an issue ive been dealing with

[Redneck-for-God]

Originally Posted by eelhsa

Barukhmalachi,

I was not asking where in the New Testament it mentions carrying a worldly weapon, my point was where in the New Testament and in Jesus' commands is there any advocacy for carrying such a weapon in self-defense. My issue with this, as I stated before, is that this attitude seems to say you can only trust God so far, and the rest is up to you.

It seems to me that either you trust God completely, or you don't truly trust Him at all. Now, granted we live in a crazy world, one where it often seems necessary to take things into our own hands. But, God commands us to trust Him, and to know that He is watching over us. The root of all sin, right back to the fall of Adam and Eve and subsequently all mankind, is the result of people deciding God doesn't really know what is best for us, that He is withholding something from us, and therefore we must look out for ourselves.

God never wanted us to live in a world where we even need guns for protection, but since we do live in a sometimes violent world, He does desire that we put our trust in Him, and Him alone.

Oh, and nowhere did I say it is wrong for a Christian to own or use a gun. (Although I do think certain guns are not pleasing to God, such as those designed and created solely for the purpose of taking another human life.)

My dad owns hunting rifles, and he is a Christian, I have nothing against him for owning guns. My brother also owns a gun and hunts with it. I was not saying owning and using a gun is wrong, I was saying that I disagree with the attitude that seems to say, I need God AND a gun. Is God not good enough? Why do you need the gun as well? Again, Jesus by His words and His very example showed the disciples the way in which they should respond to persecution, and it was not by defending themselves in a potentially aggressive manner.

So, please don't accuse me of looking down on and condemning all those who own and use guns. There are respectful and responsible ways to use them, I get that, and I know many people who are responsible about the guns they use. But, there is no gun out there that could ever protect me better than the Lord. That's where I stand on it.

Listen, the bottom line here is it is up to each indivudual person weather or not they want a gun. Hunting rifle, shotgun, assualt rifle, or handgun. I personally look at the Bible, and see entire wars fought, on God's order. I read about David killing Golith with a sling shot, as God commanded, and so on and so forth. Sure God could have struck Golith dead with a heart attack, or anything else, but he chose to have David use a weapon. I choose, as an American, to own a gun. I know the law of the land, and the law of God, so I know when it is time to use deadly force, or time to throw up fists, and when it is time to turn the other cheek. I do trust in God, I believe strongly in the words on the American Dollar, "In God we trust". I simply don't test the Lord my God. Why expect God to protect me from a man attacking me with a knife, when God gave me the ability to deter the attack by putting the perp at gun point, and giving him the option to go meet God, or go to jail.
I understand your point of view, I simply disagree. Where you say completely trust the Lord, I see someone who is testing his resolve, when he gave you the ability to do it yourself. I respect your decision to not carry a gun, and I hope you can see my view, even if you disagree, and respect that I do carry one. May God bless you, and God bless America!

[eelhsa]

Originally Posted by Redneck-for-God

Listen, the bottom line here is it is up to each indivudual person weather or not they want a gun. Hunting rifle, shotgun, assualt rifle, or handgun. I personally look at the Bible, and see entire wars fought, on God's order. I read about David killing Golith with a sling shot, as God commanded, and so on and so forth. Sure God could have struck Golith dead with a heart attack, or anything else, but he chose to have David use a weapon. I choose, as an American, to own a gun. I know the law of the land, and the law of God, so I know when it is time to use deadly force, or time to throw up fists, and when it is time to turn the other cheek. I do trust in God, I believe strongly in the words on the American Dollar, "In God we trust". I simply don't test the Lord my God. Why expect God to protect me from a man attacking me with a knife, when God gave me the ability to deter the attack by putting the perp at gun point, and giving him the option to go meet God, or go to jail.
I understand your point of view, I simply disagree. Where you say completely trust the Lord, I see someone who is testing his resolve, when he gave you the ability to do it yourself. I respect your decision to not carry a gun, and I hope you can see my view, even if you disagree, and respect that I do carry one. May God bless you, and God bless America!

I don't want to take over this thread with this debate so I'll just write one more post, and that's it.

Yes, you're free to do as you choose, we all have free will of course. I am not going to try to convince you of any other viewpoint, I am simply stating what I believe.

While it is true that many wars were fought, at God's command in the Old Testament times, and while I sometimes still find it difficult to understand just why things happened exactly as they did, I still firmly believe that so many things changed once Jesus came and was the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

Also, I believe, there is a big difference between TRUSTING God and TESTING God. What I am speaking of is that you put your life in the Lord's hands, where it belongs anyway. I don't see it as testing God to call upon Him in times of trouble. Throughout the Bible, God's people repeatedly did so, and it was not seen as something wrong. He heard their cries time and time again, even when they had turned away from Him. There are so many Psalms that speak of this, and of asking the Lord for help in difficulties.

As I said, I know people...family included, who own guns. They own rifles for hunting however. I just can't help but believe, that the fact that we live in a world where guns are designed specifically for killing another person, is something that grieves the Lord. After all, Jesus died for all mankind, and that must mean that everyone has worth. And the "What would Jesus do?" question may be overstated, but in all honesty I don't think there is anyone out there who knows even a little of what Jesus stood for and came for who could picture Him talking of the Father as He did, and yet also carrying a gun around for self-defense.

May God bless you also, and all people in all nations everywhere.

(And sorry HolyGirlGodLuvr, I didn't mean to start a debate on your thread) I pray you find peace and a resolution from God in this matter)

[HolyGirlGodLuvr]

Originally Posted by mit

"I think my Godly presence is soo powerful that it frightens people (but everyone should live in fear of the Lord). I feel like I get the same reaction from people that they would react if Jesus made his second coming. Once again thank you all. I am so grateful God lead me here!"

There lies your problem (in the above words; your words). I like to be very clear and frank as we live in a world with lies, half truths and a bunch of Christians who are so mushy(for lack of a better word and not that you are one of them), they just feel what they want to (in the name of Holy Spirit) and it is sickening. No offense intended, Please forgive me if I seem harsh or weird (moving on).
Saying your ''Godly presence is so powerful that it frightens people" must be so from a very funny doctrine that is not supported anywhere in the bible. To make matters worse "I feel like I get the same reaction from people that they would react if Jesus made his second coming" is just .............not right.

Here are some few words which you should search the scriptures for, it will do you much good even as you search;
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God an in due season He will exalt you
Let no man think himself highly than he ought to.
Elijah was just a man as we yet he prayed fervently that it would not rain ........then look at the old test... how he feared for his life

Bottom line, the essence of being a Christian or having Christ is not that we become Holier than thou (not that you are being holier than thou) ), unapproachable, etc we become like the Jesus most of us know, whom even those who knew not about salvation came to listen to, though not all of them came to hear the good word, as some came for the bread but Jesus still fed all. In fact, it was also in those crowds that we find those who sought after his life or for anything offensive that he would say to convict him.

I don't know how to put it nicely but you go on with your God given business and let the people be. There are too many other things that can draw attention to ourselves, too many; and yes (I agree with Redneck) from the photo you look quite beautiful or at-least since beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, it will be safe to say many may behold your beauty and even more when you............

God bless.

Thank you I guess im just confused about everything and those were the only words I could find!.

[ChosenbyHim]

Originally Posted by HolyGirlGodLuvr

I notice that the stronger my relationship becomes with GOD, the more the people in the public make me feel like im not worthy of life. I can't describe to you how people stare at me with such malice in their eyes. I've spotted out quite a few people who have their eyes cold fixated on me as if I'm doing something wrong or they want to like harm me.

I used to get really really angry over this situation, but I just pray to God now and ask him to help shield me from these peoples cold stares. Everywhere I go I have to ask God to go before me and clear my path of my enemies I suppose. I know there are some Christians who can walk in the public and people see them as normal. However with me it's like an exhausting battle everyday.

I feel like I have a really strong presence and it bothers people. I can't really help it either. I guess for example I take the bus everywhere. Usually after I sit down there is always about 10-15 people who turn around to look at me. Then I've noticed that when new ppl get on the bus, they will scope around and find me for some strange reason and look at me the entire ride. People randomly spot me out a lot. And im sure their thinking why did they RANDOMLY look at ME out of everyone else. So it makes them a bit more weary of me.

I hope I dont sound weird or creepy, but I dunno how else to describe this situation. It's te best I can do. Hopefully you all believe me thank you! <3

Well it sounds to me that your devotion and relationship with God is giving you a presence and radiance about you that somehow other people can notice it, even though they may not know what it is exactly. In other words, the more time you spend with God and in His Word, the more brighter you shine. It's almost like your being lit up like a light bulb, as we are to be lights in this dark and hopeless world. So, people who aren't saved; will sometimes be able to notice that there is something different about you, but usually won't be able to put their finger on it. That's basically what I am accessing here from what you've wrote ma'am. Reading this has actually encouraged and inspired me to stretch myself as a Christian. It is very comforting to read stuff like this; because it shows that even though the art of good quality time and devotion has been lost in our society due to the fast advances of technology and the fast pace of our society and culture, it shows that there are still Christians who work diligently on their relationship with their Creator by investing their time and energies to grow continually closer to God in spite of all the distractions that could possibly hinder that very important process.

And I do believe you. And even though you consider this to be an issue or you may think that this stuff that's happening to you could be weird at times. Just remember that the Bible says we are strangers, pilgrims and sojourners while here on this earth. The Holy Bible also says that we as Christians are a peculiar people. So, I just wanted to encourage you ma'am. The very fact that you get weird stares at times validates the fact that you are growing and moving forward in your spiritual walk. For there are many Christians that I am sure of who aren't growing and so by default they don't experience any opposition or trials in their lives. Be encouraged sister!

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. - 2 Timothy 3:12

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:10

[HolyGirlGodLuvr]

Originally Posted by ChosenbyHim

Well it sounds to me that your devotion and relationship with God is giving you a presence and radiance about you that somehow other people can notice it, even though they may not know what it is exactly. In other words, the more time you spend with God and in His Word, the more brighter you shine. It's almost like your being lit up like a light bulb, as we are to be lights in this dark and hopeless world. So, people who aren't saved; will sometimes be able to notice that there is something different about you, but usually won't be able to put their finger on it. That's basically what I am accessing here from what you've wrote ma'am. Reading this has actually encouraged and inspired me to stretch myself as a Christian. It is very comforting to read stuff like this; because it shows that even though the art of good quality time and devotion has been lost in our society due to the fast advances of technology and the fast pace of our society and culture, it shows that there are still Christians who work diligently on their relationship with their Creator by investing their time and energies to grow continually closer to God in spite of all the distractions that could possibly hinder that very important process.

And I do believe you. And even though you consider this to be an issue or you may think that this stuff that's happening to you could be weird at times. Just remember that the Bible says we are strangers, pilgrims and sojourners while here on this earth. The Holy Bible also says that we as Christians are a peculiar people. So, I just wanted to encourage you ma'am. The very fact that you get weird stares at times validates the fact that you are growing and moving forward in your spiritual walk. For there are many Christians that I am sure of who aren't growing and so by default they don't experience any opposition or trials in their lives. Be encouraged sister!

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. - 2 Timothy 3:12

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:10

Thank you so much! Yes, I've talked to my parents about this plenty of times and they said the same thing. That I have a sort of light and people notice it. It does seem weird and I feel like I scare people or something, but it's just them seeing the light and not knowing what it is. Sadly I haven't really noticed a light on anyone else yet (public) wise. Maybe once and that's about it. But I'm glad this story inspires u to strengthen your faith.

I do notice that what I have is also an advantage TO talk to people about GOD. God wants me to introduce himself into these peoples lives and I feel like I need to. <3

[dmdave17]

Dear HolyGirl,

What you are experiencing is unfortunate, but not totally unexpected. Jesus told his disciples, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn ''a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.'" (Matthew 10:34-35) Similarly, He warned them, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, emphasis added)

As believers, we face an uphill battle every day. The "prince of this world" is constantly lining up as many enemies as he can against us to create doubt and confusion in our lives. The more courage and serenity you display, the more people will wonder why they don't have what you have. There is no greater witness for Christ than remaining calm in the midst of chaos.

God bless you.