hunter, there is no reason to own a hand gun. I also do not believe a Christian can be a member of the armed forces or police force. I can't imagine the lord Jesus being a part of either one. We are commanded by Jesus to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, even forgiving them if they do us any harm, as Jesus gave us a living example. We are do be as sheep Paul said: Romans 8:36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. What did he mean? We live in a sin sick violent world and yet we are not to be of it. We are indeed as lambs and there are a lot of wolves out there more than willing to do us harm. So what do we do, we rely on our God and our Father to protect us as we walk on the narrow path through this wilderness journey we are on always know that our God and Father has our back, and that not a hair of our head can be touched by the enemy unless He allows us to go through a trial for our own end result good. I speak as an ex-military, ex-police officer who doesn't have a gun in my house. If you for any reason don't believe that God will protect you and guard you then by all means buy a gun, but if you do believe that He will guard you and protect you in this world then don't. Can you imagine the lord Jesus walking around with a sword on his hip, or sleeping with one beside him for protection? I think not!
Lloyd Davidson
Mathew 26:52-54 Our Lord is telling one of the Apostles to "put away his sword for all who take the sword will perish by the sword." Meaning in this case, I believe, that the use of weapons is fruitless in the face of an overwhelming force. In other words, Jesus was telling Peter, "What are trying to do, get all of you killed?" Jesus knew it was only necessary for one to die, Him. The apostles must live their appointed time to carry the word of salvation to all the world so He used His supernatural power to defuse the situation by replacing the High Priest's servant's ear. A very small thing in the scheme of things but one has to wonder what went on in that servant's mind. Earlier, Jesus had reminded them that when He had first sent them out on what amounted to their "Evangelical Lite" missions He had instructed them to take nothing with them and they had wanted for nothing, but now they must prepare to go out into a world that had turned against Him and the Message He brought. Therefore, it would be prudent for them to take money, clothes and something by which to defend themselves. They would be going into a hostile world and the only law was Pax Romana, the Roman peace. Meaning, if what you did wasn't a threat to Rome, have at it. Rome had little interest in what the people they had conquered did to each other. I truly believe that if you count on only the weapons manufactured by man, you are putting your faith in the wrong arsenal. It is better by far to put on the full armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-24. and do battle in His army. To put this in a modern context, there is nothing in our laws at present that prohibits a Christian or anyone else from owning a gun, even when that ownership comes with a lot of restrictions. It's a valid argument that our Constitution guarantees this right to all citizens. However, I would suggest that if you are not able or willing to invest the time and effort required to become a "gunsel." you would probably be better off without one. I'm an old retired policeman. The operative word is "old." The department I worked for, recognizing that I might be called on to use my gun, spent a lot of time and money training me on how, when and where to use it. I became proficient. So much so that even today, and considering that I have slowed down considerably in the last 50 years, if you were to acoust me with a gun and didn't know how to handle it, I have complete confidence that I could take it away from you before you could pull the trigger and probably break your wrist in the process. So, if you feel you need a gun because of your present circumstance and are willing to spend the time to learn to use it, then do it. Just remember that it is not the best weapon you have, nor should it be your first choice.
Anne Smith
The Bible as the word of God states very clearly "Thou shalt not kill." Being in possession of a gun means that if the situation presents itself you are ready to flout Gods law. Matthew chapter 5 v 18 - end gives a full account of how we are to treat one another.
Jim Tumlinson
I am not an advocate of killing any human being for any reason, but there is a devil who will get someone to try and harm me, my family and or friends and innocent bystanders. I am retired military and fortunately never had to kill anyone not even in war. Though I was prepared to do so. As a Christian I was confronted about this in Desert Storm. My response then as it is today is this; it is a matter of your heart. In defense of life it is justified, the devil will try and stop any Christian from fulfilling his God given destiny if at all possible. Some say it is breaking one of the 10 commandments. It would be if we were Jews, also if you live under the law then that is where you will die, if you live under grace then that is where you will live. Keep that in mind. Let's look at what Jesus said about the guns of His day. Luke 22:35-38 35 Then Jesus asked them, "When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler's bag, or extra clothing, did you lack anything?" "No," they replied. 36 "But now," he said, "take your money and a traveler's bag. And if you don't have a sword, sell your clothes and buy one! 37 For the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled: 'He was counted among those who were rebels.' Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true." 38 "Lord," they replied, "we have two swords among us." "That's enough," he said. NLT This points our that God did provide for the disciples but then He said get a sword or in todays time a gun or two. So as we can see Jesus is pro guns and so should we be, because in the end the only ones who will have them will be criminals.
Aurel Gheorghe
This is a loaded question. The Bible does not encourage anyone to bear arms, legal or illegal. Old Testament makes hundred of references to use of force in the contexts of military conflict and Israel's struggle for survival. At that time, there was no professional military defense, no police department and no 911 to call in case of emergencies. Going forward to the New Testament, there is no record of Jesus being armed or advocating weapons for aggression or self defense. In Matthew 26:52, Jesus rebukes Peter for using his sword in His defense. Luke 22:35-38 is another text that is being misunderstood and often used to justify guns and violence. Jesus was talking about the Word of God, using the sword as metaphor. There are many instances in the NT where the sword is used as a metaphor for the Word of God: Matthew 10:34. Jesus, who is the Prince of Peace is not talking here about the sword as a weapon. Also in Hebrews 4:12 Ephesians 6:17, Revelation 1:16, Revelation 2:12, Revelation 2:16, Revelation 19:15 the same analogy is being use. In Luke 25:38 when Jesus is saying enough, he is telling the disciple enough with the nonsense, not that 2 swords would be enough for 12 of them; that would make no sense. I personally pray daily for protection for me and my family and trust that He will do that. If he does not, it must be a reason for that and I trust in His will and plan for my life.
donna swanson
actually the verse thou shalt not kill is translated to thou shalt not murder. All through the Bible people were told to protect their families and lands. Also there were many instances where God even told people to go kill the other people and take what they had, these people they took from were usually evil or God knew they were going to attack first. I think it is the reason to bear arms is in the constitution is so we can protect ourselves and our families and of course our countries and remember the men who wrote the constitution served God and he helped lead those men to America. Also remember that under the king in England, they did not have freedom of religion or the freedom to speak against their govt when they believed and knew they were wrong. God knew that we could not live peaceably with all men because he said as much as possible live peaceably with all men. God expects us to be smart also. Surely he would not want us to defend ourselves and I think also that is just common sense.also keep n mind also that the first thing that many dictators do is get rid of the freedom to bear arms. Hitler did it also. God does not expect us to sit and wait and let whatever happens happens. He tells us to stand for the just and if we have to fight then we fight. It wouldn't do one country if attacked to try to fight with knives if the enemy has guns. Also in our constitution it does not say freedom from religion, it says freedom of religion and the reason people say separation of church and state, they use to say freedom from religion and that is not what constitution says. All through the Bible God sent people to fight for their families and lands. He does not expect us to stay out of politics because some people try to say separation of church and state. He expects us to stand up for what is right, Esther was in a political situation and she did what God wanted her to. To stand up for her people. We as Christians should stand up for what is right and stand against what is wrong like standing up for our freedoms, standing against abortion etc.
JD Abshire
I've been a gun owner and Hunter all my life. I've also been a police officer. Fortunately I never had to shoot anyone and I certainly have never had the desire or reason to shoot anyone. "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." (Galatians 5:19-21). Gun control? Gun control is like some prescriptions, it treats the symptom and not the cause. I heard that a military officer was instructing a certain group of young people on the correct and safe use of firearms. A lady reporter who was on site asked the official, don't you realize that you are equipping these young people to bcome killers and murderers? The official responded with a question: "You are equipped to be a prostitute; but you're not one, are you?
Anne Smith
Both the Old Testament and New Testament show that killing is forbidden. The purpose of using a gun is to kill or maim. Killing can never be justifiable in Gods Eyes we are told to love our enemies. Trust in God not guns!
Roger Smith
Luke 7:8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude who followed him, “I tell you, I have not found SUCH GREAT FAITH, no, not in Israel.” A Roman soldier! The first Gentile converts were a military family. Acts 10: 22 They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the Jews, was directed by a holy angel to invite you to his house, and to listen to what you say.” Acts11:9 But a voice answered me the second time out of heaven, ‘What God has cleansed, don’t you call unclean.’ Acts 11: 17 If then God gave to them the same gift as us, when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?” A personal conviction I can support, as long as it does not imply that others must follow the same. Clear scripture tells us people who bear arms can be saved. In truth and love!
Danny Hickman
Supporter
First of all: "Christians" are not monolithic in cultural or political venues of everyday living. I hope we agree on who, how, and when, on the subject of our faith. But I'm pleased to know that we don't all think alike on many other things pertaining to trying to live a Godly life. There is no right answer to the question of how to FEEL about the secular laws and cultures man has argued about since he left the cozy confines of the garden. I've read all sorts of answers by many here, and most of what I've read is a condemnation of guns, or a defense of the right of the writer to protect his person, family, and property. One person even said that gun control is a matter of aiming straight and hitting what you shoot at. I think the person who presented the church with such a divisive and sensitive topic as gun control, deserves a more serious response from the people who profess to have faith in such an awesome God. Guns were not yet manufactured at the time of the Bible story, so some have attempted to compare the sword, which was the weapon of war and personal protection of that time period, with the gun, in an attempt to justify owning and carrying a weapon. Luke 22:36 is used to put forth the idea that Jesus endorsed the use of a sword for an act of violence against another person. Never mind that in that same verse He says to bring along a money belt and a bag. The sword is the only item He mentioned that an explanation is given for. Why the bag and the money belt? You read the story to it's climax in the garden of Gethsemane and the sword is used, but we hear nothing about the bag or the money belt. After the sword is used the user is rebuked for using it. If this text was used in a courtroom to prove Jesus' endorsement of a weapon of violence, I believe it would be struck down. Study and prayerfully ask for an explanation for the reason He told them to bring a bag and a money belt, and the reason for the sword might be realized. I'm still trying to find the answer, but I don't believe He was encouraging violence, and the suggestion that He is, is offensive, in my opinion. Also the stories of the wars that Israel fought is used by some who wish to justify their constitutional right to arm themselves. Nobody needs the Bible to alibi for their use of a gun to protect themselves, you have the U S Constitution. The Bible is to be used for spiritual purposes, not political profiteering. It goes like this: 'God told His people to attack village X and to kill everybody', thereby justifying our use of violence in whatever episode we find ourselves involved in. Again, this is a trifling use of the Word Of God. This instruction is given to a nation in a time of war, the fighting over the lands God promised to His people. There is the reflection of sin being COMPLETELY expunged in the direction to spare nothing and no one. This was never told to an individual in a conflict with another individual, only to a leader of an armed nation. I don't blame anyone who fears for their safety in this violent society, and made the decision to arm themselves. The thing to remember is that the people who are the source of that fear has the same rights, and would arm themselves if they lose the right. I get it. But, the question isn't whether you think you should have the right to defend yourself. It's how do you think our lives would be if we had to do it (defend ourselves) without the use of a firearm? Just imagine for a minute. Forget about what Jesus would do, how He would vote. What about you? A born again person of faith. Not the Bible. You..! Me? I have lived all these years under the current laws, and I can't testify that they have worked well. I want to give something else a try. Control gun ownership. Buy yourself a sword. Just a note: I didn't use scriptures in my answer because I believe it would be a trifling use of scripture to use the Bible to try and win approval, or uphold a political point of view.
J H
We should answer by this, by walking in the spirit so we don't fulfill the lusts of the flesh, violence is not the answer. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God...yes, one has the right to "bear arms" but at what cost? I'd much rather please our Father in Heaven than go with what the world's answer is.
Leon Penny
As we address this question, keep in mind that gun control is a political matter, not a christian issue. You will see Jesus's position on weapons in Matthew 26:51-5 8. In this account of the seizure of Jesus Peter, ever the hothead, draws his sword and cuts off the ear of one of Caiaphas' servants. Jesus told Peter to put away the sword, and he went on to say those who live by the sword - die by the sword. He went on to say that he can make Christians without the weapons, but instead through the Father "implying that Christians should not force people to become believers; and especially with weapons, Jesus did not ever speak against weapons as an defensive weapons In fact when He sent out the disciples he He explicitly told the what to take with them and either time did he mention weapons. In a Christian walk we must be vigilant in separating Church from state. Realize that we will always have this dilemma and study issues and the characters keeping in mind the question "is Jesus with me on this?"
Jon Lucas
Regarding being in Law Enforcement, or the military: Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard this, He marveled at the Centurion. Turning to the crowd following Him, He said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith!” Regarding owing a firearm: The disciples clearly already had in their possession 2 swords in Luke 22:36. Clearly, owning a "sword" as with the Centurion who had the greatest faith in all of Judea, nor any other object is a sin, but what or how you would use that object. 80% of criminals who were interviewed said that their greatest fear was an armed homeowner, so owning a sword in today's world is essential for keeping the peace, but certainly not for those who use them for violence and shootings on the street. Finally, we are all transgressors, with whom Jesus identified when He went to the cross. 1 John 1:8 English Standard Version (ESV) 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
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